The Summer of Yes is a heartwarming book about second chances. When Kelsey meets Georgina in the hospital after an almost fatal accident, she realizes she wants to stop saying no to things and start saying yes! The two set off on adventures of fun and choosing things they’ve postponed or said no to. Along the way they meet up with Georgina’s past and her need for forgiveness. A cute romance blossoms as Kelsey meets Georgina’s son. I really enjoyed this book! It was exciting and fun while having a meaningful takeaway: we don’t live forever so say yes to what makes you happy. This heartwarming book had me tearing up and wanting to see how things ended. I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in trade for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.
YouTube Review: 07/03/24
YouTube Handle: KeenCat

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the ARC of “The Summer of Yes” by Courtney Walsh in exchange for my honest review.

Kelsey was hit by a car walking on the sidewalk outside of Starbucks. She’s a workaholic and always says no to everything. In the hospital, her roommate is the successful businesswoman, Georgina Tate and she gets a glimpse of what life will be like for her if she continues to go down her current path. Kelsey convinces Georgina to agree upon a summer of yes with her. They embark on a journey of forgiveness and a second chance at love and happiness.

What I love most about Courtney Walsh books, is her storylines. They’re always heartwarming with a message and they remind me of a hallmark movie. I throughly enjoyed this read and would highly recommend.

The Summer of Yes was such a fun summer read! I loved a good intergenerational friendship. Georgina and Kelsey were such opposites but so great together.

I love that they got each other out of the their comfort zones, the rekindling of family & friend relationships. The ending was so sweet 🥹🥹

Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Audio for advance copies.

I loved this book so much! There’s so much great life advice parlayed in these pages alongside the clever writing and relatable characters. Maybe it’s my own near-death experience as a cancer survivor, but this book just hit me in the feels and ticked all the boxes for me. It was light-hearted but big-hearted at the same time, touching on tough topics with gentleness and bite-sized nuggets of wisdom throughout. I can totally see this as a book club book or something to read with your best friend.

I loved Kelsey because she’s so relatable. She’s stuck in her routine and then suddenly, her perspective is turned on its head after miraculously surviving being hit by a car as a pedestrian. I love that she allowed this event to change her, to make her want to shake things up and to start seeing what’s important in life so much more clearly. Moreover, I loved that she saw that this total stranger could use a dose of the same and embraces the providence that landed Georgina as her hospital roommate.

This is a grumpy-sunshine trope but in a female friendship instead of a romantic relationship, and I’m here for it. I loved their banter and sarcasm and repartee, which often made me laugh out loud. I loved how they were able to see themselves in one another, providing the foundation for a strong friendship between two women who otherwise might have nothing in common. The world needs more of that.

The romance aspect was not as central to the story as Kelsey and Georgina’s character arcs, but they were lovely all the same. This is a completely clean romance, some kissing, but nothing more. Again, the romance is not the point of this story, just the icing on the cake.

The Summer of Yes is sweet and funny with a bit of romance, making it the perfect book an easy summer read, but the added layers of female friendship, family, regret, fear and forgiveness gives it that something else to take this story and catapult it to the top of this summer’s beach read releases. If you only read one beach read book this summer, say yes to this one!

The Summer of Yes

4.25 ⭐️

This was such a cute summer romance. I love how Courtney Walsh mixed in some big topics like grief, illness, abandonment, while still keeping some things lighter.

Kelsey is hit by a car and wakes up in the hospital next to a grouchy older lady. Little do they both know, this relationship will change their lives as they begin a summer of saying “yes” to what comes their way.

The dual perspective between Kelsey and Georgina was nice and kept the focus on their friendships for most of the book. This book was maybe slightly less cheesy than Courtney’s other books I read, but still the same beautiful closed door romance. Fun summer roadtrip book!

Thanks to @netgalley for this ARC!

I really enjoyed reading The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh. A sweet, heartwarming book at the surface - this book is also thought provoking and touches on so many issues relevant to women at any stage of life. Through the adventures shared by Kelsey and Georgina, each woman (at different life stages) learns about herself and her relationship to many things in life - friendship, forgiveness, work, family, and even what makes her come alive. This book even has some (clean) romance while still letting the female main characters be at the center of the story. This was a wonderful book with a fantastic ending, well developed and quirky characters, and great writing. Don't let the "summer" in the title fool you - this would be a fun read any time of year.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this book! So much to ponder and soak in and then think about throughout the day and all you want to do it get back to it! It was heart-breaking and yet it was light-hearted and full of delight! I fell in love with the characters! Everyone of them! It didn’t start how it usually does in romance and that was so fabulous!! Almost like a women’s fiction with romance on the side. But so much better!
I will read this again!

Thank you to Net Galley for this book, all opinions are my own!

I had a hard time getting into this one and I think it was because I listened on audio. I didn’t love the narrators but once I got used to them I really enjoyed the book. I loved the characters especially as Georgina and Kelsey finally fall into an odd friendship. I really enjoyed how both evolved throughout the book and how this one was a little romance but really a story about two women becoming who they were meant to be, Friendship and family.

The Summer of Yes follows Kelsey Worthington after she is hit by a car and starts questioning how her life is going. I didn't realize how much I needed this book until I read it. I highlighted 18 passages in this book. EIGHTEEN! I have never highlighted more than four. I have prioritized work to the point of saying no to everything in order to conserve my energy or work insane hours. Looking back on the past few years, I don't see nearly enough memories that I could. So here starts my Summer of Yes.

Perfect for anyone who is stuck in a cycle of saying no to even the little things, anyone who is feeling burnt out or underappreciated at work, or anyone who is struggling with regret of things you've given up to prioritize your job. Even if none of these things apply to you, I still think you would like this book if you enjoy fun contemporary novels with a dash of clean romance.

I received an ARC/ALC from Thomas Nelson Fiction | Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

THANK YOU to Courtney Walsh for creating this "disruptor".

This is definitely one of those stories that makes you sit back and stare into space for a long time after finishing. The layers and complexity of the issues in this book, the way the characters handle and process those issues, and the development of the characters make this a rich read that stays with you. So many times within this book I found myself saying "Hey! That's me!" I read in the evenings and would find myself rushing my routine to get to the reading part of my day, staying up way past my bedtime to read "just a little bit more". Amazing book!

Kelsey Worthington’s life hasn’t turned out as she thought it should. Instead of writing her own books, she edits other people’s. Rather than live out her own dreams, she gets stuck picking up coffee for her boss. She never expects a random car to jump the curb and mow her over while carrying said coffee.

When she wakes up in the hospital, she finds she has no broken bones, but she does vow to break out of her current limiting pattern of risk aversion. When Georgina Tate, a renowned businesswoman, shows up in the other hospital bed, Kelsey can’t help but like the curmudgeonly woman. On a whim, she invites Georgina to join her on a summer of saying yes. Georgina’s kidneys could give out at any moment, and her limited life expectancy makes her marginally amenable to Kelsey’s challenge.

Of course, the haughty businesswoman declines at first. But Kelsey persists—she sees her future in Georgina’s present. Loneliness, choosing success over relationships, and striving without rest are fueled by fears of failure. If Kelsey can help Georgina, perhaps she’ll change the trajectory of her own life.

With cajoling, a few shenanigans, and a portable dialysis machine, Kelsey and Georgina start off on a road trip with a hidden agenda. Kelsey knows she must do everything possible to reunite Georgina with her estranged son. She doesn’t expect to find her voice and the love of her life while helping Georgina.

Does she have the courage to say yes to the unexpected? Or will she retreat into her shell and take up her former boring life?

What I Loved About This Book

Walsh has perfected the quirky, loveable protagonist. Readers who struggle with relationships will relate to Kelsey’s fears of saying yes to even ordinary friendships. Those who regret past decisions will relate to Georgina’s attempts to change her ways.

Friendship, love, and adventure help Kelsey and Georgina resolve familial relationships and start on a new course with heartwarming consequences. Emma St. Clair and Melissa Ferguson fans will love The Summer of Yes.

the was such a good read. It focused more on character growth and romance is sprinkled in. From friends to lovers to second chance romance to families and being reuited with your son and husband this truth has everything. I loved Goergina and Kelsey’s banter and just truly fell in love with their relationship with each other.

The character growth was outstanding during this. Both Georgina and Kelsey became their true selves and fell back in love with their lives by the end of this and i couldn’t have loved it more.

This engages you from page one and there is a relatable catcher for everyone on my opinion.

The narration was very well done and i enjoyed the novel to a higher extent, in my opinion, due to the narrators.

"I wish I'd said yes more. To the fun things of life, you know? I always chose work over everything. It suited me. But it cost me too.“

Kelsey Worthington, an overworked assistant editor, is hit by a car and wakes up in the hospital sharing a room with Georgina Tate, the successful but lonely owner of Tate Cosmetics, who is suffering from kidney disease.

While wondering if Georgina's success is worth the loneliness, Kelsey realizes she's never done anything remarkable herself. She craves stability and has always said 'no' to opportunities, but now she feels unsure about her life, job, and the experiences she's missed.

Kelsey realizes life is short and fears becoming like lonely Georgina. Would saying 'yes' more often change her usual stressed and overwhelmed state? Has fate brought Georgina into her life?

Intrigued but reluctant, Georgina agrees to a 'summer of yes' with Kelsey, starting with street vendor pretzels and leading to a life-changing road trip.

This book explores friendship, letting go, and the power of forgiveness. It's a great mix of witty banter, sarcasm, and heartfelt tenderness. There's also a hint of sweet romance. This was my first Courtney Walsh book and I will definitely read more of her work.

“Maybe it’s the pre-midlife, post accident second-chance crisis.”

☑ Road trip
☑ Banter
☑ Dual POV
☑ Light, Clean Romance

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for this advanced reader copy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Summer of Yes was very different from Courtney Walsh's other books, and I loved it!!! I enjoyed that the book wasn't about romance, but more about how important your decisions are. To me, the message of The Summer of Yes was to live life to the fullest and get out of your comfort zone. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and it encouraged me to reflect on my own life and say yes to more things :)

3.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed this so much. It had me reflecting about my own life. A story of taking chances, new beginnings, forgiveness, friendship, and love. I loved reading both POV of Kelsey and Georgina. Two independent woman who find an unlikely friendship while navigating some life altering events. A perfect book for your next beach read. Thank you net galley for the advanced copy to read and review.

This was a great summer read!

It was very enjoyable and uplifting. I love the idea of going outside of your comfort zone and saying yes to things that you normally would say no / hesitate to say yes to.

It was a quick, cute read!

Thank you NetGalley for the arc

Oh my word! If I could give this book 10 stars, I would! I always love Courtney Walsh’s books, but this one is my new favorite. It is filled with lovable characters, a great storyline, fun adventures, romance, it seriously checks off all the boxes.

A freak accident lands work obsessed Kelsey Worthington in the hospital. When she wakes up, she finds herself sharing a room with cosmetic tycoon, Georgina Tate. Even though Georgina is determined to keep Kelsey at arms length, Kelsey weasels her way in and presents Georgina with a chance to make this The Summer of Yes. This adventure leads them both on a self discovery of themselves, facing their fears and past hurts, and opening up to their futures.

I absolutely loved this book! At times I found myself laughing and at other times reaching for a tissue. This book challenged me to look at my own life and where I need to consider saying yes. I highly recommend this book!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

4.25 🌟

I love Courtney Walsh!

This was such a fun book and I loved watching Kelsey and Georgina's friendship grow. Also, as a person who tends to play it safe, I love the idea of saying yes to things you normally say no to. You for sure need to pick up this book this summer!

Thanks, Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

This was a really great one. I loved how brash Georgina was and how Kelsey wouldn't take no for an answer. The two were perfect together. And the little love stories for them both? *chefs kiss*

4.5⭐️ rounded up

Thankyou NetGalley & Courtney Walsh for this read. This book was so humorous and heartwarming ❤️ I loved the perspective that life is too short and that you need to get out there and do things that scare you. There is so much more to life than being successful in your job. It definitely made me want to say yes more.
The friendship that grows throughout the book between Kelsey and Georgina is so funny with their banter and Georgina’s annoyance of Kelsey’s plotting. A real feel good book.