Showing posts with label Rachel Hauck. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rachel Hauck. Show all posts

Saturday, February 15, 2020

Book Tour Grand Finale: The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck #StorySocTour

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Author Interview

What was your motivation behind THE FIFTH AVENUE STORY SOCIETY? Why did you want to write it?

The idea came after I spoke to a local writers group. One of the leaders mentioned their "story circles" and an idea was born. The Story Circle was the original title and had seven characters instead of five. But from the beginning it was about a group of strangers discovering who they were as they told their stories. The idea hit me so profoundly I went home from the meeting and wrote a synopsis in minutes and fired it off to my agent. He wrote back, "Love it!" The story felt right. I could "see" it so I knew I had to write it.

Hearts & Scribbles - Spotlight


"As always, Rachel Hauck’s character development is spot on. She created a world filled with believable characters and a story with a beautiful, spiritual thread. Wonderful storytelling. "

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

The door opened, and the discussion crashed to a stop. Jett rose to meet who he believed was the fifth member of this weird, cockamamie “society.”

“Lexa?” If possible, the world stopped spinning. His heartbeat slowed, and his thoughts careened together.

She moved across the threshold with ease, hitched her backpack on her shoulder, and raised her sparkling hazel gaze.

“Jett? You’ve got to be kidding me.” She had more heat in her eyes than the flames in the fireplace. “Did you do this? Send that stupid invitation?”


"This is an interesting, unique tale of how one event resulted in opening new discoveries in five individuals which changed each of their lives path forever. It is a story of freedom, unity, redirection, understanding, tolerance, acceptance, and many more topics."

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

“We still don’t know why we’re here.” Chuck glanced at each of them, his attention lingering longer on Coral than the others. “Don’t you want to know who sent the invitation?”

“What if the invitations were some promotional thing for the library? Sent to five random people. I get stuff ‘to the resident of’ all the time,” Lexa said, the presence of Jett starting to seep into her skin.

Did she want to punch him? Yell at him? Run away and never clap eyes on him again? Hug him? Yes, yes, all of the above.


"The story started strong and tapered off towards the middle. However, I am glad that I stuck through the novel because I love[d] seeing the true story of each character unfold. I enjoyed seeing that each character was able to find themselves and find each other."


"The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck is a moving story that goes on my “best of the best” list. The bookstore setting is atmospheric and charming, the characters rich and endearing, and every word of the prose is to be treasured. It’s a story of friendship, renewal and second chances, with a few heartwarming moments that moved me to tears. . . . Highly recommended."


"I give this book a resounding 5 out of 5 stars for the amazing characters and their individual stories, for the story of friendships coming from nothing, and for showing how the faith of one can affect many. I highly recommend picking this book up to read."


"Rachel Hauck is my new favourite in Contemporary INSPY . . . From the choices of her words to how she tucks in references which cross-relate to the revelations she's making about her characters; Hauck has this innate ability to connect you to her story and gives you a reason to ache for another chapter, another moment in this world she's created with a story you don't wish to exit. . . . by the time I first reached the Fifth Avenue Story Society's meeting space, I knew how much I was loving this experience . . . I was beyond smitten and dearly delighted that this became the first Hauck novel I read and it definitely will not be my last! Ooh, my dear stars... the joy of it!"


"This book is bound to be a movie at some point. The characters (and there are several) each have their own spunky personalities that need to be shared with the world. I love the contrast between them, from their backgrounds to their livelihoods."


"If you haven't read any books she's written so far than I have no hesitation in recommending you start with this one. I absolutely loved the premise and the characters . . . I thought The Fifth [Avenue] Story Society has some heartbreaking moments but also there is hope, hope for new beginnings, hope for brighter futures and best of meeting new people who will change your life for the better."


“I still say people can live selflessly, you know. There are couples who get along, don’t argue. Marriages where love conquers all.”

“Really?” Jett’s expression conveyed his doubt. “I’ve never seen one.”

“Well, you’re looking at the remaining half of a solid, giving marriage.” Ed glanced around the circle. “Granted, you don’t see much of what Esmerelda and I had in these modern times. All I see here is you kids with heartbreak. I don’t know what happened to you, Chuck, but I can see pain in your eyes.” He patted his new friend’s broad shoulder. “Lord only knows what happened with Coral and you two.” He waved at Lexa, then Jett. “Esmie and I chose the way of love. It was the sixties, so naturally love was on our minds. We decided things together, and when she was right, I said sorry. When I was right, she made my favorite pot roast.” He fell against his chair. “She made the best pot roast.”


"Stepping inside The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauk is like stepping inside the library itself–warm, cozy, and with a bit of mystery. . . . The Fifth Avenue Story Society offers a little bit of something for every type of readers, and is a wonderful fit for those who enjoy cozy reads involving bookstores, family, and business, with maybe even a little romance."

Splashes of Joy - Excerpt

“One day when you’re like forty or fifty, you’ll look back on your life and wonder what happened to the Jett Wilder who hoped, who dreamed. You’ll be completely unaware that your shallow, lonely existence was carved out by a faded, twisted memory of a morning on a mountaintop. That you’re haunted by the ghost of your dead brother.”

“That won’t happen. What you just said.”

“In some ways it already has, Jett. Between you and me.”


"Hauck’s writing quickly draws the reader in, and it’s easy to feel a part of the unlikely group. Character development is strong. I loved that the story was told in multiple POV’s, as it gives the reader the full picture, and you’re really able to connect with each person. . . . I had a hard time putting this one down, as I couldn’t wait to see how things turned out in the end."


"Before you do anything else, go put this book on your TBR pile! However you keep track of the books you want to read…whether you add them to Goodreads or you write them down…do it now. You need to read The Fifth Avenue Story Society.

This is a story that you will never forget. . . . I felt this story so deeply. The characters’ stories aren’t my stories, but that’s the point. Deep down, we’re the same."


"I love Rachel's books. I love her stories and how they can be very realistic and believable!! Her writing is amazing!! She [definitely] wrapped up the ending to this story very well . . . Wonderful plot and Characters that you can believe in and some you can even make friends with."


"I found myself not being able to put it down. . . . This book was heart-breaking, frustrating, and touching to read. It even had a haunting sadness to it. Still, there were elements of hope and even some humor. . . . My heart nearly broke at one point when it looked like everything was falling apart. Yet, at the end, everything came together and in a beautiful way."

All excerpts from The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck. Used with the permission of the publisher, Thomas Nelson. Copyright © 2020 by Rachel Hauck. Learn more at TNZ Fiction.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

The Fifth Avenue Story Society
By Rachel Hauck
Christian Contemporary Romance
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 400 Pages
February 4th 2020 by Thomas Nelson

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.

Praise for the Book

"Hauck inspires and uplifts with this mix of tales." - Publishers Weekly

(Affiliate links included.)

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.


Bookstagram Tour


Check out the Bookstagram Tour here, which has its own giveaway (ends 2/16)!

February 10th:
@momfluenster
@brenyandbooks
February 11th:
@simplehomemama
@angelakreais
February 12th:
@irishgirliereads
@christenkrumm
February 13th:
@suziewaltner
@ya.its.lit
February 14th:
read_by_a.cave
@courtneyec90

Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a print copy of The Wedding Dress (US only)
Ends February 19, 2020

Grab Our Button!






Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Fifth Avenue Story Society
By Rachel Hauck
Christian Contemporary Romance
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 400 Pages
February 4th 2020 by Thomas Nelson

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.

Praise for the Book

"Hauck inspires and uplifts with this mix of tales." - Publishers Weekly

(Affiliate links included.)

Excerpt

“Story doesn’t have to be written,” Jett said. “It can be told. Every day we tell, listen to, live, and breathe stories. What we’re doing right now is a story. People who would’ve otherwise never met are sharing a moment.”

“You two seemed to know one another.” Coral motioned between Jett and Chuck.

“It was a series of unfortunate events,” Jett said.

“Really?” Coral shifted in her chair. “Do tell.”

“Nothing to tell really,” Chuck said. “Do you think this is some sort of reality show?” He scanned the length of the crown molding.

“Why would we be in a reality show?” Ed frowned at the ceiling and any possible, invisible cameras.

“Because Coral here left her groom—”

“What?” Coral leapt up and glared down at Chuck. “I’m not the culprit here. If I were to be on a reality show about . . . well, anything, I’d certainly not invite the lot of you.”

“Chuck, what are you talking about?” Ed leaned into the conversation.

“Coral.” Chuck glanced up at the statuesque beauty. “You are the Winthrop heiress, right? Engaged to a prince in—”

“Is this the story society?”

The door opened, and the discussion crashed to a stop. Jett rose to meet who he believed was the fifth member of this weird, cockamamie “society.”

“Lexa?” If possible, the world stopped spinning. His heartbeat slowed, and his thoughts careened together.

She moved across the threshold with ease, hitched her backpack on her shoulder, and raised her sparkling hazel gaze.

“Jett? You’ve got to be kidding me.” She had more heat in her eyes than the flames in the fireplace. “Did you do this? Send that stupid invitation?”

The backpack slipped and crashed down on her arm. She righted it again as she spun toward the door.

“No, I was hoping the person coming through that door had the answers.”

“Then I’ll say good night.”

Wait. Say something. But he couldn’t move or speak. Just like all the times in the past.




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.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a print copy of The Wedding Dress (US only)
Ends February 19, 2020

Grab Our Button!






Sunday, June 21, 2015

Review: A Brush With Love by Rachel Hauck


Heidi Reads... A Brush With Love by Rachel Hauck

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Revealing the beauty in other women might be Ginger Winters’s specialty—but it will take an unexpected kind of love to help Ginger see the beauty in herself.
Ginger Winters drapes her hair over her right shoulder and adjusts the scarf around her neck to cover her scarred, withered skin. She’s had the scars since she was twelve, but she’ll never get used to the ugliness.
The fire changed Ginger’s life, but out of the pain and humiliation of her own disfigurement, one quality unexpectedly emerged: a gift for bringing out the beauty in other women. In a twelve-year ascent from top salon jobs in New York, Atlanta, and Nashville, Ginger traveled the world as personal stylist to country music sensation Tracie Blue. The success was almost enough to make her forget her own appearance.
Almost. Now that she’s opened her own salon in Rosebud after a dozen years away, the truth is staring Ginger in the face again: she’s still that girl, ugly and scarred, forever on the outside looking in. And this weekend she’ll be looking in as “beauty-maker” for the Alabama society wedding of the decade.
But when high-school crush Tom Wells shows up looking for a haircut, Ginger’s thinly veiled insecurities threaten to keep her from love once again . . . despite Tom’s best efforts. Can this professional beauty-maker manage to recognize the beauty in herself, or are some scars too deep to powder over?

My Review

I loved how this book started out- such an interesting plot with dynamic characters, but as Ginger keeps on angsting and playing the victim, as well as not giving Tom a chance, the flow stalled for me since there was not much progression happening. Tom's religious and preachy conversations with a mentor also slowed the pacing down. Tom and Ginger had some nice moments together, but Ginger retreats back into her defensive shell so quickly that it was hard to savor. She didn't allow herself to believe that she was worthy of his attention, and her never-ending doubts put a real damper on things. Her perspective on beauty and confidence is skewed by her past trauma but also the tactless and shallow comments by her mother from the time of the accident to present day. It's only once Ginger finds happiness that her mother is able to see the true beauty in her daughter. I was disappointed that the full romance between Tom and Ginger was left out at the end of the story and the epilogue jumped forward to the "happily ever after."

(Thank you to Zondervan Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Friday, December 26, 2014

Rachel Hauck Fires Up the Romance with “A Brush with Love” Kindle Giveaway!



"Fire" up the romance in the new year with Rachel Hauck's newest book, A Brush with Love, by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway! And be sure to catch a sneak peek of the soon-to-be-released How to Catch a Prince!

brushwithlove-400

 One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • A Brush with Love by Rachel Hauck
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway only runs for a week, 12/30 – 1/5. Winner will be announced January 6th on Rachel's blog.

”brushwithlove-enterbutton”
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

Monday, August 4, 2014

Review: Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck


Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

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.


My Review

I was initially hesitant to read this book since princess themes can be cheesy or all about the dresses and tiaras. Happily, this book does not fit those categories! The main character Reggie is a wonderfully down-to-earth American, and Tanner appreciates all her quirky attributes and sees past them to the special and unique individual she is. He helps her embrace her strengths and face the challenges of stepping into her royal heritage. I loved the mystery and history of her great-grandmother which unraveled slowly throughout the book with journal entries and memories cherished by Reggie. The sweet romance was overshadowed by the other aspects of the plot, but overall it was a good balance.

(Thank you to Zondervan Publishing for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Review: A March Bride by Rachel Hauck

My rating: 2 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

Susanna has found her true prince, and their happily ever after is just around the corner. But when Nate asks her to give up something precious to her, Susanna can’t help but wonder if it’s a sign that their love is not meant to be.
Susanna Truitt (Once Upon A Prince) is three weeks from royalty. She’ll soon marry King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom. But when the government insists she renounce her American citizenship before the wedding, coupled with the lack of involvement by family and friends, her heart begins to doubt whether this marriage is God’s plan for her.
Nathaniel would do anything for his bride-to-be. But he knows his position requires that she give up a lot to be with him. Her life will never be her own — right down to her very identity. When she travels home to St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, right before the wedding, Nathaniel fears she won’t return. Gathering his courage, he devises a plan to win his bride all over again, and together they seek out a kingdom to treasure above all.


My Review

This novella would probably be great for someone who had read the full-length novel the characters are from. As a stand-alone, it threw the reader into the chaos of the royal wedding plans and doubts of the characters without establishing any relationship, chemistry, or romance. I felt like an outsider who had walked into the end of a movie, and I didn't have a connection to the characters because I missed 90% of the story.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)