I was looking for a light fun read when the bookish cover on The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms caught my eye. And it was love at first page, as I giggled, snorted and nodded my head in empathy all the way through this gem of a book.

Published by Lake Union Publishing on May 1, 2019
Genres: Contemporary, Emotions & Feelings, Family Life
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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“A laugh-out-loud funny, pitch-perfect novel that will have readers rooting for this unlikely, relatable, and totally lovable heroine, The Overdue Life of Amy Byler is the ultimate escape—and will leave moms everywhere questioning whether it isn’t time for a #momspringa of their own.” —New York Journal of Books
Overworked and underappreciated, single mom Amy Byler needs a break. So when the guilt-ridden husband who abandoned her shows up and offers to take care of their kids for the summer, she accepts his offer and escapes rural Pennsylvania for New York City.
Usually grounded and mild mannered, Amy finally lets her hair down in the city that never sleeps. She discovers a life filled with culture, sophistication, and—with a little encouragement from her friends—a few blind dates. When one man in particular makes quick work of Amy’s heart, she risks losing herself completely in the unexpected escape, and as the summer comes to an end, Amy realizes too late that she must make an impossible decision: stay in this exciting new chapter of her life, or return to the life she left behind.
But before she can choose, a crisis forces the two worlds together, and Amy must stare down a future where she could lose both sides of herself, and every dream she’s ever nurtured, in the beat of a heart.
My thoughts on The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms
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.
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Rita @ View From the Books
Oh, you pulled me in with this review! The cover, the blurb, your feels… yes, I will definitely read it when I can. I must have missed it on NG, but will seek it out asap. Thanks for sharing this! I read the first book by this author years ago, recognized her name, but lost track of her. Great review!
trish
I’ve never read anything by Kelly before, but I really want to now.
Susan (Bloggin' 'bout Books)
I’ve been seeing this book everywhere! I’m glad it lives up to all the hype it’s been getting because it does sound super fun 🙂