The Fifth Avenue Story Society

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.

A story society... Just the name made me want to read the book, be a part of it, whatever it is. Meeting the characters, getting to know them, and becoming part of their stories was exciting and heartwarming. Five members with totally different perspectives and life journeys come together through a mysterious invitation, some strangers, some had previously met. As they get to know each other and begin to bond, the story society becomes a place of endearment, offering love, friendship and hope. Each member mysteriously receives an invitation to the story society and shows up out of pure curiosity. Agreeing to meet again, even though they have no idea what this is all about, they continue to return week after week, getting to know each other and connecting. The book chapters detail each character's life separately, as their secrets and struggles are revealed, and their lives unfold. As the story progressed, I did not want to put it down. It's beautifully written and an emotional read as we watch the characters grow and be stretched. I have long been a fan of Rachel's books, and this one did not disappoint. I was blessed with a copy courtesy of Celebrate Lit. I was not asked or required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Absolutely captivating. It pulled me right in and I felt I was a part of this transforming society. And the mysterious library... I'd go there any day!