This book was so amazing! I loved reading this so much and I really want to buy the physical copy. They was it made me want to say yes to life more is so inspiring. I know that we waste a lot of time sticking to our comfort zone and this book was full of adventures and so many amazing quotes! I loved to see the character development and the 2 love stories in there were just so amazing! I will definitely be recommending and rereading this book!

I know that Courtney Walsh will always deliver a heartfelt story with characters that you can’t help but fall in love with and root for.

The Summer of Yes filled all of those expectations for me. It had a seize the day attitude with a lot of life lessons about living the life that sets your passions on fire.

There is romance, but it is strictly closed door.

The narration was perfection as well.

A huge thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins Christian Publishing for my gifted audiobook!

The Summer of Yes is just as it sounds, a summer spent saying yes to all the things that one would normally say no to. When Kelsey wakes up in a hospital room two days after being hit by a car she realizes this is not how her life was suppose to turn out. Her hospital roomie, Georgina Tate, is outspoken and crass, and her kidney's are failing. Kelsey feels a pull to this elderly business woman and the two of them take a road trip and the summer of yes begins.

☀️ As always, Courtney Walsh knows how to write something that hits your heart and gives you all the feels! Her writing is just so consistent and you always know what to expect.

☀️ I have a very big soft spot for age gap female friendships. Here we have Kelsey who is young and figuring out her life and Georgina, who has lived a life, is full of wisdom, and yet teaches us that we are never too old to change and learn new things. I loved this dynamic!

☀️ Of course, there was the romance 🥰. Hayden is super dreamy and straight to the point and is just what Kelsey needs in her life. And Dylan, welp, what can I say about a man who stays married and faithful to a woman he hasn’t spoken to in over a decade? Totally swoon-worthy!

☀️ But romance really took a backseat in this one. At the heart, this story is about living life to the fullest, learning to forgive, not only each other but yourself as well. It’s about knowing your own worth and how to walk in a room and own it. It’s growing up and staying young simultaneously.

🎧 While I enjoyed the audiobook, I did struggle to find the right speed. I felt no matter what I chose, it was a little robotic. But I also couldn’t go over 2x lol. The voice of Georgina was great and aged perfection.

💭 Favorite quote: “It’s a wild and precious life, Kelsey, if you have something that sets your soul on fire, you have a responsibility to chase that thing.”

Read if you like:
☀️ Second chances
☀️ Closed door romances
☀️ Road trips in a convertible
☀️ Light & happy reads

This book started off slow, but turned out to be a light-hearted journey about friendship, taking chances, and saying YES. I did like the two perspective from two women in very different points in their lives and careers.

I loved the dual narration, to really infuse the feel of the two different aged women into the story. The narrator for Kelsey sounded a little too robotic for my liking, but I felt the narrator for Georgina was well cast.

Thank you to HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

A light, refreshing summer read! Picture an accident that changes the course of your life - and not in a horrible way. Add in some long lost family, taking a chance on yourself, and finding just who you really are meant to be and you’ll have yourself a great read. This is my first Courtney Walsh book, but it won’t be my last! Thanks to NetGalley for the read! I loved both narrators!

3.5 stars.

It was a little slow to start and I didn’t feel like I connected immediately with both the female characters. But overall, the message about friendship, pursuing your dreams and not being afraid to go after your own yeses, was really lovely. I took lots of the messages to heart for sure.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Liked it, fun while I was reading it
This was a super fun summer type read. I liked the characters and their crisis points that made them both re-evaluate and say yes to road trips and taking a chance. 

I expected the yeses to be more and not just a vehicle to some pretty big resoltions. 

All in all, I did enjoy it.

The narrators, Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas, did a fantastic job, I had no trouble understanding who was saying what, where, when, and with what expression/intension. 

Thank you to HarperCollins Christian Publishing, NetGalley, and author Courtney Walsh for providing me with a digital ARC copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The Summer of Yes is out July 2, 2024.

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh is the funny and uplifting story of Kelsey Worthington, a struggling writer trapped in an associate editors job she hates, and how she overcomes her fears and phobias by deciding to say 'YES' to life's adventures rather than her usual fearful 'NO'. Kelsey has a life changing experience when she is hit by a car one day and ends up in the hospital with a famous and famously cantankerous old woman named Georgina Tate. Kelsey and Georgina are wary of each other and couldn't be more different, but somehow they become friends who go off on a life adventure determined to say yes to things that scare them rather than their proverbial no. This is difficult for both of them as they both have many regrets, some more serious than others in their lives. But as they travel together they begin to open up to each other about their own live's disappointments, many created because they have both been held back by fear. This is a sweet and inspiring novel that encourages the reader to go forth in life with love, compassion and a lot less fear to make the most of life, because you really only get one go around. I enjoyed the characters, the narration and the message of this book very much. The author gives us all very good advice. 4.5 stars.

Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction for a chance to listen/read an ARC version of this novel.

I’m a fan of Courtney Walsh’s writing and was excited by the premise of this book. I loved the idea of having two women from different generations going through similar life crossroads together and becoming friends along the way. The actual story was quite a bit different than I expected it to be, but I still enjoyed it and liked the romance woven throughout as well. I listened to this on audio and thought the narrators did a good job. Occasionally the narrator for “Kelsey” sounded a bit robotic to me (even on 1.5X speed), but I really liked the narrator for Georgina, and they both did an amazing job mimicking the voices of the other character. There were a few times I was convinced they were doing duet narration instead of dual because they were both able to make their voice sound so much like the other.
Overall this is a nice women’s fiction/romance that is uplifting, heartwarming, and fun.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction and Courtney Walsh for an advanced listener copy of this book.

BLURB
Kelsey finds herself sharing a hospital room with Georgina, a successful business woman who has reached all the gals she has set out for herself. After this accident, Kelsey is questioning if her life is actually on the path she truly wants, while Georgina is looking back at her life with regrets of what could have been. Kelsey decides she is going to do a summer of saying yes and ropes Georgina along for the ride.

I really enjoyed the themes of this book. I enjoyed the relationship between Kelsey and Georgina. I love two women supporting each other in their lives. I also enjoyed that both women found love without having to give everything up and helped each other continue to be successful women. Kelsey is fun and quirky while Georgina is serious and guarded. They bring out the best in each other.

This was a fun, light read and had my thinking about things I’ve missed out on and moving forward saying yes more to what life brings.

The Summer of Yes, by Courtney Walsh, is a delightful, inspiring story and a perfect read for summertime (or anytime at all). Courtney Walsh’s stories always seem to work for me. They are uplifting, comforting, easy reads that have depth and insight that make them extra meaningful.

In this story we follow Kelsey who has a freak accident and ends up sharing a hospital room with the well-known business guru, Georgina. Georgina has succeeded in life, but at a great cost. She’s a cynic at heart with a critical edge that keeps her distant from others. Kelsey finds herself veering in the same direction and she wonders, does Georgina have any regrets? The two form a reluctant relationship, which is primarily Kelsey’s doing, since her accident has caused her to reassess her priorities. Considering that she has spent years saying no to anything that doesn’t further her career with single-minded focus, Kelsie has decided to embark on a summer of yes.

This story leads us on an adventure to a small beach town, various, new experiences, romance, friendship, healing and rediscovery. This story includes forgiveness, second chances, a reevaluation of goals and an introspective examination of what we want, what we believe and what we are worth.

The plot may include a bit too much repetition of certain elements and have moments when the stubbornness of both main characters is aggravating and feels a bit exaggerated. But this story is also charming and engaging and makes you consider what truly matters in life. It’s a reminder to love the people in your life, flaws and all, to embrace the goodness of everyday and courageously go after what you want, regardless of what others think. The Summer of Yes is a hopeful, quick, feel-good story and one I highly recommend.

The Summer of Yes is narrated by Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas. These are excellent narrators and they do an amazing voice acting job. For whatever reason, their voices didn’t match what I anticipated for these characters and therefore it wasn’t a great match for me in these particular roles.

Loved this audiobook! It took a serious subject matter and made it into a fun adventure! Kelsey and Hayden’s love story is really cute and Kelsey and Georgina’s friendship if heartwarming! My only issue was with the Narrator. Her robotic narration made it really difficult to stay focused. She did a much better job when she was narrating Hayden’s voice as it wasn’t as robotic. However, narrating as Kelsey was too robotic and really distracting.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
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This is going to be the book of the summer! I absolutely loved everything about this book! I went into this one completely blind and boy did it pay off. I loved this one!
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This is a grump / sunshine but not in a romantic sense. A bitter older lady dying of kidney disease and a second chance at life younger woman for a friendship after sharing a hospital room. It’s told in a dual POV through Kelsey and Georgina. I loved getting both of their insights to what was happening. All of the characters are pure perfection and you cant help but just constantly hope for the best.
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There are so many different layers to this book. There is such an emphasis on saying yes that it will make you want to start practicing yes more often! I loved the themes of friendship, forgiveness, family, second chances and working to live instead of living to work. It had a very profound impact on my life and I definitely think that I will be saying yes more often.
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This is heartfelt, it’s a warm hug to your soul and it will make you think. It will have you hugging your loved ones and being thankful for what you have. I loved this book a lot.
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I listened to this one via audiobook and Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas were perfect counterparts to the two very strong women in this story. Absolutely phenomenal listen. Highly recommend.
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I flew through this one in a day. It was awesome and honestly it will be the perfect brach read this summer! Highly recommending to all of my chick lit fans!! The Summer of Yes just released last week on 7/2. Be sure to check this one out!
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Huge thank you to NetGalley, Courtney Walsh and Harper Collins Christian Publishing and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC! It is a Hallmark movie in book form! The book is predictable but so sweet and fun! The book has two narrators - one for the young female main character and one for the older female character. That makes it super easy to follow along while doing other things if desired. This is a great light, summer read! I recommend this book to anyone who likes romance books without the smut.

What a wholesome, fun, summer read. I must start off by saying… I was not a huge fan of the narration. For whatever reason, both characters voices rubbed me the wrong way but I got over that after listening for a while and got used to them - with that being said though I would definitely listen to a sample first before deciding if you want to listen vs pick up a physical copy.

“I believe if something makes you happy, it’s not a waste of time.”

The story itself was fun to follow. I really liked seeing the dueling personalities of Georgina and Kelsey, how they both pushed each other in their own ways and how while they took a journey together they both got different experiences from it. As someone who is very stuck in a 9-5 rutt I did find this story inspiring and it made me want to slowly start incorporating more YES into my own life. I don’t want to get to the point of “almost dying” to start making the most of this one life we have to live.

I enjoyed all the dialogue as this made the characters come more to life than they would’ve if we didn’t have so much of their banter going back and forth - something that provided comic relief to some of the deeper/more difficult topics these characters faced throughout their adventure.

All in all, I really enjoyed this read and think it’s the perfect summer read.

Kelsey wakes up in the hospital because she was in a really bad accident. She doesn't remember much about what happened though. Kelsey's dream is to become a writer, but she doesn't go outside of her comfort zone to really make it happen because she has a secure job and life is pretty stable and predictable.

At the hospital, she rooms with an older lady named Georgina Tate. Thee Georgina Tate who is a super successful businesswoman. She has never taken "no" as an answer and she always figures out how to get what she wants.

Georgina's people make Kelsey sign a NDA as to why Georgina is in the hospital Sadly, Georgina is dying and she needs a kidney transplant in order for her to life, but it is very difficult for her to find a match.

When Kelsey learns about this, she asks Georgina if it was all worth it. All worth what? Georgina has a successful company, but she has an estrange relationship with her then husband and her son as she chose her career over her family.

After some convincing, Kelsey has gotten Georgina to agree to say "yes" to things that she wouldn't normally say yes to. This is "The Summer of Yes" for both Kelsey and Georgina. What will this adventure take them to? What will they learn about each other and life?

I really enjoyed reading this book as it made me really think about how often I say no to things and what I am willing to say yes to. Sometimes "no" is an easy way to stay in your comfort zone, which isn't bad, but it can also not be good as it limits your experience in life. At the end of the book, I really loved Kelsey and Georgina's unlikely friendship.

"The Summer of Yes" by Courtney Walsh

Courtney Walsh's "The Summer of Yes" is a charming and light-hearted read, perfect for a relaxing afternoon or a beach day. Narrated through audio, the story follows Kelsey and Evelyn as they navigate life and finding love again.

The audiobook excels in bringing Kelsey's character to life with a relatable and endearing voice. Kelsey's journey of self-discovery is heartwarming and engaging, drawing listeners into her world effortlessly.

However, the narration for Evelyn may not resonate as well with all listeners, slightly detracting from the overall immersion in her storyline.

Despite this, "The Summer of Yes" remains a feel-good novel celebrating friendship, self-acceptance, and the joys of taking chances. Starting in the New York then moving to a charming small-town backdrop, it's a perfect choice for those seeking a light and enjoyable summer read.

Whether you prefer print or audiobooks, "The Summer of Yes" offers a delightful escape into a world of sunshine and heartwarming moments.

"The Summer of Yes" by Courtney Walsh is a heartwarming and inspirational tale that reminds us of the transformative power of stepping out of our comfort zones. The story centers around Kelsey Worthington, a junior editor who has always played it safe, and Georgina Tate, a successful businesswoman facing her own mortality and regrets. Their unexpected meeting in a hospital sets the stage for a summer filled with adventure, self-discovery, and emotional growth.
Walsh brilliantly captures the essence of living life to the fullest through Kelsey’s “Yes Plan,” which challenges both women to embrace new experiences and rediscover the joy in everyday moments. The dynamic between Kelsey and Georgina is beautifully portrayed, highlighting the impact of friendship and the importance of taking risks.
The characters are richly developed, and their journeys of love, forgiveness, and romance are both touching and relatable. The novel seamlessly intertwines their stories, creating a narrative that is compelling and uplifting. The adventures they embark on, from exploring their own city to reconnecting with estranged family members, are vividly described and full of charm.
"The Summer of Yes" is a delightful read that encourages readers to say yes to life’s possibilities. It’s a perfect blend of humour, emotion, and inspiration, making it a must-read for anyone looking to add a bit of adventure to their own lives. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary fiction and heartfelt stories.

🚙 The Summer of Yes - Courtney Walsh

4 ⭐️ - Oh my goodness, my heart! This book was so incredibly sweet, warm, emotional, and heartwarming. I laughed, I cried, I felt like I was family to these characters. The growth and relationship between the main characters was so endearing and enjoyable.

Kelsey Worthington’s life changed after a near death accident. She always wanted to be a writer but she settled on helping others tell their story as an editor. She doesn’t go out of her comfort zone and she’s very comfortable in her life… until the accident. In the hospital, she meets successful business woman, Georgina Tate. Kelsey had an accident, Georgina has an illness. Both are living with regrets in life, thus the “say yes to everything” plan is born.

The relationship between Kelsey and Georgina reminded me of relationships with my own grandmothers. Actually, I also thought about Mia Thermopolis and Queen Clarisse a lot too. I loved how they took their own regrets and sadness, shared it, and changed it. They grew together and formed a lovable bond. I was so invested in what would happen between them and in the world around them. AND the adventure they’d go on while saying “yes” to everything. If you’re looking for a fun, adventure-filled, easy summer read, try this one!

Thank you Netgalley, Harper Collins, and Harper Collins audio for the early ARC and listener copies! This one is out now!

This was fun! I love stories with inter-generational friendships, and the added bonus of the dual love story/happy endings was so satisfying! It wasn't quite a five star "love" for me but I did really enjoy my time reading with this cast of characters. I think maybe I would have enjoyed more if I read a physical copy- the narrator's voice/style wasn't for me.