An invitation to join The Fifth Avenue Story Society gives five New York strangers a chance to rewrite their own stories. Executive assistant Lexa is eager for a much-deserved promotion, but her boss is determined to keep her underemployed. Literature professor Jett is dealing with a broken heart, as well as a nagging suspicion his literary idol, Gordon Phipps Roth, might be a fraud. Uber driver … be a fraud.
Uber driver Chuck just wants a second chance with his kids.
Aging widower Ed is eager to write the true story of his incredible marriage.
Coral, queen of the cosmetics industry, has broken her engagement and is on the verge of losing her great grandmother’’s multimillion-dollar empire.
When all five New Yorkers receive an anonymous, mysterious invitation to the Fifth Avenue Story Society, they suspect they’‘re victims of a practical joke. No one knows who sent the invitations or why. No one has heard of the literary society. And no one is prepared to reveal their deepest secrets to a roomful of strangers.
Yet curiosity and loneliness bring them back week after week to the old library. And it’’s there they discover the stories of their hearts, and the kind of friendship and love that heals their souls.
“This captivating story full of heart, soul, and humor kept me turning pages until midnight to finish it. Rachel weaves the perfect amount of tension and opens possibilities to keep the reader pondering long after the story is over. I loved it!” –Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author
“Rachel Hauck’’s flair for inviting prose and well-drawn characters shines in this delightful story about searching for hope and healing within the most unexpected circle of people. Finely tuned themes of love, self-authenticity and discovering the benevolent hand of providence make this one sweet gem of a book.”–Susan Meissner, bestselling author of The Last Year of the War
“You are cordially invited, dear reader, to step through the doors of an enchanting old library and embark on a remarkable journey with the Fifth Avenue Story Society. In this beautifully written novel, Rachel Hauck has created a cast of masterful characters whose stories seem shattered beyond hope. But Rachel doesn’‘t leave them in their brokenness. She sweeps up the pieces and begins sculpting together a new story. A better story for each of them. Their fireside society is a place where miracles still happen. A space full of wonder to savor and dream. If you dare to step inside these pages, into this mysterious story society, you’‘ll be warmly welcomed as a fellow sojourner and friend.” –Melanie Dobson, bestselling author of Catching the Wind and Memories of Glass
“I was captivated by this story from the first paragraph, and my heart soon became invested in the lives of the various members of the Fifth Avenue Story Society. It’’s magical. My favorite Rachel Hauck novel to date!” –Robin Lee Hatcher, Christy Award-winning author of Who I Am with You and Cross My Heart
“What a delightful surprise! Five near-strangers discover the story of their lives after meeting under the most unusual of invitations. The Fifth Avenue Story Society is both complex and spellbinding, and I found it difficult not to flip to the back in search of the hopeful conclusion. But I’‘m glad I held out and, without a single doubt, you will be too. The Fifth Avenue Story Society allows readers to slip into another world and, in doing so, find the story of their own lives.” –Eva Marie Everson, bestselling author and President of Word Weavers International
“A delightful and insightful story about broken dreams and dreams reborn. A tale of deep emotion and even deeper friendships. I loved this novel and the memorable characters Rachel Hauck has created. Just get ready for your heart to be changed in a beautiful way.” –James L. Rubart, Christy Hall of Fame author
“Rachel Hauck is well-known to her fans as an author of books with compelling characters, heaven invading earth, and a romance that will win your heart. With The Fifth Avenue Story Society, Hauck delves into the space of our greatest wounds and how confronting them brings freedom, healing, and hope. She accomplishes that with a story told from five characters’’ perspectives, each one rich with the possibility of more constrained by the chains of the past. The characters’’ search for freedom points the reader to healing while delving into the power of each person’’s fully embraced story. I’‘m grateful for the time I spent with this group and these pages. Readers who love a story laced with heart and hope will adore this Hauck’’s latest offering.” –Cara Putman, award-winning and bestselling author of Delayed Justice and Shadowed by Grace
- Contemporary standalone
- Book length: approximately 100,000 words
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs
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“The Fifth Avenue Story Society” – A 5 star read from New York Times bestselling author, Rachel Hauck. I really adored how some of my favorite characters from Hauck’s book, “The Writing Desk” found their way into this intriguing novel. Complex plot, incredibly well-developed characters, believable and perfect ending. Loved it so much! Thanks for writing this amazing novel, Rachel Hauck.
When I finished the story, I had to press the novel to my chest and just sigh. Because it was so cute and precious, and the character building … oh, Rachel Hauck nailed it all. They were unique, funny, damaged, and each had a journey that seemed realistic.
Chuck – He fit the mold of the classic deadbeat dad, but with a heart and a willingness to be better. Big and burly, but with a smile and his faith journey fit the person he was throughout the book.
Ed – I think I know men like this. Kind and grandfatherly, but with a darkness in their soul that they try to hide with fluff and good stories. His story broke my heart, but also healed the brokenness as he healed as well.
Jett and Lexa – These two were my favorite. I squealed in the beginning when they both walked into the room. I loved their personalities, their tempers, their pasts, together and a part …. oh, I loved it all. They were messy, broken, and stubborn. It was amazing.
Coral – awww, Coral. What a beautiful lady, inside and out. I think we would make the best of friends. I guess some of her story right away, but didn’t expect to be touched by her eventual openness. She was the glue of the society, and pointed them all to the answer to the questions they were asking (or not asking).
If you’re looking for something sweet and fluffy, but with a deep dive into life as a human being, go read this book!
I really loved this book because it was original and told the stories of several different people that intertwined throughout the book. It was believable and I could identify with the characters, yet it wasn’t predictable! I highly recommend this book!
My new favorite Rachel Hauck book! Loved a magical library where healing and friendships happen. Loved being a fly on the wall for the journeys of these 5 characters. I think my favorite was Ed & his testimony of sacrificial love in the face of many hardships. This story made for a really enjoyable Audible listen. And it was fun for me (as an English teacher) that the head of the New York College English Department was named Renee 😉
Five different people all end up with invitations to this story society and no one knows who sent the invites. No one knows why they are there. But they find purpose and friendship with each other. Hauck tells the story from five different viewpoints and it was seamlessly woven together. She is a master storyteller with emotional punch and spiritual upliftment. I could not stop reading this story. I loved each and every page and I find myself thinking of each person’s story even though I have finished the book. The Story Society is one that will stay with me and I will not forget it. Truth, love, courage, and leaning on Jesus. This book is everything.
See my review on my website.
I love stories about bookstores … I think you will enjoy this one too!
Oh, how I wish I could crawl into the pages of Rachel Hauck’s book. To be invited for just a few hours a week to a magical place of mystery and discovery.
Five New Yorkers are the fortunate recipients of an invitation to the The Fifth Avenue Story Society. All very different people, yet they share one thing, they have been wounded by life and are making the best of the situation. And not doing it well.
Hauck does something brave in inspirational fiction. She allows the reader into the lives of people where God is not part of their reality. Their whole world is structured in the pain and confusion of tragic events and poor decisions. The existence that culminates from the great triumphs and soul breaking defeats. It’s their organic journey that sets this book apart.
I highly recommend this book.
“Anyone can love when it’s easy.”
Five people (Lexa, Jett, Chuck, Coral, and Ed) are mysteriously invited to join a story society. No one knows how or why, but the intrigue initially keeps them there. Every Monday they meet for dinner and talk about life, literature, and relationships. Their lives start to weave and intersect more and more outside of their weekly meetings.
Sometimes a books following this many people can bog down or be confusing. Rachel weaves their individual lives, heartaches, and successes in such a way that connects easily for the reader.
I usually can pinpoint a favorite character or arc. However, I liked all five characters for different reasons. I’m glad they finally listened to me internally yelling solutions to their problems!
I particularly enjoyed the first half of the book as I met the society and got to know them as they acquainted themselves with one another. I do think the second half is a little on the predictable side and, thus, lost some of my attention. I would still recommend it, however, and thought the narrator did a fabulous job.
I loved this book! The characters are realistic and timeless. I loved the setting of the library, the mysterious librarian and the air of mystery. The real life struggles of the characters, give inspiration for our own lives. I enjoyed the glimpse of past characters from Hauck’s other books. And, in true Hauck fashion, this book left me anticipating her next book and what characters from this book we will glimpse in the next.
I really enjoy this author’s books! This one did seem to start slow but soon it took off with a bang! I enjoyed all the characters little stories and the Christian message .
Definitely recommend
I loved this book (actually listened to the audio; the narrator was fabulous, too). Rachel Hauck takes the reader on journeys through the character’s strengths and weaknesses, victories and failures. The characters are each quite likeable, and I found myself relating to various aspects of each one. I could hardly wait for each time I got to get back into the book to learn what happened next in each life. The story is enjoyable, but also leaves the reader with poignant things to ponder. For example, how often do we assume another’s selfishness and lack of concern for our life or others’ lives, when they’ve just experienced their own unspoken painful/trying circumstances? How often are hearts’ doors closed because we don’t realize the pain of another and incorrectly assume things about them? How much relational destruction occurs because of masks we wear and because of labels thrown onto others without even knowing their hearts and minds? How often does false guilt destroy so many moments and relational opportunities? How often do our secrets steal joy while growing deeper roots while kept in darkness? This story is creative and wonderfully shows how glorious it is when Light reaches inward and outward. I like how the author shows that truth can cause hurt and does have consequences, but the Light and freedom greatly exceeds the pain. I look forward to reading The Writing Desk now (although I think I should have read that one first, but didn’t know).for
I enjoyed this book very much and I would Highly Recommend It.
It was very well written and informative with important details and descriptions.
This story had funny parts here and there, serious/sad parts and family-bond moments.
I liked the stories and the mystery of each of the main characters’ past and how each one had to overcome and reveal to the group, or to someone they wanted to commit to, why or what was holding them back from moving forward and enjoying life without any regrets.
Rachel Hauck is on of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read her next book.
Book felt slow at first, and you had a hard time to see how all the characters would fit together. But in true Rachel Hauck fashion you begin to see the web that is being woven drawing each character to step back and really take a look at their life and how it entwines with others.
In the middle of a dreary, rainy winter, I was THRILLED to get a new book by Rachel Hauck–and as always, she did not disappoint. As much as I love her dual-time stories, this one is different from any of her other books. There’s still plenty of depth and the amazing writing she’s known for, but this time there are five characters to love (and I loved every one of them like old friends). I absolutely LOVE that one character is a man in his 70s–and he still longs for love and community the way the characters in their 30s do. I couldn’t pick a favorite character, and I related to each of them in some way. Not only did I enjoy learning each character’s story as it unfolded, but I also loved the interactions and the chemistry that they enjoyed together. The ending is satisfying and uplifting, and you’re left wanting more–but feeling like these are real people who will go on enjoying life together. Highly recommend this book!
The Fifth Avenue Story Society
by Rachel Hauck
Rating: 4.5/5
I am a huge fan of Rachel Hauck already but this book is a bit different and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Even though there are quite a few characters to keep track of, I felt each one got their moments of truth, and I needed to finish reading till the end. I definitely lost some sleep over finishing the story but it was worth it!
Meet the five people who make up the Fifth Avenue Story Society. Lexa is an executive assistant who works hard and deserves to be promoted to CEO if she can convince her boss. Jett is her ex-husband who is a professor researching his dissertation on his favorite author and dealing with his divorce and brother’s death. Coral is a high society heiress running her grandmother’s cosmetics company who recently left her fiancé – a prince – at the altar. Chuck is an Uber and limo driver trying to figure how he can see his twins more after his ex-wife put out a restraining order on him. Ed is an older gentleman who misses his wife and is desperately trying to write a memoir of their love story. Mysterious invitations brought these five people together and week after week, they share their stories and their struggles as they begin to heal and have hope for their futures.
I love when people’s stories intertwine and you get to see it all come together as a reader like a beautifully woven tapestry. The different tones of the story made me laugh and cry. The characters have real struggles and problems that need to be worked through. The faith of one ends up sparking the faith in the others. The themes of forgiveness and redemption are woven throughout the story and I could definitely see this book becoming a Hallmark movie that makes me cry. There’s something about Rachel Hauck’s writing that draws the reader into her world and forces them to ask those hard questions and challenge themselves to think about what they would do if they were in her characters’ same situations.
Beautifully written and highly recommended for those who enjoy some romance, some mystery, and people-watching.
My thanks to the publisher, NetGalley, and CelebrateLit for an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
Rachel Hauck is one of my favorite authors, and this book didn’t fail to live up to my expectations. One aspect I enjoyed was that it was not the same tired, overused themes of many books. I love the uniqueness of the story society. This is a strong character driven tale where over the course of the story we learn the secret struggles of the five characters of the story society., and the reader gets invested into each of their lives. As always, I look forward to more books by Rachel Hauck.
Another great book by Ms Hauck. I love her books.
The Fifth Avenue Story Society gives readers everything you’d expect from a Rachel Hauck novel. While not adrenaline-pumping suspense, the story has plenty of intrigue. The author brings several characters to life as they each receive a mysterious invitation to join the Fifth Avenue Story Society.
Jett Wilder carries the burden of his brother’s death and his recent divorce into the Society. Lexa Wilder, Jett’s ex, doesn’t know how to cope with a demanding job and lingering feelings from the divorce. Chuck Mays is rough around the edges and just wants to see his kids. Coral Winthrop brings a broken engagement under mysterious circumstances to the table. Ed Marshall wants to write a love story to tell the world about his late wife. The group decides to continue meeting even though they have no idea how they were brought together.
This story brings out all of the emotion and drama a reader can handle. I enjoyed these characters and their complex problems. I enjoy a large cast of characters told from multiple viewpoints, and not all authors could make this work. But the way the members of the Society interact is heart-warming. Rachel Hauck peels back the layers of the characters as they come to grip with their own inner demons while relying on the help of a group of strangers.
If you are looking for a heart-warming and inspiring read with complex characters and a story line that will linger long after you put down the book, look no further than The Fifth Avenue Story Society.
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
First book I have read by Rachel Hauck, but it has left me wanting more! A strange invitation led strangers to meet in a library on a Monday night. They were an eclectic group, each harboring their own hurts and secrets. Through various twists and turns, each of them discovered that truth leads to freedom.