Reviews

The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms

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jr2234's review

2.0

I went into this wanting an escapist and light read. This was that, but I would have preferred a few less eye rolls.

The story is convenient in a way that’s unbelievable; a lot of it felt contrived. I could give many examples, but when Amy wants to go to NYC and doesn’t think she can afford it, she randomly procures both a free NYC apartment and her wealthy ex-husband’s credit card. The story is full of events like these, which make the plot feel like it hasn’t been fully thought through.

I was disappointed in how women were written about and discussed. A lot of the interactions between women are shallow and vapid, surprising since the author is a woman herself. When Amy goes on a “#momspringa”, nearly all of her self-empowerment journey is focused around dating men or becoming more attractive to them. I wish her means to finding herself involved some level of self-reflection.

eshatto's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

erindoublee's review against another edition

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4.0

This book was what I needed at this time. I laughed out loud at moments. The story is predictable but I did not care! This book helped men remember I’m more than a momma.

sljackson519's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

4.0

shelleydavis's review against another edition

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4.0

This a cute, light read that moves very quickly. Perfect summer/beach read to help relax. I enjoyed the love story as well as the many book references - many which are some of my favorite books.

jess_mango's review against another edition

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4.0

Cute chick-lit about single mom Amy Byler. Amy has two tween/teen kids and works as a school librarian in Pennsylvania. Her husband walked out on the family 3 years earlier, moved to Singapore and took up with a younger woman. One day, Amy runs into her husband at the local drugstore and he asks if he can spend some time with the kids. Amy decides to take advantage of this and us the time to go to a librarian convention in NYC and then stay a little longer in the city to stay with an old friend who is now the editor of a women's magazine. Amy ends up on a #momspringa (mom equivalent of the Amish concept of a rumspringa) courtesy of her friend's magazine. She gets makeover, a new capsule wardrobe, spa treatments and more. She also starts exploring the idea of starting up a new relationship. Amy does suffer some mom guilt about being away from her kids but is also happy to see that they are thriving and enjoying their time with their father.

"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 and get more—more love, more friendship, more fulfillment—and still be a wonderful mom."

A fun story with a bookish-twist. This was a cute story...Chick-lit for the mom-aged ladies. ;) As for me, I'd be up for a brief momspringa but I'd be TERRIFIED of what state the house would be in when I came home. TERRIFIED!!