From the New York Times bestselling author of On Mystic Lake comes a powerful novel of love, loss, and the magic of friendship…
In the turbulent summer of 1974, Kate Mularkey has accepted her place at the bottom of the eighth-grade social food chain. Then, to her amazement, the “coolest girl in the world” moves in across the street and wants to be her friend. Tully Hart seems to have it all — … it all — beauty, brains, ambition. On the surface they are as opposite as two people can be: Kate, doomed to be forever uncool, with a loving family who mortifies her at every turn. Tully, steeped in glamour and mystery, but with a secret that is destroying her. They make a pact to be best friends forever; by summer’s end they’ve become TullyandKate. Inseparable.
So begins Kristin Hannah’s magnificent new novel. Spanning more than three decades and playing out across the ever-changing face of the Pacific Northwest, Firefly Lane is the poignant, powerful story of two women and the friendship that becomes the bulkhead of their lives.
From the beginning, Tully is desperate to prove her worth to the world. Abandoned by her mother at an early age, she longs to be loved unconditionally. In the glittering, big-hair era of the eighties, she looks to men to fill the void in her soul. But in the buttoned-down nineties, it is television news that captivates her. She will follow her own blind ambition to New York and around the globe, finding fame and success… and loneliness.
Kate knows early on that her life will be nothing special. Throughout college, she pretends to be driven by a need for success, but all she really wants is to fall in love and have children and live an ordinary life. In her own quiet way, Kate is as driven as Tully. What she doesn’t know is how being a wife and mother will change her… how she’ll lose sight of who she once was, and what she once wanted. And how much she’ll envy her famous best friend…
For thirty years, Tully and Kate buoy each other through life, weathering the storms of friendship — jealousy, anger, hurt, resentment. They think they’ve survived it all until a single act of betrayal tears them apart… and puts their courage and friendship to the ultimate test.
Firefly Lane is for anyone who ever drank Boone’s Farm apple wine while listening to Abba or Fleetwood Mac. More than a coming-of-age novel, it’s the story of a generation of women who were both blessed and cursed by choices. It’s about promises and secrets and betrayals. And ultimately, about the one person who really, truly knows you — and knows what has the power to hurt you… and heal you. Firefly Lane is a story you’ll never forget… one you’ll want to pass on to your best friend.
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I got all the feels with this one. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to be friends with the characters. When it was done, I was so sad. I went through a bad book withdrawal. It was like my friends left! Great book!
I read this book after going through my own cancer journey. Of course, it moved me to tears. Since reading this book, I have made sure that my really close friends have received this book from me. I have let them know how much I love them and treasure their friendship and support through the years. Firefly Lane is a keeper!
One of my favorite books. If you enjoy coming-of-age stories that take you into adulthood, you’ll love this one. Reminds me of Beaches. I love all of her books but this one is my fav.
This is one of my favorite books. The childhood friendship that develops between Kate and Tully when they both needed it the most was so heartwarming. Their friendship continues to evolve into a lifelong adult friendship with ups and downs but they always had each other.
This my all-time favorite book. Hannah is a genius at developing characters that keep you thinking about them long after you finish the book.
The lives of the two women featured in this book over a 30+ year span of time are approximately my age. I resonated with the music and clothing that they talked about. It was a laugh-out-loud and break-your-heart book — all wrapped in one.
Firefly Lane is one of my top 5 favorite books I’ve ever read. Its a must read for all women and tells the story of friendship, love, and most importantly – forgiveness.
Everyone else has probably read Firefly Lane, right? I viewed the Netflix series and had to read the book. No spoilers here except to say I enjoyed both. There’s a book 2 which I haven’t read; perhaps that explains why the series and book diverge.
But friendship is the theme and any woman who had that best friend before the expression “best …
We read this at my book club. Also read The Nightingale by the same author, which NEVER happens at book club! This is modern fiction instead of historical fiction, but because it covers a large portion of the lives of the main characters, there are interesting bits of American history interspersed!
Loved this story of two friends, the challenges that break them apart and the love that puts them back together. Women’s Fiction lovers . . . this one is for you!
This is the book by Kristin Hannah that had me hooked on her writing. It was one of the books that inspired me to write my first novel.
Love this author. Confident in preordering
This book is an emotional roller coaster ride. I loved it. Kristin writes the best books.
Kristin Hannah is a brilliant writer! She makes you feel like you know these characters, or are one of them. In your teens, best friends growing up in the 1970’s! This book is an easy read that you don’t want to put down! I highly recommend this book and any other that Kristin has written!! I also love Jodi Picoult’s style of writing, if that …
Awesome book – could not put it down
One of my favorites. I pass my copy to every book lover and it’s starting to look worn, but loved.
Heart breakingly beautiful. You will feel for these characters
Kristin Hannah’s book will keep you turning pages until you’re done.
A wonderfully emotional story that will make you want to hold onto your BFF
Loved this book. I’ve read it twice.