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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This book has something for every reader which is why I picked so many categories of things I liked1. Since there were so many main characters it took me several chapters to get my mind around all of them, but since I trust Rachel Hauck and her writing I knew it would all come out A-OK!. And it did! Highly recommend!
I really enjoyed this book. The story was intriguing, and as a librarian, I found the setting in an old library to be most interesting.
“It’s odd how some things have to be broken before their value and worth can be discovered.”
When five virtual strangers receive an inviation from an anonymous source to attend the Fifth Avenue Story Society, meeting weekly in an historic reading room of an old library, they tenatively decide that random friendships might be just what they need to caulk together the broken pieces of their lives. Except that two of them used to know each other intimately well, and the other three have experienced the kind of deep wounds that love and regret can potentially cause, even if they won’t admit it.
It’s quite an interesting story, a bit “carnal” in a couple of places, nontheless; readers will experience all the ups and downs of the characters’ incredible journey towards wholeness.
“People say Christianity is for the weak but let me tell you, it takes courage to follow God.”
As the story began it a familiar tone but I couldn’t figure out what book had mysterious invitations arrive with no indication of who it was from or why the invitees were all there. Then it hit me . . . Ten Little Indians by Agatha Christie! A book I just loved!
Rachel Hauck does an excellent job of creating mystery not only with the invitations but with the attendees at the story society. They seem to be wondering why they’re there and how they all fit together.
The story is told through each of the attendees point of view which allows the reader to get to know them and their individual story.
I had to stop trying to figure out who the sender of the invitations were and why they were all there to really be able to truly enjoy the story. In doing so I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I didn’t want it to end, which is why I enjoy Rachel Hauck’s books.
Rachel Hauck wove the spiritual element seamlessly throughout the book showing hope instead of despair.
I highly recommend this book!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A book of broken relationships, developing friendships, discovery, and healing. What a delightful and emotional book where strangers, new acquaintances, and former spouses find themselves meeting unexpectedly.
Your heart will reach out to each character as they struggle to find meaning to their lives, resolve broken relationships, discover how to be brave enough to face the truth, and heal. You will be drawn into the story and find yourself emotionally invested in their lives.
It was an amazing journey through the pages as they all began to realize that God provides the ultimate truth and way through your situation.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for my honest review. I am grateful for the opportunity to read a wonderful book that touched my heart deeply.
5 people brought together to tell their stories…
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over 25 or so years of reading fiction, it’s that everyone has a story to tell. Some are a little more, or even a lot more, exciting than others but they are all real, living, breathing stories and each is important in its own way. I like to think that might have been what author Rachel Hauck was getting at when she penned The Fifth Avenue Story Society and introduced her five mismatched characters to the world. Like every real person they have made mistakes both big and small, they have secrets buried in their hearts, baggage from the past that is hard to let go, and fear. Fear of the future with all of its possibility for triumph and tragedy because of the pain of the past.
I’ve not read a lot of Rachel Hauck’s stories but The Fifth Avenue Story Society seemed a little different, I think partly in style, than her other books. It’s not a bad different, more of an interesting different. There’s a little romance, quite a bit of personal drama, and even a little touch of mystery. Some of the things that I really liked about the story would be: the wide age range of the Story Society members, late 20s to 70s, the different economic situations of the characters, from an Uber driver to the owner of a multi-million dollar company, the careful layering of the characters’ intersecting lives as the story progresses, and the requisite true HEA ending.
One thing I have to mention is that if alcohol consumption bothers you, there is quite a bit of it in this book with more social drinking than in the average Christian novel. There are 5 main characters, though, all living in New York City, so… This book is aimed more at adults as sex is referred to several times, the marriage problems themes, etc., so, not a book I would give to a tween or young teen.
Anyway, The Fifth Avenue Story Society was an interesting read, I enjoyed the premise of people sharing their stories in order to heal from the past and look forward to the future. Rachel Hauck has a cast of characters that are different, fun, and will leave you thinking about them even after you’ve finished the book. The question is, will we get to visit the Fifth Avenue Literary Society Library again….?
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck is a stand-alone story. Five strangers receive an invitation to the Fifth Avenue Story Society. Each hurting in their own way, and each with the ability to help the others if they will all just trust each other. This book started out with so much potential. It was a great story-line. The characters were so human and the interaction was believable. Then the author had to throw in things that could have been left out, love-making, innuendo, drinking, making it more of a secular read than a Christian. To tell you the truth I’d be embarrassed for my daughters to read this book.
I received this book Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.
The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck is a captivating story of five broken individuals who are brought together by an invitation from an unknown sender. I was quickly caught up in each of their lives. The author did a great job portraying the emotions and reactions of the diverse characters. Characters who ranged from Uber driver to the wealthy owner of a cosmetic company, from a divorcee to a widower, and a writer, each with a past that was affecting their present. Would this weekly meeting bring them to friendship and a level of trust that would bring healing and resolution to their wounds? I like how the author connected their lives and made what seemed impossible, plausible. And in the end, there was hope and second chances–the opportunity to start over and put the past behind.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
It was a great read Highly recommend!
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 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.
I had some trouble getting into this book. There are a lot of characters and their story had to be set up. Once I got into the book it was really good. It was interesting how all their stories seemed to inter twine with each other. There was only one character that was Christian in the book. By the end of the book she had the others interested in learning about God.
I recommend this book to everyone. Just don’t give up on the beginning. It is a very good book.
I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
As a long-time fan of Rachel Hauck’s books, I was excited to get my hands on her latest, The Fifth Avenue Story Society. Once again I found a story I had difficulty putting down.
Unlike most novels, The Fifth Avenue Story Society features five main characters, most of whom are perfect strangers. Each of these people has received an anonymous engraved invitation to the Fifth Avenue Story Society that meets in the heart of New York City. Despite their skepticism, curiosity compels each of them to attend the first meeting where the mystery deepens. Why were these five particular people invited when they apparently have absolutely nothing in common? Yet something brings the group back together week after week as they begin the slow process of getting to know and eventually growing to care for one another.
The author has constructed a captivating tale with unique and well-developed characters who are emotionally broken in different ways and in need of the truth in their lives. It was a joy to see these people with very little in common grow to be friends who both challenged and supported the others and helped point them toward the truth that would heal their lives. The book was not overly preachy but the reader can clearly see the master hand at work in the background.
The Fifth Avenue Story Society may not be everyone’s cup of tea but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love that Hauck is not afraid to tackle the gritty issues of life and often uses a fictional touch of the supernatural to guide the way to the Lord.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
The Fifth Avenue Story Society, by Rachel Hauck, is a thoroughly engaging novel of loss, friendship, truth, and second chances. Moving effortlessly among multiple storylines, this book explores the histories, secrets, and motivations of a group of people who choose to pursue unlikely friendships with one another. Though they have all had their lives altered by heartache, they press on despite fears and uncertainties as they help each other find the courage to heal and to live their lives with boldness, authenticity, and gratitude.
The characters in this novel are truly interesting and deeply sympathetic. Their choices and struggles are believable and moving. Their motivations, desires, insecurities, mistakes, and actions are well-developed and resonate with vulnerability, veracity, and emotion. As they contemplate their choices and persevere through the consequences that follow, they grow in wisdom and confidence. Their faith is also strengthened as they learn to trust in grace, forgiveness, and redemptive love. It is immensely satisfying to engage with characters who bravely pursue wholeness in the aftermath of trauma, grief, and disappointment, giving space for their hardships to grow in them a generosity, a wisdom, and a faith that inspires others.
It is refreshing to read a novel that so creatively explores the power of friendship to nurture hope and healing. The themes of acceptance, belonging, and honesty resonate on every page of this book making it sincerely thought-provoking and utterly touching. As it explores rejection, assumption, and wounded hearts, this novel gently and creatively offers opportunities for healing and restoration through compassion, forgiveness, and humility. Beyond mere entertainment, this story is very compelling as it examines the value of meaningful relationships and the powerful impact that is realized when lives are lived with authenticity and vulnerability.
Ms. Hauck has skillfully crafted a story that is emotionally impactful and uplifting. The Fifth Avenue Story Society is a remarkable novel that is beautifully written, memorable, and relevant. It is a pleasure to recommend it eagerly to all readers.
I was given a copy of this book by the publishers and Celebrate Lit. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my ow.
Sometimes when you finish a book, you can’t help but close it with a smile of pure satisfaction. The Fifth Avenue Story Society is definitely in that category. Five misfits with no apparent connection receive mysterious invitations to join a Story Society—except they’re the only members. They meet every Monday to eat & talk—Jett, a lit professor finishing his dissertation, Ed, an old romantic, Coral, the heiress to a failing cosmetics company, Chuck, an Uber driver estranged from his kids, and Lexa, an overworked and unappreciated executive assistant who happens to be Jett’s ex-wife—and somehow they become friends. What’s more, they challenge each other to be better people, and let the truth of their own stories set them free. I received a complementary copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher Thomas Nelson, and was under no obligation to write a review.
I don’t normally begin a review by talking about the ending of a book; however, this book is not your typical Christian romance. The ending made me smile. In fact, the last four paragraphs almost made me want to stand up and cheer. I’m not going to give away any hints here. When you read this story, you’ll understand my reactions.
I’m telling you about the ending first, because at the beginning of this book you realize you have five characters and each is telling their story from their own point of view. It may at first seem just a tad overwhelming, but keep reading. It takes a master storyteller to weave all five of those stories into something beautiful , and I was awed at the way Rachel Hauck pulled this all together.
There are whispers of God working behind the scenes in the lives of all these characters, and that’s best represented by Gilda, who appears at just the right moments in the book to nudge a character a certain way. I will give you one small hint here—pay close attention to Cora’s story. She shines the light of God’s grace in a special way all throughout the book.
I loved this book. I will be reading it again, as I hated leaving these characters behind. I’m glad to know that I can return to the Fifth Avenue Story Society again.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
What I think you should know:
The Fifth Avenue Story Society is Contemporary Fiction by Rachel Hauck. When five people find mysterious invitations to The Fifth Avenue Story Society they are curious and confused.
What I think about this book:
To be honest I like the characters felt a little confused at the beginning of the story, however I found my way along with them. Hauck has a gift for creating characters that are familiar, in spite of their uniqueness they feel like they feel like they could be you or one of your friends. Jett was trapped in regrets of the past, Coral wants to live up to expectations, Lexa feels trapped, Chuck can’t move past the worst mistake of his life and Ed lives in a world not his own. Each of the five members had a unique perspective that tied them together to create an inspirational story that kept me guessing. If you have never read Hauck this would be a great introduction to her work.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Speed read if you want, but I found this a book to savor and not devour. The real raw emotions of these five characters will endear them to you. This is my favorite book of MS. Hauck since The Wedding Chapel. The library setting is swoon worthy in itself with all the history surrounding them as they embark on a journey of friendship and finding themselves. I loved how supposed random happenstance was God working out a plan for each life. Although subtle the Jeremiah 29:11 verse kept resounding in me. This author is one of my favorites because she has a way of pulling you into the lives of her characters and you want to stay there and become their friends. I found this to be an emotional journey with these characters to healing and finding joy beyond the hurt. A story of hope. #mustread #keepershelf
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
When Ed, Jett, Lexa, Chuck and Coral all received a mysterious invitation to the Fifth Avenue Story Society, none of them expected that their lives would be changed forever. Rachel Hauck has again written an amazing story for her readers to enjoy. With characters that all have their own stories, Ms. Hauck so vividly describes each character in a way that I felt I knew each one personally. I grew to love each of these characters because there is something for me to learn from each of them.
As this group keeps meeting at the Fifth Avenue Literary Society Library, I was anticipating each meeting because I wanted to know what was happening next, who would be able to share their struggles with the others. And Gilda the librarian, bless her heart, I love that she eventually started interacting with this group, giving her own advice. This book it beautiful inside and out. The cover is absolutely beautiful, and these characters will stay with me for a long time.
I would like to thank the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The Fifth Avenue Story Society by author Rachel Hauck is a contemporary Christian romance fiction novel that has a delightful cover. I wanted to not only press my nose against the window to peep inside, but I also want to glide in there and peruse those books. Don’t you?
It took me a bit to become invested in this tale. I would read a little here and there. Finally after a few chapters everything came together for me to become enamored with this fascinating novel. Author Hauck has a talent of taking an obscure yet believable situation and turning it into a beautiful book.
Here we have five New Yorkers that are brought together to form a remarkable group. Each member has past baggage and is reluctant to share. They meet each week in an old library where friendships, hope, and faith grow.
The characters are realistic with personalities that jump off of the pages. They each have certain quirks, flaws, and redeeming qualities. I enjoyed them. Their conversation sounded real and the banter flowed freely.
Be prepared for each character to express a point of view in the writing. The transition is done without a hitch and makes reading easy. My heart stung when I read the hurt and heartache members experienced. Issues were relevant and timely. The author tackled loneliness, frustration, bitterness, anger, failure, ambition, and impatience on the negative side and love, forgiveness, success, friendship, marriage, family, and hope on the positive. So many life lessons presented in one book. It showed no matter what our past might be, God still has plans for our future, and that we all have something to give to help someone.
I found this riveting novel to be a treasure trove of enthralling stories. The romance and faith messages were light but still there. I enjoyed the mystery as to why each member was chosen and invited. I definitely recommend this book. A reading group would have a lively time dissecting all of the characters and topics. It gets a 4 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.
A book to get lost in, could be a Hallmark movie, and we are guessing right to the end.
Five people are each given invitations to a library at the Fifth Avenue Story Society, strangers, some are some were previously married, and two spent the night in jail together, but why are they here? Curiosity, yes, and yet they keep coming.
There are a lot of deep seeded problems that the folks are holding, and will this new group of now friends be able to help one another? The secrets that fall, most I never saw coming, yes, there are big surprises here, and now I wonder if more invites to needy souls will be forthcoming?
I love books with epilogues, and this one sure didn’t disappoint!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson and CelebrateLit, and was not required to give a positive review.
This story was really fun to read! I liked the different characters and their individual stories of heartache, fear, love, rejection-and how their lives ended up intertwining together by the end.
Loved getting to know all the characters-Jett, Lexa, Ed, Chuck and Coral as the different chapters of the book focused on each one individual at a time. All the characters had different situations and issues to work on and push thru, and the author did a great job with expressing all the different emotions that I felt like I could relate to each one.
I have read other books by this author and I have enjoyed them, but I especially liked this one! The story line flowed and kept my interest from beginning to end with some drama and clean romance. Highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.