This book. Right. Here!👏
EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK!
It has a beautiful message of learning the power of saying yes (and sometimes no) to things in life and to LIVE.

Sometimes when you read a book you never know the timing to read it was perfect for the place you are in life right now until you reach a spot on the story that complete moved you to tears because you could relate with the character 100% in that moment.
I needed this book and boy did it make me feel things.

I loved the characters so much and at the end I felt like they were my friends.
Kelsey and Georgina were a fun duo.

But seeing the growth the characters had and going through the journey of saying yes and see what they were willing to say yes AND no to was a lovely journey to see, lovely human growth and connection.

I just loved how relatable the characters were, the way they overcame their fears and learning to step out of that comfort zone and saying YES to living life more and not always doing the safe comfy thing in saying No all the while staying true to themselves . But just as much as they learned to say yes they learned it’s still ok to say no.

I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone and I would highly recommend reading the physical book and not the audiobook I didn’t 100% like how the voice actor narrated but I didn’t let that hinder the rating for the book.

"The Summer of Yes" explores themes of regret, end-of-life self-actualization, and friendship. Kelsey is a young woman who has sacrificed everything for her fledging career. She doesn't particularly love her job or her industry. She hates her boss and most of her colleagues. But after a car accident that leaves her in the hospital, Kelsey begins to wonder if it is worth it giving up her friends, family, hobbies, and aspirations for an unfulfilling career. Georgina is a business mogul at the tail end of her career. Through hard work and ambition, she has built a business empire, but it has cost her everything. Now dealing with health complications, she is forced to reckon with everything she sacrificed at the altar of success. Kismet brings Kelsey and Georgina together and they see their ambition reflected in each other, and they decide to change their lives.

This book includes:
- mentor-mentee dynamic
- YOLO attitude
- Dual POV
- Regret and rebirth

This book does such a great job of holding a mirror to the reader and forcing them to reckon with their life and the decisions they have made. With so much reflection on regret, it is easy for readers to adopt Kelsey's new "YOLO" philosophy into their own lives. Unfortunately, I found Georgina and Kelsey to be quite grating on my sensibilities and was unable to finish the book because I was so annoyed at the characters.

I received this audiobook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins, and Courtney Walsh for the opportunity to review this book. This review is also available on my GoodReads - check out my profile https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/62314863

Short description:
When Kelsey finds herself waking up in a hospital bed after a car accident she is astounded to find out, that she is sharing the room with non other than Georgina Tate, who is THE legendary businesswoman of New York City and queen of all the girl bosses there are. Kelsey, who is struggling to build a career, and sees Georgina as an idol only asks her one question: Is it worth it? When she doesn't get an answer right away, she realizes that there were so many things she said no to in the past, because she put her career first. So she decides: from now on, she will say yes. Georgina, who is terminally ill, is strung along, because Kelsey surmises, that she has some things, that need to be sorted out, before she dies. And so begins a roadtrip down memory lane, to reunite Georgina with her estranged son...


THERE MIGHT BE SPOILERS AHEAD!


Review:
This story felt like The Devil Wears Prada (aka Georgina) meets Book Lovers (aka Kelsey, a woman working in publishing, going to a small town on behalf of somebody else and falling in love with a hot guy there. Unfortunatley that's not very original, which is an issue this book has overall. This is why the story is very forseeable and quite... meh...
Georgina is an awesome kickass businesswoman, but too stubborn to be authentic (just over the top!), Kelsey is off to a good start, but she does most of the things in her Summer of Yes in relation to Georgina or Hayden, which makes her kind of obsolete at some point. Oh, and Hayden is probably the most boring mmc I've ever encountered. He is simply bland and I didn't feel any sparks at all between him and Kelsey.
But what I liked least, was that everything happened so ✨ easy ✨, which makes the story unauthentic and unrelatable to me:
~ the overall synopsis is quite ridiculous to me: why would a millionaire businesswoman hang out with Kelsey, who is just one step above an internship in her job. Kelseys "arguments" didn't convince me at all, and I would have said no, if I was Georgina. So if you can't ignore this (like me), this is not the book for you.
~ the reunion was so (for lack of a better word) easy...

On a very random note: I don't understand why this book is marketed as Christian Literature? There is nothing specifically Christian about it, except Kelsey (or her mom, I don't remember exactly) mentioning that they are Christian, but that's about it...
This is a shame, because I (as a non-Christian) wouldn't have been interested in this book had I seen that it belongs in that genre before...

On the plus side:
+ I liked the subplot about how authors only get published when they have a certain amount of tiktok followers (which is ironic, seeing how this book reads like a composition of some of the most popular booktok books of the last years).
+ I did love the cover art
+ The narrators were absolutely nailing it.
+++ It definitely is a light summer read/listen, perfect for turning off ones' brain and enjoying light entertainment, which is why I kinda liked it anyway, despite all of my critizism above.

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh is a story of friendship, second chances, forgiveness, mixed with laugh out loud moments.

The friendship between Kelsey and Geogina is fun and the characters are well developed.

I recommend saying yes to The Summer Of Yes!

Thank you to Netgalley for the Audio Book of this book!

The Summer of Yes was such a fun listen! I really enjoyed the dynamics and the chasing your dreams messaging!

The Summer of Yes was the first book I've read by this author, but I've heard such great things and had to request this one on NetGalley.

I chose to listen to the audiobook, and as someone who doesn't listen to many books, I thought it was done really well. Both narrators did a wonderful job and portrayed their very different characters well. I thought the first probably 25-30% of this book was quite slow, but kept listening despite struggling to get into the book, and was really glad I did. The message about taking chances, saying yes to new opportunities, and Georgina and Kelsey's friendship was beautiful to see unfold. Georgina was the sassiest old lady and I found her dry humor to be quite enjoyable, very opposite from Kelsey's bubbly personality, but they complimented each other.

This is a wonderful summertime read, with a lovely takeaway message that everyone should read. If you're looking for an easy, uplifting read, I recommend you check this one out!

I just love these books. They're such light and quick reads that I've been gobbling them all up! Definitely going to have to buy a copy for my shelves

Kelsey Worthington’s, day wasn’t supposed to go this way. She wasn’t supposed to be getting Starbucks for her boss and she certainly did have get hit by a car and end up in the hospital, on her bingo card. That is what happened though, she wakes up in a hospital bed, with no memories after getting the Starbucks. Her family & friends don’t know she is there, nor does anyone else and she isn’t really worried about that. She is intrigued by her roommate, Georgina Tate, a legendary NY business woman. Since she will be in this bed, in this hospital for some time, she slowly befriends Georgina. The two have nothing in common but it doesn’t seem to matter. Even when Georgina won’t disclose why she is in the hospital to anyone. She eventually caves and tells Kelsey. Their differences aren’t so drastic. Kelsey is a dreamer, who doesn’t know how to stand up for herself. Georgina is so used to making up her mind quickly and decisively. She has confidence enough two people. The two could really use each other outside the hospital and it so happens they do. With Georgina’s failing kidneys and Kelsey’s desire to make changes in her life, the two set out, to conquer the world, make amends and find peace with their lives. Both woman give it their all to have the summer of fun. They let loose, have faith in themselves and the process. Kelsey even finds love and Georgina works on redemption with her son.
This was a very cute story and the prefect summer listen. Tanya Eby & Cathi Colas did a great job narrating. The characters really make this story, so good. It is light and witty, just like I like it. I want to thank Netgalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Courtney Walsh for my copy of The Summer of Yes, for an honest review. It was my pleasure to listen and review this book. I am so happy to listen to all the summer books.

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pub date: July 1

This was a perfect read for when you want something inspirational and light-hearted. It held a beautiful message about what really matters in life and the journey to figure that out.

I loved the relationship between the MCs. The 75-year-old famous businesswoman living her last days, and the younger, spunky woman looking to change things up after a near death experience were hilarious together.

It’s like The Devil Wears Prada vibes if the mean boss was old and dying and the younger girl has a near death experience and midlife crisis. 😂

I love Courtney Walsh’s writing and am always left with warm fuzzies when I finish one of her stories. I read this via audio and would recommend the format.

Perfect for you if you like:
Women’s fiction + romance
What’s truly important in life
Near death experience
Adjusting perspective on life
Strangers to lovers

Thank you @thomasnelson, @harpercollins, and @courtneywalsh for the advanced review copy!

The perfect summer read! The Summer of Yes is a book that will make you laugh and also help you remember what is really important in life.
In the story two women embark on an adventure after a chance meeting. The one rule they have is that you must say "Yes" to everything. Saying "Yes" takes them on an exciting journey that impacts their past and present.

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.