Hummingbird Lane by Carolyn Brown was an interesting read that focuses on Emma who lives in a care facility and can't seem to be able to do anything for herself. She then reunites with her best friend from childhood Sophie who helps her become more independent as the story unfolds the more that is uncovered that explains why Emma is the way she is.
I liked this tory but did feel that it felt a little slow and repetitive in places but I did enjoy the author's writing.

I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide a review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.

Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.

However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x

"Hummingbird Lane" by Carolyn Brown is a touching and uplifting novel that beautifully explores the healing power of art and the enduring strength of friendship. Set against the backdrop of a small artists' colony in south Texas, this heartwarming tale follows the intertwined lives of Emma Merrill and Sophia Mason, two childhood friends whose paths diverged as they pursued different life trajectories.

Brown skillfully delves into the complexities of Emma's battle with depression, exacerbated by her stifling relationship with her controlling mother. When Sophie, now an accomplished artist, extends a helping hand to Emma during a time of need, their reunion sparks a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing. As Emma immerses herself in the nurturing environment of the artists' colony, she finds solace and comfort in the company of kindred spirits, including the compassionate Josh Corlen, the manager of the commune.

The author's vivid depiction of the enchanting Texas landscape, embellished with blooming wildflowers, serves as a powerful metaphor for Emma's own potential for growth and renewal. As the two friends open up about their respective burdens and secrets, they rediscover the true essence of their bond, reaffirming their shared promise to remain steadfast through life's trials and tribulations.

Carolyn Brown's eloquent prose and poignant storytelling captivate readers, evoking a range of emotions as they witness the protagonists' journey toward self-acceptance and inner peace. The novel serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of genuine connections and the profound impact of creativity and nature on the human spirit.

"Hummingbird Lane" is a compelling narrative that seamlessly weaves together themes of friendship, resilience, and the transformative power of self-expression. With its evocative portrayal of personal growth and the restorative influence of artistic expression, this novel is a heartfelt testament to the enduring resilience of the human spirit.

Emma Merrill and Sophia Mason were wonderful friends, bound by a passion for painting. Emma comes from a wealthy family and her mother is a real snot. Sophia is the daughter of one of their employees. So when they turn twelve, Emma is pulled out of public school and taught by tutors and told to stay away from Sophia. When she believes that her husband is having an affair, with Sophia's mother, Rebel, she is fired and the girls don't see each other for years. When they head off to college, they meet up a few times, but after just one semester, Emma comes home, distraught and doesn't return. She is suffering from some kind of trauma, but she doesn't remember what happened. From that point on, until she is in her 30s, her mother has her in and out of institutions. When Rebel hears where Emma is, she shares it with Sophia and she goes to see her, convincing her to leave the "hospital". They head off the the small trailer park in south Texas where Sophia lives and paints for the summer months. Here, Emma blossoms, remembers what happened and finds friendships that she never expected. In the company of such nurturing and creative strangers—especially Josh Corlen, the manager of the park, Emma allows herself to open up and relate to other people, while finding her feet.

I love stories about multi-generational friendships and this is a wonderful one. The artists in the park are a family and they treat Emma with kid gloves while she learns to trust them. Emma's mother is a piece of work. The way she has treated her and caused so many of her mental health issues is appalling. It is a perfect example of how an unhappy person will do whatever she can to make others unhappy, especially her family. This is a very emotional story where I had some tears, lots of sympathy and eventually laughs and happiness for everyone. The banter between Filly and Art has me smiling over and over. They are the elderly permanent residents/artists of Hummingbird Lane, are the sort of people everyone needs in their lives. They are wise, knowing when to back off and when to offer a hand as well as being humourous, kind and generous. Luke has also been hurt by his family and immediately feels a kinship and attraction to Emma. Sophie is a wonderful friend, but also has her own life as a successful artist, whose partner is her business manager and madly in love with her. This was a story that had all the feels. The blurb says that The healing powers of art and friendship helps them to rediscover themselves, reflect, share secrets and become friends again. I like books that deal with mental health issues and my one issue is that after over 12 years of institutionalization and dealing with doctors, these friends were able to turn Emma around in only a month. If you can get by that miraculous recover, then you will enjoy this book. If it hadn't been for that, this would easily have been a five star read.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. A pretty cover. A good women's fiction drama/Romance novel. Highly recommend.

HUMMINGBIRD LANE - CAROLYN BROWN

Emma and Sophie have been inseparable when they were little - both interested in arts, especially painting, the little girls discovered early what it meant to have a best friend, so they sweared to never let go of each other. However, life had other plans, so as they attended different schools, their bond withered and they lost touch.
After almost ten years of not keeping in touch, Sophie comes to rescue her former best friend when she needs it the most. For Emma, life couldn't have turned out to be worse that it is now - emotionally and mentally drained from depression and a manipulating mother.
So when Sophie suggests they retreat to a small srtist colny is the middle of almost nowhere, Emma has no apprehension.
In amongst that small group of creatives, Emma starts to thrive again, guided by Sosphie, and their frayed relationship gets a revisit.
The story follows the rapair of one's self and their relationships - old platonic and new romatic ones.

Carolyn Brown books never disappoint. Stories of love, family and friendships are her strength and this story is wonderful. She is a go-to author for me and I look forward to all of her books!

Thank you NetGalley for the copy to read and review!!!

This is a Romance/Women's Fiction. This is the second book written by Carolyn Brown, and I have to she writes the best characters. The characters in this book is so great, and they each come to life while reading this book. The storyline of this book was so great, and I love reading this book. I love getting lost in this world with all these artist. My brother is a crazy artist type, and he is like this. He lived in his car just because he wanted for a year. I really loved reading a book with the main point of view an crazy artist type. This was a fun read, but it also covers some deep things happening to the characters. Also, The characters live to be themselves in this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Montlake) or author (Carolyn Brown) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

After ready a few chapters of this book, I had to stop unfortunately as it wasn’t what I was expecting and looking forward to read. It’s all me and my moods probably, nothing to do with the author or the book.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy

Carolyn Brown is one of my favorite authors. She writes about friends, family and real life. In this book she proves that family by blood isn't necessarily good for you. Emily is dominated by her mother and is presently in a "mental" hospital. Her mother plans to make it permanent. Sophia, Emily's childhood friend talks to Emily's doctors and checks her out for a road trip to Texas. Both are Artists and plan to paint and enjoy themselves. Emily owes her life to Sophia who has a few problems of her own but together they persevere. Friends who are closer than sisters is a great theme. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was a heartwarming book about two childhood friends, Emma and Sophia, who were forbidden to see each other by Emma’s mom, Victoria. Emma is raped during college and goes home where her mother puts her in various wellness centers but Victoria does not know the reason for Emma’s depression. Sophia has prospered as a famous artist but she too has a college secret that no one knows about.

Sophia finds out that Emma needs help and rescues her by taking Emma to her trailer park in Texas. It is in this trailer park that Emma meets true friends that she considers family . Sophia also tells Emma what her college experience was and together they heal and grow so that they are each able to open their hearts to love again.

The story telling was wonderful and I was able to picture myself in Hummingbird Lane with them and their friends, Arty and Filly.

When I think of romance, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the feels and satisfies every romance junkies' heart. This is a perfect books to snuggle up with on any day.

Secret pain might have left a woman on the brink of sanity, but a shared deep-in-the-soul friendship and her art has the strength to restore color and vitality to her life. The country charm and easy connections of her characters make this author’s books comfy reads that take the reader to a good place.

Leaving the ranching world behind, Carolyn Brown takes this book to a small trailer park in the gorgeous Big Bend area and among artists who have different mediums, but allow the closeness to nature around their isolated location to influence them. Sophie and Emma are best buds from childhood, but they are reuniting after years of being separated. Emma has repressed memories, but Sophie knows full well what bruised her spirit years ago. They help each other face their own demons with one being strong when the other is weak and vice versa. They share the narration of the story and I enjoyed both of them as main characters.

But, the friendship of the women expands to include the two older neighbors, Arty and Filly, and young shy owner of the property, Josh. They are beautiful, warm, simple-living people who help both women heal. The story is gently-paced and is about healing and facing the past so they don’t miss the happiness waiting for them in the present. Sophie seems to lead a charmed life with a vivacious supporting single mom, Rebel, her successful world-renowned art career, and a deeply satisfying relationship with a man who gets her while Emma’s world has been stark and miserable with a domineering mother and a dad who was also bullied by her mother and then she faced a painful event that her mind blocked out until Sophie gets her away where she can quietly heal. I appreciated how the author didn’t make the healing seem like some sort of miracle and Emma has much to work out with therapy even after her big breakthrough. But, after Emma’s life starts to come together, that is when Sophie’s demons pop up.

It was their friendship that was the key, though they both had strong supporting men and friends to support them. Josh was shy and awkward, but just the sort of man Emma needed after what she’d been through and Sophie’s Teddy didn’t let her down when she started to struggle.

I enjoyed the focus on art, but also the location of desert beauty that inspired the art. And, man oh man do I want to live on Hummingbird Lane so I can enjoy Arty and Filly’s nightly dinner and dessert offerings at the community picnic table.

All in all, it was heartwarming and simply charming with friendship, healing, and a bit of romance. Perhaps it was a little far-fetched, but in a wonderful, dreamy way that one wishes the world worked. Those who enjoy gently-paced, low-angst women’s fiction should grab this one up.

Really great story! I found this book to be emotional and heartwarming. I really enjoyed the characters and the setting. Highly recommended!

Emma and Sophia were childhood friends with a passion for art. Having lost touch, chance reunites them and takes them to a blissful trailer park where all the residents sell their creative wares.
They have issues to overcome and their friendship proves to be very healing. They each come to rely on each other.
A lovely story about family issues, friendships amongst a blissful setting amongst a fascinating creative backdrop.
It took me a little while to settle into this book- but absolutely loved every page once I became invested in the characters. I will definately check out more books by this author

~~~ I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~~~

This is another delightful read by Carolyn Brown. I thoroughly enjoyed this book Hummingbird Lane that follows two "sisters of the heart" who are both artists and best friends, Sophie and Emma. Both girls have experienced trauma that the overcome together in a trailer park on Hummingbird Lane. This is a story of friendship, family, healing, love, and moving on. I would highly recommend this book. Carolyn Brown has a knack for creating story and quirky female characters. The one annoying thing for me was the repetitive internal conversations that the characters had. Also, maybe she should've called it "Purple Lizards" instead:)

This book was a very emotional and powerful read about friendship and healing. For fans of firefly land pick up this book. I enjoyed the characters and their captivating stories

Emma Merrill came from a well to do family and Sophia Mason was the daughter of the housekeeper who cleaned Emma's home. Although their backgrounds were very different, the two girls grew up together, became best friends, shared a love of art, and promised to remain friends forever. When the girls went off to college, they took different paths and lost touch.
One day Sophia learns that her friend Emma is being kept in an institution and she sets off to rescue her friend who needs her now more than ever.
The story is about the power of friendship, and the healing that can prevail provided you have the right people by your side.
I enjoyed this book and it is a quick read. The storyline was beautiful and heartwarming. I am a fan of Carolyn Brown's books but for this story I found myself losing interest from time to time due to repetitive information in different parts of the book.
I am grateful to the author, Montlake, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Carolyn Brown is a wonderful author I found through Net Galley and have always enjoyed her books. This is a heartwarming story of long term women friendships . I loved the charcters and the story.

Hummingbird Lane is a cozy trailer park near Big Bend National Park. I love the authors descriptions of the inhabitants and the landscape. The author truly took me away to the beauty of Big Bend Park. Emma has come to recover from her domineering Mother who caused her depression and self doubt. It is a community of independent quirky artist types and within the community she soon makes friends and finds herself with the help of her long time friend Sophia who is helping her recover. This is a charming read of the power of friendship and of helping others.

I was disappointed that the author stressed Emma must recover quickly and did so within a short time. It is not true of depression patients that recovery is that quick. Other then that one quirk the book was a enjoyable read and

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC. At the start of the book had a hard time wanting to read. Glad I did stick with it. Enjoyed all the characters and the story they each had. Only one character that I didn't care for but he/she was needed for the story.