I absolutely loved The Summer of Yes! I loved the characters, and their unlikely connection. I loved the fact that it was a friendship story that fueled two love stories. I adored the narrator who read Georgina's chapters. Her voice could not have been more perfect for this character. I also love the overall positive, upbeat vibes of the story that the cover captures perfectly. This book is out tomorrow, and you will definitely want a copy for your pool or beach bag!

I came for a summer of "yeses" but stayed for the sassy old lady.

Thank you Harper Collins Christian Publishing and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the gifted copy of "The Summer of Yes." Courtney Walsh's latest is out tomorrow, July 2nd.

🎧 Listen to this audiobook! It is just as fun as the plot. Both the narrators are full of energy and make the story bright. I adored the woman who narrated Georgina's character. Bonus points for having an older woman voice her! It made the whole experience better than just having one person voicing the entirety of the book!

Who knew saying yes could be so powerful. Kelsey's whole world changed just from a summer of adopting yes into her vocabulary. It brings her a new friend, confidence and love. I am sitting here smiling just thinking about everything that "yes" brought her and I am so happy this book fell into my life.

Stories that have a beautiful message are a breath of fresh air. "The Summer of Yes" was that first breath you take in the morning of a day you know you're excited for. This story is filled with all the sparkly happiness of finding your purpose.

I loved the premise of changing your life to find yourself but I really fell in love when I met Georgina. Once this sassy elderly woman entered the chat, I knew I was a goner. The relationship between Kelsey and Georgina. It was giving me "The Princess Diaries" vibes where Mia and her grandmother explore New York City. We literally get a hilariously iconic scene very similar in this story and I could live in it forever.

Trust me when I say if you're looking for a fun summer read with unlikely friendships, hilarious dialogue and will open your eyes to the good that is life. Courtney Walsh wrote the book for you!

☀️ New York City & North Carolina
☀️ Unlikely Friendships
☀️ Multiple POV
☀️ Hilarious Banter
☀️ Sassy Old Lady
☀️ The Power of Saying Yes
☀️ Living Your Life to the Fullest
☀️ Summer Vibes
☀️ Road Trip

I LOVED THIS! It was exactly what I needed. I loved Kelsey & Georgina’s dynamic- I found myself laughing out loud many times!
I loved all the characters & learning how Courtney used the concept around saying “yes” more can change your (or someone else’s) life.
I had a great time listening to this & it was a perfect time listening with summer here!

By Courtney Walsh
4⭐️/5⭐️
Publish Date: July 2nd 2024.

Kelsey wakes up in the hospital with not much memory of how she got there. An overpaid, underworked editor in New York City, she got hit by a car coming back from Starbucks with her bosses coffee order. She is insistent on getting back to work as soon as possible but the doctors stress that she needs to stay longer to rest and recover. Kelsey is given a roommate in her hospital room who is none other than notable business woman Georgina Tate. As they are talking Kelsey notices many similarities between herself and Georgina and Kelsey asks Georgina if sacrificing many things in her life for work was worth it, it seems to bother Georgina. Kelsey takes this accident as the second change that it was to say yes to things and yes to living her life and not just work all the time. She eventually convinces Georgina to join her on her Summer of Yes roadtrip.

This book was so sweet. I enjoyed the writing, this was my first Courtney Wash book and I enjoyed it immensely. I very much enjoyed the banter between the characters. I think it leaves a great message that work is not something that should consume your whole life and that saying yes to yourself and stuff that you want to do in your life is importance to have a healthy work/life balance.

Thank you to the author Courtney Walsh, the publishers HarperCollins Christian Publishing and Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgally for this Audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Courtney Walsh's "Summer of Yes" is a delightful exploration of unexpected friendships, personal growth, and the transformative power of seizing life's opportunities. The novel opens with Kelsey Worthington, a dreamy writer stuck in a rut, whose ordinary day takes a dramatic turn after a chance accident lands her in a hospital room next to Georgina Tate—an influential figure in New York City's corporate world.

Kelsey and Georgina are seemingly polar opposites: Kelsey, the introspective dreamer who questions her abilities, and Georgina, the bold and successful businesswoman known for her assertiveness. Yet, their lives converge at a pivotal moment when Georgina's health crisis forces both women to confront their regrets and consider the possibilities of embracing new experiences.

Walsh excels in crafting characters who resonate with authenticity and depth. As Kelsey navigates her newfound role as Georgina's companion and confidante, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery that challenges her to step outside her comfort zone. From sampling street food to plunging into the ocean and even playing matchmaker, Kelsey discovers a world of adventure and personal fulfillment she never anticipated.

The heart of the novel lies in the evolving relationship between Kelsey and Georgina, as they support each other through moments of vulnerability and introspection. Walsh skillfully explores themes of courage, friendship, and the importance of embracing life's uncertainties. Through Kelsey's experiences, readers are reminded of the transformative impact of saying "yes" to new opportunities and pursuing passions that ignite the soul.

"Summer of Yes" is more than a story of self-discovery; it's a celebration of resilience and the joy of living fully in the present moment. Walsh's prose is engaging and heartfelt, capturing the essence of summer on the vibrant backdrop of New York City and the coastal escapes that Kelsey and Georgina explore together.

In conclusion, "Summer of Yes" is a charming and uplifting novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories of friendship, personal growth, and the courage to embrace life's unexpected twists and turns. Courtney Walsh's storytelling shines brightly in this heartfelt narrative, offering a compelling reminder of the transformative power of saying "yes" to life.

Thank NetGalley for the ARC of This book! It was amazing!! I loved every minute of it. The two main female characters were strong. I loved the bantering between the two women. It was very entertaining! The perfect summer book!

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh is a feel-good, summer read. It accomplishes what it sets out to do. The book encourages you to take a look at your life and choices, as to live for the YES!

Kelsey and Georgia are an interesting and fun duo! I enjoyed their banter and their journey together. The multi-generational friendship here is really lovely.

Since I listened to the audiobook, I want to make sure I give a nod to the narrators, who both did a fantastic job brining this book to life.

If you are looking for a fun, easy read, this is it.

This was the first book that I've hread by Courtney Walsh, and I know it won't be the last. I really liked this story and how it wove together themes of friendship, positivity, love and strength. Romance was there, but it wasn't the driving theme of the story. Self-love and self-growth played into the tale in a much greater way.

The story begins with a bang - Kelsey is accidentally hit by a car and wakes to find herself in the hospital. While trying to collect herself and her rattled memories of the accident, she also meets an older woman named Georgina, who is her roommate in the hospital. Georgina is a well=known, 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 looking back at all she accomplished and at what cost.

Kelsey always dreamed of being a writer, but she has settled for 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. After the accident and in talking to Georgina, 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 question. 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. But when they take a road trip that leads into stories from Georgina's past, 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."

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing and NetGally for this Advanced Release copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Kelsey is a stable junior editor who dreams of being a writer. She is what some may call “boring”. She wakes up in a hospital after an accident and the patient next door is annoying. That patient is the one and only Georgina Tate, a celebrity businesswoman. Georgina is on dialysis due to kidney failure, and doesn’t have much longer to live. Kelsey makes the summer of yes pact. They say yes to all the things they’ve said no to. Kelsey connects with Georgina’s estranged son, Hayden for one more thing to check off the list.

Tales of friendship and love throughout the book. I love a good story with a grumpy old person! Cute easy read for the summer!

Thanks to Net Galley, Courtney Walsh, and Thomas Nelson for the ARC! Out tomorrow 7/2/24!

Kelsey was picking up Starbucks for her smarmy boss when she got hit by a car that jumped the curb. She woke up in a hospital rook next to Georgina Tate, the legendary matriarch of New York City businesswomen. They couldn't be more opposite, but they each had regrets about their lives that they needed to confront.

Kelsey decided on a summer of saying yes to things she'd normally decline to do, and she managed to rope Georgina into it. I loved seeing them come out of their comfort zones and live life differently. The romance subplots were a nice treat in the midst of their adventures.

This was a lighthearted read full of encouragement to not be afraid to experience life boldly. I loved the audio. Both narrators did an awesome job.

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This was such a wonderful, feel-good story. Georgina and Kelsey are the perfect mismatched duo. Their friendship is the star of the story despite some mild romances for both. When you’re finished you’ll be filled with joy, feel empowered, and want to hope for more. I’m so happy that I took a chance on reading this one because it’s one of my favorites of 2024 so far.

Another Courtney Walsh book to love! She has an amazing way of bringing her character’s to life and making them and their life circumstances so relatable.

The story of forgiveness is powerfully weaved throughout and the focus on “saying yes” to all the small things in life made me want to re-evaluate my every day interactions and choices. We only have one life to live and why not live it the way we want.

There is an underlying romance but I didn’t feel it was the main plot point. I loved the banter. I loved the multi-generational characters and the main threads of fear, love, and belonging that they all desired. So, so relatable!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the audiobook.

The Summer of Yes is the perfect summer read - and I don’t say that lightly. It’s a beautiful story of found family, developing and deep friendships, laugh out loud humor and romance all tied together with a beautiful message at the end.
This is the story of Kelsey, a “play by the rules” junior editor who lives the safe life, never venturing outside her comfort zone, and Georgina Tate, a girl boss who never took no for an answer who has crushed the business world. The two women meet in the hospital due to an unexpected accident. Neither of them has visitors and appears to live a lonely existence. Georgina is dying of kidney failure and Kelsey is lost in so many ways. They embark on a cross country road trip that changes both of their lives. Their character arcs are perfectly executed and extremely satisfying. I loved them both so much.
I will be recommending The Summer Of Yes both for purchase and to my many readers. It is a book that will be enjoyed by everyone regardless of age. It’s truly the perfect summer read!

I've been trying to read more books in other genres and have been enjoying throwing in lighter romance and beach reads in my rotation since it is summer and I've been in the mood for cute stories. I want to be clear for anyone reading this book that while this was a romance novel/ beach read type of book it is not at all "spicy". I'd considered it rated PG on the romance level and sharing that from the get-to for anyone that picks romance/beach reads on that basis. This author is known for writing sweet romances, rather than spicy ones. For me I'm big on a stories and character development, so that was not an issue for me.

I really liked this book this book and will share more why below! This is my first book from Courtney Walsh, but I don't plan for it to be my last in either audiobook or print form. Especially because the author lives in Illinois like I do! listened to this book rather than read it. I like listening to books when I'm running, going on errands, or doing chores.

The book is told from the perspective of two characters, Kelsey and Georgina who were strangers before a hospital stay brought them together. 32 year old Kelsey wakes up a car accident that she does not remember is ends up sharing a room with Georgina, an older woman with failing kidneys and a successful and wealthy business owner of a cosmetics company. Besides the hospital stay, the two have more in common than one might initially think, with the main commonality being that both of them keep relationships at an arm's length and an unhealthy work/life balance.

I want to keep this spoiler free, so I'm not going to share much more about the story, except that I loved the theme of saying yes/doing things scared. Kelsey and Georgina embark on a "summer of yes" after a turn of events causes them to travel together and what unfolds is a cute story that touches so well on many powerful themes, from relationships (romantic and friendship), regrets in life, and human mortality to taking risks and chasing your dreams. At times it seemed a bit unrealistic, but also the part of me that loves a cute story and a good escape from reality did not mind.

All in all, I give the audiobook narration 5/5 and the book itself 4.75/5, so that rounds this up to 5/5!

<i> A complimentary audiobook copy was provided by HarperCollins Christian Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. <i>

The Summer of Yes
What a delightful book! If Courtney Walsh writes it, I’ll read it and Love it!
The audiobook was great. The adventures the main characters Kelsey & Georgina were so much fun and I didn’t want them to end. I loved that both ladies figured out what was most important in their life and found love.

My first Courtney Walsh novel. I enjoyed the story. Very clean, very entertaining. I think I would have been more attached if I had read it instead of listening to the audiobook. The narrator is great but I was distracted by her. I think she would be fantastic for a children's or YA novel but for a story like this, she was too animated for me. I'll pick up more books by the author in the future. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑

Thank you to HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Thomas Nelson Fiction, Courtney Walsh, and NetGalley for the advanced audio of this book.

Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas lend their voices to our main characters Kelsey and Georgina in The Summer of Yes.

Kelsey Worthington is an assistant editor in NYC, grabbing coffee for her boss when a car jumps the curb and hits her. When she wakes up in the hospital, she discovers her roommate is none other than Georgina Tate, the wildly successful owner of Tate Cosmetics.

Kelsey is young, with dreams of being a writer. Georgina has realized the success that most people only dream of, but her kidneys are failing and without a transplant, she doesn’t have much time left. While on the outside it seems they couldn’t be more different, Kelsey realizes they have may actually have a lot in common, and it causes her to take a good look at her life and how she wants to live it moving forward.

Kelsey declares it “The Summer of Yes” and feels called to bring Georgina along for the ride with her. Together they’ll say yes to the things they’ve said no to in the past, and it just might have the power to change both of their lives.

I loved the concept of this book, and Courtney Walsh’s writing. The grumpy Georgina and sunshine Kelsey banter was hilarious. The romantic elements in the story were closed door and very sweet.

I really enjoyed listening to the audio. The narrators wear perfectly cast. Their voices fit the characters perfectly.

This is a perfect feel-good read that will make you think maybe you should start saying “yes” a little more.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Christian Publishing & Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, for an advanced audio copy of this book.

I love a good unlikely friendship. Although this seemed a bit far fetched, and perhaps I’ve read too many thrillers to trust essential strangers, I very much appreciate the morality. Very recommendable.

I really enjoyed this one! It was a little more women’s fiction than I realized it would be but I don’t mind that. I loved Kelsey and her determination to change her life by saying yes more. It really caused me to reflect on the opportunities I say no to and which I accept. I love a book that makes me reflect on myself a little!
I also really enjoyed the relationship that develops between Kelsey and Georgina. I liked that Kelsey wouldn’t take no for an answer from Georgina and was determined to help her. It might have bothered me how persistent Kelsey was in trying to reconnect Georgina with her family except for the hospital scene. I love that Kelsey learns how to interact with Georgina and deal with her saltiness.
This one is definitely worth checking out! The perfect summer read. The relationships between all the characters were so sweet! And I loved seeing all of the growth each character experiences.

This was absolutely freaking delightful! I knew it was going to be heartwarming and inspiring but it delivered much more than I anticipated. If you are looking for a book that is going to lift your spirits and remind you that life is more then just what you accomplish through work, I highly recommend picking this story up!