Thank you to One More Chapter for providing a digital review copy of this gorgeous book. My thoughts are my own and not influenced by the gift. Also thank you to The Book Babe for sharing your review, this encouraged me to apply for a review copy too. This is the first book I’ve read by Julie Caplin but won’t be the last (I’ve just downloaded two books to my Kindle).
Synopsis:
For travel blogger Fiona, Japan has always been top of her bucket list so when she wins an all-expenses paid trip, it looks like her dreams of the Far East are coming true.
Until she arrives in vibrant, neon-drenched Tokyo and comes face-to-face with the man who broke her heart ten years ago, gorgeous photographer Gabe.
Fiona can’t help but remember the heartache of their last meeting but it’s not long before the Japanese art of contentment and a special, traditional tea ceremony work their magic…
Amidst the temples and clouds of soft pink cherry blossoms, Fiona and Gabe start to see life – and each other – differently.
My thoughts:
I loved this book. Fiona is a great character, full of talent without realising it and full of empathy for others, usually at the cost of her own happiness, especially with her mum. Travelling to Japan on her own is a huge step out of her comfort zone and it is great to see how she deals with being in a different country, full of traditions and photographic opportunities.
Gabe is an interesting character, who finds his life changed totally when called to mentor Fiona at the last moment. Will Fiona be the catalyst he needs to shake up his life?
Haruka, Setsuko and Mayu welcome Fiona into their lives and teashop – the detail in the book about the tea shop and tea ceremonies makes it feel as if you are there (and I really wish I could visit).
This is a no spoiler review so I’m not going to comment any further on how Fiona deals with working with Gabe, the teacher she kissed 10 years ago. I recommend buying a copy to find out what happens to Fiona and to enjoy a virtual visit to Tokyo – this book could also double as a tour guide.
This is the third book I’ve read about Japan recently – check out my review for the Last Paper Crane by Kerry Dewery at https://mentoringmumof2bookreviews.home.blog/2020/05/10/the-last-paper-crane-by-kerry-drewery-bookreview/ The review for The Phone Box at the Edge of the World will be published later in June 2020.
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