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.

This one took me weeks, just to get to the halfway mark. I really wanted to like it, but I just couldn’t get into it at all. I stopped at the 55% mark in the audiobook and there still wasn’t any romantic developments. It’s really about an old chick and a young chick going on a road trip together. It just didn’t hold my interest enough to continue.


The narrators were good for the parts.

Thanks to the author, NetGalley, and HarperCollins Christian Publishing. This one may not have been a win for me, but I’m certainly interested in trying again!

This was a fun listen. I love the idea of challenging yourself to say 'yes' more - so many of us are stuck in the 'no's' This adorable love story came with a little more substance than the average romance. It touched on themes not just of taking risks and trying new things, but learning to stand up for yourself and evaluate the criticism and the critics aimed your way. Uplifting story with an inspiring message, heartfully told.

Yes! This story had ALL the feels. I cried then I giggled, but always I was invested in the lives of the characters.

Kelsey Worthington wakes in the hospital with a raging headache, and the news that she's been there two days already. The last thing she remembers is walking out of the Starbucks with her boss's coffee. She never saw the car that jumped the curb and apparently hit her, but boy does she feel it. Sleep is her friend, but judging by her lack of visitors, it's her only one. Meeting her new roommate, business mogul Georgina Tate, who is even more alone than she is, makes Kelsey take a look at her own life.

Georgina, for her part, is resigned to the fact that she is dying. Her kidneys are failing and her tissue type and blood type are rare. The only possible match is one she feels she abandoned years ago - her son, Hayden. She's said no to so many things over the years but the one she has always regretted was the no that lost her a family.

When Kelsey barges into Georgina's life with the idea of having a Summer of Yes, Georgina shoots her down at first but Kelsey is persistent, and a complete pest, until Georgina finally caves. At first, they start out as "tourists" in their own city of New York, checking out all of the tourist traps that neither has ever had time for. From eating street food to seeing New York from the top of the Empire State building, they do it all. Then, Kelsey suggests a trip to swim in the ocean. Georgina offers her classic Mustang and puts Kelsey behind the wheel. When Kelsey's GPS takes them to Hayden's shop, Georgina is horrified. How can her son ever forgive her? When her husband - who isn't her ex like she's been telling everyone - also shows up, she's pretty sure her heart is in more danger than her kidneys. In the face of the two men she has always loved, can she lock her heart down and scurry back to New York before they learn how very sick she is?

I loved so many things about this story! Kelsey was scared to death to try things, but she was so brave in saying yes. Georgina had hardened herself to the point that no one could see her heart, until Hayden and Dillon came back into her life. I loved Dillon. He stayed true to his vows even though he hadn't seen his wife in nearly 2 decades. Once she was back in his territory, he persisted until she cracked. Kelsey and Hayden were an obvious couple from their first meeting. The sparks practically flew off the page.

Readers who love sweet romance with a substantial jolt of angst will love this book. If you're a fan of Courtney Walsh's books, this one was another great addition to her book list. I loved it! (I listened to it, and the two narrators did a great job voicing Kelsey and Georgina.)

Wow. Just wow. This book was fantastic! I absolutely loved it. You can’t go wrong reading this book. It was such a beautiful exploration of how the two female main characters held themselves back from authentically living and finding their joy, and their journeys to reclaiming that for themselves. The relationship between the two main characters was so engaging. And, of course, the romances were lovely as well. A new one and a second chance one. Kelsey, an editor in New York, found her life unexpectedly interrupted after she was hit on the sidewalk by a car. In the hospital she ended up in a room with Georgina, a legendary businesswoman with failing kidneys. The accident made Kelsey rethink her life and everything she had been saying no to. Resolved to implement a “Summer of Yes”, she was determined to convince Georgina to participate too and face her regrets. This is a standalone novel. The story includes elements that involve accident, hospitalization, kidney failure, dialysis, marital breakdown, and parent/child estrangement. The romance in this story is closed door with mild innuendo. There is no harsh language.

The narration was very good. It is dual POV with dual narrators, both female. Both narrators gave excellent performances, with good emotional expression, even volume, and pleasant tone. The variation in voices for other characters was defined and well done. There was a tendency to over-enunciate sometimes from both narrators. It seemed more pronounced from the narrator supplying Kelsey’s voice, but that may have been because it fit alright with Georgina’s character, but felt a little off with other characters.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for a complimentary copy. This review is being shared voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I listened to the majority of The Summer of Yes while on a solo road trip and it was the perfect listen. I am always a big fan of the grumpy older companion. The romance was definitely secondary to the larger story of Georgina and Kelsey. All in all, a fun feel good read!

The Summer of Yes is a wholesome, feel good and somewhat predictable story about embracing life. There were a lot of cliché story lines in this book and it was an easy and enjoyable read but didn't feel fresh or exciting.

This is a dual POV story and I love that the audiobook had different narrators for both Kelsey and Georgina. Georgina's voice was spot on for me, but Kelsey's wasn't my favorite. I found that the audio leaned really cheesy, like a Hallmark movie. There is even the big city girl (I never got the feeling Kelsey fit in the city) and small town boy romance.

This was such a sweet story! I love the idea of saying yes to things you don't normally want to agree to, and this was so well written! It tugged at my heartstrings way more than I expected for a "summery" book in the BEST way. The characters had great development and stories, the romance was fun (both of them!) and I love the relationship between Kelsey and Georgina. This was a great summer read that still had substance!

A definite feel good read that has you questioning why you don’t say yes (or no) more often. Characters are relatable as well as the daily grind we have all gotten to know. A must read for sure

'The Summer of Yes' is fun and easy read about friendship, forgiveness, second chances and confronting your fears to live a more fulfilling life.

Kelsey Worthington has been grinding as an assistant editor at the expense of her personal life. When she's hit by a car while running errands for her unappreciative boss, she ends up sharing a hospital room with formidible businesswoman Georgina Tate, who has failing kidneys and is estranged from her son. Kelsey becomes determined to make up for lost time, and convince Georgina to join her.

Dual narrated, with Tanya Eby voicing Kelsey's chapters, and Cathi Colas voiceing Georgina, this book was a fun, easy listen. At times, however I'd have liked more Georgina and Kelsey's chapters condensed. Cathi Colas was perfectly cast as Georgina and while Tanya Eby has an engaging voice, she sounded like she was in her 40s and not a 32-year-old which detracted a Kelsey's chapters for me.

I did have a bit of an ick at the slut shamy response by Kelsey's to Georgina asking her if her summer of yes included going home with men. To be fair the book is written by a Christian author for a Christian publisher, and for the most part its not overtly religious, but I that judgy and moralistic comment should've been left out.

Overall this was a charming read with a good reminder that we should confront our fears and start opening ourselves to new experiences and people. I look forward to what Courtney Walsh writes next.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the ALC

The Summer of Yes
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Oh my Goodness this book was soooo fun. You will fall in love with the characters. You will smile & laugh out loud tons. It was the best Summer read! A feel good fun read Life is short. Be brave & just Say Yes!!!
Thank you NetGalley!!