Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “The Overdue Life of Amy Byler” by Kelly Harms

Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “The Overdue Life of Amy Byler” by Kelly Harms, @Lake Union Publishing, May 1, 2019

Kelly Harms, Author of “The Overdue Life of Amy Byler” has written an entertaining, witty, delightful and engaging read. The Genres for this Novel is Fiction and Women’s Fiction. This story reminds me of the old Calgon commercial on television, where the wife/mother is having a difficult day, and says “Calgon Take Me Away”.  I do know as a mother, wife, teacher, sister, daughter, daughter-in-law, pet/s parent, there were times that I wish someone would gift me some time off to recharge!! I can easily relate to the main character!. The author describes her characters as complex, complicated, and “NORMAL”**** people that we can relate to. (Whatever normal is)***

Amy Byler is a hardworking librarian-teacher and single mother raising her two children. In her job, Amy is trying to create a system of leveled reading materials that meet the individual reader’s needs. Most of all, this would encourage children that need remediation or enrichment to want to read.  Amy and her children live in Rural Pennsylvania.

Amy’s  husband who had disappeared for several years resurfaces and wants to be part of his children’s lives. He offers Amy the chance to have some time off, so he can get to know his children. Amy goes is able to go to New York City for a reading conference, and re-visit her girlfriend. Amy gets to also enjoy the cultural benefits, and people in New York. Is Amy going to want to go back to Pennsylvania?

Amy is living life, but has some major decisions to make for herself and family. I appreciate that Kelly Harms discusses the importance of family, and friendship, taking care of oneself, having emotional support, and having the courage for change. I would recommend this thought-provoking  novel.