Member Reviews

the was such a good read. It focused more on character growth and romance is sprinkled in. From friends to lovers to second chance romance to families and being reuited with your son and husband this truth has everything. I loved Goergina and Kelsey’s banter and just truly fell in love with their relationship with each other.

The character growth was outstanding during this. Both Georgina and Kelsey became their true selves and fell back in love with their lives by the end of this and i couldn’t have loved it more.

This engages you from page one and there is a relatable catcher for everyone on my opinion.

The narration was very well done and i enjoyed the novel to a higher extent, in my opinion, due to the narrators.

Was this review helpful?

The perfect summer read! I fell into the story and couldn't wait to see what happened. It's encouraging without being too preachy. I will definitely be recommending this to lovers of chick-lit!

Was this review helpful?

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh was a Yes for me! This book was a great mix between romance, second chances, and following dreams. I loved the story line and how easily the characters flowed through the book to a perfect ending.

The narration by Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas was spot on. The voices matched the characters and I enjoyed the back and forth between their points of view.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC audiobook of The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh.

Was this review helpful?

Delightful, wholesome, uplifting read. I hadn’t read anything by this author before and I was pleasantly surprised. Loved the resolution to the story and the simplicity.

Was this review helpful?

If you love uplifting stories that blend romance with themes of self-discovery and personal growth, then The Summer of Yes is the book for you!

Georgina Tate is a hard nosed, legendary business women who has given up her life for her work. Kelsey Worthington is a dreamer who longs to be a writer. Their lives collide when Kelsey is hit by a car as she absent mindedly answers a text from her boss and Georgina is in the hospital with kidney failure. Much to Georgina's dismay she finds herself with Kelsey as a roommate as they both recover. As Georgina's kidneys begin to fail, she lingers on the regrets of leaving her husband and son all those years ago. Kelsey decides to put her own priorities first after her accident. When she concocts a plan to get Georgina righting wrongs and living out her days to the fullest, she discovers that they both need a summer of yes. Yes to everything they've always let hold them back. Maybe it's time to confront their fears and find happiness along the way.

A fun and endearing book with characters you will fall in love with!!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Christian Publishing for a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

What do you want out of life?
This book has a sweet rom com feel but it will also have you questioning your own life goals!

Our main characters meet in the most unexpected way. Something drives Kelsey to continue this friendship. We follow her & her cranky companion as they attempt to, “Just say Yes” to all the things they’re normally too busy to be bothered with. Relationships are formed, memories are made & wounds are healed.
Just say yes to The Summer of Yes!

Was this review helpful?

Kelsey Worthington says no a lot…in fear of getting hurt or looking silly and not living her dream…well, her reachable dream since she is sure she isn’t good enough to be a writer. In the blink of an eye, she is in a hit-and-run accident while getting coffee. When Kelsey wakes up in the hospital, she is sharing a room with one of the most successful businesswomen, Georgina Tate. Georgina also has said no to a lot to be a success. Their similarities end there. Somehow, these two spend the summer saying “yes” to their adventures together.

This was a sweet novel, full of reminders that you should say “yes”, that words only have as much power as you let them have, and to take chances.

Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas brought life to these characters!

Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction, for an advanced copy. I always love Courtney’s books.

Was this review helpful?

What a cute heartwarming story about life choices and romance. Can't wait for Courtney Walsh's next novel!

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.

Was this review helpful?

I recently finished listening to The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh and narrated by Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas. Both narrators do an excellent job narrating. The story is told in two alternating points of view. I appreciated the older voice for Georgina Tate and the more youthful voice for Kelsey Worthington. Both narrators do a nice job with the voices of the male characters, Hayden and Dillion, as well.

Kelsey (or is it Chelsea? Maybe Mackenzie? :)) has a sort-of-not-really near-death experience that lands her in the hospital with a grouchy roommate, Georgina. After a short stay in the hospital, Kelsey finds herself questioning what really makes her happy and decides to make it a "summer of yes." She has weeks of vacation days banked as well as medical recovery days available, so she bids farewell to her co-workers and goes searching for new opportunities. Once deciding to embark on this summer of yes, she feels led back to Georgina, whom she convinces to travel alongside her.

Georgina is grouchy. Kelsey is persistent. Despite not wanting to, Georgina joins Kelsey. Along the way, both women discover that there truly is more to life than the insides of their offices. This whole "near-death experience" has not only changed Kelsey but also Georgina. And, **spoiler alert** both ladies may just find the loves of their lives along the way.

This was a really cute, feel-good listen. There was no swearing, nothing raunchy, spice level 0, and man, I appreciated all of the above. It was a nice change of pace. A story with complications that led to a very happily-ever-after. Very cute. Very PG. Very good.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing for this advance listen in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Sometimes you just need a "disruption" in life to figure out what truly matters to you. When Kelsey's life is disrupted by an accident she fears the loss of time at her job will result in her not reaching the goals she's worked so hard for. Her hospital roommate, a well-renowned businesswoman, isn't so keen on Kelsey being in her space but as a somewhat tenuous relationship develops between the two of them their lives become entwined on a summer of yes. A sweet story with romance and a deeper lesson of the relationships that make life worth living this faith-based novel is a cozy summer read. I did find the main character hard to like at the beginning but the character development helped her become more enjoyable at the end. The audiobook was well-narrated and enjoyable to listen to. Thank you to NetGalley and the audiobook publisher for a free copy for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC audiobook of The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh.

The main character Kelsey wakes up in a hospital bed after being hit by a car. She is a hard worker assistant editor and can't miss her meeting with a TikTok famous creator. This was going to be her big break. Unfortunately, due to the concussion she suffered she misses this opportunity to sign on a new author. Missing her big break. Kelsey wakes up to a roommate in the hospital. This patient is nonother than Georgina Tate. Georgina is a very successful businesswoman. She is a very private person and doesn't want it to get out that her kidneys are failing. She is very curt and speaks her mind, which frightens most people.

After this accident Kelsey realizes that she has said no to so many things and needs to say yes to life. She feels like Georgina needs a little bit of carefree time. They go on an adventure to figure out what makes them happy and how to live without regrets.

I feel like this would be a great book club book.

Was this review helpful?

Delightfully quirky and emotionally deep all mixed up in the best of ways. I laughed. I cried. I cheered. I swooned(!!!) Honestly, Courtney Walsh delivered so much more than I was expecting (and I was expecting a lot because she is one of my fave contemporary romance authors.)

The perfect blend of zingy banter and soul-searching discussions that pulled on all my emotions. This is one of Thomas Nelson’s general market selections so no faith content per se but there are some moving moments involving forgiveness and overcoming fear that are very impactful. I was especially touched by Hayden’s story. What an example! So much wisdom learned from some tough life lessons.

The story is told from two points of view — our young heroine Kelsey and the irascible, grumpy, gruff and all things grinch-y, Georgina Tate, a successful septuagenarian with a lot of attitude. The way Walsh throws these two together and then pits them against each other is sheer brilliance and makes for such an entertaining read.

There’s so much heart to this story – and not just the romance kind. Beautifully layered storytelling that made me pause and ask myself some pointed questions right along with Kelsey and Georgina. Love when a book causes reflection and prompts change and this one did that for me.

Part of my ‘reading’ enjoyment came from listening to the audio edition expertly narrated by Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas. They both added so much zest and personality to their performances that I could easily picture every scene playing out in my mind. I’ve become somewhat of an audio book snob and this edition of ‘The Summer of Yes’ easily makes my top ten audio books of the year.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio along with Net Galley for providing me with a copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the advanced audio book.

This was a fun romp through the lens of Shonda Rhimes' book the Year of Yes. Two women in very different points in their personal and professional lives decide to say yes to all the things they've been saying no to (hiding out of fear). The story was predictable in good ways, though a little more depth to the main characters would've added a needed layer to the story.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 Stars!!

This is a fun adventure and a story that made me pause a little and think about my day to day life and the things that bring me joy.

Kelsey woke up in a hospital room after a near-death experience. As she’s coming to, the hospital puts an older woman named Georgina in her hospital room. Kelsey recognizes Georgina as one of the most successful woman in the state. She also learns her new hospital roommate is dying from Kidney failure.

Kelsey starts to reevaluate her own life and feels regret for the way her work life has taken over every aspect of her life. She even realizes she missed her best friend’s birthday a few weeks ago because of work … and she was supposed to bring the cake.

Kelsey decides she’s going to take all the vacation days she’s never used and start living her life. She realizes she’s been letting fear rule her life. She’ll begin by saying yes to all the things she would normally say no to.

What you’ll find:
Dual POV (done well with the audio)
Exploring NYC like a tourist
An unlikely friendship
A road trip!
A new love!
Second chance of love
Forgiveness and healing

Courtney Walsh shares an authors note at the end of the story of how this was her journey too. She realized she was letting fear prevent her from experiencing things in life and she wanted to make a change. I love that it inspired this story!!

This is a perfect summer read!!

Romance content: Just great kissing!

Thank you Courtney Walsh, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the gifted audio in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

I was expecting a light and fluffy read, perfect for the beach. However, it was also more than just that. It was a look at the things we take for granted every day in this crazy journey called life. I was lucky enough to be able to read the ebook and listen to the audiobook at the same time. The audiobook was narrated by Tanya Elby and Cathi Colas. I was familiar with Tanya's narration, but not Cathi's. I thought both narrators were pleasant. This book reminded me a lot of Mrs. Nash's Ashes by Sarah Adler, and if you are looking for a sweet book, that will also make you stop and consider life (and might make you tear up in the process), this is the perfect book for you. I highly recommend this one!!!






Many Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

********


If you are interested in seeing more of my reviews and other content feel free to connect with me here <3:

https://linktr.ee/bookreviewsbyjules (links to my Instagram, Goodreads, TikTok, Storygraph, My blog and Substack newsletter, etc)

If you are a publisher or author who has questions about my reviews (as well as questions about my stats, reach or engagement), please free to email me. I am also open to requests for book reviews from authors or publishers. Thank you again for taking time to read my review, and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Was this review helpful?

Oh my goodness gracious I loved this. This is the PERFECT summer read.

I loved Georgina’s dry wit and there were several times I LOLd. Hayden was so sweet, and while there is a small side plot of romance, it is not the main focus. The path for Kelsey to find herself outside of work and Georgina to seek forgiveness (for herself) was beautiful. This story causes you to think and to feel, while still being light and beach-read-esque.

Narrators did a great job. It caught my attention from the beginning, wanting to know more about Kelsey and Georgina. While the story itself started a bit slowly leading up to the “main portion”, I was still totally committed. Then everything is just wonderful, such a feel good read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Harper Collins and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley and Courtney Walsh for the opportunity to listen to this ARC.

When Kelsey wakes up in the hospital after a car accident with a famous entrepreneur as a roommate, she starts to question what she has actually done with her life. Determined not to waste anymore time Kelsey takes some time off work and decides to make it the summer of yes!

The Summer of Yes really has it all! It has emotion, comedy, romance, adventure, and determination! This book was so well written that I felt like I was a character in it, experiencing everything alongside the cast! 4.5⭐️

Was this review helpful?

This includes an audiobook review...

I've recently become a fan of Courtney Walsh's romcom books. I love that she her books are lighthearted and fun without spicy sex scenes. She includes witty banter and joy. I kept reminding myself of those things as I read this book.

This is not a romcom. It has more women's fiction vibes with some romance. To be honest, I prefer romance to women's fiction, mostly because women's fiction get seem to get heavy at times. But I kept reminding myself that this was Courtney Walsh and she didn't let me down!

Just as her book about Isadora Bently made the reader think, this one did as well. But with lots of humor and lighthearted moments. Granted I felt that the stroy took a little while to get going, but I stick with it and was happy I did.

I follow Courtney Walsh on Instagram and as I was reading this book, I kept thinking that it sounded very personal. Then I read the author's note at the end and my suspicion was confirmed.

As far as listening to the audiobook, it has 2 narrators, both female because they are really the main focus of the book. Georgina is read by a woman with a bit of a gravel to her voice. I thought that was perfection! The other narrator does a fine job as well. I actually listened to the whole book in a day. It was delightful and kept me entertained whole cleaning houses and mowing my yard.

Many thanks to Zondervan Audio, Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the chance to listen to this book. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Coincidentally, this is the second book I’ve read this summer in which a main character’s near-death experience inspires them to consider what they want to do with the rest of their life. This one distinguishes itself with a dual POV from an absolutely charming intergenerational friendship.

Kelsey is a junior editor in the publishing industry who would like to be more, but simply accepts others’ evaluations of her as someone who just doesn’t have what it takes. She’s in the hospital after being hit by a car. Georgina Tate, beauty line mogul, is her reluctant roommate, and the older woman is dying of kidney disease. The stockholders can’t know this, so Kelsey has to sign an NDA. She’s happy to do so, but first she just wants to know one thing: was everything Georgina had to give up for her success worth it? As it turns out, maybe not. And right there, Kelsey decides she doesn’t want that to be her story. The Summer of Yes is born. And she’s bringing Georgina along for the ride, whether she wants it or not.

This story surprised me in giving each main character her own robust story, career and love interest. The older lady is not just here as a sidekick or plot point, which is how I suspected this might play out early on. Georgina is smart and successful and complicated and you’re simply not pulling anything over on this woman. The book did lose a few points for me early on when I found it hard to get into, as Kelsey’s earnestness and insistence with Georgina were over the top to the point of borderline unlikable for me. As it went on, it was clear that she was a person with a lot of insecurities and, deep down, a heart of gold. The pair’s adventure in the small town of Driftwood, North Carolina, played out much differently than I expected, and I was happily here for all of it. But mostly I was here for the memorable life lessons, reminding all of us to say yes to a few things we might not otherwise — most importantly, ourselves.

This comes out on July 2. Thank you so much #NetGalley #HarperCollinsChristianPublishing #ThomasNelsonFiction and #CourtneyWalsh for the very enjoyable advance listen!

Was this review helpful?

What a book. How is this my first Courtney Walsh book? I’m going to add more of her books to my TBR pile. This is a great book about saying yes and second chances at life along with a delightful romance. We romance readers are so spoiled with so many great books coming out this summer. The narrators are top notch too!! They bring such warmth and depth to the characters, I just loved it.

I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher.

Was this review helpful?