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Love at the Icicle Café
Can an icicle-themed festival thaw the most unlikely hearts? California lawyer Mina Richards spent her childhood helping her mom bake at their winter-themed café in the snowy village of Gosberg, Germany. When her retired parents want to sell The Icicle Café, Mina returns to facilitate the sale. She needs this to go right—she’ll fly in, finalize the deal and fly out to rescue her once high-powered career. But faced with Scott, her childhood friend and crush who doesn’t want to sell, Mina’s plan quickly falls apart. Rising chef Scott Dawson has turned The Icicle Café into a destination restaurant. His parents and their partners want to sell the café to a hotel chain, and Scott can't meet their price. When Mina arrives—more beautiful and determined than ever—he sees the possibility of a new future for the business and the town he loves. He just needs to change her mind…about more than selling the café. When Scott asks Mina to help with the café’s annual Icicle Fest, their icy relationship warms. Can these former friends find a future together in the snowy village of their past?
240 pages, Paperback
First published December 29, 2020
20 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Denise N. Wheatley
72 books218 followersDenise N. Wheatley is a lover of happily-ever-afters and the art of storytelling. She has written (and ghostwritten) numerous novels and novellas that run the romance gamut, from contemporary to paranormal, sweet to steamy. Denise strives to pen entertaining stories that embody matters of the heart, while creating characters who are strong, colorful and relatable.
She is an RWA member and received a B.A. in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago, the city where she was born and raised. When Denise is not sitting behind a computer, you can find her in a movie theater, on a tennis court, watching true crime television or chatting on social media.
She is an RWA member and received a B.A. in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago, the city where she was born and raised. When Denise is not sitting behind a computer, you can find her in a movie theater, on a tennis court, watching true crime television or chatting on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 6, 2021
This was an adorable story that is a great transition from more holiday-heavy reads. After years of co-owning The Icicle Café in Gosberg, Germany, Mina’s parents are ready to retire and accept the fate of it being sold and replaced by a hotel chain.
After an unexpected trip to attend the last hurrah before the doors officially close, Mina is reacquainted with childhood friend Scott, who will do anything in his power to keep The Icicle Café in the community.
Striving to become partner at her firm, it’s a heartwarming story as Mina begins to compare the charm of Gosberg with her tedious career in patent law, constantly having to juggle the two lives while visiting.
Filled with white horse-drawn carriage rides, delectable desserts, and a gingerbread workshop, it’s a winter wonderland come to life! The developing romance is sweet , but the conflict remains focused primarily on keeping the café open. I would have liked a little more tension between the two characters.
After an unexpected trip to attend the last hurrah before the doors officially close, Mina is reacquainted with childhood friend Scott, who will do anything in his power to keep The Icicle Café in the community.
Striving to become partner at her firm, it’s a heartwarming story as Mina begins to compare the charm of Gosberg with her tedious career in patent law, constantly having to juggle the two lives while visiting.
Filled with white horse-drawn carriage rides, delectable desserts, and a gingerbread workshop, it’s a winter wonderland come to life! The developing romance is sweet , but the conflict remains focused primarily on keeping the café open. I would have liked a little more tension between the two characters.
December 30, 2020
Loved this winter romance!! California lawyer, Mina has returned to Gosberg, Germany where her parents want to sell their small cafe, The Icicle Cafe. Mina has arrived to help with the process but soon she rekindles her friendship with the chef, Scott. Scott was her high school crush and does not want to sell the cafe. Soon Mina is no longer sure where her heart belongs, can the locals and Scott change her mind to stay.
Loved this sweet romance, with all of the wonderful winter activities including the Icicle Festival. If you weren't hungry before reading this story, you will be craving sweets and savory meals. This is a new to me author and thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend.
Loved this sweet romance, with all of the wonderful winter activities including the Icicle Festival. If you weren't hungry before reading this story, you will be craving sweets and savory meals. This is a new to me author and thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend.
July 25, 2022
Have you ever read a blurb for a book and just KNEW that you had to read the book? Love at the Icicle Café by Denise N. Wheatley was one of those books for me. I knew this story belonged on my bookshelf and bought a paperback copy without even reading it.
Love at the Icicle Café is a second-chance love story, that takes place during my favorite time of year, Christmas. My immediate thought upon starting to read the story was, “This story has Hallmark movie written all over it.” As a Christmas lover, I was definitely not disappointed. This is a story that is ultimately about finding a place where you truly belong.
Mina Richards has been working hard to get the next partnership position at her law firm in Clover, California. She’s shocked to receive a phone call from her parents informing her that the café they co-own in Gosberg, Germany is being sold. Adding to her dismay, her parents want her to fly to Germany, represent the family for the last time at the Icicle Fest festival, and deal with the sale. Little does she know, that this trip will change the course of her life.
Scott Dawson has dedicated his whole adult life to making The Icicle Café, the winter-themed restaurant his parents co-own with the Richards a success. And a success it is. The restaurant and menu are nothing like it was when Scott and Mina worked there as high school students. Scott knows that his parents and the Richards want to sell, but he intends to fight for the café and hold out hope that he can find a partner and buy it until the very end.
Over the course of the story, Mina and Scott butt heads often, but they also realize that the feelings they had for each other as teenagers are still there, but in adult form and stronger than ever. After years of not speaking to or seeing each other, they reconnect through shared memories and ultimately a desire to save the café from being sold and demolished.
Love at the Icicle Café was a sweet romance with wonderful characters. The only thing missing were recipes for all the amazing drinks and food mentioned throughout the story.
~ FAVORITE QUOTE ~
“Turmoil makes you tougher, and more appreciative of your life once you start living in your purpose.”
**Personal Purchase**
Love at the Icicle Café is a second-chance love story, that takes place during my favorite time of year, Christmas. My immediate thought upon starting to read the story was, “This story has Hallmark movie written all over it.” As a Christmas lover, I was definitely not disappointed. This is a story that is ultimately about finding a place where you truly belong.
Mina Richards has been working hard to get the next partnership position at her law firm in Clover, California. She’s shocked to receive a phone call from her parents informing her that the café they co-own in Gosberg, Germany is being sold. Adding to her dismay, her parents want her to fly to Germany, represent the family for the last time at the Icicle Fest festival, and deal with the sale. Little does she know, that this trip will change the course of her life.
Scott Dawson has dedicated his whole adult life to making The Icicle Café, the winter-themed restaurant his parents co-own with the Richards a success. And a success it is. The restaurant and menu are nothing like it was when Scott and Mina worked there as high school students. Scott knows that his parents and the Richards want to sell, but he intends to fight for the café and hold out hope that he can find a partner and buy it until the very end.
Over the course of the story, Mina and Scott butt heads often, but they also realize that the feelings they had for each other as teenagers are still there, but in adult form and stronger than ever. After years of not speaking to or seeing each other, they reconnect through shared memories and ultimately a desire to save the café from being sold and demolished.
Love at the Icicle Café was a sweet romance with wonderful characters. The only thing missing were recipes for all the amazing drinks and food mentioned throughout the story.
~ FAVORITE QUOTE ~
“Turmoil makes you tougher, and more appreciative of your life once you start living in your purpose.”
**Personal Purchase**
June 12, 2021
Mina Richards has a thriving career in California as a lawyer. Granted it seems a bit stalled and she is a bit restless about it, but she knows that once she is made a partner, she would have more control over the kind of work she would be doing. So, when her parents ask her to take a trip to Gosberg, Germany to sell their café, Mina plans to make it a quick trip. Go to Germany, sell the café, return to California and get back on the partner track. She didn't count Scott Dawson being a problem. Scott is a rising chef with a stake in the café. His parents are partners in the café too and Scott seems to be the only person who doesn't want to sell it to a hotel chain. He has worked hard to turn The Icicle Café into a destination restaurant and he has further plans. The town's annual Icicle Fest is just around the corner and Scott plans to use the event to change Mina's mind by the end of it.
A sweet story at every level and I mean it. On one hand we have Scott and Mina who have been friends since childhood days. As they reconnect after a while over the sale of the café and the annual Icicle Fest. They realize that the chemistry between them is very real. But the question is, is it enough to bring them together forever?
Read the full review on Bookish Indulgences with b00k r3vi3ws
A sweet story at every level and I mean it. On one hand we have Scott and Mina who have been friends since childhood days. As they reconnect after a while over the sale of the café and the annual Icicle Fest. They realize that the chemistry between them is very real. But the question is, is it enough to bring them together forever?
Read the full review on Bookish Indulgences with b00k r3vi3ws
February 28, 2021
Such a heart warming winter romance! I enjoy stories about reigniting passions, both in love and in purpose. Mina represents so many people who start off in one career and want to whole heartedly succeed in it, but when presented with a different option, or one from the past, they start to doubt the path they are currently on and make choices to move toward happiness. I loved the Icicle Café in the setting of a small village; it gave off the sense of family and the loving homey vibe. I could definitely see this as a Hallmark Christmas movie.
January 19, 2021
I am a huge Denise Wheatley fan, so I couldn't wait to dive into her latest novel! Love at the Icicle Cafe was the perfect overseas romance holiday read! I could actually taste and smell the delicious sweet treats of Germany in this story. Mina and Scott warmed my heart, and I felt like I was reading a Hallmark movie with a tender love story that was bursting with a magical Christmas atmosphere that the author so vividly described.
December 5, 2021
You know the trope where the really successful and so incredibly busy business man is forced to take a break and learns who he is and what he wants in life? This book does all that….but with a fabulous woman instead!! Who, also, bakes like no other. I loved it! All the warm Christmas fuzzies!!
February 14, 2021
Mina and Scott are thrown together again when their parents decide to sell the Icicle Cafe, co-owned by both families. Will they find a way to merge their individual dreams into a shared one? This story is a sweet romance with lots of sweet touches - delicious food and hot beverages, snowy winter activities, and even an icicle festival!
May 2, 2021
I thought Mina and Scott were adorable. I also thought the tension between Mina's desire to make partner in her law firm and her desire to stay in Grosberg, Germany for The Icicle Cafe were good. My problem had to deal with the setting itself and what consistently pulled me out of the story.
Before I go into my critique about the setting, I want to issue some caveats. First, I have never lived in Germany and I do not know what the feel of Germany is. Second, I have a smidge of knowledge about German culture from taking German in college. Third, I did read the letter Denise N. Wheatley had in the beginning of my copy. With that said, let's get into the critique.
In her letter, Denise N. Wheatley mentions this book was inspired by her Dad's experience in Germany when he was stationed there in the military. She also mentioned how by the time she finished this book she felt she was an expert in patent law and German cooking. With those details, I feel I should be transported to a small town in Germany, but I did not get that feel. If I missed the part about Munich International Airport and the references about being in Germany then I would think Mina was still in America.
There were no German phrases used by any of the townspeople, the potential partner, or Mina and Scott. Now writing in a different language can be tricky, especially if you do not speak it, but the phrase "Speaking German, Mina said..." or something along those lines. I am not saying people in Germany do not speak English, but if they are talking with a fellow German-speaker you would think you would hear German more often. You would think the same would occur in the made-up town of Germany. Now if this was based on the author's Dad's military experiences then that would make sense that English would have been spoken more often, but the made-up town of Grosberg was supposed to be a small town and there seems to be no American base near the town. To me, this would mean it would be weird to have the entire town speaking English. Now it could be that everybody is speaking German, but we are just seeing English For example, in graphic novels, there would be these brackets that would have English in them, but the brackets are signifying another language.
Besides the language, there did not seem to be a culture separate from what a number of Americans experience. Sure, there was mentions of bratwurst and schnitzel, but I think a number of Americans have heard of those terms. There are other foods that maybe some Americans have not heard of like quark cheese. There was also mentioned of football, which I taken to mean American football. I have to look this up, but American football is played in Germany even though soccer is still king (American Football International. 2019. "Germany is shifting their attention to American football"). There was also the mentioned of cheerleaders, which I was like "What?!" There are cheerleaders, but according to a 2003 New York Times article it was practically nonexistent 10 years ago (Hong, Euny Y. 2003. Teaching Germany to Grin and Bear Cheerleading). Now I am not an expert in German surnames or first names, but there did not seem to be a lot of those either.
The biggest detail that pulled me out of the story was mentioned of gingerbread houses. It was mentioned that nobody in town knows how to make gingerbread houses and they put up pitiful brown houses (page 81). That shocked me! Gingerbread houses originated in Germany (Avey, Tori. 2013. "The History of Gingerbread." PBS). This is a small town in Germany there should be at least one person who knows how to make gingerbread houses! In the downtown region of my town, a German Christmas market was set-up and one of the local high school's German club was there with some gingerbread creations, including their winning gingerbread house!
All of these details made me feel we were not in Germany. I feel if a book is going to take place in different country then those details should be there. If they are not there then they should be an explanation from the author saying why some readers may not get the feel of being in a different country. Based on Denise N. Wheatley's initial letter, I would think her research would have shown, but unless it was super subtle I feel like it did not show. There was also no acknowledgements page at least in my copy, which would have been a good indicator on the research as well. I wished there was more of an explanation about the setting from the author.
Verdict: The love story, the career tension, and the cafe drama were all good, but the setting was lacking for me.
Before I go into my critique about the setting, I want to issue some caveats. First, I have never lived in Germany and I do not know what the feel of Germany is. Second, I have a smidge of knowledge about German culture from taking German in college. Third, I did read the letter Denise N. Wheatley had in the beginning of my copy. With that said, let's get into the critique.
In her letter, Denise N. Wheatley mentions this book was inspired by her Dad's experience in Germany when he was stationed there in the military. She also mentioned how by the time she finished this book she felt she was an expert in patent law and German cooking. With those details, I feel I should be transported to a small town in Germany, but I did not get that feel. If I missed the part about Munich International Airport and the references about being in Germany then I would think Mina was still in America.
There were no German phrases used by any of the townspeople, the potential partner, or Mina and Scott. Now writing in a different language can be tricky, especially if you do not speak it, but the phrase "Speaking German, Mina said..." or something along those lines. I am not saying people in Germany do not speak English, but if they are talking with a fellow German-speaker you would think you would hear German more often. You would think the same would occur in the made-up town of Germany. Now if this was based on the author's Dad's military experiences then that would make sense that English would have been spoken more often, but the made-up town of Grosberg was supposed to be a small town and there seems to be no American base near the town. To me, this would mean it would be weird to have the entire town speaking English. Now it could be that everybody is speaking German, but we are just seeing English For example, in graphic novels, there would be these brackets that would have English in them, but the brackets are signifying another language.
Besides the language, there did not seem to be a culture separate from what a number of Americans experience. Sure, there was mentions of bratwurst and schnitzel, but I think a number of Americans have heard of those terms. There are other foods that maybe some Americans have not heard of like quark cheese. There was also mentioned of football, which I taken to mean American football. I have to look this up, but American football is played in Germany even though soccer is still king (American Football International. 2019. "Germany is shifting their attention to American football"). There was also the mentioned of cheerleaders, which I was like "What?!" There are cheerleaders, but according to a 2003 New York Times article it was practically nonexistent 10 years ago (Hong, Euny Y. 2003. Teaching Germany to Grin and Bear Cheerleading). Now I am not an expert in German surnames or first names, but there did not seem to be a lot of those either.
The biggest detail that pulled me out of the story was mentioned of gingerbread houses. It was mentioned that nobody in town knows how to make gingerbread houses and they put up pitiful brown houses (page 81). That shocked me! Gingerbread houses originated in Germany (Avey, Tori. 2013. "The History of Gingerbread." PBS). This is a small town in Germany there should be at least one person who knows how to make gingerbread houses! In the downtown region of my town, a German Christmas market was set-up and one of the local high school's German club was there with some gingerbread creations, including their winning gingerbread house!
All of these details made me feel we were not in Germany. I feel if a book is going to take place in different country then those details should be there. If they are not there then they should be an explanation from the author saying why some readers may not get the feel of being in a different country. Based on Denise N. Wheatley's initial letter, I would think her research would have shown, but unless it was super subtle I feel like it did not show. There was also no acknowledgements page at least in my copy, which would have been a good indicator on the research as well. I wished there was more of an explanation about the setting from the author.
Verdict: The love story, the career tension, and the cafe drama were all good, but the setting was lacking for me.
December 30, 2020
I received this arc from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is my first book by Denise and I loved it. I chatted with Denise on the Tule Facebook page during the 24 Days of Cookies event and was excited to read this book when she talked about it. This was a friends to lovers type sweet romance set during the holidays. It takes place in Germany and the pictures of the cafe and the town Denise describes for the reader make you feel you are there.
This is the story of Scott and Mina who are reunited after many years in the town they grew up in. Their dads had been in the military there and their mothers opened a cafe, The Icicle Cafe in Gosberg, Germany. Mina’s parents continued to co-own it but returned to the states to live. Scott’s parents remained there and he took an active lead in running the cafe. He has a gift shop, a coffee bar, restaurant and the annual icicle fest. The parents have announced their desire to retire and sell it to a company that plans to tear it down.
Mina has been working as a patent attorney in California and is on the verge of making partner. Her dad injures his back and asks her to represent their family at the icicle fest since it will be the last fest before the sale. As she is competing against her rival for the promotion she doesn’t want to go, but eventually agrees to go for the few days of the fest.
Mina arrives and Scott is initially cold to her as he is worried about the cafe’s future. After awhile, they rediscover their old friendship. She also learns that the Fest isn’t in 2 days but 2 weeks and she has to decide what to do. She is concerned about her job but decides to wait and see. Her assistant keeps her apprised of what’s happening with her cases. The one partner seems to favor her rival and she ends up losing first one case then a second to him as she’s not there to handle them personally. She spoke to the other partner who reassured her she still had a chance.
Mina is an amazing baker and she makes her special items for sale at the cafe. She is enjoying being there, meeting the staff, spending time with Scott, trying out the food and joining in activities. Scott has a plan to buy the cafe with a partner who owns a chain of family restaurants in Germany. The potential investor will come to the fest to see it. If things don’t work out he will have to announce that the cafe will be closing and disappoint the whole town.
The story pulls you in immediately as the characters are so likable and the story captures your attention. There is some suspense as we don’t know what will happen with the sale of the cafe, Mina’s partnership and the relationship between Scott and Mina. I highly recommend this book. I look forward to Denise’s next book.
This is the story of Scott and Mina who are reunited after many years in the town they grew up in. Their dads had been in the military there and their mothers opened a cafe, The Icicle Cafe in Gosberg, Germany. Mina’s parents continued to co-own it but returned to the states to live. Scott’s parents remained there and he took an active lead in running the cafe. He has a gift shop, a coffee bar, restaurant and the annual icicle fest. The parents have announced their desire to retire and sell it to a company that plans to tear it down.
Mina has been working as a patent attorney in California and is on the verge of making partner. Her dad injures his back and asks her to represent their family at the icicle fest since it will be the last fest before the sale. As she is competing against her rival for the promotion she doesn’t want to go, but eventually agrees to go for the few days of the fest.
Mina arrives and Scott is initially cold to her as he is worried about the cafe’s future. After awhile, they rediscover their old friendship. She also learns that the Fest isn’t in 2 days but 2 weeks and she has to decide what to do. She is concerned about her job but decides to wait and see. Her assistant keeps her apprised of what’s happening with her cases. The one partner seems to favor her rival and she ends up losing first one case then a second to him as she’s not there to handle them personally. She spoke to the other partner who reassured her she still had a chance.
Mina is an amazing baker and she makes her special items for sale at the cafe. She is enjoying being there, meeting the staff, spending time with Scott, trying out the food and joining in activities. Scott has a plan to buy the cafe with a partner who owns a chain of family restaurants in Germany. The potential investor will come to the fest to see it. If things don’t work out he will have to announce that the cafe will be closing and disappoint the whole town.
The story pulls you in immediately as the characters are so likable and the story captures your attention. There is some suspense as we don’t know what will happen with the sale of the cafe, Mina’s partnership and the relationship between Scott and Mina. I highly recommend this book. I look forward to Denise’s next book.
January 15, 2021
Long ago two families were assigned to a unit in Germany while serving in the US Military and the wives decided to open a café there and it soon took off, lasting decades. Now the question is will it stand the test of time and be passed down to the next generation or will the family business come to an end with a new developer just eyeing the property.
Mina is working as a patent lawyer in California and set to make partner in the very near future. In fact if the cases she is working on continue down the road they are going, she should outdo the rival at her firm and it should happen before the holidays. But those plans are soon put on hold when her dad hurts his back and her mom tells her they are about to sell the bakery they own in Gosberg, Germany. Agreeing to go in their stead for just a few days to handle everything, Mina is met with a few more surprises, including a major change or two to her plans. Like the rival at the firm rushing some things and taking over her cases. So while going back to California and staying in law is what she wants, maybe it be admitting that love is in the air with a long time family friend, the one she had a crush on and taking over the family business is what needs to be?
Scott has run the cafe for awhile and in fact even expanded it by offering a gift shop and a coffee shop in it as well. When his parents tell him that the Icicle Café is about to be sold, he is heartbroken because it means his dream could be coming to an end. He doesn’t even have the heart to tell the staff about the plans. So when Mina shows up for the sale, he is firm in his ways, hoping that by being a little cold maybe she won’t realize that all along he had feelings for her too, plus maybe it will buy him a little more time to find a partner to buy the business. It all depends on how well things go at the Icicle Festival, that isn’t in 2 days like Mina thinks, but in 2 weeks. If he can do some convincing like getting her help baking some things that she is incredible at, it might bring some new light on both of their plans.
This book was one I ordered long ago when it was first mentioned and I am so glad I did. It did not disappoint me at all. In some parts I felt like I was in Germany in this place that I have heard about before. With her words you could just close your eyes and find yourself there. It was a great read and I definitely recommend you add it to your list no matter what time of year it is! I can’t wait to read some of her upcoming books!
Mina is working as a patent lawyer in California and set to make partner in the very near future. In fact if the cases she is working on continue down the road they are going, she should outdo the rival at her firm and it should happen before the holidays. But those plans are soon put on hold when her dad hurts his back and her mom tells her they are about to sell the bakery they own in Gosberg, Germany. Agreeing to go in their stead for just a few days to handle everything, Mina is met with a few more surprises, including a major change or two to her plans. Like the rival at the firm rushing some things and taking over her cases. So while going back to California and staying in law is what she wants, maybe it be admitting that love is in the air with a long time family friend, the one she had a crush on and taking over the family business is what needs to be?
Scott has run the cafe for awhile and in fact even expanded it by offering a gift shop and a coffee shop in it as well. When his parents tell him that the Icicle Café is about to be sold, he is heartbroken because it means his dream could be coming to an end. He doesn’t even have the heart to tell the staff about the plans. So when Mina shows up for the sale, he is firm in his ways, hoping that by being a little cold maybe she won’t realize that all along he had feelings for her too, plus maybe it will buy him a little more time to find a partner to buy the business. It all depends on how well things go at the Icicle Festival, that isn’t in 2 days like Mina thinks, but in 2 weeks. If he can do some convincing like getting her help baking some things that she is incredible at, it might bring some new light on both of their plans.
This book was one I ordered long ago when it was first mentioned and I am so glad I did. It did not disappoint me at all. In some parts I felt like I was in Germany in this place that I have heard about before. With her words you could just close your eyes and find yourself there. It was a great read and I definitely recommend you add it to your list no matter what time of year it is! I can’t wait to read some of her upcoming books!
December 16, 2020
I adore sweet holiday romances that transport the reader to a far-off dreamy locale, and this book does just that. The fictional town of Gosberg, Germany is a Christmas dream, complete with tasty treats, pretty decorations, and a big, fun event called Icicle Fest.
Mina Richards is a hard-working lawyer who has become a bit bored with patent law and wants to make partner so she has more control over her cases and workload. She's dedicated to her job, but with her parents unable to fly to Germany to represent their business, the Icicle Cafe, at the festival, Mina must go in their place.
Once she's in Gosberg, Mina meets up with childhood friend Scott, and together they run the cafe (his family owns half the business) while she balances managing the cafe with her lawyer work. Of course the balance isn't easy and Mina has to make choices on which responsibility to prioritize, all while getting to know Scott better as they reconnect.
I really enjoyed this read. The story is fun, the romance is sweet, and I found both Mina and Scott likeable and easy to root for as a couple. This was the perfect read for a Christmas where I'm really wishing for a getaway but can't--this book felt like a wonderful vacation.
* Note: I won a free copy of this book from Tule Publishing's 24 days of cookies giveaway event.
Mina Richards is a hard-working lawyer who has become a bit bored with patent law and wants to make partner so she has more control over her cases and workload. She's dedicated to her job, but with her parents unable to fly to Germany to represent their business, the Icicle Cafe, at the festival, Mina must go in their place.
Once she's in Gosberg, Mina meets up with childhood friend Scott, and together they run the cafe (his family owns half the business) while she balances managing the cafe with her lawyer work. Of course the balance isn't easy and Mina has to make choices on which responsibility to prioritize, all while getting to know Scott better as they reconnect.
I really enjoyed this read. The story is fun, the romance is sweet, and I found both Mina and Scott likeable and easy to root for as a couple. This was the perfect read for a Christmas where I'm really wishing for a getaway but can't--this book felt like a wonderful vacation.
* Note: I won a free copy of this book from Tule Publishing's 24 days of cookies giveaway event.
December 29, 2020
Love at the Icicle Café is written by a new to me author, Denise N. Wheatley. “Friends to lovers” is one of my favorite tropes. Scott and Mina were childhood friends but have since gone separate ways. Mina is now a California lawyer and Scott stayed to become a chef. Loved the idea of The Icicle Café being a destination restaurant. How uniquely fun would that be. It’s very different from the many sun and surf ones that abound. So from the first I was rooting for the restaurant not to change to a big corporate ownership. Then Scott and Mina fit so well together I was rooting for their future too.
A sweet story will a believable plot and authentic characters makes Love at the Icicle Café an incredible read. The descriptions of the German town, the café and the food seemed so real that I felt that I had been on a minivacation. Perfect story for this time of limited travel. This is an author I will be watching to read more of her books.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A sweet story will a believable plot and authentic characters makes Love at the Icicle Café an incredible read. The descriptions of the German town, the café and the food seemed so real that I felt that I had been on a minivacation. Perfect story for this time of limited travel. This is an author I will be watching to read more of her books.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 23, 2020
I love to travel at Christmastime, I love seeing how people outside of the US celebrate the holidays!🎄
Love at the Icicle Cafe by Denise Wheatley is exactly what I needed this holiday season!! Mina Richards travels back to Gosberg Germany to help with the sale of her parent’s cafe.
I have to tell you I love love love Christmastime in Germany. They have beautiful Christmas markets and you walk around shopping while sipping delicious hot gluhwein, which is similar to mulled wine.😋
Mina has been under a lot of stress lately, trying to make partner at her law firm, but when she travels back to Germany, she starts to realize what’s really important in life. Her trip brings back amazing memories and she finds herself enjoying things had hadn’t in a long time. Scott is the manager at the Icicle Cafe, and as teenagers they had a brief relationship. Will they start to have feelings again? I loved waiting to see what would happen.🧜🏼♀️🌺
Thank you @denise_wheatley_writer for Advanced Reader’s Copy, Love at the Icicle Cafe is available on December 29th!!
Love at the Icicle Cafe by Denise Wheatley is exactly what I needed this holiday season!! Mina Richards travels back to Gosberg Germany to help with the sale of her parent’s cafe.
I have to tell you I love love love Christmastime in Germany. They have beautiful Christmas markets and you walk around shopping while sipping delicious hot gluhwein, which is similar to mulled wine.😋
Mina has been under a lot of stress lately, trying to make partner at her law firm, but when she travels back to Germany, she starts to realize what’s really important in life. Her trip brings back amazing memories and she finds herself enjoying things had hadn’t in a long time. Scott is the manager at the Icicle Cafe, and as teenagers they had a brief relationship. Will they start to have feelings again? I loved waiting to see what would happen.🧜🏼♀️🌺
Thank you @denise_wheatley_writer for Advanced Reader’s Copy, Love at the Icicle Cafe is available on December 29th!!
December 4, 2020
A sweet second chance romance
Two old friends, Mina and Scott, are brought together again to finalize the sale of their beloved family restaurant, The Icicle Cafe, in Gosberg, Germany. But first, there is one event that the entire town looks forward to each year, the Icicle Fest. Mina and Scott work together to make it the best one yet. As they spend time together, they discover the chemistry they once had is still there. But is it strong enough for Mina to stay in Germany, or will she go back to her life in California? And, will they be able to save the cafe from being sold and turned into a hotel?
This is the first book I have read by this author and it definitely won't be the last. She has a way of telling a story that drew me in from the very beginning. The characters felt real along with the descriptions of the cafe and town of Gosberg in the winter, really came to life through her words. I could easily see this book as a movie.
Two old friends, Mina and Scott, are brought together again to finalize the sale of their beloved family restaurant, The Icicle Cafe, in Gosberg, Germany. But first, there is one event that the entire town looks forward to each year, the Icicle Fest. Mina and Scott work together to make it the best one yet. As they spend time together, they discover the chemistry they once had is still there. But is it strong enough for Mina to stay in Germany, or will she go back to her life in California? And, will they be able to save the cafe from being sold and turned into a hotel?
This is the first book I have read by this author and it definitely won't be the last. She has a way of telling a story that drew me in from the very beginning. The characters felt real along with the descriptions of the cafe and town of Gosberg in the winter, really came to life through her words. I could easily see this book as a movie.
January 30, 2021
Like a cup of hot chocolate, this book is sweet, warm, and a joy to read on a cold winter's night.
Mina is up for a promotion but finds herself in Germany in the town where she grew up, helping at the Icicle Cafe`, and readying for the festival. Seeing her old friend Scott brings up feelings, but she's trying to stay focused on her career back home.
Scott is trying to save the cafe` from an impending sale, thinking of a future expansion restaurant, and finding ways to keep Mina involved. He needs an investor and for Mina to believe in his plan.
As they work together, romance starts to bloom, but Mina still has one foot out the door, despite continual sabotage by a coworker up for the same promotion. As she bakes and creates desserts for the cafe`, Mina wonders just what she wants in life. Could she see a future at the Icicle Cafe` with Scott? The clock is ticking...
Mina is up for a promotion but finds herself in Germany in the town where she grew up, helping at the Icicle Cafe`, and readying for the festival. Seeing her old friend Scott brings up feelings, but she's trying to stay focused on her career back home.
Scott is trying to save the cafe` from an impending sale, thinking of a future expansion restaurant, and finding ways to keep Mina involved. He needs an investor and for Mina to believe in his plan.
As they work together, romance starts to bloom, but Mina still has one foot out the door, despite continual sabotage by a coworker up for the same promotion. As she bakes and creates desserts for the cafe`, Mina wonders just what she wants in life. Could she see a future at the Icicle Cafe` with Scott? The clock is ticking...
December 30, 2020
This is a gorgeous sweet romance that I thoroughly enjoyed
Mina is a attorney in California and she is working hard to become a partner and gain more control over the cases she takes She needs to take some time off to head to Gosberg, Germany on behalf of her parents to handle the sale of their café to a local hotel chain The only thing is this puts her back in contact with her childhood friend Scott Dawson his parents are part owners of the Icicle Café and he has been running it for a while. He convinces her to help with the Icicle Fest, and he hopes to convince her not to sell as he can't match the hotels offer. Soon he is hoping for more as he falls for his old friend Will she rethink her plans and can they have a future together You will have to read to see
Mina is a attorney in California and she is working hard to become a partner and gain more control over the cases she takes She needs to take some time off to head to Gosberg, Germany on behalf of her parents to handle the sale of their café to a local hotel chain The only thing is this puts her back in contact with her childhood friend Scott Dawson his parents are part owners of the Icicle Café and he has been running it for a while. He convinces her to help with the Icicle Fest, and he hopes to convince her not to sell as he can't match the hotels offer. Soon he is hoping for more as he falls for his old friend Will she rethink her plans and can they have a future together You will have to read to see
December 28, 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it from start to finish. Denise Wheatley takes us to a magical town in Germany at Christmas time. It is a beautiful town that honestly while reading this book will make you forget all the things going on in the world and you can just picture yourself walking around in this cute town. I thought that characters where beautifully written. The story line was for me was magical, romantic, sweet and so much fun to read. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2021
A great read.
Mina is reluctantly in Germany to help out with the sale of her parents restaurant. While she is there she reconnects with Scott, her childhood friend. Will the festive atmosphere and her new friends be enough to convince her to get some work life balance and give a new life a chance?
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
Mina is reluctantly in Germany to help out with the sale of her parents restaurant. While she is there she reconnects with Scott, her childhood friend. Will the festive atmosphere and her new friends be enough to convince her to get some work life balance and give a new life a chance?
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
December 29, 2020
Love at the Icicle Café by Denise N. Wheatley
Can an icicle-themed festival thaw the most unlikely hearts?
California lawyer Mina Richards spent her childhood helping her mom bake at their winter-themed café in the snowy village of Gosberg, Germany. When her retired parents want to sell The Icicle Café, Mina returns to facilitate the sale. She needs this to go right—she’ll fly in, finalize the deal and fly out to rescue her once high-powered career. But faced with Scott, her childhood friend and crush who doesn’t want to sell, Mina’s plan quickly falls apart.
Rising chef Scott Dawson has turned The Icicle Café into a destination restaurant. His parents and their partners want to sell the café to a hotel chain, and Scott can’t meet their price. When Mina arrives—more beautiful and determined than ever—he sees the possibility of a new future for the business and the town he loves. He just needs to change her mind…about more than selling the café.
When Scott asks Mina to help with the café’s annual Icicle Fest, their icy relationship warms. Can these former friends find a future together in the snowy village of their past?
This is Mina Richards and Scott Dawson's story.
“I’m so glad I was able to help you win your case,” patent attorney Mina Richards said.
“We wouldn’t have been able to do it without you,” Jim Stern, owner of Colorblind Solution Lenses, replied. “Trust me, the next time we need to hit someone with an infringement claim, I’ll be giving you a call.”
Mina led Jim through the lobby of Anderson & Moore LLP. “Thank you. It would be my pleasure to represent you again,” she said, shaking his hand before he exited the law firm.
“Betty was telling me about all the wonderful upgrades Scott has made since we were there last year. He’s expanded the menu, begun selling winter-themed décor and books, and hosts cooking and crafting workshops on weekends.” “Oh wow. That sounds fantastic. I’m sure the townspeople and tourists are loving it.”
Along with all the upgrades he’s made to the café, he is also planning to ramp up this year’s Icicle Fest. He’s going to throw an even bigger parade, host a ton of new vendors, run several winter-themed contests, and
offer up even more good food and music.” “Really?” Mina asked. “That is going to be amazing. I love that Scott has worked so hard to expand the Icicle brand.”
I recommend reading.
Love at the Icicle Café by Denise N. Wheatley is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Denise N. Wheatley
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Can an icicle-themed festival thaw the most unlikely hearts?
California lawyer Mina Richards spent her childhood helping her mom bake at their winter-themed café in the snowy village of Gosberg, Germany. When her retired parents want to sell The Icicle Café, Mina returns to facilitate the sale. She needs this to go right—she’ll fly in, finalize the deal and fly out to rescue her once high-powered career. But faced with Scott, her childhood friend and crush who doesn’t want to sell, Mina’s plan quickly falls apart.
Rising chef Scott Dawson has turned The Icicle Café into a destination restaurant. His parents and their partners want to sell the café to a hotel chain, and Scott can’t meet their price. When Mina arrives—more beautiful and determined than ever—he sees the possibility of a new future for the business and the town he loves. He just needs to change her mind…about more than selling the café.
When Scott asks Mina to help with the café’s annual Icicle Fest, their icy relationship warms. Can these former friends find a future together in the snowy village of their past?
This is Mina Richards and Scott Dawson's story.
“I’m so glad I was able to help you win your case,” patent attorney Mina Richards said.
“We wouldn’t have been able to do it without you,” Jim Stern, owner of Colorblind Solution Lenses, replied. “Trust me, the next time we need to hit someone with an infringement claim, I’ll be giving you a call.”
Mina led Jim through the lobby of Anderson & Moore LLP. “Thank you. It would be my pleasure to represent you again,” she said, shaking his hand before he exited the law firm.
“Betty was telling me about all the wonderful upgrades Scott has made since we were there last year. He’s expanded the menu, begun selling winter-themed décor and books, and hosts cooking and crafting workshops on weekends.” “Oh wow. That sounds fantastic. I’m sure the townspeople and tourists are loving it.”
Along with all the upgrades he’s made to the café, he is also planning to ramp up this year’s Icicle Fest. He’s going to throw an even bigger parade, host a ton of new vendors, run several winter-themed contests, and
offer up even more good food and music.” “Really?” Mina asked. “That is going to be amazing. I love that Scott has worked so hard to expand the Icicle brand.”
I recommend reading.
Love at the Icicle Café by Denise N. Wheatley is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Denise N. Wheatley
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
dnf
February 13, 2022This has a really cute premise but I sadly gave up at the 43% mark because it just wasn't working for me. It started out promising but I quickly found myself irritated by certain aspects.
I found the chemistry between our H/h was lacking and honestly, a bit awkward at the beginning when they meet up again after years apart. As this is a romance, I found it pretty disappointing that I felt zero sparks. There was also some potential OW drama brewing and I'm honestly kind of over pitting women against each other over a man in any book I read.
I also found it incredibly unrealistic that everyone spoke English in this small German town in the middle of nowhere and that there was very little to distinguish the setting as actually being in Germany as opposed to some small-nowhere town in America or any other English speaking country. It was slightly annoying and I just wasn't getting into it.
Overall, I'm sad this wasn't for me cos it did sound like it had the potential to be a cute read!
I found the chemistry between our H/h was lacking and honestly, a bit awkward at the beginning when they meet up again after years apart. As this is a romance, I found it pretty disappointing that I felt zero sparks. There was also some potential OW drama brewing and I'm honestly kind of over pitting women against each other over a man in any book I read.
I also found it incredibly unrealistic that everyone spoke English in this small German town in the middle of nowhere and that there was very little to distinguish the setting as actually being in Germany as opposed to some small-nowhere town in America or any other English speaking country. It was slightly annoying and I just wasn't getting into it.
Overall, I'm sad this wasn't for me cos it did sound like it had the potential to be a cute read!
May 16, 2021
A festive winter read that is set in a quaint town in Germany. A charming cafe hosts the towns Icicle Festival. Mina is a lawyer, up for partner, in California and goes to Germany to act in her parents stead for the festival. This was very much a harlequin romance of a book. The plot was thin and the romance was very g-rated. That said it would make an excellent Hallmark movie. These books are kind of like Indiana Jones in that you kind of have to dispense with the notion of reality and just go with the story. You will see plot holes but they really don't matter, since you're in it for the ride.
November 30, 2022
The pacing on this was very slow for me. I found this nice. I had a really hard time teasing out the relationship between Scott and Mina. It felt like we saw more of Mina interacting with people from the town and her assistant back in California than with Scott. They very rarely got one-on-one time to explore how they had changed as people since high school and how they felt about each other. You didn't even get to read how Mina thought Scott's actions made her feel about him emotionally. On a romance level, it just felt disconnected. There is no burn in this, let alone a slow one and just two or three kisses. It's a very, staid nice Hallmark-level story.
September 19, 2021
Mina Richards enjoyed her time growing up in Gosberg, Germany. Her family and the Dawson family went into business together and started the Icicle Cafe. Now that the families are getting older they want to retire and that means going back to Germany for Mina to represent her family for the Icicle Festival. I absolutely loved the characters Scott and Mina and the whole small town coming together for a festival just makes you feel at home.
November 15, 2020
I voluntarily read a advanced reader’s copy of this book for honest opinion.
A new to me author that I will for sure checking out more books by Denise N. Wheatley. Her book Love at the Icicle Cafe. I loved the setting in Germany. Enjoyed the characters and storyline. A possible second chance at friendship and romance. I look forward to reading more by this author.
A new to me author that I will for sure checking out more books by Denise N. Wheatley. Her book Love at the Icicle Cafe. I loved the setting in Germany. Enjoyed the characters and storyline. A possible second chance at friendship and romance. I look forward to reading more by this author.
November 29, 2020
This was a very enjoyable read that somehow reminded me of learning to drive a stick shift, I could feel Mina’s feelings shifting gears.
Oh and somehow all the foods and pastry kept me wanting to try new foods and sweets.
Yes I would recommend this one.
I was given an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my review.
Oh and somehow all the foods and pastry kept me wanting to try new foods and sweets.
Yes I would recommend this one.
I was given an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my review.
January 23, 2022
Reunited Love
Former High Schoolers now they are grown up, and making a life for themselves. Mina a patent attorney, and Scott a restauranteur; she hails from Calif, and he from Germany. This story was sweetly woven and very clean. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Wheatley’s works. This was my first novel and the story didn’t disappoint.
Former High Schoolers now they are grown up, and making a life for themselves. Mina a patent attorney, and Scott a restauranteur; she hails from Calif, and he from Germany. This story was sweetly woven and very clean. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Wheatley’s works. This was my first novel and the story didn’t disappoint.
November 17, 2020
The very likely sale of a two family owned café brings a couple together as they try to save the café. The play between Scott and Mina is sweet.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 13, 2021
Oh my STARS!! I absolutely devoured this book in an afternoon!! It was full of food, family, and so much love! Mina is a patent lawyer in California trying to make partner at her firm but she’s up against an arrogant male for the position. Scott is running the Icicle Cafe in Gosberg, Germany that his parents co-own along with Mina’s. He had hopes and dreams to expand the cafe into a high end restaurant where he would be the chef but his parents are ready to retire. Mina is sent to Germany to represent her parents at the Icicle Festival and these two fall seemingly into step with each other. Will Scott save the cafe? Will Mina make partner? Will these two reignite an old flame? If you’re looking for a well written and sweet romance, definitely check this one out!
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