The Summer of Yes had me hooked from the beginning. I was entertained and the words flowed easily. I laughed. I couldn’t put it down. It made me feel good! Lately I don’t finish books fast but this one I did.

Going into it, I was afraid it would be one of those stories where there is a bucket list and the person goes off to do all these things like sky diving, or travels to a third world country to find themselves but it wasn’t really like that. Yes, there was the finding oneself part but not in the way you’d think.

Yes, the plot was predictable but that didn’t stop me from devouring the book. I don’t think predictability is a bad thing in books unless maybe when you’re reading a thriller? But even then, it’s not the end of the world.

Kelsey and Georgina’s interactions and banter were a lot of fun; I was rooting for Georgina to open up, to come out of her shell and to let her family in. If this becomes a movie, I think Jane Fonda would be PERFECT to play Georgina’s character. I kept seeing and hearing her as I read this, crazy!

I loved the romantic part which is not at all the main story line but a product of what was happening. I thought it was so sweet and well done.

Overall, I really enjoyed and would recommend if you’re feeling like reading a feel-good story. I think Emily Henry fans would enjoy this one.

The Summer of Yes published 7/2 and was provided to me by #netgalley in return for a review. Thank you. ❤️

Kelsey Worthington is a workaholic who hides behind her editorial job after being told she wouldn't make it as an author. She realizes that's what she's doing when she wakes up in the hospital after getting run over by a car and getting put in the same room as the fabulous and standoffish Georgina Tate—the legendary matriarch of New York City businesswomen. It sets her off on an adventure to say yes to everything she usually says no to and this includes getting Georgina to say 'yes' along with her and reunite with her estranged family. The two set off an adventure of saying 'yes' that will change both of their lives for the better if only they'd be willing to fully open themselves up to the magic of 'yes.'

I read this one almost in one sitting because it hooked me and it flows from one moment to the next in a way that you don't realize you've just read 150 pages in one go. I got hooked on Kelsey and Georgina's stories because Walsh writes her characters like they're real people. Admittedly, people with fabulous lives who can just leave their work for weeks on end and not have to worry about all that entails, but still, people you could potentially meet IRL. They're adventure in saying 'yes' is fun and full of great moments together and individually. The fact that it includes two very sweet romances at two very different stages of life was the icing on the cake.

Happy thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the positive read!

I adored this story! If you solely go by the title, it is a great summer read. However, the overall message rings true any time of the year.

Kelsey and Georgina meet under difficult circumstances, but little do they know, they are just what each other needs. They are two unlikely women at two very different stages of life, each making a tremendous impression on one another. We all make choices in life in relation to work, love, friendships and family, but ultimately it's a choice of YES or NO. With plenty of witty banter as well as equal doses of warm fuzzy and tail-kicking messages, this is a story of righting wrongs and living your best life.

It was a delight to follow along on Kelsey and Georgina's "Summer of Yes". If you are anything like me, you'll close this book and want to start saying YES to more things that will bring you joy!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Let's just start by saying I wish I had read this sooner. I adore this book. The characters are easy to love, the banter made me smile, and the story itself inspires me to say yes to more things I want in life. Courtney's writing is enjoyable and easy to breeze through.

This was my third book by Courtney Walsh, and she is quickly becoming a favorite author! All three of her books that I’ve read, including *The Summer of Yes*, have been solid 5-star reads.

Kelsey Worthington encounters a near-death accident and decides to use the experience as a wake-up call, determined to change everything she’s unhappy with in her life. While recovering in the hospital, Kelsey meets Georgina Tate, a highly successful businesswoman who embodies everything Kelsey has been working toward. When Kelsey sees Georgina alone and filled with regrets as her kidneys fail, she realizes they both need to reevaluate what they’ve been saying yes (and no) to. After much convincing, Kelsey and Georgina embark on an adventure together: The Summer of Yes.

I enjoyed *The Summer of Yes* from the very first chapter. Courtney Walsh has a unique way of writing fun, upbeat stories full of hope, love, and laughter, but in a way that is meaningful and realistic.

The two main characters, Kelsey and Georgina, are expertly crafted and make the perfect duo, but you’ll also fall in love with the secondary characters. JP, Hayden, Dylan, and Ravi are all adorable in every way.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll find this is a book you’ll want to share. It made me smile and is filled with goodness you’ll want to pass on.

If you loved The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley this book is one you MUST pick up. Leaning more women’s fiction with a hint of romance than a purely romance book this is a happy, cozy, and heartwarming book.

First of all, this book has serious cover appeal. I would frame that picture and put it in my home. Overall, I enjoyed this book. I think the main issues I had were with pacing and that the storyline felt a bit far fetched, even for me. The first ~40% felt extremely slow and uneventful. I think the issue of pacing also ties into the far fetched nature of the plot once everything does pick up. The romances just both made no sense, and the insta-love was seriously present in this one. I did love the alternating POVs and that the true focus of the story was on Kelsey and Georgina. Not a favorite, but very fun!

The Summer of Yes is the story of Kelsey Worthington. She is an aspiring writer working as a junior editor at a high pressure publishing house in NYC when a car comes up on the sidewalk and hits her. She ends up hospitalized (thankfully without lasting injuries) in a room with older, embittered socialite Georgina Tate. When Kelsey decides to start saying yes to everything for a summer, she hatches a plan to take a road trip with Georgina to the small coastal South Carolina town where Georgina's estranged son Hayden lives. That ends up as a life changing road trip when Kelsey has romantic sparks with Hayden ... and Georgina sees her estranged son and husband Dylan as well.

I wanted to read this book because it looked like a fun and unique beach read.

This was an enjoyable read. Georgina was so prickly at the beginning of the book that it was hard to like her, but as I read, I developed empathy for both Kelsey and Georgina.

I really liked Kelsey's fresh and often humorous voice, with lines like:

"After Georgina’s thirty-thousand-foot pep talk, I spent a lot of time considering what I want to do. I thought about quitting. I thought about sending my proposal around to other houses. I thought about becoming a nun and moving to an abbey where the hills are alive. But then I remembered Brigitta is a brat, so forget that mess." (eBook location 3639).

I enjoyed Kelsey's challenge to say yes over the summer, even to things outside of her comfort zone. I loved her budding relationship with Georgina's son Hayden. I also enjoyed the glimpse of the little coastal town Driftwood. (I would have enjoyed seeing more of it!)

I recommend The Summer of Yes to anyone who is looking for a fun, light beach read.

This is my first book by Courtney Walsh and I will definitely be reading more. My favorite part of this book was the honest banter between the two main characters. It was funny, real, and written so I could I imagine it happening.

There is a lot of inner dialogue from the two main characters but I think that fits the focus of the characters’ self-reflection throughout the book. The focus on not letting fear rule your life was a tender topic and one readers could identify with.

Would recommend our library to purchase.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to review The Summer of Yes.

What a cute story! I really enjoyed The Summer of Yes! It had a The Devil Wears Prada vibe mixed with a rom com.
It took me a little while to get into the story but once I did, I was hooked!

The Summer of Yes is such a beautifully written story about two strong women learning to live life for themselves and their loved ones and allow themselves to enjoy it. This book has so many parts that were hitting really close to home and some parts that had me also contemplating my own life. Yes, there is a bit of romance towards the middle-end that had me giggling and felt so sweet and so wholesome in it’s own way, but it never took away from the story of Georgina and Kelsey. Those two are my absolute favorite humans and I loved watching them and their bond grow. I was so invested in their journey from the beginning and I loved how the dual POVs always gave just enough information to still keep things suspenseful and interesting for when it switched back and things escalated. This was my first book by this author and I feel like this book was a bit different from what I am used to reading, but I mean that in the absolute best way because I am obsessed with it. This was a 5 star read for sure!

“Just say yes.”

The Summer of Yes was such an uplifting, inspirational read! Courtney Walsh knows how to write endearing characters with depth. I thoroughly enjoyed Kelsey & Georgina. Told from dual points of view, this heartwarming story shares the adventures of these two unlikely friends who meet in the hospital & decide to say “yes” to life, love, and second chances. This is one story you don’t want to miss!

When Kelsey Worthington wakes up in the hospital after surviving being hit by a car, she starts questioning her life choices, especially after being placed in the same room as the successful businesswoman Georgina Tate. Kelsey’s an editor but secretly longs to be a writer. Her day consists of working, going home to an empty apartment, and waking up to do it all over again. Meeting Georgina in the hospital and realizing her brush with death makes her question if the daily grind is all worth it. She poses that question to the acerbic Georgina who though successful seems to have a lonely life.

Georgina Tate’s the successful business owner of Tate’s Cosmetics. She’s worked hard to get where she is, but her rise to the top comes with regrets. She’s lost contact with her husband and son due to her neglect. Now dying and in need of a kidney transplant, Georgina finds herself alone until her interfering hospital roommate suggests an outrageous plan.

Determined to quit saying “no” to family, friends, and new opportunities, Kelsey proposes that she and Georgina embark on a summer of saying “yes.” Yes to new experiences like seeing the top of the Empire State Building, eating pretzels from a street vendor, and a road trip adventure. Kelsey also wants to see Georgina reunited with her son & husband. As her plan unfolds, Kelsey finds an ally in Georgina’s handsome son and a chance to fulfill her own dreams as well as Georgina’s.

I loved the message of saying “yes” to family, friends, & experiences that provide growth instead of choosing fear & saying “no.” I loved both characters and their grumpy/sunshine friendship. The romance between Kelsey and Georgina’s son was the cherry on top. It’s such a fun, lovely story that left me feeling empowered to say yes more often in my own life.

Definitely add this to your must read list! Highly recommend to women’s fiction, and inspirational fiction lovers. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

This book was a challenging albeit utter delight to read. Going in between the perspectives of a strong business woman in her 70's dying with regrets and a driven woman in her early 30's, I found myself both questioning my own life and wondering if it's time I start saying yes to more.

You know it's a unique book when it can get you to think about your own choices and want to make changes to live your life more fully. Great book, great writing.

The only thing I didn't particularly love was Kelsey's random fake scenes she came up with on the spot to showcase that her creative mind was working again. Like I understand it... but every time it happened, it pulled me out of the story and felt a bit like whiplash.

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was looking for a fun light novel after two dark heavy weighty historical fiction books depicting tragic times. This was exactly what I was looking for. This author is known for her sweet romance novels.

What I liked:
•While romance was one storyline, the main story was that of two women who were brought together by coincidence, but found themselves, and a kindred friendship in the end.
•I think I prefer a story of self love & exploration over romance! Or maybe equally.
•I think the premise of this book was clever and unique
•I’ve struggled with saying “yes” especially since the pandemic. I developed social anxiety while comfortably existing in my home bubble. Anxiety became crippling at times. I began anxiety medication in recent months and it’s opening up my world! And prior to even picking up this book, I promised myself I’d say “yes!” more often!

What I didn’t like:
•a little too much lack of self confidence in our two female characters
•a few unnecessary references to diet and disordered eating.

This book hit the spot for me, a perfect summer read ~ mostly read outdoors on my porch! Would be a fun vacation read! Thank you to @courtneywalsh and @netgalley for the digital arc! This book is now available having published July 2!

Book 35 of 2024
Read June 29-July 6

Finding a closed door romance that you love and an author that never disappoints is so difficult but that is Courtney Walsh for me. This is the perfect summer read! I love the adventure of this book.

When junior editor Kelsey is hit by a delivery truck on her way back to the office from picking up her boss’s coffee, she winds up in a hospital room next to publishing magnate Georgina Tate, who has a big secret: she’s dying. Georgina (who could be the inspiration for the title character in The Devil Wears Prada) is clearly facing some regrets, and Kelsey has regrets of her own, and big dreams besides. Kelsey decides to say yes to all the things she’s said no to before — particularly spending time with friends and family she’s ignored in the name of getting ahead at work, which hasn’t worked out very well for her. After convincing Georgina to join her in this summer-long adventure, Kelsey makes it her business to track down Georgina’s estranged family and reunite them. This is a fun read and would be perfect to take along on your summer vacation!

I have been a fan of Courtney Walsh for quite some time now, and I have to say, I feel like her books just keep getting better and better! Every time I read one of her books, I think I can't possibly love the next one as much, and then I end up loving it more. The Summer of Yes is out now, and is no exception to this. It definitely gave me all the feels. Walsh has the ability to make you feel all the emotions throughout the course of her books- I laughed, I got teary-eyed, I got the tinglies from the romance, and it definitely made me think about my own life. Kelsey Worthington has turned into a workaholic. She spends her days at a dead end job and she has somehow isolated herself from her family and friends. One day while getting coffee for work, she gets hit by a car. This accident definitely makes her start questioning her own life and how she has been living. She feels like she has been given a second chance, and she doesn't intend on wasting it. While she is in her hospital room, who should she share a room with other than Georgina Tate, one of the wealthiest and most famous women in the country. Tate is secretly hiding a big secret about her health; and that is she has advanced kidney disease that is terminal. Kelsey hatches a plan and decides to get Georgina in on it so she can also have a summer of yes. Ultimately, this is a story about LIVING life to the fullest and saying yes to the people that matter. The last three books that I have read by Courtney Walsh, The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley, My Phone Valentine, and My Lucky Charm, have all been 5 star reads, and this one is joining that the Courtney Walsh Five Star Read Club! I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone! Thank you Courtney Walsh for sending me a copy of your book, I love your writing!

Have you ever felt like you said no too much? I found myself thinking about that throughout this read. This story was inspirational in some aspects. As Kelsey looks out over her life it made me think of my own. Courtney Walsh is an autoread for me, and I encourage you to give her a try to.
I laughed so hard I cried at moments, the love was precious, and the characters were easy to love. This was the cutest story!

I. Adore. This. Book.

This is my new comfort read. I loved how I felt while reading this book. It was sweet and good and low angst and just one of those books that makes you happy and feel good.

Kelsey and Georgina were so fun! Their banter had me cracking up constantly. Kelsey’s goofiness and awarkedness was refreshing for a character like hers-I feel like most of the girl trying to climb the ladder and make it big at her corporate job is so put together and intimidating but Kelsey had a quirkiness about her that was so endearing. And while Georgina could appear rude and condescending (yes she was that sometimes) you could tell how thankful she was for Kelsey.

This book has so many good lessons. While the book is about saying yes more-not neglecting the things or people that make us happy and are important on our lives-there were other lessons I found just as important. The biggest lessons? On forgiveness and grace. I loved the mentality Hayden and Dylan both had regarding this. Life is short and forgiveness and grace are both so powerful.

I don’t want to say too much about this book because I think it’s best to go in relatively blind. But I loved this story so much. This story has movie written all over it. Like someone put this on the big screen ASAP. This is my first Courtney Walsh read but it will not be my last! If you’re looking for a fun and inspiring read for the summer I highly recommend this one!

This is a closed door contemporary fiction novel with a dash of romance. This book has no language and minimal innuendo.

This book was exactly the fun summery book I needed to get out of a reading slump. It was a feel-good summer read with all the heart and fun I’ve come to expect from Courtney’s books.

In The Summer of Yes, we find Kelsey and Georgina opening the story sharing a hospital room, one was put there from an accident and the other a serious illness. Kelsey finds a kinship with the very successful, yet lonely, Georgina, even if she is met with resistance at every turn. After much coaxing, the two find themselves on an adventure seeking out their summer of yes. I loved the banter and character growth of both of the two women as they each come to a crossroads in their lives. They each learn a lot about what their true priorities are.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and the author for giving me an eARC of this book to honestly read and review.