The Time Hop Coffee Shop

by Phaedra Patrick, Nicola Barber (Reading)

Listening Length: 9 hours and 51 minutes

Welcome to the Time Hop Coffee Shop, where wishes can come true…

Greta Perks was once the shining star of the iconic Maple Gold coffee commercials, the quintessential TV wife and mom. Now fame has faded, her marriage is on the rocks, her teenage daughter has become distant and Greta’s once-glittering career feels like a distant memory.

When Greta stumbles upon a mysterious coffee shop serving a magical brew, she wishes for the perfect life in those past Maple Gold commercials. Next thing she knows, Greta wakes in the idyllic make-believe town of Mapleville, where the sun always shines and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and second chances fill the air. Given the opportunity to live the life she dreamed, Greta is determined to rewrite her own script. But can life ever be like a coffee commercial? And what will happen when Greta has to choose between perfection and real life, with no turning back?

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Magical Realism, Contemporary, Time Travel, Audiobook, Cozy

10 pages, Audiobook

First published December 9, 2025

About the author

Phaedra Patrick studied art and marketing and has worked as a stained glass artist, film festival organiser and communications manager. An award-winning short story writer, she now writes full time in Saddleworth where she lives with her family.

Her debut novel, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, was translated into over twenty languages worldwide and has been optioned by a major Hollywood film studio.

Her second novel, Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone (named Wishes Under the Willow Tree in the UK), has been made into a Hallmark Movie and will premiere on TV in Autumn 2021.

Her third novel is The Library of Lost and Found, and the fourth one is titled The Secrets of Love Story Bridge (The Secrets of Sunshine in the UK).

You can find out more about Phaedra and her books at www.phaedra-patrick.com including writing tips

Please follow her on:

www.facebook.com/phaedrapatrick
Twitter @phaedrapatrick
Instagram @PhaedraPatrick

Reviews

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Book Review Crew Blog

This is my fourth book by Phaedra Patrick, and she never disappoints. The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper , The Library of Lost and Found , and The Secrets of Love Story Bridge were all four star reads for me. In this one, Greta Perks was a coffee commercial star, and she feels her life is in the dumps. Greta's marriage is falling apart, her teenage daughter is acting like, well, a teenager, and her acting career is now just a memory. Always dreaming about the perfect life she had on screen, she comes across an enchanting coffee shop that has a magical brew. After a wish, Greta finds herself in the perfect, sunny town of Mapleville, which just so happens to be the fictional setting of her famous coffee commercials. As she lives out the perfect life she always imagined, she begins to realize perfect isn't always best. This makes her have to choose between the fantasy of her imagined life and the messy, unpredictable yet realistic one she left behind.

This book was utterly charming, and who of us hasn't thought "What if?" This book has a lot of heart to it and plenty of magick. As always, Patrick's writing is warm and inviting, and easy to read. She has a unique way of beautifully writing about themes of family and second chances. While the plot was a tad predictable and some of the solutions felt a bit convenient, it was the emotional parts of the story that didn't wow me. It felt more fantasy-based, and that made it hard to connect with the characters. I found the middle dragged a bit as it was repetitive. I did like the moral of the story, "The grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence." This isn't a bad book by any means, it just isn't as good as the previous ones I have read by the author, especially emotionally wise. This would be great for fans of magical realism looking for a light read that is fun and a little quirky.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute cozy story. I've read most of this author's previous books, this one is an enjoyable palate cleanser from heavier reads.

Greta and her family were stars of the Maple Gold Coffee commercials back in the day. Now her acting career is stagnant, her marriage is on the rocks, and her teenage daughter thinks she is ridiculous. All Greta wants is to be successful and have her loving family again. She happens upon a coffee shop where the curmudgeonly owner Iris makes her a special brew that will allow Greta to experience her greatest wishes, as long as she follows the rules. Will this magical ability help to change her life?

This book draws from some familiar tales such as the movie Pleasantville and the book series Before the Coffee Gets Cold. I have a very difficult time relating to stories about acting and this one just lost me with Greta's desire to keep acting even though her career was pretty much over. And to keep harping on her daughter to pursue acting because she is supposedly a "natural" was also very annoying. I also didn't think she really learned anything from her journeys to Mapleville, it seemed like there were opportunities for lightbulb moments that just passed her by until it was almost too late.

I listened to the audiobook and thought that Nicola Barber did a fantastic job with narration. She captured the characters' personalities without making them caricatured.

If you're looking for something light and sweet, this one might be a fun choice. Just don't expect much character growth.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars - a truly lovely & very heart warming tale about a mid-life woman, Greta Perks, and her family who used to star in famous coffee commercials. Now they're all struggling - both with life & each other - when a magical coffee shop that offers "the perfect blend" appears - but can Greta fix everything in time for the New Year?? I really enjoyed this story and what it said about life being precious and embracing the imperfectness of it all. Highly recommend to any that enjoy magic realism and sappy advertisements about make-believe, picture perfect places & people.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed all of Phaedra Patrick's books since reading Arthur Pepper. But, this book took me way out of my wheelhouse. Not necessarily in a bad way, because I kept reading it. And, once I had committed, I could not abandon it. As I write this review, I’m still unsure what rating I will give it. I'm not sure whether this is sci-fi, fantasy or magic realism. Out of these three, I don't mind a little bit of magic realism but this book had a lot.

Greta Perks was known for her 10 year run making commercials for Maple Gold Coffee. The commercials have run their course and Greta finds herself at loose ends. She discovers a phantom coffee shop where she ends up in an alternate universe.

The tag line for the book could be “be careful what you wish for…….”.

I think this book is plot driven, mostly because the characters seemed shallow. The only character that I truly found interesting was Iris, the owner of the coffee shop. While she has an important role, her screen time (for lack of a better phrase) is limited.
I did enjoy the fact that the premise is thought-provoking. And, I always love the ”second chances” theme.

After I finished reading the book, I found myself smiling. Life is never perfect. It's about constant change. It's about understanding and growth. It’s about taking chances.

3.5 stars, promoted to 4 stars.

Thank you to NegGalley and the publisher for an Advance Readers Copy.

[Selma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you harpercollinsca for the physical ARC from a giveaway and Harlequin Audio and netgalley for the ALC. 😍

3.75 ⭐️

This was so fun ! Also my first ever audio book I listened to from start to finish. It was on while I was doing housework. New level unlocked ….

If you are looking for a cozy read to sit by the fireplace with your coffee and snuggled in a blanket… this is the book for you.

It follows Greta Perks, a former actress whose life once shone, starring in popular coffee commercials with her family which was set in the make believe town MapleVille. Her fame has since faded and she no longer has the perfect family or life that she used to. Having her reminiscing of the happy days. One day, she stumbles across a coffee shop that offers her the ‘perfect blend’ and
a wish.

This book blends cosy domestic fiction with magical realism and you get taken on a journey with Greta and all the places this magical wish takes her. She is faced with a decision as sometimes the wish can go too far and you start to see the cracks in the perfection of her dream life. You see the mix between her family life in reality and what she wishes for herself.

Greta makes a decision in the coffee shop on her second visit that I didn’t expect her to make and had me more interested in the story to see what happens. From there things start to take and unexpected turn at every corner. Things start to mix and has you guessing what else could come up.

Greta’s emotional journey was relatable as we see her make choices like anyone would and it’s not always the right one… it shows how human she is. This story makes you appreciate what you have in life and what’s important.

If you want something comforting, a bit magical, and low stress but still emotional, this is a perfect pick.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does exactly as says ( on the jar? ) it will

A secret coffee shop that has a mysterious lady called Iris who makes the special drinks ( with strict rules attached ) one sip and you are in your dream world

And its magical and wonderful and perfect…… very ‘Truman Showish’ plus shopping is free, its always sunny and everyone is happy but as Greta ( ex coffee advert star with her husband and daughter, think Oxo adverts but for coffee ) finds out maybe perfection is not all its cracked up to be

Greta has a decision to make and its not just Expresso or Cappuccino

Its fun and very coffee orientated ( Maple Gold blend ) and not an ounce of pretentiousness about it, it’s exactly as I expected it to be with 3 sugars added and will make you tingle with the fun of it and sometimes thats all you need in a book

( be warned the descriptions of the doughnuts at various points are more than enticing! )

[The Bookish Elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phaedra Patrick's latest offering serves up something considerably different from the gentle charm that has defined her previous work. The Time Hop Coffee Shop ventures into territory that will challenge readers who've come to expect straightforward warmth from the author of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper and The Library of Lost and Found. This pivot into magical realism asks readers to suspend disbelief and embrace ambiguity—a request that yields mixed results in this otherwise touching exploration of midlife reinvention.

At its heart lies Greta Perks, a forty-five-year-old woman grappling with the particular cruelty of fading relevance. Once the beloved face of Maple Gold coffee commercials, Greta embodied domestic perfection alongside her husband Jim and daughter Lottie. Now, a decade removed from those glossy advertisements, she finds herself navigating a landscape where casting directors no longer return calls, her marriage teeters on collapse, and her teenage daughter regards her with barely concealed irritation. The contrast between who she was and who she's become forms a chasm that threatens to swallow her whole.

Patrick captures this midlife malaise with precision. The opening chapters paint Greta's world in shades of grey—literally and figuratively. Her disastrous speaking engagement at a local coffee shop, complete with burnt brownies and a smoke alarm interruption, establishes both her current station and the novel's wry humor. These early scenes work beautifully, grounding readers in recognizable frustration before the narrative takes its fantastical turn.

The Magic in the Mundane

Enter Iris and her mysterious coffee shop, a slender establishment that appears and disappears according to its own logic. The proprietor—a white-haired former nurse with the bedside manner of a particularly stern headmistress—offers Greta something extraordinary: coffee that can transport her to Mapleville, the fictional town from her commercials made manifest. One cup, drunk according to specific rules, and Greta awakens in a world where the sky stays perpetually blue, everyone smiles without effort, and she exists as the polished, confident version of herself that once graced television screens.

Patrick's construction of Mapleville demonstrates both imagination and restraint. Rather than drowning readers in fantastical detail, she allows the world to reveal itself through Greta's eyes—the too-perfect lawns, the suspiciously cheerful neighbors, the unsettling uniformity of happiness. The author wisely resists explaining the mechanics of Iris's coffee, embracing instead the logic of magical realism where some mysteries remain deliberately unresolved. This approach proves both the novel's greatest strength and its most divisive element.

The rules governing Iris's coffee establish narrative tension: one cup per visit, wait one week between visits, no takeaways, no struggling to return. When Greta inevitably breaks these rules—impatience being perhaps her most relatable flaw—the consequences ripple through both worlds. Patrick uses these violations to explore larger questions about desire and consequence, though the metaphorical weight occasionally overwhelms the story's momentum.

The Cost of Wanting More

Where The Time Hop Coffee Shop truly distinguishes itself is in its unflinching examination of what we're willing to sacrifice for the appearance of perfection. Greta's multiple visits to Mapleville reveal a woman trying to recapture not just youth or beauty, but the simplicity of a time when her role felt clear and her value unquestioned. The idealized versions of Jim and Lottie she encounters in Mapleville—perpetually supportive, endlessly patient—throw the messiness of her real relationships into sharp relief.

Patrick excels at depicting the seductive nature of escape. Mapleville offers everything Greta thinks she wants: admiration, beauty, success, familial harmony. Yet the author plants seeds of doubt early, allowing readers to recognize what Greta cannot—that this perfection comes wrapped in something hollow. The friendship Greta develops with Millie Maxwell, a seemingly flawless Mapleville resident, provides the novel's most poignant moments. Their conversations hint at depths beneath Mapleville's glossy surface, suggesting that even fantasy worlds contain their own forms of longing.

The novel's central conflict—Iris eventually offers Greta the chance to remain in Mapleville permanently—lands with appropriate weight. Patrick has earned this moment through careful character development, making Greta's ultimate choice feel both inevitable and hard-won. However, the path to this decision includes detours that test patience, particularly a sequence involving a film premiere with actor Tobias Blake that feels simultaneously surreal and somewhat unnecessary.

Where the Brew Gets Bitter

For all its charms, The Time Hop Coffee Shop stumbles in execution. The pacing suffers from repetition, with Greta's visits to Mapleville following similar patterns that could have been condensed without losing emotional impact. The "glitches" Greta experiences in Mapleville—characters freezing mid-conversation, a shark appearing in unexpected places—aim for uncanny valley discomfort but occasionally land as merely odd rather than meaningfully unsettling.

More problematically, several supporting characters remain frustratingly underdeveloped. Edgar Barker, another of Iris's customers who serves as proof Greta hasn't lost her mind, appears just long enough to validate her experience before largely disappearing. Real-world Jim and Lottie receive far less page time than their Mapleville counterparts, which creates an imbalance when the novel attempts to convince readers of Greta's genuine love for her actual family. Patrick tells us about Greta's devotion more than she shows it through meaningful interactions.

The novel's embrace of ambiguity, while philosophically defensible, may frustrate readers seeking clearer answers. Iris remains deliberately enigmatic throughout, her motivations and the true nature of her coffee shop left to interpretation. The coffee shop's final disappearance, while thematically appropriate, arrives without sufficient explanation—a choice that will either feel perfectly aligned with magical realism's conventions or maddeningly incomplete depending on reader preference.

A Woman Rebuilt

Despite these weaknesses, Patrick succeeds in her core mission: chronicling one woman's journey from desperate escape to reluctant acceptance. Greta's character arc traces a believable path from someone drowning in nostalgia to someone willing to build something new from the fragments of her life. Her decision to work at a local coffee shop rather than chase performing opportunities represents genuine growth, a recognition that fulfillment might look different than expected.

The novel's secondary theme—the particular challenges facing women as they age out of cultural relevance—resonates powerfully. Patrick doesn't shy from depicting the casual cruelties Greta endures: casting directors who apologize for wasting her time, strangers who comment on her weight, the assumption that her best years have passed. Greta's insistence on her own worth, hard-won through her fantastical journey, provides the story's emotional center.

The ending strikes an appropriate balance between resolution and openness. Greta returns to Longmill changed, the coffee shop vanishes, and life resumes with its usual complications. Yet something fundamental has shifted. The jade mortar and pestle she discovers—Iris's tool for grinding coffee—suggests continuity and possibility without demanding definitive answers. Patrick leaves readers with Greta positioned at a beginning rather than an ending, her family tentatively rebuilding, her future uncertain but no longer terrifying.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this I really wasn't sure then suddenly it became a very interesting and clever book. I found it fascinating that a cup of special coffee could transport you to a different world. Very Stepford Wives at times but, a very good read. My thanks to netgalley and the publisher's for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Melany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very whimsical and fantasy based to me, which I did enjoy. Some bits seemed quite predictable, but the touching moments and true moral of the story held strongly for me. The grass isnt always greener. I enjoyed this and its truly deep meaning. What truly immersed me was the narrator, I felt it was more impactful listening to it due to the great narration! She truly made the characters come to life. Overall, a decent read 3.5 to 4 stars!

I received this ARC audiobook from NetGalley and Harlequin Audio to listen and review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully listening to the audiobook.

[Laurel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointingly, this story was clumsy, obvious and shallow. I forced myself to read the second half and kind of wish I hadn’t. No surprises, no depth.

I love-love-loved The Curious Charms or Arthur Pepper and looked forward to reading this one. Unfortunately, it was even more of a “meh” than the little Italian hotel which was cute, but no Arthur Pepper.

Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Makayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars — Audiobook Review

The Time Hop Coffee Shop by Phaedra Patrick is a warm, reflective, and quietly magical listen that surprised me in all the best ways. This story follows Greta Perks, a former TV “perfect mom” from the Maple Gold coffee commercials, whose real life is anything but perfect. Her marriage is strained, her daughter is pulling away, and her career has dimmed. The audiobook immediately pulls you into her mix of regret, longing, and the pressure of never quite living up to the glossy version of herself that everyone remembers.

When Greta stumbles into a mysterious coffee shop and makes a simple wish — to have the life she once pretended to have — everything changes. She’s transported to Mapleville, a picture-perfect world that looks exactly like the commercials she starred in. It’s bright, sunny, tidy, and everything in it feels like an ideal she could never reach in real life.

At first, Mapleville seems like everything she ever wanted. A flawless husband, a sweet and cheerful daughter, a community that adores her. But the longer Greta stays, the more she realizes that perfection comes with a cost — and that real love, real relationships, and real life are meant to be messy.

The audiobook narration is a huge highlight. The narrator brings Greta’s emotional journey to life with warmth and subtlety, making her regrets and her growth feel incredibly real. It’s the kind of narration that makes you slow down and just sink into the story.

Why 4 stars?
The pacing is gentle, and there are moments where the story lingers a little too long. But the emotional heart, the magical realism, and Greta’s journey toward self-acceptance make it a beautiful listen overall.

If you love cozy magical realism, second chances, and stories that explore what “perfect” really means, the audiobook of The Time Hop Coffee Shop is a heartfelt and uplifting choice.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one just ticked all the boxes for me!

Time travel? ✔️
Magical Realism? ✔️
Coffee? ✔️
A dog? ✔️

Greta Perks is not having a good day. As a matter of fact, it’s been quite a year…

She and her husband used to be Real Stars! Well, at least they starred IN a great show/ commercial…
It took place in Mapleville, a fictitious town. But one that holds a lot of memories for both of them.
They were young, and beautiful, and had their whole lives ahead of them…and everyone knew and loved them. And, they had Lottie…their beautiful little girl.

Now, Greta and Jim are in their 40’s. Lottie is turning 16. And life is not the same anymore.

And, they are on a trial separation. They have plans to make a decision for the new year as to how life will be for them. But really…no one even wants to cast Greta in anything. She now sees some wrinkles. Her hair is thinning and her waist is thickening. (Hmmm…that seems to be going around!) 🧐

And, she’s just not happy….

One day she gets a flyer for a coffee place. It’s called: The Perfect Blend! And, it promises to transport you to where you want, or need, to be.

After much consideration, she shows up there! And, is surprised at just how much this might change her life!
Because, when she looks in the mirror there, the face looking back at her is very young… and pretty… and wrinkle free.

But how can this be?? Is it for real??

This was beautifully written, and really makes you take pause to appreciate all that we have. And all that could be lost in just the blink of an eye…

And the scene with Greta and her Mom? Well, it just broke me! 🥹

So, what would YOU do if you had the chance to go back in time?? Would you go for it?

#TheTimeHopCoffeeShop by @PhaedraPatrick and narrated beautifully by @NicolaBarber.
P. S. Love the cover too!!

5 bold, bright, beautiful, loving stars for me!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Because sometimes, it just really is that simple… There’s no place like home…. ❤️

*** This one has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, please look 👀 for it soon! Release date is coming up on 12/9/25!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Bel lvndrgms3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝘔𝘢𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴, 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘦𝘴.”

I love stories that explore the “what if’s”. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗽 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽 does that for Greta, a struggling actress who at the height of her success was in a series of beloved commercials for Maple Gold Coffee. Those led her to her husband, and they starred in them with their daughter. In the now, she and her husband are separated, and she’s feeling the distance grow between her and her teenager. This has her feeling nostalgic for what was. She visits a mysterious coffee shop that allows her to see her life as she’s romanticized it in her mind. From there she’s faced with two choices - go for the dream or stay in the present to work through it.

This reminded me a little of Before the Coffee Gets Cold, but the protagonist here has more control of her situation. I struggled with Greta when she was too unrealistic yet also understood she was having a hard time accepting changes. Her forays into the fictional town of Mapleville (coincidentally the name of the town in the commercials) help her view life differently.

Barber’s narration’s full of tenderness, whimsy and hope. She captures Greta’s complex feelings. I’ve always thought Patrick’s writing to be touching with an exceptional ability to hone in on a character’s loneliness, and fish-out-of-water feeling. This story is relatable in so many ways, and will speak to readers feeling they themselves are in the midst of change. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and get cozy with this one!

Thank you @htpbooks_audio for my ALC in exchange for an honest review.

[Gilda L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for the audiobook, narrated by Nicola Barber.

"Welcome to the Time Hop Coffee Shop, where wishes can come true!"

Greta, an actress who previously starred in the popular Maple Gold coffee commercials, is going through a mid-life crisis. She struggles to connect with her teenage daughter, her marriage is on the rocks, and she longs for the past.

One day, she stumbles upon a mysterious coffee shop, where the shop owner offers the perfect blend to make her wishes come true. But as the saying goes, be careful what you wish for, since wishes usually come with a cost.

This story was so charming and deeply relatable. Who wouldn't want a chance to relive your happiest memories? But does perfection outweigh life's inevitable struggles?

The narrator does a wonderful job of pulling you into this magical world, where the coffee is strong and the perfect life is attainable. If you're looking for cozy cafe vibes, with touches of nostalgia, this is a great book to curl up with!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC of this book in exchange for my review.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars.

I was really craving a book like this one. Something charming, hopeful and with a lot of heart. It honestly feels so great when you read a book at the perfect time.

We've seen other stories with similar premises. People who are going through a tough period in their lives are being given the chance to see other possible lives they could live. So I was curious to see how this author approached this and I have to say it's my favourite interpretation of this premise so far.
The issues Greta has are so easy to relate to. Feeling lost and like you can't see how things will get better is something most people have experienced so her actions are easy to understand. She just wants what she considers her perfect life but does such a thing exist? And is it as good as one imagines it to be? I guess it depends on each person's case.

The coffee aspect of the story was really charming too. Coffee is so important for Greta, given that her best moment career-wise was starring in the Maple Gold coffee TV commercials. She met her husband while filming them too and their daughter was included in them once their family grew. That brand of coffee and those commercials mean the world to her. But they also remind her of better times she feels are gone forever. It's a really interesting situation. Like a love/hate relationship in a way.
And then she finds this mysterious coffee shop with the odd old lady telling her coffee can make her wishes come true? A coffee shop that finds the people who need to escape their lives and that plays a part in how the story evolves.

The scenes in Mapleville were so easy to imagine for me. That technicolour old-fashioned style…it's cute. It fits what Greta thinks she wants. And it's so intriguing to see her wondering if that's where she wants to stay or not.
While the story might sound simple, there are a lot of nuances. Millie’s character adds a lot to the story and I was fascinated, wondering about her past and what would happen with her. Through her and another character, we truly learn how this coffee shop situation really works and it's quite clear right away. No need to overexplain.

Jim and Lottie are two characters who affect every decision Greta makes. Her biggest wish is for her family to be happy and they don't always make it easy. Lottie is a really good character too, even if some of her actions are frustrating sometimes but that's what a teenager would do so…

There are different moods in this book. There is sadness and desperation. But there's also hope. And I liked that. Plus, the analysis the characters do about life and the hurdles it puts in front of us was lovely. Maybe a bit cheesy at points but it suited the book and I like cheesy.
An absolutely charming book with a lot of heart that gets a big thumbs up from me!

Thank you to Aria&Aries and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greta Perks was once the star of the iconic Maple Gold coffee commercials with her husband Jim and daughter, Lottie. But now her marriage is on the rocks, her teenage daughter who is becoming more distant by the day and a career in freefall, Greta finds herself daydreaming wistfully of the time her life was perfect and longing for the past. Then one day, she comes across a mysterious coffee shop that advertises your ‘perfect blend’ and is offered the chance to drink a magical brew that will make her wishes come true. The next thing she knows, Greta finds herself in Mapleville, the perfect fictional town from the coffee commercials, and is charmed by its friendly faces, shiny smiles and eternal optimism. When she returns to real life, Greta struggles to adjust and can only think of when she can next visit Mapleville. But as she begins to notice cracks in Mapleville's perfect facade, Greta starts to wonder if life can really be as perfect as a coffee commercial? And if offered the chance to stay there forever, would Greta leave her real life behind for a second chance at perfection?

Like a hot cup of coffee on a cold autumn day, The Time Hop Coffee shop is a charming, cosy and uplifting story that warms you from the inside out. Phaedra Patrick has long been one of my favourite authors of uplifting fiction, so when the Squadpod were offered the chance to read her latest book I didn’t hesitate. And in a change from her other stories, this time Phaedra has added a dash of magical realism, giving a whimsical, Alice in Wonderland-style vibe to this delightful story of love, yearning, self-discovery and hope.

The characters in this book are relatable and real, with Greta being a protagonist who felt easy to root for. I think we’ve all had times in life where we long for happier times or when we wonder when our life went wrong. At those times, the allure of perfection and the chance to rewrite the narrative of our lives would be strong. Other characters I really enjoyed reading were Iris, the cantankerous coffee shop owner, and Millie, the friend Greta makes in Mapleville who had a fascinating arc.

A feel-good story full of heart, this is the perfect book to read while snuggled up under a blanket on an autumn day. Preferably whilst drinking a hot cup of coffee.

[Trina Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A coffee shop where your dreams are manifested into real life sounds like a dream but for Greta when the dream becomes a reality she realises that the grass isn't always greener.
Greta feels washed up, her marriage is failing and her teenage daughter is no longer the loving child she used to be. As a "commercial" actress she wishes to go back to the perfect life she had whilst filming for Maple Gold coffee. When her wish becomes real, can her life ever be the same again?
This was a fun, whimsical, magical read. A unique read that kept me enthralled throughout. It was entertaining, I really enjoyed it.

[rachel x]

"Welcome to the Time Hop Coffee Shop, where wishes can come true…"

[Danielle | daniellereadslikealot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m always up for magical realism so The Time Hop Coffee Shop was one I was really excited for. At first, I had a hard time feeling sorry for Greta. I thought she was being a little miserable and throwing herself a pity party, but as the book went on, I did feel like I understood her a lot better and related to her in a few ways. I loved the idea of Maple Gold as a town and how Greta slowly learned that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. I liked seeing her relationship with her daughter Lottie find its footing. I did think her husband felt a little bland and didn’t have much personality. I absolutely loved Iris, Millie and Edgar though. The Christmas vibes were there, but they were more subtle instead of being in the forefront of the story. I think if you enjoy magical realism, coffee and alternate universes, this one’s for you!

Thank you to Park Row and HTP Books for the digital readers copy!

[Kaycee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Park Row Books and Harlequin audio for the advance copies.

This book really made me stop and reflect on all the times I wished life was different or I was striving to be perfect and lead a picture perfect life. But perfection is boring. Magical realism, coffee commercials, and rediscovery. What’s not to love?

I enjoyed Patrick’s writing and thought the story was perfect for this time of year, but really for anytime if you are in the mood for self-reflection.

I also listened to the audio of this one and the narration was fantastic. You easily got lost in the study. The pacing, cadence, sound quality, and production were pitch perfect and enhanced this enjoyable read.

[Brittany Kruszewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the audiobook as an ARC through NetGalley, and I enjoyed it so much! This story is heartwarming and whimsical. It’s a little predictable, but I still enjoyed my time with it.

[Stacey Markle · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A magical book about a coffee shop that is sometimes there and sometimes not. Iris is the proprietor of the shop, and makes special brews for each individual (even keeps a jar with the person's name on it.) Greta is the main character who stumbles upon the magical coffee shop, which can take you to another time in your life.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Time Hop Coffee Shop is a novel with a considerable difference as it uses the ‘be careful what you wish for’ analogy to set the plot between the perfect past and the reality of the everyday present.
Greta Perks life is in a terrible mess and no matter what she tries to do about it nothing works. Once the star of the Maple Gold Coffee commercials, she was a woman used to living the dream with a handsome husband and talented young daughter, until it was time to modernise, upgrade and replace their entire family with other people.
She is on a trial separation from her husband, and her daughter is resentful of being driven to do anything she does not want to do. Work has dried up and life is drab, dull, and depressing. Her once glittering career is over!
After an eventful and disastrous evening presenting a talk at a local Café, she is handed a small leaflet about the Time Hop Coffee Shop and decides to investigate what this mysterious place is really offering; in doing so she is delivered into the world of Mapleville, a place where everything is always perfect, just like the world created in the coffee commercials.
This timeslip offers Greta a second chance at what she believes she wants, but she is eventually forced to decide; to let the past and all its shining glory go and grab the present with both hands enjoying life for what has to offer.
Couched within the storyline is a lovely lesson on life, living and accepting delivered in the third person although the overall tone of what looked to be a quirky take on life, failed to deliver.

[Susanne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read that slowly sucked me in, much like Greta and the coffee shop. Such and interesting concept, I was fascinated how it was going to work, and I have to say, like Greta it would be a huge temptation to stay in the perfect world she created with her special coffee.

The character of Millie was interesting as you could see her wanting to change things in her perfectly created world, and for a while I didn’t know what was going to happen, was she going to help Greta make changes and have the two worlds collide? But what actually happened blew my mind. ( you’ll have to read to find out!) it really gets you thinking.

A lovely read, with an identifiable lead character who just wants to hold on to the rose tinted past when she felt needed, loved and seen.

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story brings together a cozy, heartwarming narrative with a touch of daydreaming. We all, at least I hope, have envisioned a different life in our minds that meets our idea of perfection.

Greta Perks, once the star of Maple Gold coffee commercials, faces a downturn in her career and personal life. After discovering a mysterious coffee shop, she wishes for the ideal life from her past. She wakes up in the idyllic town of Mapleville, where everything seems perfect. As she explores this new life and seeks to rewrite her story, Greta must confront the challenge of choosing between a flawless existence and the realities of her actual life, realizing there may be no way back.

In these pages, we follow Greta and her family as she navigates her life. She frequently reflects on how things used to be—her relationships with her daughter and husband. Initially, her nostalgia might seem a bit naive, but don't we all indulge in such thoughts? We often find comfort in revisiting moments or places in our minds, especially when faced with change and challenges in keeping up. The underlying message of the book is clear: things that seem too good to be true often are not what they appear.

The author's vivid descriptions of the coffee shop, the situations Greta encounters, and her evolving character transport you into this hidden gem alongside her. It all feels so inviting until she must return to reality. This delightful tale provides a refreshing break from my usual reading choices, making it perfect for the upcoming season, especially with its Christmas backdrop. It would be an ideal gift for anyone who enjoys daydreaming, unleashing their imagination, or simply seeking an escape from the daily grind.

I had the pleasure of experiencing my first physical ARC, which I paired with the audiobook. The narrator did a fantastic job of bringing the story to life, adding a magical and cozy touch that truly made it feel possible in my mind. There’s a chance for a joyful conclusion, but you’ll need to dive into this story to discover which path Greta takes. So, settle in and immerse yourself in a book that promises to bring extra Christmas magic to your home.

Thank you, The Hive and Harlequin Audio, for the ARC copies. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[April Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have the perfect life? Greta Perks is about to find out in Phaedra Patrick's The Time Hop Coffee Shop,

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for sending me an advance electronic copy of The Time Hop Coffee Shop for review consideration. All opinions are my own. 

Greta Perks is an actor going through a lot. As The Time Hop Coffee Shop begins, she is in the midst of a trial separation from her husband, struggling with a difficult relationship with her teenage daughter and trying to come to terms with the recent loss of her mother. Oh, and her career is not going well either. Greta feels lost and longs for the days when she and her family were the stars of a series of popular commercials for Maple Gold coffee.

Determined to get her life and career back on track, Greta is fumbling for direction when a mysterious flyer appears, leading her to the magical Time Hop Coffee Shop, run by a mysterious owner. The blend of coffee she gives Greta allows her to visit the life she remembers in the perfect world of Maple Gold. But is perfection all it is cracked up to be, and is Greta willing to risk everything for it?

Phaedra Patrick’s characters in The Time Hop Coffee Shop are really relatable, and Greta’s story engaged me from the beginning. It is one of those books that stays with you while you are reading it and I found it hard to put down. This is a story of second chances, loss, resilience and the messy beauty that makes our ordinary day to day lives so special. There are interesting supporting characters woven into the story too, along with a lot of unexpected twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and would recommend it to fans of Sarah Addison Allen, Alice Hoffman, Cecilia Ahern or anyone looking for a lovely, thought-provoking, cosy read.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Time Hop Coffee Shop is a nostalgic take on the "be careful what you wish for trope". In it, Greta used to be a star, though it seems just in commercials for coffee, even if she always wanted more. Now that she and her family have grown and seem to be moving apart, she's lost adrift. When a unique and (don't say it) magical coffee shop gives her a chance to relive her golden days, she goes for it.
Like any wish, there are downsides- cracks in the seeming perfection. Greta does notice, but (frustrating to me) doesn't seem to care, being addicted to her old days. Admittedly, I didn't find her the most likeable main character. In fact, I found her somewhat frustrating, but I think and hope that is what the author meant to do in showing her story arc. As for the story, I'd give it a 3/5 Stars.
However, I was gratefully given access to an audiobook copy, narrated by the lovely Nicola Barber. My feelings on the audiobook are pretty much entirely positive. Nicola was captivating, putting just the right amount of emotion into each character's dialogue and thoughts. There were a few moments where she'd start narrating a sentence that, almost because of the emotion in it, I had thought it was dialogue but then realized it was not.
But overall, it was a very smooth listening experience. She was able to alter some of her tone/style with different characters but not in an over the top way. Honestly, a very smooth listening experience that I'd nearly say a 5/5 for, so I'm going to average out the story and audio with a 4/5 stars.
Thank you very much to NetGalley for an ALC of this story, this was my honest review!!

[Kaitlyn Lopez-Collier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much HTP for the e-arc. All thoughts are my own.

The Time Hop Coffee Shop is a story about a woman named Greta who is an actress and used to star in coffee commercials. When her marriage isn’t doing well and she isn’t quite sure where her life is headed, she comes across this quaint little coffee shop and is transported inside of a coffee commercial in a different time. The world is very colorful and perfect without a rain cloud in sight. She really loves it at first, but then she starts to see through the act. It’s a story that makes you really reflect on your own life and appreciating the rainy days because it makes you love the sunny days even more.

The book makes you feel sadness and a yearning for something that is almost within your grasp but not quite there. I love that it deals with heavier themes than a normal Christmas Hallmark type of story. The author does a great job making the contrast between Mapleville and the real world. One thing that I wasn’t the biggest fan of was the use of metaphors. They felt a little forced and off-putting. But this is one of those books that you’ll love if you need a touch of anything cozy mixed with themes like those from It’s A Wonderful Life.

[Valarie - WoodsyBookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Time Hop Coffee Shop was the perfect blend of fantasy and heartfelt drama.

The story follows Greta, a former coffee commercial star and now out of work actress, as she desperately tries to hold onto her ideals of the past. Greta just wants her teenage daughter and her estranged husband to love her and show some sort of empathy for Greta's current situation, she just wants them to be a picture perfect happy and successful family.

Then Greta receives a mysterious invitation to a coffee shop that might give her everything she's ever wanted, as long as she follows the rules. But, as the age old saying goes, be careful what you wish for.

The story was sweet and there were a lot of heartfelt moments throughout but overall I felt like this story was overly long. At one point the book seemed to be wrapping up but there was still a huge chunk ahead and that seemed to happen a few times throughout the story. I loved the Pleasantville-like town of Mapleville but I felt like this type of story had been done before, a little better, so it wasn't all that engaging. The Time Hop Coffee Shop didn't really offer anything drastically new but it was still a cozy read.