Member Reviews
After a lifetime of feeling like she's less than good enough, Lauren finally finds the man of her dreams. She is at the church, getting ready to walk down the aisle, and Eric (the fiance) texts the bridesmaid (not Lauren!) to say he's not ready to get married after all!!!
Of course, Lauren is devastated by this news, and falls back into some self-destructive behavior that has been the source of discontent between she and her mother over the years. Yes, she had an eating disorder, yes, she tends to be overweight, and yes, the constant struggle has left her with little confidence. So little that she allows her family and others to belittle her, and at times, this was hard to read.
Does Lauren find a more healthy balance in her life? Does she find someone to accompany her in the journey? Go ahead and read this book to find out...it is funny in places and heartbreaking in others.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
This book was very funny and sweet. I appreciated the body positivity and would highly recommend reading it!
Thank you to the author, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a quick, fun read - although it does touch on plenty of deeper issues like self-image, dysfunctional family relationships, body shaming, eating disorders and sexism, it does so gently and with a light touch. I found the protagonist relatable and smart, and it was a joy to see her develop as a person through adversity - some self-created, some stumbling blocks put in her way by others. From being dumped via text just before stepping to the altar, to opening up and seeing new possibilites both professionally and personally, the writer made her protagonist so personable that I closed this book with a smile on my face. The secondary characters are not spared, and a good lesson is imparted there too: what you see on the outside is not always what's actually going on on the inside, and true friendship can help through rough times, if you're willing to ask for that help.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing, Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was funny from the beginning. The style of writing is conversational, as if you friend is talking about something that happened to them - your most hilarious, sardonic, self-deprecating, beloved friend.
And this book is really about friendships - especially the one you have with yourself.
The other characters in this book are full of life and wonderful in their own way. I particularly loved Margot and Stephanie, Lauren's sisters.
There is a love interest and that storyline was enjoyable too. But what I found most interesting was Lauren's journey to self-acceptance. I loved her character and I think a lot of readers will identify with her.
One of my favourite reads this year.
A huge thank you to Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for giving me an e-ARC in exchange for the honest review.
I hate Eric. If he doesn’t want to get married in the first place then why wait until the wedding to bailed Lauren. He’s so annoying. And you know what’s the worse thing is that he only texted that he’s not marrying her. I also hate Lauren’s mother because she won’t let her daughter eat what she wants. She was controlling Lauren’s diet.
Lauren was so devastated for what happened to her. She really likes Eric. She wants to married him, have a life, a family with him but what Eric did was unforgivable. She also want to eat carbs and always hungry but her mom won’t let her eat what she wants.
Rudy was a driver of Escalade. When Lauren ride at him for the second time they both remember each other. Rudy overhead what Lauren was talking on the phone about what happened to her and he was so nice to Lauren and giving advices too.
Thank you Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
This was a delightful, sweet, easy-to-pick-up and all around cute story to read. I enjoyed the ups and downs and cast of characters that made this one feel unique in its own way.
I cringed at times, laughed at times and overall enjoyed this one.
Marilyn Simon Rothstein weaves a tale like no other. She has the unique ability to blend humor, angst, snark, and sincerity. Crazy to Leave You is the perfect mix of comedy, drama, and romance that will entertain readers of multiple different genres.
Lauren starts to spin out after she's dumped- by text!- at the altar. Her family are not helpful at all focused as they are on her weight and her failed romances. She throws herself into work but makes some mistakes. And then she has a car accident. Rudy, the man hired to drive her. is more insightful and thoughtful than any of her family, any of her friends, and well, you can guess where this is going. Those who have struggled with weight might see something familiar in Lauren, who grows as a person by the end. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.
A five star effort from one of the funniest authors I’ve read. Marilyn Simon Rothstein has the perfect sense of humor that she inserts into the story of a Jewish family with relationship issues, that opens with Lauren being left at the altar. This brings her struggling soap actress sister home from Hollywood, to lick her wounds and try to recoup her career, while the favorite younger sister, perfect in all aspects as a wife, mother, daughter, suddenly experiences a crisis that tears her life apart.
Even the typical controlling mother can’t manage to bring back order, with her meddling and less than helpful advise.
As a fan of this talented author, her latest effort did not disappoint. If you’ve read her before, you’ll head for the bookstore, if you haven’t, pre order this gem. I guarantee you’ll love it.
My thanks to #netgalley, #LakeUnionPublishing for the ARC. I loved it.
Starting off with a bang where Lauren is left by her groom on her wedding day! That was quite the start to this one! This is such a sad way to start a book where someone that has made their intentions clear to support you, blindsides you in the worst way. However, i feel that this gives Lauren an opportunity to find a true happiness throughout her journey in this story.
Lauren's luck continues to get worse as she breaks her wrist but luckily her employer thinks to provide her with transportation while she is unable to drive herself that comes with a bonus... a very cute chauffer!
I wish this one would have had more character development and growth but overall acute light fun read.
A heartwarming story about regaining self confidence and recovering from heartbreak. Lauren Leo, finally feels like she may just have it all.. a successful career, set to marry the man she loves, and if she is lucky to start a family asap, she is 41 and time is running short. What she didn't anticipate is being left at the altar.
The journey Lauren makes to come back to find her trueself is a bit disheveled and complex. She struggles with binge eating, an un-supportive mother and self image and self doubt. With the help of a friendly driver we see Lauren forge a path for herself.
Cute and funny, I enjoyed Crazy To Leave You. It was a good switch to all the psychological thrillers I've been reading. The author tackles diet culture and society's idiotic beauty standards with an authentic voice and compassion, but I would have liked more depth to Lauren's character, she kind of gets lost in the critique of that culture.
Lauren's sister, Margo, was a fun and colorful addition to the story, and I would love to see a novel centered on her as a main character.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for an early digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Crazy To Leave You is a fun, relatable read full of heartwarming self-love. Left at the altar, Lauren leaves herself little time to wallow, returning to work and taking in her black sheep sister. A series of unexpected events lead Lauren on a journey to loving her own self, setting boundaries with her weight-obsessed mother, and learning that no one in her life really has it all together.
Lauren and her friends and family are all characters I could relate to in one way or another. I found myself laughing along with them and feeling their pain. I really appreciate this book for being a light read with some deeper messages. It's a great reminder that, though we all experience the pressures society can put on us to be thinner, or younger, or to accomplish more, it only matters that we do what feels right for ourselves. I'm patiently waiting for this book's release so I can gift several copies to friends.
3.5 ⭐️ This book is about overcoming heartaches, second chances, self-love, vindication, tenacity, women empowerment, and rebuilding relationships.
Although there are several trigger warnings such as body shaming, toxic relations, and sexism,
I did find the slow burn romance very sweet. Lauren’s character is notably relatable, smart, and fierce. Her progression throughout the book is admirable but at times, frustrating especially dealing with family.
I did enjoy the book. It was a quick read and there is a lesson learned here.
Thank you, @netgalley and @lakeunionpublishing for the eARC and in return, an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book. If you've ever had body issues, family issues and self esteem issues this book will resonate with you- and if haven't you'll still love it!
Oh mayn, I found myself laughing out loud, sighing and rooting for this country. This is not your typical girl meets guy, girls fall in love and girl ends up with broken heart at the altar . Oh mayn, this book was written so well that you will be thinking of it after it's closed. Loved it. I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Crazy To Leave You, is a clean ( kissing is mentioned) rom com by Marilyn Simon Rothstein. The book follows MC Lauren on a journey of healing and self discovery after she is dumped at the altar, overall the book was fine, I however am not a fan books so centered on weight and food related issues.
I am sure there’s an audience for this book, and readers will enjoy it, it’s just not for me. I would try this author again, because I did enjoy her writing style.
Thank you Netgalley for an e-ARC of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed, all opinions are my own.
Marilyn Simon Rothstein knows how to take serious subjects and give them a light touch. In this one, Lauren is left at the altar. Her two sisters end up having problems of their own. These are serious issues that are treated with respect and dignity, but, somehow you laugh your way through their stories. This is a perfect book when you’re looking for something light, no deep thinking needed.
This book was very entertaining and fun to read. I found the main character so funny and relatable which made this book so good. The book could use another round of editing but I honestly enjoyed it.
3.5*
A runaway groom!🏃♂️💍
Poor Lauren. It’s her wedding day and her skittish groom just bailed. Apparently in a Zen-like moment of enlightenment, deciding he wasn’t mature enough to get married. (I believe he just proved his point)! Left heartbroken and humiliated Lauren dives into the one thing she enjoys most… her work.
During her commute her car slides off the road (this girl just can’t catch a break!) leaving her with a badly fractured wrist. Her boss thoughtfully arranges for the company car to be at her disposal, taking her anywhere she needs to go. Not your average car though. This vehicle comes with a special accessory…a very handsome driver.🚙😉
A cute, quick read. But it lacked a bit of spark and snarkiness that I always hope for. I was expecting more of a rom com from the cover art. I’d say this read more like a straight-up contemporary read. Overall still an enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing
Hilarious, poignant and relatable. This story is packed with both laugh-out-loud moments, and those that give you pause. Marilyn Simon Rothstein delivers another gem of a book that will lift your spirits and leave you rooting for Lauren all the way.