Courtney Walsh has done it again. Her latest, The Summer of Yes, was spectacular. This contemporary romance was cute, heartfelt, entertaining, and the characters were oh so delightful. And while I loved the romance, it was the character development that truly drew me in. Walsh cleverly created a plot with complexity, expertly weaving in threads of regret, loss, and fear. I could not help but adore every inch of this story! Reading this book was better than watching a movie any day!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

A freak accident forced Kelsey and Georgina to share a hospital room but that was only the beginning. These two set out on an adventure to say yes for the summer but it leads to so much more. Georgina reluctantly agrees to go but little does she know that Kelsey has a plan for their adventure.

I haven’t read a book by Courtney Walsh that I didn’t love! Her writing makes you laugh and cry while enjoying the story. I immediately fell in love with the characters and found myself invested in the outcome.

*4.5
I was so pleasantly surprised with this book! It gave me summer vibes all the way.

The story is a journey of self-discovery and prioritizing what truly matters in life. We follow two women, young Kelsey and older Georgina, as they navigate their paths together. Their contrasting personalities lead to funny interactions and a beautiful friendship.

I realized I love coastal romances, and this one delivered. The intertwined storylines of Kelsey and Georgina were full of forgiveness, love, and friendship. Kelsey’s romance, though it seemed rushed initially, develops with clear intentions, taking it slow and steady. Georgina's love story, though different, was equally captivating. I loved every bit of it.

Thank you NetGalley, Publishers and Courtney for the chance to read this one.

This is just what you need when you don't know what to pick up. Fun filled, summer loving. Lovely book :)

A big thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC!

What a sweet, endearing story about the power of saying YES (and NO…but we’ll get to that)! I loved the core message about how it’s never too late to start living a life you love. The characters practically jumped off the page and felt so real, largely because the author leaned into their quirks and all-too-human choices (both good and bad) allowing them to be perfectly imperfect.

There were honestly points where I started getting frustrated by certain decisions, especially with Kelsey who had zero boundaries in the beginning. But then the characters would catch themselves and have these relatable moments of self-awareness. It was refreshing seeing that kind of growth on the page!

This book spans many aspects of life that often lead to regrets, including career paths, love lives, and family dynamics. So, there’s something for everyone. Because who hasn’t had a regret or two? But as I mentioned earlier, this book is about saying NO just as much as it’s about saying YES. And I loved seeing Kelsey and Georgina realize that it’s okay to turn a complete 180 if a certain path in life isn’t bringing you joy. For me, the takeaway was about saying YES to new opportunities, while staying true to who you are. And sometimes that means saying NO.

My one critique is that the book felt long, with some passages repeating the same message from each character’s POV multiple times. But for many readers, the length won't be a problem at all! If you're a fan of grumpy/sunshine friendships, found families, second chances, and wholesome summer fun, then you'll love this book.

This book was joy and growth personified, which I feel like can be hard to find in today's literary society. I thought that the author did a beautiful job pulling us into the character's lives and wanting us to feel for and with them.
The dynamic between Kelsey and Georgina was very well-done. I could feel their development throughout the course of the novel and really enjoyed their relationship. I thought that it gave insight into what a true relationship would be like - it was realistic.
This book made me want to say yes to everything in my life and be more open and carefree. It made me want to experience new things and truly be introspective (which not many books do).
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review! Will definitely be picking up another Courtney Walsh book in the future!

3.5 stars — it took probably 25% of the book to feel invested in the characters. Georgina was one of the most stubborn characters I’ve read in a long time. At some point, the stubbornness was frustrating but the ending was heartwarming and satisfying. I recommend it!

This beauty is out TOMORROW July 2!

Thank you to Courtney Walsh, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for an advanced copy!

I adored this book so much! The characters, the story line, the locations — they were all perfect.

I felt like I was *in* Driftwood for a good portion of the book, and it sounded magical. I loved Kelsey’s outlook on life and her persistence with Georgina.

I really do believe one person can impact many lives, and Kelsey proved that through this story.

I love Walsh! And The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh is a really sweet story of self discovery and friendships.
The story was great, the plot and character development were amazing, and I devoured this story. The writing was so lovely and it was such an easy book to get through. I had such a fun time reading this!

Thank You NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

I absolutely loved The Summer of Yes! I loved the characters, and their unlikely connection. I loved the fact that it was a friendship story that fueled two love stories. I adored the narrator who read Georgina's chapters. Her voice could not have been more perfect for this character. I also love the overall positive, upbeat vibes of the story that the cover captures perfectly. This book is out tomorrow, and you will definitely want a copy for your pool or beach bag!

say yes to this book! it was a beautiful story about finding yourself, forgiveness, love, trust, & family... just all the good stuff. i laughed, giggled, kicked my feet and teared up the whole way through this book. I absolutely loved the grumpy/sunshine dynamic between georgina and kelsey. and of course the romance aspects as well. this was just an all around wonderful book and everyone should read it! especially if you're at a point in life where you may be questioning what you're doing. this book is definitely healing.

5 glorious stars to The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh. thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this arc in exchange for my honest review!

I thought this was such a good summer read! The best release to start your July with! The Summer of Yes is your reminder to live your life, say yes to what matters, and to make sure you always know exactly what it is that matters to you!

Definitely a book that will be in many people’s beach bags this summer and for good reason - a great beach read with the cutest cover!

I came for a summer of "yeses" but stayed for the sassy old lady.

Thank you Harper Collins Christian Publishing and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the gifted copy of "The Summer of Yes." Courtney Walsh's latest is out tomorrow, July 2nd.

Who knew saying yes could be so powerful. Kelsey's whole world changed just from a summer of adopting yes into her vocabulary. It brings her a new friend, confidence and love. I am sitting here smiling just thinking about everything that "yes" brought her and I am so happy this book fell into my life.

Stories that have a beautiful message are a breath of fresh air. "The Summer of Yes" was that first breath you take in the morning of a day you know you're excited for. This story is filled with all the sparkly happiness of finding your purpose.

I loved the premise of changing your life to find yourself but I really fell in love when I met Georgina. Once this sassy elderly woman entered the chat, I knew I was a goner. The relationship between Kelsey and Georgina. It was giving me "The Princess Diaries" vibes where Mia and her grandmother explore New York City. We literally get a hilariously iconic scene very similar in this story and I could live in it forever.

Trust me when I say if you're looking for a fun summer read with unlikely friendships, hilarious dialogue and will open your eyes to the good that is life. Courtney Walsh wrote the book for you!

☀️ New York City & North Carolina
☀️ Unlikely Friendships
☀️ Multiple POV
☀️ Hilarious Banter
☀️ Sassy Old Lady
☀️ The Power of Saying Yes
☀️ Living Your Life to the Fullest
☀️ Summer Vibes
☀️ Road Trip

Say yes to The Summer of Yes.

This was a sweet story about an unlikely intergenerational friendship between two women who randomly meet while roommates in the hospital. Georgina is a well-known CEO of her own highly successful cosmetics company who is battling health problems and Kelsey is a 32-year-old book editor whose close call with death gives her the idea to step back and actively choose to say 'yes' to the many, many things she's been afraid of or too busy to do.

The story focuses on the bond between curmudgeonly, set-in-her-ways Georgina and unsure-of-herself Kelsey who pulls Georgina (begrudgingly) into her project to 'say yes' as she butts her nose into Georgina's life.

I loved the themes in this story that centres around women mentoring and lifting up other women and how we could all use the reminder to focus on what's truly important in life. We get the POVs of both women and their internal struggles felt authentic (if a bit repetitive), but delightful snarky quips from Georgina, the light romance and hunky and oh-so-forgiving menfolk were added bonuses.

The Summer of Yes balances poignant moments with humour and great messages about living a good life, what success truly means, and getting out of your own way so you can live life to its absolute fullest.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Thomas Nelson for the advanced digital copy of this book which was provided in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks NetGalley for the early copy! It was great book. I laughed, I cried, it was a light read. It reminded me of the movie “The Bucket List” but with two women leading and a happier ending. #TheSummerofYes #NetGalley

WOW! This book was absolutely beautiful! It was a beautiful story of friendship and forgiveness and love. It was challenging and thought provoking in the most gentle and heartfelt ways!

The theme of “don’t waste your life” encourages you to evaluate your own life in some ways. What are the things to say YES to, but also what does that mean I need to say “no” to? In our world where everything seems to be about the next “best thing” or the quick way to make money….this was a book that encouraged me to pause and evaluate what’s most worth it?

I loved it! Once again, well done, Courtney Walsh! Forever a favorite!

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh is a feel-good, summer read. It accomplishes what it sets out to do. The book encourages you to take a look at your life and choices, as to live for the YES!

Kelsey and Georgia are an interesting and fun duo! I enjoyed their banter and their journey together. The multi-generational friendship here is really lovely.

If you are looking for a fun, easy read, this is it.

This was the first book that I've read by Courtney Walsh, and I know it won't be the last. I really liked this story and how it wove together themes of friendship, positivity, love and strength. Romance was there, but it wasn't the driving theme of the story. Self-love and self-growth played into the tale in a much greater way.

The story begins with a bang - Kelsey is accidentally hit by a car and wakes to find herself in the hospital. While trying to collect herself and her rattled memories of the accident, she also meets an older woman named Georgina, who is her roommate in the hospital. Georgina is a well=known, wildly successful businesswoman. Georgina sacrificed everything to become the woman she is today, but now, with a pair of failing kidneys and only a handful of months left to live, Georgina is looking back at all she accomplished and at what cost.

Kelsey always dreamed of being a writer, but she has settled for her job as a junior editor. She doesn't go outside of her comfort zone. Her relationships are safe. Her job is secure. Her existence is stable. After the accident and in talking to Georgina, Kelsey is forced to reckon with her own list of "things I'll do someday," and she starts to ask a simple but life-changing question. What if I said yes to all the things I normally say no to? And The Yes Plan is born.

It takes some convincing, but Georgina finally agrees to go along with Kelsey on her Summer of Yes adventures. The two of them set off to see what might be out there waiting for them if they simply open themselves up to it. But when they take a road trip that leads into stories from Georgina's past, this is where the true journey begins.

Two stories of love, forgiveness, regret, romance, and finding a way to live a fearless life intertwine as these two women make an indelible impression on each other. And it all starts with a simple "yes."

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing and NetGally for this Advanced Release copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What would happen if you said “Yes” to things you would typically say “no” to? Are you brave enough?
This sweet story is about what happens to a young woman who takes on that challenge and how her life and the lives around her change.
I’ve not read many books by Courtney Walsh, but I truly enjoyed this one. I think I’ll start picking up more of her books. She has a smooth, flowing writing style. The story seemed to move along, and before I knew it, I was finished.
It was so full of crazy events. It started at the very beginning and kept going all the way through to the end. WOW!
This book flows so well that you really feel you know these characters and understand what they are struggling with. There were a couple of times I wanted to knock some sense into them, yet they touched my life with their stories.
I’ve always loved reading books that draw out emotions and feelings and give me a life lesson to walk away with. This book does that, and I highly recommend you pick it up.
The publisher gave me this book, but this did not influence my review in any way; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kelsey was picking up Starbucks for her smarmy boss when she got hit by a car that jumped the curb. She woke up in a hospital rook next to Georgina Tate, the legendary matriarch of New York City businesswomen. They couldn't be more opposite, but they each had regrets about their lives that they needed to confront.

Kelsey decided on a summer of saying yes to things she'd normally decline to do, and she managed to rope Georgina into it. I loved seeing them come out of their comfort zones and live life differently. The romance subplots were a nice treat in the midst of their adventures.

This was a lighthearted read full of encouragement to not be afraid to experience life boldly. I loved the audio. Both narrators did an awesome job.

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.