Crazy to Leave You centers on Lauren, who at 41 faces a life she never imagined after being left at the altar. The story unfolds with warmth and depth as she navigates grief, family tension, and the pressure to reinvent her life. Rothstein balances humor and serious themes with honesty, offering sharp, witty dialogue and subtle emotional growth that feels both satisfying and real. While the premise isn’t groundbreaking, the heartfelt voice and relatable journey make this a compelling and comforting read—one that lingers with gentle resonance.

I loved every second of this! Loved that the main character is a woman in her 40s, I feel like we rarely get well-written stories from this perspective! I am so ready for this book to get made into a movie!

Crazy to Leave You is a smart, snarky, and surprisingly heartfelt novel about life’s most humiliating moments—and how we claw our way back from them. Marilyn Simon Rothstein’s heroine, Lauren Leo, gets jilted at the altar via text, at 41 years old, in a designer dress and size-12 body she starved herself to fit into. It’s brutal. And it’s only the beginning.

What follows is part rom-com, part midlife crisis, and part family drama, driven by Lauren’s acerbic wit and painfully relatable vulnerability. She’s successful in advertising, unlucky in love, and drowning in self-doubt. But she’s not a pushover. Watching her reclaim her pride, her boundaries, and her sense of worth is the core joy of the novel.

Rothstein shines in character voice. Lauren’s inner monologue is fast, funny, and neurotic in all the right ways. The supporting cast—especially her overbearing mother, perfect sister, and chaotic boss—adds color and tension, though they sometimes veer into caricature.

This isn’t a fairy tale rebound romance. It’s about how women rebuild from rejection and learn to stop treating relationships as a litmus test for value. The story treads familiar ground but handles it with humor, heart, and a refreshing dose of realism.

Crazy to Leave You is ideal for fans of Jennifer Weiner or Nora Ephron-style humor—sharp, honest, and full of one-liners that land. It’s not just about being left behind. It’s about deciding what you’ll no longer leave behind: your standards, your sanity, and your self-respect.

Crazy to Leave You is a warm, funny, and empowering novel about heartbreak, reinvention, and finding joy in the unexpected. Marilyn Simon Rothstein’s wit and emotional insight shine through every page, as her heroine navigates the aftermath of a wedding day gone wrong with grace, grit, and plenty of humor. The voice is instantly likable, the story is heartfelt, and the journey is inspiring. Rothstein strikes the perfect balance between comedy and emotional depth, creating a feel-good novel that doesn’t shy away from real feelings. A celebration of resilience, laughter, and self-love—this is women’s fiction at its best.

This was more of a women's fiction and less of a love story, so maybe that's what made it not so great for me. I wanted that grand HEA for her and it just never happened. I did absolutely love the inclusion of real life topics not usually included in fiction: eating disorders, body dismorphia, etc. But unfortunately we spent so much time going on about the bad parts it never really got good. I like to leave a book knowing the characters made it and they're OK! And I just didn't get that feeling here. All in all just ok, but not going to make a memorable list from me.

🌟🌟/5

I received an advanced copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union, and Marilyn Simon Rothstein. ❤️

I really enjoyed how this book was based around the fmc finding herself again and love after being left at the altar. I liked how common real life insecurities such as eating disorders and body shaming were included.

thank you to netgalley & the publisher for gifting me this arc!

this was a dnf for me. i was hoping for more of a rom com feel to the book and I wasn’t really getting that vibe. I also wasn’t enjoying the characters & their relations. this one was a miss for me but I hope other people enjoy it more!

A hilarious, laugh-out-loud rendition of one woman's journey from being jilted at the altar to finding herself and true love. We need more laughter today, and this one hits all the right notes. Loved it!

I love reading books with Jewish authors, but this one left a lot to be desired for me...
I did appreciate the real life topics of eating disorders and body shaming that were incorporated.
but the writing style made to hard for me to truly be invested in this storyline.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ACR in exchange for an honest review. A cute fiction novel for women of all ages, shapes, and sizes. We all love, we all have insecurities, and I think this graces both of those storylines beautifully.

"Crazy To Leave You" by Marilyn Simon Rothstein is a delightful and heartwarming novel that explores the journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and unexpected second chances. With its humor and relatable characters, the book earns a solid four-star rating for its engaging storytelling and insightful exploration of life's twists and turns.

The story revolves around Lauren Leo, a forty-one-year-old woman who, after years of waiting, is finally ready to tie the knot. However, her world is turned upside down when she receives a blindsiding text and is left standing alone at the altar. The aftermath is filled with unsolicited advice from her mother and the contrasting lives of her two sisters, adding layers of humor and relatability to the narrative.

Marilyn Simon Rothstein captures the essence of Lauren's journey with wit and charm. The protagonist's resilience in the face of heartbreak and humiliation is both endearing and empowering. The author skillfully navigates the complexities of family dynamics and societal expectations, creating a story that resonates with readers on various levels.

Lauren's foray into the world of advertising serves as a backdrop for her personal growth and the courage to embrace a new chapter in her life. The novel cleverly combines moments of humor with genuine moments of vulnerability, making Lauren's character authentic and relatable. The supporting cast, including Lauren's quirky family members, adds depth to the narrative and contributes to the overall enjoyment of the story.

The theme of self-acceptance and redefining success is woven seamlessly into the plot, allowing readers to reflect on their own notions of worthiness and happiness. The narrative encourages a reevaluation of societal expectations and measures of success, offering a refreshing perspective on love and fulfillment.

While the novel successfully blends humor and heart, there are moments when certain plot developments may feel somewhat predictable. Additionally, the pacing is occasionally brisk, and certain aspects of the story could have been further explored to add depth.

In conclusion, "Crazy To Leave You" is an engaging and uplifting novel that combines humor, heart, and a celebration of second chances. Marilyn Simon Rothstein's storytelling prowess shines through, creating a charming narrative that leaves readers with a sense of warmth and inspiration. This book is recommended for those who enjoy heartwarming stories about resilience, self-discovery, and the unexpected joys that life can offer.

i loved this book! It was funny, touching, and inspiring. The main character, Lauren, is a woman who has always struggled with her weight and self-esteem. She is dumped by her fiancé on their wedding day, and has to deal with the aftermath of her broken heart and shattered dreams. Along the way, she meets Rudy, a kind and charming driver who becomes her friend and more. She also reconnects with her sister Margo, who has her own issues with body image and acting career. Lauren learns to love herself and accept her body, and realizes that she deserves happiness and respect. She also finds success in her work and romance, and discovers that life can be full of surprises and second chances.

The book was very well-written, with witty dialogue and realistic characters. I could relate to Lauren’s struggles and emotions, and I cheered for her as she overcame her challenges. The book also tackled some serious topics, such as eating disorders, body shaming, and infidelity, with honesty and sensitivity. The book was a celebration of women’s strength, resilience, and empowerment, as well as a reminder that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. The book made me laugh and cry, and left me feeling good about myself and life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary women’s fiction with a dash of humor and romance. 😊

(Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for a honest review)

#NetGalley #crazytoleaveyou #bookreview

This book was enjoyable, and had some fun moments. The characters were interesting, and the plot flowed well. It’s a fun romance.

"Crazy To Leave You" by Marilyn Simon Rothstein is the first book I've read by this author, and I'm already looking forward to more. I really liked joining Lauren on her journey. She's surrounded by this quirky, larger-than-life group of family and friends. Through all the disappointments, losses, and obstacles in her life, Lauren finds her way. She tackles her uncertainties, and in the midst of some funny and more serious situations, she discovers that family, as frustrating as they can be, will always be there for you through thick and thin. It's in these imperfections of life that she finds happiness and acceptance, and in these transitions, she also discovers her true professional satisfaction, love, and her place in the world.

The dialogue and pacing in the book were spot on. I loved the banter between the characters, and the relationships felt real and relatable. And, let's not forget the satisfying ending that tied everything together. Overall, it's a great read, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming story filled with relatable characters and life's ups and downs. Four stars!

Crazy to Leave You starts off with Lauren being left at the altar. What do you do when your happily ever after falls apart with a church full of people waiting for you to walk down the aisle? With a mixture of humor and heartbreak author Marilyn Simon Rothstein does it again. Love the female relationships in this book both with Lauren's sister Margo and her mother who she can never seem to please. This novel contains a lot of talk of weight and accepting yourself for who you are and being happy with that. Really enjoyed this story!

I probably should not be giving feedback on this as I didn't even make it past the first page, but I had to say something when two sentences immediately want me to throw my Kindle across the room.

"Diets consumed me. I was either on my way or on my down the scale."

This right here just makes me know that this book will be full of fat phobia and EDs. Yikes.

A cute and relatable read. I enjoyed hearing Lauren's story and how she overcame a failed marriage as she navigates finding new love. I also enjoyed the relationship with the siblings

Lauren is a 41 year old successful advertising agent that is the last one to get married. On the day of her wedding her sister receives a text from the groom letting her know that he can’t get married. Embarrassed and upset Lauren eats her feelings especially since she was on a diet prior to the wedding to get down to a size 12. Finally Lauren takes a turn later on in the book where you a cheering her on instead of her allowing things to happen to her.

I enjoyed the unraveling of Lauren’s life and the twists and turns that happen.

Thank you #NetGalley for the advance copy

Fun, light hearted story about a woman who is left at the alter because her fiancé decides he just isn’t ready to be married. A fine time to figure that out! Lots of laugh out loud moments.

A runaway groom is not a story line that you often see. Will Eric call and explain his decision and apologize? Following Lauren as she navigates theough this was an adventure. I was so sad for her but i also laughed at some points :).