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.

I'm stopping this one at 30%. I just can't with Kelsey anymore. She feels to me like the author was trying too hard to create a quirky character. She is just so annoying. She feels like a manic pixie dream girl. I just couldn't stand her inner monologue or when she was talking.

Thank you Netgalley, author, and publisher for the ARC.

This was such a fun and endearing story with a little bit of romance. The character development was excellent. I love how Courtney Walsh has used multiple generations in this book and her previous book.

Courtney is the queen of heart-warming reads and The Summer of Yes is no exception! From the characters to the romance to the plot development - I adored this story! I truly fell in love with these characters and their journeys. I laughed, I cried — this was such a sweet story and full of good reminders to live life to the fullest.

How would you change your life if given a chance? The last thing Kelsey Worthington remembers is picking up coffee for her boss. She wakes up in a hospital a couple of days later after being hit by a car, desperate to get back to work before she loses a big client. Sharing the hospital room with her is grumpy Georgina Tate, a cosmetics mogul who has done amazing things to achieve her success, at a huge personal cost.

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh is a story of two women who embark on a journey to see what could be. Inspired by her near-death experience, Kelsey convinces Georgina to try new things and pursue reconciliation in her broken relationships. Georgina resists but also challenges her younger friend to consider some changes in her own life The point of view alternates between the two women, though we get more of Kelsey’s side of the story since this “saying yes” was her idea. Be ready to laugh and swoon a little as you enjoy a sweet romance and an inspiring story which may lead you to consider saying yes more often.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I want to start by thanking the author and publisher for the chance to read an advanced release copy of this book. I found this to be a simple read and a great beach read.

Thank you to the incredible @courtneywalsh @netgalley and @thomasnelson for my #gifted ARC of The Summer of Yes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"It's a wild and precious life ... If you have something that sets your soul on fire, you have a responsibility to chase that thing."

"Yes, it's risky to feel things.
And it's risky to hope for good.
And it's hard to say yes to the unknown.
And it doesn't always result in wonderful memories.
But that's what it means to be alive."

Cheers to another heartwarming 5-star read from Courtney Walsh! While a lot of Courtney's books are sweet romances, The Summer of Yes was more in the vein of The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley, and I absolutely adored it! This dual-perspective, multi-generational story is all about saying yes, to yourself, to opportunities, to love, to passion, to forgiveness, to new paths, to the unknown, to living your best life and realizing that you only have that one life to live.

My heart and soul needed this book more than I knew, as I prepare to return to the workforce and take on teaching K-fourth grade as a permanent substitute teacher. Am I scared? Yes! But I'm also excited, hopeful, and eager to bond with kids, offer them a gentle, encouraging hand, and help them navigate the beginning of their learning journey. I want to support the teachers who work hard and dedicate so much of themselves to these children, and I can't wait to see what this journey has in store for me!

I may not be a millionaire businesswoman, or a published, bestselling writer (yet! But I truly hope to be one day!), but the journey I'm on is just as important and impactful, and I want to grab hold of it and live each day with all of my heart and soul. I want to be the best I can be, and I found so much inspiration, hope and gumption in both Georgina and Kelsey.

Courtney, thank you so much for this vulnerable, heartwarming, and truly inspirational slice of life! Absolutely add this one to your TBR because you don't want to miss this warm, cozy, sunshiny hug of a book! I cannot wait to read more from you, Courtney! I'll be waiting with bated breath!

The Summer of Yes is a cute romance that's perfect for summer reading. Kelsey Worthington has a dead-end job as an editor for a publishing company. Her life is pretty mundane, too. If that weren't bad enough, she wakes up in a hospital bed, unsure of how she got there. She shares a hospital room with a famous cosmetics company founder, Georgina Tate. Georgina's days are numbered due to illness. Kelsey's accident has made her realize that she needs a little change and adventure in her life. She's sure that Georgina could use a little excitement, too. It takes a lot of persuading, but Kelsey convinces Georgina to go on a road trip. The caveat is that they have to say yes to everything! Along the way, they both try things they've never done and find romance, too. This is a really fun, light read. The audiobook narration is well done also.

Thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and NetGalley for a review copy of this book and audiobook.

When Kelsey wakes up in a hospital room after being hit by a car, she finds out her roommate is none other than Georgina Tate. Georgina is a very successful women who is the CEO of her own company and the subject of many business courses. However, she has sacrificed the most important things in her life to get where she is today. After talking to Georgina, Kelsey notices the similarities in her life and wants to make a change. She cashes out her vacation time and decides to do a summer of yes. Kelsey is determined to also help Georgina in her journey to help Georgina fix the regrets in her life before it is too late. The summer of yes starts a journey for both Kelsey and Georgina to figure what they truly want out of life.

This book was a lot of fun. I loved Kelsey and Georgina for the main characters. Their banter was entertaining, and I felt that Georgina was the perfect mentor for Kelsey, while Kelsey was the push Georgina needed to realize what aspect of her life was more important. The romance between Kelsey and Hayden added another aspect of this book that I loved. I feel in love with this book and at the end it made me think what is truly important in my life.

Audiobook: I would highly recommend the audiobook for The Summer of Yes. There is a narrator for both Georgina and Kelsey's point of view and felt that both narrators did an excellent job for their characters.

The Summer of Yes is out now!

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Haper Collins Christian Publishing for the advance copy of The Summer of Yes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I can appreciate what Courtney Walsh tried to do with this story, and overall I obviously enjoyed it. But let me start with the one thing that kind of niggled at me.

Kelsey is in her 30s. When I first met her in the story, I felt that to be believable, but the further along I got in the story, the less mature she seemed to get. However, I really didn't think it took away from the overall plot. It just kind of annoyed me.

When Kelsey encounters an accident which changes her perspective on life, she decides to drag an ill, older woman on a road trip for a summer of "yes."

While the story did take a bit to get going, I really enjoyed it once it did. Georgina was so much more relatable than Kelsey and I couldn't get enough of her story. I honestly loved the brash way in which she handled Kelsey.

Overall this was a really fun summer read that was filled with forgiveness, redemption and second chances, and I was here for it.

What a cute summer story! I love the cover and this author was new for me. It was such a blow me away cute story! I kept smiling the whole time! I loved the character development and the banter so much!! A must read for summer!

What a fun summer read! I love reading a Courtney Walsh book because I know I will never be met with smut or vulgar language. Loved this one!