The beginning of this novel asks that readers suspend disbelief.  Why were these five characters mysteriously invited to attend a society whose mission was not known?  The author implies that something higher than the fictional Gilda brought them together.  After all, this is a book that is published by a Christian publisher.


So...the five are the heir to a cosmetic company, a widower grieving for his wife, a divorced man wanting to see his children, an executive assistant who would feels qualified to be a CEO, and her former husband, an academic who is contemplating a difficult career decision.  The story of each of these characters, Coral, Ed, Chuck, Lexa and Jett is told in a way that keeps readers turning the pages.  There are romance, secrets revealed and healed, and deep friendships formed over the course of the novel.


SPOILER:  One of these characters makes a major life decision based on beling called to become an active Christian.  I won't tell you who but in the context of the story, this felt slightly forced to me.  Otherwise, I found this novel to be an enjoyable, easy read .


Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

It took me a chapter or so to really dig deep into this one, but once I did, I really enjoyed the story. The lives of five individuals were changed when they received their invitations to the Fifth Avenue Story Society. Each one came with a different perspective and problem they were dealing with and each one finished the story with a new ending to their lives. A poignant, well-told novel you won’t want to miss by Rachel Hauck.

'It's odd how some things have to be broken before their value and worth can be discovered.'

New York. Five strangers receive a mysterious, anonymous invitation to a meeting of The Fifth Avenue Story Society. Each are familiar with the library, but have never heard of the Society. Not one of them knows where the invitation came from, either. But all five show up. And they keep coming back week after week. Chuck, Jett, Lexa, Coral and Ed all have deep hurts in their lives and none want to share their secrets with strangers. And yet they find that they really care about each other and soon they are not strangers anymore. They really do have stories, each of them, stories waiting to be told and what blooms from each meeting of The Fifth Avenue Story Society is incredibly touching and inspiring. And deeply satisfying.

Rachel Hauck has once again crafted a story that will move her readers' hearts. That shouldn't surprise me and yet we are moved anew each offering from her. Her ability to delve into her characters' hearts is amazing and she definitely hits another home room with this one. And her trademark touch of the Divine in each book just warms my heart. Well done!

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

A sweet, endearing srory about 5 strangers brought together by an invitation received out of the blue for reasons unknown, to the Fifth Avenue Story Society. This turns out to be a place where strangers become friends and I loved getting to know them all. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this delightful book.

THE FIFTH AVENUE STORY SOCIETY is my new favourite novel by RACHEL HAUCK. It is an honest, real, story of broken lives and the importance of dealing truthfully with the past.
Five people are invited to a meeting of the Fifth Avenue Story Society. This gradually leads to close friendships where they, hesitantly at first, tell the truth about their life stories. None of them know where the invitation has come from, but we get the feeling that the mysterious Gilda has been sent by God to help them unravel their lives. I love the way these very dissimilar people form such a close bond and help one another along life's road.
The message is one of encouragement and second chances and of really allowing the truth to set you free.i
It is a lovely book and one that I can highly recommend.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

With five seemingly random characters drawn from across the city, this novel covers various income brackets and lifestyles as they come together to form a cohesive group. There' s a bit of mystery woven into the novel, but mostly it's about taking life as it comes and continuing to write your own story...

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.