The Fifth Avenue Story Society Review with Celebrate Lit Tours

About the Book

Book:  The Fifth Avenue Story Society
Author: Rachel Hauck
Genre:  Contemporary Romance/ Women’s Fiction
Release Date: February 4, 2020

 

An invitation to join The Fifth Avenue Story Society gives five New York strangers a chance to rewrite their own stories.

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.

When all 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 bear their deepest secrets to a roomful of strangers.

 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.

Get your copy of the book here.

About the Author

 

Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at RachelHauck.com; Facebook: RachelHauck; Twitter: @RachelHauck; Instagram: @rachelhauck.

Read an Excerpt

Read an excerpt here.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 10
The Avid Reader, February 10
Livin’ Lit, February 10
Genesis 5020, February 10
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 10
The Power of Words, February 11
A Baker’s Perspective, February 11
Rebecca Tews, February 11
All-of-a-kind Mom, February 11
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 11
Older & Smarter?, February 12
Seasons of Opportunities, February 12
Texas Book-aholic, February 12
Inklings and notions, February 12
deb’s Book Review, February 12
My Devotional Thoughts, February 13
Just the Write Escape, February 13
For Him and My Family, February 13
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, February 13
CarpeDiem, February 13
Remembrancy, February 14
Christian Bookaholic, February 14
Connect in Fiction, February 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14
April Hayman, Author, February 14
Robin’s Nest, February 15
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 15
Britt Reads Fiction, February 15
Just Your Average reviews, February 15
Blogging With Carol, February 15
Batya’s Bits, February 16
Bigreadersite, February 16
A Reader’s Brain, February 16
Worthy2Read, February 16
Stories By Gina, February 16
Back Porch Reads, February 17
janicesbookreviews, February 17
Literary Reflections Book Blog, February 17
Inside the Wong Mind, February 17
Mary Hake, February 17
Through the fire blogs, February 18
Mia Reads, February 18
Baker Kella, February 18
EmpowerMoms, February 18
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 18
Maureen’s Musings, February 19
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 19
Coast and Anchor, February 19
Spoken from the Heart, February 19
SPLASHES of Joy, February 19
She Lives to Read, February 20
By The Book, February 20
Wishful Endings, February 20
Moments, February 20
Simple Harvest Reads, February 20 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Andrea Christenson, February 21
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 21
Pause for Tales, February 21
For The Love of Books, February 21
Lis Loves Reading, February 21
Reader’s Cozy Corner, February 22
Hallie Reads, February 22
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 22
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 22
To Everything There Is A Season, February 22
Godly Book Reviews, February 23
Daysong Reflections, February 23
SusanLovesBooks, February 23
Lights in a Dark World, February 23



My Thoughts

 
I never know what to expect when I pick up a Rachel Hauck book. Every single one is totally different and unexpected. I do love this cover! This story has A LOT of characters but surprisingly it is fairly easy to keep up with them all. I really enjoyed the story society aspect and how it pulled all of the characters and pieces of the book together. Coral and Jett are my favorites simply because of their personalities and perspectives. While I was expecting a little stronger faith aspect some details at the end surprised me and so I encourage you to read until the end. While this story isn't terribly fast paced I really enjoyed looking into the lives of the many people involved. I liked seeing how the characters grew over the course of the pages. While this wasn't my favorite book by Rachel I still found it enjoyable! 

Four Stars.

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Celebrate Lit Tour: The Memory House

About the Book

 

Book: The Memory House

Author: Rachel Hauck

Genre: Christian Romance

Release Date: April 2, 2019

Embracing the future means remembering the past . . . When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that, either. Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share. Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

 

Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at RachelHauck.com; Facebook: RachelHauck; Twitter: @RachelHauck; Instagram: @rachelhauc

Excerpt from The Memory House

 

When Mama Applegate spoke as if Everleigh were a guest rather than a family member, she embraced it with grace. Because at the end of the day, she was Rhett’s wife. She alone shared his dreams, his heart, his life.

And at night, when she couldn’t sleep, his soft breathing was her lullaby.

“Listen, mister, I have to get back to work or I won’t make it home in time for our dinner.” She tugged at his shirt collar. “So are you going to tell me why you’re here?”

“I was going to wait until tonight, but I got so excited . . .” Rhett stepped over to the desk in front of Everleigh’s and retrieved a long white canister. “Here. Open it. I feel like a kid at Christmas.”

“Rhett, what have you done?” She pried away the cap and slipped out a set of drawings.

“Here, let me.” Rhett unrolled a rendering of a cozy house with a wraparound porch nestled between two cottonwoods. “Our house, Ev. I took those sketches you made after we were married and gave

them to the architect. What do you think?”

“Th-this is our house?” She wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning against his thick arm as she studied the drawing.

“It’s our house, darling.”

Everleigh studied the drawing. It was just like she imagined. “Are you sure?” She gazed up at her husband. “I didn’t think we’d saved enough money.”

“We’ve saved every penny of your salary, and I finally sold the stud bull to Jacob Marshall. He’s been after me for a year . . .” Rhett held her with one hand while flipping through the drawing with the other. “I bought the ten acres by the stream. You know, the one with the trees we loved. Dad wanted to give it to us, but I said no strings.

I wanted to buy it so he can’t hold it over me. Not that he would, but family business can get tricky.” Everleigh leaned to see the name of the road. Memory Lane.

“Darling, the section right off Memory Lane? The spot I wanted?”

Rhett’s grandmother had named the dirt road years ago, when she imagined a large family with lots of grandkids running around.

She envisioned an Applegate community.

But her sons, Melvin and Earl, went to war. Only Earl—nicknamed Spike—returned home the fall of 1918. He inherited the ranch, married Mama Applegate, and fathered Rhett, an only child. Grandma’s two daughters married and moved away.

“Your granny would be proud, darling,” Everleigh said. “We’re beginning her dream.”

“Sh-she would.” Rhett cleared his throat, pressing his fist over his cough. “So, w-what do you think?”

…

Tell him! The timing could not have been more perfect.

“Rhett, sweetheart—”

He jerked his wrist up, checking his watch. “Oh, Ev, sorry, darling, but I promised Dad I’d pick him up from the hardware store thirty minutes ago.” He gave her a quick, passing kiss. “I’d planned to show you these tonight, but I just couldn’t wait.” He rolled up the drawings and tucked them into the canister. “What is it you wanted to say?” On reflex, he checked his watch again.

“Nothing,” she said, smiling. “I’ll see you later. We can talk then. I have work to do anyway.”

“You sure?”

Everleigh fell into him and pressed her cheek against his chest.

“You make my dreams come true, Rhett Applegate.”

He kissed her one more time, then held her at arm’s length.

“Distraction, girl, you are one beautiful distraction.”

Blog Stops

Back Porch Reads , April 22

The Avid Reader, April 22

Wishful Endings, April 22

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 23

The Power of Words, April 23

Andrea Christenson, April 23

Worthy2Read, April 23

Carla Loves to Read, April 24

Blogging With Carol, April 24

Spoken from the Heart, April 24

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, April 24

C Jane Read, April 25

Reader’s Cozy Corner, April 25

Lis Loves Reading, April 25

For Him and My Family, April 25

CAFFEINATED CHRISTIAN RAVES-N-REVIEWS, April 26

Literary Reflections Book Blog, April 26

Jeanette’s thoughts, April 26

Carpe Diem, April 26

Mary Hake, April 27

EmpowerMoms, April 27

My Devotional Thoughts, April 27

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, April 27

Bigreadersite, April 28

Inklings and notions, April 28

Pause for Tales, April 28

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, April 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 29

Rachel’s Back Talk, April 29

For The Love of Books, April 29

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, April 30

Quiet Quilter, April 30

Just the Write Escape, April 30

Reflections From My Bookshelves, May 1

Godly Book Reviews, May 1

Lights in a Dark World, May 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 1

Stories By Gina, May 2

Texas Book-aholic, May 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 2

Older & Smarter?, May 3

janicesbookreviews, May 3

Living Life Free in christ, May 3

The Becca Files, May 4

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 4

A Reader’s Brain, May 4

Inspired by fiction, May 5

Moments, May 5

To Everything A Season, May 5

Simple Harvest Reads, May 5 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a grand prize of a copy of The Memory House!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!  

Click here to enter.

My Thoughts

I read this book back in March and I have thought about it often since. It had a story line that really captured my attention. The story starts out with tragedy and I was surprised at how well the author handled the in between part of the book. There is incredible character growth in this story and Everleigh is my favorite. This is a dual timeline novel and I tend to enjoy the historical aspect more so than the present day. I didn't like the characters as much in the modern day story line but I did enjoy the many references to Gilmore Girls. 

I think this story might just surprise you and it could be one that you think about long after you finish reading. 

Five Stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Love Letter: Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway!

About the Book

Title: The Love Letter
Author: Rachel Hauck
Release Date: June 12, 2018
Genre: Contemporary
Tour Dates: June 21 – July 4
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress comes a story of long-lost love and its redemption in future generations.
Romance has never been actress Chloe Daschle’s forte—in life or on screen. But everyone knows who to call for a convincing death scene . . . and it might be killing her career.
When Chloe is given a peek at the script for an epic love story, she decides to take her destiny into her own hands and request an audition for the lead female role, Esther Kingsley. The compelling tale, inspired by family lore and a one-page letter from the colonial ancestor of scriptwriter Jesse Gates, just might break her out of this career-crippling rut. Jesse would rather write about romance than live through it after his past relationship ended in disaster. But once on-set together, the chemistry between Jesse and his leading lady is hard to deny.
Centuries earlier, in the heart of the Revolutionary War, Hamilton Lightfoot and Esther Longfellow wrote their saga off the silver screen. Esther’s Loyalist father opposes any relationship with Hamilton, but Esther must face her beloved father’s disapproval and the dangers of war in order to convince Hamilton of their future together. Hamilton has loved Esther for years, and on the eve of battle pens the love letter she’s always wanted—something straight from the heart.
Set in stunning upcountry South Carolina, The Love Letter is a beautifully-crafted story of the courage it takes to face down fear and chase after love, even in the darkest of times. And just maybe, all these generations later, love can come home in a way not even Hollywood could imagine.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times. She is a double RITA finalist, a Christy and Carol Award Winner.
Rachel sits on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, and is the comical sidekick to Susan May Warren at the amazing My Book Therapy. She is a worship leader and speaker.

A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, Rachel is a devoted Ohio State football fan. She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.

Guest Post from Rachel Hauck

I’m always looking for story ideas. My husband does a standard disclaimer when I start drilling into a conversation with questions like:
“Really? So why did you do that?”
“Have you sought help?”
“Was it love at first sight?”
Hubster says, “Warning, anything you say can end up in a book.”

Of course, stories abound! Interesting people abound!

Then again, sometimes ideas just hit out of the blue. A few years ago I had the idea of a young, contemporary couple meeting by “accident” only to learn that their great grandparents were in love but time, life, family, war, or society made their love impossible.

I suppose there are a hundred ways to tell such a story but when it came time to write The Love Letter, I was slightly infatuated with the Poldark series on PBS.

Set in 18th century Cornwall, the story and the characters were so dynamic I had to write my own version of Poldark.

But could I write a split time with a 240 year difference? I mean, they didn’t have electricity or phones in 1780! They didn’t even have a postal system. Letters were carried by traveling friends or family.

What possible conflicts could my historical characters face? What event could be so dark and tragic to keep them apart?

The Revolutionary War created a perfect backdrop for my young lovers.

I set the story in upcountry South Carolina not realizing the battle I chose for the back drop, the Battle of Cowpens, was the inspiration for the movie The Patriot. (A fav movie of mine!)

For the contemporary story, I started with shoes. I mean, doesn’t every thing start with shoes?

“Nice outfit but what shoes are you wearing?”

“You’re going on a date? You need new shoes.”

What we “walk in” can either empower or defeat us. There’s a spiritual metaphor I’ll mediate on for awhile.

However the shoe angle didn’t quite work so the contemporary story ended up in Hollywood with an actor/screenwriter and an actress.

Both worlds—1780 upcountry South Carolina and contemporary Hollywood—were a bit out of my southern bailiwick.

I did a lot of research on the war and the colonial south. Where I couldn’t find details, I filled in with my imagination.

As for Hollywood, I talked with a screenwriter friend, read books, watched interviews, and then, you know, made the rest up. Don’t you know I eventually ended up on a movie set—Once Upon A Prince—four days after I finished reading the galley proofs for The Love Letter!

One of the hardest parts of the story was the actual love letter. What did it say? Who wrote it and why? Was there more than one? No, only one. But why only one?
I must have written and rewritten the letter five different ways to Sunday before I settled on the magical one.

During the course of the book, I realized I’d never written a love letter. Have you?

I’ve written sentiments to my husband on an anniversary or birthday card. I speak my love and affection out loud all the time. But a bonafide love letter?

A love letter is it’s own art form. They range from sickly sweet with a lot of “darlings” and “sweethearts” to Shakespearean sonnets.

There’s a vulnerability that comes with writing a love letter. Putting one’s heart on the page creates a new level of commitment with your affections.
Will the reader receive your words? Will the reader respond in kind?
It’s fascinating to consider the purpose of a love letter. Have we lost something intrinsic to the human heart with our instant texting and email society.

Can you imagine Romeo texting to Juliet in 2018?
Saw you at your window. You looked hot.
Doesn’t quite have the same ring as: “But soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east and Juliet is the sun.”
Scripture is a continuous love letter. “For God so loved the world—”
Whether you write love letters or poems, or quick texts, or put XO’s on cards to loved ones, write a love letter this month.
Write one to yourself, to Jesus, a spouse, child, parent, friend, foe—
See how it will bless your heart! Off to write my love letter…

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, June 21
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 21
The Avid Reader, June 21
Genesis 5020, June 21
ansel book blog, June 22
Blogging With Carol, June 22
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, June 22
Cover to Cover and Everything in Between, June 23
The Power of Words, June 23
Luv’N Lambert Life, June 23
Janices book reviews, June 23
C Jane Read, June 24
Kristin’s Book Reviews, June 24
Reflections From My Bookshelves, June 25
Faithfully Bookish, June 25
By The Book, June 25
Reading Is My SuperPower, June 25
Kat’s Corner Books, June 26
Maureen’s Musings, June 26
Ladybug Chronicles, June 26
Carpe Diem, June 26
Moments Dipped in Ink, June 27
Mommynificent , June 27
Godly Book Reviews, June 27
God’s Little Bookworm, June 28
Radiant Light, June 28
All-of-a-kind Mom, June 28
Have A Wonderful Day, June 28
Novels corner, June 29
Blossoms and Blessings, June 29
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, June 29
Bigreadersite, June 29
Pause for Tales, June 30
Bibliophile Reviews, June 30
Splashes of Joy, June 30
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, July 1
Simple Harvest Reads, July 1
The Christian Fiction Girl, July 1
A Baker’s Perspective, July 1
Remembrancy, July 2
amandainpa, July 2
To Everything A Season, July 2
proud to be an autism mom, July 3
Texas Book-aholic, July 3
Christian Author, J.E.Grace, July 3
Fiction, Faith, and Fun, July 4
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 4
Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away
Grand prize of a Kindle Fire 7
Semi-Grand prize of a book basket
2nd – 4th place prize of a copy of The Love Letter!!
Click below to enter.
 https://promosimple.com/ps/d071/the-love-letter-celebration-tour-giveaway

 My Thoughts

I have been anxious to read this book since I first heard about it. I loved Rachel's book the Writing Desk and was thinking this book would have a similar feel. The cover for this book is perfect and draws me in immediately as well. While this book kept me engaged until the end I was a bit disappointed. I love the whole story idea with the letter and the history. I knew the ending long before the ending, I am unsure if it was meant to be a surprise or not. I guess the biggest issue I had was the dialogue between the many characters. I cringed more than once at how cheesy and silly the certain exchange was. I also was irritated with the modern day love story, it just didn't seem to click. I love the dual time line, historical being my favorite but both great ideas. All that being said, a tad past the middle of the book are the redeeming qualities that made this book good for me. The characters really grow and the overall meaning behind the book takes shape and I thought Rachel Hauck did a nice job with that. So while this is not my favorite book it was still a fun adventure. 

Three stars. 

"I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All opinions are my own."

 

Perfect Summer Reading- The Writing Desk

 

 About the Book

Tenley Roth’s first book was a literary and commercial success. Now that her second book is due, she’s locked in fear. Can she repeat her earlier success or is she a fraud who merely found a bit of luck?

With pressure mounting from her publisher, Tenley is weighted with writer’s block. But when her estranged mother calls asking Tenley to help her through chemotherapy, she packs up for Florida where she meets handsome furniture designer Jonas Sullivan and discovers the story her heart’s been missing.

Born during the Gilded Age, Birdie Shehorn is the daughter of the old money Knickerbockers. Yet her life is not her own. Under the strict control of her mother, her every move is decided ahead of time, even whom she’ll marry. But Birdie has dreams of her own. She wants to tell stories, write novels, make an impact on the world. When she discovers her mother has literally destroyed her dreams, she must choose between submission and security or forging a brand new way all on her own.

Tenley and Birdie are from two very different worlds. Yet when Tenley discovers Birdie’s manuscript, their lives intersect. Birdie’s words help Tenley find a way home. Tenley brings Birdie’s writing to the world.

Can two women separated by time help fulfill each other’s destiny? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I love books that contain dual timelines. Rachel Hauck does a splendid job with this novel and I personally think it is her best yet! 

I truly loved all of the characters, even the secondary people who added to the story line. Tenley is a very unique character. Her personality is different from a lot of books similar to this and I love that because obviously everyone is different. I loved the twist at the end, not what I was expecting and very well done! I LOVED the historical aspect in the Gilded Age with Birdie and her struggles. I really didn't want that part of the book to ever end. As a reader I enjoyed peaking into the life of an author, that just added to the story and made it fun. 

If you are looking for a good book to read this summer, I highly recommend picking this one up! 

FIVE STARS

"I received this book from BookLook for free. All opinions are my own."

Princess Ever After Book Review

via

 About the Book

Regina Beswick never dreamed of faraway places. She’s happy with her life as a classic car mechanic and owner of a restoration shop.

But an unexpected visitor and the discovery of a fairytale, drawn by her great-grandma, causes Regina to wonder if she might be destined for something more.

Tanner Burkhardt, Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg, must convince the strong-willed Southerner, Miss Beswick, that she is his country’s long-lost princess. Failure could destroy his reputation and change his nation forever.

As Regina and Tanner face the challenges before them, neither are prepared for love to invade their hearts and change every thing they believe about themselves.

However, when a royal opponent nearly destroys Regina’s future, she must lean into God and trust He has sovereignly brought her to her true and final destiny. (Goodreads)

My Review

I like Rachel Hauck as an author, though I hadn't read the first book in this series. I have read a few of her other books  and enjoyed those. This book is pretty much like the Princess Diaries only the leading lady is a mechanic who loves working on cars.  This story was incredibly slow for me and I really didn't enjoy the romance as much as I had hoped. The ending is not shocking, while the main plot is all rather predictable. I do enjoy fairy tales but I like it when they aren't so predictable. Fairy tale lovers will most definitely enjoy this book. While I enjoyed the parts about Regina's trust in God, the overall book was not my favorite. 

See what else Rachel has written on her website.

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

Rachel Hauck is celebrating the release of her latest "swoon"-worthy romance,  Princess Ever After, with a fun $200 "Princess" prize package giveaway and a Facebook "Princess" party on March 6th. Grab your tiaras and RSVP today!

  One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa cash card (buy your very own "princess ever after" gown or tanks of gas for your "royal" ride)
• Princess Ever After, Once Upon a Prince, and The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 6th. Winner will be announced at Rachel's "Princess" Facebook Party on March 6th. Connect with Rachel for an evening of "royal" book chat, princess-themed trivia, laughter, prizes, and an exclusive look at the next book in the Royal Wedding series!

So grab your copy of Princess Ever After and join Rachel and friends on the evening of March 6th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!