I received an ARC from the publisher (Forever, @readforeverpub) in exchange for an honest review.

This is a contemporary novel written in first-person POV, focusing on Rachel Weiss, a Jewish Millennial woman nearing her thirtieth birthday. While Rachel is perfectly content with her single status, her mother is not, and attempts to set her up with Christopher, the son of their new neighbours . However, Rachel isn’t impressed, quickly labeling Christopher as a tech bro who seems indifferent to environmental concerns and the impact of capitalism on society.

I valued Rachel’s strong sense of confidence and relatable self-absorption. She often describes herself as a "sex goddess" and "flawless," and has the confidence to do so. She is well-meaning, through - not a brat!

What sets this novel apart from many standard romance books is its focus on Rachel’s relationships with her friends and family, not just on romance.

Her friend group is diverse in personality and life experience, with exploration of love, expectation, marital problems…

The one flaw in this enjoyable book, is that the eventual romance didn’t have enough of a believable build-up; suddenly these characters declared love… but it wasn’t really explicable. They weren’t enemies to lovers, nor had they spent much time together. But I do enjoy a HEA.

The premise of this story was really promising, but the execution didn't quite hit the mark for me. There were a ton of characters with too many side quests, so it felt a bit all over the place. A lot of the action didn’t really add much value to the main storyline. That said, it was still a super fun book to read. Every character is just so over the top!

I loved how the story focused on Rachel’s family and friendships. Even her job was a well thought out part of the story. But the romance and chemistry between Rachel and her two book boyfriends didn’t really do it for me. In the original Pride & Prejudice, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth don’t spend much time together before his failed proposal, but in Austen’s story, there were balls, run-ins, and dinners that led to in-person interactions—not just Instagram comments and an awkward profession of love over a run-in on a family vacation. I’m not sure I’d categorize this book in the romance genre, perhaps women’s fiction.

I did appreciate the author writing such an authentic character—someone who makes mistakes, doesn’t have everything figured out, isn’t quite sure what she wants from life, and only starts learning from her mistakes after facing some pretty serious consequences. Because Rachel was such a mess, it made her character feel more genuine and real to me.

Unfortunately I did not enjoy this book. I was looking forward to it as the cover is very fun and the description. I would not say this is a romance book at all, more of a coming of age but the FMC is 30, and acts like a teenager (a brat). I found it hard relating to anyone in this book. I don’t feel like the FMC grew up enough or had enough growth throughout the story to be redeemable. Regardless of a joke, I do not think making a joke about the #MeToo movement and victims is ever funny and in very poor taste.

This was fun and quirky and over the top at times. I didn’t totally connect with the FMC but that’s ok, I’m sure some will. I did expect more romance based on the cover and description but it’s more of the FMC finding herself and her own journey. Overall, cute and funny!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc.

This fell short for me for a couple of reasons. One, I didn’t like the FMC- she seemed immature for her age and I just didn’t feel a connection to her and it’s hard to read a book when you don’t like the main person you are reading about. Two, I wanted more of the pride and prejudice type of plot that I got from the description but didn’t feel that in the plot. And three, I know it focused a lot on relationships as a whole and growth, I guess from the description I was looking for more of a romance and didn’t get that..

This debut novel was funny, at times silly, and thoroughly over the top—mostly in a good way. I could definitely feel the Jane Austen vibes as I read through the hijinks and the drama. Rachel isn’t always the most likable or self aware and the romance doesn’t really develop on the page, but it was a fun read.

I like the concept of this book; Pride & Prejudice, Bridget Jones type of plot, but I could not get behind the fact that the FMC in this book was 29 years old acting 18. She was immature, full of herself, and overall a bad character to follow. I would say there is redemption and a part where she matures, but I’d hate the lie. I unfortunately would not recommend this book.

Rachel Weiss's Group Chat follows Rachel Weiss as she navigates changing relationships with friends, her mother, and herself as she enters her 30's. Rachel proves to be a complex character, who at times makes mistakes which may lead the reader frustrated with her. I think that Lauren plays with the expectations for woman in their late 20's and stereotypes and assumptions that may unfairly be leveled at women in particular.

Other reviews have mentioned that they were looking for more romance in this book, but to me, this book is more broadly focused on relationships, how you prioritize your time, and personal growth.

Thank you to Lauren Appelbaum and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The writing style was one I struggled to connect with! It was very hard to like the MC along with this

I enjoyed the family and friendship relationships aspect. Though the book mainly revolved around Rachel (and she was quite frustrating at times), I liked her character growth throughout the book. I went into this one thinking there would be more romance in it.

Thank you NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.

"Rachel Weiss’s Group Chat" by Lauren Appelbaum is a witty and insightful novel that explores the dynamics of friendship in the digital age. The story centers on Rachel Weiss and her friends as they navigate personal and professional challenges through their group chat. Appelbaum’s writing is sharp and humorous, capturing the essence of modern relationships with authenticity and flair. The novel offers a refreshing take on how technology influences our connections, making it an engaging read for anyone who appreciates clever dialogue and relatable scenarios.

really resonated with Rachel in this book. navigating your 30s when you still don’t know what your life should be like is difficult and extremely relatable. this book has a lot of warm and also hard growing pain moments and i loved Rachel’s character growth through it all.

Turning thirty sucks. Rachel Weiss totally gets it. Her life is a hot mess of a bad job, terrible dating choices, and a mom who's obsessed with finding her a husband. But don't worry, she's got her squad of hilarious friends to keep her sane (or at least entertained).

This book is like a rollercoaster. One minute you're laughing so hard your sides hurt, the next you're rooting for Rachel as she faces her biggest fears. And then BAM! There's this totally unexpected love interest who's way hotter than he seems.

If you need a good laugh, a heartwarming story, and a reminder that it's okay to be a total mess sometimes, pick up Group Chat. You won't regret it!

Thank you to Forever for the ARC of this book. I enjoyed parts of this book and I liked the writing style, but I felt like I was just waiting for something to happen the entire book. Rachel, the FMC, is definitely a likeable character and her journey to find what is important in life was definitely relatable. That being said, I felt like this book took slow burn to an entirely different level. You basically just read about her day to day life and escapades and not a lot happens until the last 10 percent of the book. This may be something that others would enjoy but it wasn't for me. I would definitely try other books by this author in the future, though, based solely on the fact that I enjoy her writing style and some of the banter.

3 stars!

Where do I even start? There was so much going on all at once throughout the whole book, I lost track of what the main plot even was. I will say, I was highly entertained by the constant twist and turn the plot took, the insanity of Rachel's life, and her desperate need for change. The second half of the novel really focuses on Rachel's attempts at maturity and a sense of peace and belonging. I truly felt that Rachel had overgrown her young careless self, and instead embodied the wiser almost-30 year old woman that she was.

The main premise of this book revolves around Rachel finding a boyfriend ASAP, not only to please her mother, but to put a stop to her mother's attempt at setting her up with Christopher, who happens to be the perfect-multi-millionare- eligible bachelor.

Was this a romantic comedy? A story of friendship? Let's not mention the fact that this whole novel was Pride and Prejudice inspired. Tell me why I only realized this as I was reading a review of someone ELSE not knowing it was a retelling? I think this book would be even more promising knowing that there would be Pride and Prejudice references all throughout, and allow readers to understand the child-like tantrums and mood swings done by Rachel's mother-constantly.

"She shook her head frantically, fluttering her hands in distress as she
cried. Finally she raised a trembling finger in the direction of the window.
“B-B-B-Butkus!”"
Be so for real. You have never met this man, and you are tripping and falling over yourself for your daughter to marry him.

Mothers can be very dramatic and emotional when it comes to their children. However, this particular mother was something else. The level of obsessed fangirl Rachel's mother had over Christopher Butkus was concerning, and that's an understatement. Every conversation, every minute, the Butkuses are bought up. Every. Single. Conversation. Again, if I had known this was a Jane Austen retelling, I would've been more considerate in my thoughts towards the mother.

We first meet Rachel Weiss on January 1st, and as expected, she decides she wants to take action and change her life for the better. Rachel starts off her year by setting goals on New Years Day. A lot of these goals would be very beneficial for her future, such as "be nicer to mom", "dress for my age", or "drink less". Some of these goals were also very questionable, such as "be nicer to the nerds at work", "smoke one bowl a day or less", etc. One would assume a 29 year old adult woman would not need to remind herself to be nice towards her mother, as if she were a petulant child. Nonetheless, wanting to have your life organized by creating a goals list is very inspiring and productive!

Rachel even though so herself.

"It was a good list. Admirable, really. I read through it once more, and then, with a quick flick of my thumb, deleted it. Who was I to try to fix what was already perfect?"

Perfection is rare to achieve, and nobody meets the standards of perfection. Someone who smokes weed, drinks alcohol, and can't show manners to their collegues and family members doesn't seem 'perfect' to me. I do admire her confidence though!

There was almost no chemistry between the two characers, and a huge lack in their romance. It is not the author's fault at all, but marketing this as a romance will let readers like myself expect a prevalent and growing romance. The romance in this novel was only a subplot, whereas that main focus was on Rachel herself, her friendships, and her journey on self-love and maturity. I don't mind the romance being a subplot, but I only wish the romance could be felt.

Thank you so much NetGalley for this ARC!!

Rachel Weiss's Group Chat was an entertaining romantic comedy - definitely shows the dreadful side of modern dating with plenty of friendship and family drama. When I first read the description for this book - there was no mention of Pride & Prejudice (which looking back is kind of surprising that it wasn't mentioned) - so seeing those connections pop up with a contemporary twist was fun at times. But Rachel Weiss is honestly not the most likeable character - and the somewhat non-existent relationship with Christopher that leads to his love confession seemed a bit off. The kind and generous gestures he made to help Rachel and her family were truly very sweet, especially after facing Rachel's rejection. This debut novel showed a lot of potential and promise - it just lost me at some points. Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel.

I liked the friendship, family and career plotlines, but there was basically zero romance?? The Elizabeth and Darcy of this book barely have any conversations or interactions..

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

I love Pride and Prejudice - it’s one of my favorite rereads (but I have to be in the mood because Mrs Bennet is horrific and I need to be in the proper frame of mind for that bs). I also adored Bridget Jones’s Diary when it came out back in the day and re-read the series every so often.

So when I saw that this was contemporary retelling, I was really looking forward to it.

… alas…

Rachel Weiss is no Lizzy Bennet. She makes fun of sexual assault victims, doesn’t seem to learn from her mistakes and the consequences of those, lacks empathy, and is a wholly unlikeable character.

It’s also poorly written.

I was appalled by this novel, regret reading it, and don’t recommend this one.



Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the DRC

I enjoyed this book for the first half, but by the second half I wasn't feeling it anymore.
I was expecting more for a romance book. The main characters only interacted a handful of times before he was confessing his love for her. I just was not into it.
I also didn't understand the excessive craziness of the mother. It was too excessive for my personal taste. I didn't connect with any of the characters either.
The book had plenty of funny moments, but it was the only reason I was able to make it through the book and why I am only giving it two stars.

3.5 stars

I liked Rachel's character growth - from fully self-absorbed to mostly self-aware. There were some seriously laugh out loud moment that kept me reading - like the scene where she sprained her ankle. However, her mother was a psychopath. The twin sister were odd, dad was a enabling wuss. The "love story" just didn't seem plausible for me. Way too rushed and no evidence of any sort of evolution.

I would read other books by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever/Grand Central Publishing for the digital ARC in return for an honest review.