Hello, below I have attached my review for this book. Thank you for the opportunity to work with your organisation!



This novel is set in the mountainside of South Korea, where we are introduced to Yoojin, the owner of book cafe and bed and breakfast, and her doting staff members.

The book is set over the course of a year and follows the lives of the employees and guests lodging at this hub of soul rejuvenation. Of those who grace its doorstep, many find themselves needing time away from the burdens of adulthood and modern life for a variety of reasons. At the Soyangri Book Kitchen, they experience comfort and solace in either the hearty food, the carefully curated selection of books or the picturesque landscape.

As I was reading this book I felt myself completely immersed in the magic of the Book Kitchen. When it came to an end, I longed to return to this heartwarming countryside retreat as if I had set foot on the grounds days before. A must read for anyone at a crossroads in their life.

Kim Jee Hye's "Soyangri Book Kitchen" is a heartwarming and soothing journey into a world of books and compassion. The story takes place in a charming village in the countryside, and it follows Yoojin as she opens a bookshop café with an overnight "bookstay" idea, offering a haven for tired hearts.

Across the seasons, seven lives at the crossroads take refuge in its pages. Their lives, subtly intertwined, demonstrate the restorative power of books and human connection. Kim Jee Hye weaves a tale that is less about showy plot devices and more about the gentle changes that take place through shared experience, nourishing food, and the quiet speak of books.

The novel's power is in its calming ambiance and its faith in the humble but powerful effect of a loving community. Although some readers may find the pace slow, those looking for a gentle and contemplative read about discovering peace and belonging will discover "Soyangri Book Kitchen" to be a soothing and inspiring experience. It's a literary hug, ideal for those who need a respite from the chaos of contemporary life.

Soyangri Book Kitchen is a lovely tale of a woman who leaves behind the stresses of her city job and life and opens a book shop/cafe nestled in the heart of nature.

I loved this book, especially how it shows the reader the change in seasons and how nature is in constant change around us, it really highlighted to me the need to fully appreciate each passing moment, how the flowers bloom in spring, how the snow falls in winter. The authors note at the end of the book furthered my feelings about that.

If I had to find a negative with this book is that I wish we’d been able to go deeper into the lives of the characters who visit the book kitchen, I would definitely read a follow up book for this.

This book is for everyone who likes peaceful settings in stories where the meaning of life can be pondered. I wish the author every success with this beautiful written book.

One of the best books I’ve read in a while and as intended a balm for the weary soul to rest for a moment and leave with a full heart.

The stories are gentle, but the people involved are dealing with heavy problems that aren’t magically solved but they do allow them time to reflect and grow after interacting with the book kitchen.

A beautiful book.

This book held my heart and set my senses on fire.
First of all, a book kitchen - this sang to my soul and the story was full of healing.
I absolutely adore books that follow the same premise - different people/characters going through life with different challenges, coming together at a set place (in this instance the Soyangri Book Kitchen) and providing wisdom to heal others.
I love the simplicity of the story and yet the takeaway messages are so profoundly deep and inspiring.
This book makes you reminisce about the good things in life that can get overlooked or forgotten about when caught up in the rat race of life, and the importance of recognising when you are pouring from an empty cup and need to take a moment to refill/self-care.

Wholesome, heartwarming, and rich with cultural charm 📚🍲. Soyangri Book Kitchen is a delightful, cosy novel blending the love of food, books, and community. Kim Jee Hye crafts a gentle, uplifting story set in a picturesque Korean village where stories and meals heal the soul. I adored the rich atmosphere, lovable characters, and comforting message. Perfect for fans of cosy fiction with heart and delicious detail.

This was such a cozy, heartwarming read! I loved the little book café setting and all the characters finding their own paths. It’s gentle, comforting, and perfect if you just want a feel-good story to curl up with.

I have really been enjoying the ‘feel good’ genre of translated Asian fiction lately and I have to say that the Soyangri Book Kitchen is high on my list of favourites. I adored the tone and style of the writing and how the stories of the patrons unfold. I adored how it shows how books and kindness can affect the lives of those visiting. This is a must read for those who have enjoyed books like the Morisaki Bookstore and the like. An enjoyable, re-readable feel good novel that is perfect for the current climate.
As always thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.

This story follows the lives of the employees of the newly founded Soyangri Book Kitchen. It was sweet and poignant and beautifully written. I can't wait to get my physical copy so I can go through and highlight/annotate my favourite parts because so much of it was quote worthy .

This is one of those many books that is compared to the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series however this book is much more than that.

The book touches on the lives of many characters that all traverse through the book kitchen. The stories are frequently touching and the characters share with this reader at least many of the insecurities, hopes and dreams that make life complicated and full of joy.

This book is such a gentle book and yet I found it so moving. There are poignant moments and it touches on cancer and parental bereavement and even though I’ve recently experienced both these I did not find reading about them in this book distressing. Each chapter focuses on a different person who either visits or works in a book store with a cafe and rooms attached in Korea. At times I wish the book would just focus on one or two characters as it could become confusing and I was sad when we didn’t hear more from some of the characters. I also think that’s a good sign, hopefully there will be another book which focus on these same characters in th future.
This would be a perfect book to read at bed time, during a relaxing holiday or after a therapy session. I think it’s perfect for when you are feeling vulnerable and I understand this is often called healing literature and as such I’m definitely looking for more of these books! The different culture, for me and a book shop is just a joyful setting.
Maybe it’s hard to get to know the characters there is a politeness about them, I’ve noticed this in other translated Korean books I’ve read. For me it’s a positive, it feels like I’m meeting people of a culture other than mine with different personalities and perspectives, none of the same type of sarcasm or sharp humour of where I live and just before bed time that can feel good.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration moving, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinions.