The Summer of Yes

“We all need someone to believe in us”

This book was a breath of fresh air. Courtney Walsh is something special. She wrote this fabulous book about fears and life and mortality. About love and friendships and forgiveness. About it never being too late to change your life.

This book was exactly what I needed to challenge my own mindset and to take me on a wonderful journey.

You can expect ⬇️
Dual perspectives
Some Romance (the sweet kind)
Disrupters (the good kind)
Never too Late
Unlikely Friendships

When overcrowding lands Kelsey and Georgina in the same hospital room… a friendship does not form. However, there is a bond. Kelsey is a bit like a dog with a bone in how she peruses Georgina (her idol) and how she desperately wants to change both of their lives.

It was wonderful. I enjoyed this audiobook so much.

Thank you Harper Collins for the #gifted ALC to read and review

What a beautiful story! Makes you feel all the emotions! Happy, sad, hurt and grateful. A story of family brought together with a happy ending!

This book was such a delight! The Summer of Yes is the story of two women saying yes to life by chasing experiences, seeking forgiveness, and creating new connections. I loved the contrast of the dual-POV, with Kelsey closer to the beginning of her adult and professional life and Georgina closer to the end of hers, it made for interesting perspectives. Their shared lack of filter made them endearing characters and added fun humor.

After enjoying the ARC of this book, I was pleased to find that the audiobook made it even better. The narrators were spot on for the characters - the voice of Kelsey perfectly peppy, and the voice of Georgina perfectly acerbic. Courtney Walsh has quickly become an auto-read author for me as her books always leave me with a feeling of joy and contentment. I highly recommend you say yes to The Summer of Yes!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for gifting me with an ALC to review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am a big fan of Courtney Walsh’s novels and really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. There are themes of self discovery and friendship amidst it. I especially loved the character development.

I absolutely ADORED this audiobook! Courtney Walsh is a favorite of mine and she absolutely KILLED IT with this one! This was the perfect summer read!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for the gifted audiobook!

If you say YES to anything this summer, say YES to reading this book!

I absolutely loved this book and can't think of one negative thing to say if I wanted to. Absolutely the happy and feel-good story I needed!

When Kelsey wakes up in a hospital after a car accident that she doesn't remember, she is (not warmly) greeted by her hospital roommate, Georgina. Against all odds and against Georgina's will, the two of them strike up a plan to have a summer of saying YES where they have previously said no to adventure, opportunities, dates, etc. etc.

Along the way they learn a lot about themselves & each other, find (or re-find) love, friendship, purpose, and ultimately a second chance at life!

I absolutely loved the progression of watching Kelsey and Georgina go from having nothing in common to sharing....well, you'll just have to read it to find out what they share in the end!

This story is light and happy and will be the perfect beach read this summer!

Read if you enjoy:

- Unlikely friendships
- Second chance romances
- Closed door romances
- Saying YES to adventures
- Books that feel like hugs

I think this is Courtney's best book to date and I can't wait to read what she writes next!

This story is written in dual timelines between Kelsey and Georgina and both FMCs are completely lovable for different reasons. Loved the friendship that grew between the two ladies and the message of forgiveness and grace. The way that Dylan showed Georgina grace was so inspiring!

Long story short, I appreciated this story for many different reasons but mainly being that I am always actively working on saying “Yes” when I can, while I can, because these days aren’t promised (especially with my boys while they’re little). Time isn’t promised so I wanna make sure I’m always making the best of the time God is giving me on earth.

“Life can’t be lived in reverse.”

Author’s Note— absolutely loved it! I definitely was able to relate to these women who respond “no” simply out of fear. I’ve been working on saying yes like I said and doing more things that I’d usually be afraid to do the last couple months. It’s scary, but it’s been great and totally worth it! Thank you @CourtneyWalsh for writing this book!

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!!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Summer of Yes follows Kelsey Worthington after she is hit by a car and starts questioning how her life is going. I didn't realize how much I needed this book until I read it. I highlighted 18 passages in this book. EIGHTEEN! I have never highlighted more than four. I have prioritized work to the point of saying no to everything in order to conserve my energy or work insane hours. Looking back on the past few years, I don't see nearly enough memories that I could. So here starts my Summer of Yes.

Perfect for anyone who is stuck in a cycle of saying no to even the little things, anyone who is feeling burnt out or underappreciated at work, or anyone who is struggling with regret of things you've given up to prioritize your job. Even if none of these things apply to you, I still think you would like this book if you enjoy fun contemporary novels with a dash of clean romance.

I received an ARC/ALC from Thomas Nelson Fiction | Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

THANK YOU to Courtney Walsh for creating this "disruptor".

I love this book! I will listen again! I really enjoyed the voices. Although I did wish there was a man’s voice, well, because I love hearing a man’s voice. But it didn’t distract me and I would listen again!

This book was full of poignant thoughts. Really about letting go of the things we might think won’t hurt us, but really will be to our detriment, if we don’t! I truly enjoyed the book and absolutely love this author!

Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to give my thoughts and opinions, they are all my own!

This was adorable. It took me a little while to get into it as I thought the beginning was too slow. But once it rolled along, I fell in love with
Georgina and Kelsey. I'm glad I kept going because this was a fun read from the relationships, the quick banter and the marvellous New York City setting it was just a great ride.

I loved the idea of taking chances in life, saying yes to things and finding true friendships when you least expect them. This is the perfect summer reader.

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the audio version. This made my morning walks go swiftly!

This book absolutely needs to be added to your TBR stack!

Courtney Walsh knows how to write a super fun, lighthearted book that really makes you question if you are saying yes to the opportunities that come your way!

The plot follows Kelsey, an assistant editor who’s given up everything for a career she’s no longer sure she wants. After getting hit by a car and hospitalized, she meets Georgina, a remarkable businesswoman nearing the end of her career. Georgina, who also sacrificed everything for success, is now facing major health issues. These two unlikely friends (grump/sunshine😍) spend their summer saying yes to life, and their journey is heartwarming and lovely!

This dual POV beauty is out July 2nd and you should preorder today! OH and the audiobook narrators are chef kiss!❤️

Big thanks for the ALC from Thomas Nelson Fiction via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

#BookRecommendation, #MustRead, #CourtneyWalsh, #SummerReading, #bookloversclub

After immediately finishing The Summer of Yes I could not even think about another book. Very rarely do I want a book to be longer, this was one of those rare times.

Kelsey has a near-death experience which makes her take a closer look at her life. She realizes she needs to say yes to more and go out of her comfort zone. Kelsey does not want to be full of nothing but regrets anymore. While in the hospital she shares a room with an older woman, Georgina. Georgina is a successful businesswoman who sacrificed her family to be successful. Kelsey is determined to drag Georgina into her summer of yes and help fix Georgina’s family while fixing herself.

Kelsey and Georgina’s relationship is one of my favorite book relationships ever. It quickly became a witty grandma and granddaughter relationship and it was truly amazing to watch blossom. Georgina didn’t get to where she is by being nice so seeing her let her guard down and be human was great. From the little things we learned in her inner monologues or to her sticking her tongue out at Kelsey when Kelsey calls her a child. Everything was great.

Kelsey wants to fix Georgina’s relationship with both her estranged husband and son but doesn’t expect to catch feelings in this journey.

There’s so much I want to say about this book I just don’t want to give it all away. Put this book on the top of your list and read it as soon as possible.

Thank You NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction

Release date: July 2nd, 2024

I loved this book!

It started out with Kelsey getting in a accident and waking up in a hospital bed not sure what happened and she meets Georgina Tate a successful businesswoman and after she lives the summer of yes happens and she takes Georgina along the ride with her.

There is a small romance but it’s not the main plot of the story.

It’s also a story about bringing family together and realizing that people matter and care for you

The Summer of Yes is a heartwarming book about second chances. When Kelsey meets Georgina in the hospital after an almost fatal accident, she realizes she wants to stop saying no to things and start saying yes! The two set off on adventures of fun and choosing things they’ve postponed or said no to. Along the way they meet up with Georgina’s past and her need for forgiveness. A cute romance blossoms as Kelsey meets Georgina’s son. I really enjoyed this book! It was exciting and fun while having a meaningful takeaway: we don’t live forever so say yes to what makes you happy. This heartwarming book had me tearing up and wanting to see how things ended. I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in trade for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.
YouTube Review: 07/03/24
YouTube Handle: KeenCat

This was my first Courtney Walsh book and I could not stop listening to it! I loved it. It was such a heartfelt book. Maybe this summer will be a summer of yes for me

The Summer of Yes is a story of friendship, family, new beginnings with some romance. Kelsey Worthington is a junior editor, although her dream was to be an author. She is a workaholic, who doesn't like to venture out of her comfort zone. She says "no" more often than she says "yes". After her scare, she decides to shake things up. While she is in the hospital, she shares a room with Georgina Tate, a wildly successful businesswoman. Georgina sacrificed everything to become the woman she is today, including her family. Now she has failing kidneys, with only a transplant to save her life, if a match can be found. Kelsey decides they both need to change their lives and comes up with the idea of a road trip and "The Summer of Yes". What Georgina wasn't expecting was Kelsey surprising her with a visit to the town where her husband and son live. This is the place where both women can start their new beginnings.

This book has such a great message. How much do you want to give up to be successful? Is it worth it all in the end? I really enjoy books with multi-generational friendships and this was another good one. Georgina has so many regrets. All she has is her company, but that isn't enough. I liked that she was willing to take a chance and go on this adventure with Kelsey. Her son Hayden and her ex-husband still loved her, but only wanted her back if she was ready and made the effort. I really liked both of them, their love and loyalty were amazing. Kelsey's journey was a bit different. She has been told before that she doesn't have what it takes to be a published author, so it is a huge step to try again. I liked how the relationship between Kelsey and Hayden developed. He knew who she was, but she didn't realize it at first. He was such a likable character, caring, honest, hard working and forgiving. This is a story that will make you look at your own life and rethink your priorities. It was an emotional story and had my feelings all over the place. This was a great story of love, forgiveness, reconciliation, friendship, priorities, our mortality and more. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas. Having two narrators gave distinct voices to the main characters of a young idealistic woman and a crochety older woman. I enjoyed the audiobook and recommend it if you enjoy this format.

This is my first read by Courtney Walsh, and I must say, I loved it!

This is the story of Kelsey, whom after an accident makes an unlikely friend in an old business woman named Georgia. They decide, one rather unwillingly, to go on an adventure of saying "yes" to all the things they would have previously have said no to and it because a life-changing experience for them both.

I loved how this story wrapped up in a clean little bow. I also appreciate that, although there was a bit of a romance, it was clean and tasteful. I listened to the audio version. There were two narrators and both sounded perfect for the age and personalities of the women.

I loved this book! I have read many books by Courtney Walsh and this is far and above my favorite. The relationship between Kelsey and Georgina was everything! It can be recommended to women of any age and everyone will learn something about themselves after reading it. The narration was wonderful. I may even listen to it again!

Thank you HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this audiobook.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6588611272

Thank you to @netgalley for the ALC, all opinions are my own.

My feelings about The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh are not complicated- I love it! You know the crabby elderly side character who always steals the show? In this book you are gifted her as one of the two main characters!

Sunshine Kelsey Worthington has a serious wake-up call and manages to get grumpy Georgina Tate to begrudgingly join her on a “Summer of Yes”. So much happens in the pages of this book, and to steal Kelsey’s words, “Some of these sentences are absolute darlings.” Most of them, in fact! Yes, you want to slap an elder sometimes but not only is that mean and illegal, everything Georgina does and thinks is very fitting with her character. Kelsey is hilarious and I would joyfully go on a road trip with her anytime! I was happily going along thinking romance wouldn’t be a main plot point and I was okay with that- but there is more romance than I was expecting! I absolutely KNEW what the third act problem was going to be and I had a wake-up call that I can’t always predict a book’s future. I had a little jaw drop at one point. This book is funny and delightful and can pull at even the tightest of heartstrings.

It took me a couple of chapters to get used to narrators Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas, but soon enough they grew on me as they BECAME the characters. I think they could have gotten away with one narrator, and the main narrator reading Georgina’s sections/ chapters in her Georgina voice, but hey, the more narrators, the merrier.

This book felt like a perfect summer read to me, such a 5 star read, and it will be out in the wild on July 2, 2024. I highly recommend saying YES to a pre-order!

5/5 stars
11 hours 29 minutes at 1x on audio
Clean romance; kisses only
Locations: New York, Driftwood, NC and everywhere in between- there’s a road trip!

I loved the story of the friendship between the two women. The journey of how they helped changed each other was touching.
A great beach read!

This is the perfect summer read! For anyone struggling with work, needing hopeful story, or just looking for a fun read, this book is for you. I could not put this one down. From the unlikely friendship to the sarcastic banter, Courtney Walsh had me eating this book up.

I LOVED this book. It was so sweet and heartfelt. The storyline swaps back and forth between the 2 main characters, Georgina and Kelsey who meet in the hospital after Kelsey was hit by a vehicle. A beautiful friendship blossoms between Georgina and Kelsey which was 😭😭♥️♥️ and I truly loved them both.

Was it anything new and crazy special? No. Was it the absolute best book I’ve ever read? No. But I enjoyed the easiness and storyline so much that nothing else mattered to me. I really enjoyed the “say yes” attitude to things the characters wouldn’t typically do.. and enjoyed even more that Georgina and Kelsey still had the ability to say no to things that weren’t fulfilling to them.

Thank you so much to Netgalley & HarperCollins Christian Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this ARC!

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. It was so heartwarming. I knew the moment I started reading it that I was going to be grinning from ear to ear and I did, It was sweet. It was wholesome. It was lovely in every way. Just a good ol dose of sunshine. Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the ALC of The Summer of Yes!

Title: The Summer of Yes
By: Courtney Walsh

Genre:
Fiction, Contemporary, Women’s, Chic Lit, Audiobook, Clean Romance

Summary/Review:
You Only Live Once is the overarching theme of this beautifully written novel by Courtney Walsh.

Kelsey Worthington (32), a well known editor, wakes up in the hospital and unbeknownst to her, she’s had a near death experience. Kelsey was hit by a car while walking down the street. Kelsey soon meets her new roommate, Georgina Tate. She is a successful older woman Kelsey looked up to while learning about her in a college course. These two workaholic women quickly learn they have similar lifestyles and personalities. Excited Kelsey and Reluctant Georgina determine they could benefit from a summer of saying yes! And so begins the emotional roller coaster Courtney Walsh has masterfully created! I can’t say enough about my love for this novel!

The transitions between the two different points of views were skillfully orchestrated for the reader to follow. The themes of love, forgiveness, and hope are flawlessly written for the reader to quickly connect and empathize with the characters. The Summer of Yes is a funny, yet heartbreaking novel. I highly recommend this summertime novel! Soon to be published on July 2, 2024.

Thank you Courtney Walsh , Harper’s Collins Christian Publishing, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

#reluctantreaderreads
#Courtneywalsh
#thesummerofyes
#cleanromance
#NetGalley
#advancedreadereditions
#Harperscollinschristianpublishing

It's a feel-good story that will have you cheering for all the characters!

Kelsey was involved in an accident that jumped started her life, giving her opportunities to say YES to herself and what she wanted. She meets Georgina Tate and strikes up a friendship that takes them on a journey to mend relationships, find joy, seek forgiveness, and trust in yourself. The Summer of Yes is full of heart and hope.

I highly recommend this book!

*Unlikely friendships
*Road Trips
*Small Town
*Family Healing
*Sweet love story

Thank you, NetGalley and Courtney Walsh, for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I immediately fell in love with Kelsey, as she hits a point in her life where she’s got some choices to make, and she chooses YES. Yes to everything out of her comfort zone and that she typically dismisses. After a minor accident lands her in the hospital and meeting grumpy Georgina, her life is changed and she doesn’t even realize it yet.

Georgina gives Miranda Priestly and Evelyn Hugo all mixed into one and I’m so here for it. She’s a boss ass bitch but only got to that point by sacrificing her family. Because of Kelsey, she’s forced/tricked into reconnecting with her husband and son, and dealing with emotions she has shut down so long ago.

Hayden is truly my favorite. He has endured such heartache in his long but still chooses the positive perspective on things, and has made such a life of happiness for himself. I love his outlook, his demeanor, and the way he can easily let grudges go and look only ahead.

This book was such a refreshing, feel good, easy read. It was so relatable, as someone who second guesses so much, afraid to take risks. Kelsey is so inspiring and makes such an impact but changing her mindset. This is a must read, not just for the summer but for anyone who needs to stop and try-evaluate where they’re at with their life. Easy 5⭐️

I am so so sad that this book came to an end! I have enjoyed every single second of this audiobook. It’s made my drives and my times sat at my work desk so much better and was such a happy, inspiring and uplifting book. I absolutely loved the plot and the concept of this book, it’s different to what I would typically read and was so much better than i expected it to be. I loved the characters and I loved the dynamic between Kelsey and Georgina they made me giggle so much and I love the development in their relationship and their character growth. The romance in this book was sort of unexpected for me I didn’t think it would have much romance and I was pleasantly surprised, I loved Hayden so so much. This book made me want to says YES! Go and do things I’ve been wanting to do, go and try things and stop worrying what people around think. I’ve been giggling, smiling and one pot I even started welling up at my desk listening to this. Truly such a lovely book, I will definitely be recommending and I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy on release day! Thankful I was accepted to experience this book before it came out.

This is my first book by Walsh and I am ready to dive into her backlist. This was a story about not taking life for granted, mending relationships and building new ones. Kelsey and Georgina meets at the hospital when they shared a room. They agreed a plan of yes to doing things they normally say no to.

They end up on a road trip and Georgina is reunited with her estranged son, Hayden. We then see how Georgina and Hayden mends their relationship while Kelsey and Hayden also forms a relationship,

Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas both did great on the narration.

Ohhh this book was sweet and I enjoyed it!

Kelsey is a shelter girl who works and that’s pretty much all she does. When getting coffee for her boss she ends up hit by a car and in the hospital, her hospital roommate is a well known beauty business women, Georgian. when she starts talking to her she starts pondering her own life and decided she is gonna say yes to everything and includes Georgina reluctant at first they make a wonderful friendship over the course of their yes tip! Loved it making my own yes summer as we speak!

This book was adorable and such an easy and entertaining audiobook to listen to. The narrator did a great job with both the male and female voices and I really enjoyed the listening experience.

While it does include some deeper topics (anxiety, broken families and kidney transplant), Walsh approaches them in a gentle way that provides so much hope. Insta-love is one of my least favorite tropes, but the characters acknowledge that their quick and deep feelings for each other are surprising and unexpected, which made it feel more authentic. I loved the banter between Georgina and Kelsey, and enjoyed seeing how they both grew throughout their summer together. What a sweet story that will definitely be added to my list of summer favorites!

I LOVED this book! Such an easy summer read. I loved both main characters and their relationship. No spice, so perfect for those who like closed door, PG books. Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

I was gravitated to the synopsis and stayed for the story. There was so much love, regret, and "yes" happening in this book. It was my first book by Courtney Walsh and I am definitely impressed by her writing, meaning I would love to read more by her <3

I loved Kelsey and Georgina's relationship and how they saw themselves in each other...and invested in each other's lives, even if fate is what brought them together. Their love stories were beautiful and the banter throughout was so fun/cheeky!

Thank you to NetGalley, Courtney Walsh, and HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to listen to and review an Advanced Listener's Copy (ALC) in exchange for my honest opinion.

If you are looking for a fun, inspiring, summertime romcom look no further! The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh is the perfect book! I fell in love with all the characters, (even the grumpy one) and finished this book with a desire to be more open and make the most out of life!

Courtney writes such fun, clean books that leave you with that ‘feel good’ feeling! This book is filled with second chances, forgiveness, family bonds, and saying yes to new things, even if (or more like especially when) it’s outside of your comfort zone!

The Summer of Yes has me wanting to be more open this summer and I too am going to work on saying YES to more!

Huge thank you to #netgalley and @harpercollinschristian for the advanced audiobook copy!🩷

Oh my goodness, I loved this book! It was a fun, feel-good adventure that really made me think about how I'm living my life. The Summer of Yes illustrates through the characters lives, how we often miss out on the good things in life because we're chasing a goal. We say no to experiences and relationships for the sake of our careers or simply because we're afraid. What would happen if we just said yes?

This is my first Courtney Walsh book but it definitely won't be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this. The characters were well developed and I felt a connection with each one of them. The audio narration was also really great making for a super enjoyable listen all around.

I highly recommend saying YES to this book!!

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh

Georgina, Georgina, Georgina! We all need someone like you in our lives.
Ladies and Gentlemen! Move this book to the top of your TBR this summer. I promise you will not regret it!

#courtneywalsh has such an amazing ability to build character relationships, dialogue and witty banter! I absolutely loved every minute of this audiobook! Shout out to #tanyaeby and #cathycolas for bringing the characters to life! I had many moments where I laughed so hard and had to rewind the audio and listen again!

Synopsis:
Kelsey wakes up in a hospital bed after being hit by a car running an errand she wasn’t suppose to. Kelsey is not the most confident but she dreams of being a writer, if only!

Enter Georgina Tate! A strong, confident business woman who has paid the price for success! And, oh boy, has she paid the price! Think of Georgina as Miranda Priestly but funny!

Together they are an unlikely duo, but Kelsey sets off on a summer adventure where she says “yes” to life! Georgina, reluctantly agrees to be her companion. Together, they build a friendship that leads them to finding what they ultimately need. Love.

The book has a lovely friendship story and bonus, two love stories (clean). I love the overall message of this book. Never forget to take a chance on yourself!

Highly recommend you read this book! The message of confidence and determination is beautiful. The funny dialogue will make read and re-read the lines over and over again, late into your summer day. Cheers!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book! If you love banter between characters this is a hit. A young woman and an older woman meet in an unexpected place and with many, many efforts become friends. The Summer of Yes, by Courtney Walsh, is a witty, laugh out loud, story of being true to oneself and saying YES! You will just say "one more chapter" more than once. It was a brilliant piece of work and the narrators brought it truly to life!
#TheSummerofYes #NetGalley

“Do you ever feel like you’re not really living?”

What a beautiful, uplifting, inspirational, powerful story about an intergenerational friendship, second chances, healing and self discovery! It’s also about living life to the fullest with intentional purpose and no regrets.

I loved both of the MCs, both hardworking women who have made work their sole priority, not leaving room for family, relationships or a life outside of work. Georgina, a very successful, wealthy, stubborn, older woman who is dealing with a scary diagnosis. Kelsey, a bubbly, encouraging, persistent, young woman who is a workaholic, overthinking, control freak who craves stability, security and predictability but dreams of becoming successful in the working world no matter what the cost. After an eye opening accident occurs, “fate” brings Kelsey and Georgina together. Kelsey turns to Georgina for career advice asking “Is it worth it?” referring to the hard work and sacrifices. And so begins the Summer of Yes…a summer of adventures, experiences and a road trip. A summer of feeling alive while rediscovering the meaning of life and priorities.

I wholeheartedly believe we all read and connect with books based on our backgrounds and personal experiences and I feel like this one was written for me! This may not be a book for everyone but as a woman who tends to get wrapped up in her work and has had her share of wake up calls, I related with this character driven book on so many levels. This book was such an incredible reminder that life is precious and sacred but unpredictable, don’t take it for granted. “Life moves pretty fast. And if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas narration enhanced the experience, bringing the characters to life with impeccable tones and inflections while creating a believable narration. They delivered a remarkable performance from start to finish.

Courtney Walsh has hit it out of the park with this book! The Summer of Yes is full of heart, humor, grace, forgiveness, bravery, self reflection, romance, friendship, redemption, and new beginnings. The characters were fully developed, the pacing was on point, and the story was engaging.

The narrators were fantastic. They were engaging, emotive and sounded age appropriate. I do feel that the main narrator for Kelsey handled the male voices better, however, as far as the narration for the main characters, they were both spectacular.

I will definitely be recommending this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Audio for the alc, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

The longer I sat with my thoughts, the more I liked this book! The messages resonate so strongly!
When Kelsey Worthington wakes up in the hospital next to the legendary Georgina Tate, the only thing they have in common is regret. Undeterred by Georgina’s reputation and superior attitude, Kelsey is determined to come out of her shell, say YES to the very things she’s been avoiding, and take Georgina on the journey with her!
This is a heartwarming story about not hiding from the things that might make you uncomfortable and being willing to experience all life has to offer. It’s a reminder of what is important at the end of the day and life, and not to lose those moments to the rat race that won’t matter in the end. This novel encompasses life’s simple pleasures, some bigger risks, regrets, family, friendship and forgiveness. Both women, despite their age differences, each experience growth and self-discovery.
This is more of a Women’s Fiction than Romance book, but there is tender love to be found here among the relationships encountered.
And ultimately, it’s a reminder to go out of your comfort zone and be willing to sometimes say YES! We may be surprised what may come out of that! This would be a great book club read – I’m sure there would be a lot of interesting discussions!
My attention was immediately grabbed by the narration in the audiobook. Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas bring so much to the story with their inflections and tones and they absolutely brought the characters to life! I highly recommend listening to this one!

Gah, I just love Courtney Walsh's writing so very much and this book was absolutely wonderful! I thought the themes were so profound and so beautifully woven throughout this meaningful and adorable plot. Everything just came together so naturally. I was invested with my whole heart with these characters, Kelsey and Georgina, they felt like real life friends and I just wanted them to heal, grow, and find happiness. I guess you could say, I cheered each time they said "yes" and moved forward.
This book is more women's fiction, but I would totally call it a romance too. In fact, it was like a double romance which made my smile grow so big while reading. I love the way love and relationships, new and unexpected, effected so positively Kelsey and Georgina's perspectives. It was just SO good!
One thing I in particular I took from this book was the idea that life has disrupters that help us keep our life on track or put us on a better path. It was something I needed to hear at this time in my own life, I found it so inspiring.
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel. I 100% loved the narrator that did Georgina's POV. She was exactly as I imagined. The narrator for Kelsey did a great job, though she sounded slightly older than I picture Kelsey's character in my head. Both did a good job with the narration and in bringing this book to life. I will be listening to this book again and again. I already feel like I want to shout to everyone how this is a summer must read. I completely recommend this book. It made me smile, think, swoon, cheer, and reflect.
I received an advance listening copy of this book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Appealing to both young and older women as it has multigenerational characters. The story is incredibly compelling as you get a look at a young woman struggling to get her career off the ground and a mature woman at the top of her career with many achievements, but both harboring regrets about life. Due to life altering events that land them both in the same hospital room, the women end up embarking on a journey to rectify some of their regrets and discover the best path for their futures. I think we can all relate to this sweet, funny, poignant and endearing story as many of us struggle to figure out which decisions we should be making in our daily lives. The story really makes you stop and take stock of what is important to you. I relate a bit more to the more mature character as I am at a point in life that is making me take stock of where I am and where I want to be. I too am finding that I need to spend more time chasing joy and this book just drove that point home a bit more! I always enjoy this author's writing, but I have to say that this particular story really resonated with me. I look forward to more from her soon!

What a great hook! I loved how this story began with Kelsey disoriented in the hospital and desperate to get back to work, and then grumpy business maven Georgina Tate becomes her roommate and she starts to rethink her priorities. When Kelsey comes up with her plan for the Summer of Yes, I was all in wanting to witness these characters saying yes to all of the things they’ve been missing out on. What an inspirational story!

I’ll admit I was hoping for more of a buddy road trip, enjoying Kelsey’s sunny enthusiasm slowly dissolving Georgina’s cranky cynicism. We do get some of that, but that portion of the story was briefer than I expected. It then shifts to focus more on the two women’s romantic relationships than their budding friendship. But everything comes together in the end.

The audiobook production was excellent, and I enjoyed the narration by Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas. The narrators are fun to listen to, with good pacing, clear pronunciation, distinctive voices to suit the characters, and the ability to convey mood and emotion effectively. The story works very well as an audiobook.

This is an amusing, feel-good story that encourages the reader to think about what they value most. I recommend this book for fans of women’s fiction and clean contemporary romance.

I received a free advanced review copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.

The Summer of Yes
What a delightful book! If Courtney Walsh writes it, I’ll read it and Love it!
The audiobook was great. The adventures the main characters Kelsey & Georgina were so much fun and I didn’t want them to end. I loved that both ladies figured out what was most important in their life and found love.

Another Courtney Walsh book to love! She has an amazing way of bringing her character’s to life and making them and their life circumstances so relatable.

The story of forgiveness is powerfully weaved throughout and the focus on “saying yes” to all the small things in life made me want to re-evaluate my every day interactions and choices. We only have one life to live and why not live it the way we want.

There is an underlying romance but I didn’t feel it was the main plot point. I loved the banter. I loved the multi-generational characters and the main threads of fear, love, and belonging that they all desired. So, so relatable!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the audiobook.

The Summer of Yes is the perfect summer read - and I don’t say that lightly. It’s a beautiful story of found family, developing and deep friendships, laugh out loud humor and romance all tied together with a beautiful message at the end.
This is the story of Kelsey, a “play by the rules” junior editor who lives the safe life, never venturing outside her comfort zone, and Georgina Tate, a girl boss who never took no for an answer who has crushed the business world. The two women meet in the hospital due to an unexpected accident. Neither of them has visitors and appears to live a lonely existence. Georgina is dying of kidney failure and Kelsey is lost in so many ways. They embark on a cross country road trip that changes both of their lives. Their character arcs are perfectly executed and extremely satisfying. I loved them both so much.
I will be recommending The Summer Of Yes both for purchase and to my many readers. It is a book that will be enjoyed by everyone regardless of age. It’s truly the perfect summer read!

This was such a wonderful, feel-good story. Georgina and Kelsey are the perfect mismatched duo. Their friendship is the star of the story despite some mild romances for both. When you’re finished you’ll be filled with joy, feel empowered, and want to hope for more. I’m so happy that I took a chance on reading this one because it’s one of my favorites of 2024 so far.

Kelsey is a stable junior editor who dreams of being a writer. She is what some may call “boring”. She wakes up in a hospital after an accident and the patient next door is annoying. That patient is the one and only Georgina Tate, a celebrity businesswoman. Georgina is on dialysis due to kidney failure, and doesn’t have much longer to live. Kelsey makes the summer of yes pact. They say yes to all the things they’ve said no to. Kelsey connects with Georgina’s estranged son, Hayden for one more thing to check off the list.

Tales of friendship and love throughout the book. I love a good story with a grumpy old person! Cute easy read for the summer!

Thanks to Net Galley, Courtney Walsh, and Thomas Nelson for the ARC! Out tomorrow 7/2/24!

This was the first book that I've hread by Courtney Walsh, and I know it won't be the last. I really liked this story and how it wove together themes of friendship, positivity, love and strength. Romance was there, but it wasn't the driving theme of the story. Self-love and self-growth played into the tale in a much greater way.

The story begins with a bang - Kelsey is accidentally hit by a car and wakes to find herself in the hospital. While trying to collect herself and her rattled memories of the accident, she also meets an older woman named Georgina, who is her roommate in the hospital. Georgina is a well=known, 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 looking back at all she accomplished and at what cost.

Kelsey always dreamed of being a writer, but she has settled for 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. After the accident and in talking to Georgina, 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 question. 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. But when they take a road trip that leads into stories from Georgina's past, this is where the true journey begins.

Two stories of love, forgiveness, regret, romance, and finding a way to live a fearless life intertwine as these two women make an indelible impression on each other. And it all starts with a simple "yes."

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing and NetGally for this Advanced Release copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank NetGalley for the ARC of This book! It was amazing!! I loved every minute of it. The two main female characters were strong. I loved the bantering between the two women. It was very entertaining! The perfect summer book!

I LOVED THIS! It was exactly what I needed. I loved Kelsey & Georgina’s dynamic- I found myself laughing out loud many times!
I loved all the characters & learning how Courtney used the concept around saying “yes” more can change your (or someone else’s) life.
I had a great time listening to this & it was a perfect time listening with summer here!

I absolutely loved The Summer of Yes! I loved the characters, and their unlikely connection. I loved the fact that it was a friendship story that fueled two love stories. I adored the narrator who read Georgina's chapters. Her voice could not have been more perfect for this character. I also love the overall positive, upbeat vibes of the story that the cover captures perfectly. This book is out tomorrow, and you will definitely want a copy for your pool or beach bag!

Thank you Netgalley for an e-ARC of The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh!

I remember someone asking me once when was the last time that I tried something new and I truly struggled to recall. From then on I decided that I wanted to embrace the "yes" and try new things. This book is exactly that and I loved it! I also appreciate the clarification of not a bucket list per say, but instead saying yes to what you have been scared to try, too busy to try, too embarrassed to try, etc. The timing also couldn't have been more perfect for this read as I leave for a big "yes" trip of my own this week!

We are following along two POVs; Kelsey, our young up and coming assistant editor, and Georgina Tate, the successful business woman that Kelsey admires. Their paths cross in an unlikely way and never go back after. It just shows that your support system comes in a variety of different ages and demographics.

If you enjoy stories about second chances, starting over, non-steamy romances, cross generational friendships, and family, pick this one up!

An added bonus...As someone who knows the world of kidney failure too well, thank you Courtney for taking your writing platform and bringing awareness to organ donation 💙💚. Ironically, my "summer of yes" consists of competing in my first ever Transplant Games of America. ☺️

Chock-full of charm presented with a fun balance of witty banter!!!

The Summer of Yes is LAUGH-OUT-LOUD funny! And… it hurts in all the ways that remind us to get out of our comfort zones!

Also, I adore both Georgia and Kaylee, Kimberly, I mean… Kelsey :)

Mercy! I loved this refreshing, positive, inspiring, book. It was just what I needed!

#TheSummerOfYes #netgalley #ThomasNelsonFiction #womensfiction @CourtneyWalsh @BookShell_F

This is my first book by Courtney Walsh and I really enjoyed it. Two workaholics that have a big age difference but have so much in common. Georgina was such a great mentor for Kelsey…but Kelsey was sooo good for Georgina. I loved their early interactions. They have amazing banter, sass, and overall dialogue. The romance aspect for both Georgina and Kelsey was sweet, refreshing and filled with new beginnings. Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas deliver an amazing performance. They bring the characters to life with perfect emotion, personality and voice. Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy.

This is the most heartwarming, emotional, and romantic telling of enduring love that I’ve ever read. It presents such a delicate balance of family estrangement, coming into oneself, and new love. The fact that everything is high-stakes (life, death, second-chance at forever love, etc) and she still keeps the story low-stress really speaks to how fleshed out her characters are here. Miscommunication trope? No, we don’t know her. I loved that in a book about growing into who you want to be, clearly communicating how they felt, and what they wanted seemed to be a focus for their growth.

There’s a lot of serious moments, but there are a lot of fun & swoony moments, too. It’s a beautiful story that is perfect for summer. I listened to the audio and both of the narrators for the two women did an excellent job with the pacing of the plot. Georgina in particular was perfectly cast! In my head she’s giving Emily Gilmore, honey, and she isn’t here to play (unless the prize is a pretzel). 🥨 This entire book is a telling of right person/right time alongside the sweetest second-chance romance of the summer.

“I’m now realizing that life is short. And you get one shot. All the clichés, it turns out, are true.”
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Courtney Walsh has become an auto buy author for me because her books bring such joy to my life! The Summer of Yes did just that! Even the bright cheery cover makes me happy! This is a romance, but it has so much more to offer. The book makes you think and ponder and has so many quotable lines!
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I did an immersive read with both the audio, brilliantly narrated by Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas and the physical book, which arrived a wee bit early so I read it instead of the ARC I had been provided. I was so thankful that this happened because I have so many tabs placed in this book! These two narrators absolutely brought this book to life and I can’t imagine reading without them!
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After a near death experience Kelsey rethinks many things in her life and challenges herself to a summer of saying yes to things she would normally say no to. Her hospital stay caused her to meet a very successful and famous older woman who Kelsey convinces to join her in this quest. It didn’t happen that easily, but that’s for the reader to discover.
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I liked the growth that came to both of these women throughout the story! The romance was sweet the way only Courtney can write them! I could relate to a number of aspects of this book. I really enjoyed this very well written book and I recommend it to anyone who wants a great read and a book they will want to hug at the end!
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Thanks to @netgalley and @ThomasNelsonFiction for the free Advanced Copy of the book and to @HarperCollinsChristian for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

Run to pick up this book!

Meet Georgina. An older woman that chose work over all else. Kelsey, a twenty something that loves her job and is happy in New York living her life. An unexpected event bring these 2 women together and their lives will change forever. Is it possible they can go on a journey of a summer of yeses together to make each other better but more importantly find what is truly important to them.

This is a page turner! It has solid characters with a done before but not this way storyline that keeps you engaged. A new favorite author for me!

Yes, yes, yes to The Summer of Yes!! Courtney Walsh is outstanding in this book - no surprise there!! Definite 5 star read for me & one of my favorite books of the summer!
Thank you NetGalley & HarperCollins Christian Publishing|Thomas Nelson Fiction for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

ALC Review

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh

QOTD: How would your life change if you said “yes” to more things: relationships, dreams, etc. (without going against your morals)?

Series: no
Genre: Contemporary with a side of Romance
Romance Level: Kisses only
Release Date: July 2, 2024

Courtney Walsh has regaled us with another beautiful story. This one is of forgiveness, second chances, and the power to change your life through one simple word: YES.

When Kelsey (spelling?) has a near-death experience and ends up in the hospital, she meets Georgina, who is also there for health reasons. Kelsey befriends her and eventually convinces her to do a “summer of yes”. The result: mended relationships, new beautiful friendships, forgiveness, love, and lives changed forever.

Kelsey-she is afraid to chase her dreams. But Georgina helps her to see life differently. This story was such a fun take on the “enemies-to-friends” trope, if you could even call it that. Their evolving friendship was so fun to watch as their journey through the book progressed. Their banter brought hilarious moments. Georgina is a spit-fire and in the truest sense, a grumpy older woman who needs to get her priorities straight. I just loved both of their character arcs. So much growth through the book.

And while love/romance was a subplot, I loved every minute listening to the love that grows between Kelsey and the man she meets.
And Georgina, oh my heart just broke and mended during the difficult conversations she has with her husband.

Oh my, Courtney writes such powerful and inspiring messages into her stories. Do you want a book that could change your life? Read, “The Summer of Yes”, her newest one releasing on July 2. I definitely felt my heart grow a couple sizes as the last words were spoken in the audio. And I loved Courtney’s message to us as readers.

Notes on narrators: Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas both did fantastic jobs of narrating the dual POV of Georgina and Kelsey. I highly recommend the audio version of The Summer of Yes.

I received a free copy of the audio from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was an absolutely heartwarming and sweet novel. If you enjoy Hallmark movies this book is for you. It's about facing your fears and being open to new possibilities. When workaholic Kelsey winds up in the hospital having a near death experience, she meets an elderly business icon Georgina who is dying. Neither woman has people come visit them because in the hospital because both of them have made their lives all about work. She takes this as a sign that they both need to open themselves up to new experiences, and live the Summer of Yes.

Thank you to Harper Collins Christian Publishing for the advanced listener copy. the narrators Tanya Eby and Cathy Colas were both amazing. The book had dual perspectives from Kelsey and Georgina. I highly recommend this book, reading it, is like a big hug.

This will probably be one of my favorite books of the YEAR. Yes the year!! I'm not sure if I just found this book at the perfect time in my life, or if I would've loved it regardless of the time in my life I read it, but I absolutely adored this novel. It follows Georgina and Kelsey after they meet in the hospital - Kelsey for getting hit by a car, Georgina for kidney failure. The two form an unlikely friendship after they realize they've been telling themselves "no" to different things, which has impacted their lives in negative ways. The set off on the summer of "yes," and that's where this story takes off!

I gobbled up this book the whole time I was reading it. It was like receiving a warm hug from an old friend, and it was SO inspiring. I enjoyed every single second, and this solidified Courtney Walsh being an auto-buy author.

What if you said YES to opportunities you said NO to before? When two strangers meet in the hospital after near death experiences, they decide that they should do all the things they were always too busy or afraid to do. Thus starts an adventure of finding out who they really are and what is actually important in life.

This was a sweet lighthearted rom-com, I fully enjoyed it. Kelsey and Georgina were pretty funny together, I found myself laughing out loud multiple times from their banter. I listened to this audiobook and the narrators were great; I especially loved Georgina’s narrator.

*Provided an ALC (advance listening copy) audiobook from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.

Just WOW! What a fun, lighthearted, serious and inspiring read!

Our life can change in a moment for the better or for the worse. That is up to us. Or we can go back to life as normal before the event. Boring! That is what this book is about - letting an event that shakes you to the core improve and change your life. A traumatic event can increase our level of fear or you can choose to minimize fear in your life. Fear can keep us from our best possible life. We can choose to say no to anything that could take us outside of our comfort zone.

This book has inspired me to reconsider the choices I have made since Covid. To say yes to getting out and doing more fun stuff. Stuff I used to do. It has gotten too easy for me to say no and stay home.

I love the cover of this book. The cover with the title made me want to read this book. I listened to the audiobook and the voices for the two women were just perfect for their age and personality. The narrators for this audiobook were Tanya Eby and.Cathi Colas.

The Summer of Yes is a fun, light-hearted romp from start to finish! Kelsey awakes after a close-call accident and realizes her life has become nothing but work. Placed in a hospital room with a very Miranda Priestly-esque character, Georgina Tate, Kelsey begins to devise a plan to live her life more fully and connect with the hard-exterior Tate. The relationship between Kelsey and Georgina is contemptuous, with Georgina often barely tolerating the over-eager Kelsey and she begins to thaw this cold businesswoman's heart. A cute beach read!

Absolutely LOVED this book!!

We start off with Kelsey in a hospital bed…waking up saying…I don’t have time for this. 😮
Yes! She’s a workaholic!!
Yes, she was just hit by a car after picking up her coffee… (this is in the first few minutes of the book!)

But then, surprise of surprises, she realizes that the patient sitting in the bed next to her is world famous Georgina Tate.
And…she is NOT a nice person.

This does not deter Kelsey in the least. She reaches out to her in her own kind way…and hopes to break through the tough facade.

When she is finally released from the hospital, she vows to keep in touch with Georgina…which is the absolute last thing Georgina wants.

And so, the story and adventures begin…

As Kelsey decides to try to change things in her life by saying ‘yes’ to things she would normally say ‘no’ to. And she encourages Georgina to do the same.

What follows is an absolutely beautiful story of love, loss, friendship, family…and thoughts of things that could have been…if only we’d done things just a bit differently…

Wonderful, heart-breaking, sweet yet sad story….

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelsonFiction and #HarperCollinsChristianPublishing.l

Release date was 7/2/24, so look for it on shelves already!

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!!

#TheSummerOfYes by #CourtneyWalsh and narrated beautifully by #TanyaEby and #CathiColas.

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Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction for this advanced reader's audiobook. This book is all about saying YES to the unexpected. The Summer of Yes comes about after Kelsey is hit by a car. Georgia and Kelsey could not be more different, but they end up sharing a hospital room where Georgia is getting treatment for her failing kidneys. Kelsey takes it upon herself to befriend Georgia and she creates the Summer of Yes, where they are going to say YES TO EVERYTHING. Georgia thinks Kelsey is crazy, but she goes along with it, realizing that she has regrets and she might not have much longer to live. And the two spend the summer together, they both realize that to be happy, there are things they need to change, and they can help each get there. This was a really sweet book about being open to possibilities in life.

A definite feel good read that has you questioning why you don’t say yes (or no) more often. Characters are relatable as well as the daily grind we have all gotten to know. A must read for sure

I loved this book so much. Kelsey and Georgina end up sharing a hospital room after Kelsey got hit by a car. After their stay Kelsey decided to have a summer of saying yes to things she wouldn’t normally do. She decided to get Georgina to go along with her. Not without some complaints from Georgina. I loved the banter between the two. The Audio for this book was perfect!!!

Courtney Walsh writes some truly lovely stories about life and love. the idea of saying yes to things you normally wouldn’t after getting a second chance at life was so fun and special to read. I loved Georgina and Kelsey’s first meet, banter, and beautiful friendship. I love the underlying romance between Kelsey and Hayden, he’s just the sweetest and I love everything about his character. The overall themes of letting go of fear, learning to forgive, saying yes in the face of the unknown all for a chance to have some life-changing positive experiences were perfect in every way. I just loved this story so much, and think it’s perfect for a summer read by the pool or beach to feel hopeful, excited, and grateful.

thank you for the alc!

I loved this book so much! Loved the characters and how I made me think. However I didn’t love the audio readers on this. They were fine but not my favorite.

The Summer of Yes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh my Goodness this book was soooo fun. You will fall in love with the characters. You will smile & laugh out loud tons. It was the best Summer read! A feel good fun read Life is short. Be brave & just Say Yes!!!
Thank you NetGalley!!

Yes! This story had ALL the feels. I cried then I giggled, but always I was invested in the lives of the characters.

Kelsey Worthington wakes in the hospital with a raging headache, and the news that she's been there two days already. The last thing she remembers is walking out of the Starbucks with her boss's coffee. She never saw the car that jumped the curb and apparently hit her, but boy does she feel it. Sleep is her friend, but judging by her lack of visitors, it's her only one. Meeting her new roommate, business mogul Georgina Tate, who is even more alone than she is, makes Kelsey take a look at her own life.

Georgina, for her part, is resigned to the fact that she is dying. Her kidneys are failing and her tissue type and blood type are rare. The only possible match is one she feels she abandoned years ago - her son, Hayden. She's said no to so many things over the years but the one she has always regretted was the no that lost her a family.

When Kelsey barges into Georgina's life with the idea of having a Summer of Yes, Georgina shoots her down at first but Kelsey is persistent, and a complete pest, until Georgina finally caves. At first, they start out as "tourists" in their own city of New York, checking out all of the tourist traps that neither has ever had time for. From eating street food to seeing New York from the top of the Empire State building, they do it all. Then, Kelsey suggests a trip to swim in the ocean. Georgina offers her classic Mustang and puts Kelsey behind the wheel. When Kelsey's GPS takes them to Hayden's shop, Georgina is horrified. How can her son ever forgive her? When her husband - who isn't her ex like she's been telling everyone - also shows up, she's pretty sure her heart is in more danger than her kidneys. In the face of the two men she has always loved, can she lock her heart down and scurry back to New York before they learn how very sick she is?

I loved so many things about this story! Kelsey was scared to death to try things, but she was so brave in saying yes. Georgina had hardened herself to the point that no one could see her heart, until Hayden and Dillon came back into her life. I loved Dillon. He stayed true to his vows even though he hadn't seen his wife in nearly 2 decades. Once she was back in his territory, he persisted until she cracked. Kelsey and Hayden were an obvious couple from their first meeting. The sparks practically flew off the page.

Readers who love sweet romance with a substantial jolt of angst will love this book. If you're a fan of Courtney Walsh's books, this one was another great addition to her book list. I loved it! (I listened to it, and the two narrators did a great job voicing Kelsey and Georgina.)

I loved this book. While it has romance, really there is so much more to the story. This is really about two women who must decide how they really want to spend the rest of their lives. They learn to recognize how their own decisions effect not just their now but their futures. And they get to choose what future they want. I'm pretty much a say no person and honestly, I'm pretty happily contented in my choices but even so, this book makes me think about what my choices mean. I think it is thought provoking.
The narration was great so that enhanced the story for me as well.
I might have enjoyed seeing a few more "yes" moments before reaching the crux of the story but obviously they did step out of their comfort zones.
So, I'd say read or listen to the book, (like I said, the audio was great), and then sit for a bit and ponder your own yes and no moments. But no matter which choices you make, remember that relationships are important.

Sex: a little innuendo
Language: I honestly can't remember, which likely means no
Violence: no
*I received a complimentary audiobook through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

Wow. Just wow. This book was fantastic! I absolutely loved it. You can’t go wrong reading this book. It was such a beautiful exploration of how the two female main characters held themselves back from authentically living and finding their joy, and their journeys to reclaiming that for themselves. The relationship between the two main characters was so engaging. And, of course, the romances were lovely as well. A new one and a second chance one. Kelsey, an editor in New York, found her life unexpectedly interrupted after she was hit on the sidewalk by a car. In the hospital she ended up in a room with Georgina, a legendary businesswoman with failing kidneys. The accident made Kelsey rethink her life and everything she had been saying no to. Resolved to implement a “Summer of Yes”, she was determined to convince Georgina to participate too and face her regrets. This is a standalone novel. The story includes elements that involve accident, hospitalization, kidney failure, dialysis, marital breakdown, and parent/child estrangement. The romance in this story is closed door with mild innuendo. There is no harsh language.

The narration was very good. It is dual POV with dual narrators, both female. Both narrators gave excellent performances, with good emotional expression, even volume, and pleasant tone. The variation in voices for other characters was defined and well done. There was a tendency to over-enunciate sometimes from both narrators. It seemed more pronounced from the narrator supplying Kelsey’s voice, but that may have been because it fit alright with Georgina’s character, but felt a little off with other characters.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for a complimentary copy. This review is being shared voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kelsey wakes up in the hospital because she was in a really bad accident. She doesn't remember much about what happened though. Kelsey's dream is to become a writer, but she doesn't go outside of her comfort zone to really make it happen because she has a secure job and life is pretty stable and predictable.

At the hospital, she rooms with an older lady named Georgina Tate. Thee Georgina Tate who is a super successful businesswoman. She has never taken "no" as an answer and she always figures out how to get what she wants.

Georgina's people make Kelsey sign a NDA as to why Georgina is in the hospital Sadly, Georgina is dying and she needs a kidney transplant in order for her to life, but it is very difficult for her to find a match.

When Kelsey learns about this, she asks Georgina if it was all worth it. All worth what? Georgina has a successful company, but she has an estrange relationship with her then husband and her son as she chose her career over her family.

After some convincing, Kelsey has gotten Georgina to agree to say "yes" to things that she wouldn't normally say yes to. This is "The Summer of Yes" for both Kelsey and Georgina. What will this adventure take them to? What will they learn about each other and life?

I really enjoyed reading this book as it made me really think about how often I say no to things and what I am willing to say yes to. Sometimes "no" is an easy way to stay in your comfort zone, which isn't bad, but it can also not be good as it limits your experience in life. At the end of the book, I really loved Kelsey and Georgina's unlikely friendship.

Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC! It is a Hallmark movie in book form! The book is predictable but so sweet and fun! The book has two narrators - one for the young female main character and one for the older female character. That makes it super easy to follow along while doing other things if desired. This is a great light, summer read! I recommend this book to anyone who likes romance books without the smut.

The Summer of Yes, by Courtney Walsh, is a delightful, inspiring story and a perfect read for summertime (or anytime at all). Courtney Walsh’s stories always seem to work for me. They are uplifting, comforting, easy reads that have depth and insight that make them extra meaningful.

In this story we follow Kelsey who has a freak accident and ends up sharing a hospital room with the well-known business guru, Georgina. Georgina has succeeded in life, but at a great cost. She’s a cynic at heart with a critical edge that keeps her distant from others. Kelsey finds herself veering in the same direction and she wonders, does Georgina have any regrets? The two form a reluctant relationship, which is primarily Kelsey’s doing, since her accident has caused her to reassess her priorities. Considering that she has spent years saying no to anything that doesn’t further her career with single-minded focus, Kelsie has decided to embark on a summer of yes.

This story leads us on an adventure to a small beach town, various, new experiences, romance, friendship, healing and rediscovery. This story includes forgiveness, second chances, a reevaluation of goals and an introspective examination of what we want, what we believe and what we are worth.

The plot may include a bit too much repetition of certain elements and have moments when the stubbornness of both main characters is aggravating and feels a bit exaggerated. But this story is also charming and engaging and makes you consider what truly matters in life. It’s a reminder to love the people in your life, flaws and all, to embrace the goodness of everyday and courageously go after what you want, regardless of what others think. The Summer of Yes is a hopeful, quick, feel-good story and one I highly recommend.

The Summer of Yes is narrated by Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas. These are excellent narrators and they do an amazing voice acting job. For whatever reason, their voices didn’t match what I anticipated for these characters and therefore it wasn’t a great match for me in these particular roles.

This book was so amazing! I loved reading this so much and I really want to buy the physical copy. They was it made me want to say yes to life more is so inspiring. I know that we waste a lot of time sticking to our comfort zone and this book was full of adventures and so many amazing quotes! I loved to see the character development and the 2 love stories in there were just so amazing! I will definitely be recommending and rereading this book!

"but then it occurs to me that where one lives often determines how one lives."

Five glowing stars for Courtney Walsh's new book, The Summer of Yes. I recommend adding this feel good story to your beach bag this summer.
The Summer of Yes is a story of love, forgiveness and second chances. Told from the point of view of two women who develop an unlikely friendship and embark on a summer road trip, going outside of their comfort zones and saying yes to things they normally are too busy or too afraid to say yes too. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook and the dual narration.

“You’ll never be happy if you listen to what everyone else says about you… it’s what you say about you that matters.”

“We’re all dying Georgie. And however many days I have left, I want to spend then with you”

* This hospital scene is hilarious
* Georgina is so good 😂
* Okay I love this whole idea
* I love Hayden!
* Not the mosquito bites 😂

Wow. This book was not what I expected but it was everything I needed it to be. I loved it!

There’s so much pain and heartache and healing in this book. So much emotion and feeling.

Kelsey is so funny. I thought she was a really good character. I loved her ideas and her spunk and especially her growth. And her with Hayden? Yes please!

Georgina was just hilarious. I loved her. And I loved her growth as well! You’re never too old to learn, to grow, to forgive, to make amends, and to have fun.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ALC. I definitely enjoyed the narrators. All opinions are my own!

Wow! This book was so profound and thought provoking and not at all what I was expecting! I loved it! Loved the authors note at the end and this is definitely something that is going to stick with me for a long time. It has definitely inspired me to say yes more and live my life to the fullest! I would definitely recommend this one!

Kelsey wakes up in a hospital after being hit by a car and inspired by her dying hospital roommate Georgina decides to try and live her life with less regret by saying “yes” more and truly living her life. She teams up with Georgina to take a road trip that will truly change both of their lives for the better.

We took our Winnebago back out on the road yesterday. I could not have chosen a better read for our trip. This inspiring new release is full of heart, humor, with a side of introspection. Early in the book, Kelsey's mom talks to her about "disruptors." An unforeseen occurrence in your life can disrupt for good. In this book we see how both characters become catalysts for change in each other's lives. Is there a disruptor in your life that you have been resisting?

Have you been saying "No" and playing it safe? Kelsey is 32 and working as an editor. She has been focusing on her career and missing out on life. She ends up in the hospital after getting hit by a car. Her roommate turns out to be THE Georgina Tate, a famous cosmetic magnate. The two of them will become the cleanest version of Thelma and Louise that you have ever seen with a blue convertible (minus the tragic ending.) They are saying "Yes" to a road trip and it is about more than the destination. Courtney Walsh gives us their story from both perspectives. The audio book is narrated by Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas is just right. Got a road trip planned this summer? Take this book along.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, and NetGalley for both an audio and digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

☀️⛵️☀️
📖Review
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
📖Book 30/100
📚The Summer of Yes
💫Genre: Women’s Fiction/Romance
✍️Author:
Courtney Walsh

📝Synopsis 📝
Kelsey is a workaholic that ends up at the hospital after a near death experience. She ends up sharing a hospital room with non other than Georgina a well known and successful business woman. Kelsey proposes a deal to Georgina and they head off to a road trip that leads them to adventures and our story.

My thoughts 💭
This was such a great book about second chances. I laughed, cried, and laughed some more! This is definitely a book you can recommend for a beach read, road trip, and to just about anyone since it is a clean read (no spice). Two workaholics loose so much in life and get to turn wrongs into rights. I love how they both got to break their ways and say yes to more things that brings them happiness. This was such a heartwarming read, and it made me even reflect on my life too. Last but not least, I absolutely loved all the main characters.

🩷Second Chances
💛Road Trip
🩵Friendships
💚Dual POV
🩷HEA
💛Kidney Transplant
🩵Girl Power
💚Living Life
🩷Forgiveness

☀️QOTD:
Do you consider yourself a workaholic?

✨A special thanks to @netgalley and @harpercollins for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

🏷️🏷️🏷️🏷️🏷️
#romancebooks
#bookstagram #romancebook
#bibliophile #booktok #booksbooksbooks #bookreview #bookstacommunity
#bookrecommendation
#bookstagrammer #booksta #netgalley
#netgalleyreviewer
#arcreader

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins, and Courtney Walsh for the chance to listen to this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Dual Perspectives of an unlikely friendship, with two sweet romance connections as well. This is a wonderful story that I would recommend to all ages.

I loved how Georgina and Kelsey both, in their own ways, made their own pivots and met their own full potentials- both personally and professionally.

This story is heart wrenching, heartwarming, thought provoking and incredibly peaceful. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.

Courtney! Every book you write gets better and better and better. And The Summer of Yes hit me in a place I didn’t know I needed a book to hit. I felt seen and understood, while also challenged and encouraged.

I didn’t expect a women’s fiction at first—I usually go into my books as blind as possible—but I loved it so much! I love a good women’s fiction, and I felt like I got a two-for-one-package-deal with this book. Kelsey and Georgina make the perfect unlikely duo, but when they click, they are dynamic.
I really admired Kelsey’s tenacity once she grasped onto an idea she really cared about. I loved how her experience led her to genuinely question her life and where she was versus where she actually wanted to be. It’s very possible (*ahem* factual) that I am finding myself inspired by Kelsey’s reflections and desires to change her life.
Georgina really is a spitfire! I liked how Kelsey didn’t let herself get intimidated by her, and how she was gradually worn down by Kelsey’s down to earth nature and her constant pushing. While I loved Kelsey’s character arc, I nearly cheered for Georgina. Knowing how long she had been pushing away from what she really needed made her arc so satisfying.
And that ending! Can we just say how amazing that ending was? I love Georgina. I love Kelsey. I love Hayden.
I guess I haven’t said anything about Hayden yet. But I love him! I also love that this is a women’s fiction with a good side of healthy romance. Kelsey and Hayden were mature and adult about their feelings and needs, and I love them so much! Georgina and her guy were smashing as well. I really liked him.
Seriously loved this book so much. Thank you for writing the book you needed, because I definitely needed it, too.
Here’s to saying YES more!
Jessica


AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: I like that this is dual narrated, so we get a really distinct voice for both Georgina and Kelsey. Georgina’s narration is spot on perfection. I don’t like Kelsey’s as much, but genuinely didn’t deter from my enjoyment of the book.


**Many thanks to the author, NetGalley, and HarperCollins and ThomasNelson for the ALC. All thoughts are my own.

The Summer of Yes AUDIO by Courtney Walsh was a fun book, lots of romance, but something even more important: don’t block yourself off from living your life. Kelsey Worthington was waiting on the edge of the sidewalk to cross when she got hit by a car. She was taken to the hospital with relatively minor injuries, but had to stay for a couple of days. While there a woman named Georgina Tate was wheeled in to occupy the other bed in the room. Georgina was not a pleasant woman, not kind. There was something about her, though. When Kelsey went back to work (she was a book editor), one of her colleagues had poached the author she had been working with. She tried to take with a grain of salt, but quickly decided she was sick of being the good sport, sick of saying no to anything that might be fun. She decided to use the vacation time she had saved, one of the many things she’d said no to. The next day she arrived at Georgina’s home to inform her of the summer of yes, which Kelsey expected her to participate in. They would start tomorrow by taking a sight-seeing tour of New York, something New Yorkers never do. Did they argue? Yes. Did they have fun? Yes. Then Kelsey turned up with a blue mustang convertible she’s gotten out of storage. It was Georgina’s. She told Georgina they were going on a road trip. Georgina argued, but got in the car. This decision would change both of their lives.

Both these women were trapped in their professional lives, leaving time for little else. Georgina was older and had missed much more, but there was still time. Kelsey wanted to learn from her, but also to learn for her. When they reached their destination, Georgina was furious. It didn’t stop Kelsey, though and she steamrolled forward. She said a lot of yeses and didn’t really regret any of them. Both of them were slowly seeing the reality of the lives they’d trapped themselves in and took steps to change it. It was a sappy story and just about perfect. The plot was decent, if unlikely. The characters were well-written and well-rounded and just about perfect. This was a simple romance and yet the message it carried is so much more important that is typical of summer romances. Try it! Thanks Courtney Walsh!

The narrators for this lovely book were Tanya Eby and Cathy Colas, both of whom gave this silliness into the realm of important. They treated it that way and hence, so did the listener. Thanks!

I was invited to listen to The Summer of Yes by Harper Collins Christian Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HarperCollinsChristianPublishing #CourtneyWalsh #TanyaEby #CathyColas #TheSummerOfYes

This book was such a breath of fresh air. I really enjoyed every ounce of it. I can't say anything bad about this book.

Thank you #NetGalley for the audio copy of this book - I LOVED it! Overall, the premise of saying "Yes" to everything to turn your life around is a fun one, but I loved the two-for-one opportunities of Kelsey helping Georgina. Kelsey could have selfishly put herself first, but by really helping Georgina to fix some of her biggest regrets, they BOTH change their lives.

Such a feel good story that is perfect for summer. Just say YES and read this one!

Anything Courtney puts out into this world, I must say is gold. She has this way of giving you a hug through a book and this one is no different. Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity for letting me read this book early. It was a little gift I got on my phone and it felt like a piece of summer I got to escape to when the weather wasn't quite feeling like the warmth I was finding outside. Truly a magical read as always.

I was completely pulled into this story and simultaneously blown away by it. It is soooo good! I know I could find better adjectives to describe my feelings for it but it really is soooooooo good! I was hooked! I couldn't stop once I started. I loved Kelsey's character and her life evaluation after a brush with death. I felt the emotions with her and her desire to do better. One of my book besties was reading this after me and she messaged telling that she was ready to say "yes" to anything after reading this book! And let me tell you, you'll definitely be feeling that way as well. I loved how Kelsey was smart in her boundaries for what she said yes to but she was open to many possibilities for accepting good in her life that she had previously said no to or had not even thought about being open to. She saw how those decisions really narrowed down her life and caused her to have a lack of friends and anything outside of work.

I loved her connection with Georgina. Who is a hoot! An absolute hoot! But at the same time has also let several things pass her by in her life while pursuing work and her dreams! I loved the combination of Kelsey and Georgina! Their banter back and forth and their friendship was wonderful! It honestly made me think of a little bit of The Devil Wears Prada and the banter back and forth between the boss and the employee (can't remember names right now) but in a more positive way.

And yes, there is a love story...two love stories actually. Soooo good! There I go saying that again, but it's true! Sweet and messy and tender and beautiful are all good descriptive words for this book, the characters, the love stories and well, just everything! Definitely going on my favorites list and on my HIGHLY RECOMMEND list!!!

I read and listened to this one, it was soooo good!!! ;-) I loved the dual narration for Kelsey and Georgina's characters. Both narrators were spot on for their character. They brought out the emotions of the story and made it seem like they had a fun time bringing to life these characters. If you're an audiobook fan, you're going to love this one!!!

If you pick up one fun summer read this summer, let it be this one!!!

Content: Clean. Talk of death and trust and heartbreak and walking away and love. Nothing more than kisses and some clean marital talk between a married couple.

I received a digital copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction, via NetGalley. I also received a copy of the audiobook from the producer, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading & Listening!!!

This book was a delight by Courtney Walsh! Walsh is an author who is one that I always read, and The Summer of Yes did not disappoint! When Kelsey wakes up and finds herself in the ER, she is uncertain of how she got there. Serendipitously, she meets another patient, the famous (or infamous?) Georgina Tate, who is one of the leading businesswomen in New York City. Georgina is nearing the end of her life, and young Kelsey’s is just beginning. However, they both realize that they are living lives that look differently than what they had hoped. Kelsey’s near death experience leads to an ER-bed-decision to begin saying YES to every opportunity. Begrudgingly, she convinces Georgina to do the same, and this unlikely pair starts on a summer adventure that changes them both. I was captivated from the first page, and I can’t recommend this enough! It left me pondering how I can begin to say “YES” and open myself to new things as well. This is another great one from Courtney Walsh!

Thank you, Net Galley for the ARC! The opinions shared in this review are my own.

Absolutely loved this one! This was perfection. This is the most wonderful story of life and love and remembering who you were meant to me. This story made me want to say “Yes!” And maybe even try something out of my comfort zone. Kelsey and Georgina were so relatable and their personalities played off of each other so well. And I want to be more like Kelsey. This is a wonderful summer read that will leave you with a smile in your heart. I really enjoyed the narrators and thought they did a great job!

"The Summer of Yes" was such a refreshing and fun summer read. I loved the age gap and friendship that developed between the two main characters. I really enjoyed their adventure and the growth they both did thoroughout the storm. The audio was great!

Some books come to you when you need them, and this book was one for me. Just like Walsh’s THE HAPPY LIFE OF ISADORA BENTLEY, this too has a wonderful message of living your best life. Say yes when you can, but make sure it’s something you want to do, but be brave to try something new.

Kelsey and Georgina were awesome. They were so well done. As always, Walsh does an incredible job with her characters. (All characters were so well done). I loved Kelsey’s decision to say yes and how she dragged Georgina on her Yes journey. But it was something Georgina needed in her life, just as much as Kelsey.

There are so many funny moments, Georgina especially had me laughing so hard. The development of Kelsey and Georgina’s characters was perfect. I loved their adventures with the Yeses that brought so much humor and joy to their lives. And of course the dual POV with Kelsey and Georgina added so much to the story.

HUGE thank you to the publisher for the audio approval. The audio narrators did a fantastic job!

5 stars for The Summer of Yes! What a fun, adventurous book to get you in a summer feeling (of course). I really felt inspired reading about Georgina and Kelsey. This was my first from Courtney Walsh and I can say it won't be my last.

The narrators were perfect for this story. I really felt like I was getting the character's perspective from these voices.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Courtney Walsh for this audiobook in exchange for my honest review. The Summer of Yes is available now.

What a heartwarming ride! This book had a little bit of everything I love.

Kelsey finds herself confronting her own life choices after waking up in the hospital after a near-death experience. Not wanting to get behind she launches right back into her old workaholic ways but soon realizes it may not be all it's cracked up to be. Especially after she recognizes a glimpse of her future self in her hospital roomie.

This was a refreshing dual-POV where the second POV was not a love-interest. In fact, Georgina was a cranky, workaholic, old woman and hearing her point of view may have been my favorite part of the story. The narrators, Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas, were amazing and I would highly recommend giving this book a listen. They did a fantastic job of bringing the story to life and kept the story flowing. It was fast-paced and enjoyable from start to finish. Plus, even if you aren't a work-obsessed human like these main characters, the insights shared can definitely be insightful for all of us.

Thank you to Courtney Walsh and Harper Collins Christian Publishing and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the audiobook. It was a delight.

What a fun summer read. But Whew! I related to the author's note on this book so much.

The story of Kelsey and Georgina will have you cheering each character on throughout the book. I just wanted them to both be so happy. Kelsey once mentioned, “I even have a wooden sign in my apartment that says let’s stay home.” I couldn’t help but laugh as I looked up at my wall and saw a sign with the same wording!!! (Pic attached). Honestly, that is what drew me to this book! The title!! The Summer of YES. 5 stars for this fun engaging new release!

The journey intertwines the lives of these two women, exploring love, forgiveness, fun, regret, and the importance of living a fearless life. How well they fit each other’s life like a missing puzzle.

Kelsey's journey of self-discovery and Georgina's reflections on her past make for a compelling narrative that encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones and embrace life fully.

I resonated with Kelsey on many parameters and felt like I needed this perspective on life. I am glad I decided to read this book. The audiobook version made the story even more fun and interesting.

Courtney Walsh is an automatic buy and read for me, and this novel is no exception to that. This is such a fun, feel-good, beach read book that follows Kelsey and Georgina through their Summer of Yes! Kelsey has an accident that requires her to stay in a hospital with a famous roommate. Upon meeting her, the two take on a challenge together to say yes to things, changing the course of their lives forever.

I loved this so much. The perfect light rom-com to read in the summer and to make you smile.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio as well!

I absolutely loved this book! What a great summer book. I think this book was also a great reminder for us to do things out of our comfort zone. Kelsey Worthington is a workaholic who is made to rest and reevaluate her life after she is hit by a car. Her hospital roommate the famous Georgina Tate inspires her to create a Summer of Yes. This includes doing things she would normally say no to because she was always too busy working.
I loved the banter between both Kelsey and Georgina Courtney Walsh wrote this dual character story perfectly!
I could see a movie being made from this book!

Just the most delightful book about saying yes to the opportunities that scare you, that push you out of your comfort zone, that change you into a better person. I adored Georgina and Kelsey's relationship as they grew and changed and tried to be better, happier people. And the double dash of romance was just the cherry on top!

Thank you to Netgalley for my complimentary ALC. All opinions here are my own.

I adored the characters and settings in this book, so deeply. Courtney Walsh does an excellent job balancing dual perspective writing, and the dialogue is rich, realistic, smart, and moves the story along. For anyone who is reflective and looking for inspiration to say “yes” a bit more, pushing past their comfort zone, pick this one up for sure. Especially enjoyable as an audiobook companion read, as the narrative voice for Georgina in particular is just perfect. Well done!

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Courtney Walsh for access to this fantastic audiobook that was already burning a hole on my TBR list!

Wonderful and fun story of generational love stories one of which is a second chance love. I loved the audio version and am sure it’s wonderful to read with eyes too. Great summer read!

This was stinking adorable. I kept picturing Miranda Priestly from Devil Wears Prada. Excellent on audio!

Oh man, y'all...THIS. BOOK. Courtney Walsh is absolutely brilliant. This lovely story gave me all the feels and genuinely inspired me. I love when a book truly leaves a profound impact and this one absolutely did. I can't wait to recommend this to literally everyone.

Georgina...Total Devil Wears Prada vibes and I'm here for it. Georgina is so classy and crabby. 😂 I love how tough she is on the outside, but how kind she really is inside. I respect how she rose to success in a business world that wasn't the easiest for a female, but my heart breaks for her because of what that hard work and focus cost her. My absolute favorite though was her journey home.

Kelsey...I identified right off the bat with her because she's close to my age and I have to admit...I often play it safe just like her. I thought the entire premise of Kelsey's summer of yes was so neat. Definitely makes me want to work on saying yes more too!

Hayden...What an absolute sweetheart. He's just so incredibly kind and wonderful from the very beginning and he only gets better as the story progresses. I really liked how he encouraged and pushed Kelsey and his mother. It's difficult to find the perfect balance of those two actions, but he absolutely made it work.

Things I loved:
❤️The voice actors (especially Georgina)
❤️Kelsey's mom (and her difficult questions/wisdom)
❤️J.P.
❤️The friendship between Kelsey and Ravi (the way he always showed up for her was perfect)
❤️Ravi's boisterous, but fun, family
❤️The road trip stops
❤️The precious town of Driftwood
❤️Dylan 😍
❤️The scene where Georgina comes to visit Kelsey's office
...and so much more. It's all just so good, folks. Snag you a copy and get to reading!

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio, and Courtney Walsh for my free audiobook copy. The opinions included here are all my own!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance review copy in return for an honest review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This was such a fun and refreshing book. I loved all the characters and how they wanted the best for each other.

I said YES this summer to reading this book. It was a delightful summer read...all the good feels. The women get their men as we all know they will in the end, but it's the journey that makes this novel a delight. Although these are two rom-com tropes, I think they can apply here to the two protagonists, Kelsey Worthington and Georgina Tate. Trope #1 - Grumpy (Georgina) v. Sunshine (Kelsey) and Trope #2 - Second Chances...both protagonists get a second chance at life, and all because they braved their fears and said YES!!

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh and narrated by Tanya Eby & Cathi Colas is not only a perfect Summer listen/ Read but also, an inspo-novel for year round


Kelsey wakes up in hospital and finds out she has been hit by a car and sustained a non-life threatening but quite painful head injury. She is a workaholic, always doing everything she thinks is right to stay under the radar, work hard, get a promotion. Saying no to the majority of social events in her private life, work work work. But when the glamorous and very well known Georgina Tate is wheeled in to share her hospital room, life begins to turn in the direction that she chooses for herself

Georgina Tate is hugely successful as a businesswoman, a mogul of the cosmetics world, but like Kelsey, she is alone, a little bitter, and with kidney failure. Incensed at having to share a hospital room with someone who is as headstrong as she is, yet, this woman, kelsy, Calli, Kaley, whatever, has an idea. What if we start saying yes to everythig, what if we stop denying ourselves everything we want in life You know what? Road Trip!

I absolutely adore this book and it translates so well as an audiobook too thanks to Tana Eby and Cathi Colas' outstanding narrating. Bright, driven, dynamic and touching, this is probably one of my favourite Summer reads this year. Bloody wonderful

Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction, Courtney Walsh and the narrators for this fantastic ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

I feel like this is one of those stories that everyone can benefit from reading and also is a book that needs very little description. Just pick it up and start reading!

This book pulled me out of my reading slump and had me invested from the very beginning. I really enjoyed following Kelsey and Georgie through this story, seeing the parallels and differences in their stories and watching how the two could help shape one another’s lives as they each figure out what’s next for them. Such a great women’s fiction meets romance story with awesome themes!

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for an advanced audiobook copy of this story. Both narrators did a great job bringing these characters to life. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book. It made me feel happy. I listened to this one and felt like I was right there with Kelsey! I lived how she got out of her comfort zone and inspired others to get out of their comfort zones too!

Loved this book. It was such a sweet premise and I loved her bravery to say yes to things that scared her and she normally would say no to.

I loved this book. It was not at all what I was expecting. It was so much more thoughtful and deep than I thought it would be. I loved the grumpy/sunshine troupe played out with two women who needed each other. The growth and change of each was great to see. I know what it’s like to feel like life is just happening to you. It’s so easy to be content because it’s comfortable but some of the best moments come from stretching ourselves. The ending of the book made my eyes well up with tears. It was so beautiful. I liked the subtle romance in the book but for me, even if that wasn’t a part of the story I would have still loved this book. The audio book was narrated very well and overall so glad I got to experience this story.

What an absolute joy to read! I always love picking up Walsh’s books because they are so lighthearted and always something I need in the summer. The Summer of Yes was full of fun, deeper moments and just everything you want in a feel-good story. This book was basically one big hug for the soul!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?

I just adored everything about the story! It was full of fun and quirky characters that make you want to jump into the story.

But, my favorite was Kelsey’s character and the way she was able to open herself up to the world, people around her and to some fun new experience. Her character was so relatable since we all have those geeky and socially awkward moments along with those fearful moments that can hold us back when venturing beyond our comfort zone to try new things.

Steam level: Clean

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:

Dual POV
Finding Yourself
Pure fun in a book
Bit of romance
Second chances
Laugh out loud moments
Relatable Characters
Smart Independent Women
Working through fear

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?

Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas absolutely blew it out of the park with their narration!

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?

This was such a fast-paced story! I flew through the audio during my commute and then tacked on some extra miles during my walk, just so I could finish listening to it.

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?

Yes! This story is about finding yourself, not giving up, and living life to the fullest. It is just a book full of sunshine and one that will have you smiling from beginning to end!

I really love this book and the story grab me when I didn't expect it. The relationship between Kelsey and Georgina are completely 2 different people. I love the trope between the two character grumpy/sunshine that played between them and didn't realized they needed the change. Overall this story was a breath of fresh air and Courtney wrote it beautifully together when sometimes do you do need to say yes to take the chance before its too late. I can't wait to see what more comes in the work!

Will the disruptors of your life lead you to say YES to living one?

Kelsey was living a perfectly adequate (observer) life when a literal run-in lands her in the hospital. While coming to the realization of where she is, she also recognizes she's not alone, and her new roommate is anything but happy with it. Enter: Georgina Tate. Makeup mogul & all around boss of a female business owner.

With Georgina by her side, Kelsey embarks on a 'Summer of Yes' and discovers that it's not always the big yeses that make a difference in your life. Sometimes the beauty of the moment is found in the little yeses of everyday life.

I already knew Courtney Walsh was an auto-buy author. ‘The Summer of Yes’ is a disruptor to the life of the reader in only the best sense. Listening to this book brings clarity to how we spend the yeses in our life and acts as a reminder of the value of how we spend our time.

Note: I received an advanced listener copy of this book courtesy of netgalley. All thoughts and reviews are my own. In fact, I was actively reading the copy I purchased myself when I received the advanced audio copy and switched to listening.

My first ever 5-star find from NetGalley!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh my goodness this novel was such a delight! Such a perfect and predictable slice of summer bliss for when you want to feel good! I felt that the story was well paced and was laced with humor while also tackling some very important/emotional struggles within the characters’ lives. I loved the friendship between these 2 women, regardless of how drastically different they are from each other. The side plot of a newly-stemming romance was soooo adorable as well. This was my first ever Courtney Walsh novel and it definitely will not be my last!! <3
Huge thank you as always to NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the early review copies of the e-book and audiobook via NetGalley.

After being hit by a car, Kelsey reassesses her life and starts making positive changes, starting with her “Summer of Yes.” She aims to step away from her workaholic and fear-ridden lifestyle and say “yes” to opportunities that bring her joy. She somehow wrangles famous businesswoman Georgina Tate (think The Devil Wears Prada’s Miranda Priestly) into joining her, and the resulting caper is part THE HAPPY LIFE OF ISADORA BENTLEY, part THE MOSTLY TRUE STORY OF TANNER AND LOUISE, with a dash of THE ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF LENNI AND MARGOT. The story follows their adventures and the personal growth they experience. I got chill bumps during a couple of the more moving scenes.

I love an author who delivers engaging stories with interesting characters that are charming without being sappy. Walsh’s trademark is heart without heat, spunk without swearing, and emotion without angst. While I also enjoy darker tales, reaching for one of her reliably sunny novels is comforting. Her books are a joy to read, uplifting, and filled with characters I care about. I eagerly await each new release.

The audiobook has two narrators for Kelsey and Georgiana’s POVs, and both performances capture the heart and soul of each character.

LOVE this book! I’ve yet to find a Courtney Walsh book I don’t love - but this one is up there with Isadora Bentley for me! These two characters were so much fun - I loved the generational differences and how they taught each other life lessons. I loved all the situations they found themselves in - they made me laugh, they made me cry, they made me cheer for them! It taught me lessons on how to say yes to more, and to not always play it safe or turn down opportunities.

The narrators did a fantastic job as well bringing these characters to life!

I have previously read a few of Courtney Walsh's books and was very excited to receive an audiobook from NetGalley, Courtney Walsh & Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review and I'm happy to report that I loved it! The Summer of Yes centers around two main characters, 30s career woman, Kelsey Worthington, and Georgina Tate, the super successful business woman who meet in a hospital room due to some unfortunate circumstances. This is not a pleasant meeting and both intend to go their separate ways, until Kelsey realizes that she wants more out of the life she's been living and decides Georgina will be an excellent companion. They embark on the Summer of Yes, which is saying yes to experiences they would normally limit themselves, from eating carbs, to going on a roadtrip that will forever change their lives.

The novel is voiced by narrators, Tanya Eby, Cathi Colas, who were perfectly cast and truly brought these characters to life. The quality of the audiobook was excellent and I enjoyed their portrayals of each other as well as the other characters in the book.

What an inspirational novel to listen to! It was beautiful to see these character grow, learn to cherish the beauty in life and not only accept, but embrace their destiny. Learning to trust your gut, believe in yourself and your abilities and in the power of forgiveness, Kelsey and Georgina's journey was such a delight. This novel tackled some topics that many women of all ages have faced and it encourages us to go for it! This is one of the books that will stay with me forever, reminding me to live.

Wow! So good! Inspiring and thought provoking. A great romance subplot. Very well-written. I couldn't get enough of it. No swears, mentions of others drinking alcohol, but main characters choose not to drink, and kissing only.

First off the cover is perfect! I knew I was going to like it. I went in blind and I'm glad that I did. The chance meeting, special bond that is formed and all the characters are just what I needed. I really loved the story.

I fell in love with Kelsey right away. What are the chances of getting hit by a car while walking. That hit truly changed the rest of her life. Georgina reminded me of my grandma. Typical I can do it myself woman. The woman are so funny and so different. It made me want to say "Yes" to all the things I keep waiting on. Life is short giving yourself the permission to be afraid but still take chances is a thrill. All of the character's are fully developed even the side character's you can feel the love in the entire story.

The is the perfect story for a relaxing day. If you get the opportunity to list to the audio even better. I am in love all the way around! Great job. Just say YES!!! 5 Star read for me!

This story touched my heart. I loved the complexity of the story and the structure of the plot. The characters are rich and unforgettable. It was an excellent read

I love this book. I love the author. I love the narrator. Everything about this book is perfect for someone wanting to give audiobooks a try. I could relate to both of the main characters. I am currently in the middle of yes after saying no for so long. There are so many underlying themes that you can take from this book. about you know what someone else is going through. standing up for yourself. setting boundaries.
but overall for me in this season of my life, I am applying more yes things that benefit me.

This is my second book by Courtney Walsh. The first one was a fall book in an author anthology.
This book was super cute, quirky and sweet! Courtney tells the story of two polar opposite traveling companions and
how they each are able to teach each something about allowing themselves to put themselves first, fall in love and say Yes!

Thank you to my partners, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson, and the author. I appreciate the gifted ALC. I am leaving this review voluntarily!

1. 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 - Kelsey may be one of the funniest characters I’ve met in a long time! But Georgina surely doesn’t lack in the humor department. Her responses are equally hilarious. Her wit in her monotone voice makes it all the more humorous!

2. 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 - Do the things. Eat the ice cream. Take the trips. The lessons these two learn together are absolutely fundamental to having a full and happy life.

3. 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐬 - Don’t get stuck. It doesn’t matter if that’s just what you know because you’ve been doing it so long. If you feel it isn’t right, change it. Quit your job. Find what makes you happy!

4. 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 - Two love stories wrapped into one beautiful romcom. Derek and Georgina. Kelsey and Hayden. Trust me when I tell you this: you will root for them and you will feel all of the feels.

5. 𝐁𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 - I will warn you now: put away time to finish this in one fell swoop. I caught the fever at the get-go and couldn’t stop until the last word was spoken. I loved everything about it!

This was a heartwarming and inspirational book. It took a little while to get into it, but please persevere. It’s totally worth it.

I really enjoyed how this was a dual POV. Each character was so unique, but so much the same. Kelsey was at the beginning of her career and Georgina was at the end of hers.

Kelsey had what her mom calls a “life interrupter” when she gets hit by a car and ends up in the hospital. She’s an assistant editor at a publishing company, even though she really wanted to be a writer. She’s let her fears keep her from doing things and at 32 she lives a pretty lonely life.

Her hospital roommate is Georgina, a powerful self made businesswoman, who’s the epitome of success. She achieved her success though at the expense of her family. She also ended up alone. She’s a very opinionated and grumpy person.

I enjoyed how the two women decided to say yes to those things they had been saying no to. They end up going on a road trip and having some new adventures. Along the way they learn a lot about themselves and what they have really been missing out on.

This is a delightful story of regrets, change, love and forgiveness. I really liked how the author compared the lives of the two women and the exploration of what brought them to that point in their lives. Change is never easy. Pride can get in the way of mending relationships. Fear can be overcome. We all need to examine our lives to find out what can happen if we just say yes!

I really enjoyed the audiobook! The narrators were perfect!

Book THE SUMMER OF YES
Author COURTNEY WALSH
Narrators TANYA EBY & CATHI COLAS
Publisher THOMAS NELSON
Date July 2, 2024
Length 384 pages or 11 hours and 29 minutes

I truly LOVED this book. The author did an amazing job with character development. Kelsey Worthington could probably be anyone reading the book. A workaholic whose life is passing her by because she is determined to be the best employee and people pleaser she can be. Life happens and her path crosses with Georgina Tate and let the sarcastic humor begin. The narrators do an amazing job with their characters and truly make you feel like you are right there with them. There is a little bit of clean romanced mixed in which makes this a book you can truly recommend to anyone! I can honestly say this book changed me and I am so grateful. It opened my mind to the life I have lived and was currently living and really made me think about what I can do to improve myself all while making me laugh out loud in my car while people at stoplights stared at me.

This book truly has something for everyone! Witty banter, laugh out loud moments, relatable characters, sweet romance (kisses only) friendships, complicated family dynamics and a valuable message!

I listened to this book on audio and have already ordered two copies as gifts for friends.

You will want to say YES to this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book. My review of this book is purely based on my opinions.

When twenty-something workaholic Kelsey has a near-death experience going to get coffee before work, her life changes forever. An unexpected encounter with the wildly successful businesswomen and icon Georgina pushes both women outside their comfort zones as they embark on an adventure of a lifetime to say yes and truly discover what's important to them.

This book was longer than I initially expected for a women's fiction/romance, coming in at almost 400 pages or 11 1/2 hours, but I loved listening to every minute of it. I found Kelsey and her workaholic tendencies super relatable, and I loved the intergenerational relationship between Kelsey and Georgina. Their banter is so entertaining, and I enjoyed seeing how they pushed each other throughout the story. All the secondary characters were great, too (JP!!!!). Both of the narrators for the audiobook did a great job and really made the characters come to life.

The romance plot was not super strong and definitely erred more toward women's fiction. While the premise is not necessarily unique (near-death experience leading to FMC wanting to "live life to the fullest"), the book was done in a unique way. There were a couple of details that I thought were going to play a larger role (ex: the police interrogating Kelsey at the beginning), but I honestly forgot about those storylines once the main idea of the book was developed further.

I thought the book concluded well and felt like the storylines wrapped up strongly, without rushing their relationships. This was my first Courtney Walsh and I would definitely read more in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishing for an advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review.

After a near-death experience, workaholic Kelsey decides to make some changes, starting with the decision to say yes more. Soon, she and new friend Georgina Tate, a successful older woman facing her own health crisis, depart on a road trip determined to have the Summer of a lifetime.

Courtney Walsh must put a little magic in each of the books she writes. They are always filled with joy and hope, and are charming to boot. The Summer of Yes encapsulates all of that “magic” and more. Although there are a few emotional moments, this book is not only uplifting, it is inspirational. If I take nothing from Kelsey and Georgina’s story, it will be to take the risk and have fun more.

Read if you like:
• strong MCs
• older characters
• female friendships
• road trips
• clean romance

Thank you Thomas Nelson and Harper Christian for the gifted copies.

In this book we will meet Kelsey & Georgina, who are both dealing with a sudden change in life and being forced to take a new look at their life. I loved the back & forth of the dual point of views. Wealthy Georgina & Scraping by Kelsey are put into the same hospital room and that's when we will start to watch, as they both have to make some serious decisions. Kelsey is the younger of the pair & she is learning from the accident and also Georgina, to consider what is important in life. Georgina has months to live & regrets in her past that she is afraid to face. The summer of yes comes from Kelsey's plan to stop putting off things & starting to say yes to things that she normally wouldn't, she finds the world opening up to her. After a few Yes' instead of her normal no, Kelsey also pulls Georgina into her Summer of Yes. This simple switch of having to try and say yes, instead of no leads them both on some eye opening and even funny & serious decisions. They both will be changed but will this Summer of Yes be a positive change for them both? It's a very thought provoking idea. If you had to say yes, unless it was morally wrong, would you be changed, too? What would you learn? Join Kelsey and Georgina on this interesting adventure and see what happens to them!

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

Courtney Walsh’s *The Summer of Yes* is an audiobook that hits all the right notes for a feel-good, transformative listen. If you’re looking for a story that serves up sunshine, romance, and a hefty dose of self-discovery with a side of charm, this one’s a winner. It’s like the perfect summer fling—engaging, uplifting, and just the right amount of heartfelt.

Meet Wren, a woman who’s spent way too long playing it safe. She’s settled into a predictable routine and is in dire need of a shake-up. Enter the titular summer of yes—a period where she decides to step out of her comfort zone and embrace whatever comes her way. It’s a classic setup, but Walsh infuses it with so much heart and humor that you’ll be hooked from the start.

Wren’s journey is all about breaking free from the constraints she’s placed on herself and rediscovering what it means to truly live. Along the way, she encounters a mix of quirky characters, romantic entanglements, and personal challenges that push her to grow in unexpected ways. The summer fling she embarks on is as much about self-discovery as it is about finding love, and Walsh handles this dual narrative with grace and wit.

The audiobook’s narration is spot-on, capturing Wren’s voice with just the right amount of warmth and relatability. The narrator brings out the nuances of Wren’s character and her evolving journey with a perfect blend of empathy and energy. You’ll feel like you’re right there with her, experiencing every triumph and stumble firsthand.

Walsh’s writing is as bright and refreshing as a summer breeze. The plot moves at a perfect pace, keeping you engaged without rushing through Wren’s personal transformation. There’s a delightful balance between the romance and the self-growth aspects of the story, making it a compelling listen from start to finish.

The romantic elements are sweet and swoon-worthy, but they don’t overshadow Wren’s personal growth. Her journey to saying “yes” to new experiences and letting go of her fears is inspiring and relatable. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best way to find yourself is to embrace the unknown and take a few risks.

*The Summer of Yes* is a celebration of breaking out of your comfort zone, finding love, and discovering who you truly are. It’s a perfect summer read—or listen—full of optimism, humor, and heart. Courtney Walsh has crafted a story that’s both uplifting and entertaining, making this audiobook a must-listen for anyone looking to add a little sunshine to their day. So, pop in those earbuds, hit play, and let Wren’s summer of yes brighten your mood and inspire your own leap into the unknown.

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

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

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.

Thank you so much to Courtney Walsh and Thomas Nelson for gifting me a review copy of The Summer of Yes.

I just love that Courtney Walsh writes books that make us happy, and this book is no exception. Wonderful characters, positive friendships, love, forgiveness, an uplifting plot that will pull at your heartstrings, and an inspirational message about not having regrets.

A near-death experience and then a hospital stay leads Kelsey Worthington to meet Georgina Tate. Georgina’s kidneys are failing and she finds she has some regrets about the things she pushed aside in life. She’s a lesson in not putting things off until ‘someday’, and after some convincing Kelsey and Georgina head off on her Summer of Yes adventure.

The audio is fantastically narrated by Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas, and comes in at just under 11.5 hours.

Thank you NetGalley for the e book. This is my first book by Courtney Walsh and it is definitely not going to be the last. The premise of the book is so heartwarming and thought provoking. It made me think that so many of us can’t find their calling in life due to their fear of what the future holds. Fear of the unknown stopped the mc from taking risks and doing what she loves. She falsely thought that what she did in life is the right thing, little that she knows that she is prone to take the safest road to avoid risk and being hurt. In this novel you discover that the safest route isn’t always the right one. Something else I loved about this book that it has no spice at all. There are noble feelings and love but no smutty scenes thankfully.

Another great uplifting story by Courtney Walsh. I enjoyed the concept of this book and being in my 60’s it makes me think a little deeper about some things I would like to accomplish. A fun read. Thanks for the advanced copy

- dual POV
- (Near Death Experience) NDE
- Life changing event
- 2 FMC
- “Is this the life you want to live?”
- Gilmore girls references
- “yes” list
- Different age group POV
- Older (70s)
- Mid (20s)
- “I have the flirt game of a plotted plant” 😂😂😂

- tw: hospital settings, chronic illness, someone dying

This book was provided to me via Netgalley as an ARC. My review is entirely my own and I have no obligation to provide a positive review.

Courtney Walsh’s The Summer of Yes is a delightful and inspiring novel that skillfully blends humor, heart, and personal growth. The story kicks off with Kelsey Worthington, who finds her life taking a dramatic turn when she’s struck by a car and ends up in a hospital room beside the formidable Georgina Tate, a titan of New York City business.

The contrast between Kelsey and Georgina is stark and engaging. Kelsey, a self-doubting writer, has always played it safe and lived within the boundaries of her comfort zone. In sharp contrast, Georgina is a confident businesswoman whose career has been defined by bold decisions and unyielding assertiveness. However, as Georgina faces the reality of her failing kidneys, she starts to reflect on the risks she never took and the life she’s led.

The heart of the novel lies in the unexpected friendship that blossoms between these two very different women. As Georgina helps Kelsey embrace a more adventurous approach to life, Kelsey finds herself embarking on new experiences she never imagined, from sampling street food to matchmaking with Georgina’s dashing son, and even finding the courage to write her own romance.

The Summer of Yes excels in its portrayal of transformation and self-discovery. Walsh’s writing is both tender and witty, capturing the essence of personal growth through her vividly drawn characters. The dynamic between Kelsey and Georgina is both heartwarming and inspiring, highlighting the power of taking chances and stepping outside one’s comfort zone.

This novel is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to make changes and embrace the opportunities that come your way. Walsh’s charming narrative and engaging plot make The Summer of Yes a refreshing and uplifting read. Whether you’re looking for a feel-good story or a bit of inspiration to say “yes” to new possibilities in your own life, this book is sure to deliver.

CW does it again!!!!! What an absolute delight this story was! I loved the setting, the growth we saw from the characters, the banter between elderly Georgina and young Kelsey, and more. I adored the transformation that we saw in Georgina and as with other of Walsh's books, the themes of hope, forgiveness, and starting over were so beautifully written.

Two very different women meet when they share a hospital room. Kelsey is an unfulfilled writer, working for a publisher when she's hit by a car. Georgina is a wealthy businesswoman who's in renal failure. The story that unfolds is a heart-warming tale of finding what's important in life. It's poignant, funny, and there's some romance, too! It is an example of how someone you meet can change your attitude toward life. I admired Kelsey's spunk, in particular. The narrator really made the characters come alive. I'd highly recommend this book--very uplifting!

Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @thomasnelson for the ALC/ARC/gifted copy!

🚙 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 🚙
This book should be on everyone’s end of summer reading list! Or anytime of the year really! There are a lot of beautiful messages woven into this story, and heartfelt moments. And I was crying by the end of it!

This story begins with Kelsey, who wakes up in a hospital bed recovering from being hit by a car. She is lucky enough to be sharing her room with wildly successful businesswoman Georgina Tate, who is there for her failing kidneys. Kelsey is inspired while she is in their room, and proposes an adventurous idea. Why not spend time saying “Yes” to everything they would normally not. She enlists Georgina to join her, because she sees Georgina has some lifelong regrets that have plagued her.

I love the back and forth between Kelsey and Georgina. Georgina is tough and set in her ways, and Kelsey somehow knows how to dig into the heart of her and encourage her. And I loved seeing the opposite unfold with how Georgina ultimately encourages Kelsey and how they breathes life into her again.

This really is a beautiful story. I had a hard time reading the kidney failing storyline, as I had my dad pass from this disease last year. However, there are no harsh descriptions of anything medical to read about, and there is hope ultimately surfacing in this story, so any reader worried about that can rest assured there is a HEA that Courtney’s stories always provide!

🎧 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 🎧
Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas did a great job bringing Kelsey and Georgina to life. Both brought vulnerability to their narration roles. These two ladies were easy to distinguish too and I always love that when there are two POVs on an audio! I definitely recommend listening!

🎧 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
💛 Self-Discovery
🩷 Second Chance Romance
💛 Life Changing Moments
🩷 Small Town Romance
💛 Sweet, Closed Door Romance
🩷 Impromptu Vacations

Thank you for this book and exchange for my honest review. The Summer of Yes was a hilarious, heartwarming story of friendship and not giving in to a slow death by not fulfilling your life’s goals and dreams. Every single book that Courtney Walsh writes is my favorite, and this one was no different.

I really loved the meaning behind the book. The author’s note made me feel like she and I go through a similar anxiety. Over the course of reading this book, I lost my Dad. Maybe it’s my life changing event to help me have the courage to say yes to more. Anyway, I’m grateful for this lovely story and the author for having the courage to tell it.

Loved this book! It was the perfect way to start the summer giving all of the “yes” vibes. I recommended this one to friends all summer long!

LOVED LOVED LOVED!!! One of my favorite books this summer!!! I didn’t want it to end!! I need more books from Courtney Walsh! Thank you for this arc!

"The Summer of Yes" is a new favorite for me. I loved Kelsey and Georgina's friendship and how they challenged one another to do new things.

There's an old saying that "Everything you've ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear." And Kelsey after a traumatic accident, she realizes she's not living the life she wants to live. But the problem is, she doesn't really know what she wants out of life.

It just so happens that her roommate in the hospital is the famous business mogul, Georgina Tate, and Kelsey thinks perhaps she can learn something from such a successful woman. The problem is, the cost of success has been high for Georgina, and if she had it all do to all over again, she's not certain she would make the same choices. But rather than admit that, as she's nearing the end of her life, she shuts people out and pushes them away. So, she has absolutely no interest in baring her soul to Kelsey.

But Kelsey has come to realize that the life she's created for herself has been the outcome of all the times she's said "no" to something. No, she doesn't want to go out after work. No, she doesn't want to go on that vacation. No, she doesn't have time to visit her parents. No, no, no. So, she determines that this summer will be the summer of "yes." And since she thinks Georgina will benefit from some of the same medicine, she drags her along for the experience.

What neither of them realize at the start though is that they are exactly what the other needed in their life.

The story is just so powerful, all while being realistic and funny, that I just couldn't put it down!

Thank you to Courtney Walsh, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for an advance review copy. I absolutely loved reading it!

I can’t even begin to explain all the ways I loved this book. A couple of star crossed ladies—one young and full of possibilities, but afraid to choose any of them, and one far more seasoned but full of regrets, and whose possibilities are very slim—run into each other in an uncanny twist of fate. Then they decide that the correct answer (what was the question again?) is to go on the road trip of a lifetime and say yes to everything they’ve always said no to in the past. Kelsey and Georgina are the most unlikely pair, but I immediately loved the crusty Georgina, and Kelsey was a trip (see what I did there?). Their destination was unexpected, and there were a few unplanned detours en route to (you’ll never guess where!), but they soon discover that the best laid plans are for the birds. You’ll never see saying no in quite the same way. The audiobook version (which I listened to in its entirety) was so well done, and I loved the dual narrators. I would definitely recommend it! I received an advance copy of the audiobook from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

A story of an unlikely friendship and learning not to regret life. This story was beautiful and I loved every moment of it.

I really enjoyed this as a listen. It was well narrated and the characters felt real. I could imagine Kelsey and Georgina so different yet so alike.
The concept is a wonderful one and I loved hearing the authors note at the end. It gave the story even more importance to me. Maybe we should all be saying yes to more.
I think Georgina was my favourite character- she grew more than the others but there was still an element of her that was always going to remain and I liked that. The stubborn older lady who is too set in her ways to admit she might not know best. I saw a bit of myself in her.
Definitely one to add to the wish list.

This book is so good! It's about a woman that has built a career but never taken chances, until a young woman enters her life and doesn't give her a chance. She takes a chance on love and finds true happiness. It was a beautiful story and very encouraging and empowering!

I LOVED this book! I listened to the audio and particularly enjoyed the dial narrators for Kelsey and Georgina. The story of their summer of yes, and all of the revelations were so delightful and enjoyable. I will definitely be recommending this to others!

Ah, Courtney Walsh. Can she write a bad book? The answer is no, absolutely not. I think is say this every time I read (or listen) to a book by her, but I just don't understand how its possible that every book I read by Walsh becomes a new favorite. The Summer of Yes should go in the dictionary as the definition of a perfect summer beach read. It was just so fun and a perfect escape. I couldn't get enough of the characters and this whole theme of saying yes and living your life, taking risks, and making and sharing memories with those you love/care for.. Seriously, I just loved every single minute listening to this warm, heartfelt, meaningful, and empowering story! A pure delight if every way, from both the story itself and the listening experience with the dual narrators, The Summer of Yes is a MUST read/listen!

Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing and Netgalley for the gifted audiobook!