Some books come to you when you need them, and this book was one for me. Just like Walsh’s THE HAPPY LIFE OF ISADORA BENTLEY, this too has a wonderful message of living your best life. Say yes when you can, but make sure it’s something you want to do, but be brave to try something new.

Kelsey and Georgina were awesome. They were so well done. As always, Walsh does an incredible job with her characters. (All characters were so well done). I loved Kelsey’s decision to say yes and how she dragged Georgina on her Yes journey. But it was something Georgina needed in her life, just as much as Kelsey.

There are so many funny moments, Georgina especially had me laughing so hard. The development of Kelsey and Georgina’s characters was perfect. I loved their adventures with the Yeses that brought so much humor and joy to their lives. And of course the dual POV with Kelsey and Georgina added so much to the story.

HUGE thank you to the publisher for the NetGalley approval for the ebook and the audio. The audio narrators did a fantastic job!

Kelsey has always lived her life with work as her main priority. So when a freak accident happens, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on what she really wants. Then she meets Georgina, an older woman with a thriving career but a broken personal life. Cranky, set in her ways Georgina wants nothing to do with Kelsey’s summer of yes but it may be just what she needs.

Courtney Walsh books are always such a warm hug. They’re cheerful and optimistic and full of positivity. The Summer of Yes is no exception. It’s all about saying yes to the things that scare you and make you uncomfortable. It’s about living your life to the fullest and taking risks.

I love that this book has romance (with two couples!) but the story doesn’t focus on that entirely. There’s so much growth with Kelsey and Georgina, individually and in their relationships. It was so heartwarming to see them soften toward each other and also learn to appreciate everything they have.

More things to love:
-the small coastal town
-closed door romance
-an older couple
-second chance romance
-adventure

This was a very sweet, wholesome read. It was a welcomed change of pace from some of the other books I've been reading.

Kelsey suffers an accident that has her rethinking her life and all the choices she has made up until this point in her life. She meets Georgina, an older woman, in the hospital who is very similar to Kelsey in that she has put career before anything else. Kelsey fears if she doesn't make a change, she will look back on her life with regret and Georgina is sharing with Kelsey, she is living proof that is exactly what is going to happen. Kelsey decides after her time in the hospital, she wont end up like that, and is going to have a Summer of YES! After a lot of coaxing, Kelsey convinces Georgina to join.

While very predictable, I really enjoyed the dynamic between Kelsey and Georgina. I liked their banter, how tenacious Kelsey was, and how stubborn Georgina was. I also appreciated the author not only gave you the dialog but a glimpse into what they were thinking. Even though Georgina portrayed herself as a cranky no nonsense business woman, she was not at all that.

More then anything this book gave me a lot of food for thought. No often feels like the safe answer but what am I missing? What would be so bad if I said YES?! Really appreciated this perspective at this time.

This was a slower paced offering than what I’m used to with Courtney Walsh. It just wasn’t as snappy and quick as her books usually are, and the plot was very slow in the beginning. The characters weren’t very deep and I feel like we didn’t really get to know them well— Georgina was just kind of mean and never really came around and Kelsey didn’t really seem like the workaholic she claimed to be. We didn’t see enough about her life to understand her.

Overall I loved the premise and idea of the book, but it took awhile to get into and had less character development than what we usually see from Walsh. So I thought it was okay, but not her very best.

This book!! I was a bit hesitant going into this book because I love Courtney's romances, but this book, at least based on the description didn't promise that. My hesitations were unfounded as the characters quickly captured my heart. The friendship between two similar people in different stages of life showed me that sometimes the romance of life is all you need in a story. This book made me excited to live life. I also think we become too comfortable in our situations sometimes, so saying yes to something that might scare us can open doors to opportunities we never thought possible. The characters were so wholesome and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them. (Plus, there were romantic scenes that had me giggling and kicking my feet from how blazing sweet they were).

Sweet light story about a woman, Kelsey, who has an accident that makes her question her life up until now. Is it worth it to be a workaholic? Is she shutting people out of her life too much? Is she too afraid to take chances?

A chance encounter with an older, very successful businesswoman (who is all Kelsey thinks SHE wants to be) makes Kelsey decide she has to mix it up and say "yes" to a lot of new things. Along the way she may find some romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC #sponsored

The Summer of Yes is a lovely story by Courtney Walsh with many object lessons embedded within. Kelsey Worthington feels as though her editing prospects are growing as she has a million follower TikTok influencer coming for an appointment to discuss a possible book deal. But it is on that morning her boss sends her out to get coffee since his assistant is out sick. On her walk back to the office Kelsey is hit by a car that jumped the curb and lands in a hospital bed. No good deed goes unpunished!

The next unexpected event is to end up with one of the most important business women in the nation in the bed next to her. Georgina Tate is the founder and owner of Tate Cosmetics, a very successful company making Georgina one of the wealthiest women in the country. But no matter how wealthy Georgina is, her money cannot buy her health.

These two unlikely women, one at the beginning of her career, the other at the end of her life, form an unusual but perfect relationship. Kelsey comes to the conclusion that both say no far too much, often followed by regrets. So this summer Kelsey uses her sick time and stored vacation time to say yes to what scares her, but mostly to help Georgina move past her major regrets.

This is such a good book! With a tightly plotted story, wonderful three-dimensional characters, and lessons in self confidence and caring for others I found it difficult to put this story down. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

This book is kind of everything you want it to be. It's a good summer read, predictable yet fun. I really like getting into these characters and I feel like we got to know them so so well, which I loved. The ending wasn't quite what I thought it was going to be, but it was better that way.

Iona Iverson 🤝🏼 Georgina Tate

I thought at the beginning of this one it was nothing special but I ended up being pleasantly surprised!

The book gets off of a slow start but definitely starts gaining speed after the 20% mark! I love myself a cute palette cleanser and on top of it all it has a cute cover!

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the E-ARC . "I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." I very much enjoyed the story of Georgina and Kelsey. Two women who are taking the summer by storm and saying Yes to "everything" This story was very much relatable how we sometimes get so involved in Life that we forget to live we say no to everything and we forget to stop and smell the roses. I loved that the story really focused on the regrets of both women even though Georgina really tested my patience at times.

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up

If you’re looking for your next easy summer beach read, this is it! It was a quick read and I enjoyed it overall.

I did find the swapping of Kelsey and Georgina’s voices in their own chapters choppy, especially the first half of the book when it wasn’t abundantly clear who was talking.

I loved the pop culture references and Georgina’s Miranda Priestley style snark and the way Kelsey fired back at her in a way Andy Sachs would have never done. In my mind Georgina was Miranda and that made me smile.

Quotes I loved:

“I have  .  .  . people,” I protest lamely. “I just didn’t want to bother them.” She muses. “Mm-hmm. Then you don’t have the right kind of people.”

“I don’t want to sit in this office anymore. I want to explore the world. To search for stories. To find people whose lives are extraordinary and write about them. And in my free time, I want to write stories that make me laugh. Romantic comedies that will make the world feel a little lighter because the world can be heavy and hard. I want to bring people joy.”

“I’m still going to hope,” he says. “Hope is never a bad thing.”

——

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

I loved this book! This was one of the stories that has me feeling like I can’t properly put into words exactly WHY I enjoyed it so much, but I know I did.
I found myself relating to Kelsey in regards to her personal life. And Georgina Tate? Talk about a spunky woman. She was definitely giving Miranda Priestly vibes! Her stubborn attitude got frustrating at times, but Kelsey stayed determined to break down her walls. The banter between these two women kept me laughing. I would definitely read them fussing with each other all day. A hilarious duo!
Hayden is to be protected at all costs. No exceptions. A completely selfless and sweet human being. He kept Kelsey grounded and reminded her that she was brave and capable, but also made sure she knew he was right there if she needed him.

Thank you to NetGalley for the early edition of this novel! This book was so delicious!! It took a few chapters for me to get hooked, but once they started the road trip I was invested. The dry humor is too funny and my family kept asking what I was laughing at as I laughed while reading.

The beauty of forgiveness, new friendships, saying yes to scary things, and the beginning of new love was beautiful. I loved this book and all the things it represented in saying yes to things that you might not normally say yes to. A great read!

“My eyes are wide open to the sights, sounds, and smells around me. The world is bright and colorful. It’s tinged with sweet and spicy. It’s loud and vibrant. And I’ve been walking around like Dorthy before she lands in Oz- settling for faded black and white.”

“Be fearless, mera priya,” she says “The world needs your voice.”

“It’s a wild and precious life, Kelsey. If you have something that sets your soul on fire, you have a responsibility to chase that thing.”

“And I start to feel a tiny spark of something way down deep. Something familiar, but lost. Something that feels a lot like joy.”

“Her belief in me has given me wings.”

“ ‘The other thing I’ve learned, and I want you all to listen closely is that life is… good and wonderful. And horrible, and beautiful, and messy, and everything all at once. And that is the beauty of it. It’s overwhelming, but it’s never blaring. And it should be loved to the fullest. It doesn’t mean a house in the Hampton or a promotion at work. It means filling your life with the people you love doing the things that make you feel the most alive.’ As she speaks I let them resonate. I think about how I’ve hidden myself away to avoid the emotional roller coaster of a messy life for so many years thinking it would keep me safe. It didn’t keep me safe… if only kept me lonely. 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 enjoyed this book but it maybe wasn't my favorite by Courtney Walsh. I thought the idea was fun and the characters were mediocre. It was an okay read. Not too deep. I was engaged enough to want to keep reading and see how it was going to end but I also wasn't anxious to get back to it.

One of the things I really enjoy about Courtney Walsh's writing is that her stories are typically so realistic and relatable. And while there were a lot of realistic and relatable moments, there was also some areas that were a little far-fetched.

I did have a bit of a hard time with the characters in this story. I found Georgina to be so unlikable it almost took away from the story. I can appreciate a grumpy older person but Georgina kept boarding on mean and never really changed even at the end of the book. And Kelsey was kind of contradicting. On one had she comes across as work-a-holic push-over, but then she is very assertive and pushy with Georgina. Pushy to the point of being forceful. I feel like if Georgina had been a little less stand-offish and rude then Kelsey's pushiness wouldn't have come across as so aggressive.

It also seemed like it took a while to really get into the story or for it to really go anywhere. There were some really nice moments but also a lot of repetition. I liked the idea of the plot but just kept wishing it had been done a little differently. I wish there would have been more adventure or spontaneity.

I think the overall message of the story is great as far as being more open to saying yes and while I appreciate a fun, light-hearted read, I wish this would have had a little more depth. If you're looking for a very light read without any expectations then it's fine, but overall this was just an okay read for me. I just finished My Lucky Charm (also by Courney Walsh) and felt like that was a much better story with better developed characters and story depth.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was such a feel good romance and one thing I really liked is that it's not just a romance between two people, it's also a book about life, about happiness and how it doesn't always go the way we want it. I got so invested in Kelsey and Hayden and you can't help but get attached to Georgina even though she is a stubborn old mule. This is the perfect summer read, it has funny moments, has a great road trip and it is the kind of book you read and can't help reflecting on your own life wondering if it is the life you really wanted or not.

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

Love love love this book!! The character development, the town of driftwood, the twists and turns throughout, a closed door rom com…yes please! It was so good. I loved the theme throughout of saying yes even when it’s easier to say no. It’s just not worth it holding yourself back from doing special things with those you love in life, we’re only here for a short time! Amazing characters, setting, and premise. So enjoyed it!!! Wish I could pay a visit to driftwood because it sounds dreamy 😆

Thank you via Thomas Nelson Fiction via NetGalley for this arc!!

The Summer of Yes started out slow for me when Kelsey Worthington, a wannabe writer, is hit by a car in New York City and finds herself in the same room with Georgina Tate, a legendary New York business woman! Georgina is a snob and Kelsey lets people push her around! Everything changes when Kelsey befriends Georgina and convinces her that they need to spend the summer saying yes to new adventures! Life changes for both of them. My favorite quote was Georgina saying "Life should be lived to the fullest....filling your life with the people you love doing the things that make you feel the most alive." I recommend this contemporary book by Courtney Walsh to others. I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

4.5 ⭐️

This is exactly the summery book I needed. “The Summer of Yes” was nothing short of an incredible read. The characters, friendships, and relationships were perfect to me.

The small bits of romance that we got in this book were so sweet. I would have loved to see more, but the pieces we got were heartwarming nonetheless.

I will say that this book had a slower start. Even though it was a little slower at the beginning, I was still immediately hooked by the book’s concept. Just know that it does eventually start to pick up once they embark on their summer of yes, and it’ll be so worth it to continue reading.

The overall lesson of this book was very impactful. Sometimes you need a change of pace, and that may often mean saying yes to the things you’d normally say no to. Also, yes you should say yes to picking up this book this summer. You won’t regret it. 😉

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for an arc of my new favorite summer read!!

If I could give this more than five stars, I would. "The Summer of Yes" by Courtney Walsh is a delightful and heartwarming novel that masterfully blends humor, romance, and personal growth into an unforgettable reading experience.

Walsh's storytelling shines as she introduces us to Kelsey Worthington, a relatable protagonist whose journey from self-doubt to self-discovery is both inspiring and entertaining. The chance encounter that brings Kelsey together with the formidable Georgina Tate sets the stage for a unique and compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

The author's skill in character development is evident in the beautifully crafted relationship between Kelsey and Georgina. Their unlikely friendship, and witty banter, forms the heart of the story. Walsh deftly explores the generational differences and similarities between the two women, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives that adds depth to the narrative.

The concept of saying "yes" to new experiences is brilliantly executed, providing both humorous situations and poignant moments of self-reflection. Walsh strikes a perfect balance between light-hearted adventure and deeper emotional resonance, making the characters' personal transformations feel authentic and meaningful.

The romantic subplots are sweet and satisfying, adding another layer of charm to an already engaging narrative.

What truly sets "The Summer of Yes" apart is its great writing and exploration of themes such as regret, second chances, and the power of stepping out of one's comfort zone. Walsh delves into these issues with sensitivity and insight, offering readers not just entertainment but also food for thought.

The pacing is excellent, with a perfect mix of introspective moments and exciting new experiences keeping the story moving forward at an engaging clip. Walsh's prose is crisp and engaging, bringing the characters and their world to life with vivid detail.

"The Summer of Yes" is an uplifting, thoughtfully written novel that will appeal to fans of women's fiction, romance, and anyone who enjoys stories of personal growth and transformation. Courtney Walsh has crafted a tale that is not only entertaining but also inspiring, reminding us all of the magic that can happen when we open ourselves up to new possibilities.

A perfect example of what a great romance book can aspire to.