Member Reviews
A heartwarming, relaxing summer read! Stories of changing your attitude from saying "no" all the time to taking chances and saying "yes" and always inspiring, and this book doesn't disappoint in that aspect. Nice second chances and sweet light romance round out some included humor. I liked the dual narrators, though neither were my favorite voices.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the advanced audio copy!
The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh is a heartwarming story about embracing new experiences and taking risks. When Kelsey Worthington, a dreamer and writer, finds herself in the hospital next to the confident and outspoken Georgina Tate, the two women embark on a journey of self discovery and adventure. As Georgina faces her own regrets, she encourages Kelsey to live life to the fullest and say yes to new opportunities. Together, they explore new experiences, make unexpected connections, and learn valuable lessons about love and friendship. I consistently find joy in Courtney Walsh's delightful novels, and The Summer of Yes delivered! The audiobook version of this book is equally fantastic, featuring outstanding narrators.
This was my first Courtney Walsh book and definitely will not be my last. Between the humor and the emotional conversations, Walsh really pulls on heart strings of readers! This is the perfect Summer read. The narration was on point and fit the story perfectly.
Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for a copy of this audiobook.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Courtney Walsh for advanced access to the book and audio in exchange for my honest review!
Courtney Walsh is a new to me author. I absolutely adored The Summer of Yes and have already added some of her other books to my Amazon/Audible cart.
This is a perfect summer read. You'll be inspired to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Say "Yes" to adventure and discover a whole new side of yourself.
I loved this!
What would your summer look like if you chose to face your fear and say, “Yes” to the things that intimidate you? It isn’t about giving up your morals, but instead, taking a leap of faith to pursue the things that really matter.
Huge thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the opportunity to enjoy this audiobook!
4.5 🌟
Characters: 3
Connection to the book/Enjoyment: 4
Setting: 4
Plot/Overall Story: 4
Writing: 3
Every point= 0.25 stars, max per category 4 points
I really enjoyed this story! The character growth was so endearing and seeing some great Christian values (ex. Forgiveness, restoration, grace, etc.) on display without being an in your face Christian fiction was refreshing, even though I would have liked to see God directly mentioned. The characters annoyed me at times but I really enjoyed the story overall. I loved how this story was as unique with how it had two main female characters- definitely more of a women’s fiction feel but also a good touch of romance. It did feel more emotional at times that I expected because I got so connected to the story, but it is heartwarming and an encouraging story. Definitely one I will recommend to many! The audiobook was very well done with the two characters!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review the ebook and audiobook.
A twist of fate has career driven Kelsey meeting elderly business tycoon Georgina. Both women
have regrets about dedicating too much of their lives on their careers and worrying about the opinions of others. So they run away together to live The Summer of Yes.
The relationship between these two opposites was delightful to watch develop. Inspirational and charming with plenty of laughs to balance out the sweetness.
Narrated by Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas who both brought great life and warmth to the story. Would be a fun roadtrip book.
Just say yes to this slow burn romance because it may change your life.
After a near death accident and working non stop all her life. Kelsey decides to take time for what matters and says yes to everything including a road trip with an elderly lady. Which changes her life forever.
Thank you to NetGallery and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Audio format 🎧. A workaholic editor Kelsey has a near brush with death and lands in the hospital after being hit by a car. While in the hospital she meets Georgina, a very successful business woman who is dying from kidney disease.
They set off together in an adventure all about saying “yes” to things. There’s family drama, fun adventures and a whole lot of wonderful messages throughout this book.
Things I loved:
☀️ Audio narration with two narrators was fantastic. Both of them brought the characters to life
☀️ a feel good summer read with great underlying message of saying “yes” to things in life and taking chances
☀️ two very different narratives for the two main characters that really came together as one story
☀️ wonderful setting for a summer read
I don’t know that I would have loved this book so much had I read it in traditional format but the audio version of this story was so wonderful! I highly recommend listening to this one if you can. A 5/5 for me!
Thank you to Harper Collin’s and Net Galley for the a copy of the Audiobook in exchange for a review.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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. 🎧
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.