Interview: Lauren Appelbaum’s Jewish Millennial Rom-Com Rachel Weiss’s Group Chat
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I recently had the pleasure of interviewing debut author Lauren Appelbaum on the podcast, and I’m so excited to share more about her writing journey, her novel Rachel Weiss’s Group Chat, and what’s next for her in the world of rom-coms. If you’re a fan of modern, relatable romance with plenty of humor, this is one author you’ll want to keep an eye on!
Lauren Appelbaum’s Writing Journey
Lauren’s love for writing began early—she knew she wanted to be a writer when she was just five years old. After a childhood filled with stories, she seriously pursued writing in college, finishing her first novel at the age of 19. Over the years, Lauren wrote several more books, but none were published until Rachel Weiss’s Group Chat. Looking back, Lauren is glad her earlier works didn’t make it to the shelves, admitting they might have been a little embarrassing.
Her persistence paid off, though, and after more than a decade of trial and error, Lauren’s debut novel finally secured her a book deal. Rachel Weiss’s Group Chat results from years of hard work and passion for storytelling—a testament to never giving up on your dreams.
About Rachel Weiss’s Group Chat
So, what’s Rachel Weiss’s Group Chat all about? Lauren describes it as Pride and Prejudice meets Bridget Jones’s Diary with a modern, Jewish millennial twist. The story follows Rachel Weiss and her three closest friends during the year they turn 30. Like many of us, Rachel is struggling to figure out what she truly wants from life, all while dealing with the constant meddling of her well-meaning mother, who is eager to set her up with Mr. Right.
The group chat is at the heart of the story—just like it is in real life for many Millennials and Gen Zers—where Rachel and her friends share everything from life updates to venting about parental pressures. With humor, heart, and plenty of relatable moments, Rachel Weiss’s Group Chat captures the essence of modern friendships and the struggles of navigating adulthood.
Lauren mentioned that writing Rachel was especially fun because Rachel’s personality is the opposite of her own. While Lauren considers herself an introvert, Rachel is extroverted, confident, and loves diving headfirst into new experiences. Writing from Rachel’s bold perspective allowed Lauren to explore different dynamics and push her character into some truly fun and unpredictable situations.
What’s Next for Lauren Appelbaum
While Rachel Weiss’s Group Chat just hit the shelves, Lauren is already hard at work on her next project. Coming in 2025 is another rom-com that promises to resonate with millennial readers. This time, the story follows a remote worker in Seattle—much more of an introvert compared to Rachel—who inherits a beach house in Florida. But there’s a catch: she also has to take care of her grandfather as part of the deal. Cue personal growth, coming out of her shell, and of course, a blossoming romance!
Lauren joked about how this setup taps into the millennial dream of inheriting generational wealth—something that feels more like a fantasy than reality for most of us. She shared a personal story of inheriting her grandmother’s apartment, adding a touch of authenticity to the theme of her upcoming book.
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Lauren Appelbaum’s Reading Life
As an author, Lauren enjoys reading a wide variety of books. She described herself as a “mood reader,” diving into whatever genre strikes her interest at the moment. Currently, she’s making her way through the wildly popular A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series by Sarah J. Maas. Like many of us, she’s hooked!
Lauren shared a funny story about reading A Court of Mist and Fury, the second book in the ACOTAR series, and how she’s now experiencing the excitement that so many fans went through years ago when these books were first released. For those unfamiliar with the series, expect cliffhangers and emotional twists that will leave you eager for the next book.
Lauren’s Book Recommendations
Before we wrapped up the interview, Lauren gave us some great book recommendations that rom-com lovers won’t want to miss:
- All They Ask Is Everything by Hadley Leggett
This one isn’t a rom-com but is more of a women’s fiction/mom fiction novel. It tells the story of a mother who has devoted her life to her daughters and what happens when she reaches a breaking point. Lauren describes it as a powerful read and one she believes everyone should check out. - Till There Was You by Lindsey Hameroff
A delightful rom-com about Lexi, an aspiring chef, who has a one-night stand with a guy only to find out he’s become a super-famous pop star. He returns to her life, and Lexi has to figure out what to do next. It’s a fun, sweet, and playful story that’s perfect for romance fans with a dash of celebrity flair. - Worst in Show by Anna E. Collins
This rom-com features pet store owners who team up to win a dog competition. Think You’ve Got Mail but with a dog show twist! This one is for you if you’re a fan of adorable dogs and quirky, heartwarming stories.
Where to Find Lauren Appelbaum
Want to follow Lauren and keep up with her latest updates? You can find her on Instagram at @LaurenAppelbaum or visit her website at laurenappelbaumbooks.com. She’s sure to have more exciting projects coming your way soon!
Conclusion
Lauren Appelbaum’s debut novel Rachel Weiss’s Group Chat is a must-read for anyone who loves modern rom-coms filled with humor, relatable life struggles, and strong friendships. Be sure to pick up a copy and dive into the fun and heartfelt world Lauren has created. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for her next rom-com in 2025!