How long has it been since I read the first volume of this strange series? A little more than a year, I think. Here's what I recall from it: the whole book had this wonderfully magic and cozy atmosphere, with an episodic story that could benefit from having more continuity.
Toward the end of volume one, some exciting things were foreshadowed, and volume two follows through. It actually fixes the main criticism I had with the first: advancements are made in the overarching story. Plus, some returning characters make the first book seem a lot less pointless. That's not to say volume one shouldn't exist - it just lacks a consistent storyline.
This probably could be five stars if not for a few small criticisms I still have. For example, a character might be going through a tough time, coming to the magical café for support. But then their problem gets fixed within just a couple minutes, making the whole endeavor feel less serious than it should be.
The other criticisms are mild spoilers that I simply won't talk about. Despite the small issues, it's still a good book.
Overall, I Am a Cat Barista is a delightfully weird and wonderful series, and the second volume is just as great as the first (if not better). There are only these two volumes for now, but as far as I can tell, a third volume might happen eventually.