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The Moments That Made Us
Slowing Down Amelia
Amelia has big opinions, even bigger plans - and absolutely zero chill.
Meet Amelia, a fiery fourteen-year-old with a head full of red curls and a heart full of dreams. She's ready to conquer the world -- or at least survive one wildly chaotic summer. With her BFF by her side, Amelia's determined to convince her parents to let them visit her Aunt Hadley. What could possibly go wrong? Or better yet, how much could they get away with?
Part of The Moments That Made Us
Meet Amelia, a fiery fourteen-year-old with a head full of red curls and a heart full of dreams. She's ready to conquer the world -- or at least survive one wildly chaotic summer. With her BFF by her side, Amelia's determined to convince her parents to let them visit her Aunt Hadley. What could possibly go wrong? Or better yet, how much could they get away with?
Part of The Moments That Made Us
Paperback
Published September 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 28, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Dana Harp brings joy to beginning teenage years. Reminds us that it’s important to not grow up too fast. I loved the friendship between Amelia and Chloe. Two best friends trying to experience life before they begin highschool. A trip to Montana brings valuable lessons as well as a lot of fun. I love the 90’s setting and song choices throughout the book. I did not read the first book in the stand alone series and never felt lost throughout the story. Thank you so much to Dana Harp for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 1, 2025
Slowing Down Amelia is part of Harp's The Moments That Made Us series. This young adult book features Amelia Sanger, a 14-year old girl who is soon to enter ninth grade and desperately wants to feel older. She and her best friend, Chloe Zhang, travel from Westfield, Rhode Island to the small town of Timber Falls, Montana where they spend a month with Hadley, Amelia's mother's best friend and Amelia's pseudo-aunt. Away from most parental oversight, the two friends endeavor to have their "best summer ever" and collect as many new experiences as they can including drinking alcohol, kissing boys, and attending parties. Amelia wants to fit in and feel like one of the "cool kids". Chloe, always ready to follow Amelia, mostly just wants to spend time with her best friend and be heard. While the two definitely have fun, they also learn what it really means to grow up, and realize they shouldn't be in such a rush.
This was a sweet, coming of age story. I'm now interested in reading Growing Up Hadley, another book in this series which tells Hadley's story.
This was a sweet, coming of age story. I'm now interested in reading Growing Up Hadley, another book in this series which tells Hadley's story.
August 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Yes, I know… rating my own book. Just roll with it. 👀)
From dreaming out the plot and trying to remember it when I wake up, to late-night scribbles, to writer’s block (and whatever the opposite is), all the way to holding Slowing Down Amelia in my hands, it’s been a journey.
To every reader who’s picked it up, shared it, or left a review: thank you. Indie authors live and breathe because of readers like you, and your support means everything.
Here’s my totally biased five stars - for the story, for the characters, and for you. 💚
From dreaming out the plot and trying to remember it when I wake up, to late-night scribbles, to writer’s block (and whatever the opposite is), all the way to holding Slowing Down Amelia in my hands, it’s been a journey.
To every reader who’s picked it up, shared it, or left a review: thank you. Indie authors live and breathe because of readers like you, and your support means everything.
Here’s my totally biased five stars - for the story, for the characters, and for you. 💚
August 15, 2025
Sharply written story of a pair of bright young women learning about boundaries and possibilities. Realistic characters and situations and thought-provoking issues. A good book for teens stretching their boundaries.
September 11, 2025
Slowing Down is a delightful and touching addition to Harp’s The Moments That Made Us series, filled with friendship, summer freedom, and the whirlwind of emotions that accompany growing up. This young adult novel introduces us to 14-year-old Amelia Sanger, who finds herself in that awkward stage—no longer a child, but not quite ready for the challenges of high school. With ninth grade on the horizon, Amelia is eager to reinvent herself and embrace a more “mature” version of who she aspires to be.
Her best friend, Chloe Zhang, is right there with her as they embark on a cross-country adventure, from Rhode Island, to the beautiful skies of Montana. They stay at the home of Hadley, Amelia’s mom’s best friend—part mentor, part cool pseudo-aunt, and trusted confidante.
Away from her parents control Amelia and Chloe declare this to be their “best summer ever”—and they truly mean it. Whether they’re chasing late-night adventures, stumbling through “grown-up” experiences, or simply laughing until their sides ache, the girls are determined to savor every moment that summer has offered them. Amelia, is driven to prove she can keep up with the cool kids while Chloe cherishes simply making memories and reminding Amelia that being true to oneself is more than enough. As the mom of a 13 year old, this book really encompassed what these years should be about!
Yet, as the summer unfolds in surprising ways, the girls learn that maturity is not something to rush or pretend; it is something one grows into, piece by piece, moment by moment. Through inside jokes, minor missteps, and profound realizations, Amelia and Chloe discover that the most valuable part of growing up is taking the time to truly experience life.
With its heartfelt humor and sun-drenched adventures, this charming coming-of-age story will leave readers smiling, reminiscing, and perhaps feeling nostalgic for their own unforgettable summers. It also beautifully sets the stage for Growing Up Hadley, another treasure in the series that unveils Hadley’s own journey.
Her best friend, Chloe Zhang, is right there with her as they embark on a cross-country adventure, from Rhode Island, to the beautiful skies of Montana. They stay at the home of Hadley, Amelia’s mom’s best friend—part mentor, part cool pseudo-aunt, and trusted confidante.
Away from her parents control Amelia and Chloe declare this to be their “best summer ever”—and they truly mean it. Whether they’re chasing late-night adventures, stumbling through “grown-up” experiences, or simply laughing until their sides ache, the girls are determined to savor every moment that summer has offered them. Amelia, is driven to prove she can keep up with the cool kids while Chloe cherishes simply making memories and reminding Amelia that being true to oneself is more than enough. As the mom of a 13 year old, this book really encompassed what these years should be about!
Yet, as the summer unfolds in surprising ways, the girls learn that maturity is not something to rush or pretend; it is something one grows into, piece by piece, moment by moment. Through inside jokes, minor missteps, and profound realizations, Amelia and Chloe discover that the most valuable part of growing up is taking the time to truly experience life.
With its heartfelt humor and sun-drenched adventures, this charming coming-of-age story will leave readers smiling, reminiscing, and perhaps feeling nostalgic for their own unforgettable summers. It also beautifully sets the stage for Growing Up Hadley, another treasure in the series that unveils Hadley’s own journey.
August 16, 2025
I was drawn to this book because my best friend is named Amelia and my daughter is named Chloe (my Chloe also just entered her freshman year of high school), so I felt like it was meant for me to read this book. I'm very glad I did because it was a good reminder of that age where you want to be more grown up than you are and are still figuring it out.
When Amelia decides that she needs to have the best summer ever with Chloe and then puts her plans into action, she keeps reminding her self that this is about freedom and proving she isn't a baby. She probably didn't expect some of the experiences that small towns can give (like going to a tractor pull) and the high school parties were eye opening in helping her realize that maybe being "grown up" isn't as important as she thought.
I thought the relationship between Amelia and Chloe was well written as they navigated some pretty big topics while still having the best summer ever. I also loved the way the relationship between Amelia and her Aunt Hadley was written. I also loved how even when the girls pushed boundaries, Hadley made sure to be respectful of their feelings and understanding how hard it is to be a teenager.
Some of the best lessons for teens that I was reminded of when reading this book was that not everything has to last forever to leave a mark (teen love is tough) and that core memories should always involve ice cream.
When Amelia decides that she needs to have the best summer ever with Chloe and then puts her plans into action, she keeps reminding her self that this is about freedom and proving she isn't a baby. She probably didn't expect some of the experiences that small towns can give (like going to a tractor pull) and the high school parties were eye opening in helping her realize that maybe being "grown up" isn't as important as she thought.
I thought the relationship between Amelia and Chloe was well written as they navigated some pretty big topics while still having the best summer ever. I also loved the way the relationship between Amelia and her Aunt Hadley was written. I also loved how even when the girls pushed boundaries, Hadley made sure to be respectful of their feelings and understanding how hard it is to be a teenager.
Some of the best lessons for teens that I was reminded of when reading this book was that not everything has to last forever to leave a mark (teen love is tough) and that core memories should always involve ice cream.
October 11, 2025
Thank you so much to Ms. Harp for giving me a chance to read this book early by sending an Arc copy.
I enjoyed the story so much. I liked how it was set in the early 2000s with the AOL instant message (though I was born in the late 2000s). I’ve also never read a book that was set in Montana so that was interesting. I was shocked at how Amelia and Chloe easily they acted to be older than they were. I liked how aunt Hadley was open-minded and caring she was to them and was not the typical adult who only scolds and doesn’t listen to the child’s explanation. I didn’t realize that this was part of a series, so I am excited to read the first novel about Hadley.
I enjoyed the story so much. I liked how it was set in the early 2000s with the AOL instant message (though I was born in the late 2000s). I’ve also never read a book that was set in Montana so that was interesting. I was shocked at how Amelia and Chloe easily they acted to be older than they were. I liked how aunt Hadley was open-minded and caring she was to them and was not the typical adult who only scolds and doesn’t listen to the child’s explanation. I didn’t realize that this was part of a series, so I am excited to read the first novel about Hadley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2025
This was another touching coming of age tale from Dana Harp, and if you're a YA fan I highly suggest giving this a go. It can be read as a standalone or as the second book if you've had the pleasure of reading Growing Up Hadley first. I felt this one was more lighthearted but equally as thought provoking. Amelia learns some valuable lessons and gains some eye opening experiences in a way that reminds us what it was like to be a teen. Was fortunate to read this as an ARC.
August 25, 2025
This was a great read! I did read the prior book, but it isn't a must or 100% necessary (unless you want another great story). You feel like you're in the barn with the kids, smelling everything they do, seeing the outfits etc! The visualization in this book was phenomenal. I felt the character's feelings every step of the way!
September 1, 2025
She has plans for the summer and she has big plans with her bff. She just need to get her parents to agree to let her visit her aunt. See if she gets there
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a lovely tale
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a lovely tale
September 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed Slowing Down Amelia. Dana Harp writes with warmth and honesty, and Amelia’s journey felt very relatable. The story is heartfelt and thought-provoking, though a little slow in parts. Overall, a beautiful reminder to find balance and peace in the middle of life’s busyness.
I really enjoyed Slowing Down Amelia. Dana Harp writes with warmth and honesty, and Amelia’s journey felt very relatable. The story is heartfelt and thought-provoking, though a little slow in parts. Overall, a beautiful reminder to find balance and peace in the middle of life’s busyness.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews