Запізніле життя Емі Байлер

by Kelly Harms

Книжка — номінант Goodreads Choice Award — 2019

Про книжку:
Затуркана роботою та щоденними клопотами мати-одиначка Емі нарешті має можливість перепочити: колишній чоловік, який несподівано повертається в її життя після трирічної розлуки, пропонує подбати про дітей. Жінка пристає на пропозицію та їде з провінційної Пенсильванії до Нью-Йорка — міста, яке ніколи не спить. Попереду на неї чекає ціле літо без мамських справ і переживань. Емі змінює імідж, відвідує мистецькі заходи, ходить на побачення й урешті знайомиться з Деніелом. Нове кохання вже стукає у двері, та чи захоче жінка змінити все назавжди, чи повернеться до звичного життя?

Про автора:
Келлі Гармс — сучасна американська письменниця, авторка бестселерів за версіями USA Today, Amazon Charts та The Washington Post. Її роман «Запізніле життя Емі Байлер» став фіналістом Women’s Fiction Writers Association Star Award. До того як узятися до письменництва, Келлі працювала редакторкою та літературною агенткою у видавництві HarperCollins.



Цей світлий і дотепний роман сподобається прихильникам «Де ти поділась, Бернадетт?» та «З Елеанор Оліфант усе гаразд».- Booklist



Кумедний і віртуозний роман, що змусить уболівати за цю неймовірну, таку близьку всім нам і дуже харизматичну героїню. - New York Journal of Books

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Book Club, Audiobook, Adult

336 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2019

About the author

USA Today, Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestseller Kelly Harms is the author of The Bright Side of Going Dark, The Overdue Life of Amy Byler, The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane and The Matchmakers of Minnow Bay. She worked with bestselling authors, Edgar, RITA, and Agatha award winners, and Indie Next List Picks in her time as an editor at a division of HarperCollins and later as an agent at the Jane Rotrosen Agency. She now lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her beloved family.

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars, rounded up

When will I ever learn? I keep thinking I’ll enjoy a romantic comedy. I WANT to like romantic comedies. But in truth, I tend to find most of them too simplistic for my taste. They usually start ok and then get dorky. This one tried to be more than just a rom-com with some single parent angst and a family crisis towards the end. But it just didn’t work for me. A little too simplistic and saccharine sweet.

The book is told from two viewpoints, Amy’s narrative and her daughter’s journal entries. Amy, a single parent, finally gets a week to herself when her missing husband returns home after three years away and offers to watch the teenage kids. I’m not sure who irritated me more, Amy or her daughter. Neither came across as real.

I am clearly in the minority here. Lots of other readers have given this high ratings. So, consider this the raving of an old grump that can’t appreciate a rom-com.

Kudos though to the narrator who did a good job differentiating the voices.

[Meredith (Trying to catch up!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smart, savvy writing turns a predictable plot into a humorous and heartwarming read about a single mother’s journey to self-awareness.

Amy Byler is a single mom who does what it takes to provide for her children--in doing so, she has lost herself as she only sees herself as a mother to Cori and Joe. Three years ago, her husband walked out on her and their two teenage children. When he suddenly returns, he attempts to make amends by having their kids stay with him for a week over the summer. WIth no one to take care of, Amy finds herself attending a librarian conference in NYC. While in the city, she reunites with an old friend who convinces her to take a momspringa (a play on the Amish Rumspringa). Away from her children and ex-husband, Amy slowly learns to come to terms with her failed marriage and being a mother. At the same time, she opens her mind to a new kind of life and new love.

Amy’s character is likable and relatable, but her quick wit is what I loved best about her--she has a way with words. Kelly Harms’ witty writing style makes The Overdue Life of Amy Byler a standout. Amy’s snappy banter coupled with witty side characters gives this book a Gilmoreesque quality. In addition, there are tons of literary references that will be sure to make any book nerd smile with glee! This is a light and charming read elevated by Harms' sharp, witty writing! #momspringa!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been reading some heavy novels recently and thought it was time for something a little less oppressive. This one fit the bill perfectly.

Amy Byler is a school librarian and single mom with two kids, ages 12 and 15. Her husband up and left them for nebulous reasons three years previously. It has been a struggle to make things work, but Amy has indeed made a good life for her family even though she is worn down from her efforts. Suddenly Amy’s husband reappears and wants three months of re-bonding time with the kids, which eventually results in Amy getting a “momspringa” vacation in New York City.

This book is engaging, funny, and thought provoking. Amy finally has time to actually think about finding her true self, and to try to determine in what direction she wants her life to go. Things are complex, and Amy has much to sort through. What exactly does her husband want? How will the kids react to him? Does she still love him or is she ready to move on to someone else? Her whole recent adult life has revolved around being a wonderful mother to her kids. But at what cost to herself? Is it possible to find a way to take better care of Amy? The cast includes a couple of great longtime friends of Amy’s - a magazine editor and an ex-nun (whom I loved) who dole out advice and a couple of interesting male companions Amy connects with during her journey in New York.

Amy has a ton of decision trees in this novel, and it was fun to think about what I would do in her position. Humor is present throughout; I smiled a lot and laughed out loud several times. I also liked the fact that two of the main characters are librarians and we get some good librarian book talk in this story. Extra credit goes to Ms. Harms for her dialogue, which simply sparkles.

Amy is so easy to cheer for and I kept hoping for a way for everything to fall into place for her and her family. I looked forward to grabbing the book every time I had a few minutes to read; I felt invested in the characters and was engrossed in their story.

I recommend The Overdue Life of Amy Byler to anyone looking for a quick, easy, and fun read featuring a very likeable main character on a thoughtful journey.

Thank you Net Galley, Lake Union Publishing, and Kelly Harms for the gift of an advanced review copy. Thanks also to Sonja Yoerg for kindly bringing this book to my attention. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.

[Sherry Mabry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been slogging through a really difficult, and not particularly rewarding, book. So I thought this would be a light, amusing read - a nice break from the other book. Whew - I went from the arcane to the inane. She lost me at "Flexthology" - the main character's terribly named program to get kids to read, which we are supposed to believe just wowed a room full of educators and librarians (including, of course, the one-in-a-million hot librarian who presumably falls for her on the basis of flexthology). To sum up the program...give kids a choice of what to read. Well...duh.

If flexthology wasn't bad enough...I cringed every time I read "momspringa"...literally cringed. Yes, yes...I've been a busy mom myself. We all need a break. But we don't get a magical Cinderella fairy tale of going away for the summer and by chance getting all our expenses paid. The plot was ridiculous. Here was my biggest issue...her "ex" seems to have some money. He abandoned her and her kids for 3 years! Despite the horrific psychologic damage you could reasonably assume would happen to all of them, there was also significant financial damage. ...except he didn't seem to totally abandon them. You come to realize there was SOME contact. And during that contact Amy didn't think to say, "HEY LOSER...I'M STRUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET HERE - SEND SOME CHILD SUPPORT!" Come on. She didn't even ASK him to live up to his responsibilities. And yet, when he shows up, he seems to be bending over backward to hand out money?

And lucky Amy, not only does she go to NYC for the summer, she accidentally ends up with an apartment, an all expenses paid makeover, food tabs picked up, etc., etc., AND a hot librarian, who is kind, understanding, funny, great in bed and generally all around perfect. Except, alas, he shares custody of his teenage daughter and Amy has two teenagers in PA, and how EVER could they make that work. Really? Really? These are two college-educated grown ass adults madly in love and the only options they can come up with are just be friends or break up at the end of the summer? Because ya know...NY to PA...just insurmountable.

It just didn't make sense and was all so, so unrealistic. It's enough to send me back to my serious, but boring book.

[Larry H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm between 3.5 and 4 stars, so I'll round up.

"I have suffered plenty. I am a poster child for low-grade chronic suffering. If an ad agency wanted to make suffering into a thirty-second spot, they would make a time-lapse video of me in my three colors of elastic-waistband teacher pants shoveling eight inches of snow at five a.m. so my kids can get to their early-bird activities on time, then teaching 250 overprivileged kids how to not use computers for porn for ten hours, and then collapsing in front of Outlander too tired to even find, much less turn on, my vibrator at the end of the day."

For the last three years, Amy Byler has been the sole provider for her two children: 15-year-old Cori and 12-year-old Joe. She's barely keeping her head above water financially, working as a school librarian in order to keep her kids in private school, tending to the myriad repair needs of their beautiful yet historic (read: old) Pennsylvania house, and doing all of the disciplining, the chauffeuring, and everything else. That's been the drill since her husband left for a business trip in Hong Kong and decided not to come back.

But now, John is back. He's realized he has been a terrible father and he wants to be a part of his children's lives again. He asks Amy to give him a week with the kids so he can begin seeking their forgiveness. (Much to Amy's chagrin, he accepts all of her criticisms and angry insults, and keeps apologizing, but he doesn't seem too interested in her forgiveness.) Reluctantly, she takes him up on his offer, and heads to New York for a week to attend a library conference.

When Amy arrives in New York, the scene of some crazy college days, she's looking forward to a week of professional development, sleeping in, and reading a ton of books. Instead, she starts to let her hair down a little bit, and even meets a handsome librarian along the way. But she still can't stop worrying about her husband spending time with the kids, whether he's going to make some colossal mistake, or—worse—whether her kids will even miss her.

Her old college friend, now the editor of a lifestyle magazine, convinces/orders Amy to get a total makeover, and sets her on a course for a real vacation from parenting, a #momspringa, if you will. When her husband asks to spend the summer with the kids, Amy's newfound freedom turns into a real adventure followed by the magazine's readers. She takes advantage of all the city has to offer and starts finding herself again, even going on a few blind dates. But when one man threatens to steal her heart, she has to decide whether this "new Amy" will still exist when she returns home, and what it means for everything—and everyone—if she doesn't.

The Overdue Life of Amy Byler was utterly charming, laugh-out-loud funny in parts, and an enjoyably thought-provoking read. Not being a woman or a parent, I may have missed some of the nuances of the story, but I think the book did a great job exploring the challenges women face as mothers, when they sacrifice everything else for their children and supporting their family. But when they do that, do they put their relationship with their spouse at risk, too, or is that something they shouldn't worry about?

I enjoyed many of the characters in this book, from Amy to her former-nun-now-teacher best friend Lena, "hot librarian" Daniel to self-absorbed magazine diva Talia. Sure, the plot is a bit predictable, and I felt like it dragged a bit in the middle, but I was looking for a lighter read and this book definitely delivered. This definitely fits the bill when you've been reading a lot of brooding thrillers or books heavy on emotion—while there is still poignancy here, Kelly Harms keeps the tone light as she explores serious issues.

Are you in need of a #momspringa? Wish you could have had one? The Overdue Life of Amy Byler will give you the lowdown, and entertain you, to boot.

Lake Union Publishing and Amazon First Reads provided me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!

The book will be published May 1, 2019.

See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.

Check out my list of the best books I read in 2018 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2018.html.

You can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/yrralh/.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure who I love more - the character of Amy Byler or Kelly Harms for creating her.

Probably Amy, because I just spent a super fun 328 pages with her, and I don’t know a thing about Kelly other than she can write.

My new BFF Amy is thrust into a solo summer in NYC when her douche canoe husband shows back up three years after abandoning her and their kids. He's had enough me time and is ready to get to know his children again, so she heads to the big city for a librarian convention (swoon), stays with her fashion mag editor friend (Devil Wears Prada, anyone?), and dates her heart out (heck yes). Her friend’s magazine decides to profile her “Momspringa” (like an Amish Rumspringa), complete with a makeover and a spunky editorial assistant sidekick who cheers her on.

Here’s what I loved about Amy and her adventure:
- She’s bookish, therefore clearly relatable to this library-lovin’ nerd.
- The characters are diverse. Amy doesn’t live in a lily white world, and the races of her friends are introduced in very authentic ways.
- She has a healthy relationship with her teenage daughter. They’re honest with each other and communicate openly about important things.
- The romance bits are closed door. She has some good times in NYC (wink, wink), but we don’t hear the steamy details. Fine by me!
- She’s funny. My kind of funny. Somewhat inappropriately funny at times. She may or may not drop the F-bomb once. But we’re still in PG-13 territory.

Sure, the plot is fairly predictable and the ending a little too melodramatic, but sometimes a low-stakes read is just what you need as break between all the stabby books. Thanks, Amy and Kelly, for the overdue levity.

4.5 stars

The Overdue Life of Amy Byler is now available on KindleUnlimited with WhisperSync for those who may prefer the audio format. (As of 2/17/21.)

[jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is your classic chick-lit: unexpected situation arises, women deals with unexpected situation, learns about herself in the process (while having men throw themselves at her), happy ending.

im generally a sucker for these kind of stories, but something was missing for me to really relate to it. i want to say its because im just not at the point of life where ive been married, have an ex-husband, and children. but ive related to characters in this situation before, so im not sure why i just couldnt quite click with amy.

overall, this is a cute story, but not one that stands out for me, personally.

↠ 2.5 stars

[Bridgett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm in the minority on this one.

The Overdue Life of Amy Byler is a cute, quick, predictable read. What you expect to happen is exactly what happens. It's a character driven novel, which is fine...I don't need constant action when books are well-written. Unfortunately, the characters seemed very much like characters, and not actual people. The dialogue reminded me of an 80s sitcom where everyone spews one-liners...even the 12 year old. The voices of Amy (the mother) and Cori (her 15 year old daughter) were virtually indistinguishable. And the constant corny jokes eventually became trite and tiresome.

Neither negative, nor positive thoughts about this story abound...which sums the book up pretty well for me. It's an unmemorable, completely average novel.

2.5 stars

**I received a free, advanced copy of this book through Amazon's Kindle First program. All opinions are my own.

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy Byler is a single mom with her hands full. When she’s feeling particularly overwrought, her estranged husband returns and offers to care for the kids for the summer.

Amy accepts, and she’s off to NYC. Amy has led a quiet life, but her alter ego comes out. She even goes on a couple blind dates.

One of the blind dates ends up capturing her heart, and when the summer is about to end, Amy has to decide between her new life and her old one.

Amy doesn’t get to make that choice, though, because both lives collide.

Amy is the quintessential mom who has put her children and family ahead of herself for years. She’s made so many sacrifices she feels like she no longer knows herself. It was fun and entertaining to watch her make that discovery on her “momspringa.”

The characters in the book are quite charming. Friends Talia, Daniel, and Lena really round out the story. Amy was always my favorite, though. She’s endearing and relatable, and I was captivated with how her life would turn out. I was fully absorbed in Amy’s story and loved all the bookish nods! This book is a true, refreshing escape!

I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com

[Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up!

What does any “self-actualized, successful, capable adult woman” do when confronted in the drugstore by the husband who abandoned her and her two children? Try to duck behind the Q-tips, of course!

He has been gone for THREE years, but now John wants HIS life back.

When ducking behind the shelves fails, Amy reluctantly listens to what John has to say, and unselfishly agrees to allows him time with the kids, so he can attempt to mend his relationship with them.

With nothing to do for the summer, Amy decides to attend a librarian’s conference in NY city where she can also reconnect with her college friend Talia, who works for a fashion magazine.

Before she knows it, she has been given a makeover and a starring role in “#Momspringa, an article about a woman challenged to “rediscover” herself while on a mini vacation from single motherhood and its never ending responsibilities!

A few blind dates, set up by the magazine, and a “friendship” with “hot librarian Daniel” make Amy feel as if she is on “The Bachelorette, Special Middle-Aged edition!” (Her words)

But when summer ends, will Amy want HER life back?
Will it be enough?

For me to enjoy Women’s fiction, I need a few things...
1. Witty dialogue that does not rely on sex and body part references to amuse.
2. Introspective passages from the protagonist which resonate with me and are highlight worthy.
3. A character I like and want to root for.

This book checked those boxes.

If you are not a book lover like myself, you may not completely understand a woman who who is looking forward to a week’s vacation so she can read the “six new books carefully chosen and downloaded to her Kindle!”

But, I nodded my head and smiled when I read that! 📚😊

Each chapter starts with an amusing journal entry from her “wise beyond her years” daughter, Cori...

Also sprinkled throughout the book are sporadic text messages between Amy and her two closest friends, helping to move the book along despite the long chapters.

Favorite quote from the book: “Love isn’t a feeling-it’s an action”.

Thanks to my book buddy DeAnn, for reading this one with me! Always enjoy hearing your perspectives along the way!

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

🅡🅔🅛🅐🅣🅐🅑🅛🅔. 🅗🅘🅛🅐🅡🅘🅞🅤🅢. 🅕🅐🅝🅣🅐🅑🅤🅛🅞🅤🅢.

Kelly harms! BRAVO! This was such a relatable story told with so much heart and humor, I absolutely adored it! Amy is the single mother of 15-year-old Cory and 12-year-old Joe. Three years ago Amy’s husband John went out of country for work and never came back. Amy picked her self up, dusted herself off, went back to work, and learned how to be a single parent. Now John is back wanting to repair his relationship with his Children and offering Amy a summer off from parental responsibility. What follows is Amy’s summer of freedom, fun, self discovery, love, and a new wardrobe. #momspringa

Amy was such a real and relatable character. As a single mother I saw so much of myself in Amy. It is so easy to get caught up in your kids lives and not make enough time for yourself. But you also don’t know who you are if you’re not a mom. It was so much fun reading about Amy rediscovering herself in New York. I loved the makeover, all the shopping, and all the crazy dates. I also loved her support system her Besties Lena and Tallia, and Mathew who was kind of a bit of a fairy godfather. Also loved the big part that books played in this story. Amy was a librarian and she had this really interesting program she presented at a librarian convention. I’m sure all bookworms will appreciate the amount of booktalk in this book. And there is a hot librarian love interest. Another part of the book I really loved was Corey’s journal entries, Kelly harms really nailed the 15-year-old voice. There was just so much fun and goodness in this book!

This is one of those books that will make you smile, make you laugh, and leave you feeling good when you have turned that last page. The characters are relatable, likable, and entertaining. The storyline is amusing and authentic. I think all moms will absolutely love this book! BUT I think the book will not only appeal to Mom’s it will appeal to anyone who is ever needed a break from their real life, A little re-charge. Simply put this is an uplifting feel-good story with relatable characters and a lot of humor!

*** Big thanks to Lake Union for my copy of this book ***

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is just one giant eye roll.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

What a wonderful story to escape in! Amy is a single mother of 2 teenaged children. Her husband up and left the family 3 years ago. He now returns to make amends and wants to spend the summer with the kids and Amy goes off on an adventure...(first unwanted)...to NYC.

I loved Amy! This story is very heartwarming and easy to follow. The writing is wonderful. You are rooting for Amy all throughout the story. She is quite endearing!! For fellow book lovers there are many nods to popular books in the story as Amy is a librarian. I thought the intro to each chapter when Amy's daughter is writing in her journal was very clever. Oh and the title was perfect!

Thank-you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for granting me access to this Advanced Reader Copy. It was a joy to read!

[Brandice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a fun, heartwarming story! In The Overdue Life of Amy Byler, librarian Amy finds herself face-to-face with her separated husband John, who’s requesting permission to visit their children, Cori and Joe, after abandoning the family 3 years earlier. Amy is torn: dealing with her own unresolved feelings about John, and considering what’s truly best for their children. After discussions with the kids, Amy agrees to let John spend time with them in rural PA now that it’s summer.

While John catches up on dad duties, Amy goes to New York City to attend an educational conference and visit an old friend. She’s been out of the game, both socially and romantically, but attempts to come (back) into her own, slowly but surely.

A few of my favorite quotes from the book:

-”He looks like that dad from a diversely cast CW show. In short: dreamy.”

-”Look at me throwing around my money like an oil heiress...”

-”I get this now. I get now that you can love what you have, love your kids and your life and your friends, and still want more. I get that it’s ok to go out out and get more, more love, more friendship, more fulfillment, and still be a wonderful mom.”

Though I’m not a mom, there were a lot of relatable elements in Amy’s story and I liked her as a character. The Overdue Life of Amy Byler is cute and funny yet also fairly realistic. The truth is, we all just need a break sometimes!

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly (and the Book Boar) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/

Dear Book:



Three years ago Amy Byler’s husband of 18 years went on a business trip and never came back, leaving Amy with a 12 and 8 year old to raise on her own. Now he’s back, looking to make amends with the children by taking them for a week over their summer break. What’s Amy to do with her newfound freedom?



Just kidding. She signs up for a librarian conference at Columbia University in NYC. But while she’s there she does rediscover she’s more than just a mom, freshens up her look and even dabbles back in the dating scene. After all . . . .

“This is your momcation.”

“That’s not a word.”

“You’re right. Ok. Your . . . Your momspringa.”

“My what now?”

“Momspringa. Like rumspringa? Where the kids go wild before they settle back down to buggies and monochrome dressing? You’re the Amish one; you know what that is.”

“I’m not Amish. I’m from Amish country. And this isn’t a momspringa. It’s a trip to New York by myself for a few days, not an extensive exploration of the outside world that exists far from my insulated, isolated existence among my family.”

“You say tomato . . .”

And while anyone who is currently living with or has formerly lived with a teenaged human probably feels something along these lines on a weekly basis . . .



This is fiction and Amy’s daughter Corinne (and more particularly her journal communications with her mother regarding the summer reading list Amy has assigned her) was a delight . . .

After careful consideration I have decided NOT to read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which is probably “Very Important” but definitely not “Very Interesting.” And instead I am going to read Five Days in Paris by Danielle Steel, which let me tell you is already off to a very exciting start.

The “Mom Com” has become my jam. I find the light and humorous to be the perfect buffer between heavier reads. Not to mention these are also perfect selections when your day looks like this . . . .



Or, if you have my budget, like this . . . .



ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Broken rules of not quoting quotes since I suck at being timely and this has already been released (quite some time ago - again Suck = Me). Just note that these might not be accurate since I had a reader copy and not the final product.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelly Harms has written a light, fun read about a middle aged librarian who gets a chance to have a summer to herself while her estranged husband re-bonds with his children.

When Amy Byler's husband went on a business trip to Hong Kong three years ago and never returned, she suddenly found herself a single, unemployed mother of two children with a large mortgage and no child support. Life gradually got better once she got herself a job as a school librarian and re-mortgaged the house, but she and the kids have had to budget carefully and she has got used to being a single parent, always on call as driver, carer and worrier.

Out of the blue, her husband has returned with a wish to spend the summer reconnecting with the kids. Angry at first and then hesitant about handing over her kids, Amy goes to stay with her old college friend Talia in New York who is editor of a fashion and lifestyle magazine. She's looking forward to spending some time on her own sleeping in and reading books but Talia decides Amy needs a makeover, an agenda of activities and some hot dates. Talia calls it the 'momspringa' (like the Amish rumspringa) and decides to feature it in the magazine as something all mothers need now and again. Reluctant at first but with encouragement from Talia, her best friend ex-nun Lena and Daniel, the hot librarian she befriends at a librarians convention, Amy soon finds that she is enjoying her new improved self and breaking out of the stasis she has been in for the past three years.

This was an engaging read with interesting characters who love talking about books and plays. Beware though, it may make you want to have a 'momspringa of your own!

With thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for a digital ARC to read

[Kristy Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quit reading this review and go read this book! It is laugh-out-loud hilarious and I still can't figure out how Harms can so seamlessly transition from writing a snarky but charming teenager to writing a full grown woman in the midst of her #momspringa (Don't know what that is? Well, GO READ THE BOOK.) in a matter of a page. I could not put this book down!! I'd give it 10 stars if I could!

[Theresa Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy was forced to be a single mother when her husband abandoned her and their two kids three years earlier. She cut back expenses, got a job as a school librarian, and survived without the help of any child support. When her husband abruptly shows up and wants to catch up with the kids over the summer, she agrees because she wants the children to have a good relationship with him even if she doesn’t.

Her old friend Talia lives in New York City and works at a fashion magazine, so Amy heads to New York to attend a librarian conference and hang out with Talia. Talia’s assistant Matt basically forces Amy to undergo a makeover. What I really liked was that Amy never thought her life would magically get better with a cool haircut and fashionable clothes. She likes herself as the simple book-reading mom that she is. She does discover, however, that she likes really good bras that fit properly.

A little romance plus agreeing to a little risk helps Amy grow emotionally over the summer to realize that time off from being a single mom who also works full time outside the home helps her be a better mother.

This book is a lot of fun.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look at me. I am a modern woman! I am Gloria Steinem and Helen Gurley Brown and the slutty one from Sex and the City all wrapped up in one.

A straitlaced librarian mother of two gets to experience the glamorous life when her AWOL husband returns to entertain the kids for a few weeks. Her momspringa turns into a voyage of self discovery, makes her a minor celebrity, and instills a sassy new attitude in our plucky heroine.

There's no doubt that the film rights have already been sold, and with a few tweeks, this could be the next Melissa McCarthy vehicle.

This is not the type of book I'd normally read, but I must admit I'm a sucker for tales of librarians gone wild. Though the writing is decent, and there's some great dialogue, it's really only a three-star read. However, I'm tacking on an extra twinkler as I think the author delivered exactly what was promised - an enjoyable, innocuous, rom-com romp.

[Lisa (NY) · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3+] This is my kind of romance! Fun and lighthearted with a relatable, witty heroine whose life has been all work since her husband's desertion. Her vacation is overdue! There are two believable kids, lots of book talk and a hot NYC librarian. Sure, some of the moments are too good to be true but that's what an escape is all about.

[Constantine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.0/5.0

Genre:
Contemporary + Humor

Amy Byler is a single mom. One day the husband who abandoned her and her two children (Cori & Joe) returns and wants to bond with his kids. So he offers to take care of the children for the summer. So this will be a great opportunity for Amy to find herself, discovers the world surrounding her and live a life she never had.

The story will be very appealing and inspiring for those moms who live their whole life 100% for their family and children. This story will show them that they also need to have the fun they deserve besides being responsible for their kids.

I think the story and the writing were just OK. Nothing special. I was expecting the self-discovery to be a lot deeper than what it was. I was expecting that this self-discovery would be beyond the gender of the character and also beyond being a mom. But it was not. It was more specific to that demographic category. The humor in the book did not click with me, I did not find it to be funny where it was supposed to be. I appreciate the references to some classic books though.

Available on Kindle Unlimited

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmmm ... would I want to be Amy Byler? Her #momspringa sounded amazing, and I have to admit that watching it play out on the page was a bit like vicariously living it - even if I'm far from a big city, out on the town, gimme that night life-type person. I think all of us moms can find something to relate to in Amy's life, whether our personal circumstances exactly mirror hers or not. Raising children is hard, and most of us know what it's like to put ourselves at the bottom of the list of priorities and forget to take care of ourselves as well as we should. Obviously the book isn't advocating that we all abandon our kids and go have happy jolly time with men we meet on vacation. I think the point is that we ladies need to remember to take care of ourselves, while ALSO loving and meeting the needs of our families. Amy Byler takes us through that journey in a way that is mostly light-hearted and humorous, with moments of confusion, bewilderment and sobriety punctuating throughout. It follows a pretty standard rom-com story arc, so those well versed in that type of book or movie should see most of the events of the book coming, though it took nothing away from my enjoyment of it. Ms. Harms actually did surprise me with an unexpected turn of events in one of the final chapters, so kudos to her for that. If you want a book that mixes a thoughtful message with a little escapist fun and humor, this is worth your time to read.

★★★★ Stars

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars. This was my second book from Amazon Prime first reads, and it's probably a good indication that I should stick to well vetted and recommended reads. While the author touches on realistic issues (marriage problems, abandonment, struggles with the demands of motherhood), many of the proposed solutions to said issues (casual sex, drinking, getting makeovers, being "free") seem shallow and unlikely to actually fill the real needs of connection and purpose. Additionally, despite being "in the trenches" of motherhood, the humor fell flat for me. I did enjoy the literary references.

[Gail C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In THE OVERDUE LIFE OF AMY BYLER by Kelly Harris, Amy has devoted all her life so far to the raising and care of her children. When they were nine and thirteen, her husband left, moving to Korea to get himself more emotionally stable and do what was right for him. Now, after three years he wants to come back and spend a week with the children he abandoned. He prefaces his proposal by apologizing for the hurt he’s caused and saying he wants to repair some of the damage.
When Amy first hears the idea, she is absolutely against the plan. How can she trust him to take care of them after three years of being a single parent? How can she forgive him for the strife she has endured for these three years? What will she do if she take time for only herself? Yet, as her husband shows every possibility for actually being able to manage a week of single parenting she is encouraged by her friends to take the time for herself.
Once she agrees, Amy finds herself in New York, going to a librarian’s conference and rooming with an old friend from her single days, Talia. Talia encourages her to get rid of her mom jeans, put on some clothes from the designer closet belonging to the magazine where Talia works, and spread her wings a little while in the city.
Amy agrees and is suddenly swept up in a whirlwind with Talia’s assistant, that he has dubbed her “momspringa”. She gets a complete makeover, experiences some fancy New York restaurants, and is reminded of the person she was before she became “A MOM”. She has a great time at the conference, sharing a new reading plan with other librarians and making new friends including a “hot librarian.”
As the week comes to an end, her husband and children petition her to give them the entire summer. He has shown himself capable of parenting, plus has offered them camp experiences that are “once in a lifetime” opportunities; diving camp for their teenage daughter and space camp for their almost tween son. With no concrete evidence that this will do irreparable harm to either of the children coupled with the pull of a summer filled with experiences she has denied herself for the past few years, Amy agrees. She is still reluctant to think of it as a momspringa, but she is agreeable to having a few more exciting adventures before she returns home to begin full-time parenting again.
The book, the experiences, Amy reactions were all fully satisfying. This is a book every mother could benefit from reading, even if it doesn’t lead to a full-blown momspringa for them. Even for those moms who have no need to reconnect with another part of themselves, if those moms exist, there is plenty of entertainment and encouragement here. In short, it’s one of the best books I’ve ever read, even though I’m well past the age of seeing it as a guide or challenge to my own life. If there’s nothing in the book for you personally, it’s one you will likely still enjoy just to read about Amy’s experiences.
My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. It’s a book I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a well-told tale and especially for anyone wanting to read about someone embarking on new experiences.

[Mindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Truly the worst book I read in 2019. Jesus Christ, everyone speaks in pseudo-intellectual monologues, the plot is shallow, and every character is one dimensional and awful. I hated this book so much, it took me what felt like years to get through it.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy Byler’s husband John went on a business trip to Hong Kong three years ago and he didn’t return. Now, she’s a busy single mum, Amy works at a school library, like most mothers she’s tired, doesn’t feel appreciated and she needs a decent night’s sleep. A guilty John finally contacts Amy, he’s back in Pennsylvania and he want’s to look after his two children for a week over summer break. At first Amy, Cori and Joe all are against the idea and after a lot of debate they decide to give John a second chance and to make up for some of the emotional pain he inflicted.

Amy has no idea what she’s going to do with a whole week on her own, her friend Lena encourages her to do something for herself, she decides to go to New York City, to a conference, and catch up with her friend Talia. Amy’s a sensible, responsible, working mother and she doesn’t care about fashion and being trendy! In New York she embraces change, she enjoys staying at the luxury hotel, going out, has a makeover and meets handsome Daniel Seong. When John want's to have the kids for the whole summer, Amy accepts and she’s caught up experiencing a whole new way of life.

Amy’s torn, she misses her kids, she’s also enjoying going out with Daniel and the summer is almost over. Before she has to choose, a crisis happens with one of her children, Amy's frantic with worry and she realizes what she needs to do. The Overdue Life of Amy Byler is a story about motherhood, how hard it can be, being single, embracing change, it will make you laugh and cry. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and four stars from me.

[Trish at Between My Lines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m spilling over with love for this book.

There is a very bookish theme, sparkling banter between the characters, including in-depth discussions on books. And there is food porn, there was so much food consumed that I was constantly hungry. And there was journaling. And a New York setting. And all the humour, literally laugh out loud moments.

And, and, and.

I could keep whispering sweet nothings about this book, but I rather you discover the joys of it yourself.

If you love books bursting with wit, and highlighting the power of female friendships, and the joy of finding yourself, then I highly recommend this gem of a book to you.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining and escapist summer read with a good message for mothers or any woman who feels she needs to be the ‘all’ for others at the expense of her own life.

[Yna from Books and Boybands · Rating 5 out of 5]

"And yes , it makes me crazy to think that my kids can go days— or maybe weeks—without me. If I’m not needed, if I’m not busy, if I’m not an overstretched, overwhelmed, underslept, underpaid single mother… What exactly am I?"

📖The Overdue Life of Amy Byler📖
🖋Kelly Harms

Much thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Kelly Harms for this complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and opinions are fully my own.

BUY THE BOOK : Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository


📚 Series: No
📚 Genre: General Fiction / Romance
📚 POV: First person.
📚 Cliffhanger: No.

⚠ Content Warnings: Cheating. Divorce. Accident/Surgery on a minor character.
⚠ Read if: you feel like you are underappreciated and need a break. Or, if you are looking for a light fun read.

Amy Byler is an overworked and underpaid single mom of two children (Cori, 15 and Joe, 12) whose (common law ex-)husband went to Hong Kong and disappeared for three years.

Out of nowhere, John (the ex husband) returns and wants to make amends with her and the kids. He offers to take care of them for the summer, and suddenly Amy is handed a whole lot of time in her hands.. and for the first time, nothing to do and no kids to think about.

School librarian Amy suddenly decided to go to New York for a library conference. Reuniting with her college friend also led her to be part a "momspringa". At the prospect of being alone, Amy now has time to think her life over and make decisions on her marriage. If life suddenly gives her the opportunity for a whole lot of change in mindset and new love prospect, then, hey, let her take it.

"Can forgiving him and enjoying time with him now actually make you feel better than holding a grudge against him for the rest of your lives? In other words, is punishing him what’s truly best for you?”

Amy Byler is so likeable and relatable and made me appreciate my mom even more. I was rooting for her all the while and felt very happy with how life turned out for her.

Her support system were lovable. We're here for girls supporting girls! The whole "momspringa" journey was so fun, it definitely felt like I was watching a movie!

Her love interest is swoonworthy and perfectly written for her. I was nervous at first but now extremely happy with what happend in the end.

I loved all the bits of literary references, too. The nerd in me was swimming in happiness!

This book, in its entirety, is very charming and so funny you might laugh out loud, but also a very thought provoking and heart warming read.

☁ THE CRITERIA ☁
🌻 Blurb:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Hero:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Heroine:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Character Development:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Romance:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Pacing:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Ending:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Page Turner:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

☁FINAL VERDICT: 4.63/5 ☁

[Renee Babcock · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not love this book. I didn't even like it, and almost came close to hating it. Despite really wanting to like it (and on paper, I could have). It's a light easy read, the kind of thing I often like. But I had so many problems with it, that I almost didn't finish it.

First the good: it's an easy read, I liked the voice of the teenage daughter (which is a first for me, I frequently find teenagers are annoying to read about). It had a good premise (single mom librarian needs a break and finds herself in NY for a summer and has a good time and rediscovers who she is as her own person), but the premise didn't quite deliver.

Everything else: man, some of the details are flat out wrong. For example, you cannot refinance a house on your own without your (not quite ex it turns out) husband signing off on all the paperwork. And this was mentioned more than once. Also, the way she finds out about the husband's girlfriend using his credit card, when the CC company calls *her* to verify charges - no, that's not how that works! Details matter. And when the author gets little details like that wrong, it takes me out of the story. (I am even more disappointed when I read that the author has been both an editor and agent, because I expect an editor to catch stuff like this and say nah.)

Amy is not only a martyr but the worst kind of doormat. I don't want to read over and over and over again about how she has no money because her well-off (not quite ex) husband ran off and left her on her own. I like that she's able to find her inner strength to deal with that situation, but okay, if he's not your ex husband, that money is also yours and she should have gotten her hands on it. I expect better from someone who after all reminds us she has a master's degree. Also, I get the feeling the writer never quite decides on Amy's age. Sometimes she sounds like a 20 something, sometimes like a grandmother. I figure she's in her late 30s/early 40s, but that never really comes across well. I also found the author's characterization of Amy as a librarian to be cliched. I work with librarians, and I know a lot of them. Most of them aren't the stereotypical introvert book nerds who can't talk to people that is Amy.

Use of flexthology and momspringa. Seriously, that last one, I was ready to throw my kindle against a wall if I saw that damned stupid word one more time (and I would rather like to keep my kindle intact). (The character even says she keeps saying it so it will sound less stupid, when in reality, it sounds more every time someone says it. Enough!)

I get this is supposed to be escapist fluff, and I am all for that. But so much of the story also felt contrived (last minute conference presentation that everyone thinks is the greatest thing they ever heard, great free apartment for 3 months in Brooklyn, well-off not quite ex husband giving her carte blanche with his credit card, free magazine makeover with a new wardrobe included, hot male librarian falling for her instantly, all the single handsome men in NY wanting to date her). The ending felt especially contrived, and there's a "surprise" near the end that just made me shake my head.

I honestly don't understand all the 4 and 5 star reviews of this. I think this book could have been so much more if it hadn't been such self-indulgent nonsense.