Month: February 2020

Book Review: ‘The Heart’s Stronghold’ by Amanda Barratt, Angie Dicken, Gabrielle Meyer and Kimberley Woodhouse

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Love on the Edge of the Unknown
 
Join four brave women making their mark on history at Colonial forts. Faced with tragedy and distrust they will fight to bring civility, family, and love to the frontier.
 
Virginia Company Bride by Gabrielle Meyer
James Fort at Jamestown, Virginia, 1608
In September 1608, Anne Burras is the only woman in Jamestown when her mistress dies upon arrival. Laborer John Layton is one of only thirty-eight colonists who survived the first year in the colony. Both want Anne on the supply ship returning to England in three months, but neither foresee the difficulties they will face just to stay alive—or the painful sacrifices they will make to stay together.
 
Embers of Hope by Kimberley Woodhouse
Castle Island, Massachusetts, 1674
Castle William (which would eventually become Fort Independence)
With Castle William burned to ashes, a stone mason’s daughter is the only woman on an island of soldiers. But superstitions and rumors abound that she is bad luck for the island. The captain finds himself falling in love with her, but disaster seems to strike every time they make headway. Can these two find love and hope in the midst of the ashes?
 
A Treaty of Tulips by Angie Dicken
Fort Burnet in Upstate New York, 1740
Daughter of a Dutch trader, Sabine Van Der Berg is loyal to their land at the trading post and also to her friends, the native Iroquois. When a British lieutenant arrives to expand the post to a fort, not only is Sabine key in keeping the peace for British-Iroquois trade, but she must protect her heart from a man who threatens the only way of life she’s ever known.
 
A Promise for Tomorrow by Amanda Barratt
Fort Boonesborough, Kentucky, 1778
Pregnant widow Rosina Whiting seeks shelter at Fort Boonesborough after a harrowing journey. She doesn’t expect her heart to be swayed by enigmatic frontiersman Captain Silas Longridge. But will the dangers that await sever their newfound love?

My Rating: 3.5 Stars!

Four novellas comprise this collection featuring authors Gabrielle Meyer, Angie Dicken, Amanda Barratt and Kimberley Woodhouse.

Spanning the years 1608-1778 and set in the earliest years of our nation’s history, these stories will satisfy any lover of the American Frontier. I was thoroughly interested in the history here and the hardships the earliest colonists suffered in the dawn of our nation.*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via Net Galley. I was under no obligation to post a review and the opinion expressed here is entirely my own.

Book Review: ‘Falsely Accused’ (Special FBI Crimes Unit Book 5) by Shirlee McCoy

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Proving her innocence

means running for her life.

Framed for her foster brother’s murder, FBI special agent Wren Santino must clear her name—but someone’s dead set on stopping her from finding the truth. Her estranged childhood friend, Titus Anderson, comes to her aid…but standing by her puts him in the killer’s crosshairs, too. And unraveling a conspiracy may be the only way for either of them to survive.
About Shirlee McCoy
New York Times best-selling author Shirlee McCoy loves books. She loves reading them. She loves writing them. She loves sharing them with family, friends, and total strangers on airplanes and in doctors’ offices. It’s no surprise that she loves being an author. Her first book was published in 2004. Since then, she’s written more than 55 novels. Her books have appeared on the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, and USA Today bestsellers lists. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and volunteering as a member of Chesapeake Search Dogs – a non-profit organization dedicated to finding the lost and missing and bringing closure to their families. A former teacher, she takes pleasure in helping others pursue their writing goals and enjoys sharing her knowledge with aspiring authors.

She enjoys hearing from readers and writers. You can email her at shirlee@shirleemccoy.com or catch up with her life and writing at http://shirleemccoy.blogspot.com/.

My Rating: 4 Stars!

‘God’s plans were best. He had always believed that. They were often unexpected and unanticipated.’

I have been looking forward to Wren Santino’s story in Shirlee McCoy’s ‘FBI: Special Crimes Unit’ series. From Wren’s first appearance as the boss of the FBI agents in this series, I knew she had a story to tell and I was right! Wren heads back to where she grew up in Maine in this book to check on her former foster mother who has fallen and broken a hip. Almost instantly she is embroiled in a deadly development and is arrested for killing her former foster brother. Well, things just roll on swiftly after this. Oh, don’t forget Titus, the kid that grew up in the same town who Wren once thought she loved. He’s back in town, living in the house he grew up in after leaving the Boston PD and starting a career in home restoration and renovation.

Shirlee McCoy is a master at romantic, inspirational suspense. I discovered her books early last year and have bought them all in one form or another and am trying to make some headway into reading her massive back list. Now, I’m eagerly anticipating her next book!

*My thanks to Love Inspired Publishing for a preview copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion stated here in this review is entirely my own.

Book Review: ‘Finding The Road Home’ (Hearts of Oklahoma) by Tina Radcliffe

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Some paths need courage to follow…

Can they find their fresh startwith roadblocks around every corner?

To care for her orphaned nieces and nephews, Daisy Anderson moved to a small town for a new deputy position—but now her job could be eliminated. With potential budget cuts looming, her only hope is to work with police chief Mitch Rainbolt to save their department’s funds. But can their fight for her job lead to something neither dared wish for: a future together?
About Tina Radcliffe
Tina Radcliffe has been dreaming and scribbling for years. Originally from Western NY, she left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency stationed in Augsburg, Germany, and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her past careers include Certified Oncology R.N. and library cataloger.

Tina is a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist and a four-time Carol Award finalist and three-time ACFW Mentor of the Year finalist. A 2014 ACFW Carol Award winner and a 2018 ACFW Mentor of the Year winner, Tina is also on the RWA and ACFW Honor Roll of Best-Selling Authors. In 2019 she won the Holt Medallion for Christmas with the Cowboy. A short story writer, she has sold over three dozen short stories to Woman’s World Magazine

She currently resides in Arizona where she writes fun, heartwarming romance. Sign up for her newsletter to be notified of new releases, sales & giveaways! http://bit.ly/2angfWP

My Rating: 5 Stars!

‘Police Chief Mitch Rainbolt, micromanaging God. Why am I not surprised?

Sometimes you read a book that just sparks joy in your heart and makes you feel good. Finding The Road Home did that for me. I read it in less than a day and now I’m sad it’s over. I can’t wait for the next one. Tina Radcliffe brings us the first book in her new series, ‘Hearts of Oklahoma’. And it’s a super good one.

Mitchell Rainbolt is police chief of Rebel, OK, a tiny town full of extraordinarily sweet folks. Mitch raised his brothers and sisters and feels like he has to be the responsible person all the time. He hires a new deputy, Daisy Anderson, and then funds are going to be cut, so he’ll have to unhire her. Daisy has just taken on her five nieces and nephews after her sister and brother in law’s tragic deaths and now has them to support, plus her grandmother and a mortgage on a farm house. Can Mitch and Daisy and the rest of the tiny department come up with some creative ways to get more funding from the county? And just maybe, maybe, they can find a new life together?

I loved every single minute of this book. I have never been disappointed in any of Tina Radcliffe’s books, but this one just made my heart smile. Full of precious characters, even the secondary ones, and small town charm, this book is sure to be read again! And it’s one for my keeper shelf, too! Highly recommended.

*My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. The opinion expressed in this review is entirely my own.

Publisher: Love Inspired
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/39bbysQ

‘Peace in the Storms of Life: Devotional Encouragement For Women’ by Julie Rayburn

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God’s Word Is an Anchor in Life’s Storms
 
These 125 heartfelt devotional readings will challenge you to dive deep into God’s Word to find the strength and peace you need amid the storms of life.
 
Your Father God is ever-present, even in the deepest valleys, and His hope is available to those who seek it. This book will encourage and inspire through any circumstance when you allow your heart to be transformed as you apply God’s truth in real-life situations. As you consider questions for further thought, you’ll be drawn deeper into the heart of God.
 
This lovely book is perfect for personal use or as a heartfelt gift for a friend going through hard times.
About Julie Rayburn
Julie Rayburn is a Christian author and speaker who is passionate about encouraging others to apply Biblical truth to everyday life. Be Still and Know…365 Days of Hope & Encouragement for Women is in its second printing. This devotional is based on a journal her mother kept the last year of her life. These spiritual insights focus on living an abundant life regardless of one’s circumstances. Julie has also co-authored six other devotional books. She has been a Teaching Director and Area Director for Community Bible Study (CBS). Currently she and her husband are short-term missionaries to Nepal with CBS. Julie serves on the board of Grace Valley Ministries. She and her husband, Scott, reside in the Atlanta area and have 2 grown children and 3 grandchildren. Julie also loves gardening, golf and jogging.

My Rating: 3 Stars!

Peace in the Storms of Life is a nice devotional for those times in a believer’s life when they feel overwhelmed by all that is going on around them. We can always take heart on the Scriptures and Rayburn adds her own wisdom to the verses that will encourage the reader.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. I was not required to leave a review and the opinion expressed here is entirely my own.

Book Review: ‘The Winter Companion’ (Parish Orphans of Devon, 4) by Mimi Matthews

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A winter reunion for the orphans brings romance for Neville Cross in Book 4 of Mimi Matthews’ USA Today bestselling Parish Orphans of Devon series.

She Needed to be Seen…

As a lady’s companion, Clara Hartwright never receives much attention from anyone. And that’s precisely how she likes it. With a stormy past, and an unconventional plan for her future, it’s far safer to remain invisible. But when her new employer is invited to a month-long holiday at a remote coastal abbey, Clara discovers that she may not be as invisible as she’d hoped. At least, not as far as one gentleman is concerned.

He Wanted to be Heard…

Neville Cross has always been more comfortable with animals than people. An accident in his youth has left him with a brain injury that affects his speech. Forming the words to speak to his childhood friends is difficult enough. Finding the right things to say to a lovely young lady’s companion seems downright impossible. But Miss Hartwright is no ordinary companion. In fact, there may not be anything ordinary about her at all.

During a bleak Devon winter, two sensitive souls forge an unexpected friendship. But when Clara needs him most, will Neville find the courage to face his fears? Or is saying goodbye to her the most heroic thing he can do?
About Mimi Matthews
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper historical romances set in Victorian England. Her articles on nineteenth century history have been published on various academic and history sites, including the Victorian Web and the Journal of Victorian Culture, and are also syndicated at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, two Shelties, and two Siamese cats.

To learn more, please visit http://www.MimiMatthews.com

My Rating: 5 Stars!

‘All she’d known was that she wanted nothing more than the formidable safety of his arms.’

Mimi Matthews brings us the last book in her ‘Parish Orphans of Devon’ series and now I am so sad that there aren’t any more books in this series. A friend recommended Mimi Matthews to me last month and I quickly read the first three books in this series and found them absolutely wonderful. This one is Neville Cross’s story. Sweet, strong Neville. We find all four men, former orphans who were treated so despicably by the orphanage director, together for a winter reunion. Justin, Thornhill, Tom Finchley, and Alex Archer are all married happily and Neville feels his life will always be what it is now: living on Justin’s property caring for the horses and animals. He loves the animals and he loves his friends, but deep inside he yearns for more.

Clara Hartwright is at the Thornhill’s for the winter reunion, serving as a companion to Mrs. Bainbridge. Clara wants nothing but to remain invisible in order to keep her stormy past in the past. But she soon discovers that there is something about Neville that she is mightily touched by.

As we watch Neville trying to back away from Clara, fearing he will be frowned upon because of his inability to speak everything on his heart because of a traumatic injury in his youth, we watch love unfold and blossom between these two sensitive souls, it is the most precious thing to behold. I wept several times during the reading of this book. Neville is a most wonderful hero, in this reader’s opinion. His heart is enormous! It’s as if God created these two especially for one another. And Mimi Matthews’ weaving of this tale together is magnificent. I was captivated by her writing, as I was during the first three books in the series. She deftly moves through the story, carrying the reader along feeling every emotion in these characters’ hearts. I dearly wished this series didn’t have to end. I loved every single moment of these books. Well done! Highly recommended.

*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press
Publication Date: February 11, 2020
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/37glD5Y

Book Review: ‘Mountain Hostage’ by Hope White

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They’re tracking a kidnapper. But will they be the next targets?

After an ambush during a mountain hike, Zoe Pratt ends up shoved off the mountain and her friend kidnapped. Enigmatic search and rescue volunteer Jack Monroe tracks Zoe with the help of his K-9 partner, Romeo, but as the only witness to the attack, she’s far from safe. With Jack’s help, can she find her friend and take down her would-be killer?

Experience more action-packed mystery and suspense in the rest of the K-9 Mountain Guardians series:
About The Author
Accused of being an eternal optimist, I was born and raised in the Midwest and migrated to the Pacific Northwest a few years ago. I began spinning tales of intrigue and adventure when I was in grade school, and wrote my first book when I was eleven — a thriller that ended with a mysterious phone call the reader never heard!

My college sweetheart and I have been married for over 20 years and are blessed with two wonderful sons, a bossy kitty and feisty Golden Retriever.

When not dreaming up inspirational tales, I’m usually out hiking in the Cascade Mountains, enjoying a fine cup of tea with friends, or hiding out in a movie theatre. I love to hear from readers! hopewhiteauthor@gmail.com

My Rating: 3 stars

This was a new to me author. The book offers good suspense, hits the ground running and the situation only accelerated till the surprising ending. Recommended.

*My thanks to the publisher, Love Inspired, for a complimentary copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion in this review is my own.

Book Review: ‘A Gift To Cherish’ (The Road to Reuge, Book 2) by Victoria Bylin

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When Daisy Riley arrives in Refuge, Wyoming to live with her brother and his family, she intends to stay forever. A victim of violence in Los Angeles, Daisy craves stability, peace of mind, and safety. Her hope comes true when she lands a job as a personal assistant to Miss Joan Prescott, the owner of Cottonwood Acres, a historic ranch that once served as the set for a famous TV show. A retired college professor, Miss Joan has secrets and stories of her own, including a very unusual project that requires Daisy’s skills.

Rafe Donovan, a cop from Cincinnati, is haunted by a recurring nightmare about the death of his high school sweetheart and his failure to save her. Because of the nightmares, Rafe takes leave from the police department and seeks psychological help. He finds shelter in Refuge, where he pounds nails for his brother’s construction business. But he has no desire to stay in Wyoming and plans to return to Ohio as soon as possible.

When he finds Daisy Riley stranded late at night with a flat tire, Rafe is impressed by her courage. Daisy is equally impressed by him. Together they navigate the road to love—one complicated by the arrival of Daisy’s troubled best friend, online dating, and the impossible obstacle of 1,600 miles between her home and his.

AUTHOR NOTE: This story is about our current dating culture, including the risks of online dating. It also looks at the social mores of 1970s and how those values impact us today.
About Victoria Bylin
Victoria Bylin is known for tackling tough subjects with great compassion. In 2016, Together With You, a story of grace and healing, won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award for Best Contemporary Romance. Her other books, including historical westerns, have finaled in the Carol Awards, the RITAs, and RT Magazine’s Reviewers Choice Award. A native of California, she and her husband now make their home in Lexington, Kentucky. Learn more at victoriabylin.com.

My Rating: 4 Stars!

‘You tell other people to be brave all the time. I think it’s your turn.’

Daisy Riley comes to Refuge, Wyoming to get away from the place of a violent attack. She knows that she must overcome her fears and this is a place to find safety, near her brother and his fiancé. She finds a great job and settles in. Then life throws another curve ball. Rafe Donovan is staying with his brother after having issues as a cop in Cincinnati. Rafe and Daisy come to care for each other, but Daisy has found a forever home in Refuge and Rafe has to go back to Ohio when his leave is up.

Victoria Bylin shares her heart in the second book of her Road to Refuge series. Life is not always each and bravery is not easy to come by when life doesn’t work out the way you hoped. But we have a secure refuge (no pun intended) in Christ, the Solid Rock. And sometimes, what we hoped is the best for us is not what God thinks is the best for us. Our job is to relinquish our control to God. Well done! Recommended.

*My thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this book. The opinion stated in this review is entirely my own.

Buy the book here: https://amzn.com.to/2GY2uOS

Book Review: ‘She Walks In Majesty’ (Protectors of the Spear 3) by MaryLu Tyndall

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Danger around every corner. Intrigues in everyone’s past. And a romance that’s swoon worthy. She Walks in Majesty is all that and more, with a plot that twists and turns and truths that are hard-hitting. Truly, this is author MaryLu Tyndall at her finest!
—Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas

With only a worn document in hand and the Spear of Destiny strapped to her thigh, Seraphina de Mobray, the new Protector of the Spear, must convince the king that her friends are innocent of treason and witchcraft. Who is she to embark on such a lofty task but a lowly servant, an orphan abandoned at birth? Yet each step of the way, the Spear grants her favor and opens a path for her to enter the royal palace. What she finds there is naught but lies, greed, and a danger that threatens her very existence.

Sir Damien LaRage, knight of the elite King’s Guard would do anything to protect Seraphina and save his friends, anything except give up his quest for revenge against the person who murdered his parents. Returning to court, to a world of secrets, deceit, and power is exhilarating at first. Then things become dangerous when he must protect Seraphina from those would do her harm. Even himself. For he soon discovers that he must choose between saving her or avenging his parents’ deaths.

The king is ill, and evil takes over the throne as Seraphina must run for her life, and Damien is left to battle against forces not of this world. Meanwhile, darkness suffocates the Knights of the Eternal realm. leaving them defenseless against wicked powers that have taken over Luxley. Only Seraphina and the Spear of Destiny can save them now.

About MaryLu Tyndall

Award winning and best-selling author, MaryLu Tyndall dreamt of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida’s Coast. After obtaining a degree in Math and working as software engineer for 15 years, she decided to test the waters as a writer. With now more than seventeen books published, she makes no excuses for the deeply spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. As a follower of Christ, her stories often reflect her own journey and walk with God. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye, MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying world. MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, two grandkids, and three cats on the California coast, where her imagination still surges with the sea.

My Rating: 5 Stars!

“We must pray. We pray, we plan and then we fight.’
MaryLu Tyndall brings us her ‘Protectors of the Spear’ series to a completely satisfying conclusion with this book.
Seraphina deMowbray is now the one carrying the sacred spear and she must guard it with her life for there are those who seek to steak it for their own good. Sir Damien LaRage journeys with her to the king’s castle where there is much evil afoot. Her dear friends and members of the king’s Elite Guard are suspected of witchcraft and are in hiding, so Seraphina must try and persuade the king to pardon them. But she has to wade through a host of evil that seeks to hinder her at every turn.
I love the medieval era and Tyndall is very adept at this genre. I have been eagerly waiting for this novel and I was not one bit disappointed! A riveting conclusion to a powerful series! Tyndall is quite good at bringing spiritual warfare into her books and it is incorporated here so well. God does indeed fight for us. ‘Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle not yours, but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15b) Highly recommended.
*My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. No review was required and the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Buy it here: https://amzn.to/31t2yMp

Book Review: ‘The Solid Grounds Coffee Company (The Saturday Night Supper Club) by Carla Laureano

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Analyn Sanchez can handle the long hours and arrogant clients that come with her job as a crisis management associate at Denver’s largest publicity firm. The high-powered job, expensive condo, and designer wardrobe are all part of her plan to prove to her family that her life choices haven’t been in vain. But when she’s asked to cover up a client’s misdeeds with serious moral and legal ramifications, she can no longer sacrifice her conscience for her career . . . and the cost is no less than her job.

Ever since a devastating climbing accident in South America eight months ago, and a bad decision that dried up his sponsorships, professional rock climber Bryan Shaw has found himself at similar loose ends. When the opportunity to buy a coffee farm in Colombia arises, he jumps on it—only to discover his wandering ways have left him utterly unprepared to run a business.

When Bryan returns home and offers Ana a role in his company as a solution to both their problems, she’s desperate enough to consider working with the far-too-flippant and far-too-handsome climber, even though he’s the polar opposite of her type A nature. As they delve deeper into the business, however, she begins to suspect there’s much more to Bryan than she’s given him credit for . . . and that sometimes the best plans are the ones you never see coming.
About Carla Laureano
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Carla Laureano is the RITA® Award-winning author of contemporary inspirational romance and Celtic fantasy (as C.E. Laureano). A graduate of Pepperdine University, she worked as a sales and marketing executive for nearly a decade before leaving corporate life behind to write fiction full-time. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two sons, where she writes during the day and cooks things at night.

Connect with Carla online at her website (www.carlalaureano.com) or on any of these social media platforms:

Facebook.com/CarlaLaureanoAuthor
Twitter.com/carlalaureano
Instagram.com/carlalaureanoauthor
Pinterest.com/laureano_carla

My Rating: 4 Stars!

‘In all the years he’d read about the Prodigal Son in the Bible, he’d never really cast himself in that role.’

Carla Laureano finishes up her series with this novel, which is Bryan and Ana’s story. Bryan Shaw is a rock climber who turns to another living after a life altering incident on a mountain. Bryan buys a coffee farm and returns to Denver to set up another aspect of the business, but he has no business acumen. Ana Sanchez, who he has known for two years and has been secretly attracted to, does have loads of business acumen. Ana has just been put on leave as a crisis management publicist and agrees to help Bryan out.

I have read and own all Carla Laureano’s books and have read most of them twice and some three times, so I was in eager anticipation of this one. The other two in the series were awesome, so I had very high hopes for this one. Laureano has proven herself to this reader many times over. She writes convincingly of real emotions in her books and her characters bloom on the pages of her novels.

The story itself was good. I am not much of a coffee drinker, but I was fascinated by all that went into making good coffee! The author goes into great detail about the coffee bean business and I was quite surprised at the depth of the industry. And, as usual, I enjoyed the food! Rachel and Melody are quite amazing cooks, as we learned from the first two books, and I think I might have drooled a little bit during the reading.

I enjoyed meeting Bryan and Ana as secondary characters, but sadly, for me, they didn’t live up to my expectations. Bryan did for the most part. He truly had turned his life around and I felt his heart in the pages of the book. But Ana gave me a hard time. She just never seemed real to me.
She came across as pretentious and cold almost the entire novel, even seeming hard and uncaring. She did redeem herself a bit at the ending, but by then, I had lost hope that she would come around. I just felt no real connect with this character, but the book as a whole was quite good.

My thanks to Tyndale House Publishing for an ARC of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

Book Review: ‘The Fifth Avenue Story Society’ by Rachel Hauck

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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 reveal 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. 
About Rachel Hauck
Rachel Hauck is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author.

She is a Christy Award Winner and a double RITA finalist. Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Club. She is also the recipient of RT’s Career Achievement Award.

A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, and a former sorority girl, Rachel and her husband live in central Florida. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.

Visit her at http://www.rachelhauck.com or http://www.facebook.com/rachelhauck

My Rating: 5 Stars!

‘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.