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Coffee & Cream Café Mystery #5
Soft Serve Sleighing
From author Lena Gregory comes a delightfully delicious cozy mystery...
With most of Eastern Long Island closed down for a blizzard, Danika Delaney and her friends are holed up in her old fashioned malt shop, the Coffee & Cream Café, with ice cream and hot chocolate. However, their plans to wait out the storm in cozy company are interrupted when a popular YouTuber and her two companions show up at the door—they've been trapped by the storm, and Dani generously offers to serve them breakfast. But her generosity isn't rewarded in kind, as the reviewer then tries to extort money from Dani in exchange for a good review! When the storm finally clears, Dani is happy to have seen the last of them.
Or so she thought.
Dani and her friends decide to go sleigh riding the morning after the storm clears, but instead of a winter wonderland, they find the extorting YouTuber...dead! To make matters worse, Dani suddenly finds herself accused of the woman's murder. Intent on restoring her reputation, Dani sets out to prove she didn’t do it. This is one storm she's not sure she can weather...
What critics are saying about Lena
"Readers are going to fall in LOVE. I can tell you right now that this series is going to be a huge success!!!"
~Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
"I didn’t want it to end!"
~Kings River Life Magazine
"Author Lena Gregory sure didn’t disappoint. She cooked up a tale so tasty I devoured it!"
~Lisa Ks Book Reviews
With most of Eastern Long Island closed down for a blizzard, Danika Delaney and her friends are holed up in her old fashioned malt shop, the Coffee & Cream Café, with ice cream and hot chocolate. However, their plans to wait out the storm in cozy company are interrupted when a popular YouTuber and her two companions show up at the door—they've been trapped by the storm, and Dani generously offers to serve them breakfast. But her generosity isn't rewarded in kind, as the reviewer then tries to extort money from Dani in exchange for a good review! When the storm finally clears, Dani is happy to have seen the last of them.
Or so she thought.
Dani and her friends decide to go sleigh riding the morning after the storm clears, but instead of a winter wonderland, they find the extorting YouTuber...dead! To make matters worse, Dani suddenly finds herself accused of the woman's murder. Intent on restoring her reputation, Dani sets out to prove she didn’t do it. This is one storm she's not sure she can weather...
What critics are saying about Lena
"Readers are going to fall in LOVE. I can tell you right now that this series is going to be a huge success!!!"
~Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
"I didn’t want it to end!"
~Kings River Life Magazine
"Author Lena Gregory sure didn’t disappoint. She cooked up a tale so tasty I devoured it!"
~Lisa Ks Book Reviews
- GenresCozy Mystery
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2025
8 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 8, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The Coffee & Cream Café is closed due to a blizzard that has dumped a bunch of snow on Eastern Long Island. Dani and her friends Eli and Gwen have decided to wait out the storm together at the cafe. Eli really wants to go out to build a snowman but before he can get Gwen and Dani to agree they hear someone pounding on the door. When Dani opens the door a woman rudely pushes her way in followed by two friends. The woman turns out to be a TikTok influencer with a huge following that Dani nor her friends have ever heard of. They apparently expect Dani to serve them breakfast and she does her best with what she has on hand. While she is doing that Eli does a little online investigation and learns their “guest” is Brynleigh Star, a restaurant reviewer, and her reviews can be downright nasty. But then the woman makes them an offer to purchase a “membership” for a 5-star review. Not ready or able to purchase such a thing Brynleigh promises a 1-star review and she and her friends leave without even paying for their meal.
With the shop still closed Dani, Eli, Gwen, and Dani’s sister Meghan decide to go tubing on a nearby hill. After a bit of hilarity, they finally make it to the top of the hill ready to have a great time. Instead, Dani’s tube goes off the beaten path and right into a very dead Brynleigh Star. Worse yet, one of the dead woman’s friends accuses Dani of killing her.
Can Dani clear her name? or will the evidence pile up against her? If she thought the blizzard was bad, when her boyfriend Detective Jake Barlow finds out she is snooping around his case he may freeze her out completely!
The characters in this series are so much fun. Danika Delaney isn’t the most graceful person, in fact: she is kind of a clutz but she has a huge heart with friends who love her and will come to her rescue no matter what. She took over the ice cream shop from her Uncle Jimmie and added coffee and more to the menu to keep it open year-round. He comes into the cafe almost every day to do anything he can to help her succeed. They have a really sweet relationship. Her family is a hoot and a half especially when they get together for Sunday dinner. You never know what her Aunt Miriam is going to say or what Dani’s mother has on her mind. Dani tries to bring as many of her friends as she can for support.
I enjoyed how Dani and her friends banded together to try to find more information or evidence to send the police in a different direction. The victim had ticked off more than Dani on her short visit. After talking to a few people Eli comes up with a wild idea but Dani hesitates because she knows Jake wants her to be safe and out of his investigation. Of course, they go with Eli’s plan which leads to crazy chaos that almost sends Jake over the edge along with “every Delaney known to man”. But wait, there’s more . . . Dani finds more evidence hidden in the cafe . . . and finds herself in another pickle. I swear the pages were going so fast my Kindle should have had steam rolling out of it. From the moment the influencer’s body was found until the case was wrapped it was like I was reading at warp speed.
Watchogue, New York had a blizzard like we used to get here in Wisconsin. With global warming, we get less snow every year with maybe one or two snow events. While my body wouldn’t let me I know my grandchildren would love tubing down a big hill. Sadly, we would have to go somewhere and pay to do it on manmade snow. I do have some great memories when I was their age. Cemetery Hill was the place to sled and toboggan in the old days.
Soft Serve Sleighing takes readers on a fantastic ride with wonderful characters and sensational mystery. An entertaining must-read for cozy lovers! Read the entire series in order for maximum enjoyment.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
The Coffee & Cream Café is closed due to a blizzard that has dumped a bunch of snow on Eastern Long Island. Dani and her friends Eli and Gwen have decided to wait out the storm together at the cafe. Eli really wants to go out to build a snowman but before he can get Gwen and Dani to agree they hear someone pounding on the door. When Dani opens the door a woman rudely pushes her way in followed by two friends. The woman turns out to be a TikTok influencer with a huge following that Dani nor her friends have ever heard of. They apparently expect Dani to serve them breakfast and she does her best with what she has on hand. While she is doing that Eli does a little online investigation and learns their “guest” is Brynleigh Star, a restaurant reviewer, and her reviews can be downright nasty. But then the woman makes them an offer to purchase a “membership” for a 5-star review. Not ready or able to purchase such a thing Brynleigh promises a 1-star review and she and her friends leave without even paying for their meal.
With the shop still closed Dani, Eli, Gwen, and Dani’s sister Meghan decide to go tubing on a nearby hill. After a bit of hilarity, they finally make it to the top of the hill ready to have a great time. Instead, Dani’s tube goes off the beaten path and right into a very dead Brynleigh Star. Worse yet, one of the dead woman’s friends accuses Dani of killing her.
Can Dani clear her name? or will the evidence pile up against her? If she thought the blizzard was bad, when her boyfriend Detective Jake Barlow finds out she is snooping around his case he may freeze her out completely!
The characters in this series are so much fun. Danika Delaney isn’t the most graceful person, in fact: she is kind of a clutz but she has a huge heart with friends who love her and will come to her rescue no matter what. She took over the ice cream shop from her Uncle Jimmie and added coffee and more to the menu to keep it open year-round. He comes into the cafe almost every day to do anything he can to help her succeed. They have a really sweet relationship. Her family is a hoot and a half especially when they get together for Sunday dinner. You never know what her Aunt Miriam is going to say or what Dani’s mother has on her mind. Dani tries to bring as many of her friends as she can for support.
I enjoyed how Dani and her friends banded together to try to find more information or evidence to send the police in a different direction. The victim had ticked off more than Dani on her short visit. After talking to a few people Eli comes up with a wild idea but Dani hesitates because she knows Jake wants her to be safe and out of his investigation. Of course, they go with Eli’s plan which leads to crazy chaos that almost sends Jake over the edge along with “every Delaney known to man”. But wait, there’s more . . . Dani finds more evidence hidden in the cafe . . . and finds herself in another pickle. I swear the pages were going so fast my Kindle should have had steam rolling out of it. From the moment the influencer’s body was found until the case was wrapped it was like I was reading at warp speed.
Watchogue, New York had a blizzard like we used to get here in Wisconsin. With global warming, we get less snow every year with maybe one or two snow events. While my body wouldn’t let me I know my grandchildren would love tubing down a big hill. Sadly, we would have to go somewhere and pay to do it on manmade snow. I do have some great memories when I was their age. Cemetery Hill was the place to sled and toboggan in the old days.
Soft Serve Sleighing takes readers on a fantastic ride with wonderful characters and sensational mystery. An entertaining must-read for cozy lovers! Read the entire series in order for maximum enjoyment.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
February 12, 2025
4.5 stars
I have loved this series by Lena Gregory from the beginning, but I think Soft Serve Sleighing is my favorite installment to date! The character development thus far has made for some really fun layers by this point, not the least of which is their evolving interpersonal relationships. Dani, Gwen, Eli, Luca, Jake (dreamy sigh), and Dani’s quirky family – including her sister Meghan and her endearing Uncle Jimmie – all just delight me, and I love the affectionate humor with which the author writes them.
In Soft Serve Sleighing, Dani and company run afoul of a self-absorbed influencer who winds up dead after trying to extort Dani for a positive review of her cafe. With swoony Detective Jake on the scene, Dani is fortunately safe from truly being considered a suspect but the actual suspects do continue to cause havoc in her cafe. Never fear, though, Dani’s cohorts have her back and do so in ways that sometimes cracked me up (looking at you, Eli). This team of amateur sleuths are so enthusiastic and equally as engaging together, and the author continues to develop their layers so that they feel as real as my own friends and family. The mystery itself has plenty of red herrings and perfectly-placed clues to keep the story moving, and some of the situations Dani finds herself in this time around have an added benefit of moving her relationship with Jake forward too. (Something I could not be more thrilled about!)
Bottom Line: Soft Serve Sleighing by Lena Gregory dishes up another clever mystery with great characters and lots of fun! I always love my time with Dani and her zany crew, and the witty humor between them – and courtesy of Dani’s first person narration – is particularly on point in this 5th book. I also love the warm affection that Dani’s friends and family show her, and a scene with her Uncle Jimmie made my whole heart grin big. The suspects are a who’s who of mostly unlikeable personalities, some of their antics leaving my jaw dropped on a couple of occasions, and I really enjoyed tagging along on Dani’s amateur sleuthing. Though Eli might be the hero this time around (also, I just love him!). Round out this killer sundae with enough simmering heat between Dani and Jake to melt the blizzard outside, and I’m a very happy reader!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
I have loved this series by Lena Gregory from the beginning, but I think Soft Serve Sleighing is my favorite installment to date! The character development thus far has made for some really fun layers by this point, not the least of which is their evolving interpersonal relationships. Dani, Gwen, Eli, Luca, Jake (dreamy sigh), and Dani’s quirky family – including her sister Meghan and her endearing Uncle Jimmie – all just delight me, and I love the affectionate humor with which the author writes them.
In Soft Serve Sleighing, Dani and company run afoul of a self-absorbed influencer who winds up dead after trying to extort Dani for a positive review of her cafe. With swoony Detective Jake on the scene, Dani is fortunately safe from truly being considered a suspect but the actual suspects do continue to cause havoc in her cafe. Never fear, though, Dani’s cohorts have her back and do so in ways that sometimes cracked me up (looking at you, Eli). This team of amateur sleuths are so enthusiastic and equally as engaging together, and the author continues to develop their layers so that they feel as real as my own friends and family. The mystery itself has plenty of red herrings and perfectly-placed clues to keep the story moving, and some of the situations Dani finds herself in this time around have an added benefit of moving her relationship with Jake forward too. (Something I could not be more thrilled about!)
Bottom Line: Soft Serve Sleighing by Lena Gregory dishes up another clever mystery with great characters and lots of fun! I always love my time with Dani and her zany crew, and the witty humor between them – and courtesy of Dani’s first person narration – is particularly on point in this 5th book. I also love the warm affection that Dani’s friends and family show her, and a scene with her Uncle Jimmie made my whole heart grin big. The suspects are a who’s who of mostly unlikeable personalities, some of their antics leaving my jaw dropped on a couple of occasions, and I really enjoyed tagging along on Dani’s amateur sleuthing. Though Eli might be the hero this time around (also, I just love him!). Round out this killer sundae with enough simmering heat between Dani and Jake to melt the blizzard outside, and I’m a very happy reader!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
February 1, 2025
When a blackmailing TikToker meets an untimely demise in the snow, Dani Delaney is unexpectedly involved in another murder investigation.
Soft Serve Sleighing is the fifth fun entry in author Lena Gregory’s outstanding, cozy Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries, and, once again, Dani Delaney finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. With its comfortable, familiar Long Island setting and its likable recurring cast of characters, I was quickly drawn into the latest story of murder and intrigue in the little town of Watchogue.
Dani is the series’s main character and the owner and operator of the local ice cream and coffee café, having taken the business over from her Uncle Jimmie. Now, in the dead of winter, the addition of coffee and pastries to the former “ice cream only” parlor’s offerings is starting to pay off with a clientele of regulars from the local population when a blizzard hits the town and shuts everything down. When three young women appear at the closed café, Dani feels obligated to open up just for them, even after their leader, Brynleigh Star, a TikTok influencer, unjustly bashes the local B&B where they are staying. The three proceed to order numerous items from the menu and demand tastes of all the specialty ice cream dishes, then insinuate they’ll only post a 5-star review of the café if Dani subscribes to one of their outrageously expensive memberships. When Dani fails to take the bait, they walk their check. The next day, when Dani finds the instigator dead in the snow near the B&B on the town’s favorite hill for sledding, she begins to look like suspect number one!The plot progresses swiftly from setup to the discovery of the murder, and I didn’t want to put the book down at all as the fun amateurs followed their instincts. I appreciated how Dani has to walk a fine line between definitively clearing her name and staying on the right side of her police detective boyfriend, Jake Barlow, who wants her as far away from the case as possible. However, it was fun watching Dani, Gwen, and Eli dance around the rules and work through the clues they had, many of which had fallen into their laps via some other very talkative suspects. After four previous books in this fun series, I really felt like I knew these characters. There are some good suspects, with everyone having a bone to pick with the very unlikable victim, but the truth isn’t too obvious. It was an entertaining story all the way to the final reveal.
I recommend SOFT SERVE SLEIGHING to cozy mystery readers, especially fans of the previous books in the series.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
April 6, 2025
Soft Serve Sleighing is the fifth book in the Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries series.
There is a blizzard in Long Island, all the shops in town are closed, including the café, and Dani, Eli, and Gwen are getting bundled up to go to outside and play. There's a knock on the door and Brynleigh, a highly popular business reviewing YouTuber, and her crew are scouting the town trying to find somewhere to eat. Dani offers to let them in and feed them but her kindness isn't reciprocated when Brynleigh tries to extort money from her. Dani is happy to see them leave her establishment.
The next day, after the storm clears, Dani, Elie, and Gwen meet Megan at the sledding hill. As Dani loses control on her tube, she careens into some snow covered bushes, and right into the dead body of the extorting YouTuber. Between the issues with the woman yesterday and find her body today, Dani finds herself at the top of the suspect list. Knowing she didn't do it, and having an alibi to boot, Dani dons her sleuthing cap again, in hopes to clear her name, and not get caught in the murderer's crosshairs.
Lena Gregory has dished up another winner with Soft Serve Sleighing. A cleverly crafted mystery, delightful characters, and a fun small town with the infamous busybodies just gives this series such realism. I loved being back in this world.
The murder mystery was well-developed, and I was completely engaged in the group's search for the suspect. There are many twists and turns, and every time I thought I solved the murder, the arc shifted, and we were chasing down someone else. I was surprised at the various characters who were targeted as suspects and shocked at how the story actually ended. I didn't see part of the reveal coming.
I loved every single page of this book from the characters, the setting, the mystery, and the author's writing style. I found myself totally immersed in every facet of Soft Serve Sleighing. The pacing was perfect and once I started the book, I just couldn't put it down.
There is a blizzard in Long Island, all the shops in town are closed, including the café, and Dani, Eli, and Gwen are getting bundled up to go to outside and play. There's a knock on the door and Brynleigh, a highly popular business reviewing YouTuber, and her crew are scouting the town trying to find somewhere to eat. Dani offers to let them in and feed them but her kindness isn't reciprocated when Brynleigh tries to extort money from her. Dani is happy to see them leave her establishment.
The next day, after the storm clears, Dani, Elie, and Gwen meet Megan at the sledding hill. As Dani loses control on her tube, she careens into some snow covered bushes, and right into the dead body of the extorting YouTuber. Between the issues with the woman yesterday and find her body today, Dani finds herself at the top of the suspect list. Knowing she didn't do it, and having an alibi to boot, Dani dons her sleuthing cap again, in hopes to clear her name, and not get caught in the murderer's crosshairs.
Lena Gregory has dished up another winner with Soft Serve Sleighing. A cleverly crafted mystery, delightful characters, and a fun small town with the infamous busybodies just gives this series such realism. I loved being back in this world.
The murder mystery was well-developed, and I was completely engaged in the group's search for the suspect. There are many twists and turns, and every time I thought I solved the murder, the arc shifted, and we were chasing down someone else. I was surprised at the various characters who were targeted as suspects and shocked at how the story actually ended. I didn't see part of the reveal coming.
I loved every single page of this book from the characters, the setting, the mystery, and the author's writing style. I found myself totally immersed in every facet of Soft Serve Sleighing. The pacing was perfect and once I started the book, I just couldn't put it down.
January 30, 2025
Soft Serve Sleighing by Lena Gregory is the 5th book in the charming Coffee & Cream Cafe Mystery Series. A blizzard has the Eastern Long Island town of Watchogue shut down and snowed in. When Danika “Dani” Delaney, owner of the Coffee & Cream Cafe, kindly opens her door to three young women, even though she’s closed, she also opens herself to another murder investigation!
You can read Soft Serve Sleighing as a standalone, but I absolutely recommend the whole series. It’s one of my favorite cozy mystery series and has some of my favorite characters. I really don’t mind the snow, though a week of it is plenty for me! I’m done with it right now! However, I DO love reading books set in a blizzard or ones that have snow in general. As long as I’m not dealing with the snow, I’m good.
Well, Eli, a twenty-something computer tech genius and waiter/busboy/whatever at Dani’s cafe is going stir crazy. He also happens to be one of Dani’s best friends, so he convinces her, Gwen (another best friend), and Meghan (her sister whom Eli has a serious crush on) to go sledding down the big hill by the B&B. Did I mention that Eli cannot sit still for more than a few minutes at a time? He’s one of my favorite characters! It’s hilarious reading what he’ll come up with next. So, sledding. It’s cold and since they rarely have snow, it’s something they haven’t done in a long time! Well, it turns out, Dani probably won’t want to go again for a long time since her first time down the hill lands her in some bushes where a body just happens to be hidden. And so it begins! Dani and company are on the case (much to the chagrin of her detective boyfriend’s chagrin)!
I loved this cozy mystery immensely! As I said, it’s got some of my favorite characters. In addition to Eli, there’s also Uncle Jimmie who is quirky and loves Dani fiercely. He used to be the owner of the cafe but since he’s getting older (and forgetful) Dani returned to their small town to take over. I love Dani’s family with all of its quirkiness. I love watching Dani and Jake interact. They’re not quite at the officially a couple stage yet, but I’m sure they’ll get there eventually! The “guest” characters are also well-written and serve a purpose…red herrings anyone?
Soft Serve Sleighing is a page-turning cozy mystery that will keep you guessing! It’s well-plotted with outstanding characters and lots of humor! I highly recommend it and give it 5 huge stars!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
You can read Soft Serve Sleighing as a standalone, but I absolutely recommend the whole series. It’s one of my favorite cozy mystery series and has some of my favorite characters. I really don’t mind the snow, though a week of it is plenty for me! I’m done with it right now! However, I DO love reading books set in a blizzard or ones that have snow in general. As long as I’m not dealing with the snow, I’m good.
Well, Eli, a twenty-something computer tech genius and waiter/busboy/whatever at Dani’s cafe is going stir crazy. He also happens to be one of Dani’s best friends, so he convinces her, Gwen (another best friend), and Meghan (her sister whom Eli has a serious crush on) to go sledding down the big hill by the B&B. Did I mention that Eli cannot sit still for more than a few minutes at a time? He’s one of my favorite characters! It’s hilarious reading what he’ll come up with next. So, sledding. It’s cold and since they rarely have snow, it’s something they haven’t done in a long time! Well, it turns out, Dani probably won’t want to go again for a long time since her first time down the hill lands her in some bushes where a body just happens to be hidden. And so it begins! Dani and company are on the case (much to the chagrin of her detective boyfriend’s chagrin)!
I loved this cozy mystery immensely! As I said, it’s got some of my favorite characters. In addition to Eli, there’s also Uncle Jimmie who is quirky and loves Dani fiercely. He used to be the owner of the cafe but since he’s getting older (and forgetful) Dani returned to their small town to take over. I love Dani’s family with all of its quirkiness. I love watching Dani and Jake interact. They’re not quite at the officially a couple stage yet, but I’m sure they’ll get there eventually! The “guest” characters are also well-written and serve a purpose…red herrings anyone?
Soft Serve Sleighing is a page-turning cozy mystery that will keep you guessing! It’s well-plotted with outstanding characters and lots of humor! I highly recommend it and give it 5 huge stars!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
February 2, 2025
SOFT SERVE SLEIGHING by Lena Gregory
The Fifth Coffee & Cream Café Mystery
It's a blizzard! Danika Delaney and her friends are snug inside her shop ,the Coffee & Cream Café, as severe winter conditions have shut down all of Watchogue. The arrival of three young women in the midst of a snow storm shouldn't be cause for alarm, but trouble starts when Brynleigh Star, the YouTube influencer, tries to extort Dani in exchange for a good review, then leaves without paying for the multitude of food the trio consumed. Still seething Dani tries to embrace winter fun by giving in to her friend's desire to go sledding. But a wild ride down the town's only hill leads Dani right into Brynleigh's dead body. With the woman's entourage calling Dani a murderer and a brawl breaking out in her shop Dani and her friends once again find themselves in the midst of a murder investigation. Will they be able to put the killer on ice?
There may be a blizzard outside, but SOFT SERVE SLEIGHING will warm your heart. I love this series so much and this fifth entry is a great addition. The friendship between Dani, Eli, and Gwen is a treasure. They would do anything for each other whether it be tracking down a killer or building a snowman! That level of devotion makes the horribleness of Brynleigh Star and her "friends" all the more upsetting.
The mystery was complex with lots of possibilities to explore. I appreciated how Dani tried to let Jake and the police investigate without becoming too involved, but how could she say no to Eli. And what trouble she get into being an armchair detective? Plenty. Serious danger impacts everything and there are plenty of heart pounding and heart stopping moments!
Love and laughter fill SOFT SERVE SLEIGHING with joy, creating a fun and memorable mystery. So grab a bowl of ice cream, no matter the weather, and settle in for a satisfying read!
The Fifth Coffee & Cream Café Mystery
It's a blizzard! Danika Delaney and her friends are snug inside her shop ,the Coffee & Cream Café, as severe winter conditions have shut down all of Watchogue. The arrival of three young women in the midst of a snow storm shouldn't be cause for alarm, but trouble starts when Brynleigh Star, the YouTube influencer, tries to extort Dani in exchange for a good review, then leaves without paying for the multitude of food the trio consumed. Still seething Dani tries to embrace winter fun by giving in to her friend's desire to go sledding. But a wild ride down the town's only hill leads Dani right into Brynleigh's dead body. With the woman's entourage calling Dani a murderer and a brawl breaking out in her shop Dani and her friends once again find themselves in the midst of a murder investigation. Will they be able to put the killer on ice?
There may be a blizzard outside, but SOFT SERVE SLEIGHING will warm your heart. I love this series so much and this fifth entry is a great addition. The friendship between Dani, Eli, and Gwen is a treasure. They would do anything for each other whether it be tracking down a killer or building a snowman! That level of devotion makes the horribleness of Brynleigh Star and her "friends" all the more upsetting.
The mystery was complex with lots of possibilities to explore. I appreciated how Dani tried to let Jake and the police investigate without becoming too involved, but how could she say no to Eli. And what trouble she get into being an armchair detective? Plenty. Serious danger impacts everything and there are plenty of heart pounding and heart stopping moments!
Love and laughter fill SOFT SERVE SLEIGHING with joy, creating a fun and memorable mystery. So grab a bowl of ice cream, no matter the weather, and settle in for a satisfying read!
February 5, 2025
My review on NovelsAlive.com can be read by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2025/02/05/4-...
Soft Serve Sleighing is the fifth book in the Coffee and Cream Café Mystery series by Lena Gregory. It was a fun-filled read with so many clues, red herrings, injuries, crimes committed, and, of course, Dani as the amateur sleuth. She and her sidekicks, also known as her friends and sister, once again try to figure out whodunnit.
This is the third book in the series I’ve read, and I look forward to reading more. There were some laugh-out-loud moments, along with numerous friends, family, small businesses, community members, more gossip than you can imagine, and living life in a small town on Long Island.
The story is set in the cold of winter and has a good flow with several twists and turns, along with multiple stories. Once again, Dani is always in the thick of things and figures out whodunnit, which wasn’t who I expected. There was closure and maybe even a chance for more romance in Dani’s future. A cute title and a detail-filled cover immediately drew me in.
Soft Serve Sleighing was a fast-paced read with several clues to sift through as we tried to figure out whodunnit. Pull up a seat, grab a coffee and a snack, and see if you can figure out who committed the crimes.
https://novelsalive.com/2025/02/05/4-...
Soft Serve Sleighing is the fifth book in the Coffee and Cream Café Mystery series by Lena Gregory. It was a fun-filled read with so many clues, red herrings, injuries, crimes committed, and, of course, Dani as the amateur sleuth. She and her sidekicks, also known as her friends and sister, once again try to figure out whodunnit.
This is the third book in the series I’ve read, and I look forward to reading more. There were some laugh-out-loud moments, along with numerous friends, family, small businesses, community members, more gossip than you can imagine, and living life in a small town on Long Island.
The story is set in the cold of winter and has a good flow with several twists and turns, along with multiple stories. Once again, Dani is always in the thick of things and figures out whodunnit, which wasn’t who I expected. There was closure and maybe even a chance for more romance in Dani’s future. A cute title and a detail-filled cover immediately drew me in.
Soft Serve Sleighing was a fast-paced read with several clues to sift through as we tried to figure out whodunnit. Pull up a seat, grab a coffee and a snack, and see if you can figure out who committed the crimes.
February 6, 2025
Dani Delaney is snowed in with her friends at her Long Island malt shop. When a Youtube influencer comes in to escape the storm and try her food, she also tries to extort Dani in exchange for a favorable online review. The unpleasant woman is found dead shortly after this, and Dani works with her friends to solve the mystery.
I wanted to read this book because I love cozy mysteries and have enjoyed the Coffee & Cream Cafe mystery series.
This was a fun read. I was so engrossed in the story that I read in all my spare time, wanting to know who did it. I suspected the murderer and enjoyed Dani's detecting.
Dani has gotten bolder as an amateur detective and found herself in a couple of dangerous situations in this book as a result. I really like the way she works with her best friends and sister to solve the mysteries - they make such a great team.
I also enjoyed Dani's evolving romance with police detective Jake! They make a great couple.
I recommend Soft Serve Sleighing - and this entire series - for fans of cozy mysteries. It's one of my favorite cozy series and I never miss a book.
I wanted to read this book because I love cozy mysteries and have enjoyed the Coffee & Cream Cafe mystery series.
This was a fun read. I was so engrossed in the story that I read in all my spare time, wanting to know who did it. I suspected the murderer and enjoyed Dani's detecting.
Dani has gotten bolder as an amateur detective and found herself in a couple of dangerous situations in this book as a result. I really like the way she works with her best friends and sister to solve the mysteries - they make such a great team.
I also enjoyed Dani's evolving romance with police detective Jake! They make a great couple.
I recommend Soft Serve Sleighing - and this entire series - for fans of cozy mysteries. It's one of my favorite cozy series and I never miss a book.
January 19, 2025
Soft Serve Sleighing another wild, funny, and entertaining visit with Dani of the Coffee & Cream Cafe' series set on eastern Long Island. A blizzard has hit and shut the town down. Dani's sister and friends are staying upstairs over the shop during the weather and then playing in the snow on the hill of the B&B...until Dani discovers the body of a self-centered You-tuber. As per usual, the crew sets out to find the killer, against boyfriend Detective Jake's wishes. And danger, crazy schemes, and lots of funny moments await the group as they wander too close to the possible suspects. I really enjoy this series and this new one is no exception. Dani and Jake are fun to watch as are the others characters, all great characters and an ice cream shop is so fun but might make you want to go find some.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review from the publisher. These are my thoughts.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review from the publisher. These are my thoughts.
December 27, 2024
I love this series. Book 5 already and they keep getting better. This wonderful cast of characters keeps it appeal and grows on me more and more each story. Dani is a super main character, her trio of sleuths include her tech savvy barista Eli, bestie Gwen, and sister Meghan. And three cheers for her boyfriend (detective) Jake. You also get to love Uncle Jimmie who ran the ice cream shop before Dani took over and turned it into "Coffee & Cream Cafe".
This time a social media influencer comes to town and causes all kinds of trouble. The plot is intricate and there are plenty of possible suspects. Dani finds herself involved once again when the cafe gets a bad review. This is just plain fun, enjoyable reading. They stand alone, but you won't want to miss a story so I recommend starting at the beginning.
This time a social media influencer comes to town and causes all kinds of trouble. The plot is intricate and there are plenty of possible suspects. Dani finds herself involved once again when the cafe gets a bad review. This is just plain fun, enjoyable reading. They stand alone, but you won't want to miss a story so I recommend starting at the beginning.
December 16, 2024
Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story. This is part of the “All-Day Café” series. The characters are well-done and continue to develop, but I have to say that Eli is my favorite character. Well, him and Uncle Jimmy. Danika and her friends are once again looking into a murder – and it’s a good think Dani has an alibi. The victim is as nasty as they come and it seems that nobody is sorry she’s gone, plus there are a lot of suspects. I will admit that I pretty much knew who the killer was early on, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the read. Danika’s family is great as are her friends. And Jake – the love interest – isn’t bad either.
Recommended.
Recommended.
January 8, 2025
Dani reluctantly agrees to venture out for some winter fun after her café is forced to close due to a snowstorm. Little does she know, her day takes a dark turn when she unexpectedly stumbles upon a dead body—the very person who had recently attempted to extort money from her. Her boyfriend, Jake, is leading the investigation and is adamant about keeping her out of it. However, Dani's curiosity gets the better of her, and what starts as a bit of innocent sleuthing quickly spirals into something much more complex.
This series is one of my favorites. The characters are realistic, and the blend of mystery, suspense, and romance makes for an enjoyable read.
This series is one of my favorites. The characters are realistic, and the blend of mystery, suspense, and romance makes for an enjoyable read.
February 27, 2025
I was excited to see that this book was again better than the last one, and even more so to find the stakes really high for a cosy. Which I love, sometimes the cosies can get a bit too soft and I miss the thrill of a thriller. Not that this leans toward thriller, it remains a solid cosy but yeah, I enjoyed the bit darker case.
Even more so I liked the deep friendships Dani has with her merry band and I loved the deepening relationship with Jake. It looks good for that couple and I have my fingers crossed that this will continue. So looking forward to the next book and curious, when that will come out.
Even more so I liked the deep friendships Dani has with her merry band and I loved the deepening relationship with Jake. It looks good for that couple and I have my fingers crossed that this will continue. So looking forward to the next book and curious, when that will come out.
January 22, 2025
Soft Serve Sleighing is another tasty mystery with a blackmailing YouTube vlogger who turns up dead! You do not want to miss this trip to the ice cream shop! Dani and her crew are waiting out a blizzard that shuts down the town. As always, there are plenty of suspects, several possible motives, and a bit of danger. Against Detective Jake's wishes, Dani and friends plunge headlong into solving the latest murder. I am always sad when I reach the end of the adventure.
February 2, 2025
While hanging out during a snowstorm that has businesses closed Dani, Eli and Gwen have a bit of winter fun until they are interrupted by a social media influencer who tries to extort money for a good review. Then while the gang are tubing with the rest of the town Dani finds said influencers dead body. This leads to a whole host of trouble. What a whirlwind this was. Absolutely loved it. I especially love the dynamic developing between Meghan and Eli.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book,
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book,
January 28, 2025
Dani knew she should have stayed home when what should have been a fun snow day with friends ends up with her finding another dead body. Not being able to help it, they throw themselves in the middle of it all causing some additional problems. Great story, love the characters and the coffee/ice cream shop setting. A must read! Pick up a copy to see what happens.
January 9, 2025
Such a great series! I always look forward to the one coming out next. This one did not disappoint. There are several “bad guys”, with different levels of “badness”. Of course, Dani gets in trouble and her friends try to help her (in some crazy ways). And there’s a surprise ending!
March 12, 2025
Best So Far
This is the best story so far in the series. The pacing is tremendous and you are entertained going from chapter to chapter until the very end. The characters continue to grow and Dani remains a great heroine.
This is the best story so far in the series. The pacing is tremendous and you are entertained going from chapter to chapter until the very end. The characters continue to grow and Dani remains a great heroine.
February 1, 2025
I received a copy from the publisher.
This is a great series with great characters. Always look forward to the next book.
This is a great series with great characters. Always look forward to the next book.
December 31, 2024
Wow! A lot packed into this fifth book of a fun series... Well the ice cream parlor/coffee cafe is the fun. However, once the blogger who tried to extort money from the owner Dani, in exchange for a good review, was found murdered, the book turned serious. Friends, family, and a special detective are challenged to the very end. I loved the diversity of characters and some subplots that caught me by surprise. Now I can't wait for the next in the series and see how things continue!
February 4, 2025
The coffee and ice cream café is going great for Dani Delaney, even selling ice cream in the dead of winter. Who can resist ice cream at any time of the year? When TikTok influencer Brynleigh Star and her entourage visit the café unannounced before opening hours, Dani graciously allows them inside and serves ice cream waffle sandwiches and coffee gratis. Dani is hopeful that Brynleigh provides a positive review on her channel which will draw in more customers into the café. The opposite occurs - Brynleigh writes a nasty and scathing review. To add fuel to the fire, Brynleigh attempts to extort Dani out of a huge amount of money to purchase a 5-star membership package to her The Buzz TikTok account in exchange for a positive review. Then Brynleigh is found dead in a snow bank and Dani is immediately looked at as the prime suspect.
Dani and her sister and friends help to prove that she is innocent and not the only victim of the TikTok star's extortion plots.
Thank you to the publisher for a review copy.
Dani and her sister and friends help to prove that she is innocent and not the only victim of the TikTok star's extortion plots.
Thank you to the publisher for a review copy.
January 28, 2025
Soft Serve Sleighing is the 5th fabulous book in Lena Gregory's Coffee & Cream Cafe Mysteries and it is one of my favorite series. The characters are wonderful and the cozy mystery kept me guessing. Dani is running her Uncle Jimmie's ice cream shop and she has added coffee and muffins to the menu. Dani's best friends are Gwen and Eli and her sister Meghan. Dani is dating Detective Jake Bar!ow and their relationship is interesting and he definitely adds to the story. There is a blizzard and a YouTube reviewer and her 2 companions show up looking for breakfast and then the reviewer tries to extort money from Dani. Things take a turn for the worse when the reviewer ends up dead. The suspects are the reviewer's 2 friends, 2 boyfriends, and a couple of locals. Dani ends up in a couple of dicey situations from being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I changed my mind about who I suspected which makes it fun. This book and series are quintessential cozy mysteries with a very likable main character and a fun and supportive sleuthing group. I couldn't put the book down and I enjoyed every minute! I am looking forward to more books. I received an advance reader copy from Author Lena Gregory and I voluntarily leave this review. #SoftServeSleighing #Coffee&CreamCafeMysteries #GemmaHallidayPublishing #LenaGregory
July 7, 2025
Another entertaining entry in such a page-turning cozy mystery series! I love being back with Dani and her friends, and this time in the middle of a blizzard. The writing is so vivid I felt chilled while reading it – easily visualizing the huge drifts of snow. The combination of the cozy details of Dani’s delicious cafe and the twists and turns of a well-plotted and layered mystery made for a story I inhaled in one day! I didn’t see the resolution coming and let me tell you, it was a nail-biter. I kept wondering how Dani would find her way out of this mess. There’s also a lovely bit towards the end about Dani and her romantic life that I adored. Just a great cozy mystery series featuring wonderful characters in a charming small town. I almost feel like I’m watching a TV show as I get lost in these stories!
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