The house on Mulberry Street

Best friends become lovers in Chin's sparkling third Blue Cedar Falls romance (after Return to Cherry Blossom Way). Aspiring artist Elizabeth Wu sets out to organize an independent artist festival in her small North Carolina hometown, recruiting help from her best friend and roommate, Graham Lewis, who works for the mayor's office. But Graham throws a wrench into her plan when he abruptly announces that he's bought a house and will be moving out soon. Unbeknownst to Elizabeth, Graham has had feelings for her for years, and this is his attempt to finally move on. But as they plan the festival together, Elizabeth begins to see Graham in a different light as well. Is exploring their feelings worth risking their friendship? Chin takes the time to establish a genuine feeling of closeness and history between the pair, making the stakes--that a failed romance might ruin what they have--feel both believable and urgent. She also doesn't shy away from the awkwardness of the transition from friends to lovers, opening up some charming and realistic comedic opportunities. The result is a grounded and winsome love story. Agent: Emily Sylvan Kim, Prospect Agency. (Mar.)