Cover Image: The Summer of Yes

The Summer of Yes

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

The Summer of Yes is a thoroughly delightful story of friendship, family, and forgiveness. Kelsey Worthington is doing okay, but after being hit by a car, things change for her. While in the hospital, she meets Georgina Tate a successful businesswoman who is being treated for kidney failure. When Kelsey decides to embark on a summer of saying yes to new opportunities, she is determined to bring Georgina along for the ride. Georgina is not initially open to the idea, but Kelsey wears her down. Georgina's sarcastic comments and their banter are a lot of fun to read. Kelsey is a force throughout the story, pushing her way into Georgina's life. The friendship and connection that the two developed was heartwarming and inspiring. The story developed in a way that I was not expecting and that made for a entertaining read. While the story is primarily Womans Fiction, there is a nice romance element as well, and together provide a satisfying ending

Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the advanced reader copy.

Was this review helpful?

I really really loved this book. It’s such a feel good, make you smile and giggle kinda book that’s about changing your perspective and living life to the fullest. The romance as a subplot really hit hard in this book as well!! ❤️ This story reminded me that some of the best things in your life start as some of the most unexpected things. This story is a perfect summer read or even a book to get you out of a slump.

Out of context quote below……

“Don’t wait to love the people you love. We aren’t guaranteed a second chance, we’re only lucky enough to seize one when it comes.” 🥹❤️

Was this review helpful?

This book was the perfect palate cleanser from heavier reads. It was a fun, easy, light, and airy read about unlikely female friendship, finding love, taking chances, and getting out of your comfort zone. Really enjoyed this read! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠☀️
The Summer of Yes
By Courtney Walsh
Publication date: July 2nd, 2024

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲
Kelsey Worthington is a workaholic junior editor and aspiring writer who doesn’t like to stray out of her comfort zone. After a near-death experience, she begins to realize just how much she has given up or let pass her by with her dedication to her work from her relationships, experiences, and memories she’s missed out on.

During her stay at the hospital, Kelsey finds herself sharing a room with Georgina Tate, an older, very famous, and talented businesswoman who sacrificed everything to become a successful icon. Kelsey quickly discovers through much reluctance that Georgina has regrets of her own. With much pushing and prodding, Georgina reluctantly agrees to go along with Kelsey for a summer of saying yes (that fits Kelsey’s moral code of course!) and so the summer adventures begin!

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
I really enjoyed this lighthearted, fun, hilarious, and relatable story! I loved the friendship & dynamic between Kelsey and Georgina from the mix of banter, sarcasm, and tender moments. I laughed out loud so many times at Georgina’s commentary while also finding just how much I could relate to Kelsey.

Georgina is a strong woman who is an absolute hoot with her boldness and bluntness… she doesn’t hold back when she speaks her mind.. and I loved every second of it. Her story shows the importance of what truly matters in life, family, and the power of forgiveness.

Through Kelsey’s story, I think many (myself included) will relate to the challenges and difficulties that come with stepping out of your comfort zone and facing fear/uncertainty. As Kelsey chooses to say Yes she challenges herself to be bold, take risks, and face things she’s afraid of. She comes to realize just how capable she is and when it’s appropriate to stand firm and say no. She ultimately learns that regardless of the situation or outcome there is always hope.

This book leans more into women’s fiction while still including a light and sweet romance in full Courtney Walsh fashion. I actually preferred and enjoyed the focus being on the friendship and unlikely relationship with Kelsey and Georgina through their summer, lessons, and adventures!

If you like stories filled with friendship, family, laugh-out-loud moments, relatable characters, and valuable messages… this book is perfect for you this summer!💕

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for sending me an ARC copy of this book, thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Was this review helpful?

What a delightful read - just in time for summer! I appreciated that this book had some depth while still remaining fun and breezy - definitely lots to contemplate in terms of relationships and how we spend our time. I loved Georgina's character and how her relationships developed throughout the story. I also really loved the romances for both women that added to the story but weren't necessarily the main focus. Highly recommend this one!

Was this review helpful?

"The Summer of Yes" by Courtney Walsh invites readers on a transformative journey where the unexpected collision of two vastly different lives sparks a season of rediscovery and newfound courage.

Kelsey Worthington's ordinary day takes a dramatic turn when she finds herself in a hospital room next to the formidable Georgina Tate, a titan of New York City's business world. Their initial differences are striking—Kelsey, a hesitant dreamer grappling with self-doubt, and Georgina, a bold and assertive businesswoman unafraid to seize opportunities. However, as they confront shared regrets and contemplate the power of saying yes, a remarkable bond forms between them.

As Georgina faces health challenges, both women embark on an adventure of self-discovery, challenging themselves to embrace new experiences and confront long-standing fears. Guided by the mantra of saying yes to life's possibilities, Kelsey finds herself venturing into uncharted territory—indulging in street food, plunging into the ocean's depths, and even playing matchmaker for Georgina with her charming son.

"The Summer of Yes" beautifully captures the essence of seizing the moment and embracing the unexpected twists of fate. With Georgina as her spirited companion, Kelsey not only explores new horizons but also discovers the courage to pursue her own romantic aspirations, both on the pages of her writing and in reality.

Courtney Walsh skillfully weaves a tale brimming with heart, humor, and the profound significance of stepping outside one's comfort zone. Through Kelsey and Georgina's journey, readers are reminded of the transformative power of saying yes to life's adventures and embracing the joy of living fully.

"The Summer of Yes" is an enchanting and uplifting read that celebrates the magic of second chances, the beauty of unexpected friendships, and the limitless possibilities that unfold when we dare to embrace life with an open heart.

Was this review helpful?

This book was an absolute delight! It was the perfect easy romance and hit all the right notes. It will leave you ready to say Yes to everything that scares you!

This story starts out focused on two woman - Kelsey, a young woman stuck in her career finds her life disrupted by an accident that lands her right in the path of the successful stubborn power house Georgina Tate. What ensues is an adventure of saying “yes”, taking risks, finding your happy and falling in love (or in love again).

The start of this book gives me Devil Wears Prada Vibes, Georgina is fantastic as a character. Kelsey took a LONG time to grow on me, I hate what she does at the beginning, and she comes across as immature for a 30 something. My biggest complaint is that I wish we got to Hayden faster, not 50% or so in. The front half feels slow and the back half rushed because of this.

It sits around a 3.5⭐️ for me but it gets the round up. It’s a great romance for those who don’t want a lot of third act miscommunication or prefer closed door romance. I would 100% read more by Courtney and recommend this to scratch that simple romance itch!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

Was this review helpful?

This book was a lot of fun. It was uplifting and had a great message, while also having good banter and some romance in the mix. I loved that it was about two women in different stages of life that become friends and learn from each other how to have a life worth living. It was an easy read that came together nicely at the end. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

Was this review helpful?

This was a great book about the redemptive power of love, and about forgiveness. The book begins with the two female main characters in the hospital, and I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. But once the two male characters are introduced, it’s swoon city! I loved these two couples. Particularly, I love how the men cared for the women they loved. Just beautiful.

Was this review helpful?

Wow! Courtney Walsh knocked it out of the park with this one! 😍 As a first-time reader of her work, I was completely hooked from start to finish. The characters felt like old friends, and I found myself reaching for the tissues by the end. The character development was top-notch, and the themes of grace, family, and forgiveness were beautifully woven throughout. This book inspired me to embrace life and say YES to new adventures! Don't hesitate—say YES to this book.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Courtney Walsh has done it again with her likeable characters, witty yet fun stories. I absolutely loved this book the most. Right in time for the summer and this title, Summer of Yes will be this years hit beachy read for 2024! This author just knows how to grab the reader by their heartstrings. Clean, Romantic sarcastic fun, no spice but everything else that is nice!!

Was this review helpful?

I have been following Courtney on Instagram and was excited to get a copy of her book! This is my first book written by Courtney's and I appreciated that her writing does not have alot of triggers and spice. I think sometimes its just a refreshing change. This story was so wonderful, it is about an overworked underappreciated book editor. Kelsey wakes up in a hospital with a fragmented memory of what occurred to get her in there. I wont get into spoilers but the characters felt really authentic and it was easy to connect with them.

Thank you Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for this advanced copy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

I can relate to this in so many ways. I love this book so much. I have loved everything Courtney Walsh has written. It’s always happy and sweet and keeps a smile on my face.
I had to change how I responded to everything once I realized how much I was saying no to all the things . Although for me, it wasn’t to further a career, it was anxieties and fears trying to take hold. So now, if my automatic first response is “no”, I’ll say “yes” because I don’t want my kids to miss out on stuff just because something new makes me nervous. Best decision I have ever made.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction | Thomas Nelson. ~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars rounded up!

Kelsey awakens to find herself in the hospital after being hit by a car while on the sidewalk. She barely has a scratch. Soon after, she gets a hospital roommate and it’s none other than Georgina Tate, an older, very famous and successful business woman whom Kelsey admires. Georgina has sacrificed everything in her life for her success and Kelsey has one question, was it worth it?

What follows is Kelsey’s summer of saying yes to the things she’s forsaken in hopes of furthering her career in publishing.

The Summer of Yes is a feel-good, heart-warming, funny and introspective story of what happens when you let go of obligation, of complacency and of self-doubt, not to mention of being consumed by what others think of you. How could saying yes to all of the things you’ve denied yourself in the past change your life? Are you brave enough to step outside of your comfort zone?

I really enjoyed this story. I could relate to both of the main characters and with the situations in which they found themselves. I adored the banter between Kelsey and Georgina and found it to be humorous and believable. I just wish more of the book contained that type of writing. For me, there was too much repetitive contemplation. So much so, that I began scanning those parts of the story wanting to get to the good parts. I feel like the story could have been condensed and the point have been made just as clearly.

Was this review helpful?

Wow! This book was incredible. This was my first book by Courtney Walsh and I will be digging into more.

I fell in love with the two main characters, Georgina and Kelsey. I loved their bond and Kelsey’s meddling into Georgina’s business. I read this book quickly because I became instantly attached to the characters and their storyline.

The beachside setting of part of the book was perfect for a summer read and a great addition to this book about family.

I can’t wait to read more titles by this author!!!

Was this review helpful?

5 Stars – The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh is a thought-provoking novel. FMC Kelsey Worthington was leaving Starbucks one day in NYC and a car jumped the curb sending her to the hospital. Her hospital roommate is Ms. Georgina Tate (she reminded me of the Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada). Georgina is facing kidney failure and voices her thoughts about some lifetime regrets that get Kelsey thinking she may not want to be solely focused on her career after all. Kelsey and Georgina both have spent a lot of time saying “No, too busy at work” in response to many opportunities in life. So, Kelsey convinces Georgina to spend a summer saying “Yes.”

This is such a good story! The characters are well fleshed out and, while there is romance and banter, it isn’t the only focus of the book. The story has a reader reassessing relationships, work/career, and personal growth. It’s an uplifting story and you will run through a variety of emotions as the story progresses.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Courtney Walsh for the ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

This was such a charming story! I loved the relationship between Kelsey and Georgina, and how they both help the other grow and evolve. The storyline kept me intrigued, wanting to know what would happen next and would it all work out. This was a perfect beach/Summer read!

Was this review helpful?

Another good story by this author. I always enjoy how she weaves her characters together. I can always trust she will write a clean and interesting story. Thanks for the advanced copy.

Was this review helpful?

Book review: summer of yes by Courtney Walsh

I got the privilege to read this book as ARC from @netgalley and here’s some of my thoughts of it.
I don’t even know where to begin. I loved it so much! The story was great, telling two different stories in the same time, and how they are linked together.
Sweet, funny and happy story with grumpy and hard back tone.
It’s not all about the romance (even it’s romance book), but more beautiful story of personal growth. Which I can relate so much too.
And of course, my favorites places New York City and little sleepy beach town middle of nowhere!

Recommending 100% to everyone as summer read. 5/5

Was this review helpful?

A summer of yes was different than what I expected, and I loved it! It felt like women’s fiction with some romance.

Kelsey has a near death experience and ends up sharing a hospital room with Georgina Tate, a very successful business woman. Georgina is less than warm, but that doesn’t deter Kelsey from trying to learn from Georgina, both is being successful and also what leads to regrets. I loved the combination of these two women and it was really fun watching them interact. Their interactions eventually lead to a road trip that changes their lives.

As Kelsey stops and re-evaluates her life and what she wants, usually by saying yes to experiences she would normally say no to, she grows and learns more about herself. Eventually saying yes, leads to saying no, as she figures out who she wants to be.

I loved the grumpy sunshine of these two main characters. I loved the love interests. Really sweet romance. 💕 I loved that this book made me think about my own life and those I love. What do I say yes to and give my time to? When do I hold back to protect myself?

Another wonderful thought provoking masterpiece by Courtney Walsh!

Was this review helpful?