by Rachel Hauck
—Cara Putman, award-winning and bestselling author of Delayed Justice and Shadowed by Grace
“Rachel Hauck’s rich characterization and deft hand with plotting and setting had me enthralled until I turned the last page of this superb novel. The Fifth Avenue Story Society is truly a masterpiece—a one-of-a-kind novel that lingers long after the last page is turned. This is one I’ll reread often, and it should garner Hauck much well-deserved acclaim. This should be on everyone’s shelf.”
—Colleen Coble, USA TODAY bestselling author of the Lavender Tides series and Strands of Truth
“One of the best signs of an awesome book is when you can’t stop thinking about it when you’re not reading . . . and when you just. can’t. wait. to get back to it! That was absolutely the case with Rachel Hauck’s latest, The Fifth Avenue Story Society. The set-up—a group of strangers all mysteriously invited to join a story society at a historic library—was both charming and intriguing. All five main characters were well-rounded and relatable with heart-tugging—and in some cases, heartbreaking—backstories. I loved watching them grow as a group and as individuals as they developed deep bonds, found freedom from their pasts, and discovered new hope for their futures. Another winner from one of my author faves!”
—Melissa Tagg, Carol Award-winning author of Now & Then & Always and the Walker Family series
The Memory House
“Rachel Hauck . . . is a terrific storyteller. The Memory House is a flash fiction book that spans two different eras. Fifty years separate Beck Holiday and Everleigh Applegate, but through love and faith, the two find healing in a beautiful Victorian house known as The Memory House. You can’t go wrong with one of Rachel’s books.”
—Debbie Macomber, New York Times bestselling author
“The novel revisits common themes in Hauck’s books: courtship and Christian values. It is well written and covers well-traveled ground, comfortable in its steadfast delivery and message of the acceptance of closures to make way for the promise of openings. It is not focused on individual tragedy and grieving but a universal tale of faith and love.”
—Historical Novels Society
“Combining drama, romance, faith, and sometimes mystery, Hauck continues to delight her fans and attract new readers.”
—Patheos
“Rachel Hauck is no stranger to me. I treasure her book The Wedding Dress, which I have reread and again laughed and cried at the sheer joy of that charmer. The Memory House introduces us to many characters that we fall in love with and cheer for.”
—Fresh Fiction
“Hauck (The Writing Desk) is a master at weaving together plots from multiple time periods. Here the key theme is memory and how the characters react to tragedy . . . Hauck’s fans will be keen for another work rich with character development. Readers of Kristy Cambron, Heidi Chiavaroli, and other time-slip novelists will also want to pick up this book.”
—Library Journal
“Accomplished Hauck demonstrates genre finesse as she blends inspirational romance with a cinematic style of storytelling, bringing empathetic characters to life as they cope with grief in marriage and faithfulness, parenthood and adoption, death and tragedy. Challenging decisions, the blessing of finding love again, and the solace of a beautiful Victorian home all come together in this spellbinding, lovely novel.”
—Booklist
The Love Letter
“Enjoyable inspirational romance . . . Jesse and Chloe rewrite Hamilton and Esther’s history on screen and their relationship strengthens as reenacting the story helps them reconsider their ideas about a perfect ending. Hauck cleverly uses the play to bring historical flourishes to a strong story about overcoming mistakes through faith and commitment.”
—Publishers Weekly
“A [Revolutionary] War love letter is the centerpiece of this delightful read by Hauck as forgiveness, dependence upon God, and second chances are intricately woven together . . . A captivating story line, historical research, and God’s truth equal a recommended read for all.”
—CBA Market
“From its epic opening to its unexpected and wholly satisfying conclusion, The Love Letter serves up the perfect blend of modern and historical romance infused with exquisite vulnerability. It sweeps readers into the centuries-old drama of South Carolina and the flash of contemporary Hollywood and delightfully explores layers of social and emotional duality.”
—Booklist
“Hauck’s latest is a gorgeous melding of two timelines into an unforgettable story. She does an incredible job balancing the two, and the pacing works perfectly . . . What makes this story shine is that it isn’t what readers will be expecting, but it will be what readers need. Themes of redemption, love, sacrifice, and loyalty resonate throughout.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4 stars
The Writing Desk
“Rachel Hauck enchants us again! Tenley and Birdie are bound together by the understanding that creativity is a guiding force and that their stories must be told. A tale both bittersweet and redemptive, The Writing Desk is your must-read.”
—Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author
The Wedding Shop
“Hauck seamlessly switches back and forth in this redeeming tale of a shop with healing powers for the soul. As Cora and Haley search for solace and love, they find peace in the community of the charming shop. Hauck succeeds at blending similar themes across the time periods, grounding the plot twists in the main characters’ search for redemption and a reinvigoration of their wavering faith. In the third of her winsome, wedding-themed, standalone novels, Hauck focuses on the power of community to heal a broken heart.”
—Publishers Weekly
“I adored The Wedding Shop! Rachel Hauck has created a tender, nostalgic story, weaving together two pairs of star-crossed lovers from the present and the past with the magical space that connects them. So full of heart and heartache and redemption, this book is one you’ll read long into the night, until the characters become your friends, and Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, your second hometown.”
—Beatriz Williams, New York Times bestselling author
“The Wedding Shop is the kind of book I love, complete with flawed yet realistic characters, dual timelines that intersect unexpectedly, a touch of magic, and a large dose of faith. Two breathtaking romances are the perfect bookends for this novel about love, forgiveness, and following your dreams. And a stunning, antique wedding dress with a secret of its own. This is more than just a good read—it’s a book to savor.”
—Karen White, New York Times bestselling author
“In The Wedding Shop, the story line alternates between past and present, engrossing the reader in both timelines . . . and the ways that God’s provision [are] shown is heartwarming and can even increase the reader’s faith. The weaving in of characters and plot points from The Wedding Dress and The Wedding Chapel adds depth and meaning to the gorgeously rendered tale.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4 stars
The Wedding Chapel
“Hauck’s engaging novel about love, forgiveness, and new beginnings adeptly ties together multiple oscillating story lines of several generations of families. Interesting plot interweaves romance, real-life issues, and a dash of mystery . . . Recommend for mature fans of well-done historical fiction.”
—CBA Retailers and Resources
“Hauck tells another gorgeously rendered story. The raw, hidden emotions of Taylor and Jack are incredibly realistic and will resonate with readers. The way the entire tale comes together with the image of the chapel as holding the heartbeat of God is breathtaking and complements the romance of the story.”
—RT Book Reviews, 41/2 stars and a TOP PICK!
The Wedding Dress
“Hauck weaves an intricately beautiful story centering around a wedding dress passed down through the years. Taken at face value, the tale is superlative, but considering the spiritual message both on the surface and between the lines, this n
ovel is incredible. Readers will laugh, cry, and treasure this book.”
—RT Book Reviews, TOP PICK!
“The Wedding Dress is a thought-provoking read and one of the best books I have read. Look forward to more . . .”
—Michelle Johnman, Gold Coast, Australia
“I thank God for your talent and that you wrote The Wedding Dress. I will definitely come back to this book and read it again. And now I cannot wait to read Once Upon a Prince.”
—Agata from Poland
The Royal Wedding Series
“Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Hauck’s latest inspirational romance offers an uplifting and emotionally rewarding tale that will delight her growing fan base.”
—Library Journal, starred review
“Hauck writes a feel-good novel that explores the trauma and love of the human heart . . . an example of patience and sacrifice that readers will adore.”
—Romantic Times, 4 stars
“A stirring, modern-day fairy tale about the power of true love.”
—Cindy Kirk, author of Love at Mistletoe Inn
“How to Catch a Prince is an enchanting story told with bold flavor and tender insight. Engaging characters come alive as romance blooms between a prince and his one true love. Hauck’s own brand of royal-style romance shines in this third installment of the Royal Wedding series.”
—Denise Hunter, bestselling author of the Chapel Springs Romance and Blue Ridge Romance series
“How to Catch a Prince contains all the elements I’ve come to love in Rachel Hauck’s Royal Wedding series: an ‘it don’t come easy’ happily ever after, a contemporary romance woven through with royal history, and a strong spiritual thread with an unexpected touch of the divine. Hauck’s smooth writing—and the way she wove life truths throughout the novel—made for a couldn’t-put-it-down read.”
—Beth K. Vogt, author of Somebody Like You, one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of 2014
“Rachel Hauck’s inspiring Royal Wedding series is one for which you should reserve space on your keeper shelf!”
—USA TODAY
“Hauck spins a surprisingly believable royal-meets-commoner love story. This is a modern and engaging tale with well-developed secondary characters that are entertaining and add a quirky touch. Hauck fans will find a gem of a tale.”
—Publishers Weekly starred review of Once Upon a Prince
Also by Rachel Hauck
The Memory House
The Love Letter
The Writing Desk
The Wedding Dress
The Wedding Chapel
The Wedding Shop
Stories found in A Year of Weddings
A March Bride (e-book only)
A Brush with Love: A January Wedding Story (e-book only)
The Royal Wedding Series
Once Upon a Prince
Princess Ever After
How to Catch a Prince
A Royal Christmas Wedding
Lowcountry Romance Novels
Sweet Caroline
Love Starts with Elle
Dining with Joy
Nashville Novels
Nashville Sweetheart (e-book only)
Nashville Dreams (e-book only)
With Sara Evans
Sweet By and By
Softly and Tenderly
Love Lifted Me
Copyright
The Fifth Avenue Story Society
© 2020 Rachel Hauck
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.
Thomas Nelson titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fund-raising, or sales promotional use. For information, please e-mail [email protected].
Publisher’s Note: This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. All characters are fictional, and any similarity to people living or dead is purely coincidental.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Hauck, Rachel, 1960- author.
Title: The Fifth Avenue story society : a novel / Rachel Hauck.
Description: Nashville : Thomas Nelson, [2020] | Summary: "From the New
York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress comes a captivating
new novel about the healing power of story, community, and love"--
Provided by publisher.
Identifiers: LCCN 2019035583 (print) | LCCN 2019035584 (ebook) | ISBN
9780310350927 (trade paperback) | ISBN 9780785216674 (hardcover) | ISBN
9780310350934 (epub) | ISBN 9780310350958 (audio download)
Subjects: GSAFD: Christian fiction. | Love stories.
Classification: LCC PS3608.A866 F54 2020 (print) | LCC PS3608.A866
(ebook) | DDC 813/.6--dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019035583
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019035584
Printed in the United States of America
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