The Summer or Yes

This book held my expectations and sprinkled in so much more.
Developing a sweet and sassy story between two women looking to life’s next steps, Courtney Walsh writes a great summer read for people who are looking for something to warm your soul.
I had a great time with this read, and I quickly recommended it to women in my family who love a feel-good book for relaxing days in the sun.
Both main characters go through a self discovering journey, with the help of the other, involuntarily or not! 🤭 Sometimes you need a stranger to show you what life is truly about.

The Summer of Yes comes out July 2,2024

Thank you netgalley and Courtney Walsh for the opportunity. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars rounded up
Thank you to Net galley and Thomas Nelson fiction for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

32 year old assistant editor Kelsey Worthington wakes up in the hospital after being hit by a car while she was walking on the sidewalk. She ends up with strong willed opinionated and grumpy Georgina Tate as a roommate, an older, rich, successful business woman whose first task is to ask Kelsey to sign a NDA so that no one knows that she is in the hospital. When Kelsey realizes how lonely this very successful woman is, she starts to question her own life decisions, and decides to start saying yes to the simple pleasures of life, and takes Georgina along for the ride, kicking and screaming along the way.

I loved the banter and developing relationship between Kelsey and Georgina, and the two men in our story are too good to be true, yet characters I really liked as well. The novel is full of reminders to say yes to the things that give you joy, especially to the people you love. It made me think it would make a good pairing with the non fiction Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. The only thing keeping me from rating it a full five stars for me was the middle, when I felt Georginas grumpiness , resistance to change and inability to communicate lasted way too long.

There is some gentle romance in this novel, but it is more contemporary fiction than romance, with the relationship between the two women the primary focus of the book.

"Being human feels good, even though it simultaneously feels bad. Because it feels necessary. Because a part of me wants to carve my name in a giant, sturdy oak tree as if to say: Georgina was here."

It's a YES to The Summer of Yes.

It's easy to fall in love with Kelsey's anxious optimism and Georgina's cynicism. The road trip narrative feels fresh and fun, and it's joyous to read about both women finding romance and finding joy in a world that denies it to them. Second chances abound, and it will have you wanting to say yes to more of the little things in life, like pretzels and time with friends. The clear message is: no matter what age you are, you deserve to be happy. And don't we all need more of that message in the world?

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Courtney Walsh continues to amaze me with her stories, how relatable her characters are, and how much I thoroughly enjoy reading her books. The Happy LIfe of Isadora Bentley was my top read of 2023--I saw a lot of myself in Isadora Bentley and I loved seeing her transform into a whole, healthy person and leave her baggage and trauma in the past where it belongs. There is some of that same dynamic in this book with the main character Kelsey.

The way the story opened (I don't want to spoil it) was absolutely genius in my opinion, and it heightened my interest in the story right from the first page. It sets the stage perfectly for Kelsey's character arc and the way her own self-reflection sparks changes for other characters as well. It was enjoyable, satisfying and uplifting to say the least. I hope everyone goes out and buys this book. It could very well change your life, too.

How is this only my second book by Courtney Walsh?? The Summer of Yes is a sweet, heartwarming book about love, forgiveness, and living life to the fullest. It reminds us to step out of our comfort zone by just saying yes sometimes and that doing so can lead to some amazing first AND second chances.

I loved the unexpected friendship that Kelsey and Georgina built and enjoyed the dual POV and fun banter throughout the book. And how about those men? you gotta love love!!!

A great summer read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the eARC of this book.

Courtney Walsh is one of my favorite authors for books that feel real and authentic. She writes with a voice that makes you think about your own life, your own insecurities and also hope that maybe you will find a flicker of inspiration to do better with this life.
The Summer of Yes was just full of so much heart and also the funny inside jokes that break up a serious moment and makes you laugh.
I just adored Georgiana and her snark. She's who I want to be when I grow up (minus the kidney disease and estrangement from her family)! Kelsey is that bright spot in Georgiana's life that she finds annoying and yet cannot resist the pull into her wild ideas.

There is a neat little bow put on this story but the meat and potatoes will stay with me because this story does make you think.... what if?
Thanks for my Advance Copy! I loved it!

4 stars.

A fun book centered around life’s priorities and what truly matters. After a car accident, Kelsey finds herself recovering in the hospital with a cranky older woman, who also happens to be the ceo and founder of a multimillion dollar beauty company. As an unlikely pairing, the two set off for a summer of “yes!” Where will the summer take them?

Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, second chance love, forced proximity,

Content warning: car accident, marriage separation (past), terminal sickness diagnosis.

This is everything I need in a book. It’s funny, it’s witty and it’s so stinkin cute! ☺️ If you’re looking for a feel good book, this is it! The Summer of Yes has earned a spot on my Top 10 list for 2024. The age gap friendship between Kelsey and Georgia is hilariously funny! It totally gave gave me Leni and Margot vibes. 🥰 The romance between Kelsey and Hayden is perfection. 👌🏻
Well done Cortney Walsh! 👏🏻

“People don’t leave quickly, but they do leave suddenly.”

😳 I can’t get this out of my head!

I loved this book! There were a few times I wondered how a situation could end any way but badly, but Courtney pulled it out at the end. Fun premise. Who hasn’t looked forward and wondered how much of our true selves would be left if we kept moving down the same path? I know I have! Well written and I laughed out loud several times and highlighted a whole bunch!!

Classic Courtney Walsh charm! She is an auto-read author for me. The Summer of Yes is such a feel-good book and will make a perfect beach read.

This book is a beautiful picture of forgiveness and grace mixed in with humor and adventure. I adored this new take on the grumpy x sunshine trope. The grumpy and sunshine were friends rather than love interests. The character growth was top notch.

This one is women’s fiction with a side of romance.

6-Stars! This is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. It falls into the category of Women’s Fiction – and believe me, it’s going to change you! Inspiring, powerful, and filled with messages of forgiveness, and restoration of life. It’s going to challenge you to be bold, to take risks and to simply say “YES” to the things you’re afraid of.

Kelsey wakes up in a hospital room with the realization that she had been in a serious car accident. Nearly as shocking, is the reality that her hospital roommate is Georgina Tate…feisty and brash, but an absolute legendary businesswoman in New York. Georgina is the definition of success by most people’s standards, although right now, her health is rapidly declining as she waits for a kidney donation. Georgina is not up for chit chat, but Kelsey can’t seem to help herself. The banter between these two will grab you and make you giggle right from the start. If you’ve ever watched the move Steel Magnolias, and you remember the grumpy and hard to love character of Ouiser Boudreaux…well, this is how I pictured Georgina. Yet, deep down, there is so much more than her rough exterior.

Kelsey doesn’t feel like she’s done anything remarkable in her life and her accident was a wake-up call to reevaluate her future. She senses a strong gravitational pull towards Georgina and decides that a Summer of saying “yes” to the things that would typically conjure up fear could be just what they both need. It takes A LOT for Kelsey to get Georgina on board with this crazy idea of an adventure, but she finally agrees. You’re going to absolutely fall in love with their journey, their healing, their romances, and their friendship. This story is a true masterpiece filled with moments of laughter, tears, but most of all, HOPE.

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

Thanks to Netgalley & Thomas Nelson Fiction for the E-ARC! Loved the characters & the setting! Also really enjoyed the cleanness of the romance. Really good closed-door romance. Definitely will read more from this author.

“The Summer of Yes” by Courtney Walsh is a heartwarming tale that invites readers to embrace new experiences, take risks, and discover the transformative power of saying "yes." Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, this novel weaves together the lives of two unlikely women and you will yearn to flip the page to find out what happens next.

Meet Kelsey Worthington: A workaholic junior editor who dreams of becoming a writer but has settled into a routine of helping others tell their stories. Her existence is stable, her relationships safe—until a near-death experience catapults her into a life-altering journey.

Meet Georgina Tate: A glass-ceiling-shattering, wildly successful businesswoman who sacrificed everything to achieve her goals. Now, facing failing kidneys and limited time, Georgina grapples with her regrets.

While recovering in the hospital, Kelsey meets Georgina, and their chance encounter sparks a series of events. Georgina agrees to join Kelsey on her "Summer of Yes" adventures—a plan to say yes to everything they normally decline. Together, they explore the city, dine with strangers, and even take an impractical but exhilarating ride in a convertible.

But the true journey begins when Kelsey surprises Georgina with a visit to her son, Hayden, and her not-so-ex-husband. As their lives intertwine, love, forgiveness, and regret come to the forefront. Through their interactions, both women learn valuable lessons about living fearlessly and embracing second chances.

Walsh's prose is both engaging and evocative. She captures the essence of New York City, from the bustling streets, to the hidden gems, and the magic of unexpected encounters. Her characters are relatable, flawed, and endearing. As readers, we cheer for their growth and transformation.

“The Summer of Yes” radiates positivity. It's a perfect beach read that leaves you with a warm heart and a renewed sense of possibility. Walsh skillfully explores themes of regret, forgiveness, and second chances. The characters' emotional arcs resonate deeply. Kelsey and Georgina's friendship blossoms beautifully. Their interactions are genuine, and their chemistry leaps off the pages.

“The Summer of Yes” is a delightful blend of romance, self-discovery, and adventure. Treat yourself to this uplifting story and say "yes" to the journey because it's worth every page!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Loved every minute of this heart warming love story. I enjoyed the message of saying yes and living your best life. The double romance was an added bonus. Such a sweet fun wholesome story. Love anything Courtney Walsh writes.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published July 2, 2024.

I was drawn to this book based on the title and it didn’t disappoint. While I thought there would be more little yeses (seeing penguins at the zoo and eating pretzels from a street vendor) the bigger yeses were much more consequential.

The book begins with Kelsey getting hit by a car and sharing w hospital room with Georgina, the famous CEO of a cosmetic line. She’s as nasty as can be yet Kelsey doesn’t give up on her. They form an unusual agreement to say YES for the summer. This leads to all kinds of major life changes for all involved.

This was a quick read. There were lots of funny lines and all loose ends were nicely wrapped up at the end.

You need to just say YES...to reading this book!

Absolutely beautiful - this captivating story spoke to my soul!

Kelsey is content focusing on work and playing things safe, never venturing outside of her comfort zone. Then an unexpected accident leads her to Georgina - an older wealthy, successful, business woman but Kelsey soon learns that Georgina has regrets for living her life the same way that Kelsey is.

And thus the summer of yes is born.

Kelsey is determined to start saying yes to the things she normally wouldn't, to things that scare her, that make her live and dream and yes, love.

She and Georgina take off on an extraordinary adventure together and as they make it the summer of yes, they find healing, second chances, romance, and an unexpected but beautiful friendship.

What you'll love:
Women's fiction
Dual POV
Unlikely friendship
Road trip
Melt-your-heart romance
Discovering dreams
Second chances
Found family
Healing and hope

I finished this book a week ago but haven't written a review until now because I truly didn't know how to do this book justice. I still don't, but I am going to try because this book is storytelling at it's very best.

Kelsey and Georgina - two women at opposite ends of life - are such dynamic characters. I was captivated by both of them from the very beginning and watching their friendship grow filled my heart with happiness.

Though the romances were not the main plot of the story, they were the kind of melt-your-heart-into-a-puddle romances that would satisfy even the most hopeless of romantics. The second chance romance legitimately brought tears to my eyes, and the other? So tender and sweet and fun and it left me in a puddle of happy heart eyes!

The beautiful truths within the story touched my heart and I swear at times it felt like the author was speaking directly to my soul. This is a story of second chances, of healing and forgiveness, of family and friendship. A story about living life to it's fullest and not letting fear rule your choices but following your heart and your dreams.

This powerful and beautiful story left me in tears and smiles and feeling all the feels and is one that will stay with me for a long time. I cannot recommend this one enough! An absolute winner from Courtney Walsh.

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for allowing me to read an ARC of The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh, in exchange for my honest review.

So many yes(s)es!!

This book was perfection! There were so many good lessons in this story - forgiveness, facing fear, self-realization, acceptance, tenaciousness, and so much more. This story was heartwarming, witty, thought-provoking, and encouraging.

Courtney Walsh has now become one of my "must read" authors.

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

Why wouldn't getting hit by a car, and meeting one of your longtime role models when you wake up in a hospital change your life? Kelsey Worthington has the ultimate wake-up call one day after a life full of saying no to things outside her comfort zone. Her plan to say yes shakes up her normally stable life as she embarks on The Summer of Yes convincing Georgina to come along and realize what they missed out on.

This romantic tale will have you questioning what more you could have said yes to, make you laugh, cry, and recommend to your friends.

Read if your:
🌸 On vacation
🌸 Feeling stuck in your job or life
🌸 Fan of Emily Henry and Carley Fortune

Thank you, Courtney Walsh, NetGalley, and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this Advanced Reader Copy all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

The Summer of Yes is a cozy beach read, and if you can suspend your disbelief, totally charming. It reminds me a bit of The Devil Wears Prada if Miranda was nearing the end of her life and Andrea, instead of being a pushover, had a backbone laced with insanity. The MC had zero boundaries and crossed lines over and over again “for the greater good.” I had the hardest time trying to figure out why Georgina wasn’t demanding a restraining order.

As some other reviewers have mentioned, only good and perfect things ever happens in this book outside of Kelsey and Georgina both having their respective life issues that necessitated a summer of yes. I love when pieces fit together well, but in this case, everything came together too neatly to be plausible. This story won’t disappoint you, and if you can get past the fact that these humans could not possibly behave the way they do and not be institutionalized, it really is delightful and cozy with a beautiful message about life, love, and second chances.

I’d like to thank Thomas Nelson Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was so fun to read, and honestly, an important lesson in saying yes instead of letting fear get in the way. Kelsey and Georgina are such a fun duo. Once their summer of yes began, I couldn’t put this book down. I enjoyed watching Kelsey challenge herself and not back down from encouraging Georgina to do the same, even if her methods were slightly stressful at times. Kelsey had some tough truths to uncover about her life, and I loved how honest she was with herself about it and stood firm in who she was but allowed herself to make some healthy changes as well.
Georgina was a strong character with a hard outer shell that she wasn’t ready to let anyone break through. It was fun to see how she grew and yet stayed true to herself as she got to know Kelsey and as Kelsey pushed her to say yes to new adventures…and old ones.
Kelsey and Georgina’s stories are the focus of this book, but there’s some sweet romance as well and I found myself wanting to know more of their story after the book ended.
This is a great pick me up, with real emotion and challenges, but a great lesson and an encouraging story of saying yes to things you wouldn’t normally. This is a book that I can see myself rereading anytime I need some encouragement to start saying yes and challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone.