Review of the book: Wow! I have so many feelings about this book. It’s been a loooong time since I have read a book that I didn’t want to put down. But I read this on a beach vacation, and I didn’t want to stop reading to get in the ocean…and that’s saying a lot! I love that this has a rom-com feel but not being completely romance centered. It had me from the first page. It reminded me so much of a Katherine Center book but not so focused on the romance. If I act like the character Kelsey for a moment and cast the characters….which I normally do in my reading anyway….i see Helen Murin as Georgina and Bethany Joy Lenz as Kelsey. I’m at a loss for words, honestly. Just read it. I’ll be recommending this one for a loooong time!

Review of the narration: I couldn’t take it. The narrators pulled me completely out of the story. They were a little too robotic for me and I just didn’t connect with either of their voices. Thankfully I had the book and had already started it, so I quickly went back to reading the book.

Rating of the book 5⭐️
Rating of the audio: 2⭐️
Upgrading the rating average to 4⭐️ because I can’t give the book less than that!!!

What a fun story of love, family, and friendship! This felt like a very heartwarming and cozy read. There were a few vibes that I struggled with here particularly the separation/family dynamic. I get she was "choosing" her career over her son, and that needed for the story, but the fact her husband moved her son hours away from her, yet she was the bad guy for not making it to every sporting event. Just some weird vibes.

Loved it! Was such a fun listen and is a book I would recommend. It was a bit different than the authors other books, a bit more plot driven than romance- but a great beach read.

Thank you NetGalley, and Thomas Nelson Fiction, for a copy in return for my honest review.

✨BOOK REVIEW✨

Looking for a feel-good summer story??? Look no further because Courtney Walsh has got you COVERED🤩

I’ve been a long-time fan of Courtney’s work, and this sweet inspiring story reminded me exactly why💕 This story left me with a renewed sense of vitality and a desire to make the most of EACH and EVERY day that the Lord grants me on this Earth🙏🏻

Georgina and Kelsey were such an unlikely pairing—they couldn’t be more different from each other upon first glance! Georgina was a high-powered, fierce “girlboss” businesswoman, and Kelsey was a timid, low-level junior editor. However, through this story, these two ladies learned that they were much more similar than they initially seemed—they both shared a deep-seated fear of truly LIVING!! They both let their fears of taking chances and making mistakes rob them of all of the JOY and GOODNESS that can come from going out of your comfort zone!! Together, Kelsey and Georgina embarked on a hope-filled journey together by saying “YES” to things they normally feared…and it was absolutely HEART-WARMING🥰

Although the central focus of the story was on Kelsey & Georgina, the two romance stories woven within the story were sooooo SWEET!!!!! If you’re looking for women’s fiction with light romance and strong inspirational themes, definitely pick this one up😍

🚨TW: a main character has a life-threatening medical condition (DM for more info)
🚨CW: no language & just kisses!

#closeddoorromance #cleanromance #nospice #lowspicebooks #romancebooks #bookrecommendations #sayyes #thesummerofyes #courtneywalsh

The Summer of Yes ☀️✅
By: Courtney Walsh
Story: ✨ ✨ 1.5/5
Narration: 🎧 🎧 2/5

I’d like to thank HarperCollins Christian Publishing for an early e-arc of The Summer of Yes.

Kelsey Worthington was living her worst nightmare. This is not how her life was supposed to go. Especially the part about ending up in the hospital following a coffee run for her boss. Meanwhile, Georgina Tate’s life couldn’t be better. Well, that’s what people think. She’s currently receiving dialysis that no one seems to know about. After Kelsey and Georgina meet in the most unlikely of places, Kelsey decides her life needs a big change. And who better to show her than the infamous boss-lady, Georgina? Find out how a coincidental meeting ends in a promised friendship in The Summer of Yes.

Unfortunately, this one went on my DNF list. As someone who loves a “feel good” read, especially in the summer, I found myself not excited to continue listening. The narration felt a bit sleepy, even after increasing the speed. The overall synopsis of this story excited me, but the further in I was - the less interested I became.

Courtney Nash’s Summer of Yes is a refreshing, feel-good novel that combines self-discovery, personal growth, and the magic of embracing the unexpected. With a unique twist on the “summer of transformation” trope, this book explores what happens when you step out of your comfort zone and say yes to life’s possibilities—no matter how scary they seem at first.

The story follows Kelsey Worthington, a young woman who seems to be stuck in a cycle of self-doubt and routine. She’s doing the “safe” thing—working for a boss who doesn’t appreciate her, and putting her own dreams of writing on the back burner. Her life takes a sudden, dramatic turn when, after a freak accident involving a car, she wakes up in the hospital next to Georgina Tate—a well-known New York businesswoman whose tough-as-nails persona has made her a legend in the corporate world.

Despite their stark differences—Kelsey is a dreamy, aspiring writer, and Georgina is a powerhouse who has built her career through grit and determination—there’s an undeniable connection between the two. Georgina’s health is failing, and she starts to realize that the relentless pursuit of success has cost her many personal joys. She and Kelsey come up with a bold plan: a Summer of Yes—a challenge for them both to say yes to things they’ve always avoided, whether it’s stepping out of their comfort zones or confronting personal regrets.

What follows is a journey of self-discovery and adventure. Together, Kelsey and Georgina explore new things: eating street food, swimming in the ocean, and navigating a bit of matchmaking for Georgina’s handsome son. Kelsey also begins writing her own romance, not just in her stories, but in her real life as she navigates a growing connection with Georgina’s son.

The magic of Summer of Yes lies in the relationship between Kelsey and Georgina. At first, the two women seem like polar opposites, but through the summer’s journey, they learn from one another and challenge each other to break free from their own limitations. Kelsey’s transformation, in particular, is moving—watching her build the courage to follow her dreams and trust in her own voice is inspiring. Her character feels like a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to say yes to who you really want to be.

Georgina, while seemingly tough and driven, also faces her own vulnerability, and her story is one of redemption and second chances. The way the novel explores her regrets and her desire to make amends offers a layer of emotional depth that makes the book more than just a lighthearted summer read.

The setting, with its mix of city and beach vibes, is the perfect backdrop for their adventure. Nash’s writing brings this setting to life—both the bustle of New York City and the peace of the ocean are rich in detail and help underscore the characters’ emotional journeys.

There’s also a romance brewing on the sidelines, with Kelsey’s evolving feelings for Georgina’s son adding a sweet layer of complexity. However, the romance isn’t the central focus of the story; rather, the book is about Kelsey finding her own strength and embracing the possibilities life has to offer, both professionally and personally.

Nash’s tone is warm, engaging, and empowering, with the perfect balance of humor and emotional depth. It’s a feel-good read, but one that also gives you something to think about—how often we close ourselves off from new experiences out of fear or uncertainty, and how life can change when we simply choose to say yes.

Final Thoughts: Summer of Yes is a heartfelt and empowering novel about stepping into the unknown, facing your fears, and discovering what happens when you give life a chance to surprise you. With its lovable characters, charming setting, and meaningful themes, this book is a perfect read for anyone in need of a reminder that life’s greatest moments often come from embracing the unexpected. Whether you're a fan of self-discovery tales or summer adventures, Summer of Yes will leave you feeling inspired to take a leap and say yes to what comes next.

Courtney Walsh is an amazing writer and her books are always a treat. I think this one is my top favorite of hers so far and she has top tier narrators.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. I'm sorry, but these two women were so annoying. I could not stand them! DNF

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins for the advanced audio copy of The Summer of Yes! Courtney Walsh is one of my favorite clean romance authors - I love her books! The Summer of Yes was an absolute win for me. The relationship between Kelsey and Georgina was so sweet and I loved the message behind this summer. I recommend!

We hit the road in our Winnebago yesterday, and I couldn't have picked a better audiobook for the trip. This inspiring new release is the perfect blend of heart, humor, and a touch of introspection. Early on, Kelsey’s mom introduces the idea of “disruptors”—those unexpected moments in life that shake things up for good. And in this story, both Kelsey and Georgina become disruptors in each other’s lives, sparking change in ways they never anticipated. It got me thinking: is there a disruptor you’ve been resisting in your own life?

Kelsey is 32, focused on her career as an editor, and has been saying "No" to life, missing out on meaningful experiences. But after a car accident lands her in the hospital, she finds herself sharing a room with none other than Georgina Tate, a famous cosmetic mogul. What follows is a wild, exhilarating road trip—think Thelma and Louise, but with a much lighter, funnier vibe (and no tragic ending). The adventure is about more than just the journey; it's about embracing life, taking risks, and saying "Yes" to the unknown.

Courtney Walsh beautifully crafts this story from both characters' perspectives, and the audiobook elevates it even more. Narrated by Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas, the voices are absolutely perfect. Eby’s delivery of Kelsey’s introspective moments and Colas’s portrayal of Georgina’s bold confidence make each character come alive in their own unique way. The back-and-forth between the two narrators adds a dynamic layer to the storytelling, making it an immersive experience that’s perfect for a road trip.

Planning a getaway this summer? Make sure to take this audiobook with you—it’s the kind of story that will have you laughing, reflecting, and maybe even saying "Yes" to something new yourself.

I loved this book. It was cute and had so many feel good moments. Georgina is a successful grumpy older woman who has shut out so many of the people in her inner circle to achieve the level of success she has. She is now left with failing kidneys with not much time left to live. Kelsey is a young, overworked junior editor in NYC who lands in the hospital after getting hit by a car. The two women meet by being in the same hospital room and their relationship grows from there. Kelsey realizes the life she’s been living of saying “no” to things isn’t the one she wants to live and decides to live a summer of “yes”. She ropes Georgina into her plans, which at first Georgina wants to take no part in. However the two women start to grow closer as Kelsey peels back the layers of Georgina and helps Georgina to realize what truly is important in life - the husband and son she abandoned years prior for her career. This book is a reminder to keep the ones you love close to you and not to take life for granted.

While I enjoyed reading the Summer of Yes at the end, I really had to push through the beginning as it was just really slow to me. There were moments where I thought it would pick up, only to be disappointed. I would say that this dragged on a bit long, but I was happy I pushed through in the end. The plot was ok, though I did enjoy the split pov. It was a decent book but forgetable.

I received a copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Once again I had both versions of this book on hand but this review is of the audio version.

I liked having two distinct narrators with different styles and probably ages to distinguish between the two ladies in the book. Kelsey has an accident which has her admitted in hospital. This is a turning point in her life when the reader (and Kelsey herself) sees how she deals with the downtime and the repercussions of the same. I felt like this first section was laying the foundation for a different tone than the actual rest of the book.

Kelsey shares a hospital room with Georgina Tate, someone she has looked up to and admired from afar. This chance encounter has Kelsey delving into things that are not exactly her business. The summer of yes is a way for Kelsey to get some joy into Ms Tate’s life and maybe learn something along the way.

I liked the reality checks that sometimes came up as the tale progressed. It may or may not have an impact on the direction of the story itself but they do appear. It is a tale with good characters and a story ARC that makes sense. I liked the writing and narrative style. I just felt like the book lost some steam in between. The author’s note at the end did add a little extra dimension to the overall tone as well.

I would recommend this book to fans of the genre and would definitely try another book by the author.

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own listening experience.

The summer of yes was an absolute precious read! I adore a book with a dynamic between two people from very different generations. It inspired me to go into the new year saying yes to more things :)

After a near death experience Kelsey decides that this summer is the summer of yes. While in the hospital she meets an older woman who is business successful but lacks the success in her personal life. She decides to help her reunite with her family and in the process falls for the son. Will she be successful or will her project fall short? I loved this book it was so positive plus the romance was a bonus.

This was such a fun read! The perfect summer beach read!! Not really a romance in my opinion but perfect for those that love a character driven story.

4.75 stars!
This book was such a fun read that also makes you contemplate what matters most in life. The two parallel storylines complemented one another so well. The only reason it was not a perfect 5-star read was because the author didn't really tell us what Georgina decided to do with her company at the end. I was half expecting her to give the company to Kelsey during her acceptance speech, but that did not happen. She also did not give the company to her assistance JP. I assume she didn't name a successor then and is continuing to run the company remotely while she lives with her husband?

Thank you to netgalley for giving me a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Full transparency- I do plan on being a little bit self editing when writing this review, because I made the mistake of picking up two books with a similar premise of "something happens to the main character and they feel that they got a second chance at life and need to re-examine who they are spending there precious time on this earth" pretty much back to back. This wasn't on purpose and I regretted that this happened almost immediately but it is what it is so I am going to do my best to disregard any negative feelings I had due to my mistake.
This book is a bit heavy handed with its messaging and that did impact my overall enjoyment but I also think that is its biggest weakness. I actually think that in spite of that, the character development and the complicated relationships are expressed very well. I do wish that there was more clarity on the feelings of the husband that left. I don't think I really bought how easily persuaded and how easy he was to forgive and forget. Overall, the plot progresses at a good pace and I think the dual POV served the plot progression well.
As for the audiobook, I think both narrators did a great job though I do think the older woman's narration was just a bit better.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eGalley of this audiobook in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was a sweet, heart-warming, and relatable novel that really thrived on its dual narrators who gave mirroring, fun perspectives from start to finish.

I found myself having a lot of empathy and understanding for Kelsey, while heartbroken at the condition of Georgina and her long life made successful only by pushing loved ones away. While it's a fiction novel with plenty of humor and romance to boot, it has a lot of important "life lessons" related to the work-focused mindset of so many people, as well as the unbreakable bond of family.

I enjoyed this novel and found it was a breeze to listen to! Would consider reading more by Courtney Walsh in the future. Narrators Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas were also great in this work.

Massive thanks to Courtney and Netgalley! I listened to this via audiobook!

What to generally expect:
⭐ Grieving + Guilt
⭐ Forgiveness + Friendship
⭐ A story of love weaved through
⭐ An overarching story of two people who are strangers who become friends after a hospital stay

Thoughts:
First a lot of reviews had this coming in with a slow start. I can agree that if this had been in text form for me it may have been a struggle to keep at it BUT the audiobook does this way more justice! I adored the story of Kelsey + Georgina! The bold, unforgiving honesty that Kelsey shares with Georgina really sparks a fire to come to terms with her past. To see her son, to mend fences, and to enjoy the life she has. Something I think so many of us can relate to these days. It's also a kick in the pants for Kelsey who now is viewing life a shade different than before her accident. Remembering to find the joy in the NOW is a big component of the story. Enjoying the moments and creating memories without a phone in hand or the busyness of the world to overwhelm and smother the joy we can have.

This journey is similar for the two as they spark an unexpected friendship, heal old wounds and believe in themselves both together and individually. I really enjoyed that this was a story not just about love and friendship but about the depths hard days can have but the healing that comes with it. It's a raw and uplifting story one I really enjoyed on audiobook! Shout out to both Tanya Ebi and Cathi Colas for the narration of this story! You were positively perfect and lovely voicing this story!


Synopsis:
A near-death experience catapults workaholic junior editor Kelsey Worthington into changing her life--one yes at a time.

Kelsey Worthington always dreamed of being a writer, but she's settled into a routine of helping other people tell their stories in her job as a junior editor. She doesn't go outside of her comfort zone. Her relationships are safe. Her job is secure. Her existence is stable. And she's great with that.

And then, the accident.

While she's in the hospital overnight, she meets an older woman named Georgina Tate--a glass-ceiling-shattering, wildly successful businesswoman. Georgina sacrificed everything to become the woman she is today, but now, with a pair of failing kidneys and only a handful of months left to live, Georgina is forced to come face-to-face with her regrets. Kelsey is forced to reckon with her own list of "things I'll do someday," and she starts to ask a simple but life-changing What if I said yes to all the things I normally say no to? And The Yes Plan is born.

It takes some convincing, but Georgina finally agrees to go along with Kelsey on her Summer of Yes adventures. The two of them set off to see what might be out there waiting for them if they simply open themselves up to it. Together, they say yes to whatever comes their way--a whole day being tourists in their own New York City, dinner with strangers, a convertible that is far from practical but so much fun. But when Kelsey springs a surprise visit to Georgina's son Hayden and Georgina's ex-husband (who is not so much of an ex), the older woman is less than thrilled. But this is where the true journey begins.

Two stories of love, forgiveness, regret, romance, and finding a way to live a fearless life intertwine as these two women make an indelible impression on each other. And it all starts with a simple "yes."