Such a fun story! The perfect beach read! I loved the characters and the storyline! I always am excited to see a new book by Courtney

This book is like a warm hug and a big dose of inspiration all rolled into one. It’s sweet, funny, and just the right amount of emotional. The whole idea of saying “yes” to things and embracing life is so uplifting, and the main character’s journey is one you can’t help but root for.

The small-town vibes are charming, and the cast of characters feels like a group of people you’d love to hang out with. Plus, there’s romance, self-discovery, and so many moments that’ll make you smile (and maybe tear up a little, too). It’s got all the feel-good summer vibes, but with some depth that keeps you hooked.

If you’re looking for a story that’s equal parts heartwarming and empowering, this is the perfect pick. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to chase your dreams and live life a little louder. Highly recommend!

4.5 This was such a fun positive literary fiction book with a little romance thrown in. I loved the message of this book to slow down and enjoy life and say yes more. This was a warm hug of a book that really pulled me in. I flew through this book in a day and really enjoyed the writing , the characters and the pacing. This was my first book from this author but look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.

This was so incredibly predictable. It definitely was a typical, light chick-lit story regarding the romance. The other storyline was very unrealistic, which others may enjoy for a summer read, but wasn't for me. (2.5/5)

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Full transparency- I do plan on being a little bit self editing when writing this review, because I made the mistake of picking up two books with a similar premise of "something happens to the main character and they feel that they got a second chance at life and need to re-examine who they are spending there precious time on this earth" pretty much back to back. This wasn't on purpose and I regretted that this happened almost immediately but it is what it is so I am going to do my best to disregard any negative feelings I had due to my mistake.
This book is a bit heavy handed with its messaging and that did impact my overall enjoyment but I also think that is its biggest weakness. I actually think that in spite of that, the character development and the complicated relationships are expressed very well. I do wish that there was more clarity on the feelings of the husband that left. I don't think I really bought how easily persuaded and how easy he was to forgive and forget. Overall, the plot progresses at a good pace and I think the dual POV served the plot progression well.

Summer of Yes is a delightful read that truly lives up to its name! The story radiates warmth, joy, and inspiration, making it the perfect book for anyone seeking a feel-good escape. The characters are relatable and well-developed, and the plot effortlessly balances heart and humor. I especially loved how it encourages taking chances and embracing life’s unexpected opportunities. If you’re looking for a book that leaves you smiling and motivated, this is it! Highly recommended.

The Summer of Yes is the first book I’ve read in a long time that I finished then immediately re-read (okay, so I started from around a third of the way through the second time, but still.)

The story starts in New York City, where assistant editor Kelsey has woken up in hospital two days after being hit by a car. Her hospital roommate is Georgina Tate, a famous businesswoman and founder of a cosmetics empire.

The entire story is told in first person point of view–Kelsey’s story and Georgina’s story.
I found that a little confusing at first, because I missed the first time the story switched from Kelsey to Georgian (despite the big chapter heading). But once I got used to the two points of view, it wasn’t an issue.

The first part of the story had a women’s fiction feel, given Kelsey’s career revelation, the two female points of view, and the use of first person. The second half had more of a romance feel, thanks to the introduction of a single man who was simultaneously every Hallmark cliche and a unique and well-rounded character.

While the story isn’t overtly Christian (there are a handful of mentions of God), it’s an inspiring call to reconsider our priorities, and to not say “no” (or “yes”) to everything.

Recommended for contemporary Christian romance readers, especially those who can’t say no.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

Courtney Walsh’s The Summer of Yes is a feel-good read. It’s a reminder of how saying 'yes' can transform your life. As Kelsey encouraged Georgina to embrace new experiences, she realized how much she needed to do the same. This dynamic made for a compelling and heartfelt journey.

By letting go of what wasn’t working and creating space for what could, both characters found their way to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. The father-son-mother storyline added a touching layer of emotional depth that really resonated with me. This book is about growth, second chances, and the courage to embrace life’s possibilities.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own!

Did you say yes when you should have? I’m glad that I said yes to reading this book and living through a summer with it. I adored the book and its characters immensely.

This is the story of Kelsey and Georgina, who meet while in the hospital together. Kelsey is a junior editor with dreams of becoming an author, and then is involved in a major car accident. Georgina is an older woman and incredible businesswoman who is in the hospital for kidney failure who doesn't have much time left. They come together to have a summer of "yes" together and begin to really start living their lives.

This one ultimately wasn't for me, but feel like it could be for some readers. For me, the first almost half of the book was incredibly slow and really didn't have much plot-wise. The second half was much more enjoyable, but the uneven pacing was just a bit disjointed. I really enjoyed the banter between our two mains and the friendship they build from the circumstances in their life. While I enjoyed both of our FMCs and their healing journeys, I feel like the romance portion of the story for both of them, could have been cut. They were both fleshed out and dynamic characters, but the romances appeared rushed and lackluster. I feel like this book had a lot of potential, but just wasn't executed the best it could.

Thank you to Courtney Walsh for the gifted copy! I have loved every single thing of her’s that I’ve read, this was no exception.

Talk about THE perfect summer read. Did I read it this summer? No. I read it immediately after Christmas with a Crank, lol.

I think this is Courtney’s best writing yet. If you’re another Katherine Center fan you’ll love this book; it reads a lot like a Katherine Center book to me, and if you know me – you know that’s high praise.

This book is heartfelt. It’s heavier than some of her other books, but in a way that still makes you happy, smile, and feel relief. It’s beautiful. The relationship that develops between Georgina and Kelsey is SO pure and lovely. I laughed. I cried. I smiled.

"The Summer of Yes" is a sweet and heartwarming story about a woman rediscovering herself after a difficult divorce. The author beautifully captures the joys of summer and the importance of embracing new experiences. While the plot is predictable at times, the overall message of self-love and finding happiness on your own terms is uplifting.
I'd recommend it to readers who enjoy lighthearted contemporary romance.

The Summer of Yes is a delightful and uplifting story about saying yes to life and love. Emma, a people-pleaser who’s always put others first, decides to embrace a summer of saying "yes" to new opportunities—and maybe even love. Courtney Walsh delivers a heartwarming romance filled with charm, humor, and self-discovery. The characters are relatable, and the story is perfect for anyone looking for a light, feel-good read that reminds you to take chances and enjoy life! Courtney Walsh never disappoints!

Hooked from the start. Loved this duo and was committed to their journey. This was my first Courtney Walsh book, but won't be my last. Such a fun summer read.

A m I st read author and this is a book EVERYONE should read. It will have you laughing, crying and wanting to say yes and push yourself!

This story is incredible! It is definitely a slow burn but if you are familiar with Courtney Walsh, you know the love story is coming and it is going to be amazing! This one did not disappoint!! I absolutely love the storyline and literally found myself laughing out loud on multiple occasions! I highly highly recommend this book as well as basically any others that she has written. Super clean romance story and absolutely adorable!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to be able to read and review this book! I'm always happy to preview Courtney's work! She's a rockstar!

I read this book simultaneously with Walsh’s other book “The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley”… and it made me a massive reader-fan. Romance books deeply annoy me. They are completely unrealistic and deeply false. These stories?? They are full of funny characters with deeply relatable flaws and the goal isn’t just to “get a man” but to delve deeper into why she’s got the problems she currently has. And THAT is the satisfying story because we all have that story. We all are trying to figure out why something doesn’t feel right in us and what we need to do about it.

If you’re looking for depth without the garbage language and bedroom scenes, then you have come to the right place. Pull up a chair and stay awhile!

YES!!! Yes to this beautiful plot. Yes to the unlikely friendship that changed both Kelsey and Georgina’s lives. Yes to love and living your dreams. Yes to doing things that scare you.

The focus of this book is deep and meaningful with a side plot of romance. It got me thinking about my life, my priorities and what I should be saying “no more” and “yes” too. My first “yes” though, is to this book!!

I loved this book! I loved the relationship between Kelsey and Georgina. This book made me think and I loved that it has that message of treating yourself!

This was such a fun read! I absolutely loved the character development and the relationship that blossomed between Kelsey and Georgina. The two take us on an adventure full of life changing moments, sprinkled with hope and love.