A review by bookswithbec
The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms

adventurous emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

"Sometimes a book about other people's problems is way better than your own." 

Amy Byler has been a stay-at-home-mom since the arrival of her oldest daughter.  Left all alone with her two children, Amy's husband "disappears" for 3 years after he left for just a small business trip.  Learning how to pick herself up and making a stable home for her children is her first priority.  Will she ever be able to move past the pain and hurt she has felt since her husband left? 

As a school librarian, Amy is working on a new pet program that will help reluctant readers become more fluent in reading.  When her husband reappears, hesitantly she jumps at the opportunity to present this program at a librarian conference in NYC.  Amy is excited to see what she can find on her alone trip to the big apple.  

This book is exactly what I have been looking for as a refreshing read.  Amy is a lovable character that is easy to commiserate with.  The literary references, alone, give the readers a great chuckle.  

"When you take positive steps in your life, the universe rewards you by making your path forward easier." 

"Paper and ink only have so much time left."