A book review of The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck. A novel full of heart, romance and faith. Christian fiction and romance fans will love this.
"This captivating story full of heart, soul, and humor kept me turning pages until midnight to finish it...I loved it!" - Francine Rivers
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The One With The Story Society!
This post is my personal, honest review of The Fifth Avenue Story Society!
The Fifth Avenue Story Society
A Novel by Rachel Hauck
The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck is one of those novels that came highly recomended and I just had to read. Once I saw the gorgeous cover I was sold. A library, mysterious invitations, a secret society. How deliciously intriguing.
This lovely story is a wonderful blend of Christian fiction, romance and mystery, which I felt were a great combination for our Books, Babes and Life book club.
We are all about embracing and living LIFE to the fullest. The Fifth Avenue Story Society is the perfect fall read, promissing a read that will lift up your spirit.
So without furter ado, here is our November 2022 Book Club Pick.
Happy Reading!!!
Book Synopsis & Details
- from the publisher
When 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.
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.
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.
Book Details:
Title: The Fifth Avenue Story Society
Author: Rachel Hauck
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Print Length: 400 pages
Publication Date: February, 2020
Genres: Contemporary Fiction, Fiction & Time Travel
Where to Buy: Bookshop; Amazon; Barnes & Noble
The Story - A Spoiler Free Review
I was really excited to read The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck because of the premise. A group of strangers from diverse backgrounds receive mysterious, anonymous invitations to a secret story society located in a library. I wanted to find out what the purpose of the society would be, who sent the invitations and why these people were the only ones invited.
The first few chapters introduce the characters and their circumstances with the story told through multiple points of view. I really liked that there was no disconnect or jumping around the timeline. Where one point of view ended another one began, so I found that quite refreshing. Once they all met at the library I couldn't put the book down. It sparked my curiousity and I wanted to find out what happened in the lives of the characters and what awaits them.
"It's odd how some things have to be broken before their value and worth can be discovered."
Rachel Hauck, The Fifth Avenue Story Society
Rackel Hauck builds a world of romance, mystery, faith, friendship and community. One that we cannot help but wonder what unites this group of strangers. Quite a few twists and unexpected developments kept me on my toes and quite frankly surprised me. There were a few instances when some characters' decisions did disappoint and felt out of character, but we wouldn't be human if we do not make mistakes, I suppose.
Overall, The Fifth Avenue Story Society is a light, engaging and uplifting read. It explores the importance of being true to ourselves, acceptance, forgiveness, moving on and starting over. Plot twist kept me turning page after page well into the night and I found myself rooting for the characters. I loved the setting and the beautiful description of the library and the treasured books in it. The story would not have been the same had it been set elsewhere. Makes one wonder, what secrets lay hidden in my local library, or even that of our home.
“Loving someone who doesn’t love you in return is perhaps the greatest kind of love. Sacrificial. Without demand or condition.”
Rachel Hauck, The Fifth Avenue Story Society
About the Author and What to Read Next
RACHEL HAUCK is a New York Times Bestselling, award winning author living in sunny central Florida with her husband and their ornery cat. - from the author's web page
Book Recomendations for Fans of The Fifth Avenue Story Society
If you loved The Fifth Avenue Story Society you should check out these other titles by Rachel Hauck. Highly rated and full of heart her work will leave you filled with hope.
Published in April 2019. Available in hardcover, paperback and kindle editions. Buy Online:
Published in July 2017 Available in hardcover, paperback and kindle editions. Buy Online:
Published in May 2022. Available in Audible, paperback and kindle editions. Buy Online:
Final Thoughts
The Fifth Avenue Story Society is a thought provoking story that draws on the heart strings. Two themes stood out the most for me: grace and forgiveness. Faith, Christianity and salvation are also key to the story, so if you are not a fan of Christian fiction this is probably not for you.
Readers who love feel-good Christian romances, old secrets, the power of community, some mystery and true friendships will enjoy this book. Rachel Hauck is known for her compelling writing, heaven ivading earth, and this story is no exception. It's a celebration of forgivness and truth, which can often bring freedom, healing, and hope.
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