It is a captivating tale that intertwines the lives of two seemingly disparate women, Kelsey Worthington and Georgina Tate, in a way that redefines the concept of personal growth and self-discovery. At its core, this novel explores the profound changes that can occur when one dares to step outside their comfort zone, making it a timely and compelling read for anyone grappling with fear of change or the pressures of societal expectations. The story begins with Kelsey, a dreamer and aspiring writer, whose mundane routine takes a shocking turn when an errant car sends her to the hospital. This unexpected encounter leads her to Georgina, a powerful and unapologetically outspoken matriarch of New York City’s elite businesswomen. Kelsey, who often questions her own abilities and feels overshadowed by the bravado of others, finds herself in stark contrast to Georgina, whose decades of experience in a cutthroat world have shaped her into a figure of authority and resolve. What unfolds in the hospital room is not just a physical recovery but an emotional awakening for both women. Georgina, facing her own mortality with failing kidneys, begins to reflect on a life filled with regrets and unfulfilled dreams. This moment of vulnerability leads her to question her past choices, creating an opportunity for growth not only for herself but also for Kelsey. Their relationship becomes a catalyst for transformation as they embark on a journey of "yes." The question hanging in the air—“What if I said yes to everything I’ve always said no to?”—invites readers to ponder their own lives and the limits they impose upon themselves. As the narrative progresses, Kelsey is encouraged by Georgina to step out of her shell in vibrant and adventurous ways. From indulging in street food to diving into the ocean, Kelsey’s experiences serve as a testament to the joy and liberation that can come from embracing the unexpected. Through their escapades, including matchmaking Georgina with her handsome son, Kelsey not only discovers the beauty of spontaneity but also finds the courage to pen her own romance, both in fiction and in her personal life. Walsh beautifully intertwines humor and heart in this exploration of friendship, courage, and the power of connection. The evolving dynamic between Kelsey and Georgina is both inspiring and relatable, as readers witness their growth and the dismantling of the barriers they have built around their hearts. Walsh illuminates the importance of mentorship and the impact that one strong connection can have on personal development. In conclusion, *The Summer of Yes* is a delightful and thought-provoking read that encourages readers to reevaluate their own lives and the opportunities they might be passing by. It serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to embrace change, confront fears, and say yes to the adventures that life has to offer. Whether you’re a dreamer like Kelsey or a go-getter like Georgina, this novel will resonate with you on many levels. So grab a copy and prepare to be inspired to live your own summer of yes!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson fiction for this Arc Copy! I loved the idea of the book and how disruptors should be looked at as positive not negative at times. They are meant for a purpose. The relationship between Kelsey and Georgina was fun to watch as it evolved. Well done!

I absolutely adored this book. Between all of the main characters and their development throughout the story, Walsh’s storytelling abilities, and the lighthearted fun intertwined within the heavier parts, this book seemed to have it all.

(4.5 stars rounded up)

🩷 WHAT I LOVED: The writing! I have said it before and I will say it again, Courtney Walsh is a brilliant storyteller. She is a master at weaving witty banter, heavy sarcasm, and tender moments into a story that will have you laughing out loud one moment and releasing tears the next.

I also loved the characters! Together (and separately) Kelsey and Georginia are a hoot! And I just adored the romance between Kelsey and Hayden and Georginia and Dylan!

💛 WHAT I WOULD HAVE LOVED MORE OF: Faith content. As Christian Fiction, the faith content was light and being that there were strong themes of mercy, grace, forgiveness, sacrifice, and restoration, I would have enjoyed seeing God’s love and sovereignty woven in a bit more and clearly.

💙 OVERALL THOUGHTS: This was a story that I knew I would enjoy but not one that I knew I needed. I enjoyed the humor, but more so, I enjoyed the moments of emotional depth with which Walsh wrote Kelsey and Georgina and how these two women unexpectedly inspired me and encouraged me to reflect not only on my relationships, but how I spend my time—my yeses and my nos.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

I adored this book! Both our main characters are not living their best lives...Georgina, a senior citizen who is beyond prickly, living with regrets and guilty for choices she made in order to follow her dreams. Kelsey, (31) has dreams, but she doesn't believe in herself enough to reach them. She is living a stagnant, safe life until an accident puts her in the same hospital room as Georgina. Oh, these two women! On the surface they are night and day, but down deep they have a connection. While there is a lot of witty banter, push and pull, funny and sweet moments, there is a layer of deeper issues that tug at the heartstrings. The road trip is a catalyst to opening doors and hearts. This book has new romance and old love. It is a book of healing, forgiveness, and taking chances. While you can see many of the plot devices coming, it is still a treat in getting there!

4 stars

THE SUMMER OF YES, by Courtney Walsh, should be required reading for every woman, especially those who are wives and mothers. What an inspiring book, full of life and laughter, with a deep current to self-reflection running just below the surface.
Kelsey Worthington always wanted to be an author, but she settled, accepting a career path in which she helps other people write their stories. Kelsey is like so many of us, inclined to play it safe and follow life’s expected course for us. Her job is fine; her relationships are fine; in fact, everything in her life is fine, fine but humdrum.
A near-fatal accident, a chance meeting at the hospital, and Kelsey is ready for a change in her life, a change from ‘no’ to ‘yes.’ Kelsey and Georgina hit the road in a blue convertible for a girls’ trip that is more about the heart than the destination. This dual POV is a delightful and entertaining read.

Are you like me, and often ‘no’ is the first answer because it’s the safe one?

This is the fifth book by author Courtney Walsh and is another easy summer romance book. It is a good beach read, which is where I read it.
The story takes place in New York and North Carolina and highlights the lifestyle differences between these two areas of the country.
Kelsey and Georgina couldn't be more opposite. Kelsey's a dreamer and a writer who questions her skill. And Georgina is a confident businesswoman whose years of shouldering her way into boardrooms and making her voice heard have made her far too outspoken for the faint of heart. But now, when Georgina's failing kidneys force her to face some big regrets about the way she's lived her life, the two women recognize they share a common thread. Maybe it's time to confront a few things. They must ask themselves: What if I said yes to everything they have always said no to?
This is a coming-of-age story and an end-of-life reckoning story. Two women at very different times in their lives find that they are dealing with life decisions in much the same way. It is an easy read with a romance as well. This book was just ok for me honestly. I need something deeper. I need more drama, more chaos, more love, just more. There are so many books that have the same premise with a bit of a different storyline. I need in depth emotional connection and a plot to knock my socks off. This was not it. I gave this 3 stars.

I loved this book. It's really special. It will make you rethink things in your own life. It made me want to hug my family a little closer and appreciate the gift that they are. It's a story of love and forgiveness and second chances. It's a story of doing the things you wouldn't normally do, of saying "yes."

Georgina Tate is a strong, crusty old woman. When Kelsey gets thrown into her life, sparks fly but Kelsey is drawn to her. Their relationship is fun and full of teasing insults. Yet there's a love that grows. Dylan and Hayden are amazing. They have managed to keep their hearts soft even though they've gone through incredibly difficult times. I loved the people in this book.

This is a great read. I'd highly recommend it. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Really lovely story about taking chances in life. Sometimes, all you need to do to get your dreams is to say yes. This story follows two lovely women while they both figure this out, each in their own way. The characters have depth, and their stories are so nice. I would have liked to know more about Kelseys backstory, but i loved it anyway!


Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review

Courtney's books always make me so happy. I loved the premise of this one! Can't wait to see what she comes out with next.

<i>The Summer of Yes</i> follows two people, Kelsey and Georgina. One is at the beginning of her career, trying to make her mark, while the other has accomplished everything there is to achieve. However, both have regrets about how they approached their personal lives.

To be honest, I expected this to be more about Kelsey and Georgina. The first part of the book of the two of them didn't lead anywhere for the two of them, and I was hoping this would be the kind of empowering book about women bonding. Instead, it focused too much on romance.

Georgina struggled to balance her family and her huge cosmetics empire, so, in the end, she just gave up on her family. Kelsey wanted to focus on her career so much that she ignored everything that wasn't related to it. Once they realize they must change something in their life, everything goes smoothly.

I would've liked more fire between the two couples, as there was basically no chemistry, build-up, or anything. For a book about two grown women, sharing some kisses here and there that led nowhere is just unrealistic.

Also, what was the passage about judging women who have one-night stands and then coming up with "morals" to judge them? It was so preachy it made me roll my eyes soooo much.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

I was so excited to read Courtney Walsh’s latest but unfortunately this one didn’t WOW me like I thought it would! The premise is very cute and the characters did have that Courtney charm that we have come to know and love but I wasn’t fully engaged by the plot, things moved a bit to slowly to keep me fully invested. As a result it took me quite some time to get through this one and I found myself gravitating toward other books rather than picking this one up!

If you’re a fan of literary fiction, character driven stories and books that feel like a warm hug from a friend - I would recommend you pick this one up!

I truly am a diehard Courtney fan, but may stick with her romcoms from now on as literary fiction doesn’t seem to do it for me these days!!

Just the most delightful book about saying yes to the opportunities that scare you, that push you out of your comfort zone, that change you into a better person. I adored Georgina and Kelsey's relationship as they grew and changed and tried to be better, happier people. And the double dash of romance was just the cherry on top!

Thank you to Netgalley for my complimentary e-arc. All opinions here are my own.

Kelsey is a junior editor who has put her dream of being a writer on back burner. Georgina is a wildly successful business woman who is facing a dire health diagnosis and has painful regrets of some of her past decisions.

After a miraculous death-defying experience, Kelsey ends up sharing her hospital room with the famous Georgina. Kelsey realizes after her accident that she needs to waste no more time and reach for a more fulfilling life and embrace a summer of “Yes”. After some finagling she gets Georgina, to join her in a Yes adventure. They begin small with local NYC sightseeing but soon advance a road trip on a road trip that has them visiting a coastal town in Georgia. There Georgia reconnects with her family with Kelsey falling head over heels with Georgia’s son

This sweet novel encourages the reader to go forth in life with love, compassion and say yes to things that makes l the most of life! Like the other books I’ve read by the author I really enjoyed the characters ( especially when they are older) I also thought narration was well done.

I want to thank Net Galley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction and the author herself for a chance to listen/read an ARC version of this novel.

What a delightful read! I so loved the message of taking risks and being willing to stepping out of your comfort zone. I loved the female friendship. This story kept me engaged from the very beginning. I didn't feel like the romance was needed, but it wasn't a huge part of the story so it's ok. I laughed and found my heart touched. Loved it. 4.5 stars.

I really liked the concept of this book -- say YES more!! -- but I wasn't a huge fan of the execution.

It was written in such a way that I was pulled out of the story often with an odd metaphor or turn of phrase, and I felt bored for most of the story. It ultimately felt forgettable and was lacking the magic I wanted from a premise as seemingly magical as this one. The romance didn't grip me, and for the LOVE, can we stop referencing H*rry P*tter in books?! There's honestly no need to mention it anymore.

It wasn't a standout for me, but I did like the themes of family relationships, healing, and choosing the kind of life we want. It did inspire me to say yes to more fun and adventure in my life.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. THE SUMMER OF YES is out now!

The Summer of Yes is a well written book. I enjoyed the characters and their adventures. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

"The Summer of Yes" by Courtney Walsh is a heartwarming and inspiring novel that beautifully captures the essence of self-discovery and transformation. The story follows Emily Ackerman, a woman who has spent most of her life playing it safe and putting others' needs before her own. Determined to break free from her routine, Emily embarks on a summer of saying "yes" to new experiences, opportunities, and, ultimately, herself.

Walsh's writing is both engaging and relatable, drawing readers into Emily's journey with a perfect blend of humor and emotion. The characters are well-developed and endearing, making it easy to root for Emily as she navigates the challenges and joys of stepping out of her comfort zone. The novel's setting, a picturesque small town, adds to the story's charm, providing a cozy backdrop for Emily's adventures.

"The Summer of Yes" is more than just a romantic comedy; it's a story about finding the courage to embrace life fully and the unexpected beauty that comes with it. Through Emily's journey, Walsh explores themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and the power of positivity.

Overall, "The Summer of Yes" is a delightful and uplifting read that will leave readers feeling inspired and hopeful. Courtney Walsh has crafted a story that encourages us all to say "yes" to life's possibilities, making this book a perfect summer read for anyone looking to find a little magic in their everyday lives.

“What if… just, what if… I’ve been given a second chance here? What if I’m waking up to where I am, and I don’t like it?”

What would you do if you got a second chance at life? That’s just the decision Kelsey has to make when she wakes up in the hospital after a near-death accident.
She meets Georgina, a well known successful business woman who has only a few months left to live, thanks to her kidneys failing. They both have regrets in the way they have lived and together they say yes to anything that comes their way. And it might just change their lives.

This book was amazing! I absolutely loved it and loved all of the characters. We follow both Kelsey’s and Georgina’s POVs throughout the book. Georgina is an all business, no nonsense woman and I loved seeing how her friendship with Kelsey grew and she began to open up about her life. The romance was so sweet and I loved Hayden and Kelsey together, and how Hayden got her to say yes to things she was afraid of. I can’t forget to mention JP! He was a fantastic character and I loved seeing his interactions with Kelsey. I did get bored in the beginning but I absolutely loved the book in the end, and highly recommend this summer romance. Courtney Walsh really knows how to write and how to make you fall in love with her stories.

“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.”

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

I always enjoy Courtney Walsh books. She has a way of writing such lovable characters, The Summer of Yes was no different.

“Saying yes to simple pleasure might be even more important to me than saying yes to big things. After all, it’s the little moments that make a life.”

It is so easy to get sucked into a schedule, or routine and let time pass you by. Usually it takes some sort of unplanned shake up to open your eyes. Which is exactly what happened to Kelsey. After an accident she finds herself in a hospital room, alone and questioning all the decisions she made up until this point. That is until she meets Georgina, and decides to make some big changes … starting with saying yes … to everything’

Younger characters befriending older ones is always my jam. I loved that Georgina was a little crabby, but got sweeter the more she was around Kelsey, and the more we got to know about her. I enjoyed their friendship and how they ended up bringing out the best in each other. Although their relationship was the center, I loved the sneaky little bit of romance we got in this book.

“You’ll never be happy if you listen to what everyone else says about you, Kelsey. It’s what you say about you that matters.”