Sweet romance will a little mystery. Charming characters and good writing. A little heavy on the God/Christian angle for me.

The Fifth Avenue Story Society is about 3 strangers and 2 ex-spouses who receive the same invitation and draws you in with more questions than answers. Like what does an Uber driver, an aspiring business executive, a retired grandfather and aspiring author, a professor and an almost princess/CEO have in common? Who sent the invitations to this story society? Why these people? What is a story society? And what is with the mysterious librarian at the Fifth Avenue Literary Society Library?

The pace starts out in a leisurely and thoughtful fashion as you hear from each story society member’s point of view. However, it ramps up as this character driven story unfolds and the lives of the characters begin to intertwine as you learn answers to your questions. Then it was hard for me to put it down!

This is a great book for readers and lovers of Christian contemporary fiction or gentle romance. It has a lot to offer a wide range of readers with fallible characters that feel like real people who struggle with real stuff, who face heartbreak and trials, explore issues of ethics and faith, includes unlikely friendships, people falling hard and finding redemption, and has a little mystery and intrigue thrown in for good measure. It kept me on the edge of my seat once it got rolling and, although I had glimmers of some of the plot twists, it was also delightfully surprising throughout. I really enjoyed this story and I’m looking forward to reading more books by Rachel Hauck!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for providing me with an ARC for a free and honest review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Very light, with a small dose of something mysterious. This is the first I’ve read by this author, as her books are not the genre I usually read, but this caught my attention. Overall it was perhaps a bit too “light” for my personal reading taste (it didn’t feel quite realistic enough for me how easily the group just moved on from the initial mystery of why they were brought together and by whom) but I did enjoy the bookish charm of the Society meetings. This will be a good read for those who like cozy uplifting stories, just not the right fit for me.


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

I have usually loved anything written by Rachel Hauck (The Wedding Dress being my favorite). I liked this book well enough but I didn’t love it. Other reviewers have told enough of the plot, and it was well-written. Guess it just didn’t grab me.

Just delightful. Yes, I figured out one or two of the plot lines, but that didn’t detract from me really enjoying this novel about five people who are invited to a society about stories in an old New York Fifth Avenue library. The lives of these strangers weave together in interesting and redemptive ways. I particularly appreciate how the author includes the message of the Christian faith without it feeling earnest or in-your-face.
Four and a half stars! (And yes, modern romance is my favorite)

I savored this delightful journey through the eyes a unique cast of characters and the dilemma they find themselves in. Each is at a turning point in their lives that will change things forever, when they get an invitation to meet at the Fifth Avenue bookstore. Right away I loved the atmosphere, I liked the characters and how each of them tries to figure out why they got the invitation, what’s their connection?

Once I gave up my expectations about the society, who sent the invitations and what their mission would be about, I enjoyed the story so much (like I usually do with this author). I liked the rich characterization, the honesty, and the natural spiritual thread, their struggles, triumphs. magical moments sprinkled through the heartache and of course their book adventures.

This would make a good book club pick as there is so much to discuss. It also makes a great book getaway.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Catalogue front page www.bookfun.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Catalogue front page www.bookfun.org

The truth will set you free! What a great book by Rachel Hauck! She never disappoints! Sometimes it is easier to share things with someone you don't know as well, which is what I believe these 5 people in the Story Society find out. When things stay hidden they just fester and you can't get beyond them. Lots of secrets come to light!
What a great read!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it.

I've read all of Rachel Hauck's books. This is only the second one that I just couldn't get into. I'm a huge fan of romance and that was not the focus of this book. Maybe that was the problem- my problem, but there are plenty of readers out there looking for just that. I still look forward to what this author has in store for us in the future.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher, Thomas Nelson, but as always my opinions are my own.

I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

If I had not been a fan of Rachel Hauck already, the title, The Fifth Avenue story Society alone, with support from the blurb, would have attracted me: a group of people meet in an old library on Fifth Avenue, after receiving mysterious invitations? Cool!

And while it did not meet my expectations as a more plot driven reader, I did enjoy this. There’s a lot of time spent on each character’s life, and ultimately, what they gain out of coming to the society. Two characters, Jett and Lexa, are ex-spouses, and watching them spend time together again and question whether they ought to give their love another shot is great. On the flip side, we have Uber driver Chuck and wealthy Coral, both of whom are jaded by previous heartbreaks, and watching them grow closer is wonderful as well. And I really enjoyed Ed’s recollections of the love of his life, and him beginning to work on writing them down.

However, this focus on the characters in their relatively simple desires simultaneously moves a little too slowly and also feels like we don’t get enough time to fully invest in one story, as I feel like this could easily have been a few different novels, had it been fleshed out.

And it’s clear, given Jett’s connection to an author who was a character in a previous Hauck novel, that his story is ultimately the one that is meant to take over, at least from my perspective. However, I found it hard to fully invest in his doubt as he made revelations about his literary idol, given that all these revelations weren’t new to me, given those connections, even if the two books aren’t advertised as connected and don’t depend on one another to work.

While this is not my favorite Rachel Hauck, I think this book would work for a different type of reader. If you like slower paced, character focused stories, I would recommend this one.

Wow! What a compelling story!

Five strangers, brought together by invitation to The Fifth Avenue Story Society. Who sent the invitations? No one seems to know. Yet these five strangers meet and even though the invitation is anonymous, they keep returning to meet every Monday night.

The stories they share, the secrets that are revealed makes this book so interesting. I felt that I was right there, sharing pizza with this little group. Jett, Lexa, Coral, Chuck and Ed, slowly unwind their tales. Their struggles, hopes and dreams. It certainly had me rooting for each one of them.

Rachel Hauck did not disappoint. She is such a gifted writer. She develops her characters to the fullest, which draws you into their lives. It's a beautiful story, about love and second chances.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Net Galley and the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion

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.