Courtney Walsh has been writing the best women's fiction lately. This one is amazing. Romance isn't at the center of the book (although it is certainly there!), but rather the focus of the book is learning what is most important in life and shifting your focus on what matters most, which isn't always success.

Here are a few things that I loved:
The Friendship - the friendship that develops between Kelsey and Georgina is unique and unlikely. They have a large age gap and Georgina does not want to be apart of Kelsey's idea to reject hustle culture for one summer. It made for a unique story!

The Roadtrip - Walsh writes of a road trip the unlikely friends take, and I loved seeing the way that changed the course of the book. Georgina's character really came out during the road trip, and this is where most of the amazing character growth came.

Overall, this was a great book. Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book. A positive review was not required.

Courtney Walsh has become an automatic read for me over the last few years. I love her writing style and her characters are fun and well developed. In The Summer of Yes, Kelsey gets hit in a freak car accident and wounds up in the hospital with Georgina, a famous woman who owns a cosmetic company. After realizing what a close call she had and the chance meeting with Georgina, a lonely and cold woman, Kelsey decides that their meeting was not an accident and is determined to make the most of her life by saying "yes" when she would normally say "no" and includes Georgiana in the summer of yes, including a road trip to the coast of North Carolina from NYC. I found I could relate to Kelsey saying no out of fear and how much of life is missed because of that fear. This is a fun, heartwarming, and uplifting story with redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation, love, romance, new beginnings and a wonderful ending.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions.

This was a Great Read. Kelsey was hit by a car at Starbucks a place she shouldn't have been because it was someone else who was supposed to be there to pick up coffees for the office. Kelsey ends up in the hospital with a concussion and ends up there for several days. Kelsey is a dreamer, a writer who has her doubts about her talent. They put Georgia Tate a confident business woman in the same room. She has kidney failure . After they have several conversations, Kelsey feels like they have a common thread. Kelsey talks Georgia into a Summer of saying yes. . You must read this book about all their adventures. . GREAT READ.

This was such a fun read! As much as it felt light-hearted and humorous, there were also vulnerable moments within the storyline and the characters.

Kelsey gets into an accident that ends up changing her life. She realizes that she is working her life away, rather than saying yes to experiences outside of work that will help her grow.

She meets Georgina at the hospital, who has some regrets about her life as it’s coming close to the end of hers. After some convincing on Kelsey’s end, Georgina reluctantly agrees to a summer of yes. They take off on a road-trip without a route in mind, or so Georgina thinks. However, Kelsey’s plan is to reconnect Georgina with her ex-husband and son.

I enjoyed their journey throughout the summer, as Georgina connected with her family again. Although the storyline felt a bit predictable, I still had a fun (and sometimes emotional) time getting there. I can’t believe I haven’t read any other books from this author, but I can’t wait to read more!

The Summer of Yes is THE feel-good book of the summer! A thirty-something workaholic and a seventy-something terminally ill businesswoman meet in a hospital room and some time later find themselves on the road trip of their lives.

I loved the dual points of view, I loved all the characters, and I loved the Ferris Bueller references. Also, a certain scene involving a Shirley Temple, a straw, and a paper umbrella had me laughing so hard I almost peed my pants 🤣

What a wonderful ride!

One of the best of 2024! Kelsey Worthington, a frustrated assistant editor who wants to be a writer, ends up sharing a hospital room with legendary cosmetics mogul Georgiana Tate. Kelsey quickly realizes that beneath her salty, successful exterior, Georgiana is a sad woman plagued with regrets. Kelsey also surmises that she is on the way to becoming just like her. Determined not to let that happen, Kelsey inserts herself into Georgiana's life and creates the "Summer of Yes." The only rule is that the women must say yes to invitations and adventures (within reason) as they arise, giving them the chance to conquer fears and try new things. What starts as a philosophical whim becomes something much deeper for both of them, leading to redemptions and reconnections that will save both their lives in more ways than one.

The endearing characters, the wise yet witty writing, and an unforgettable journey made this a fantastic read. I've read several books by Courtney Walsh and this is a stand-out favorite. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended!!

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh was such a fun summer read. It was a light-hearted, delightful story of going outside your comfort zone, the power of forgiveness, new beginnings, friendship, and love.

Two women on the same path. One at the beginning and one at the end. Both in the hospital, both needing no one and yet this is the start of the beginning. Kelsey Worthington is an assistant editor at a publishing house. She works all the time and has no time for friends or family. Georgiana Tate has her own company that she built from the ground up. That's left her no time for anyone. So begins the Summer of Yes. Yes to things that take you out of your comfort zone. Yes to reconnecting with your friends and family for Kelsey. Yes for Georgiana to find the courage to reunite with her husband and son. Not all is smooth sailing. In the storms of life, these two women have found their anchors. "I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

I loved following Kelsey and Georgina on their summer adventures trying new experiences. Georgina was such a boss and a powerhouse in business that I found her story inspiring but Kelsey was the character I found myself relating to more. Both perspectives gave me things to think about. The themes of family, being brave, exploring outside your comfort zone, and love were so engaging and really made me reflect on my own life. This is a beautiful and touching story, I will be thinking about it for a long time to come! Thanks to Courtney Walsh, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is such a fun read. Kelsey and Georgia are magical together. They are the definition of ying/yang. I love watching their individual stories unfold, but also come together. This is a fun/easy read that would be a nice pool side read.

This book was uplifting, hilarious, and stopped to make me think. It was a cute book with a strong overarching message.

It’s not often that a book makes me laugh out loud - but Georgina was just so funny. Her sarcasm and blunt nature was shining through, and she had some amazing, off-the-wall quotes. The journey of her opening up and showing any vulnerability to those around her was well done.

Kelsey’s story was also fun to see. Though she may have focused on Georgina, she, in the background, made an effort to work on projects that she enjoyed. Her own personal growth was more subtle, to me, but I enjoyed seeing her take a stance in the end.

Overall, this was just a great story. I loved reading it, and didn’t want it to end! I really can’t wait to check out some more novels by this author.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from the publisher and author through NetGalley. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

I really enjoyed this book- the perfect summer read! I can't wait to reread this while on vacation on the beach!

Kelsey Worthington lives a safe life, taking no risks and rocking no boats. Then, she's hit by a car one day and miraculously survives. While she's recuperating in the hospital, another woman comes in to share her room. This woman is no other than Georgina Tate, one of the most successful glass ceiling-shattering women in the country, one who has achieved all her dreams. As Kelsey tries to get to know her, Georgina bites back hard. Kelsey just has a feeling that their meeting is fate and must mean something so she won't give up. When Georgina finally does admit that she has some regrets, she turns Kelsey's world upside down, wondering if she's so focused on safety that she's missing out on life.

Thus begins the "Summer of Yes" where Kelsey decides to say yes to all the things she's been saying no to for years. Feeling some kind of need to help Georgina, Kelsey pesters her until she agrees to join Kelsey on some of her "Summer of Yes" adventures. This book is just a delight! There's witty banter, adventure, a little romance, and lots of humor. This book will make you think about your life and evaluate your choices, but not in a negative way. It's just uplifting and fun.

I didn't realize until rereading the description blurb today that this book is considered Christian Romance. I will say straight up that I would definitely put it in the "clean" category, but would NOT call it a romance. It's a friendship and self-discovery novel, the romance is totally secondary. Also, there's nothing in this book that refers to anything Christian and there's nothing in it that I would call Christian in any way. So, if that's what you're looking for, this isn't the book for you. If you're looking for clean fun that makes you think a little about your life choices and if they're really making you happy, this is definitely the book for you!

Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This is my second book by Courtney Walsh and she is a talented writer and story teller. She is quickly becoming my go to author for feel good reads. I loved the character growth in this one and the concept of saying yes to the things you would have said no to in the past. I appreciated the sweet romance too. I will be reading more from Courtney.

I received an ARC of this from NetGalley and this was my first Courtney Walsh. I really enjoyed this book! It was a good mix of romance and a surprising friendship. I really loved that she included Georgina’s POV at times. There were times that the story seemed to be perfectly tied together at times, but I didn’t mind that since we all want a HEA anyways. 5 stars and one of my favorite books of the year!

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

Anything Courtney Walsh writes, I will read. This was a great read. It tells the story of saying yes and giving yourself a shot at new experiences.

Kelsey is hit by a car and her hospital roomie is someone very unexpected, the famous Georgina Tate, who created a multi-million dollar company from the ground up.

Georgina is not friendly, but it doesn't stop Kelsey from meddling in her life because she sees her future going Georgina's way (alone in a hospital with no loved ones, only her business).

The two embark on a journey of the "Summer of Yes" - Kelsey is determined to help Georgina reconnect with her husband and son.

Little did they know, the two women came into each other's lives at the perfect time.

I loved this book. Especially the story from both an older woman and younger woman - both at different points in their lives. They are both looking for different things, yet love is at the center of everything. I loved the dynamics between all of the characters, they were witty, fun, and smart. I loved the slow burn romances that were building - there was more than one which was awesome! I really enjoyed the perspective of an older woman who is getting a second chance love and a younger, new to love couple. The importance of relationships, romance and forgiveness runs deep from page one. I loved that the characters all grew and changed - to find their own happiness. I just truly enjoyed the overall positive and happy messages in this book, even when things were not happy and easy. Just an overall enjoyable read from the first page until the last!
Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader and audio copies.

Thank you to Courtney Walsh, NetGalley, and Thomas Nelson for this #gifted book!*
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Title: The Summer of Yes
Author: Courtney Walsh
Genre: Christian Contemporary Fiction
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Synopsis: “Nothing comes without a cost, young lady, and only you can decide if you’re willing to pay it.” When Kelsey’s world is rocked by an almost-tragic car accident, she finds herself landed in a hospital bed pondering the “what-if’s” of her life. Her hospital roommate is a grumpy old woman who turns out to be one of the most famous women in business, Georgina Tate. And Georgina has secrets she’d like to keep secret. As Kelsey embarks on a summer of saying yes to all the things she’s formerly said no, she relentlessly requests Georgina to join her, and for some reason, Georgina agrees. As the two set their professional lives on the back burner, they begin to discover all they’ve been missing when it comes to fun, family, and the future. Professional success has been so, so profitable. But when faced with all the things they’ve given up, the burning question remains—is it worth it?

Analysis: Courtney Walsh has become one of my favorite authors for those light-hearted reads, and The Summer of Yes is exactly that! I love the characters, their conversations, and the way they ask big questions. You’ll find yourself laughing and crying with the characters and asking those big questions right along with them. Happily Ever Afters are a given in Courtney’s books, so you know you’ve got romance and good things to come! Highly, highly recommend The Summer of Yes for a sweet, clean summer read.

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions ťexpressed in this review are my own.

We all need to experience “The Summer of Yes”!! A time for us to reach back into our lives and think about all the things we never did because we were afraid or too busy, and somehow find the courage to say “yes” to new beginnings and experiences. I found myself making my own list as I followed along with Kelsey and Georgina as they packed up the baby blue convertible and rode off into the sunset.

Kelsey and Georgina are both strong-willed women who fate brought together so they could help each other deal with a future filled with changes. I thoroughly enjoyed their verbal sparring, idea swapping and dream sharing, as they very slowly became friends. Kelsey made Georgina feel young again, and her thoughts were filled with memories of a time when anything was possible, and she had it all. Georgina’s mind was sharp as a tack and so were her snippy comments as Kelsey tried to convince her to come along on her “Summer of Yes” tour. I could tell Georgina saw a kindred spirit in Kelsey; someone who reminded her of her younger self just starting out with the world at her fingertips. As their friendship progressed and their road trip took a slight detour, Georgina could see the benefit of trying new things by saying yes to Kelsey’s refreshing enthusiasm, and steadfast determination. We could all benefit from a summer like this where we could have the freedom to take off without a care in the world. I could only imagine how freeing Kelsey felt as she cruised along the highway, wind blowing her hair, as the world passed her by. Their destination may have been a mystery to Georgina, but Kelsey knew that in their “Summer of Yes” anything was possible if you believed in the power of love.

4.25⭐️ The message behind this book is something i think everyone should read and brought on a wave of reflection whilst reading. The characters were lovable, even Georgina, and I loved that we got dual POV because it really gives an insight into Georgina’s backstory and the way she works. Although at times I was frustrated with her decisions, there was always an explanation as to why which created a well rounded and established group of characters. I loved seeing the friendship between the two main characters develop and appreciated that this remained a main focal point throughout the story even when we met other characters. The setting is perfect for a summer read and the author did a very good job at creating a fun story with a deeper meaning. Many parts also had me giggling thanks to the sarcastic humour which is a big yes from me!