Who is Barbara Rachel?

Romance Writer

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.

Barbara primarily writes cozy romance novels centered on themes of healing after trauma and the pursuit of a well-earned happily ever after.

She also firmly believes that many of life's problems may be improved with an oversized sweatshirt and a strong mug of tea.

About the Book

Rachel Lazarus is perfectly content with her life as it is.

She lives for her family, her best friend, and her two cats. Admittedly, she does not lead an exciting life, but it is a good life, firmly grounded by her faith. Rachel is a survivor – of loss, of trauma – so everyone should cut her some slack and leave her alone. Of course, her world has become rather small – she works the night shift and spends much of her free time in her safe place at home, watching her stories. Life is just how she wants it—safe and quiet. That is until the women in her life decide she needs to get out more.

Agreeing to go out on three dates sounded simple enough, but Rachel’s life is soon turned upside down as she’s swept into a whirlwind of feelings and insecurities, revealing layers within her she’d long since forgotten. Rachel’s journey isn’t just about dating again; it’s about rediscovering herself, sometimes facing the trauma of the past, and reigniting a passion for life she thought she had lost. Alarm Fatigue invites you to a story of second chances, where sorrow and joy combine to awaken a closed heart.

Will love be the ultimate cure for Rachel Lazarus, or is facing the world outside her comfort zone a door she simply cannot walk through?

"...rich characters, thought out back stories and detailed Nation’s Capital references... "

What people are saying about Alarm Fatigue

"This book is like your favorite hallmark show - but with just enough angst... so sweet, so cute.... "

"...a great book about friendship, love and, above all, a woman finding her way back to life after trauma and loss. For anyone who enjoys a heartfelt romance with deeper undertones... "