Blue, Hot, and Holding Stories: CUPPa coffee

by Rajani Tewari

90 pages, Paperback

Published October 10, 2025

Reviews

[Rahul Vishnoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Cafe, Coffee and Unraveling Lives-
Review of 'Blue, Hot and Holding Stories' by Rajani Tewari

Quote Alert
"𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃 𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞. 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤, 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐞𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐱. 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭, 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬.
𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 -𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐛𝐲𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐢𝐝-𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦."

What if a walk into a cafe one day and the steaming cup of coffee served to you could peek into your life and tell your story? This is the premise of a short story collection by Rajani Tewari. People with broken, fragmented, fractured lives walk into this space and get some inspiration: just a little something to guide them. Sometimes this comes in disguise of a banter between the rest of the guests and the cafe workers and sometimes it comes by way of introspection.

This is is a rainbow collection of stories that delight you, fill you with nostalgia, make you miss a long lost friend, even make you want to visit a cafe if you haven't been for long. Modelled on the cracks of life, the flaws that glare through the shiny veneer, this story collection brings the soury sweetness of life to the pages. Even best laid plans can go awry, hints the author.

Tewari stands her story collection upon people who need second chances in their lives. We meet Aarav who is nursing a broken heart. Then there is Meera, whose husband passed in a COVID wave. Kabir is an influencer who is struggling to find meaning in his life. My favourite were first two.
Have a look at this banter:
"You know," Zoya said from behind the counter, "people are like croissants. The world notices the faky exterior. The magic is always in the soft middle. But both need heat to become anything worth tasting."
He smirked."So you're saying I'm underbaked?"
"More like over-toasted," Rimjhim chimed in."

Short stories carry their own charm. Little microcosm of emotions they are, jumping from one theme to another. It's like a delightful platter at a restaurant. You can have dozens of dishes, enjoying savoury with sweet, textures melting into your mouth. In one anthology you can have many many protagonists to love, many to loathe, many to care for and some to forget and move on. That's also the biggest plus point of a short story collection. If you don't like a story, maybe move on to another one.

It's quite clever to use a coffee cup as a narrative device. This makes the POV universal as well as gives the writer complete freedom to glance into the lives of not just one but all characters, enabling the story to have multiple shades. Have a look:

"I am poured for him-blue, hot, a tidy storm. He picks me up without looking, eyes welded to the feed, thumb sticking upward like a priest dispensing blessings to strangers. If oxygen could be scrolled, humanity would never faint. But scents spill out of drawers better than air, and this feed is a drawer of perfumes-pretty, dizzying, not good for breathing."

Tewari punctuates the story with poems and quotes, sayings and statements, capturing the emotions through her words. Have a look:
"Heartbreak lights up the same parts of the brain as physical pain. That's why people clutch their chest like they've been stabbed. It's also why some people drink coffee as if it's morphine."

Strong characters make for strong stories. If the characters are flaky or one dimensional, the joy of reading a book, even if the story is interesting, is rendered half. The characters of this story are unpredictable, impulsive, multi dimensional and drive the story forward. It's a delight to see a character-driven story because their actions are as interesting as the plot and the twists. This also makes up for layering of the characters, adding a touch of humanity to papery words and that's just delightful.
Have a look:
"Priya - she of the unbuttoned laugh and lipstick that could leave a stain on glassware. She walked into his life at a poetry slam he didn't want to attend and left him wondering how one smile could rearrange his five-year plan. Sunday mornings meant balcony breakfasts: her in his oversized shirt, him trying to perfect omelettes like it was a competitive sport. They spoke about their future the way architects speak about buildings — every line, every corner planned."

These are the stories of remarkable people who live their life in flashes. For a reader, that is me, the protagonists of a short story are living either their best or their worst lives. Contrary to a novel where characters get at least 80,000 words to create the ebbs and flows of their lives. But a short story is a rollercoaster of a ride. Here either you are happy or sad or plain disappointed. The author makes sure you aren't lattermost.

Pick it up this week.

[Vidhika Yadav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Blue, Hot and Holding Stories by Rajani Tewari

“Blue, Hot and Holding Stories” is an imaginative, nurturing collection of stories using a simple café in Delhi as the setting for a series of heart-stirring experiences. The stories are narrated through the voice of a blue coffee cup with a chip and warmth, which speaks of its experiences and wisdoms – sharing the unseen feelings of the individuals that visit the café. In the opening poem from page one, where the cup refers to itself as “a confession booth with a handle,” the voice immediately sets an intimate, poetic and, at times, very human tone to the book.


Throughout the chapters, the author paints vivid character studies of Aarav, the runaway heart healing from a broken relationship through croissants and coffee; Meera, a widow who has lost her husband during the pandemic healing alongside her Orpidnate (Ephinay) orchid; Kabir, the influencer/creator who has had to learn to trade his applause for silence as he learns to be more attentive to himself; and Ananya, discovering how to love once more with grace sprinkled with cinnamon. All characters are provided time to grow and develop both in everyday moments (placing cups on counters, taking care of plants, writing wishes on chalkboards) and in connection to the café as an extension of all of their stories, which gives life to the café.


The author pulls through the consistency of lyrical writing and emotional clarity throughout the book, using small objects as metaphors for courage, loss, and having another chance to live again through steam, spoons, and basil leaves.


A very warm-hearted, humorous, and deep collection of writings to celebrate through “one sip at a time.”

[Rayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coffee House Book is a warm and original collection of stories centered around a café, narrated uniquely by a blue coffee cup. Each chapter introduces deeply relatable characters facing heartbreak, loss, fame, and love, woven together like a rich brew. The writing is poetic yet accessible, capturing everyday emotions that linger long after reading. The café setting acts as a comforting anchor, making readers feel like they’re part of a familiar, cozy corner where stories and second chances are constantly brewed. The collection blends humor, poignancy, and hope, creating a heartfelt experience that is both different and memorable. It’s a book that invites reflection on human connection through small moments shared over coffee, perfect for readers who appreciate thoughtful, character-driven narratives.

[Thegargchronicles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of connected stories is set in a café and told from the perspective of a blue coffee cup that serves as the storyteller. Each story features someone in the café experiencing heartbreak, hope, sorrow, aspiration and/or second chances, all through the lens of the cup as it observes what goes on around it. They provide a moment of peace as the customer enjoy the café's ambiance, while they reflect on their lives.

I really appreciated the unique style of narration and the lyrical tone of the writing. The style is very minimalistic, but still presents everyday emotions in an emotionally charged and relatable manner.

The café, as an observant bystander, serves as a backdrop to all of the stories contained within the book and unites them through the lens of the coffee cup's perspective. This allows each reader to feel the connection between the characters.

[Indu Garg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The‍‌‍‍‌ book is like a good coffee that leaves a quiet but lasting aftertaste. The stories are so gentle that they immediately settle in the reader’s heart and remind us that it is through ordinary moments that we can experience extraordinary emotions. The emotional impact of the book is enhanced by the very unusual decision to have a blue coffee cup as a narrator, which makes every meeting feel looked at, taken in, and remembered. The themes of the book are loss, healing, love, and longing. They are presented in a very calm way and, thus, they snag the reader long after the book has been finished. The book refrains from making a quick and loud impression; instead, it gradually establishes rapport. The real power of the book is that it compels you to stop what you are doing, think, and feel empathy for people whose lives you think you already ‍‌‍‍‌know.

[Krishna Gautam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rajani Tewari’s Blue, Hot, and Holding Stories: CUPPa Coffee is a comforting literary experience that feels like sharing life over a cup of coffee ☕💬. Narrated by a blue coffee cup 💙, this book beautifully captures the fleeting yet powerful stories of strangers who walk into a café — some chasing dreams, others running from heartbreak.

Each tale feels deeply human — raw, warm, and honest. The author writes with tenderness, allowing readers to see themselves in every story 💭💔. The café setting becomes a metaphor for life — people come, stay for a while, and leave, but their stories linger like the aroma of fresh coffee 🌿☕.

Rajani’s prose is poetic yet real — making you pause and reflect. It’s rare to find a book that feels both soothing and soul-stirring at once.

[Jannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coffee House Book stands out with its unique narrative voice — a blue coffee cup sharing tales of patrons whose lives brim with joy, pain, and hope. These vignettes capture the realness of people struggling with loss, chasing dreams, and daring to love again. The author’s poetic yet easy style makes emotions feel vivid and relatable. The café itself becomes a character, symbolizing warmth and second chances. Each story is a gentle reminder that ordinary moments hold extraordinary meaning. This book is a heartfelt, memorable read for those who appreciate stories about human connection, growth, and shared spaces where strangers become part of each other’s lives.

[Yuni · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Coffee House Book* is unlike any collection I’ve read before. The choice to have a blue coffee cup narrate different lives is so clever—it adds a unique perspective that ties all the stories together gently and beautifully. Each character feels so real, grappling with heartbreak, loss, or hope, and their stories blend sadness with humor in a way that feels deeply human. The café setting feels like a comforting space where life happens quietly but meaningfully. The writing is poetic yet accessible, making the emotions linger long after I closed the book. It’s a perfect companion for anyone who loves stories about ordinary lives with extraordinary heart.

[Sayonara · Rating 4 out of 5]

What makes *Coffee House Book* truly shine is its originality. The blue coffee cup as narrator is a brilliant narrative device that offers a quietly wise, consistent presence across diverse, heartfelt stories. The collection explores deep and relatable themes through characters who embody vulnerability, resilience, and hope. The prose is lyrical without losing clarity, evoking the bittersweetness of ordinary moments. The café becomes both a setting and a metaphor for life’s ebb and flow, a place where strangers (and readers) find connection and solace. This book is a poignant, rewarding read for those who cherish thoughtful storytelling.

[Neymar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me emotional in the best way. The blue coffee cup’s gentle narration guides you through stories that touch on heartbreak, moving on, and finding new love or purpose. The characters are so well-written—funny, flawed, and utterly human. The café setting adds warmth and familiarity, making it feel like you’re sitting there listening to these stories unfold. The poetic writing captures everyday emotions in a way that feels honest and true. I found myself reflecting on my own experiences and appreciating the small moments we often overlook. It’s a beautiful collection that stays with you.

[Aziz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was charmed by the originality of this collection. Having the blue coffee cup narrate the intertwined stories adds a magical realism feel that’s both playful and insightful. The characters feel real and relatable, each carrying burdens and dreams in a shared space. The café is the perfect setting—intimate, familiar, a container for life’s many flavors. The writing is poetic but clear, giving emotional depth without losing the narrative’s accessibility. This book made me reflect on my own life’s silent moments and the beauty found in everyday care. It’s warm, thoughtful, and utterly memorable.

[Nivetha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I planned to read this book in a go. But I was wrong. This book has to be read while you're at your peace.

So basically this book isn't dramatic, it isn't just a cafe where people come and go. Here in "second brew" , people sip, drink and share stories and realize and move on.

This book consists of very few characters, where each and everyone is in a phase of life. Some overcome, some realise, some move on while some stay strong. This story is narrated from pov of a coffee mug. They are characters that stays long after we close.

Poetic, short and meaningful one.

Reading Rule: Pause your Chores
Read, Relax, Reflect

[Laisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coffee House Book is a charming, original story collection narrated by a blue coffee cup. It brings to life the real struggles and hopes of café patrons—from heartbreak to daring love. The poetic writing beautifully conveys emotions with warmth and humor. The café’s presence ties everything together, creating a comforting hub for stories and second chances. It’s a relatable and touching read that highlights the power of small moments and human connection. This collection will resonate with anyone who cherishes thoughtful, soulful storytelling.

[Miche · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the concept of a talking coffee cup narrating people’s lives in a café. It’s such a creative way to connect different stories that each stood out yet felt part of a whole. The characters are everyday people facing real challenges—heartbreak, loss, second chances—so relatable that I found myself thinking about my own life as I read. The writing is smooth and poetic without being complicated, making it really easy to get lost in those moments. *Coffee House Book* feels like the kind of book you can dip into anytime, and come away feeling warm and connected.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found *Coffee House Book* to be a wonderful mix of warmth, wit, and wisdom. The blue coffee cup’s voice provides a charming continuity that brings each story to life in a unique way. The book explores real struggles—loss, heartbreak, ambition—but balances them with humor and hope. My favorite aspect was how the café feels like a character itself: a place of refuge and new beginnings. The writing style is poetic yet relatable, making it accessible for a wide audience. It’s a comforting read for anyone who loves stories about second chances and human connection.

[Hshs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was captivated by the poetic quality of *Coffee House Book*. The narration by the blue coffee cup adds a whimsical but grounded perspective that ties the stories beautifully. Each character’s emotions—grief, longing, courage—are expressed with delicate lyricism that doesn’t overwhelm but enriches. The café backdrop feels timeless, as if it holds endless stories waiting to be told. This book isn’t just a series of tales; it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and feel deeply alongside strangers whose lives you become briefly part of. Definitely a collection I’ll return to.

[Tomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our book club had such a lively discussion after reading *Coffee House Book*. The unique narrator—the blue coffee cup—was a hit, adding a quirky charm and continuity across all the stories. We loved how the café setting grounded the tales and gave us glimpses into different walks of life. The mix of humor, sorrow, and hope is perfectly balanced, making it a deeply satisfying read. The writing is poetic but accessible, which allowed everyone to connect with the characters’ journeys. This book is a beautiful celebration of human vulnerability and resilience.

[Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Coffee House Book* beautifully captures the quiet moments of life, served up through the eyes of a blue coffee cup witnessing the comings and goings of a café’s regulars. The narratives are simple yet profound—dealing with heartbreak, loss, fame, and new beginnings with a tender touch. The poetic writing elevates everyday emotions, making me pause and appreciate the ordinary and extraordinary feelings interwoven in human experience. This is a book that invites you to slow down and savor stories of love, struggle, and hope with warmth and honesty.

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coffee House Book uses a unique narrator—a blue coffee cup—to share heartfelt stories of people coping with loss, heartbreak, and new beginnings. The writing is poetic and accessible, capturing emotions vividly. The café setting feels familiar and comforting, a place where characters find hope and connection. This collection is warm, relatable, and touching—a perfect read for those who enjoy stories that celebrate life’s small but meaningful moments

[Florian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The concept of a coffee cup narrating the lives of café visitors is so original and fun! It made reading *Coffee House Book* feel warm and cozy, like sitting in a café overhearing real conversations. The characters each have their own struggles—love, loss, chasing dreams—and their stories felt real and touching. The writing is poetic but easy to understand, which I liked a lot. It’s the kind of book that stays with you and makes you think about the people around you and the stories they carry.

[Ocean of Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cup of coffee and stories are the comfort zone for many of us. That’s why this book feels comfortable, cozy, and relatable. Reading stories narrated by a cup feels like a true companion sharing the journey of their loved ones.

The opening and closing verses, along with short, ordinary stories, speak of something courageous. Their struggle, joy, and journey feel relatable.

It’s a kind of book that finds beauty in everyday life and makes you recall your own experiences over a cup of coffee.

[Mayhem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coffee House Book tells stories of real people connected through a café, with narration by a blue coffee cup. The writing blends poetry and humor, exploring themes like loss and love with warmth. The café itself feels like a character, offering a cozy space where second chances happen. These stories invite readers to appreciate the emotional richness in everyday life.

[Troye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coffee House Book invites readers to linger in a café where a blue coffee cup watches lives unfold. Its poetic stories reveal the quiet struggles and joys of ordinary people. This warm, original collection is a meditation on human connection, the passage of time, and the comfort found in shared moments over coffee

[Baryon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coffee House Book is a heartfelt collection narrated by a blue coffee cup. The poetic and relatable stories reveal struggles and joys of café visitors, tied together by the warm café setting. It’s a moving read about human connection and hope found in shared spaces.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coffee House Book offers touching stories narrated by a blue coffee cup. The poetic yet simple writing captures the lives of characters facing heartbreak, loss, and love. The café setting unites these tales of hope, connection, and second chances, creating a warm and memorable experience.

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coffee House Book shares stories of café visitors through the eyes of a blue coffee cup. Poetic and relatable, the book explores loss, love, and hope within the café’s cozy walls. It’s a warm collection that celebrates human connection and the power of shared stories.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coffee House Book lets a blue coffee cup spill the beans on the lives of its patrons. These poetic tales mix heartbreak, hope, and humor inside a cozy café where second chances brew fresh. A deliciously warm read for anyone who loves stories with heart.