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catmos's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
I thought The Fifth Avenue Story Society was an inspiring story. The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck has five people receiving invitations to join the Fifth Avenue Story Society on Monday at 9 p.m. at the Fifth Avenue Literary Society Library in the Bower Room. Lexa, Jett, Chuck, Coral and Ed all show up and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the Bower Room. It is like stepping back into the nineteenth century. No one knows why they received the invitations or who sent them. After the first meeting, they all agree to return the following week. Each week this diverse group of individuals meet and begin to share their lives. Each one of them has something in their past that continues to haunt them. To bare ones most innermost secrets takes time and trust. Each one of them has a story to tell. As they share their stories, it will heal their hearts and souls. The Fifth Avenue Story Society is a charming story. I enjoyed reading every word. I thought The Fifth Avenue Story Society was well-written with developed characters. Jett Wilder is an associate professor of English at New York College who has been working on his dissertation. Jett has not been the same since the death of his brother, Storm. Coral Winthrop owns CCW Cosmetics and is known as the runaway bride. She was to marry Prince Augustus of Lauchtenland, but she backed out on their wedding day. No one know why and everyone wants to know. She is also having trouble with her company. Chuck Mays is an Uber driver who is divorced and unable to see his twin children. He misses them terribly and is ashamed of the reason why he cannot visit them. Ed Marshall wants to write about the love of his life. He has trouble getting the story down on paper. Lexa Wilder is executive assistant to Zane Breas who owns ZB Enterprises. Lexa does the work of a CEO and wants the open position for herself. Lexa just needs to ask Zane. She is also the ex-wife of Jett whom she still loves. Five diverse people come together in the Bower Room each week. As they get to know each other, they look forward to the meetings where they share their lives and food. The story alternates POV between the five characters. The story flows beautifully from person to person as we get to know them and what they are hiding. We learn about their struggles, their hopes, aspirations and their secrets. I enjoyed the description of the Bower Room with all the wonderful books, the fireplace, and the beautiful furniture. I wanted to snuggle in one of the chairs with one of the books from the shelves. I like how everything the story came together for a special ending. My favorite line from the book is, “Every day we tell, listen to, live and breathe stories.” Rachel Hauck weaved a heartwarming and uplifting tale.
ifollowedthatrabbit's review against another edition
4.0
~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.
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.
andonsmom's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
seknight61's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed all characters a bit predictable but that’s okay. A bit taken aback with the religious direction it took but it didn’t ruin the story for me just felt weird. I stayed up late to read and read whenever I had the time.
mmpekansambo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Death, and Drug abuse
Minor: Violence
gwalt118's review against another edition
4.0
On a rainy weekend in southwest Minnesota, I flew through Rachel Hauck's newest book. I love the premise of five strangers who unexpectedly get invited to a historic library where they find healing, love, and friendship. My favorite story was Jett's - the literature professor and writer who is healing from a failed marriage while also trying to fulfill career expectations and do the "right" thing in a situation that can change the trajectory of his entire work life.
As is typical of Hauck, some things were predictable, others were totally unrealistic and unbelievable, but there were still a few surprises along the way. God plays a role, as He does in all of Hauck's novels, but it isn't forced or extremely prevalent throughout the novel. All of the characters were compelling. Hauck incorporates the concept of story-telling and books throughout each individual's growth in a way that anyone who loves books will thoroughly enjoy. This is my favorite Hauck book to date, and she continues to be a modern-day favorite of mine.
As is typical of Hauck, some things were predictable, others were totally unrealistic and unbelievable, but there were still a few surprises along the way. God plays a role, as He does in all of Hauck's novels, but it isn't forced or extremely prevalent throughout the novel. All of the characters were compelling. Hauck incorporates the concept of story-telling and books throughout each individual's growth in a way that anyone who loves books will thoroughly enjoy. This is my favorite Hauck book to date, and she continues to be a modern-day favorite of mine.
lizisreadingagain's review against another edition
5.0
I chose this book as my reward for completing a summer reading challenge at my library. I picked a good one. This was my foray into Rachel Hauck books, and I’m ready for another. This story kept me turning pages because of the way she told the story and the interesting characters. There were relationship elements that I identified with, which made it bittersweet to read. I’m off to choose my next Rachel Hauck book now….