Books have always been a part of my life, but it wasn’t until I picked up a copy of Fourth Wing, recommended to me by one of my best friends, that I realized what I had been missing by putting novels on hold.
Stories have this magical ability to transport us to new worlds, and it reminded me of how much I used to enjoy escaping into the pages of a good book—whether it was a gripping fantasy or books set in coffee shops.
You see, I always read.
I read emails, contracts, articles, and blog posts every day. I read all the time (you probably do too). But long ago, I used to read novels, immersing myself in fictional worlds and stories that felt like home. Then life got busy, my English Literature degree turned reading into work, and my love of books took a back seat (as things do).
But since that fateful day when I picked up Fourth Wing, books have been a part of my life again, and I’m forever grateful.
It’s helped me find a way to escape, be inspired, and rediscover why I love reading and writing.
I’ve also found a delightful niche in books that combine two of my favorite things: coffee and storytelling.
You may have noticed a shift in my blog. I’m still blogging about coffee, but now I’m exploring the ways it intersects with other parts of life—like books. Coffee and books truly go hand in hand for me, and I’ve made it a goal this year to read more books set in coffee shops.
So here I am with a list of cozy books set in coffee shops that perfectly blend the magic of books and the charm of coffee culture. Let’s dive in!
8 Books Set in Coffee Shops
1. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
This is probably the book that started it all for me regarding books set in coffee shops. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to sip a coffee in a fantastical setting, Legends and Lattes delivers just that. This lighthearted fantasy novel is set in a world where a retired orc adventurer opens a coffee shop in a city that doesn’t know what to expect from the delightful brew.
It’s the perfect blend of fantasy, cozy vibes, and a cup of something strong. There is also a second book in this series, Bookshops & Bonedust, but Legends & Lattes can be read as a standalone novel.
2. Coffee Shop Girl by Katie Cross
When I discovered Coffee Shop Girl, I knew I’d stumbled upon a gem in the realm of books set in coffee shops. The novel features Bethany, a college dropout juggling the overwhelming task of saving her late father’s beloved café while drowning in debt. As she navigates the challenges of running a business in a tight-knit mountain town, Maverick, a sharp and successful local businessman, enters the picture with unfiltered critiques and unexpected chemistry.
Blending romance, personal growth, and the cozy charm of a small-town coffee shop, this novel offers the perfect escape for readers who crave a mix of heartfelt moments and entrepreneurial drama.
There are a total of nine books in the Coffee Shop Series by Cross, but each can be read as a standalone novel.
3. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Set in a small coffee shop in Tokyo, Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a story about time travel, love, and second chances. The coffee shop in this book has a unique rule: you can travel back in time, but only before your coffee gets cold.
It’s a heartwarming tale that explores regret, memories, and the moments we cherish. This book is book one of a five-book series but can be read as a standalone novel.
4. At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities: A Novel by Heather Webber
This coffee shop setting follows Ava Harrison who moves to Driftwood, Alabama, after receiving a mysterious job offer to care for an eccentric old man and his cranky cat.
There, she meets Maggie Mae Brightwell, the lively owner of Magpie’s, a coffee and curiosity shop. Both women are haunted by regret and must learn to let go of the past to embrace new beginnings.
This heartfelt story is about second chances, friendship, and finding where you truly belong.
Love coffee and stories? Download my free Coffee Journal Prompts to spark creativity and reflect on your own cozy coffee moments!
5. The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki (translated by Jesse Kirkwood)
Written by Mai Mochizuki (translated by Jesse Kirkwood), The Full Moon Coffee Shop is a whimsical and heartwarming story about a magical café run by talking cats. Appearing under the Kyoto moon at random times and places, the coffee shop welcomes those feeling lost in life.
This enchanting novel blends fantasy, destiny, and the kindness of cats, offering a reminder that it’s never too late to find your way.
6. The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore
The ultimate cozy fall read, steeped in the warmth of pumpkin spice lattes and the charm of a small-town coffee shop. The Pumpkin Spice Cafe unfolds in the heart of the autumn season, where the café isn’t just a place for drinks but a hub of community, deep friendships, and long-held secrets.
As the protagonist navigates life’s twists and turns, the café becomes a symbol of comfort, change, and renewal. With its vivid descriptions of seasonal treats and the snug atmosphere of a tightly-knit town, this book invites readers to escape into a world that feels like their favorite fall day.
If you loved this one (which many do!) check out the other books in the Dream Harbor series by Gilmore.
7. The Coffee Trader by David Liss
Not exactly a book set in a coffee shop, this historical novel is still all about coffee. The story follows Miguel Lienzo, a Portuguese Jewish merchant, desperate to rebuild his fortune.
He stumbles upon a unique opportunity: introducing coffee, a mysterious and exotic drink, to Europe. Partnering with a shrewd Dutchwoman, Miguel risks everything to corner the coffee market. However, the stakes are high, and the path is fraught with betrayal, secret alliances, and fierce competition.
This intricately plotted novel offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of commerce, ambition, and intrigue, all set against the backdrop of Amsterdam’s bustling markets and coffeehouses. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of suspense and a deep dive into the origins of coffee culture.
8. The Little Café in Copenhagen by Julie Caplin
A heartwarming story of finding connection and rediscovering what matters most. Kate Sinclair, a workaholic PR executive, is tasked with organizing a press trip to Copenhagen, highlighting the Danish concept of hygge. Joining her is a group of misfit journalists, all seeking their own answers in life.
As they explore the city’s charming cafes, cozy streets, and welcoming culture, Kate finds herself inspired by the warmth of the little café at the heart of the trip. Surrounded by newfound friends and the magic of hygge, she begins to reevaluate her own life, career, and even love.
This delightful novel blends romance, self-discovery, and the charm of a cozy café to create a feel-good escape that celebrates the power of community and slowing down to savor life.
Books set in coffee shops are more than just stories; they’re cozy escapes to places where the aroma of coffee mingles with the warmth of human connection.
These tales bring together the perfect blend of caffeine, creativity, and community, offering something for every reader—whether it’s romance, fantasy, or a touch of magic.
So, brew your favorite cup, find a comfy spot, and let these coffee-infused stories transport you to charming cafés and unforgettable adventures. After all, there’s nothing quite like the joy of pairing a great book with a perfect cup of coffee.
More Coffee-Themed Reads:
