THE SUMMER OF YES
BY: COURTNEY WALSH

This literary fiction novel will most likely be an inspirational reading experience to whoever reads it. This Author was a wonderful new discovery for me that I can't emphasize enough with what an uplifting ability she has the imagination to create such a heartwarming story. Courtney Walsh has written a winner called, The Summer of Yes. It is a five star worthy story written with a lovable character named, Kelsey Worthington, and another main female protagonist named, Georgina Tate. They have a serendipitous meeting when they both share the same hospital room, in New York City. They are both confronted with the ideas of regrets and an existential crisis of asking the question of whether or not they are living their best lives? Due to Kelsey's inquisitive mind, since she is an assistant editor at a publishing house she starts questioning herself and her roommate in the hospital room they share when she asks Georgina, "if it was worth it?" Georgina Tate is a 75 year old woman who could be dying from two failed kidneys. She is a lonely, but a powerfully rich successful owner of a world wide company. Kelsey feels that she has a solution for something that they share in common and that happens to be sacrifices and not living their lives to the fullest. Her new idea for both of their lives to improve is to start saying yes from now on to everything they've chosen not to do, within their value systems and moral code. They both have rejected so many opportunities that would've enriched their lives. Now is the time for saying yes as they both take time off from their obligations of jobs that offer financial stability, but not without costing both women what they've lost.

Kelsey has been run over by a hit and run driver on the sidewalk as she was doing her friend, Tess's job by getting a coffee for their boss named, Charlie. Kelsey wakes up in the hospital dazed and confused with a concussion. She is just waking up and her first thought is that she's worried about her job. She refuses to contact her parents and her best friend, Ravi to let them know she was hit by a car. She realizes that she's lucky to be alive escaping the accident without having any broken bones. Then when she improves the foggy thinking she hears a bossy woman in the other bed complaining that she shouldn't have to share a room. When Kelsey realizes that her hospital, roommate is the famous Georgina Tate, she senses that Georgina must have made some major concessions to have achieved such success and Kelsey asks Georgina, "was it worth it?" Georgina is annoyed with Kelsey until Kelsey decides to start saying yes, instead of saying no of everything she has denied herself. It starts with her buying them each a pretzel with salt and cheese which she and Georgina eat together in Georgina's hospital room. That is how it starts for them both by their mutual agreement of sharing the pretzel which neither of them would've done beforehand eating from a street vendor.

Kelsey was persuaded before she was discharged from the hospital by Georgina and her male assistant to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement which prohibits her from discussing with anybody the fact that Georgina is in the hospital with two failing kidneys. Kelsey who decided that she has had enough of being denied at her job her true calling deciding to take a medical leave combined with her three weeks of paid vacation and experience: The Summer of Yes. Which is the perfect title for a book about two women who are going to embark on a journey together of doing things that they previously wouldn't have done, by playing it safe and going forward saying yes to things that are outside each others comfort zone. Kelsey being the caring person that she is talks a reluctant Georgina into joining her. From now on when Kelsey is approached with trying something new she says yes and does it. Georgina is a lot more stubborn and set in her ways which underneath her refusal while they both go on a road trip her underlying emotions are both shame and fear. Kelsey has already accomplished saying yes to things as simple as going with Ravi to the zoo to see the penguins and having dinner with his family eating spicy food. She feels innately that her passion for working is her natural creative quality that yearns deeply to write rather than edit someone else's work. Georgina faces challenges urged on by Kelsey's supportive desire to see her face some important fears with her selfless desire to see Georgina happy. Will they both reach their goals of finding what they discover they yearn to fulfill? For both of them it's taking risks, but the question is will they dare to continue to do what they need to in order to find meaning and happiness? The stakes get higher for both of them as they continue their journey?

This was really a departure from what I normally read, which is something new for me and it was truly inspirational. There is some romance for both women but it suited me perfectly, since it's clean and wholesome. I was impressed how this award winning author presented this subject as a class act. It's a beautifully written story that Kelsey is a character that is lovable and Georgina is less appealing due to her hard shell, but you can't help yourself from rooting for both of them as they are challenged to push through their different circumstances. Will they each make the right choices to find what they each deeply crave? The characters are all wonderfully developed and their individual journeys will require them each having to give up things that are difficult and important to them in order to achieve inner peace and joy. Will they both take the action required to gain what is most important to them? Easily Five Stars and one that I truly recommend without any reservation. I'm looking forward to reading this authors previous award winning work.

Publication Date: July 2, 2024! Available Now!

Thank you to Net Galley, Courtney Walsh and Thomas Nelson Fiction for generously providing me with my fantastic ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#TheSummerofYes #CourtneyWalsh #ThomasNelsonFiction #NetGally

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really fun book. I enjoyed reading it a lot!

What a TREAT of the summer!!! I loved everything about this delightful and meaningful book. I loved the unlikely friendship; I loved the dual love stories; I loved the reminders of what is truly and undeniably most important. I also found it wildly refreshing to read a fresh, fun, “of-the-moment” women’s fiction + romance book without any language or racy scenes. Just pure and outstanding, all-around! Five shining stars! I can’t wait to read more from CW!

Unfortunately this one just fell a little flat for me. DNF at 50%. The characters were sweet but I sadly didn't feel as invested in what was happening in either of their storylines. I do think lots of people will like this one, sadly it just wasn't for me.

I was expecting something similar to The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley but this book has a completely different feel. Not bad different, just different. First person voices of Kelsey and Georgina are complete opposites and the snarky banter is fun. Georgina’s personal assistant JP has a dry sense of humor which is quite delightful. The banter between Hayden and Kelsey is really fun and Kelsey’s hyperdrive writer imagination that conjures romcom situations and far off circumstances is quite hilarious. Self-realization and rescue from fear happen even as idea of death and terrible regrets loom. I loved the reconciliation and redemption integrated into the plot, even if faith is not explicitly mentioned.
It’s another winner from Courtney Walsh! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

When a book editor is treated like an assistant and sent out for coffee, her world gets upended when she's hit by a car that jumped the curb and hit her on the sidewalk. Her workaholic life isn't working. Luckily, her hospital roommate is her business mogul idol. She can see that her idol has regrets and she's torn between wanting to be this woman and also not ending up like this woman. So the two embark on a surprising and unlikely quest to satisfy a list of things they'd never done, and fix the wrongs of the past to make for better futures.
While having a very specific cheese factor, this book was also sweet in the way that it unravelled, the way the relationships built, the way the story pulls together. I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it in the beginning but the end was so worth it.

#arc
#netgalley
#thesummerofyes

BOOK REVIEW - The Summer of Yes - Courtney Walsh - 4/5 Stars

THE STORY
What a wonderful story this was! I don't read a lot of Womens Lit but each time I do, I'm reminded of how I should read more of this inspiring genre. I'm feeling so inspired right now! I loved the whole premise of this story and how the storyline played out. Kelsey and Georgina were such interesting characters, so different yet so similar. I loved Kelsey from the start while Georgina took a while to grow on me. It's always fun to see a reverse Grumpy-Sunshine with the FMC being the grumpy one. And Hayden *sigh* he was almost too perfect to be real, so swoony. The internal character monologues were a bit repetitive at times but overall a very enjoyable read.

THE ROMANCE
Yes, this may be classed as Womens Lit but you get not one but two romances in this story! And they're Courtney Walsh romances so you know they are going to be good! Her swoony moments never disappoint!

THE TRUTHS
There's so many wonderful truths in this book, reconciliation, forgiveness, hope and healing but the one that stood out to me was the main theme of facing fear, saying yes. I had my own summer of yes moment last year. I've always hated going to things or trying new things by myself so I would often not do them or wait to do it with a friend which was easy when I had friends to go with. But then I moved to a new city where I knew no one. So had to decide if I was going to miss out on new things or face my fears and embrace them. I chose Yes, it wasn't always easy but it has been rewarding. So don't let fear hold you back, trust in God and say yes to the opportunities He places in your life!

I absolutely fell in love with this book. The concept of saying yes and being more go with the flow is something that ours extremely intriguing to me. Don’t we all need to consider being like this sometimes. Perfect beach read in my vacation! 😍

I’ve never read a book by this author before but I absolutely loved it! Thank you so much for the ARC! I loved this story, it was extremely well written. Will definitely be on the lookout for more books by this author!

After Kelsey gets hit by a car abs recovers, she decides to change her life. She decides that she’s no longer going to work in a job that she’s not appreciated in so she gets the rich woman who was sharing the hospital room with her to say yes to adventure and go on a road trip for the summer, despite the fact that she’s older and on dialysis. Kelsey decides she’s going to say yes to all the things all summer and make the most of the new lease on life she’s been given and wants Georgina, her hospital roommate, to do the same. Georgina has been a workaholic and sacrificed her family in order to have her career and now she’s successful but has no relationship with her grown son or her husband who never stopped loving her. Kelsey decides to take their road-trip to find Georgina’s son without her knowing it, and when they get there of course Georgina has figured it out and all is immediately forgiven. It was a little too neatly wrapped up in a bow for me. But I may be a little cynical 😂
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

I had never read a Courtney Wash book before this. I was drawn to the darling cover and description. I was definitely not disappoint. Great book! The characters were well written, you felt like you were handing out with friends. Highly recommend.

Once again Courtney Walsh delivers a delightfully encouraging story full of hijinks, banter, and romance as she weaves a tale of growth, grace, and reconciliation.

Young, underappreciated, work-a-holic Kelsey prods the much older and wildly successful businesswoman, Georgina, into a summer adventure of saying “yes” to things which each has historically rejected. For one, this is a summer to get out of her comfort zone; for the other it is a summer to address her regrets. For each, it is a second chance at life.

While slow to start, the novel picks up pace once these two hit the road in a blue convertible sports car, heading down the Atlantic coast and doesn’t slow down again.

What’s inside:
Unlikely female friendship
Adventure
Tourists in your own city
NYC and small coastal NC town
Dual POV
Kidney disease
Second chances
Rekindled flames and new romance

What works for me:
All the above!
This is a delightful summer read with charming characters and a sweet story of healing and growth.
I love Kelsey’s courage in identifying her fears and facing them. I love the maturity of the younger Kelsey (the more “mature” Georgina has some growing up to do) in saying aloud what is on her mind and honestly addressing what’s in front of her.
The display of grace and forgiveness and the humility required to receive that grace and forgiveness is sweetly portrayed as Georgina’s family is reconciled.

Thumbs up all around! Great book for anyone who enjoys a good romance but doesn’t love all the spice.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for this ARC.

Courtney Walsh's books are always so lovely and I enjoyed reading The Summer of Yes. While it started out very slow and found Kelsey so obnoxious at the beginning, once this book finally got going, I liked it a lot. The unlikely friendship between Kelsey and Georgina was fun to read about their adventure and see them re-evaluate their life and priorities. Thanks to Thomas Nelson for my advanced copy.

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.

thank you to netgalley for the e-arc. this should have been called the summer of pushy 30 something. at 20% kelsey was still only talking about how much she hasn't done, how much she regrets and the things she should be doing. by 35%, they finally go on the roadtrip. it was predictable that kelsey and georgina's son would start a fling and they would both see dylan within the trip. it's also the formatting the ARC had but that's IT, not the writing itself.

the premise and story was pretty cheesy and not realistic but it was kind of fun nonetheless. no way georgina's ex should have forgiven her so easily

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. The Summer of Yes follows two friends who met in the hospital. They are both usually say no to everything people until one day they decide to venture out on a summer of saying yes. This was adorable. I loved the characters and their banter, It's a must read for the summer.

"The Book of Yes" by Courtney Walsh is a heartwarming novel that blends sweet romance with profound life lessons. Set in a charming small town, the story follows a young woman navigating life's uncertainties and opportunities. What makes this book stand out is its gentle wisdom and the way it captures the essence of saying "yes" to new experiences, love, and personal growth.

Walsh's writing style is inviting and immersive, making it easy to connect with the characters and their journeys. The protagonist's transformation throughout the story is inspiring, reminding readers of the importance of embracing change and taking chances.

"The Book of Yes" is a delightful read that leaves you with a warm feeling and a renewed appreciation for life's possibilities. It's perfect for anyone looking for a feel-good story with substance, and it delivers both sweet moments and meaningful insights in equal measure.

This was such a great read to dive back into my summer readings with. I loved the characters, the storyline, and the writing. It was extremely engaging! I also listened to part of this via audio book - and I highly recommend that, as two different voice actors read for both Kelsey & Georgina’s point of view.

I also love the recognition for kidney disease and how hard it can be to find a donor. As the daughter of two parents who both have experienced kidney failure - one with a successful transplant, one still waiting for a donor match - it makes me have hope that my dad too will have a kidney donor for a transplant. Although I do wish it was expressed more that it was likely due to Georgina’s status and ability to afford to do so, but it’s not so easy to just get up and go bring a dialysis machine with you so easily.

I loved the concept of this book and that it was just a clean, cute romance with elements of self discovery and adventure.

Thank you to Harper Christian Publishing and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

I had really high hopes for this book… maybe too high. I heard so many good things about this, but it didn’t really stick out to me.