From the title to the premise and the #MOMSPRINGA (oh and that cover!) I was in right away! This is a book everyone should read. When you are left high and dry with kids and a mortgage, in NYC, and your estranged husband returns 3 years later from Hong Kong- well it can be told in the most hilarious way and Kelly Harms did just that. A relatable, fun read that is a one sitting book, because you won't want to put it down.
I loved that books, the love of books, the love of reading played a role in this story too!
Mom's are the unsung heroine's and we've all felt overdue for a little #momspringa! Such a brilliant and fun story.
This book is being gifted to a few moms I know!

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for my early review copy.

I am going to start off by saying that I loved this novel. I am a Mom, a bookworm, and also struggling to get my yOung teen reading (she loves the books when she starts, but geez the struggle to get her to sit down!)…and my life seems to be mostly be about my family. Until a few months ago, any time away was with at least one kid in tow.
Amy Byler has done heat she needs to keep her kids’ lives from changing too much after their father decided he wasn’t coming home from his business trip. Three years later, he realizes his mistake and comes back, asking for a week with their kids. Not knowing what to do with herself, she finds a conference relating to her job as a librarian (she may as well get her Continuing Education credits) and visit a friend she hasn’t seen. She packs her bags and her books, and heads to NYC. Things don’t go as she plans as she meets new people and battles her guilt of doing things just for her.
As she starts to find her way, there are moments that kept me laughing out loud and turning pages. Kelly Harms did a wonderful job at writing the internal struggles Amy faces. Surrounded by wonderful friends, both new and old, books, and fun situations, Harms delivers a novel that is so relatable that you will be pulling for Amy. When it comes down to it, will she choose her new life, go back to her old life, or find a way to meld the two into a new life that is way over due? It will have you asking: What will you do for your #momspringa? Whether it’s a few hours or a few days, everyone deserves the chance to take time for themselves. We just need to remember that!
#tallpoppywriters #bloomreads #momspringa #LakeUnionPublishers @KellyHarmsAuthor

Amy Byler is a Private School Librarian whose husband left her and their two kids three years ago. When he suddenly returns at the end of the school year, he offers to take the kids for the summer
so she can get a break and he can reconnect with the kids. Amy takes him up on the offer and goes to her friend Talia's in New York. What ensues is what every mother always dreams of, a Momspringa!
What is a Momspringa? You will just have to read this book to find out. I fully enjoyed this laugh out loud story and the great characters. It is about romance, family, and finding yourself again.
Thank you to Kelly Harms, Netgalley, and Lake Union Publishers for an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

I had so much fun reading this novel. It's a story about a middle aged mom, Amy, who has been raising her two children by herself after her husband, John, took off and left with no warning three years earlier. Now he's back and Amy Byler isn't so sure that's a good thing. He wants to reconnect with his kids and Amy isn't initially convinced about it but her kids, Cori and Joe, want a chance to be with their dad. Amy has a friend who lives in NYC and offers Amy a place to stay. It's also an opportunity for Amy to present a reading program she's developed to a convention of teachers. She decides to accept and her #momspringa begins.
I love the character of Amy and her quirky and hilarious wit. The situations and different circumstances she finds herself in made me LOL at times. I enjoyed going on this summer "retreat" with Amy and experiencing the ups and downs she found herself in. This is a great story of a woman finding herself again and starting over after her first husband leaves her. It's a process of trying to figure out what's right for her and her children. The emails in between chapters from Cori to Amy were a hoot! They made me laugh, too. I loved them.
I think this book connects with me because I, too, am a mom. There are times when we all need time away and just "me" time. My girls are grown but I sure could relate to wanting a break now and then. This story makes it ok to do that. Moms shouldn't feel guilty about taking some time to enjoy themselves.
I want to thank Netgalley, Lake Union and Kelly Harms for this entertaining and fun read in exchange for my honest review! GREAT BOOK!

Amy is a single mom and not by choice. Her husband left her and her two young children three years ago. She had to learn to cope. She got a job, she refinanced her house, she even got food assistance. So, to say she is stressed is an understatement. Then she sees her “runaway” husband in the drug store. Yep! You guessed it. He wants to visit the kids. After much debate Amy agrees to let John keep the kids for a week. Amy runs off to NYC! Then the fun begins.

I adored Amy! She has had so many obligations and she has carried such weight on her shoulders that she has put herself on the back burner. When she gets to NYC she has a hard time letting go. With the help of her friends Talia and Lena (Lena is a nun!), Amy realizes she can be something other than a librarian and a Mom! Her transformation just made my day! I wanted her to succeed on so many levels and boy did she ever!

Y’all! This book is super! It hit me at the perfect time and was exactly what I needed to read! There were places I laughed out loud and places I wanted to cry and scream. Add in the literary references, book nerds and the Litsy app and I am head over heels in love with this book.

I absolutely loved this book!! Amy's husband shows up after having left three years ago and she is presented with the opportunity to have time to herself while he takes the kids for the summer. She goes on a #momspringa, so named by her friend Talia who runs a magazine. What's a momspringa you ask? Well it is a vacation to find yourself again. Amy Byler takes us on a hilarious journey to New York city. This book is full of snarky comments and is laugh out loud funny. The characters are so realistic that I felt like they were my friends. It explores what we, as women, need. Sometimes that is a break from our day to day lives. I want a momspringa! Great flow throughout with incredible dialogue, this is a book that needs to be read. An absolutely amazing book that will leave you laughing. Go grab it now! Uplifting and full of love this book will knock your socks off! Thank you Kelly Harms for one of the best books I have ever read! 10 stars!!
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I LOVED this book! Every mom, single or married, is going to relate to this one. I certainly did. Who wouldn't want a week (or more) away from kids, husband/partner, and just from having to be responsible and in charge of EVERYTHING and EVERYONE?! I want to experience a "momspringa" in New York City, actually anywhere, like Amy Byler did. What an amazing experience and much-needed break for Amy after taking care of her kids and home by herself for three years after her husband left her to go work overseas because he couldn't handle life with a wife and two kids. Yeah. So he comes back, wanting to make amends and become a part of the kids' lives again, which gives Amy, relunctantly, the chance to get away for a week while loser husband spends time with the kids. Her time in NYC is quite the adventure, meeting a hot librarian, getting a makeover courtesy of her friend Talia and her assistant Matt, and just having the time of her life. I wanted to be Amy!

This was such a fun, laugh-out-loud book that I really am glad to have read. I needed a book like this right now. The writing is excellent, and I absolutely adored these characters (okay, except for loser husband. Ha!). I cannot believe I haven't read more of Kelly Harms' books but that is going to change! The Overdue Life of Amy Byler is one that shouldn't be missed.

I received a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Absolutely a fun book to read! Every mom needs a momspringna! There where a few twist of sadness that I did not see comging, but then isn't that life? This story is rich with attitude and characters to love! Great for a summer read that will give mom clubs great topics for discussion!

3.5 Stars for The Overdue Life of Amy Byler!

Harms' novel was all things fun, real, sassy and entertaining. You might think you've heard the story of an exhausted single mom trying to reclaim herself on a #momspringa, but Harms puts a spin on her version that sets this one apart. Making our protagonist a school librarian who wants to introduce her students to more books immediately warmed me to Amy and her Flexthology program (pick up the book to learn more about that!). What really set this one apart for me was Amy's daughter Cori. Each chapter started with a journal entry to Amy from Cori in the sassiest voice possible - which endeared me and made me laugh out loud!

As a single woman, it's sometimes hard for me to relate to the worn out mother but I still enjoyed this book nonetheless! I think this one will resonate with many moms and I would definitely recommend!

Thank you to Lake Union for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Such a relatable story of a hardworking mom who gets the chance to have a week off in New York. She is also working through the sudden reappearance of her husband John after three years.

There was so much to love about this book: Amy is a librarian and she develops a whole new learning method, she loves her children unreservedly, she has a great circle of friends.

As her husband tries to make amends with their children, Amy alternates between being grateful and angry that he’s trying so hard with them, but not her.

As a week turns into two months, Amy is given a real break from her life. She gets some perspective on herself and her identity besides being a mom. She has some fun with a makeover and dating as part of a magazine feature on #momspringa - the ultimate dream week of pampering and relaxation.

One of my favorite parts was the letters to Amy from her daughter Cori. While her mom was away, Cori would write in a journal and give her thoughts on her dad being back, dating, and her plans for her future.

Something happens in the last 1/4 of the book that was shocking and brings Amy home. I loved how everyone rallied around Amy. This was a wonderful and funny title which will make you think.

I will say immediately that I absolutely adored The Overdue Life of Amy Byler. Not only is Amy relatable to every woman who does nothing for herself and everything for everyone else, the “momspringa” made me LAUGH. OUT. LOUD. Coming from Ohio and living in PA, I am no stranger to the Amish Rumspringa tradition. So reading the mom version word the very first time made me choke on my tea. I thought, this is genius.

Then there were so many areas I needed to highlight. Kelly Harms nails womanhood, and motherhood, above all else. There’s one passage (no spoiler, don’t worry) where she writes, “But it’s hard – looking ahead, seeing their mistakes coming, and then, unless they are in mortal danger, holding their hands as they make them anyway” in regards to letting your children grow up. Is that a good line or what? That was a beeline straight for my mom heart I tell ya. Harms writes the kids well with their personalities, especially the daughter Cori. She is smart with gumption. If she were real, she’d be a daughter to be proud of and reminded me of my own in a few years. And did I mention Amy is a librarian and booknerd?? I would like to be her friend, please.

Amy Byler’s life is long overdue and she deserves this time for herself. Laugh out loud funny, heart warmingly charming, with a sassy teenager to boot, The Overdue Life of Amy Byler is a fantastic read. Highly recommend

I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

Although my kids are now grown and out of the house, I can remember those hectic days of trying to balance work and raising kids. There were so many days that I would just roll my eyes and say, "Calgon, take me away!" MOMSPRINGA?! That's brilliant! The Overdue Life of Amy Byler is a story that I think all mothers can relate to, whether they are married or single. I think at some point, we have all wished we could just get away from the day to day of raising kids and find that person we used to be. I enjoyed reading Amy's adventures in finding some "me" time and discovering herself once again.

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.

A love story to moms, books, readers & librarians....

Moms-get this book, and have a “mini-momspringa “ of your own!
What mom (and many dads) hasn’t dreamt of taking a break?! Because we live in the real world, who can really take a week/month/summer off? But even a little time with a book can be enough to recharge your batteries
This book is heartwarming, full of funny quotes, and should be read by almost every mom at some point-to remind you that it’s ok to take a break, it DOESN’T make you a bad parent. It makes you HUMAN! No, you may not be able to spend months in New York City like Amy Byler...but you can take 5 with this good book!

Three years ago, Amy's husband left her and their two kids. He left her with a big house, a large mortgage and no money coming in. She got a job and re-negotiated the mortgage but most important she created a strong family structure for her and her two children - teenager Cori and nerdy son Joe.
Oh sure, she got some sarcastic remarks from her daughter but she was a teenager so Amy handled it as needed. Then out of the blue, with no warning, her ex-husband shows up. He is full of guilt and realizes that he handled things wrong and he wants to spend time with his kids and develop a relationship with them. After lots of NOs, Amy breaks down and decides that she needs a vacation from being a full time mom. She goes to NYC and starts to create her life as a single woman with no children. She gets herself into some hilarious situations when she starts to date again and even when she is depressed, she is still funny. A huge tragedy sends her back home again and she has to decide which life she wants to choose -- or is there a way that she can have the best of both lives?

Amy spends her days like a lot of mothers - especially single mothers - taking care of everyone else and not worrying about themselves. When she has the opportunity to spend the summer by herself, she immediately says no because being a mom how she identifies herself. Once she saw what life was like in NYC, she decided that it was time to take care of herself. I sure can't blame her - we've all had those days that getting away from our current lives and disappearing into a new life would be a fantastic change.

Even though there are some serious issues in this book - it's a charming book with laugh out loud moments. You'll find yourself rooting for Amy throughout the book.

I laughed, I cried, I avoided doing some cleaning - all in all this book is a win. Amy Byler has been a single working mom since her husband left her and her two children 3 years ago. Imagine her surprise when he comes back filled with regret and wants to be part of their lives again. After much coercing Amy decides to give him a chance to reconnect with the kids while she goes to a conference in New York that turns into a full on "momspringa". Don't know what a "momspringa" is? Read the book - you'll want to go on one of your very own. This book is for any mom that has wanted to get away from it all for a few days. So really...it's for any mom.

LOL'd: Yes!
Ugly Cry Potential: Medium (you might be able to get away with this one in public if you don't mind a few sideways glances)
Unputdownable-ness: Medium-high
Perfect for: Any mom
Read this if you enjoyed: "I'm Fine and Neither are You" by Camille Pagan

Thank you to Kelly Harms and the #tallpoppywriters for letting me read an advance copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

This book was just fun. A wonderful story of a mother, still stung from the abandonment by her husband, and struggling to keep her young family together. When he returns to try and reconnect with his children, he gives Amy the time to attend a conference in NYC and spend time with her college roommate. That’s where she meets the “Sexy Librarian “.
Kelly Harms is a wonderful storyteller with likable characters and the humor and emotions of a page turner. A great beach read!
I really liked this book and thank Net Galley and Ballantine Books for the ARC in return for my honest review.

#Tall Poppy Reviewer

Kelly Harms is one of my favorite writers and once again she does not disappoint! This book tells the story of Amy who has been left by her husband to raise her two children alone for 3 years. Once her husband comes back into the picture again, Amy realizes she still has a life she needs to live.

This book is such a testament to the power of good female friends. Amy's friends encourage her to go out and rediscover herself again now that she doesn't have to be a full time mom for the summer. They give her good, honest and funny advice on how to put herself out into the world again.

Ms. Harms really touches on how being a mom is tied to our identities. She beautifully captures all the love, decision making and guilt that is involved. I loved seeing Amy come into her own as a woman, educator and love interest.

# Momspringa
Amy’s husband disappeared 3 years ago. He decided he needed a break. Amy has managed to keep the house afloat , raise 2 terrific kids, keep them in private school and take all responsibility and never have any time for herself.
Her husband suddenly is back and wants to be a good father and reconnect with her kids . He also claims Amy is “ stuck”
Hoping to help him have any relationship with his kids... she agrees to let him have them for a week.
She reaches out to an old college friend in NYC, thus starting her Momspringa ! A makeover for body, mind and life. I enjoyed this book, it was well written with relatable characters and many laughs along the way.
What would you do with a Momspringa ?

This book! Buy this book! Seriously. This book was so uplifting, joyous and plain old fun! I laughed at so many things and was so excited for overwhelmed single mom Amy as she explored her life and #Rumspringa in NYC.

I can't begin to tell you how good this was, you really have to find out for yourself. This book has everything and will leave you happy you read it. What more could you want?

Thank you very much to Netgalley, the author and publisher for approving my request for an ARC! All thoughts in this review are my own and freely given.