I don't know how I feel about this book. I'm still deciding, But one this for certain is that Kelsey is exhausting.

Thank you publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this in exchange for my honest review!

Ok well this was an absolute DELIGHT. The banter, the setting, the characters, the growth, the love. I ate it up.

A charming, feel-good rom-com about friendship, second chances, and saying “yes” to life. After an accident lands work-focused Kelsey in a shared hospital room with the formidable Georgina Tate, the two form an unlikely bond that leads to a summer of unexpected adventures. Light romance, witty banter, and a heartwarming message about making time for joy make this a delightful, uplifting read. Perfect for fans of closed-door romance and character-driven stories.

This novel starts with NYC workaholic Kelsey getting hit by a car though miraculously unharmed. Nonetheless, it inspires her to shake up her life, including trying to strong her arm her roommate at the hospital, famous business mogul Georgina, into embarking on a “summer of yes” with her. Told from both women’s perspectives (though more Kelsey), it’s part journey of self-discovery, part romance.

The characters felt a little cartoonish and annoying, and the story was a bit on the pat and predictable side, even for a book of this type. And I don’t love that it kinda flirts with the idea that women can’t work hard and had love. But it was nonetheless a cute story with a good message about taking chances and saying yes to things that scare you.

3.5 stars

While I liked the unlikely friendship aspect of the book, I found it to be a little dull and mostly predictable. Overall it was a fine, quick read.

This was such a sweet deep read. More than just a fluffy summer romance. I really enjoyed it. Loved the connection between the two characters!

What a book!! The writing was engaging and the characters were definitely the highlight—flawed, complex, and emotionally rich. Their bond felt genuine, and I appreciated the dual perspectives that gave insight into their personal struggles.

Where the book fell short for me was the plot and romance. The pacing dragged early on, and while the journey itself had its moments, it didn’t fully grip me. The romance lacked development and felt like an afterthought, even though it was tied to a major part of the story. With more time and depth given to that aspect, this could’ve been a stronger, more emotional read. Still, it’s worth picking up if you enjoy slower, introspective stories centered on personal growth and friendship.
3.5/5

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh in exchange for my honest review and feedback. Loved the adorable cover and found this to be a cute book. I found it to be a cute, lighthearted, fun summer read. Great book to take to the beach.

☀️💛 Book Review: The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh 💛☀️

If you’re craving a warm, hopeful story about friendship, healing, and taking chances, The Summer of Yes is your perfect summer read. Courtney Walsh delivers a beautifully honest novel that’s equal parts heart and soul.

After a painful breakup, Millie decides to say “yes” to every opportunity this summer, hoping to rediscover herself and maybe find new love along the way. With her best friends by her side, she learns that sometimes the biggest risks bring the sweetest rewards—and that healing can be messy, joyful, and full of surprises.

Tropes You’ll Love:
💔 Breakup recovery
👭 Girl squad/supportive friends
🌞 Summer of self-discovery
💖 Slow-burn romance
🌿 Emotional growth & healing

Courtney Walsh writes with warmth and authenticity, capturing the ups and downs of life and love in a way that feels deeply relatable. If you’re a fan of contemporary women’s fiction with heart, this one will stick with you long after the last page.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#TheSummerOfYes #CourtneyWalsh #Bookstagram #SummerReads #WomensFiction #FriendshipGoals #SlowBurnRomance #BreakupToGlowUp #FeelGoodBooks #BookReview

Okay... okay... I know I should read the blurbs carefully and not just insta-add all the Courtney Walsh books. Knowing that Georgia has only a handful of months, which is why she and Kelsey are embarking upon the summer of "yes," I am now out completely. I hate "diagnosis" plots. Sorry for the downer review!

I really enjoyed this fun book. The premise was cute, with Kelsey meeting famous businesswoman Georgina Tate in the hospital. I liked how that chance encounter ended up changing both of their lives. The love stories were tender without showing any steam and I really appreciated the lack of coarse language. Overall a great summer read!

Kelsey spends the whole book saying Georgina is a cautionary tale she should learn from, yet seems to try her hardest not to. She admits she doesn’t like her job or apartment (which seems barely livable), but for some reason is set on where she lives as the excuse for why her relationship can’t work when she prefers where Hayden lives. I seriously did not get it.

Georgina spends 22 years full of shame and regret for abandoning her family, and when the opportunity for a second chance throws itself at her, she also fights it at every turn.

The message of this book is endearing but I wanted to grab both women and shake them the whole time.

Thank you for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I am working through my backlog, and will be momentarily posting reviews for the stories I have yet to get posted but have finished reading.

Overall, this had a really, really slow start. It did eventually pick up, but was very repetitive and a bit too cheesy for my taste.

I love Courtney Walsh and her sweet romantic novels! They're not too spicy, which I love. Her characters are always adorable, and this may be my most favorite yet.

This book was about a 3.5 for me but I’d round it to a 4; because the story was sweet and fun while reading it, but it wasn’t very memorable once I’d finished.

A tender, life-affirming read that stayed with me.

Kelsey Worthington felt like a mirror. Her life was neat, predictable, and safe... until a sudden accident forces her to ask: what am I waiting for? Watching her decide to say “yes” to the things she used to say no to—big and small—was more than inspiring; it felt like permission. Permission to dream again, to risk again, to live with more intention.

And then there’s Georgina Tate. I adored her. Fierce, guarded, brilliant—and yet, so vulnerable beneath the surface. Her dynamic with Kelsey was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their friendship was layered, honest, and sometimes uncomfortable in all the right ways. I laughed with them, teared up more than once, and walked away thinking about my own list of “someday” dreams.

This book isn’t just about bucket lists or second chances. It’s about regret and redemption, about allowing yourself to change, and realizing it’s not too late to start living fully—even if you’ve lost time.

I'd had this book on my TBR list since last year but I finally got around to reading it and boy, oh boy, it didn't disappoint.

The Summer of Yes came to me at just the right time. I've read books by Courtney Walsh before but I didn’t expect this one to move me the way it did, but she has a way of getting under your skin—in the gentlest, most unexpected way.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your own life or scared to make a change, The Summer of Yes will feel like a warm, honest nudge forward. It definitely was for me.

I think, when the time is right, a Courtney Walsh novel will find you and show you why life can still be lived and loved🤍

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an arc of this but unfortunately I couldn’t read it by the deadline for personal reasons! I am still very intrigued by this and will be picking it up on my own for my summer TBR. I can’t wait to read it!!

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh is the kind of story that makes you want to press pause on life, grab a glass of something cold, and savor every page. It’s charming, uplifting, and filled with that summer magic that makes you believe anything is possible—even saying yes to the unexpected.

I loved the premise of a main character challenging herself to say “yes” more—and the way that journey unfolded felt both inspiring and real. The romance was sweet and swoony, but what really stuck with me was the message: sometimes the biggest transformations come from the smallest acts of courage. Walsh writes with such heart and tenderness, and her characters feel like people you’d want to be friends with.

This book is the perfect blend of lighthearted and meaningful—a beautiful reminder that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to something better than you ever imagined.

Courtney Walsh nails it again with The Summer of Yes—a charming, funny, and surprisingly moving story about what happens when you finally stop saying “no” to life. Kelsey, a stressed-out assistant editor hiding her dream of becoming a writer, and Georgina, a powerhouse businesswoman with more regrets than memories, collide in the most unexpected place: a hospital room. What follows is a delightful “summer of yes,” filled with growth, grace, and a whole lot of heart. Their friendship is unlikely but unforgettable, and the character development? Chef’s kiss. I saw myself in both women, and loved every moment of their journey. Add in some subtle, faith-filled nuggets and you’ve got a feel-good read with real depth.

Solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️—I didn’t want it to end!