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Blue Cedar Falls #3
The House on Mulberry Street
For these two small-town best friends, sharing a kiss might be the worst mistake of their lives—or the best thing that's ever happened to them.
Between helping at her family’s inn and teaching painting, Elizabeth Wu has put her dream of being an artist on the back burner. But her plan to launch an arts festival will boost the local Blue Cedar Falls arts scene and give her a showcase for her own work. If only she can get the town council on board. At least she can rely on her dependable best friend Graham to support her. Except lately, he hasn’t been acting like his old self, and she has no idea why.
Graham Lewis has been secretly in love with Elizabeth forever, but it’s past time that he faces the cold, hard truth: vivacious, amazing Elizabeth will never see him as anything but a platonic pal. He’s going to help her get the festival off the ground, but after that he needs to forget his one-sided crush. Until one impulsive kiss changes everything. Can they really rebuild their entire relationship—and the festival—from the ground up? Or will it all come crashing down?
Between helping at her family’s inn and teaching painting, Elizabeth Wu has put her dream of being an artist on the back burner. But her plan to launch an arts festival will boost the local Blue Cedar Falls arts scene and give her a showcase for her own work. If only she can get the town council on board. At least she can rely on her dependable best friend Graham to support her. Except lately, he hasn’t been acting like his old self, and she has no idea why.
Graham Lewis has been secretly in love with Elizabeth forever, but it’s past time that he faces the cold, hard truth: vivacious, amazing Elizabeth will never see him as anything but a platonic pal. He’s going to help her get the festival off the ground, but after that he needs to forget his one-sided crush. Until one impulsive kiss changes everything. Can they really rebuild their entire relationship—and the festival—from the ground up? Or will it all come crashing down?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2023
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January 27, 2023
The House on Mulberry Street is the third book in the Blue Cedar Falls series. And I think it is just as good or better than the previous novel, Return to Cherry Blossom Way.
Though it is possible to read the novel as a standalone, I highly recommend that the series be read in order, beginning with The Inn on Sweetbriar Lane.
Elizabeth Wu is the youngest of the Wu sisters and the most unconventional. Her two older sisters have established and sucessful careers, while she is still trying to find her place in the universe. Known as the rebel without a cause, Elizabeth has bucked the system for most of her life. She even got arrested with her best friend, Graham Lewis. A minor infraction, but still…
Both Elizabeth and Graham have been best friends since grade school. They have kept their relationship platonic for over a decade, and have been roommates for a number of years. But unlike Elizabeth, Graham has wanted more. And as Graham’s fondness for Elizabeth goes unrequited, he purchases a house on Mulberry Street so that both he and Elizabeth can go on with their respective lives. But doing so only makes Graham want more. And Elizabeth starts to realize that maybe she has more feelings for Graham than she thought.
The House on Mulberry Street was by far my favorite book in the series. I loved the main characters of Elizabeth and Graham. Their personalities shine through in this novel — quirky, impulsive and artsy Elizabeth, and geeky and predictable Graham. And if you read the prior novels, the whole picture of the town and the townsfolk are on full display.
As you can guess, the plot follows the friends to lovers trope. But this novel blends in family relationships in a beautiful way. It is more than a romance novel in that Chin deftly inserts the family dynamics from all angles. The sisterhood angle really shines here.
Jeannie Chin is sure to become your next favorite romance author. Five oustanding stars.
I received a digital ARC from Forever (GCP) through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Though it is possible to read the novel as a standalone, I highly recommend that the series be read in order, beginning with The Inn on Sweetbriar Lane.
Elizabeth Wu is the youngest of the Wu sisters and the most unconventional. Her two older sisters have established and sucessful careers, while she is still trying to find her place in the universe. Known as the rebel without a cause, Elizabeth has bucked the system for most of her life. She even got arrested with her best friend, Graham Lewis. A minor infraction, but still…
Both Elizabeth and Graham have been best friends since grade school. They have kept their relationship platonic for over a decade, and have been roommates for a number of years. But unlike Elizabeth, Graham has wanted more. And as Graham’s fondness for Elizabeth goes unrequited, he purchases a house on Mulberry Street so that both he and Elizabeth can go on with their respective lives. But doing so only makes Graham want more. And Elizabeth starts to realize that maybe she has more feelings for Graham than she thought.
The House on Mulberry Street was by far my favorite book in the series. I loved the main characters of Elizabeth and Graham. Their personalities shine through in this novel — quirky, impulsive and artsy Elizabeth, and geeky and predictable Graham. And if you read the prior novels, the whole picture of the town and the townsfolk are on full display.
As you can guess, the plot follows the friends to lovers trope. But this novel blends in family relationships in a beautiful way. It is more than a romance novel in that Chin deftly inserts the family dynamics from all angles. The sisterhood angle really shines here.
Jeannie Chin is sure to become your next favorite romance author. Five oustanding stars.
I received a digital ARC from Forever (GCP) through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 19, 2023
The House on Mulberry Street by Jeannie Chin
Blue Cedar Falls series #3. Contemporary romance. Own voice. Can be read as a stand-alone. Characters from the previous books are included but not dependent. Friends to lovers.
Elizabeth and Graham have been best friends since grade school. They’re roommates. They are friends that snuggle and watch tv and have meals together. They know their faults, habits and family issues. They are BFF’s. What Elizabeth doesn’t know, is that Graham is in love with her and he’s decided to buy a house and try to be independent from her. Elizabeth is devastated and she pushes to know why he’s tearing them apart.
So begins their self assessment to learn anew what they want in the future. Town events, family drama and friends all play parts to enrich their day-to-day living.
Graham is a great bff here. He totally supports her and helps Elizabeth’s proclivity to be late by telling her an earlier time for appointments as well of other ways. I highlighted so many great passages from his perspective but include only one here. “He liked her. Like, liked her liked her.”
It’s emotional and a journey of growth for both Elizabeth and Graham as they make the commitment to love each other. There is a lot more to the story with family dynamics and planning an art festival and additional town conflicts.
Rich in details and comforting in the wrapping.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Blue Cedar Falls series #3. Contemporary romance. Own voice. Can be read as a stand-alone. Characters from the previous books are included but not dependent. Friends to lovers.
Elizabeth and Graham have been best friends since grade school. They’re roommates. They are friends that snuggle and watch tv and have meals together. They know their faults, habits and family issues. They are BFF’s. What Elizabeth doesn’t know, is that Graham is in love with her and he’s decided to buy a house and try to be independent from her. Elizabeth is devastated and she pushes to know why he’s tearing them apart.
So begins their self assessment to learn anew what they want in the future. Town events, family drama and friends all play parts to enrich their day-to-day living.
Graham is a great bff here. He totally supports her and helps Elizabeth’s proclivity to be late by telling her an earlier time for appointments as well of other ways. I highlighted so many great passages from his perspective but include only one here. “He liked her. Like, liked her liked her.”
It’s emotional and a journey of growth for both Elizabeth and Graham as they make the commitment to love each other. There is a lot more to the story with family dynamics and planning an art festival and additional town conflicts.
Rich in details and comforting in the wrapping.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
March 4, 2023
Are you more attracted to romances set in small towns or big cities? Is a country inn or a castle more appealing to you?
The House on Mulberry Street
By Jeannie Chin
Blue Cedar Falls (3 books)
Pub Date: 07 Mar 2023
Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Forever
Hachette Book Group
Multicultural Interest | Romance
#Bookmail #Review
359 pgs.
The House on Mulberry Street by Jeannie Chin is book three in the Blue Cedar Falls series, but it can easily be read standalone. While I have only read this book in this series, I am eager to learn more about the Wu-Miller family, the Sweetbriar Inn, and Blue Cedar Falls.
Delicious small town romances are my favorite genre. It's even more appealing if it's a charming plot about friends who become lovers. Graham and Elizabeth grew up together and share a wonderful childhood bond. Graham has always kept his love for Elizabeth a secret. His fear is that they will never be more than friends. Despite their best efforts to start Elizabeth's art festival, will an impromptu kiss ruin their plans?
Thank you Jeannie Chin @JeannieCWrites @HachetteBookGroup and @ReadForeverPub for my complimentary copy of this beautiful book. It was a pleasure to read and review. I look forward to reading more from Jeannie Chin.
#TheHouseOnMulberryStreet #JeannieChin #BlueCedarFalls #HachetteBooksSocialClub #HachetteBooks #HachetteGo #HachetteBookGroup #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #blogtour #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #Audible #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagram
The House on Mulberry Street
By Jeannie Chin
Blue Cedar Falls (3 books)
Pub Date: 07 Mar 2023
Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Forever
Hachette Book Group
Multicultural Interest | Romance
#Bookmail #Review
359 pgs.
The House on Mulberry Street by Jeannie Chin is book three in the Blue Cedar Falls series, but it can easily be read standalone. While I have only read this book in this series, I am eager to learn more about the Wu-Miller family, the Sweetbriar Inn, and Blue Cedar Falls.
Delicious small town romances are my favorite genre. It's even more appealing if it's a charming plot about friends who become lovers. Graham and Elizabeth grew up together and share a wonderful childhood bond. Graham has always kept his love for Elizabeth a secret. His fear is that they will never be more than friends. Despite their best efforts to start Elizabeth's art festival, will an impromptu kiss ruin their plans?
Thank you Jeannie Chin @JeannieCWrites @HachetteBookGroup and @ReadForeverPub for my complimentary copy of this beautiful book. It was a pleasure to read and review. I look forward to reading more from Jeannie Chin.
#TheHouseOnMulberryStreet #JeannieChin #BlueCedarFalls #HachetteBooksSocialClub #HachetteBooks #HachetteGo #HachetteBookGroup #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #blogtour #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #Audible #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagram
December 19, 2022
The House on Mulberry Street was an enjoyable read. Small town politics at its finest with all the characters you would expect, the nosy nellie's, the behind your back no-gooders, but most importantly, those full of love and support, Eliabeth Wu helps the family with their inn while she tries to find ways to pursue her passion in art There are those that don't support her interests, and find ways to make it difficult. Where there is a will, there is a way, and Elizabeth is determined she will find the solution. The very heart of the story, however, is a charming tale of love and friendship, that warmed my heart. and kept me turning the page.
This contemporary romance had class, charm, and charisma. Loved the laughs. This is one to cuddle up to the fire with, and get lost in the story..
Thank you NetGalley and Forever for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This contemporary romance had class, charm, and charisma. Loved the laughs. This is one to cuddle up to the fire with, and get lost in the story..
Thank you NetGalley and Forever for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
March 26, 2023
Truth be told, I wanted to read Chin’s romance, and she a new-to-me romance author, because of the adorable cover. Cute house, great old-lady-pantsuit violet colour, and a puppy! (I love puppies, though I’m virulently allergic to them, which means a puppy-infused romance novel is an auto-sell; sadly, the puppy doesn’t show up till the last act…) For the most part, the goodness without was matched by the goodness within. I found humour, a wonderful hero, great friend-group, interesting family dynamics, and a great setting. The romance? I wish I could say I believed whole-heartedly in it. Here’s the set-up, thanks to the publisher’s blurb:
Between helping at her family’s inn and teaching painting, Elizabeth Wu has put her dream of being an artist on the back burner. But her plan to launch an arts festival will boost the local Blue Cedar Falls arts scene and give her a showcase for her own work. If only she can get the town council on board. At least she can rely on her dependable best friend Graham to support her. Except lately, he hasn’t been acting like his old self, and she has no idea why.
Graham Lewis has been secretly in love with Elizabeth forever, but it’s past time that he faces the cold, hard truth: vivacious, amazing Elizabeth will never see him as anything but a platonic pal. He’s going to help her get the festival off the ground, but after that he needs to forget his one-sided crush. Until one impulsive kiss changes everything. Can they really rebuild their entire relationship—and the festival—from the ground up? Or will it all come crashing down?
When Chin’s romance opens, Elizabeth and Graham have been best friends since they were seven and roommates for ten. Other than sharing a bed and each other’s bodies, they are a “couple”. Chin then does something skillful: she makes the narrative shift, like the ground moving beneath Elizabeth’s feet, when Graham, determined to snuff his torch, tells Elizabeth he bought a house and will be moving out. Though Graham is a dream-come-true guy, loyal, loving, smart, handsome, and funny, Elizabeth seems oblivious to his gargantuan desirability. Until she might not have him around: to laugh with, hang with, talk to, and have him help and support her. And therein was my problem with Elizabeth and this romance: Elizabeth, though near thirty, has A LOT of growing up to do and though, there are good signs, and though she cares about Graham, I was never convinced she loved him enough to give him much. While Graham swears up and down being herself is enough and it’s a lovely sentiment, the best romances are about learning give-and-take, compromising, accepting happiness and giving happiness. Graham is such a nice guy, so happy with so little, I was disappointed for him. Elizabeth did some growing up, gained confidence, and there’s a lovely scene where she makes peace with her family, but for Graham, well, there’s not much. Lastly, these two aren’t sexy together. I don’t need purple-prosed, star-bursting love scenes of annoying frequency, but after they become lovers, everything fizzles.
On the other hand, there’s much to like about Chin’s Mulberry Street House. She can build a scene and infuse it with humour and humanity. I loved the bar scenes with Graham and Elizabeth’s friends, especially the couple who were having a baby. Chin writes, as I said above, a fantastic scene with Elizabeth and her family: the dialogue is crisp, the relationships, nuanced. But like the best romance for this reader, it slants toward the comedic, that is, not ha-ha, but conciliatory, loving, generous, kind, forgiving without the characters being totally cardboard-cut-outs. And Chin has definitely achieved this with the Wus. Graham’s family is harder, but equally interesting: his dad is harsh, comparing Graham to his more “successful” older brother, but his mum makes up for it. The dad doesn’t get any better, but he’s not and never has been an exaggerated romance “bad parent”: abusive, or negligent; judgemental, absolutely. Chin can also set a scene for the sheer fun of it: like Elizabeth’s taking-over the children’s table at Graham’s father’s sixtieth birthday party with dance-floor moves to “Baby Shark”. And Elizabeth and Graham’s initial love scene is wonderful too. Too bad about the ensuring fizzle.
In the end, Chin’s writing won me over, but the romance left me cold. If she had married the one with the other, I’d have loved this. As it stands, Miss Austen deems House On Mulberry Street “real comfort,” Emma.
Jeannie Chin’s The House on Mulberry Street is published by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and was released on March 7th. I received an e-ARC from Forever, via Netgalley, for the purpose of writing this review, which reflects my honest opinion.
Between helping at her family’s inn and teaching painting, Elizabeth Wu has put her dream of being an artist on the back burner. But her plan to launch an arts festival will boost the local Blue Cedar Falls arts scene and give her a showcase for her own work. If only she can get the town council on board. At least she can rely on her dependable best friend Graham to support her. Except lately, he hasn’t been acting like his old self, and she has no idea why.
Graham Lewis has been secretly in love with Elizabeth forever, but it’s past time that he faces the cold, hard truth: vivacious, amazing Elizabeth will never see him as anything but a platonic pal. He’s going to help her get the festival off the ground, but after that he needs to forget his one-sided crush. Until one impulsive kiss changes everything. Can they really rebuild their entire relationship—and the festival—from the ground up? Or will it all come crashing down?
When Chin’s romance opens, Elizabeth and Graham have been best friends since they were seven and roommates for ten. Other than sharing a bed and each other’s bodies, they are a “couple”. Chin then does something skillful: she makes the narrative shift, like the ground moving beneath Elizabeth’s feet, when Graham, determined to snuff his torch, tells Elizabeth he bought a house and will be moving out. Though Graham is a dream-come-true guy, loyal, loving, smart, handsome, and funny, Elizabeth seems oblivious to his gargantuan desirability. Until she might not have him around: to laugh with, hang with, talk to, and have him help and support her. And therein was my problem with Elizabeth and this romance: Elizabeth, though near thirty, has A LOT of growing up to do and though, there are good signs, and though she cares about Graham, I was never convinced she loved him enough to give him much. While Graham swears up and down being herself is enough and it’s a lovely sentiment, the best romances are about learning give-and-take, compromising, accepting happiness and giving happiness. Graham is such a nice guy, so happy with so little, I was disappointed for him. Elizabeth did some growing up, gained confidence, and there’s a lovely scene where she makes peace with her family, but for Graham, well, there’s not much. Lastly, these two aren’t sexy together. I don’t need purple-prosed, star-bursting love scenes of annoying frequency, but after they become lovers, everything fizzles.
On the other hand, there’s much to like about Chin’s Mulberry Street House. She can build a scene and infuse it with humour and humanity. I loved the bar scenes with Graham and Elizabeth’s friends, especially the couple who were having a baby. Chin writes, as I said above, a fantastic scene with Elizabeth and her family: the dialogue is crisp, the relationships, nuanced. But like the best romance for this reader, it slants toward the comedic, that is, not ha-ha, but conciliatory, loving, generous, kind, forgiving without the characters being totally cardboard-cut-outs. And Chin has definitely achieved this with the Wus. Graham’s family is harder, but equally interesting: his dad is harsh, comparing Graham to his more “successful” older brother, but his mum makes up for it. The dad doesn’t get any better, but he’s not and never has been an exaggerated romance “bad parent”: abusive, or negligent; judgemental, absolutely. Chin can also set a scene for the sheer fun of it: like Elizabeth’s taking-over the children’s table at Graham’s father’s sixtieth birthday party with dance-floor moves to “Baby Shark”. And Elizabeth and Graham’s initial love scene is wonderful too. Too bad about the ensuring fizzle.
In the end, Chin’s writing won me over, but the romance left me cold. If she had married the one with the other, I’d have loved this. As it stands, Miss Austen deems House On Mulberry Street “real comfort,” Emma.
Jeannie Chin’s The House on Mulberry Street is published by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and was released on March 7th. I received an e-ARC from Forever, via Netgalley, for the purpose of writing this review, which reflects my honest opinion.
February 17, 2023
There is something lovely about childhood friends to more romances. Elizabeth Wu doesn’t like change. She works multiple jobs so that she can work on her art. She likes not being tied down to anything. The biggest constant in her life is her best friend and roommate Graham Lewis. Graham is ready for a change and planting roots. He surprises Elizabeth with the news that he has purchased a house on Mulberry Street with plans to move there. The other major storyline is that Elizabeth wants to organize an arts festival as a chance to showcase her art and others. But she needs the backing of the town council. She needs to overcome a reputation of impulsiveness to show she can be dependable to pull off such a large project. In the middle of so much change Graham impulsively kisses Elizabeth causing a shift from the friend zone.
I have loved this entire series of featuring three Chinese minority sisters in a small Carolina town. I knew that I would enjoy Elizabeth’s story as I have a soft spot for the child that doesn’t always fit the family mold or get the praise. That angst of wanting parental approval and never quite getting it tugs on me every time. Graham and Elizabeth both fall into that category. Throw in a boy who has loved one person since middle school and who is now almost thirty and I know I’m going to swoon. Chin creates complex characters and with realistic reactions and emotions. And she tells the story from both POV so you get Graham’s longing and Elizabeth’s anger and confusion.
I love the sisters all have appearances too as I’ve connected with them from the previous books. I’m not sure I got satisfaction for the MC’s for their parental recognition issues. Graham’s fathers forced apology feels especially weak for building a new understanding. The sisters are partnered up so this may be the end of the series or setting. But if Chin wants to write their wedding stories or use the setting again for other books I will happily line up for the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange for a review.
I have loved this entire series of featuring three Chinese minority sisters in a small Carolina town. I knew that I would enjoy Elizabeth’s story as I have a soft spot for the child that doesn’t always fit the family mold or get the praise. That angst of wanting parental approval and never quite getting it tugs on me every time. Graham and Elizabeth both fall into that category. Throw in a boy who has loved one person since middle school and who is now almost thirty and I know I’m going to swoon. Chin creates complex characters and with realistic reactions and emotions. And she tells the story from both POV so you get Graham’s longing and Elizabeth’s anger and confusion.
I love the sisters all have appearances too as I’ve connected with them from the previous books. I’m not sure I got satisfaction for the MC’s for their parental recognition issues. Graham’s fathers forced apology feels especially weak for building a new understanding. The sisters are partnered up so this may be the end of the series or setting. But if Chin wants to write their wedding stories or use the setting again for other books I will happily line up for the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange for a review.
March 10, 2023
This was a fun read and I love this cover so much. It's a fast read and one you are going to want to share with all your friends.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
November 22, 2023
The House on Mulberry Street was a cute contemporary with a great friends to lovers romance.
Elizabeth Wu has always dreamed of being an artist but between helping at her family's inn and teaching painting to pay the bills, Elizabeth hasn't had much time for her own art. To solve that problem she comes up with a plan to launch an arts festival in town which will give her the perfect place to showcase her work. Now she just needs to get the town council on board, a job easier said than done. At least she can count on her best friend Graham to support her even if he hasn't been himself lately. Graham Lewis has been secretly in love with Elizabeth forever and he's finally decided it's time to face the truth: Elizabeth doesn't feel the same way and likely never will. But after the two share an impulsive kiss, will they be able to go back to the way things were? Or is this the start of something new?
Friends to lovers romances can be hit or miss for me depending on the circumstances and in the case of The House on Mulberry Street, it was a hit. I was worried at first that with Graham being in love with Elizabeth for their entire friendship that there would be a lot of pining involved which is where this trope can go south for me. Thankfully it doesn't take too long for him to reveal his feelings and for their romance to start. It was interesting watching them shift the dynamic from friendship to lovers and I liked that not everything about their relationship changed. Some issues did come about because they weren't always on the same page due to Graham having his feelings for longer but that does eventually get resolved. Ultimately I really enjoyed the pair's relationship and I was happy with the way things worked out.
As this is the third book in the series, we got to see quite a bit of the couples from the first two books which I appreciated. I have to say June and Clay continue to be my favorite of the three couples but they're all really good. In addition to the romance side, Elizabeth works out a lot of lingering issues with her family which was nice to see. She's always felt like an outsider so it was great to see her work things out and become closer to her family.
Overall The House on Mulberry Street was a fantastic read and I would highly recommend the series if you're looking for some cute contemporary romances.
Elizabeth Wu has always dreamed of being an artist but between helping at her family's inn and teaching painting to pay the bills, Elizabeth hasn't had much time for her own art. To solve that problem she comes up with a plan to launch an arts festival in town which will give her the perfect place to showcase her work. Now she just needs to get the town council on board, a job easier said than done. At least she can count on her best friend Graham to support her even if he hasn't been himself lately. Graham Lewis has been secretly in love with Elizabeth forever and he's finally decided it's time to face the truth: Elizabeth doesn't feel the same way and likely never will. But after the two share an impulsive kiss, will they be able to go back to the way things were? Or is this the start of something new?
Friends to lovers romances can be hit or miss for me depending on the circumstances and in the case of The House on Mulberry Street, it was a hit. I was worried at first that with Graham being in love with Elizabeth for their entire friendship that there would be a lot of pining involved which is where this trope can go south for me. Thankfully it doesn't take too long for him to reveal his feelings and for their romance to start. It was interesting watching them shift the dynamic from friendship to lovers and I liked that not everything about their relationship changed. Some issues did come about because they weren't always on the same page due to Graham having his feelings for longer but that does eventually get resolved. Ultimately I really enjoyed the pair's relationship and I was happy with the way things worked out.
As this is the third book in the series, we got to see quite a bit of the couples from the first two books which I appreciated. I have to say June and Clay continue to be my favorite of the three couples but they're all really good. In addition to the romance side, Elizabeth works out a lot of lingering issues with her family which was nice to see. She's always felt like an outsider so it was great to see her work things out and become closer to her family.
Overall The House on Mulberry Street was a fantastic read and I would highly recommend the series if you're looking for some cute contemporary romances.
April 21, 2023
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
I will always love friends to lovers. While 2022 was the mood of enemies to lovers, I have fully committed to friends to lovers this year. And what I love about Elizabeth and Graham is how much history they have. It's also not like one of those stories where both friends have always kind of eyed each other, for Elizabeth an impulsive kiss has her questioning everything she thought.
Of all three, Graham has to be my favorite love interest of the series. He is one of those firm believers, stand by my side through it all, characters. Seeing through his perspective allows you to see the depths of his feeling and how committed he is. I love a committed character! Additionally, Elizabeth is struggling to process the past and the expectations and ideas people have of her.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
I will always love friends to lovers. While 2022 was the mood of enemies to lovers, I have fully committed to friends to lovers this year. And what I love about Elizabeth and Graham is how much history they have. It's also not like one of those stories where both friends have always kind of eyed each other, for Elizabeth an impulsive kiss has her questioning everything she thought.
Of all three, Graham has to be my favorite love interest of the series. He is one of those firm believers, stand by my side through it all, characters. Seeing through his perspective allows you to see the depths of his feeling and how committed he is. I love a committed character! Additionally, Elizabeth is struggling to process the past and the expectations and ideas people have of her.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
March 20, 2024
[3.8/4] Finished book: beautiful. everything came together very nicely. is it weird to say the pages smelled so good?? loved the friendship of the extra friends; but I will say- i am very torn about this book. although she is a great author and this is beautifully written.
…..On one hand, it’s beautifully written. Great story flow. Great characters. Love all of the day to day little sub plots of them planning things and going to parties, it’s so well written. The third act breakup was tough, though. Like really hard. Graham letting his dad get into his head was so rough to read. I wanted him to stand up to him and defend Elizabeth SO BADLY, but knew that just wasn’t their dynamic. It didn’t make me doubt that he wanted to, though until the big fight. And that kind of broke my heart a bit. This book was definitely a roller coaster. With all of my mixed reviews as I was reading it, I guess I’m giving it a solid 4, maybe even a 3.8 - because I had some issues with the family stuff & just because it just broke my heart a lot. But they like also *needed* to have the conversation that was haunting them their whole relationship - hence the third act conflict. The whole thing just gives me mixed emotions.
……….
Past reviews as i was updating:
[4.8]: I am now past the halfway mark, and I am upping my review to a 4.8. - I absolutely love this book. Now that that awkward and sad tension is gone, all that’s left is something beautiful. Supportive and intuitive to each-other’s needs, this couple is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I am not looking forward to a possible ‘near end of book’ conflict; but for now I am absolutely positively enjoying the hell out of this!! He’s just given her a pendant with a pearl in it. It’s significant to their relationship, holds a beautiful meaning and I love it. I am completely sold!
I also love how her relationships with others are blossoming, along with her relationship with herself. - him with himself as well. They bring out the best in each other -
“Because that was what she did. She found the joy and the life where it seemed like there was none. She'd been bringing out the best in him for over a decade, urging him out of his comfort zone, and he needed that.”
It was beautiful
[3.5] It’s very well written. Just very fragile. I keep on feeling his feelings and it's making me anxious and feel too much. I do really like it though. It's well written and definitely a friends to lovers story. His pining is just breaking my heart, though. All about just ready to being hurt. Like I can feel it; I have a lump in my throat the whole time… it's making me have mixed emotions about this book. It’s very draining, but like I said again- extremely well written, so how mad can I really be?
There’s a beautiful life lesson to this story, “She'd opened herself up to her sisters, asking for help when she freaking hated having to do that. She'd opened herself up to Graham… Mostly by poking at him until he cracked, but still. That was just more evidence that she could be persistent when she wanted to be. No matter how this festival went - or how their evolving relationship turned out - she'd reached for something new in so many dimensions of her life. That had to count for something, right?” And I really like the writing a whole lot.
- His dad getting into his head is absolutely awful. It’s breaking my heart omg.
…..On one hand, it’s beautifully written. Great story flow. Great characters. Love all of the day to day little sub plots of them planning things and going to parties, it’s so well written. The third act breakup was tough, though. Like really hard. Graham letting his dad get into his head was so rough to read. I wanted him to stand up to him and defend Elizabeth SO BADLY, but knew that just wasn’t their dynamic. It didn’t make me doubt that he wanted to, though until the big fight. And that kind of broke my heart a bit. This book was definitely a roller coaster. With all of my mixed reviews as I was reading it, I guess I’m giving it a solid 4, maybe even a 3.8 - because I had some issues with the family stuff & just because it just broke my heart a lot. But they like also *needed* to have the conversation that was haunting them their whole relationship - hence the third act conflict. The whole thing just gives me mixed emotions.
……….
Past reviews as i was updating:
[4.8]: I am now past the halfway mark, and I am upping my review to a 4.8. - I absolutely love this book. Now that that awkward and sad tension is gone, all that’s left is something beautiful. Supportive and intuitive to each-other’s needs, this couple is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I am not looking forward to a possible ‘near end of book’ conflict; but for now I am absolutely positively enjoying the hell out of this!! He’s just given her a pendant with a pearl in it. It’s significant to their relationship, holds a beautiful meaning and I love it. I am completely sold!
I also love how her relationships with others are blossoming, along with her relationship with herself. - him with himself as well. They bring out the best in each other -
“Because that was what she did. She found the joy and the life where it seemed like there was none. She'd been bringing out the best in him for over a decade, urging him out of his comfort zone, and he needed that.”
It was beautiful
[3.5] It’s very well written. Just very fragile. I keep on feeling his feelings and it's making me anxious and feel too much. I do really like it though. It's well written and definitely a friends to lovers story. His pining is just breaking my heart, though. All about just ready to being hurt. Like I can feel it; I have a lump in my throat the whole time… it's making me have mixed emotions about this book. It’s very draining, but like I said again- extremely well written, so how mad can I really be?
There’s a beautiful life lesson to this story, “She'd opened herself up to her sisters, asking for help when she freaking hated having to do that. She'd opened herself up to Graham… Mostly by poking at him until he cracked, but still. That was just more evidence that she could be persistent when she wanted to be. No matter how this festival went - or how their evolving relationship turned out - she'd reached for something new in so many dimensions of her life. That had to count for something, right?” And I really like the writing a whole lot.
- His dad getting into his head is absolutely awful. It’s breaking my heart omg.
March 8, 2023
The House On Mulberry Street by Jeannie Chin is the 3rd book of her Blue Cedar Falls Series and...
OMG! HOW MUCH I LOVED TO BE BACK IN THIS SMALL-TOWN! 😍
Elizabeth and Graham are best friends forever. She's the joungest Wu sister and both know each other since they were little.
And... little does Elizabeth know that Graham has a crush on her since... well since forever as well.
Will he has the courage to tell her about his feelings?
When I read The Inn on Sweetbriar Lane I fell in love with the Wu sisters and Blue Cedar Falls! I love the main characters and friends and everyone in town!
Being back in this small-town was like I visited some friends again.
And FRIENDS is the keyword!
The love story of Elizabeth and Graham is a woooooonderful Friends-to-Lovers story!
OMG! Their relationship is so picture-perfect! They live together and suddenly he want to change his life. But why? That's what Elizabeth wants to find out!
And OMG how much she'll find out!
I loved the storyline and the development of their relationship! From friends... to sooooo much mooooore! ❤️
Be still my beating heart!
I fell in love with Elizabeth and Graham and everything else!
And I felt with her so many times! (I can't tell you too much about it bc I would spoil you...)
Just let me tell you that I ABSOLUTELY ENJOYED THIS BOOK!
Family, friendships and love in a small-town - what do you need more in a good romance?
Thank you so much to Jeannie Chin and Forever Grand Central Publishing for this ARC via NetGalley.
This is my honest review in my own words.
OMG! HOW MUCH I LOVED TO BE BACK IN THIS SMALL-TOWN! 😍
Elizabeth and Graham are best friends forever. She's the joungest Wu sister and both know each other since they were little.
And... little does Elizabeth know that Graham has a crush on her since... well since forever as well.
Will he has the courage to tell her about his feelings?
When I read The Inn on Sweetbriar Lane I fell in love with the Wu sisters and Blue Cedar Falls! I love the main characters and friends and everyone in town!
Being back in this small-town was like I visited some friends again.
And FRIENDS is the keyword!
The love story of Elizabeth and Graham is a woooooonderful Friends-to-Lovers story!
OMG! Their relationship is so picture-perfect! They live together and suddenly he want to change his life. But why? That's what Elizabeth wants to find out!
And OMG how much she'll find out!
I loved the storyline and the development of their relationship! From friends... to sooooo much mooooore! ❤️
Be still my beating heart!
I fell in love with Elizabeth and Graham and everything else!
And I felt with her so many times! (I can't tell you too much about it bc I would spoil you...)
Just let me tell you that I ABSOLUTELY ENJOYED THIS BOOK!
Family, friendships and love in a small-town - what do you need more in a good romance?
Thank you so much to Jeannie Chin and Forever Grand Central Publishing for this ARC via NetGalley.
This is my honest review in my own words.
March 2, 2023
Small-town friends to lovers with a close family dynamic is what you'll get with
The House on Mulberry Street by Jeanie Chin. I found this to be one of the nicest romances I've encountered in a very long time. I'm not sure if it's the prose or the way Chin crafted her characters but I am firmly a fan. I'll be backtracking this series so that I can spend more time with these sisters.
~Tanja
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The House on Mulberry Street by Jeanie Chin. I found this to be one of the nicest romances I've encountered in a very long time. I'm not sure if it's the prose or the way Chin crafted her characters but I am firmly a fan. I'll be backtracking this series so that I can spend more time with these sisters.
~Tanja
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February 23, 2023
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The House on Mulberry Street is the third book in the Blue Cedar Falls small-town series. It can be read as a standalone, although this series has been consistently fun and sweet, and I would recommend the other books, especially as the books mostly follow members of the same family who own the town’s inn.
Elizabeth is in a situation that will be relatable for many people: she’s the youngest child of her family, and she’s still trying to figure out her place in life. She loves art, which is a contrast to the more typical passions her sisters have. She’s also messed up a bit, even getting arrested in the past, and I like how her being less-than-perfect is commented on both in the context of both the family dynamics and the small town, while allowing her to ultimately be herself and figure out her place in the world.
Graham is her longtime friend who she’s gotten into some trouble with, and he’s long nursed feelings for her. I love exploring them from his perspective, along with her frustrations at his changing demeanor. While misunderstandings can be frustrating, I feel Jeannie Chin maintains the tension between them, without making the lack of communication overly annoying, and thus making each romantic moment feel worth it.
This is another satisfying installment in the series, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a more diverse take on the small-town romance genre.
The House on Mulberry Street is the third book in the Blue Cedar Falls small-town series. It can be read as a standalone, although this series has been consistently fun and sweet, and I would recommend the other books, especially as the books mostly follow members of the same family who own the town’s inn.
Elizabeth is in a situation that will be relatable for many people: she’s the youngest child of her family, and she’s still trying to figure out her place in life. She loves art, which is a contrast to the more typical passions her sisters have. She’s also messed up a bit, even getting arrested in the past, and I like how her being less-than-perfect is commented on both in the context of both the family dynamics and the small town, while allowing her to ultimately be herself and figure out her place in the world.
Graham is her longtime friend who she’s gotten into some trouble with, and he’s long nursed feelings for her. I love exploring them from his perspective, along with her frustrations at his changing demeanor. While misunderstandings can be frustrating, I feel Jeannie Chin maintains the tension between them, without making the lack of communication overly annoying, and thus making each romantic moment feel worth it.
This is another satisfying installment in the series, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a more diverse take on the small-town romance genre.
March 13, 2023
Elizabeth Wu is an inspirational character in Jeannie Chin's Blue Cedar Falls series! With ambition, dreams and the support of her friends, Elizabeth sets out to make a name for herself. Romance is also in her future, and it is the sweetest to watch unfold especially if you like a friends to lovers romance. I immediately fell into the small town setting, which is no surprise as it is set in my home state. I read "The House on Mulberry Street" as a stand alone novel and while there are small spoilers from the previous books, I felt like it did not take away from my experience. It was actually the opposite and I will be checking out the first two also. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Pub for an advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
February 22, 2023
This story of Elizabeth and Graham, best friends and roommates, has all of the pieces of a good love story. He buys a house and decides to move out and she realizes that the life she has been so comfortable with is not going to stay that way. And then he kisses her. His unrequited love for her finally gets put out into the open. It's steamy and cute, but lacked chemistry between these main characters. She is totally caught off guard and their love never really gains the tension and heat that we want between two friends to lovers.
February 4, 2023
I absolutely adored this book. I am a sucker for a friends-to-lovers story, and I think Graham and Elizabeth’s story showed how they grew together into a couple and also as separate people. The scenes of Elizabeth with her family were great, it was fun to revisit May and June and their relationships and be reminded of the impact each of them had made in their town. This whole series has been such a delight to read and I can’t wait to see what Jeannie has in store for us next.
May 21, 2023
I am really struggling to put into words my feelings about this book, so I've decided to default to a quick plot synopsis and bullet points because sometimes that's just the best way to make things work. Or something.
Long story short, Elizabeth and Graham are best friends for a really long time and also roommates. Graham is in love with Elizabeth, but he's bought a house because he "knows" that there will never be anything between them romantically and he needs to move on. Elizabeth is hurt by this whole Graham moving out thing. Also, Elizabeth has decided to put on an arts festival and there are a lot of side characters who are necessarily involved. The family dynamics in this book are excellent on both sides, also I loved the side characters a lot.
Why I Loved This Book:
- The characters feel real. All of them, honestly. Even the "villain" felt like a real person in a small town.
- The small town vibes.
- The dysfunctional family aspect on both sides
- The found family in the form of the friendships
- The siblings
- The way Elizabeth feels so messy and like everything about her is both somehow too much and not enough.
- The romance: specifically, I really love the way Graham and Elizabeth love one another.
I mentioned this in my short place-holder review, but genuinely, if your favorite of Kate Canterbary's Walsh siblings are Erin or Shannon, you should definitely read this book. Like... truly. So good. Amazing. I loved this so much.
Thanks to Netgalley for the e-ARC!
Long story short, Elizabeth and Graham are best friends for a really long time and also roommates. Graham is in love with Elizabeth, but he's bought a house because he "knows" that there will never be anything between them romantically and he needs to move on. Elizabeth is hurt by this whole Graham moving out thing. Also, Elizabeth has decided to put on an arts festival and there are a lot of side characters who are necessarily involved. The family dynamics in this book are excellent on both sides, also I loved the side characters a lot.
Why I Loved This Book:
- The characters feel real. All of them, honestly. Even the "villain" felt like a real person in a small town.
- The small town vibes.
- The dysfunctional family aspect on both sides
- The found family in the form of the friendships
- The siblings
- The way Elizabeth feels so messy and like everything about her is both somehow too much and not enough.
- The romance: specifically, I really love the way Graham and Elizabeth love one another.
I mentioned this in my short place-holder review, but genuinely, if your favorite of Kate Canterbary's Walsh siblings are Erin or Shannon, you should definitely read this book. Like... truly. So good. Amazing. I loved this so much.
Thanks to Netgalley for the e-ARC!
September 11, 2023
The House on Mulberry Street in the final book following Elizabeth Wu in a friends-to-lovers story. I've loved the other books in this series, but this one fell short for me. I don't know if it was Elizabeth herself as a character since she lacks self-confidence in her art fair project or Graham Lewis, her best friend and love interest, who's way too overeager for a relationship with Elizabeth. I forced myself to finish it because I had loved the other books in the series so much. Friends-to-Lovers isn't my favorite trope, but I don't usually have a problem with it like I did with this one.
If you've enjoyed Jeannie Chin's other two books and novella in this series, I would say to give it a chance since it still has the same charm overall as her other books. Although I didn't love The House on Mulberry Street, I'll still read whatever Jeannie writes in the future because I love her writing style.
Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for review consideration.
If you've enjoyed Jeannie Chin's other two books and novella in this series, I would say to give it a chance since it still has the same charm overall as her other books. Although I didn't love The House on Mulberry Street, I'll still read whatever Jeannie writes in the future because I love her writing style.
Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for review consideration.
March 21, 2023
I received a NetGalley widget from Dana @forever today.
This was such a sweet and emotional love story. These characters are all so likeable and you can't help but fall in love with all of them. This series has become a favorite of mine.
This was such a sweet and emotional love story. These characters are all so likeable and you can't help but fall in love with all of them. This series has become a favorite of mine.
November 18, 2023
Cute story
March 10, 2023
We've all been waiting for Elizabeth's story. If you've read the prior books you will have to wonder what kind of person Elizabeth really is. Not that the other books gave too much away but they gave you enough that you wanted, no needed, to know more. The funny part is that as I read the story my opinion changed with almost every chapter. It's why I love reading so much.
You start off thinking Elizabeth is younger than what she is. Or at least I did. I kind of thought she was closer to twenty then thirty. I do admit at first, I was a bit shocked. It might have been mentioned in her sister's books, but I missed it. I think why I thought she was younger is because of how she acted and felt.
I learned a lot about her in this book. Some I liked other times she made me want to sit her down and have a talk with her. But one of the things that I like the most about her was just how good of a person she is. There is more to her then what you think you know. Layers always makes me happy.
I also liked Graham too. He's the sweetest guy you'll ever meet. He works hard and at times is very misunderstood by those around him. But never by Elizabeth. She saw him for what and who he was all put for that one thing. She never really realized how much he loved her. I didn't blame her for that. When you love having someone in your life you don't want to take a chance on anything happening that would ruin that. I would mentioned that these two planned no matter what to be best friends I'm not sure how that would have worked out for them if they found other people to love.
For the most part I really enjoyed this story. I did wonder why everyone held one bad deed against her. At times I wanted to yell at them. But other than that, I liked how they both decided to work on themselves. You can quickly see that these two are meant for each other and just work. I really enjoyed being part of their story.
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ARC received for an honest review
March 7, 2023
Jeannie Chin brings her Blue Cedar Falls series to a conclusion with the story of youngest Wu sister, Elizabeth and her best friend, Graham Lewis. I've been looking forward to this one and am happy to say it did not disappoint.
I've enjoyed all three books in this series. I love how Chin balances the romantic journeys of the three sisters with the evolving relationships within the Wu family as well as those within their small community. She brings the citizens of the community - and the Wu family unit - together, helping each sister find her place in a realistic way without sugar-coating the challenges faced by these Chinese-American women in a small North Carolina mountain town. I especially enjoyed the dynamic among the sisters and how it changes over the course of the series.
Of the three sisters, Elizabeth probably has the most growing to do. I found her journey to be realistic and relatable, especially as it pertains to her place within the Wu family. It's easy to be pigeon-holed into the family position we're given at a young age and, to be fair, she hasn't done a lot up to this point to convince her family that she's no longer the flighty irresponsible baby of the group. But she has plans. It was so enjoyable to watch her overcome her vulnerabilities, claiming the self-confidence, leadership, and pride in herself that only Graham had recognized. And Elizabeth isn't the only one who evolved during this book.
I loved Graham's journey, how he put himself out there by claiming his future, finally stepping out from beneath his father's expectations, and moving forward with firm steps to find the happiness he deserves, even if that means relinquishing his dreams of a happily ever after with Elizabeth. These two. The push and pull between them, the confusion, anger, yearning, and whoa, the chemistry when they finally step out of the friend zone. Chin gives them time, and no easy answers, in their progression from friendship to romance to happily ever after. I loved it.
Readers could enjoy this book on its own but because of the overlapping characters and storylines, this is a series I recommend reading in order. The three books are: The Inn on Sweetbriar Lane (June and Clay), Return to Cherry Blossom Way (May and Han) and The House on Mulberry Street (Elizabeth and Graham). There's also a novella, Only Home with You (Han's sister, Zoe and his best friend, Devin).
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley for fair and unbiased review
I've enjoyed all three books in this series. I love how Chin balances the romantic journeys of the three sisters with the evolving relationships within the Wu family as well as those within their small community. She brings the citizens of the community - and the Wu family unit - together, helping each sister find her place in a realistic way without sugar-coating the challenges faced by these Chinese-American women in a small North Carolina mountain town. I especially enjoyed the dynamic among the sisters and how it changes over the course of the series.
Of the three sisters, Elizabeth probably has the most growing to do. I found her journey to be realistic and relatable, especially as it pertains to her place within the Wu family. It's easy to be pigeon-holed into the family position we're given at a young age and, to be fair, she hasn't done a lot up to this point to convince her family that she's no longer the flighty irresponsible baby of the group. But she has plans. It was so enjoyable to watch her overcome her vulnerabilities, claiming the self-confidence, leadership, and pride in herself that only Graham had recognized. And Elizabeth isn't the only one who evolved during this book.
I loved Graham's journey, how he put himself out there by claiming his future, finally stepping out from beneath his father's expectations, and moving forward with firm steps to find the happiness he deserves, even if that means relinquishing his dreams of a happily ever after with Elizabeth. These two. The push and pull between them, the confusion, anger, yearning, and whoa, the chemistry when they finally step out of the friend zone. Chin gives them time, and no easy answers, in their progression from friendship to romance to happily ever after. I loved it.
Readers could enjoy this book on its own but because of the overlapping characters and storylines, this is a series I recommend reading in order. The three books are: The Inn on Sweetbriar Lane (June and Clay), Return to Cherry Blossom Way (May and Han) and The House on Mulberry Street (Elizabeth and Graham). There's also a novella, Only Home with You (Han's sister, Zoe and his best friend, Devin).
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley for fair and unbiased review
March 6, 2023
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPICE: 🔥🔥
This was a fun read about two friends who want more but cannot seem to convey that to each other.
Graham Lewis and Elizabeth Wu have been friends since middle school. They have also been in love with each other for as long as they can remember. They have been unable to come clean with their feelings out of fear that it would alter their friendship forever.
Elizabeth also has to deal with feeling like she always comes up short when it comes to family. Now she wants to prove that she is no underachiever by planning a town festival to showcase her artwork, and she needs Graham's help to pull it off.
Graham wants permanency in his life. That's why he closed on the house on Mulberry Street and is looking for more. More that he doesn't see with Elizabeth because he assumes that she has firmly put him in the friend zone. But when a kiss triggers a series of events that proves them both wrong, can they risk their hearts for the one person they have known and loved most of their lives?
I adored the love story. If you have been following me for a while, you know I love best-friends-to-lovers as much as I love enemies-to-lovers. There is a wonderful sense of longing that Jeannie Chin expertly weaves into Graham and Elizabeth's story that has us cheering for their HEA.
What captured me the most, however, especially as an Asian American, is Elizabeth's struggle with not being enough for her family. I can relate to her having a completely different love language from her family and struggling to reconcile that with the approval she needs from them. I wanted so much to give her a hug and say "I know how you feel" as that longing manifests into a little bit of anger and resentment.
This is the third book in the series, but as a newbie to this book universe, it read really well as a standalone.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Jeannie Chin, Forever Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an ARC. **
SPICE: 🔥🔥
This was a fun read about two friends who want more but cannot seem to convey that to each other.
Graham Lewis and Elizabeth Wu have been friends since middle school. They have also been in love with each other for as long as they can remember. They have been unable to come clean with their feelings out of fear that it would alter their friendship forever.
Elizabeth also has to deal with feeling like she always comes up short when it comes to family. Now she wants to prove that she is no underachiever by planning a town festival to showcase her artwork, and she needs Graham's help to pull it off.
Graham wants permanency in his life. That's why he closed on the house on Mulberry Street and is looking for more. More that he doesn't see with Elizabeth because he assumes that she has firmly put him in the friend zone. But when a kiss triggers a series of events that proves them both wrong, can they risk their hearts for the one person they have known and loved most of their lives?
I adored the love story. If you have been following me for a while, you know I love best-friends-to-lovers as much as I love enemies-to-lovers. There is a wonderful sense of longing that Jeannie Chin expertly weaves into Graham and Elizabeth's story that has us cheering for their HEA.
What captured me the most, however, especially as an Asian American, is Elizabeth's struggle with not being enough for her family. I can relate to her having a completely different love language from her family and struggling to reconcile that with the approval she needs from them. I wanted so much to give her a hug and say "I know how you feel" as that longing manifests into a little bit of anger and resentment.
This is the third book in the series, but as a newbie to this book universe, it read really well as a standalone.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Jeannie Chin, Forever Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an ARC. **
October 6, 2023
Thank you NetGaley, publishers, and Jeannie Chin for gifting me a copy of The House on Mulberry Street in return for my honest opinion.
3/5 stars
In this charming small-town romance, two best friends sharing a kiss might have made the worst mistake of their lives—or found the best thing that's ever happened to them.
Between helping at her family’s inn and teaching painting, Elizabeth Wu has put her dream of being an artist on the back burner. But her plan to launch an arts festival will boost the local Blue Cedar Falls arts scene and give her a showcase for her own work. If only she can get the town council on board. At least she can rely on her dependable best friend Graham to support her. Except lately, he hasn’t been acting like his old self, and she has no idea why.
Graham Lewis has been secretly in love with Elizabeth forever, but it’s past time that he faces the cold, hard truth: vivacious, amazing Elizabeth will never see him as anything but a platonic pal. He’s going to help her get the festival off the ground, but after that he needs to forget his one-sided crush. Until one impulsive kiss changes everything. Can they really rebuild their entire relationship—and the festival—from the ground up? Or will it all come crashing down?
Disclaimer: I am very picky with my romance novels, a 3 from me could be a 4 or 5 from others.
This is was a cute, fun, friends-to-lovers read. The characters and town were very well written and made me want to learn more about them. It had everything you expect with a small-town romance, with the small-town politics and the eclectic characters. It had a little bit of everything.
There was also nothing really special about it, the romance was cute but I did find it all that unique. If you want a quick easy to read romance then this is a great choice!
3/5 stars
In this charming small-town romance, two best friends sharing a kiss might have made the worst mistake of their lives—or found the best thing that's ever happened to them.
Between helping at her family’s inn and teaching painting, Elizabeth Wu has put her dream of being an artist on the back burner. But her plan to launch an arts festival will boost the local Blue Cedar Falls arts scene and give her a showcase for her own work. If only she can get the town council on board. At least she can rely on her dependable best friend Graham to support her. Except lately, he hasn’t been acting like his old self, and she has no idea why.
Graham Lewis has been secretly in love with Elizabeth forever, but it’s past time that he faces the cold, hard truth: vivacious, amazing Elizabeth will never see him as anything but a platonic pal. He’s going to help her get the festival off the ground, but after that he needs to forget his one-sided crush. Until one impulsive kiss changes everything. Can they really rebuild their entire relationship—and the festival—from the ground up? Or will it all come crashing down?
Disclaimer: I am very picky with my romance novels, a 3 from me could be a 4 or 5 from others.
This is was a cute, fun, friends-to-lovers read. The characters and town were very well written and made me want to learn more about them. It had everything you expect with a small-town romance, with the small-town politics and the eclectic characters. It had a little bit of everything.
There was also nothing really special about it, the romance was cute but I did find it all that unique. If you want a quick easy to read romance then this is a great choice!
December 30, 2022
We return to Jeannie Chin’s small town of Blue Cedar Falls in The House on Mulberry Street, which focuses on Elizabeth Wu, who’s the sister of the main character from the first book in the Blue Cedar Falls Series (The Inn on Sweetbriar Lane).
This time, Chin gives the reader a friends-to-lovers story. Elizabeth lives with her best friend Graham, and he’s a supportive, dependable constant in her life. Little does she know that he’s been secretly in love with her for years, even though he believes she’ll never see him for anything other than a friend. Throw in an impulsive kiss, and they’re left to face the question of what their relationship is and what they want it to be. Add to the story a backdrop of trying to host an arts festival for the town, and it’s a great small-town romance.
I jumped into reading this one as soon as I got my hands on it. I liked The Inn on Sweebriar Lane and the novella Only Home With You, but I somehow missed reading Return to Cherry Blossom Way. Even without reading Book 2, I had no problem following everything that was going on in this book, though reading them out of order will give a glimpse into the couples who are already together from previous books.
I loved Elizabeth and the confidence she builds over the course of the book. The romance and development from friends-to-lovers was paced perfectly, and there were plenty of sweet moments throughout the book that left me rooting for the main characters to finally sort out their feelings and get together.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This time, Chin gives the reader a friends-to-lovers story. Elizabeth lives with her best friend Graham, and he’s a supportive, dependable constant in her life. Little does she know that he’s been secretly in love with her for years, even though he believes she’ll never see him for anything other than a friend. Throw in an impulsive kiss, and they’re left to face the question of what their relationship is and what they want it to be. Add to the story a backdrop of trying to host an arts festival for the town, and it’s a great small-town romance.
I jumped into reading this one as soon as I got my hands on it. I liked The Inn on Sweebriar Lane and the novella Only Home With You, but I somehow missed reading Return to Cherry Blossom Way. Even without reading Book 2, I had no problem following everything that was going on in this book, though reading them out of order will give a glimpse into the couples who are already together from previous books.
I loved Elizabeth and the confidence she builds over the course of the book. The romance and development from friends-to-lovers was paced perfectly, and there were plenty of sweet moments throughout the book that left me rooting for the main characters to finally sort out their feelings and get together.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 10, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.
The House on Mulberry Street
by Jeannie Chin
Pub Date: 07 Mar 2023
This is book three of a series. I read the first and plan on going back for the second. Each book focuses on one of the three sisters. This is Elizabeth's story, the youngest of the family. What I really enjoy about this series is you get the personal insight into the current main character that we previously only had another's sister's viewpoint of in another book.
Elizabeth has never felt good enough to for her family. She was rebellious and made some mistakes in her younger years, but small towns (and family) have a way of holding you in that regard as an adult. That part of the story was so hard because others unflattering view of Elizabeth became who she saw herself as.
Graham has been Elizabeth's best friend forever...as well as secretly in love with her. He finally convinces himself he needs to move on (and out from their shared apartment) to establish a grown-up future and letting go of the thought of Elizabeth as something more. And that is when everything comes to a head! I adored how the realization that Elizabeth and Graham might be on the same page played out. They simply flowed from friends to more just like they had always been a couple.
Of course, not all paths are smooth, and obstacles stand between them. Ugh! Graham's dad. Grrr!! I hate how he made Graham doubt not only his worth but his relationship with Elizabeth!
The side plots and characters were all interesting...and I love how everything turned out in the end. Big smile!
4 stars
The House on Mulberry Street
by Jeannie Chin
Pub Date: 07 Mar 2023
This is book three of a series. I read the first and plan on going back for the second. Each book focuses on one of the three sisters. This is Elizabeth's story, the youngest of the family. What I really enjoy about this series is you get the personal insight into the current main character that we previously only had another's sister's viewpoint of in another book.
Elizabeth has never felt good enough to for her family. She was rebellious and made some mistakes in her younger years, but small towns (and family) have a way of holding you in that regard as an adult. That part of the story was so hard because others unflattering view of Elizabeth became who she saw herself as.
Graham has been Elizabeth's best friend forever...as well as secretly in love with her. He finally convinces himself he needs to move on (and out from their shared apartment) to establish a grown-up future and letting go of the thought of Elizabeth as something more. And that is when everything comes to a head! I adored how the realization that Elizabeth and Graham might be on the same page played out. They simply flowed from friends to more just like they had always been a couple.
Of course, not all paths are smooth, and obstacles stand between them. Ugh! Graham's dad. Grrr!! I hate how he made Graham doubt not only his worth but his relationship with Elizabeth!
The side plots and characters were all interesting...and I love how everything turned out in the end. Big smile!
4 stars
August 27, 2023
Elizabeth and Graham are best friends and things are seeming off when he breaks the news that he's moving into a new house. To Elizabeth was always there and dependable and now it's all the more confusing he's relocating from thier comfortable friendship. Graham always had a thing for Elizabeth and her flighty ways but he need to learn to move on. But after a impulsive kiss it seems there's more feelings going on. As they work on Elizabeths new arts festival project they navigate this new non platonic relationship they seem to be forming.
So I really enjoyed this book. It had the small town feels without the over dramatics. It seems there was alot going on when it came to Elizabeth she always felt like the black sheep. Then there was this one time run in with the law that everyone seems to never want to forget and she's grown but being in a small down trouble isn't something people easily forget and let go. So while reading reading this book the reader gets to know Elizabeth character and really understand why she is the way she is which I really liked. As for the ever-supportive Graham who is really there for her when she needed it it was interested in getting to know his story as well. He has a overachieving brother and the father who just wants more for him in his own grumpy way. It was interesting how he played his part in this book. As for the whole friendship to lovers thing I really enjoyed seeing how these two working on figuring out how things were going to be now that feelings were out in the open. It must also interesting seeing how they tried working together to form the Arts Festival. Over all this is a really good book I really enjoyed it.
So I really enjoyed this book. It had the small town feels without the over dramatics. It seems there was alot going on when it came to Elizabeth she always felt like the black sheep. Then there was this one time run in with the law that everyone seems to never want to forget and she's grown but being in a small down trouble isn't something people easily forget and let go. So while reading reading this book the reader gets to know Elizabeth character and really understand why she is the way she is which I really liked. As for the ever-supportive Graham who is really there for her when she needed it it was interested in getting to know his story as well. He has a overachieving brother and the father who just wants more for him in his own grumpy way. It was interesting how he played his part in this book. As for the whole friendship to lovers thing I really enjoyed seeing how these two working on figuring out how things were going to be now that feelings were out in the open. It must also interesting seeing how they tried working together to form the Arts Festival. Over all this is a really good book I really enjoyed it.
April 28, 2023
This is a classic friends to lovers with a small town feel. Graham has loved Elizabeth his entire life. Despite these secret feelings, he is content to just be her best friend, roommate, and confidant. This all changes when Elizabeth doesn't land an opportunity she wanted that would have had her moving away causing Graham to realize that nothing would ever happen between them and he needs to move on. He decides to buy a house, which really rocks Elizabeth's world. She has never thought of Graham that way, and has assumed he'd always just be there, but as things change so do her feelings.
I adored the friendship between these two. While this is the 3rd in the series, it reads fine as a standalone. However, it is great to see the build up to Graham's home purchase as he slowly begins to realize that Elizabeth is never going to see him the way he sees her. Of course, there is tons of angst and it only makes the connection that much sweeter. I really appreciated how their coming together was so easy because of their friendship but also filled with many questions and cautious steps as they both experience real growth. Chin is great at writing fully-formed characters and Graham and Elizabeth are great examples of this. They have friends, families, and relationships that are complex and they are both working on figuring out what they want in life.
If you love books by Jill Shalvis or Susan Mallery I believe this would be a great choice for you. I look forward to reading more from Chin in the future!
Thank you to Forever for an ARC of this book. The opinions here are my own.
I adored the friendship between these two. While this is the 3rd in the series, it reads fine as a standalone. However, it is great to see the build up to Graham's home purchase as he slowly begins to realize that Elizabeth is never going to see him the way he sees her. Of course, there is tons of angst and it only makes the connection that much sweeter. I really appreciated how their coming together was so easy because of their friendship but also filled with many questions and cautious steps as they both experience real growth. Chin is great at writing fully-formed characters and Graham and Elizabeth are great examples of this. They have friends, families, and relationships that are complex and they are both working on figuring out what they want in life.
If you love books by Jill Shalvis or Susan Mallery I believe this would be a great choice for you. I look forward to reading more from Chin in the future!
Thank you to Forever for an ARC of this book. The opinions here are my own.
March 2, 2023
Elizabeth Wu and Graham Lewis have been best friends forever to the point where they even live with each other in a small apartment. They get along so perfectly and compliment one another.
Elizabeth is 1 of 3 sisters and she considers herself the f*ck up sister as she was born 2 months before her due date, got arrested once, and can’t show up on time. She helps her family out at their inn and she teaches painting, but she dreams about being an artist. Elizabeth depends a lot on Graham for support, friendship, and at times, with finances. Elizabeth is determined to make it as an artist by creating an art festival, which will have her work and other artists’ work.
Graham considers himself boring, has a great job, and has recently bought a purple house. He has been in love with Elizabeth, but is too scare to make a move in case she doesn’t feel the same way. He bought a house to start a new life by moving out of their apartment and potentially start dating.
Elizabeth is so shocked by this news until Graham tells her the reason why. He wants to be with her and surprisingly makes his move. Elizabeth is even more shocked by this! How do they navigate their friendship after this kiss? How will Elizabeth do with putting together an art festival?
I really enjoyed reading this book, especially the interaction between Elizabeth and Graham. You could tell that Graham is so in love with Elizabeth. I liked seeing what happens next in their friendship.
Elizabeth is 1 of 3 sisters and she considers herself the f*ck up sister as she was born 2 months before her due date, got arrested once, and can’t show up on time. She helps her family out at their inn and she teaches painting, but she dreams about being an artist. Elizabeth depends a lot on Graham for support, friendship, and at times, with finances. Elizabeth is determined to make it as an artist by creating an art festival, which will have her work and other artists’ work.
Graham considers himself boring, has a great job, and has recently bought a purple house. He has been in love with Elizabeth, but is too scare to make a move in case she doesn’t feel the same way. He bought a house to start a new life by moving out of their apartment and potentially start dating.
Elizabeth is so shocked by this news until Graham tells her the reason why. He wants to be with her and surprisingly makes his move. Elizabeth is even more shocked by this! How do they navigate their friendship after this kiss? How will Elizabeth do with putting together an art festival?
I really enjoyed reading this book, especially the interaction between Elizabeth and Graham. You could tell that Graham is so in love with Elizabeth. I liked seeing what happens next in their friendship.
March 10, 2023
Friends to lovers is one of my all time favorite tropes so I was excited to read Elizabeth and Graham’s story finally. It was neat to read a friends to lovers that was a bit more in the hardships range than the insta-love that I read with that trope a lot. The House on Mulberry Street showed how hard it can be to go from friends to lovers with all the personal insecurities and try to walk the line to keep a friendship lasting as well as the relationship.
This novel also shows some of the issues with living in a small town where everyone knows you and your past is never forgotten. Elizabeth always felt like a black sheep and it showed in how she perceived her self and her self worth.
The cast of characters continued to grow and communicate their misunderstandings during the novel to get over some pretty big misconceptions. You saw in both the series and this book how the town both young and old, had to come together to keep the town on the map and grow it from what it was to something more comfortably modern for everyone.
Ultimately this was a cute romance that I would definitely recommend to small town romance lovers. It was also the final book in the trilogy but it didn’t feel like it needed to be read in order. There would be some spoilers but reading book two or one after this book would be ok.
Thank you @foreverpub for this review copy
This novel also shows some of the issues with living in a small town where everyone knows you and your past is never forgotten. Elizabeth always felt like a black sheep and it showed in how she perceived her self and her self worth.
The cast of characters continued to grow and communicate their misunderstandings during the novel to get over some pretty big misconceptions. You saw in both the series and this book how the town both young and old, had to come together to keep the town on the map and grow it from what it was to something more comfortably modern for everyone.
Ultimately this was a cute romance that I would definitely recommend to small town romance lovers. It was also the final book in the trilogy but it didn’t feel like it needed to be read in order. There would be some spoilers but reading book two or one after this book would be ok.
Thank you @foreverpub for this review copy
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