Member Reviews

I have read all of Courtney Walsh's books and I have to say this might be my favorite. This book was absolutely beautiful! The narrators Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas did a wonderful job telling this story! When Kelsey has a near death experience she ends up recovering in the hospital with Georgina Tate. Kelsey decides she needs to change her life and start saying yes. I loved the banter between Kelsey and Georgina. Georgina is a strong headed woman and she has a past she's not to proud of. Kelsey and Georgina will help each other say YES to things they would normally say no too. They will start learning how to heal and become the people they were meant to be. All the characters in this book are relatable and enjoyable. Courtney did such an amazing job writing this story and definitely makes me want to say yes more myself. I truly can't recommend this book enough. I would also recommend any book by Courtney Walsh as well!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction for allowing me to listen to this ARC for my honest opinion.

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This was the first book that I’ve read by Courtney Walsh and I’m looking forward to reading additional books. The Summer of Yes was a cute and easy read with a powerful message. It showcased the importance of being true to yourself and living life with no regrets. Georgina and Kelsey come from different backgrounds and life styles but a hospital stay throws them together. Kelsey’s sass keeps Georgina from walking all over her, and Georgina has a soft side under the crustiness. Despite the two different worlds these women come from, they are all too similar and both needed a wake up call. I enjoyed the perspective of focusing on what is really important in life and it is not work. I think we can all relate to saying no to things in order to protect ourselves and this book is about saying yes. I definitely would recommend this book. Thank you to the author., publisher and Netgalley.

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Thank you Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the advanced reader copy of this audiobook! The dual narrator with Kelsey and Georgina was really enjoyable and made it easy to follow along even while driving. This is a feel good novel about finding your true self, reconnecting with the important things in life and following your dreams. A perfect summer read for 2024!

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This wouldn’t have picked this book up myself because it’s not my typical genre; however, I wanted to give it a shot. I perceived this book as a combination of “Thelma & Louise” and “The Bucket List” but neither came to fruition. There wasn’t the action that comes from the former, or the humor of the latter that was necessary for my enjoyment. Sadly, I DNF’d this book, but I truly think it will find its intended audience because this is a really well written book. I simply wasn’t the audience.

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4.25 stars 🌟 —> an amazing summer read

I was expecting a fun, heartwarming, and touching women’s fiction story, and oh, did it deliver!

Kelsey and Georgina are such an unlikely pairing but work amazingly together in the story. Kelsey, with her optimistic, "I need to change my life because I had a near-death experience" influence, contrasts beautifully with Georgina's grumpy "I’m old and stubborn and do what I want" mentality. It was such a fun mix.

The beginning was slightly slow, but after the initial 20%, I was so engaged by the story. I loved the character growth, I loved the romance, and the story definitely inspired me to ✨"say yes" ✨more. This is a book that everyone should read - it’s too good not to! 💛

The narrators for the audiobook couldn’t have been a more perfect fit! It’s dual POV, 1st person perspective, and both women did a splendid job. The audio version is 100% worth a listen. 🎧

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Such a fun adventure. I think we all know someone with an extreme level of stubbornness. This book was easy to relate to. Very enjoyable and fun family and relationship story.

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In a split second, Kelsey’s life is changed when she wakes up in a hospital after being hit by a hit-and-run driver. Her hospital roommate is a well-known older business mogul, Georgina, who is dying. Somehow, they see themselves in each other. Kelsey is at the beginning of her career and trying to work her way up, though sometimes at the abandonment of a life and being there for loved ones. Once released, they embark on a “summer of yes” road trip, taking chances and living out any regrets. Neither realizes just how much they’re changing each other’s lives, one mile at a time.
This is a fun and light hearted story that is empowering, especially for anyone who has chased a career. It’s a reminder that there is so much to life and sometimes you have to let yourself be in the moment. The narrators were great at bringing Kelsey and Georgina to life.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

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I loved this book. It was fun and light! I enjoyed the relationship between Georgina and Kelsey. It reminded me of Margo and Lenny. I love books with an older generation giving advice to and receiving a new outlook from a younger generation. However, with audio, I did not enjoy the narrator for Kelsey. She sounded much older than I pictured Kelsey and it just didn't work for me. Would've been 4.5 stars if not for that.

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This book was an absolute delight, it was so heartwarming and full of positivity. It follows Kelsey, a woman in her 30s who encounters a near death experience and comes out of it wanting to make changes to the ruts in her life and start saying YES to things she passed up before. It also follows, Georgina, an older wealthy self made woman who meets Kelsey in the hospital who is battling her own life regrets as she faces her own mortality and the two become unlikely friends and allies in changing their lives. I loved both woman’s take on life, the choices that lead them to where they are today and really enjoyed their journeys. It is pretty predictable and starts on the slow side but I think it has great messages about the chances you should take in life and also the possibilities that come in the form of second chances.

I received an audio copy of this book and I absolutely LOVED the narrators, the personalities of Kelsey and Georgina shined and made it that much more emotional towards the end of this book. Highly recommend audio format.

Read this if you like:
* Second chances
* Dual POV
* Unlikely friendships
* Self discovery - women’s fiction
* Road trip & cozy town settings
* Slower pace

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for this advanced listeners copy in exchange for my honest review.

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Because it's Summer, I've been reading a lot of romance novels and keeping the mood light. Every one of them have some typical themes and similar stories, but this is my first Courtney Walsh book, and it's different! It has a more original story, and I like all of the characters. Usually there's a dispute or one of the characters is making a selfish and unlikeable decision that doesn't really makes sense but causes a dispute. This book doesn't! I had so much fun listening to the audiobook, and it makes me want to read more of Courtney Walsh's books. I'm not sure if Tanya Eby or Cathi Colas narrate anymore of her books, but I would highly recommend checking out anything they narrate as well. They did an excellent job. If you want a happy story that is also a bit inspiring, this one is for you!

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Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of this audio arc. Very sweet summer read- older successful business woman at end of life and younger girl just beginning her career learning to deal with life by spending the summer together saying yes to previously avoided activities. Narrator captures the emotion and excitement in the characters well. Characters were so relatable and left me wanting more.

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I love the philosophy of the book. To say yes to new experiences, opportunities, and people. Even though much of this book is very unrealistic, I loved it. I just couldn't put it down. Kelsey has a near death experience which causes her to take a good look at her life. Her unlikely roommate at the hospital is a cosmetics legend and powerhouse. She's used to getting exactly what she wants and she wants it immediately. She never expected a young nobody to take charge and to make her make some changes in her life.

I found the book absolutely delightful. The characters were great. As I said, unrealistic, maybe, but I really liked them.

I listened to the audio version. Both narrators were great and their voices matched the ages and personalities of their characters. I haven't read any of Courtney Walsh's books before, but now I will be on the lookout for her work.

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I've read two of Courtney Walsh's books and thought they were really cute (patiently waiting for the third of the Holidays with Hart series) but The Summer of Yes is her best yet. Honestly, one of my favorites of 2024!

Georgina and Kelsey were so relatable. They both had such beautiful character development you just can't help but root for them. Anytime they both talked about work, lack of relationships, not enjoying life and wishing they could do things differently I couldn't help but nod in agreement. Maybe I also need a Summer of Yes. I feel like many readers will be able to identify with this book.

This is a story of taking chances and saying yes, finding friendship with someone you least expect and finding love even when it isn't part of your plan. A must read for the Summer!

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the ARC. Loved it.

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I adored this book! It even brought me to tears at one point! My favorite Christian song was even mentioned. Highly recommend this positive, thought provoking, woman empowering novel.

Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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I love Courtney Walsh’s books. They are such feel good stories and she does a great job with the banter between her characters. I loved the NYC setting. I love the feeling of being in the city without being in the city. The audio was great too!

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I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK!!! It’s one of my favorite books of all time!! ❤️ I will reread this often 😊 I connected so well to Kelsey and loved Georgina so much! I loved the grumpy vs sunshine in the friend dynamic. The author did a great job contrasting strong women with cinnamon roll guys. I loved the different references throughout to old movies, tv shows and music! I loved the summer vibes. Absolutely a most wonderful story of self discovery, friendships and love! Faith references were mild but well done. I also enjoyed both narrators doing the two different povs! Perfect 🤩

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook.

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Unfortunately this was a DNF for me! I was drawn to this by the cover and description, however I was unable to really get into it! I was not a fan of the narrators voices. Sorry! Thank you for the opportunity to give it a try! Just wasn't for me.

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I listened and had the ebook for this book and I really enjoyed that. This story is such a good one and honestly my favorite by Courtney Walsh! I binged this book and can’t wait for everyone to read it!

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I really enjoyed The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh. I felt like it was a self-help book for myself about embracing life and saying yes to things that I normally wouldn't say yes to. Things that bring me fear or make me say "But what if..."

A quote that stuck with me was "I've dared to hope for things I want, rejecting the worst-case scenario-- that dreaded voice of doom that accompanies every exciting thing. I haven't mastered it, but I'm learning ." I am a wort-case scenario person and I feel like I related so much to this book.

Things I liked about this book:
- The connection between the main characters and how their lives intertwined and how they helped each other in different ways.

- The concept of saying yes to things you normally wouldn't and flipping the script on the what-if's. Instead of "what if ____ happens" it's now "What if it's amazing? What if it's fun and exciting and inspiring?" Being a what-if worst case scenario person I loved the flip and putting a positive spin on the "what if..." question.

- The various relationships between the characters.

- The dual POV between Kelsey and Georgina. They were so different and it was important to understand both and hear from both of them.

The narration was good. I am so glad that Geogina's personality came through in the narration. I would recommend this on audio.

Thank you NetGalley and HaperCollins Christian Publishing for allowing me to voluntarily read listen to the audiobook and give an honest review.

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Beautiful & heartwarming! Courtney Walsh gives us a feel-good, second chance story with a little bit of a love story in between! It was so good! Grab this book for your beach bag/pool bag this summer!!

Audio narration was amazing!

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own!!

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