Review: Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Set in the Pacific northwest during the turbulent 70’s Tully and Kate’s burgeoning friendship sets the tone of the book. When fourteen year old Kate first saw her new neighbor Tully at the bus stop, little did she know this would be the beginning of a life long friendship developed over a span of 30 plus years. Two young girls on the cusp of womanhood, seemingly opposites on the outside, have a lot in common on the inside, as Tully and Kate find out who they are and what is really important in life.They will be best friends forever they assure each other. Even through the most trying of times, they are there for each other. Granted, there are bumps along the way, even a betrayal of trust and a little heartache, but whose life journey does not include such hurdles? This is also a wonderful story of mothers and daughters fraught with the joy and angst of their intricate relationships. A story line that explores life’s hopes and dreams, some shattered, some realized.

This is a book I found hard to put down. The story line is excellently written as Hannah brings an emotional depth to the characters that is extremely compelling. The characters are so well developed and plausible, you can’t help being engaged with them throughout the entire book. Along with Kate and Tully, the peripheral characters greatly enhance the story line,particularly the two girls' mothers. The time frame is described perfectly with all the accoutrements of the day: the music, the dress, the social attitudes. It was like reliving it all over again. All these elements together make for a magical tale, one that will deeply resonate with the reader for a long time. I just loved it! 5*

A sincere thank you to Reading Group Gold/St. Martin’s Press for the book and the opportunity to participate in this wonderful program. Title is a link to Kristin's web site.