This is an engaging tale of five (mostly) strangers brought together by a mysterious invitation. They meet at a library and become an unlikely group, the "Fifth Avenue Story Society." Everyone brings something unique to the group that someone else needs, even though that's not apparent from the start.

Hauck's writing quickly draws the reader in, and it's easy to feel a part of the unlikely group. Character development is strong. I loved that the story was told in multiple POV's, as it gives the reader the full picture, and you're really able to connect with each person. And, it's focused around a library, so what's not to love about that? :)

I had a hard time putting this one down, as I couldn't wait to see how things turned out in the end. It's a testament to how God works in ways we may not (okay, often don't) understand.

An absolutely enthralling tale of five people brought together under the most unusual circumstances. A diverse group of men and woman, from all walks of life, receive a mysterious invitation to join a Story Society. They all have various reasons for showing up, but as their stories unfold, their reasons for staying are deeply personal and yet intricately tied to one another. The stories unroll in a savory, deeply satisfying fashion that I could not quite get enough of; truly. I was up way past my bedtime as the culmination of all intersections were revealed. True to Rachel’s style, the Divine was present in a mysterious character that kept progress moving along right when someone felt stumped or stuck. This story shows the power of surrendering yourself to friends, love and truth. Another captivating book by Rachel Hauck that I wholly endorse and recommend. You will not regret the time spent in this treasure. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

One day, five apparently randomly-selected people were sent invitations to meet in a special room in a quaint New York City library. None of them knows why they were selected. Each of them has secrets. As the story unfolds and the group meets weekly, tales of loss and regret emerge. The reader is drawn in to each character's life as the quests for reconciliation and redemption unfold. This book is so much more than an inspirational romance. The author masterfully weaves the threads of each plot line together to create a beautiful, complex tapestry, providing insights into human character and the gift of God's love. Readers will have a tough time putting this one down. This compelling, touching book would be an excellent addition to any inspirational fiction collection.

This story grabbed me from the very beginning. I wanted to know more about these 5 characters and what led them to where they were at the beginning of the story, Such an interesting premise and I was enthralled the entire time. I couldn't put it down! My favorite book from Rachel Hauck, for sure!

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

When five strangers, Jett, Lexa, Coral, Chuck and Ed, out of the blue get invited to the Fifth Avenue Literary Society Library, they don’t understand what’s going on. Gradually they get past their insecurities and start sharing some of the stories of their lives. These strangers with no previous connection come to trust each other, pour their hearts out and wrestle with each other’s stories to get to the truths.

This story starts with background stories of each of the invited. Each has past issues they have been too afraid to deal with and prefers to keep secret. But as they keep meting every Monday night, they share more and more details and are bringing fresh, new perspectives into each member’s life. New input and new inspiration helps to reignite the lives of these somewhat stuck and lonely people. Their relationships seem to develop and the support of the society helps the members reflect on their past and move through some hard issues. They learn to love and be loved, be cared for and respected as they get more and more involved and willing to be there for each other.

I enjoyed the personal development we get to witness by following these individuals as members of the story society. From being rather closed off when joining, they learn to open up about their feelings and trusting the other members with the real truths about their lives. The stories they share become more and more heartbreaking, raw and honest.

The plot presents each society member similar to diary entries where we get to follow their unique process. The writing draws me into how their lives feel to them from the inside with all the fear, grief, and hurt feelings they experience. Going to the story society every Monday somehow adds to their lives and contributes to the healing they didn’t expect or seek.

The members of the story society is a good cast of well developed characters I feel are easy to identify with as they have their individual issues they try to lie, cover up or in other ways refuse to deal with leading to resentment and bitterness in their lives. This makes them all believable, real and special. I appreciated the faith element mixed into the plot which intensified towards the end.

My favorite of the characters is Lexa Wilder who is personal assistant in a burger chain. I am delighted to see her finally stand up for herself work wise. Her eyes get abruptly opened when she understands she really has caught the wrong end of the stick. Realizing this, she has to figure out what she wants and make a tough adjustment.

I felt the writing was vivid. In my mind’s eye I could see how the Fifth Avenue Story Society Library might actually look like. Fascinating how the meetings were held in surroundings of antique furniture, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and dusty carpets. I envisioned maybe it might look something like a mini version of the library at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movie.

This is the first book I read from Rachel Hauck, but she will be on my radar from now on and I will be on the lookout for more of her previous works as well as future releases. I would recommend The Fifth Avenue Story Society to fans of Rachel Hauck and readers of romance genre.

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

This book was hard to put down. It is written in a warm and easy-to-read style. The wounded characters are authentic and plausible, and easy to connect with. The stories for each character were not always what you would expect. This, combined with few loose ends stopped the conclusion from feeling trite. My only criticism is that the Christian themes didn’t seem to woven into the beginning of the book strongly, so the message at the end felt a little surprising. In saying this, the book is full of hope and redemption, and a joy to read.

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

Five, apparent, strangers brought together by a mysterious invitation, leading them to a library. A library where these five become a family of sorts by the end. A family drawn together to the "Fifth Avenue Story Society". Each of these individuals begins the story as needing help in some way or the other, even if it's not entirely evident how they need help.


I got wrapped up in each of these character's lives and became invested in their stories. Watching their friendships grow and the changes they went through, was an emotional ride that only Rachel Hauck can take you on. Everything she touches is pure genius. Hauck's way with words is beautiful and draws me into her stories every single time.


Told from multiple viewpoints, I never got lost or confused in the narrative provided by each character. I found myself eager for each person's voice.


By the end I was so eager to see what becomes of these friends that I raced through the last pages. Drawn together by love, God, and healing, this is a tale of five people who begin a race for a renewing of mind and spirit; and come out with so much more.

This review will be live at the link provided on January 26, 2020. Thank you for the opportunity!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book, The Fifth Avenue Story Society, by Rachel Hauck. All opinions expressed are my own.

I absolutely loved this book, what an interesting plot and the characters were all so layered and loveable. 5 people all receive an invitation to meet for the Fifth Avenue Story Society at the Winthrop Library and none know who sent the invitations. Gilda the librarian seems to know more than she lets on and also feels a bit like Jiminy Cricket, helping some of the members to do the right thing at times during the story. The society decides to keep meeting weekly and use each other as a version of therapy and help each other with their respective projects or needs. Jett and Lexa’s relationship was so real with all of its difficulties and successes, I really was rooting for them! Chuck and Coral individually were such captivating characters and their budding romance was so sweet too. I really loved how their differences complemented each other. And Ed, what a tortured but sweet soul. Finding out little bits at a time about his life was heart-breaking, but beautiful at the same time to see the change in him throughout.

Overall, 4.5 stars, I really enjoyed the book!

This is the first book written by Rachel Hauck I've read, and won't be the last! Fantastic author. Well written novel. The five characters in this novel, I loved each one.
I love stories centered around bookstores, books, libraries, etc. This one did not disappoint. I was very intrigued by this story in which five people receive an invitation to The Fifth Avenue Story Society, and don't know why or who sent it. It moves back and forth between each person and you get to know them. They come together each week and what happens in that room is magical! The librarian, Gilda is magical herself.
You won't be disappointed in getting this book.

Thank you to publisher and NetGalley for the eARC

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This story begins with a night in jail for Jett and Chuck followed by a special invitation to attend the 5th Ave Story Society on the following Monday night. Joining them are Jett’s ex-wife, Lexa as well as society girl Coral and senior citizen Ed. As the story unfolds each of these broken, hurting strangers reveal their sorrows to the others in the group and begin to heal. If you’ve read Hauck’s The Writing Desk, you’ll recognize Tenley, Birdie, and G.W. Roth when they appear in the story. (It’s not necessary to understand this book if you haven’t read The Writing Desk, though.) Because there are several key players in the story it seems to take a while for the reader to get to know them, but the story begins moving a bit more swiftly in the middle of the book. This story ends up being all about love, courage, and breaking the chains from the past that hold us down.

I really enjoyed this book. Rachel Hauck presented the reader with a handful of characters with deep issues to solve. I was impressed with the depth of these characters and their problems. Their problems felt real and I could relate to their emotions as well (particularly Jett).

If someone asked me the theme of this book, I'd say it is "accepting the truth". Hard but necessary!

Rachel Hauck has written another unforgettable novel that is very different from other recent books, yet fits in with them in the ways that count – characters the reader comes to love, a page-turning plot that kept me reading way too late into the night, suspense in waiting for secrets to slowly come out as the characters learn to be honest with themselves and each other, plot twists that keep you on the edge of your seat, heart-swooning romance, and the mystical touch of God’s hand at work in the lives of broken people.

If you haven’t yet read The Writing Desk, try to do so before reading this book. Fifth Avenue is not a split time story, but it is a sequel to The Writing Desk in interesting ways.

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

What a good book
Well developed characters and story. Really enjoyed this book and the way the stories evolve.
I received an advanced copy and this is my own opinion.

I always enjoy stories that are somewhat centered around books, bookstores, libraries, etc. This one starts out with an intriguing invitation to the Fifth Avenue Story Society given to five people who don’t know each other or why they were chosen.

Because there are five main characters and the story moves back and forth between them, it seems a little slow starting as you don’t really know enough about them to care about them. As the story goes on, it becomes harder to put down.

The characters are all very different from each other and have their own unique trials. As the five members get to know each other better, they benefit from each other’s wisdom and support. It’s beautiful to see their friendship growing. It’s a good read.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

#TheFifthAvenueStorySociety #Netgalley

I was intrigued by the idea of five strangers coming together each week because of a mysterious invitation they'd each received. The setting was perfect, a room filled with books, comfy chairs and a cozy fireplace. A little slice of heaven here on earth if you ask me.

What happened in that room each week was magical.

The story society members are on a journey to learn about themselves as well as about each other. The truth will set them free.

Though I like all of the books written by Rachel Hauck, I think this is the best one yet. The characters were damaged and broken and I really wanted to see what she had in store for each of them.

I liked how she wove in a little of the story from a previous book, The Writing Desk. Made me feel like I was in on a secret.

If you enjoy a good clean romance with a little Devine intervention, this book will be to your liking.

* I received a complimentary, digital copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am under no obligation to write a favorable review only to give my honest opinion of the book.

I have enjoyed each of Rachel Hauck’s books that I have read, and this one was definitely no exception! In The Fifth Avenue Story Society, five strangers get a mysterious invite the society. Nobody knows where the invitation came from, why they were invited, or what they’d re supposed to do while there. As you meet the characters in this book, you’ll learn about their struggles and hardships in life. The strangers quickly become friends as they meet and do life together. The story had a slower start, but that was while all the characters were being introduce, so that was necessary. I loved this book and I would highly recommend it!

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Although The Fifth Avenue Story Society touches on some difficult topics, it is a light read. This book is perfect if you are looking for a sweet story of five people brought together who are seeking redemption for different reasons. You’ll have to suspend belief for most of it, as everything falls into place perfectly for each of them, but sometimes I’m just in the mood for an uplifting story like this one. It was just what I needed to read at this time,

The Fifth Avenue Story Society is the third book that I have read by Rachel Hauck, and I must say that I find myself becoming more of a fan with each book I've read. As she did with her Wedding Dress series, Rachel has once again created this beautiful story that takes us beyond reality...weaving a bit of magic- or rather divine intervention- into our every day realities...and I absolutely loved it.

I will admit it was a bit of a slow start to begin with though. There are a lot of key players in this story and so it took some time to get everyone straight. Even aside from that, I didn't find it to be a super fast paced story. Typically, that is what I crave in a good book, but for this one that slower pace just worked. We learn more about the truths of these five very different individuals slowly as the book goes on, giving us just enough to keep us wanting more. That gave it a bit of a mysterious feel to it... who sent the invitations? why these five? what secrets were they holding back? As their stories came out, I loved this reminder of how our past and the secrets we hide can weigh us down.

The characters are truly what made and drove this book. They all have issues they are working through and it is through this society and their unusual friendship that they were able to do so. I have always believed that God has a way of putting just the right people in our lives at just the right time, and this is quite the beautiful illustration of just that sentiment.

Though you certainly get the idea of a higher power at work right from the very start, it wasn't until the end that more of those Christian themes started really coming out. Those looking for more in your face Christian fiction might not appreciate that, but I enjoyed it myself. I feel like it was one that could be enjoyed by a wide variety of audiences, perhaps even those who don't typically read the genre.

Overall, this was a really beautiful read and one I would certainly recommend.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

I am a huge fan of Rachel Hauck's, and I have read almost every book she has written. I loved the character development in this story and found the premise of the novel to be very intriguing. Unfortunately, the storyline moved a little slow for me, and I had trouble getting into the story. This was not my favorite of hers, but I will still look forward to reading more books of hers in the future. Fans of Rachel Hauck's will probably enjoy this book, especially if you enjoy character-focused storylines.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

A well written book. Well crafted plot and characters. Ms. Hauck has delivered another entertaining book. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.