Thank you so much for this ARC, I really enjoyed listening to it! I thought the narration was clear, well paced and included a good variety of voice work to portray various characters as well as the two protagonists.

In terms of story, I did really enjoy it, it was giving Thelma & Louise vibes at points but a lot more light hearted. The relationship between the two women was very interesting and had a great dynamic, the author did an excellent job at developing it through the book at a realistic pace.
Although it wasn’t a standout for me, I will be recommending it to a lot of women who I think will really enjoy and relate to it.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the dynamic between Kelsey and Georgina, even though they are very different, they share similar goals of success. Kelsey is positive and cheery, while Georgina is more grumpy. The book has some romance, but it's mainly about connecting with yourself, family, and friends, and pushing past your fears to really live life. It's a great summer read. The narrators did a fantastic job, especially with Georgina. She was my favorite character in the story. Overall, it's a summer road trip book that features an unlikely friendship that becomes a life-changing encounter.

I enjoyed this book even more than I expected to. It’s a story with love in it more than it’s a love story. And that’s not my usual thing but somehow this is. I hate the term women’s fiction but there’s no better way to describe it. It’s a beautiful story of two women growing through being around each other and that opens so many doors for them including ones for love. Even if it doesn’t sound like your usual thing I recommend you give it a try.

This was a fun story of two people who found each other in an unexpected way and ended up on an adventure that would change both of their lives. I loved Kelsey's personality and humor, and that went perfectly alongside the snarky and somewhat grumpy Mrs. Tate. With a little romance thrown in, both women help each other to take chances and live life differently. I received this as an audiobook. The narrator was engaging and enjoyable to listen to.
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins, for the ALC and opportunity to provide an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book between Kelsey and grumpy Georgina. I laughed so many times and I couldn’t stop listening to this book.

Kelsey ends up getting hit by a car and she shares a room with Georgina who wants absolutely nothing to do with Kelsey but Kelsey feels by for Georgina and somehow talks her into going on a road trip with her.

This book is super cute. I adored everything about it.

Thanks netgalley and publisher for the chance to read this book for free for my honest opinion.

I've read a fair amount of books about a grumpy character lately and I was afraid this premise would be cheesy. I was so wrong, Walsh nailed the characters. The recipe for each character was well thought out and balanced. I loved it! When done right, these books are so heartwarming and stick with you for a long time. I'm happy to say this will be on my mind for awhile.

If you’re looking for the perfect addition to your summer reading list, this lighthearted women’s fiction novel is just the ticket. It offers a refreshing blend of humor, romance, and meaningful life lessons, all woven through the perspectives of two distinctly different characters.

The narrative alternates between the viewpoints of a woman in her thirties and a woman in her sixties, providing a rich tapestry of experiences and insights. Their intergenerational road trip is the heart of the story, delivering a delightful mix of comedic banter and poignant moments. The dynamic between these two characters adds depth to the narrative, as each brings her own unique perspective to their shared journey.

The novel is a celebration of life’s various stages and the unexpected bonds that form between people. The road trip becomes a metaphor for personal growth and the search for love, making the story both entertaining and thought-provoking. Their interactions are filled with sass and humor, offering plenty of laughs while also touching on more profound themes.

The romance elements are charming and seamlessly integrated, providing a sweet counterpoint to the otherwise light and playful tone of the book. As you follow these characters on their adventure, you'll find yourself rooting for their personal and romantic triumphs.

In summary, this book is a delightful read that balances fun with valuable insights. It’s an ideal choice for a summer escape, promising both entertainment and a few moments of reflection as you join these two women on their memorable journey.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to listen to the advanced audio version in exchange for my honest opinions!

I Loved this book! I love the dynamics of an elderly point of view with regrets and a woman in her 30s unsure about her future and decisions walking a similar road the older lady walked through. A lonely one. With a great sense of humor this novel had me hooked and it a had thought provoking message about life. The narrator was amazing!!!!

A fictionalized version of the "Year of Yes" - The Summer of Yes was a cute story about saying yes more in life, and choosing happiness. A light hearted, perfect easy summer read! I really enjoyed the dynamic between happy Kelsey and grumpy Georgina.

ARC Review:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Kelsey was just going about her day when she was struck by a car in the Starbucks’ parking lot. The near death experience left her forever changed. Upon leaving the hospital she vowed to stop being afraid of living and open herself up to new experiences. Will she be able to stick to her resolution, or will she revert to her old self at the first sign of trouble?

The Summer of Yes solidifies Courtney Walsh as one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. I can always count on her to write a heartfelt story with an uplifting message.

This book deals with the themes of fate, forgiveness/ grace, and bravery. It also showcases the importance of female relationships.

Kelsey and Georgina were an unlikely duo but vital to each other’s journey. Kelsey kept me laughing as she refused to allow Georgina to give up on life. Her meddling ways took the mature business woman from rigid routines to being open to adventure. In the same way I loved watching Georgina mentor Kelsey. Using her years of experience, she imparted invaluable wisdom that helped her find happiness.

*I had the pleasure of both reading and listening to this book. Both formats were fantastic. Shout out to Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas who narrated the audiobook. Their voices brought the story to life in a whole new way.

Special thanks to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, Harper Collins Christian Publishing, and Courtney Walsh for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest feedback.

Beautiful and heartwarming. The characters felt like friends. I really enjoyed the audiobook. Narration was perfect. I definitely recommend The summer of yes by Courtney Walsh. Big thank you to netgalley and publishers for the arc. 5 /5

2.75⭐️; no spice

This book is the story of a young girl, Kelsey, trying to work up the ranks at her job, living with no work-life balance whose life is turned sideways when she gets hit by a car. She wakes up in the hospital and all she can think about is how she's going to miss an important meeting that could've enhanced her career. She realizes she's sharing a room with none other than Georgia Tate, owner of the largest, most successful makeup brand in the world.

As Kelsey gets to know Georgia, she learns that she isn't as happy with her life as you would think because she isn't close to anyone she loves anymore. Having focused too much on the success of her company, it doesn't seem like Georgia has anything else in her life anymore. Kelsey realizes that is the track that she's on right now and if she doesn't do something about it, she's going to end up like Georgia.

With this realization, Kelsey takes it upon herself to help Georgia fix her life and fix her own in the meantime. She drags Georgia to where her husband and son now live to help them make up but she ends up falling in love with Georgia's son.

Kelsey was a pretty annoying character to me and I didn't feel like she had the right to drag Georgia around and force her to do things she didn't want to do after only having known her for a couple of days. I didn't like being in Georgia's point of view and I didn't feel attached to either of the characters so it was hard for me to care about them fixing their lives. The pacing was very slow and I felt like not a whole lot happened in this story. I listened to this on audio and also didn't love either of the narrators so that didn't help my opinion about this one. I'd be willing to read another book from this author but this one just wasn't for me.

Thanks Netgalley for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review. This quirky endearing duo drew a chuckle or two out me with strangely enough a few deep thoughts about my life. It is an e passionate manifesto for living YOUR life to the fullest and making sure you don't let fears rule the day. Reminiscent of the nest Katherine Center or Abby Jimenez, it gives you the expected and much anticipated HEA, but the solution is not facile or at least you've been on a journey with the characters and you consequently cheer them on to their deserved recompense.

This was just gorgeous! I really enjoyed the audiobook.!!
It was very heartwarming and I just loved the characters. It was a very warm hug when you needed it most especially with everything going on in the world. I highly recommend this, thank you netgalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy - all thoughts are mine.

I loved this book and everything in it! It was a cute story that’s making me want to have my own season of YES! We all might be saying no too much and maybe we should all take a page out of this book, LITERALLY! 😉

Kelsey meets Georgina in the hospital after an accident. Kelsey’s accident was eye opening and she feels like she needs to make some drastic changes to her life. That means, saying yes to things she would normally say no to. Having dinner with her best friend’s family? Sure! Going to the zoo in the middle of a work day? Why not!? After meeting Georgina, she feels a certain pull to her and she hatches a plan to make her join her on her “Summer of Yes” and though it takes a LOT of convincing Georgina eventually says yes!

Georgina has 1 main regret in life, not being there for her son Hayden. Can Kelsey help her remedy that? Will the summer of “yes” be exactly what they were both hoping for?

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins Christian Publishing for the ARC.

The Summer of Yes
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Author: Courtney Walsh

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

Synopsis: 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.

My Thoughts: This was a story of two women, met by coincidence in the hospital, where Kelsey faced her own mortality and made her take a look at her life. Kelsey has realized that she has always played it safe and wondered where she would be if she just said ‘yes.’ Georgina has built an empire, however, it has costed her everything, her family, her happiness, and now her health is in dire straights. Kelsey relentlessly asks Georgina to take a road trip with her and start her summer of yes. Georgina reluctantly agrees but when a surprise visit to Georgina’s son, Hayden’s hometown gets factored in, Georgina almost gets cold feet. This is where their journey begins and it is definitely a journey. This follows the tropes of roadtrip, evaluating life decisions, regrets, and an unlikely relationship between two women.

The story is narrated by Georgina and Kelsey, in their POVs. Kelsey is spunky, eclectic, quirky, and caring. Georgina is eccentric, regimented, success-driven, yet once you get through the tough exterior, you meet the sweet woman who isn’t cranky and grouchy, but endearing. The characters were flawed and imperfect, which made them feel authentic and real, easier to relate to. The characters were created with depth, passion, witty, endearing, and intriguing. The supporting characters really elevated the story, especially Hayden. The author’s writing style was complex, dynamic, heartwarming, compassionate, closed door, and engaging. The story was a slow burn. We slowly build up the characters with their backstories, how we got to this point, the plot is built in layers, and the ending was the sweetest HEA I have read in a while. The plot more focused on the women’s relationship and romance was a secondary subplot, which is fine with me, I still enjoyed it.

The narrators, Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas, were fantastic. The voice variation into character distinction really brought the characters to life. Their flow and pitch were spot on and I was able to listen at 2x speed with no issues keeping up. They really elevated the story. This was an amazing story of two women, the relationship they build with each other, and finding their own romance story. It was touching, heartwarming, heart wrenching at times, a little slow at parts, but in the end, to have the most wonderful HEA that I have read in a while, really bought it together for me. The message of the story is what gripped me, am I working just to live, or am I living to have fun? I would highly recommend either the audio or the physical book, I tend to prefer audio versions. Go pick up today!

My first by Courtney Walsh, and wow totally loved it!! Kelsey, the main character and Georgina meet while in the hospital after Kelsey suffers a near death experience. While she is there, she realizes work isn't everything, especially when no one seemed particularly interested in her while she was sick and when she comes back. She realizes that she never says YES to anything, her life is filled with one big no. No to her friend's party, no to drinks after work, no to weekend trips. So she decides, along with Georgina, to have a summer of saying yes! I adored this one!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, all opinions are my own!

This is the perfect book to end your summer with!

The narration was very good and the multiple POVs was an amazing added touch. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this one and it was everything I wanted and more. This will definitely be a book that I must add to my shelves to be able to re read.

Thank you for the opportunity to listen to this through Netgalley!

Absolutely adored this book! I loved that it wasn’t just a romance. It’s about friendship, families, mistakes and second chances. I thought it was well done and unexpected. I haven’t read other books like this and I found that refreshing. I highly recommend this book.

I enjoyed the book, compared to Courtney wash's other books. It was definitely more literary fiction than romantic comedy