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
more
This book contains a little bit of a mystery, one we never find resolved. But that does not detract from the book. It just adds a mystic. Five people are sent an invitation to join The Fifth Avenue Story Society. They don’t understand why they were chosen or the reason for the society. As the weekly meetings unfold, we are given a look into each character’s lives. Even though they are a diverse group, they end up forming a very strong bond. As you might imagine, each character has a problem that they need to solve. The problems range from being very evident to those hidden deep. I, personally, felt like the book slowed down quite a bit in the last fourth of the book where the author reveals the history behind each person’s problem. But the reader is satisfied to find out the cause of their predicaments. The ending was smooth and thorough.
I enjoy Rachel’s books and enjoy it when she attends our book club meetings.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC for an honest review.
This was a book I did not want to put down. I loved the five people that get an invitation to join a story society. Each of these people have been living a lie and they need help to confess what is wrong. I love how they became friends even though they were all so different. There were a few twists and turns as we learned each of the characters truths. I also loved the romance. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
The idea of this book intrigued me since I love books and libraries. Five unsuspecting New Yorkers are invited to a story society meeting in an old library that used to be part of a mansion. The variety of characters drawn together are all troubled, as we learn when they begin to share their stories. With five different points of view and so much going on outside the society meetings, it can be hard to track at first. But readers get to know and care about each of the individuals involved. Their love lives play a major role too. Some are divorced, and I rooted for them to work it out with their former partners because I don’t believe it’s God’s will for divorced people to remarry while their original covenant partner is still living. I did appreciate the faith element in the novel and how God worked in the characters’ lives. They did seem very real. I would not class this as a romance but more general fiction. The author knows how to tell a good tale. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
Ms. Hauck’s new story is reminiscent of Dame Agatha Christie’s Ten Little Indians minus the ominous tone, and set in a private room in a library rather than an isolated island. Five characters drawn together by no more than a curious invitation.
Like a well-crafted time-slip story, The Fifth Avenue Story Society weaves the lives of its otherwise disparate members into a single thread, criss-crossing until a colorful and beautiful tapestry emerges. Ms. Hauck takes each of her characters on a journey of self-discovery, forcing them to dig deep—and anointing them with healing.
So many things in this story that resonate deeply with this reader—the bond between friends, the individual histories of the characters, the courage to face their pasts and embrace their future, and the books! Of course the books.
Though seemingly a random selection of random people, they soon discover that each has something the others need—so true in life; the most random people sometimes have the very thing we need.
Of the books I’ve read by this author, this story far outshines them all. Perhaps it’s more reminiscent of an invitation written two thousand years ago…
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, The Fifth Avenue Story Society, Rachel Hauck, Celebrate Lit
This creative tale of friendship, community, and second chances follows five New Yorkers as they meet under mysterious circumstances and form a sort of club together.
I enjoyed following the characters as they each attempted to navigate uncertainty in their lives and decide on the next steps they should take.
There was the stirring and hope of romance for these characters as the novel progressed. Letting go of lies, hidden truths, and guilt was an important step for each of the characters, as well.
The Fifth Avenue Story Society was definitely a page turner with a satisfying conclusion that should please fans of women’s fiction, as well as those who love a good romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Reading this book, I found a little of myself in each of the 5 major characters; Ed, Jett, Lexa, Chuck and Coral. I wish I could just live in the book. It was perfect, interesting, tear-jerking, inspiring, heart touching and a great faith builder.
In the pages of this masterpiece I met Ed, Coral, Chuck, Jett and Lex. Thier story was one of the sweetest stories I have ever read. Not because it was perfect and pristine but it was real, touching and very relatable. I found bits of myself in each of the characters. They struggled with the chains of their pasts, their present and what the future would hold. There was pain, sorrow, loss, triumphs and lots of joy. They learnt to let go of the past and allow God write their story. I love how the author wove God as the master builder and story writer of our lives.
Rachel Hauck’s writing brings to us the joys of knowing the Truth and the freedom that comes with Him.
From the literary world of a professor to the everyday commuting of an Uber driver to the recluse life of a grieving widower to cooperate world of an executive assistant and the affluent life of a heiress and almost princess, Rachel Hauck delivered a masterpiece of love, the freedom of truth, sacrifice, freedom in Christ and second chances.
I’d still be floating from this book in years to come.
I loved the hint of mystery in the book, it kept me reading together with the unforgettable stories.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion
This was a wonderful book. I loved the characterization and how their lives were connected together. Though reluctant at first, it was wonderful to see them get to know one another and share their lives with each other. With five different story lines rolled into one, it might be a little hard to get into at first but once everything is understood, it’s smooth sailing from then one. I loved the emphasis on human connection that was made through this story. Each of them different in their own rights, their circumstances also different but somehow sharing with one another brings them closer, helps them form a bond with each other.
The mystery behind each characters past keeps you turning the pages and the issues dealt with in the story from death to betrayal to broken marriages, there’s also joy and hope and love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit for a blog tour. All opinions expressed are solely mine.
The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck is a most delightful Christian contemporary novel that will warm your heart and soul.
Five invitations, five people in need of friendship, all with God-shaped holes that need filling. Monday nights became the highlight of the week as they each grasped hope. “Hope was a powerful salve.”
Each person needed to let go of the past in order to move into the future. They each need love and encouragement to face the truth of their pasts. The truth will set each one free from the prison of their past. Only when we open ourselves up being truthful and making ourselves vulnerable will the healing process begin.
The characters are all wonderfully drawn. Rachel Hauck has produced realistic, flawed characters who are easy to identify with. At times emotions dictate actions. We need to surrender our emotions to God and rest in His love. We all need God. It is beautiful to witness the birth of a new Christian, to see “the power of her new faith, of her prayers.”
Prayer is our lifeline to God. I love this description of it. “From your lips to God’s ears.”
The Fifth Avenue Story Society was another totally charming read from Rachel Hauck. The characters warmed my heart as friendships blossomed and hope was restored. I always love Rachel Hauck’s books, they make me smile and feel good.
I will leave you with this most powerful quote:
“He lived with the breath of God in his lungs.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The Fifth Avenue Story Society
Several people received invites to the Fifth Avenue Story Society that lead very different lives. They did not know why they received the invites. They did enjoy getting to know each other. One was writing a memoir and there was a divorce couple. Will they be able to get back together?
There was a lot of characters to keep up with. I like that each chapter started out with which character it was about. I did find the book very interesting and enjoyed it a lot.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
My Thoughts on The Fifth Avenue Story Society:
This is a fun read. I loved it! There is a mystery but also it’s just a good read as well. I loved that it really got you into the characters and drew you in so that you couldn’t put it down.
Rachel Hauck is such a wonderful author and I’ve been in love with her books for quite some time. This book is no exception. It’s amazingly written and you’ll be hooked from the first chapter. I have to say I wondered about the storyline from what I had read about the book but I knew I still wanted to read it because I love this author and I knew it would end up being good.
I loved Jett’s character and how he has to deal with whether or not his favorite literary idol is for real or not. Who else wants to know if their idol is a fraud or not? Yikes! The other characters are also just wonderful and I loved getting to know them.
Highly recommend this book and think you’ll love every book by this author as well. So go binge-read!!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Before you do anything else, go put this book on your TBR pile! However you keep track of the books you want to read…whether you add them to Goodreads or you write them down…do it now. You need to read The Fifth Avenue Story Society.
This is a story that you will never forget. Five New Yorkers receive an invitation to join the Fifth Avenue Story Society. Any of them could be any of us. On the surface, they seem very different from each other. An executive assistant, literature professor, senior citizen apartment super, an Uber driver, and a multi-millionaire who almost married a prince. What could they possibly have in common? And what do we have in common with these characters? On the surface…nothing. But, each time the five meet, they realize they are more alike than they thought.
Like we all do, they doubt themselves. They are flawed and hurt and hiding secrets. Sound familiar? Yeah, it does to me too. I felt this story so deeply. The characters’ stories aren’t my stories, but that’s the point. Deep down, we’re the same. We’re scared, and we’ve been hurt. We wonder if we’re doing the right thing. The conversations we have with others are usually superficial when we need to be real. These strangers were able to open up to each other in ways they’d never been able to before.
Was it a coincidence that these five were chosen? Random luck? No. It was divine. God brought them together because He knows what He is doing. Trust Him. And trust me when I say, read this book! It is amazing. I hope that as you read, you see yourself more clearly. And I pray that you’ll find the forgiveness and freedom that God has for all of us.
A story society… Just the name made me want to read the book, be a part of it, whatever it is. Meeting the characters, getting to know them, and becoming part of their stories was exciting and heartwarming. Five members with totally different perspectives and life journeys come together through a mysterious invitation, some strangers, some had previously met. As they get to know each other and begin to bond, the story society becomes a place of endearment, offering love, friendship and hope.
Each member mysteriously receives an invitation to the story society and shows up out of pure curiosity. Agreeing to meet again, even though they have no idea what this is all about, they continue to return week after week, getting to know each other and connecting. The book chapters detail each character’s life separately, as their secrets and struggles are revealed, and their lives unfold. As the story progressed, I did not want to put it down. It’s beautifully written and an emotional read as we watch the characters grow and be stretched.
I have long been a fan of Rachel’s books, and this one did not disappoint. I was blessed with a copy courtesy of Celebrate Lit. I was not asked or required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Rachel Hauck is a wonderful writer who really dives into the emotionl realm of her characters, who in turn cause a reaction in her readers. I loved her story The Writing Desk, so I couldn’t wait to read The Fifth Avenue Story Society. What starts out as a story with five complete strangers morphs into something pretty amazing by the end of the story. I really liked how Hauck reminds the reader that our story isn’t complete. We may be in the middle of the biggest disaster in our lives, but the story can change. Include God and the story will be even better. I liked seeing these five people come to know each other better and even start using the skills of the other players to help them come out of their depression. This was a wonderful story, and I can’t wait to purchase it and place it with my other Keeper Hauck novels. I think fans of Hauck’s other novels and James Rubart novels might enjoy this novel. I really am looking forward to what God leads Hauck to create next.
I recieved a complimentary copy of The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
The author has written a very emotional book that pulls the layers back from five characters. Each one has something that is holding them back from being content. I loved when they all got together in the group and wondered who brought them together and why. That is the beauty of this story where each character gets a staring role to let readers look deep inside and feel their emptiness. From the depths of emotion the author gathers five people from different backgrounds and places them in a room where lives will be changed.
Each person in the story is mesmerizing and yet holds deep secrets. I couldn’t put the book down as I began to know each character. I was filled with hope as the story began to chip away from their heart that had been hurt. The author has written a story that I will not forget. These five people meet in a room and as they grow closer each week we get to experience loss, unspoken love, rejection, fear and most of all God’s love. I think my favorite character was Ed. His story was heartbreaking yet taught me about loving the unloved. He is a true example of loving someone unconditionally. As he begins to share his story, I could feel him being set free.
Throughout the story the author shows how hard it is for a person to ask for help. They each want to hold back and pretend everything is fine. Within that room, many tears are shed and healing begins. I think we could all use a group like the one in the story. Guilt consumes some of the characters and I really liked how the author reminds us that “the truth will set you free.” I won’t spoil the book because each character brings a story that could be our own story. It made me look at my life differently. All the lies that the enemy has whispered to me over the years that I was never wanted was a lie. I was always wanted by my Heavenly Father.
“Doesn’t make you less strong to need and accept help.”
I received an arc copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
A college professor who suffers guilt about the death of his brother. The professor’s ex-wife. A grieving widower longing for the perfect love story. An heiress in danger of losing her cosmetic company. A divorced father who yearns to be a part of his children’s life. These five people are invited to join a story society and their lives will never be the same because their hearts and souls are about to be stripped bare. As they continue to meet weekly, we learn their secrets, we see how they all have been in denial about their lives, and we witness the seeds of friendship being planted and nurtured.
Author Rachel Hauck has created some fascinating characters and as I read about their failures, their hurts, and their secret lives, I was reminded that pretending is a common trait. If we humans can’t have perfection in reality, we may seek it in our fantasies. These five individuals who attended the first meeting of the Fifth Avenue Story Society in August had no way of knowing that by the next March they would have experienced ‘Hope…second chances….living through the storms of life’ and that faith, forgiveness, and redemption would be theirs to claim. Honesty would set them free because, as one character observed, “Funny thing about the truth; it opened as many doors as it closed.”
This is an inspiring and heartwarming story and I found myself completely immersed in learning more about The Fifth Avenue Story Society.
I received a copy from the author and publisher but I wasn’t required to write a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
An absolutely lovely novel!
It has been quite a while since I’ve read a book by this author but something about the description of this one intrigued me! At first I wasn’t sure about the alternating POV from five different characters, but I’m happy to say that it totally worked for this story! I was enthralled with all of the characters’ individual stories, though I think I found myself most closely connecting with Coral’s story. These are definitely characters that I will be thinking about for a long time to come! While there is romance in this story I would consider it more of a general fiction novel, which I absolutely loved and was a great change of pace without giving up the romance that I love so much! I so enjoyed The Fifth Avenue Story Society and am so glad that I read it! If you’re looking for an engaging read that will touch your heart look no further! I highly recommend The Fifth
Avenue Story Society and I predict it will be in the running for all the awards in the next year!
(5 Stars!)
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and also purchased a copy of the audiobook. My review was not required or influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck is a moving story that goes on my “best of the best” list. The bookstore setting is atmospheric and charming, the characters rich and endearing, and every word of the prose is to be treasured. It’s a story of friendship, renewal and second chances, with a few heartwarming moments that moved me to tears.
The anonymous story society invitation goes out to five characters from various backgrounds and social status, all anchored to something in their pasts that kept them from moving on and living life to the fullest. The story is like a piece of fabric, with threads of each character’s past, present and future woven together and interconnected.
As with any good book, it’s easy to care about the characters. This story, however, took me to a new level of caring. Hauck not only knows people, but she is able to project their innermost hearts and desires through her characters, desires that are common to all of us. I came to know Lexa, Jett, Chuck, Coral and Ed well through their raw honesty and humanness – their fears, insecurities, needs, and hopes. There’s a little mystery and supernatural element, but the real story is in what happens through these Monday night meetings. The librarian, Gilda, is an interesting character and I’d love to see what’s on the other side of her door that’s marked “private.”
The spiritual thread is gentle and subtle, culminating in a beautiful way toward the end. The image of Christ knocking at the door instantly came to mind and these closing words speak to all … “The invitation is always waiting. All you have to do is say yes.”
Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Prism Book Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
The writing style flowed, the character development and plot were outstanding. I could not put it down.
There are 5 people who are invited to the “Story Society” in the old Winthrop library in New York City. They don’t know why they are there or why they were invited and I found that intriguing. I am not sure they ever figured it out, but they turn into friends and keep meeting. I loved the end of the book. This was a charming and satisfying novel.
If you have read any of Rachel Hauck’s books, you know she has a bit of a “what would jesus do” theme that runs through them. She is one of my favorite authors. If you like her other books or haven’t tried one yet, don’t miss this one!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck brings people from different walks of life together but they have no idea who brought them together or why. But they decide to continue meeting to figure out the mystery. In a society that is so busy and so ephemeral with online existences, this novel points out the power of human connection as an agent for change and it’s use by our Creator for heavenly purposes. Heartbreak and loss, separation and betrayal, acclaim and integrity— this novel deals with so many topics and emotions. It is a brilliantly executed piece of fiction, weaving together the stories of seemingly unrelated people as only Ms Hauck can. I highly recommend this novel. I was already a fan of this author but I have to admit this is her most ambitious and most successful novel yet. Loved it from the very first page! I received a digital copy of this novel from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
Jett and Chuck wind up in jail after trying to defend a bridesmaid. Released after the night, Chuck asks a couple questions and they go on their way. Upon returning home he discovers an invitation to the Fifth Avenue Story Society in with his belongings. Lexa is after a CEO position, and is already her boss’s right hand, or neck. She also gets an invitation. Chuck keeps trying to get glimpses of his kids, without violating his restraining order. Heading to his car to start his Uber work, he sees the invitation. Coral has been a recluse after she broke her engagement and is among the elite families in New York. Ed just wants to write a story about the love of his life. 5 people whom all become dear as the story progresses and they try and figure out why they were all brought together via these invitations. The pieces come together slowly, but are told in a way to keep the pages turning until the end. Another beautiful story by this author.
A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson through Net Galley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.