In the Middle of Hickory Lane by Heather Webber

Book Description

Emme Wynn has wanted nothing more her whole life than to feel like part of a family. Having grown up on the run with her con artist mother, she’s been shuffled from town to town, drawn into bad situations, and has learned some unsavory habits that she’s tried hard to overcome. When her estranged grandmother tracks her down out of the blue and extends a job offer―helping to run her booth at an open-air marketplace in small-town Sweetgrass, Alabama―Emme is hopeful that she’ll finally be able to plant the roots she’s always dreamed of. But some habits are hard to break, and she risks her newfound happiness by keeping one big truth to herself.

Cora Bee Hazelton has her hands full with volunteering, gardening, her job as a color consultant and designer, and just about anything she can do to keep her mind off her painful past, a past that has resulted in her holding most everyone at arm’s length. The last thing she wants is to form close relationships only to have her heart broken yet again. But when she’s injured, she has no choice other than to let people into her life and soon realizes it’s going to be impossible to keep her heart safe―or her secrets hidden.

In the magical neighborhood garden in the middle of Hickory Lane, Emme, and Cora Bee learn some hard truths about the past and themselves, the value of friends, family, and community, and most importantly, that true growth starts from within.

Review

As soon as I read the book description, I knew In the Middle of Hickory Lane had a good chance of winning me over.

Not just because of the magic. Not even because it’s a Heather Webber novel, though she’s become one of my favorite comfort-read authors.

It was the garden at the heart of this story.

As an avid gardener, I enjoyed watching Emme learn to garden from her grandmother. I loved how their relationship didn’t heal overnight but grew gradually through shared work, stories, and time spent together with their hands in the dirt.

What I appreciated most was that the garden felt like more than a setting. It became a way for the characters to connect. To trust. To put down roots.

As anyone who gardens knows, plants have a way of teaching patience. They operate on their own schedule regardless of your plans. Relationships can be much the same.

Gardens and Belonging

As much as I enjoyed the garden scenes, what drew me most into In the Middle of Hickory Lane was how much Emme’s story resonated with my own.

Growing up with a difficult mother, Emme spent much of her life never quite feeling like she belonged anywhere. While my circumstances were different, I understood Emme’s longing to find a home. Watching her work to make a place for herself in this community sucked me into the story.

I also loved how Emme restored cast-off furniture. I too have a soft spot for rescuing old, neglected things. Whether it’s an old door, a piece of furniture, or something else unwanted, I enjoy seeing what can happen when we give these objects a new purpose. In some ways, In the Middle of Hickory Lane explores the same idea. Not only through rehabbing objects or gardens but also through people.

Like many of Webber’s novels, the story is ultimately about connection, community, and second chances. Of the novels I’ve read, this book reminded me most of The Forget-Me-Not Library. Both books explore belonging and family, though In the Middle of Hickory Lane places greater emphasis on repairing relationships and finding roots.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis, and thoroughly enjoyed both performances. The ladies each brought warmth, humor, and heart to the story while giving each character a distinct voice.

Readers who enjoy small-town magical realism, multigenerational relationships, gardening, and stories about belonging will love In the Middle of Hickory Lane.

Content Warning

Abandonment, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Grief, Panic attacks, Toxic relationships

The header photo is a composite image. Base image by Andy Holmes on Unsplash