The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms Published by Center Point Large Print on February 1, 2020
Genres: Fiction / Family Life / Marriage & Divorce, Fiction / Humorous / General, Fiction / Women
Pages: 500
Format: Audiobook
Source: Audible
"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"--Provided by publisher.
My Review
I really enjoyed The Overdue Life of Amy Byler. I listened to it on Audible and I loved the way the narrator Amy McFadden voiced the different characters it really kept me engaged. This was a definite 5-star read for me.
This story follows Amy Byler a single mom of two children. Her husband walked out on her and their kids three years ago and said he was never coming back until one day he does. Amy runs into her ex-husband in town while she is running errands. He claims that he has made a terrible mistake and wants to get back into their lives.
Through this story we watch Amy navigate her way back to the woman she used to be. The woman who used to live in the city and go out with friends regularly. The woman who used to be fun and cared about how she looked. The woman Amy was before becoming a single overworked mom of two.
Amy is not the only story that we follow however in this book. We get a good look at her daughter through journal entries that are written to Amy. The daughter talks about her life as a teenager, a big sister, a swimmer, a friend, and a girlfriend. I really enjoyed reading what the daughter had to say and how she said it.
We also hear from Amy’s son about his interests in technology and space. He does not share the same interests and hobbies as his sister and his temperament is vastly different. I got the feeling that he was more of an old soul in this story. I enjoyed reading about him and watching how he interacted with his family.
So really I guess the question is do you want to know what happens with Amy and her Ex? Do you want to get to know some of Amy’s friends like the well-known magazine owner or the ex-nun? I have to say that I very much loved this story. For me, it ticked all the boxes when it came to a great read. It was a very well-rounded romance in my opinion with a Hallmark-like feel to it. I would totally recommend this book, especially the audio version.