Firefly Lane (novel)

Firefly Lane is a historical fiction novel written by American author Kristin Hannah published by St. Martin's Press in 2008. The story follows the friendship and bond of Tully Hart and Kate Mularkey throughout the years.

A 26-episode Netflix streaming television adaptation of the novel with the same name aired 2 seasons from February, 2021 to April 2023.

Plot Summary
Katie Mularkey and Tallulah "Tully" Hart are only in middle school when they meet on Firefly Lane in Snohomish, Washington. Tully is dealing with a drug-addicted, negligent mother who goes by the name Cloud, while Katie is trying to feel confident and make more friends. The two quickly become inseparable and share a close friendship their entire lives.

This friendship takes them through many ups and downs and remains strong even as they follow different paths in life. Katie gets married and has three children, while Tully pursues a career in journalism.

Development
Hannah drew inspiration for the novel from her own life growing up in Seattle, Washington in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as her experiences studying at the University of Washington.

Reception
Firefly Lane spent 28 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller paperback fiction list in 2009. As of 2015, the novel has sold more than 1.2 million copies.

Publishers Weekly noted that "Hannah takes the easy way out with an over-the-top tear-jerker ending, though her upbeat message of the power of friendship and family will, for some readers, trump even the most contrived plot twists." Kirkus Reviews stated that "Dated sermonizing on career versus motherhood, and conflict driven by characters’ willed helplessness, sap this tale of poignancy."

Adaptation
In 2019, it was announced that Netflix ordered a 10-episode streaming television series adapted from the novel with Maggie Friedman serving as writer, showrunner and executive producer, along with Stephanie Germain; and Hannah as co-executive producer. It premiered on February 3, 2021, starring Katherine Heigl as Tully Hart and Sarah Chalke as Kate Mularkey.