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Inheriting a seaside cottage comes with strings attached in this touching romance where an introverted remote worker must leave her city apartment and learn to connect with others—and find love—in real life.

Mallory Rosen takes her remote tech job seriously. She values routine with predictability and minimum contact with others. So the last thing she wants are any surprises that force her to leave her comfortable Seattle apartment. Surprises like inheriting her late grandmother’s seaside cottage in Florida…with the requirement that she keeps her newly widowed grandfather company.

With no vacation days left, Mal will have to quickly check on her grandfather, sell the cottage, and return to her structured life before her boss even knows she left. But when she gets to Gramp’s new independent living community, it’s not so simple. The cottage needs expensive maintenance fixes with a much too charming contractor. Her grandfather constantly interrupts her Zoom meetings. The WiFi drops at the absolute worst times. It all feels too much like déjà vu—the kind that reminds her of when she was fired from her last remote job and was forced to live with her parents.

But right when she’s about to call it quits, she starts finding the unexpected: making friends at the senior citizen hot yoga, getting to know Gramps as a person (rather than just a stubborn boomer), and exploring the tight-knit small town. It doesn’t help that she keeps running into her hot contractor who seems to know everyone. Just when she finally feels alive, connected to others, and a chance at love, she gets the (almost) worst notice ever: All employees must return to the office.

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"In Applebaum’s laugh-out-loud romance, Rachel bears a charming similarity to that quirky British heroine Bridget Jones. The star of the show, however, is Rachel’s tightknit friend group: You’ll come for Darcy, but you’ll stay for the Charlottes."
Kirkus on Rachel Weiss's Group Chat
"With sharp wit and unrelenting honesty, Appelbaum examines the intricacies of family, friends, and falling in love. Brimming with humor, RACHEL WEISS'S GROUP CHAT is as hilarious as it is heartwarming."
Falon Ballard, author of RIGHT ON CUE
"Appelbaum is a rising powerhouse in the world of contemporary romance."
Sara Goodman Confino, bestselling author of DON'T FORGET TO WRITE

On Sale: Sep 16, 2025
Page Count: 320 pages
Publisher: Forever
ISBN-13: 9781538757864

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Lauren Appelbaum

About the Author

Lauren Appelbaum works as a technical editor and has been writing fiction since she could hold a pencil (usually when she’s supposed to be doing other things). She lives in Seattle with her family.

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Lauren Appelbaum

About the Author