I found this story very slow and it failed to keep my interested even if it's well written.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Five people are given an invitation to join a Story Society. No one knows the purpose or why each individual was chosen. They navigate through hurts in their pasts, hopes for the future, and discover that Someone more Divine has a plan for their lives.

Jett and Lexa are divorced and the society is a place they take a good look at what went wrong. Do they have what it takes to try again?

Coral owns a company where the numbers just aren't adding up...and she is hiding from the media after fleeing from what was supposed to be a happily ever after for her and a Prince.

Chuck made some big mistakes, ones that are effecting his present relationship with his children.

Ed claims he has the love story that is flawless.

When fiction and truth, past and present collide, these characters undergo a transformation that is beautiful and unexpected.

Five stars, Rachel Hauck! Bravo!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

When five people each receive an invite to the Fifth Avenue Story Society; Chuck the Uber/ limo driver, Coral the Founder and queen of CCW Cosmetics, Ed the romantic at heart and handy man, and divorced couple, Lexa and Jett Wilder, with no idea who sent the invitation, they all decide to keep meeting every Monday and share a bit about their life with one another. Soon secrets and revelations about their pasts come to light bringing freedom and healing.
Rachel Hauck writes a beautiful story that shows the beauty of learning to let go of the past to start new beginning.

I graciously received an advance e-copy from Netgalley for review. All opinions are my own.

Loved it! A story filled with love, hope, redemption, and friendship that's so endearing it made me curl up with a cup of coffee and not want to put it down. 3 strangers, 2 not strangers (ex-spouses), are brought together by invitations to join a society that none of them know anything about. A society where their lives begin to intertwine and weave together and friendships develop. Each character becomes dear to you, each individual's story sad and heart wrenching in it's own way. They help one another heal and move forward. I let out a sigh of contentment at the perfect ending.

I'd like to thank the author/publisher/Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book for a fair and honest review.

This has to be one of my favorite books!

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' will stay with me for a long time. The author has created wonderful characters with a story line that has impacted the way I think about some things. The story is about love, and heartache, and hope for an eventual betterment of one's life. I couldn't put it down. I highly, highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

It will break your heart, entertain and enthrall you in equal measures:
Another wonderful, poignant book by the talented Rachel Hauck. It was interesting and unique and I liked how it brought together the lives of 5 individuals from different backgrounds and how they ended up forming a strong bond and helping one another. They each have their own flaws, regrets and challenges and it was nice journeying with them as they tried to correct past hurts and move forward into their futures with healing and grace. I liked the premise that we each have a story to tell and that we need others in our lives if we are to truly live. The characters also learn that in order to be friends they need to be open and honest with each other which is a lesson which we all need to take to heart. There is a gentle inspirational faith message woven throughout and a good reminder as to whom is the ultimate Author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Rachel Hauck never disappoints! I loved this book! She brings together 5 people who, for the most part, have very little in common and seamlessly binds them together as friends. I would recommend any of Ms. Hauck’s books!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

I was so intrigued by the idea of five different people receiving mysterious invitations to a library. Each character had a compelling story to share, yet hesitated to reveal their authentic selves. The wounds and the heartache examined within the pages of The Fifth Avenue Story Society are struggles real-life readers can relate to. I became deeply invested in these characters and had to keep reading to see how they evolved through their journey in the story. No spoilers of course, but I must say their concern for one another and the friendships that develop make for an enjoyable reading experience. Also, I've been reading Christian fiction for over thirty years and I love the way Rachel constructed this story to point readers toward God. So subtle and such a lovely invitation for each reader, gently reminding us that our Heavenly Father is always ready and available.
Rachel Hauck is an incredible storyteller and this is my favorite novel of all that she's written so far.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions stated here are my own.

~I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own~

It was such a delight to read this book. I wasn’t sure where the story would led me at first, but then, little by little, it starts blossoming and the character’s lives become more and more interesting.

The characters are well depicted, very likeable, and relatable. As one starts going further into their own stories, one becomes more intrigued.

Even though the book is labeled as romance and Christian, the story goes far beyond than that. Although, I don’t consider myself as religious person, the Christian references (which were a few) didn’t bother me at all. I see the whole story and the message that the reader receives a something more spiritual than religious.

I don’t want to spoil the story, so I won’t tell about the plot itself. I can only say that it got me thinking, and I appreciate that from a book.

So you may be wondering, what’s the book about then? Well, to sum it up in a few words: it’s about life, the choices we make, the heavy burdens we carry, friendship, and hope.

I have not read Rachel Hauck before reading The Fifth Avenue Story Society. I do know that I will be reading more of her stories. I did have trouble at first starting to read this book. I find it hard to follow when a story has more than a couple of main characters. It is hard for me to follow that many stories. However, Ms. Hauck makes it easy to keep them all straight and actually her way of passing the narration around makes the story more enjoyable. One couldn't help but fall in love with each character for different reasons. When 5 very different people each receive an invitation for a secret meeting, they cannot figure out why. I love how this book endears the characters to you. I am still not sure who I liked the most. Why were they brought together? Who is behind the Story Society? I really look forward to reading more books by Rachel Hauck. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I'm a big Rachel Hauck fan and was excited to read her newest book, but unfortunately THE FIFTH AVENUE STORY SOCIETY fell flat to me. It took me a while to get into it and while I did like the premise of the five individuals who meet in the library and come to learn and help each other, the storytelling and characters I didn't find as believable.

I absolutely loved this book. Rachel Hauck is one of my go to authors. In this, she tells from the perspective of 5 individuals- Jett, Lexa, Coral, Chuck, and Ed. Although it may be confusing, I felt the story flowed with each of their personal stories. They are each brought together with just an invitation to this society, each with different backgrounds and dynamics. One by one, each of them review their personal situation and reflection of what may be missing in their life. I love how it ties all together and you see why they were brought together in the end. The author has a way of pulling you in so you want to know how it all ends. Fantastic job on this one.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

For as long as I can remember, I've adored books that are set in bookstores or libraries. Since Rachel Hauck is one of my favorite authors, I was really looking forward to seeing what beautiful story would emerge from one of my favorite settings. I should probably be embarrassed to admit that I almost finished this entire novel in one sitting. I'm not, however, as the story was honestly that good.

At its center, The Fifth Avenue Story Society is about a mysterious invitation that brings together five strangers to meet weekly in a beloved historic library. Although strangers is perhaps not the best term since two members were married and are now divorced, Jett and Lexa, and Jett and another member, Chuck, met awkwardly in a brief encounter that ended with them spending a night together in jail. The group is rounded out by a New York high society heiress named Coral, and an adorable elderly gentlemen named Ed.

What starts as an unlikely grouping, soon becomes a weekly highlight for each member in their own ways. The society is the beginning of a beautiful friendship, and Rachel Hauck's enchanting way with words makes the reader feel like they are right their with the story members. As the group grows closer, the reader realizes that each member is holding onto secrets and past hurts, and through these friendships they begin to find the healing they've so desperately been needing.

I can say without a doubt that is my favorite Rachel Hauck novel yet, and I came to care about each and every character by the end of the story. The Fifth Avenue Story Society is raw, real, emotional, and captivating, and it emphasizes the idea that there's a story inside each and every one of us. Whether that story is brought to the light depends upon us having the courage to tell it, and to trust His master plan over every single part of it.

I wholeheartedly recommend this one, and I have a feeling it's going to end up being one of my favorite reads of the year.

Final Rating: 5/5.

Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for allowing for me to advance read this!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy of this novel that was provided by the publisher (Thomas Nelson) via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.

The Fifth Avenue Story Society
by Rachel Hauck
Thomas Nelson--FICTION
Thanks to Net
Galley and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a digital ARC of the book. I have read almost every book Rachel Hauck has written so it is difficult for me to be unbiased. I loved the book and its theme. I think you will too!

This story was slow for me, as there are a lot of characters to introduce and keep straight. However, Rachel Hauck still delivers a story of redemption that she's so well known for. I still found it a good read. The character's stories inspire and give a sense of hope.

When I heard the premise of this book, I knew I had to read it. Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction for allowing me to read an advance copy. Story is a theme of this book, but it's also about second chances, facing hard truths, and learning how to recover from tough circumstances. What begins with a mysterious invitation to the Fifth Avenue Story Society is a journey that will leave you looking for your own invitation to the Story Society. 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

First it's hard for me to be objectionable with anything written by Rachel Hauck, she is one of my most favorite authors. For me she has never disappointed. The Fifth Avenue Story Society, her latest book has everything. I couldn't have asked for more. This book had me at the heartstrings right from the start. Like the Literature collage professor Jett stated, every author has their own voice. Although ideas or words can be plagiarized, the tonality and voice is unique to each writer. I love this authors voice. She inspires me.

Five total strangers receive an anonymous invitation to The Fifth Avenue Story Society which meets at a historic Library on Fifth Avenue. They think maybe they have been set up for a bad prank. They have no idea who has sent the invitation or why, but they continue to come week after week to meet. During these meetings they are learning more about each other, enjoying a meal and forming a lasting friendship. Rachel's a wonder at carefully crafting characters you will love, or love to hate. Although only one of the attendees is a published author, each through their baring of their soul, learns to rewrite their life story. I loved this book, maybe the best Rachel has written thus far. I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Five strangers in New York get an invitation to join the Fifth Avenue Story Society:
Coral, the heiress who was a runaway bride and has been in near seclusion ever since
Ed, the widower who is desperately hanging on to the too-short love story of him and his wife
Jett, the college proffessor who has been hanging onto a secret that destroyed his marriage and is slowly destroying him
Lexa, who is working for a jerk who refuses to recognize her accomplishments and worth, and promote her to CEO like she deserves
Chuck, who caught his wife cheating and blew up in a rage at the boyfriend and the wife and now has a restraining order against him. He hasn't been able to see his kids for over a year now.
They all think it must be a joke or some kind of mistake, but they all show up. There they begin to forge close friendships and help each other heal.
I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. It is perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Richard Paul Evans.

“See how much the written word can do? See how truth can set a soul free?”

Rachel Hauck does not disappoint in this beautifully written novel where friendships are formed, broken bonds made whole, and truth prevails.

No one knows why they received this mysterious invitation, but when five people show up in the Bower Room of the Fifth Avenue Literary Society Library, their lives are forever changed.

Intrigued by the mystery behind this Monday night meeting, Jett, Lexa, Coral, Chuck, and Ed make the decision to continue meeting each week for an indeterminate amount of time. What is revealed as the weeks progress is that each one has a story, and they each have a choice to make.

This story is multifaceted, but it all comes down to one thing: truth and the struggle thereof. Jett searches for truth but is afraid to find it; Chuck is afraid to share his story for fear of being hated; Coral needs to find the truth behind her failing company; Lexa prefers to run than to face her feelings head-on; and Ed? Ed has a story to tell, but which one?

Rachel Hauck has created realistic characters with so much depth, characters who have their own struggles yet long to be accepted. Each character is given their own sections in the story where the reader is able to see behind the scenes more clearly, a look into their thoughts and feelings.

If I had to pick a favorite, it would be Coral. Through Coral's words and actions, her heart shines through, and it's a heart for God.

Though not in your face, God is evident throughout the book. He is seen through Coral's words, and clearly visible in the sweet librarian, Gilda. There is no question that God is a part of this group, and I enjoy how the author chooses to show Him.

I enjoyed this story and would definitely read it again. If you're looking for a contemporary novel that delves deep into struggle, choice, and truth, one where God is present in an almost physical sense, then this is one you should pick up.