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!

What a great hook! I loved how this story began with Kelsey disoriented in the hospital and desperate to get back to work, and then grumpy business maven Georgina Tate becomes her roommate and she starts to rethink her priorities. When Kelsey comes up with her plan for the Summer of Yes, I was all in wanting to witness these characters saying yes to all of the things they’ve been missing out on. What an inspirational story!

I’ll admit I was hoping for more of a buddy road trip, enjoying Kelsey’s sunny enthusiasm slowly dissolving Georgina’s cranky cynicism. We do get some of that, but that portion of the story was briefer than I expected. It then shifts to focus more on the two women’s romantic relationships than their budding friendship. But everything comes together in the end.

The audiobook production was excellent, and I enjoyed the narration by Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas. The narrators are fun to listen to, with good pacing, clear pronunciation, distinctive voices to suit the characters, and the ability to convey mood and emotion effectively. The story works very well as an audiobook.

This is an amusing, feel-good story that encourages the reader to think about what they value most. I recommend this book for fans of women’s fiction and clean contemporary romance.

I received a free advanced review copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.

Appealing to both young and older women as it has multigenerational characters. The story is incredibly compelling as you get a look at a young woman struggling to get her career off the ground and a mature woman at the top of her career with many achievements, but both harboring regrets about life. Due to life altering events that land them both in the same hospital room, the women end up embarking on a journey to rectify some of their regrets and discover the best path for their futures. I think we can all relate to this sweet, funny, poignant and endearing story as many of us struggle to figure out which decisions we should be making in our daily lives. The story really makes you stop and take stock of what is important to you. I relate a bit more to the more mature character as I am at a point in life that is making me take stock of where I am and where I want to be. I too am finding that I need to spend more time chasing joy and this book just drove that point home a bit more! I always enjoy this author's writing, but I have to say that this particular story really resonated with me. I look forward to more from her soon!

I loved this audiobook and the 2 narrators. Kelsey, a young writer, ends up in the hospital after being hit by a car, and finds herself sharing a room with her polar opposite, an older, successful businesswoman with failing kidneys.. This chance encounter results in an adventure with more long-lasting life changes than either of them would have imagined. This was a fun summer book, and I loved how it was told from the 2 character's perspectives.

This was a very nice, easy read. I enjoyed the two points of view. One was an older woman and one a younger one. It was great to see them learn from each other. I like that each character gets a second chance - a do over. I especially appreciate the clean romance with no foul language - my kind of book!

Pack this book for the beach. You will enjoy the ease of reading and lighthearted feel of the read. These strong woman each have a story to share.

I have read several of Courtney Walsh's book and she always leave me with a smile and a warm feeling.

I received a free advance audiobook for review.

This audiobook was an enjoyable and engaging read perfect for feel-good summer reading. It follows a young woman after a near death experience who decides she wants to change the narrow life she’s been living and start stepping outside her comfort zone and saying yes to more things. She meets an older woman full of regrets at the hospital who reluctantly joins her in the journey.

It is a dual POV story and I loved that there were two different narrators for the story that each captured the unique feel of their character. I would call this novel a women’s fiction story with a subplot of romance and I enjoyed all the personal development and inner journey throughout.

As I was reading it made me ponder about this idea of saying yes or no to things in life and if I’m striving the balance I want in that area.

If you're looking for a lighthearted, wholesome, uplifting read- then this is the book for you!

"The Summer of Yes" tells the story of two women who end up meeting by chance when assigned to the same hospital room. Despite their age differences, both women share a sense of missing out on life because they have been so focused on their careers. This is the story of them going against their natures and choosing to say "yes" to what the summer brings their way.

There are some heavier themes such as: living with regrets, finding forgiveness, taking risks, and finding your purpose, yet Courtney Walsh manages to write in a way that ultimately still feels lighthearted.

I listened to the audio book and both narrators did a great job portraying the characters.

I did find it to be extremely predictable, but if you're looking for a feel good, easy summer read, then I'd highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing a digital ARC of the book to read and review.

Gah, I just love Courtney Walsh's writing so very much and this book was absolutely wonderful! I thought the themes were so profound and so beautifully woven throughout this meaningful and adorable plot. Everything just came together so naturally. I was invested with my whole heart with these characters, Kelsey and Georgina, they felt like real life friends and I just wanted them to heal, grow, and find happiness. I guess you could say, I cheered each time they said "yes" and moved forward.
This book is more women's fiction, but I would totally call it a romance too. In fact, it was like a double romance which made my smile grow so big while reading. I love the way love and relationships, new and unexpected, effected so positively Kelsey and Georgina's perspectives. It was just SO good!
One thing I in particular I took from this book was the idea that life has disrupters that help us keep our life on track or put us on a better path. It was something I needed to hear at this time in my own life, I found it so inspiring.
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel. I 100% loved the narrator that did Georgina's POV. She was exactly as I imagined. The narrator for Kelsey did a great job, though she sounded slightly older than I picture Kelsey's character in my head. Both did a good job with the narration and in bringing this book to life. I will be listening to this book again and again. I already feel like I want to shout to everyone how this is a summer must read. I completely recommend this book. It made me smile, think, swoon, cheer, and reflect.
I received an advance listening copy of this book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A beautifully moving, dual POV story of second chances and trying to correct your life's biggest regrets. When Kelsey has a near death experience it causes her to rethink her workaholic ways and when she meets Georgina, a dying business maven in the hospital she works hard to convince the grumpy older woman to join her on a summer of saying yes adventure.

I loved this story of intergenerational friendship, new love, starting over and figuring out what's truly important in life. Highly recommended for fans of books like Sarah Adler's Mrs. Nash's ashes and Sarah Goodman Confino's She's up to no good. Great on audio too narrated by Tanya Eby & Cathi Colas. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

The longer I sat with my thoughts, the more I liked this book! The messages resonate so strongly!
When Kelsey Worthington wakes up in the hospital next to the legendary Georgina Tate, the only thing they have in common is regret. Undeterred by Georgina’s reputation and superior attitude, Kelsey is determined to come out of her shell, say YES to the very things she’s been avoiding, and take Georgina on the journey with her!
This is a heartwarming story about not hiding from the things that might make you uncomfortable and being willing to experience all life has to offer. It’s a reminder of what is important at the end of the day and life, and not to lose those moments to the rat race that won’t matter in the end. This novel encompasses life’s simple pleasures, some bigger risks, regrets, family, friendship and forgiveness. Both women, despite their age differences, each experience growth and self-discovery.
This is more of a Women’s Fiction than Romance book, but there is tender love to be found here among the relationships encountered.
And ultimately, it’s a reminder to go out of your comfort zone and be willing to sometimes say YES! We may be surprised what may come out of that! This would be a great book club read – I’m sure there would be a lot of interesting discussions!
My attention was immediately grabbed by the narration in the audiobook. Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas bring so much to the story with their inflections and tones and they absolutely brought the characters to life! I highly recommend listening to this one!

Courtney Walsh has hit it out of the park with this book! The Summer of Yes is full of heart, humor, grace, forgiveness, bravery, self reflection, romance, friendship, redemption, and new beginnings. The characters were fully developed, the pacing was on point, and the story was engaging.

The narrators were fantastic. They were engaging, emotive and sounded age appropriate. I do feel that the main narrator for Kelsey handled the male voices better, however, as far as the narration for the main characters, they were both spectacular.

I will definitely be recommending this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Audio for the alc, all thoughts and opinions are my own.