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In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to chat with debut author Lauren Appelbaum about her novel Rachel Weiss's Group Chat. We discuss her writing journey, the inspiration behind her Jewish millennial retelling of Pride and Prejudice, and her favorite part of writing this fun, extroverted heroine. Lauren also gives us a sneak peek into her next novel, set for release in 2025, and shares her favorite book recommendations that are perfect for rom-com lovers.

Show Highlights:

• Lauren’s decade-long journey to publishing her debut novel Rachel Weiss's Group Chat
• A fun blend of Pride and Prejudice, Bridget Jones’s Diary, and Broad City in a modern, millennial retelling
• A glimpse into Lauren's next book, releasing in 2025, featuring a remote worker, a beach house inheritance, and a blossoming romance
• Lauren's personal experience with inheriting property and how it influences her writing
• The books Lauren is currently reading, including the ACOTAR series
• Three fun book recommendations from Lauren:

1. All They Ask Is Everything by Hadley Leggett – a powerful debut exploring motherhood
2. Till They're With You by Lindsey Hamroff – a fun rom-com about an aspiring chef and a pop star
3. Worst in Show by Anna E. Collins – a dog show-themed rom-com with pet shop owners

Books Mentioned:

• Rachel Weiss's Group Chat by Lauren Appelbaum https://amzn.to/4eYFJVE
• All They Ask Is Everything by Hadley Leggett https://amzn.to/3NgSe2G
• Till There Was You by Lindsey Hameroff https://amzn.to/3U2jnds
• Worst in Show by Anna E. Collins https://amzn.to/3U0lyhM
• A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas https://amzn.to/3zI6Oxk

Find Lauren Online:

• Instagram: @LaurenAppelbaum
• Website: laurenappelbaumbooks.com

Visit What to Read Next Blog for reader tips, popular books like recommendations, and many more posts. 

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: IP29FC0QKB6DV2UE

Mentioned in this episode:

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