before we say goodbye 🌸☕️

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s Before We Say Goodbye was another heartfelt visit to the magical cafe from the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series.

Like the previous books, it follows different people who are given the chance to travel through time. The premise is simple yet the emotions behind each journey felt profound.

While some stories touched my heart more than others, there were definitely moments that made me stop and reflect on the importance of cherishing the people around us — especially the chapters that involved ‘the woman who couldn’t bid her dog farewell’ & ‘the daughter who drove her father away’.

Warm, bittersweet and emotional — perfect for anyone who enjoys stories about love, family, regret and second chances.

p.s. some parts of the book felt a little repetitive especially when it came to the rules of the cafe & the woman in the chair. other than that, a great read!

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6/5 Edited to

... Read moreHaving read 'Before We Say Goodbye,' I found the concept of time travel used as a lens to explore personal relationships truly moving. The café, where the magic happens, acts almost like a character itself—a quiet, enchanting space that offers visitors one chance to revisit moments they long to change or understand better. What makes this book stand out is its focus on emotional truth rather than the mechanics of time travel, which adds depth and warmth to every story. One of the most memorable stories for me was about the woman struggling to say farewell to her dog. It highlighted the difficulty of letting go and how sometimes closure is needed to heal. Similarly, the tale of the daughter who drove her father away struck a chord, as it reflected how misunderstandings and unspoken words can create barriers, but also how empathy and courage might repair them. I appreciated how the novel gently reminds readers about the value of forgiveness and the importance of making the most of the present. It’s not just a narrative about time-travel fantasies but a meditation on love and regret that many can relate to. Even though some parts felt repetitive, like the café’s rules and the enigmatic woman in the chair, this familiarity created a cozy rhythm and reinforced the story’s core themes. For fans of emotional, bittersweet tales that deal with family bonds and second chances, this book offers a unique and heartwarming read. It left me reflecting on my own relationships and reminded me to cherish the moments and people in my life before they become memories. If you enjoy stories that blend magical realism with heartfelt life lessons, 'Before We Say Goodbye' is definitely worth your time.

2 comments

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belle

love this review! convinced to read it now, how long did it take for you to finish this book?

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