Delayed Intention

by Barbara Rachel

Old friends. Unfinished business. A chance to make it right.Lily Mendes and Joshua Cohen were best friends who nearly became something more… until one fateful night pulled them apart.Nineteen years later, Josh is a devoted son, loyal brother, and dedicated physician. Love isn’t on his radar — the only girl he’s willing to commit to is his rescue dog, Ginger.Hundreds of miles away, Lily only wants to feel safe, enjoy her work at the hospital, and avoid triggering her overbearing mother. As far as she is concerned, dating is off the table.Fate—and a few unexpected choices—bring them back into each other’s lives. Timing is everything... and this time, it might finally be right. Delayed Intention is a heartfelt story of friendship, forgiveness, and the possibility of a second chance.

Genres: Jewish, Romance

372 pages, Paperback

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Barbara Rachel is the pen name for Barbara Chalom (pronounced Shalom), a native Washingtonian who lives in suburban Maryland with her husband, children, and a dog named Biscuit (as in the cookie, not the breakfast side).

When not fretting over her writing, Barbara may be found working overnight at a local hospital, hiking with her dog, chasing after her children, combing through family genealogy records, or hiding out at home—lost in a romance book or movie, usually something much darker and spicier than she writes.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

After enjoying Alarm Fatigue earlier this year, I wanted to read Barbara Rachel's sophomore novel as soon as possible! After I bought it, I added it to my five-book pile right away and it made for a cozy autumn read.

Barbara wrote a beautiful rom-com filled with Jewish joy. This sweet story of friendship, forgiveness, and romance is perfect for fans of When Harry Met Sally. I had a hard time putting it down and was really invested in both Josh and Lily's narratives. The chemistry between them was off the charts and I was rooting for them to get together. I got so angry at Lily's mom and definitely have more colorful language to describe her, but I won't put that in a review. She was truly horrible though. There were a lot of likable supporting characters to balance things out though!

I appreciated all the Judaism woven throughout as a lot of holiday and Shabbat meals took place within this story. Barbara also included a glossary for anyone who wasn't familiar with certain words.

My biggest concern was that this novel could have used another round with a proofreader. Was mainly in present tense but a lot of the time a line written in past tense would slip in. There were some time inconsistencies too (such as saying it was 18 years that had passed but later saying it was 20 years, or something along those lines). None of this took away from my enjoyment, but I do have someone to recommend if another set of eyes is needed in the future.

Overall, I loved this novel and have been recommending it to friends. Barbara is definitely one of my go-to Jewish rom-com authors!

(Trigger warnings below.)

Movie casting suggestions:

Lily: Sarah Ramos

Josh: Asher Grodman
Abbie: Humberly González
Michelle: Sarah Podemski
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TW: Sexual assault (off page, adult to minor), emotional abuse by narcissistic parent, people getting really drunk

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

I may be biased but this book was deeply moving. Romance isn’t my usual genre but I had to read this one. Finished it in a few days.
Highly recommend this if you’re into romances.
I did receive this review copy in advance for free; this is my honest review.

[Margo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by author Barbara Rachel and it certainly won’t be the last. The characters that she developed came to life and were relatable. Lily’s family were all physicians, and her neurosurgeon mother assumed Lily would follow her siblings’ paths and become a physician. Lily had severe anxiety and was constantly judged by her harsh, critical mother. Josh, her supportive, loving childhood friend was always there for her.

They went their separate ways for several reasons and reconnected years later. Josh had become a physician and Lily, much to her mother’s dismay and disappointment, became a physician’s assistant. In the process of learning to be friends again, they explore their own aspects of themselves individually and develop a deep awareness of their own fears and desires.

‘Delayed Intention’ is a thoughtfully written story that blends Jewish traditions, challenging family dynamics, mental health issues, and loving relationships into one outstanding book. I was so engrossed in the story from the first page. Rachel has the rare gift in understanding the complexities of life and crafting a tale that captures it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Natasha Nadel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Captivating, Heartfelt Read You Won’t Want to Put Down
Delayed Intention by Barbara Rachel is a captivating, emotionally rich novel that exceeds the high bar set by her debut novel, Alarm Fatigue. I was lucky enough to receive a complimentary advance reader copy, and from the very first page, I was completely hooked.
Rachel’s storytelling shines in this 400-page gem, blending romance, emotional depth, and unexpected twists in a way that kept me excitedly turning the pages—and yet, I didn’t want it to end. The characters are so authentic and lovable, I didn’t want to leave them behind when I finished the book.
Though rooted in romance, Delayed Intention never takes the predictable route. It's a story full of surprises, both tender and exhilarating, making it the perfect novel to curl up with and get lost in.
Mark your calendars—this book hits shelves on August 26, 2025, and is available for preorder now from most major retailers. If you love emotionally intelligent fiction with heart, depth, and a generous dose of joy, don’t miss this one.

[Patricia Klintberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delayed Intention, Barbara Rachel’s second novel, is a smart read with its fraught family relationships causing daughter Lily Mendes to feel an outcast plagued with insecurity. Only her all-wise Nona, a perfect grandmother, who could coax soothing thoughts out of the lowliest creature, can put Lily at ease. Plus, grandma lives in Nebraska the launching pad for childhood trips to Estes Park, Colorado, a border town of Rocky Mountain National Park, where elk roam freely in the streets. That vacation environment is a far cry from Lily’s home in Maryland. She comes from a family of medical professionals where everyone is supposed to become a doctor. But not Lily who shunned the smothering years of medical school to become a Physician’s Assistant much to her mother’s annoyance. But the heart of the story lies in Lily’s relationship with Josh—a childhood friend who was kind, easygoing and fascinated with Lily until he was not. After a nineteen-year hiatus the friendship reawakens. Advanced copy reader Patricia Klintberg.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! My skin was tingling with anticipation about what would happen next. The characters were so lovable in their quirks and how they did their best to navigate their complex realities and past traumas. The book was sweet and heartwarming, and took me on some surprise twists. I love the centering of emotional health and intelligence, and how the characters in the book self-reflect and are intentional in their relationships. This book celebrates personal growth and overcoming challenges to live your best life. This is a very enjoyable read that you will not want to put down, and it also will engage you in some thoughtful introspection about love, relationships, and healing.

You can preorder this book now, and the publication date is August 26, 2025.

I received an advance reader copy for free. This is my honest review.

[Sharondblk]

I DNFd at 50 percent. I don't think it was necessarily the book's fault. It's a romance and it's got some romance tropes, which is fine. There are letters back and forth between the two main characters, which show in handwriting, and that's adorable. But there is so much communication and i just wasn't in the mood for so much thinking about thought and feelings.

[Alex Gibbson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the book so much it was so good. I loved the main couple in this book so much. I received an advance review copy for fee and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Andria Hollingshead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Book! I was invested in the characters almost immediately, they had depth, realness and relatability. The story was very well written, it is rare that I find a romance novel that is a page turner and that I want to continually see what will happen and where things will go with them. The story is filled the reality of navigating difficult familial relationships, struggles with mental health, learning to trust oneself, making huge decisions, humor, desire, sadness, dating when faith is involved and so much more. As a Mental Health therapist whenever books have themes around MH disorders/diagnosis I can be rather critical and you can tell that Barbara did her research and brought to life the realities of anxiety and narcissist parenting. Mental health was not demeaned or sensationalized which I greatly appreciate. Without spoiling the book I am very hopeful that a second book will come out to further talk about these characters and where their lives go! I also really enjoyed the tidbits of education, insight to Jewish tradition and faith, I found myself wanting to learn more and hope that Barbara will write more books that will bring awareness to the beautiful faith of Judaism. If you want a refreshing read that will keep you in your hammock, couch or overstuffed chair, engaging characters and story, then this is it! Clear a day and enjoy!

I received an early copy of this book in advance of publication; this is my own honest review.

[Barbara Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚This book is a stand alone but is also the second book in the Bethesda Memorial Hospital universe 🥰🩺🕍

This is:
Closed Door Romance 🚪
Jewish Romance ✡️ with some fun world building (IYKYK)
Second Chance Romance 😳
Medical Romance 🩺
2 POV


‼️Triggers
There is profanity
A narcissist parent
1 MC is a SA survivor (off the page but it’s very present)