I love when you just FEEL…. just KNOW…. that a novel you’re reading will have a joyous happy dance with your golden five stars! Warm up your pre-order finger, go to your retailer, and tap or click to GET. THIS. BOOK. it releases July 2, 2024.

Kelsey is a young workaholic wanting to prove herself in the publishing world, but she has her own writing dreams on hold, possibly even evaporating. A terrible accident and a cantankerous old woman, who becomes her hospital roommate, cause her to take stock of her life. She admires Georgina Tate, her business acumen and many successes, but now she knows her secret. She’s lonely. She’s unhappy. She’s dying. Is this where Kelsey’s own young life is headed?

Kelsey challenges Georgina to join her in a summer of saying YES. Not no. Not maybe. Not later. With great reluctance, and a whole lot of sarcasm and sourness, Georgina grudging agrees. Sort of.

Kelsey hides her agenda to reunite Georgina with her estranged son, Hayden, who happens to be incredibly attractive. Let’s just say that it isn’t rainbows and puppy dog tails. In the meantime, Kelsey and Hayden are drawn to one another and truly enjoy each other’s company. A surprising turn of events occurs that causes everyone to re-evaluate and re-think about what truly matters. Is it grudges? Mistakes? Selfishness? Monetary and business success? Time? Distance? Does any of that matter or is it about speaking from the heart, being honest, letting our pride down, and being vulnerable and brave enough to say YES to the life and path you truly want?

This novel will poke you whether you can relate to one of the characters or not. It WILL make you a little uncomfortable and squirm in your seat. And it should. This is not just a great book with fabulous snark, humour, and romance. It has a lot of important things to say. You have to say yes and figure out what it is meant to teach YOU.

3.5/5 rounded up!
The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh has very relatable and loving characters. In Walsh’s latest book you will find humour, forgiveness and of course finding the right partner. rekindling of lost love, This is a novel of finding ones self and pushing the negativity out. You will find yourself connecting with the characters in this easy light and fun read.

Releases July 2nd. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions in this review are my own.

To me, the true heroine of the novel is Georgina. I loved her spunk and her attitude because I appreciated how she used both as a shield for her fears and her shame. The growth this character displays throughout the course of the story is remarkable. Kelsey, on the other hand, is a challenge to root for. She's not at all likable in the beginning, so it's hard to see why Hayden fell for her almost instantly. Also, the first half of the book is bizarre and bordered on completely implausible. Frankly, I miss the way Courtney used to write. I feel like she's rushing now, and omitting key components that make for a satisfying reading experience.
The second half of The Summer is Yes is quite enjoyable. There's still some suspension of disbelief required, but ultimately the conclusion is heartwarming. Although this isn't a faith-based story and there aren't any inspirational elements, the themes of forgiveness, grace and second chances are prevalent. Fans of sweet, swoonworthy romance will adore the sparks that fly between both romantic relationships.

This sweet entertaining novel was labeled a Christian novel but if I hadn't known I wouldn't have noticed although the main theme is forgiveness. Second chances, grace and doing what you were born to do are indeed Christian values, but God is mentioned just once by Kelsey's mother, Jesus and faith not even once.
I really liked the characters, the reflection and the humor of this hopeful story.

This was such a fun read! I laughed out loud so many times. It’s not that there was a lack of depth or complexity- The Summer of Yes has it all! I had just finished two heavy reads so picking this one up was like a breath of fresh air! Kelsey faced a near death experience, and it makes her rethink everything, including taking no for an answer. While avoiding her own life, Kelsey takes it upon herself to help fiercely independent beauty icon, Georgina Tate, face her biggest regret. This biggest regret also happens to involve a beach town and a remarkably charming son 😜 The unlikely duo had me smiling, chuckling, and reflecting on my own life throughout the whole book! It’s an adventure of finding yourself, forgiveness, second chances and sweet romance.

4.5
Genre ~ friendship fiction
Setting ~ New York
Publication date ~ July 2, 2024
Est Page Count ~ 382 (46 chapters)
Audio length ~ 11 hours 30 minutes
Narrators ~ Tanya Eby, Cathi Colas
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ road trip, regrets, unlikely friendship

Kelsey & Georgina meet when they’re both in the hospital together.

It was a little slow to start with Kelsey trying her darnedest to convince Georgina to go along with her plan. The plan is to start living life to the fullest without regrets. To say yes to things she ordinarily would say no to because she was too busy trying to get ahead at work. It just so happens that Georgina has the same similarities in her life, even if she’s too stubborn to admit it.

The characters were perfect. The banter was perfect. The journey to forgiveness was perfect. There is a budding romance to root for, but I wouldn’t say it’s a main plot point. Hayden, Georgina's son, was the sweetest and for sure book boyfriend material.

Overall, a lovely book that makes you think ~ if you’re working to live are you really fully living? As I am in my last summer with my only daughter before she graduates I feel like this will be my summer of yes, as well, because I certainly don’t want to look back on my life and have any regrets at all. Life is precious and you never know when your last day living it will be. So let's live it to the fullest!

I was able to listen to an audio copy as well.
Narration notes:
I think both narrators sounded perfectly aged and did a nice job.

10 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2024 book of the SUMMER! WOW! What a ride.

This was my first Courtney Walsh book & it didn’t disappoint at all. In fact, I’ll probably go and read ALL her books now.

This story made me laugh, cry, laugh and again and cry. It was full of banter, love, a mean old lady and a determined MC. Kelsey's growth throughout the book was inspiring. I felt like I knew her personally. Georgina, the other main character, was my favorite-grumpy but wonderfully feisty.

The themes of forgiveness and grace were beautifully integrated.
Seriously, you’ll want to read this book when it comes out. You are gonna love it!



Thank you NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A fun summer read that actually made me rethink a few of my own life choices. Life really is so fragile, every single day a gift. What are we doing in it that will stay forever? Past our own mortal life?
The characters had plenty of banter. The back and forth was Kelsey and pretty well everybody but especially Georgina was very entertaining.
Thank you metgalley for the ARC. This is my honest take.

This book was nothing short of spectacular. I am such a sucker for romance but get sick of the love interest being introduced from practically the first chapter. This wasn’t the case. He was mentioned once or twice in passing, but the book allowed for such character development and growth for the FMC and they didn’t even meet each other until close to half-way. It was a lovely light summer read, with large side of contemporary literature!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for the gifted book!

If you say YES to anything this summer, say YES to reading this book!

I absolutely loved this book and can't think of one negative thing to say if I wanted to. Absolutely the happy and feel-good story I needed!

When Kelsey wakes up in a hospital after a car accident that she doesn't remember, she is (not warmly) greeted by her hospital roommate, Georgina. Against all odds and against Georgina's will, the two of them strike up a plan to have a summer of saying YES where they have previously said no to adventure, opportunities, dates, etc. etc.

Along the way they learn a lot about themselves & each other, find (or re-find) love, friendship, purpose, and ultimately a second chance at life!

I absolutely loved the progression of watching Kelsey and Georgina go from having nothing in common to sharing....well, you'll just have to read it to find out what they share in the end!

This story is light and happy and will be the perfect beach read this summer!

Read if you enjoy:

- Unlikely friendships
- Second chance romances
- Closed door romances
- Saying YES to adventures
- Books that feel like hugs

I think this is Courtney's best book to date and I can't wait to read what she writes next!

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Courtney Walsh is a favorite of mine, and she did not disappoint with this one. It was so profound, and I ate it up! Perfect summer read!

This book was so cute. I loved the message and the idea of hoping for things and not just living life because we have to but really living it. I loved the romance and the relationship building. This book was a perfect summer read. I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down.

This book was a breath of fresh air! A wonderfully funny, clever book. Enjoyable and complex characters, with real problems and challenges to overcome. I was hooked from the beginning and enjoyed every word of this incredible book!! This author’s writing is superb, her cultural references are relatable and hilarious, and the main characters have a great arc.

Please excuse me while I go read every book this author has ever written! 🥰

Things I loved: no spicy scenes (only kissing), Christian values communicated well without being preachy, themes of forgiveness, love, and restoration.

Two women, one life changing accident, a summer where they say yes to things that they won't say yes normally to.
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The premise seemed really interesting, with an additional bonus of a romance subplot. Kelsey was an interesting character who was career oriented but putting off her own ambitions. The accident made her rethink with a whole new perspective. Georgina, was sassy business tycoon accompanies her in her new journey. It tries to give powerful messages that life is not just composed of one thing, it has to be about ambitions, success but more importantly love, kindness and compassion. Will they learn something good out of their second chances and live their life happily? Will their regrets still haunt them? It was an interesting premise to read about.
But sad to say it overall it fell flat for me. The pacing felt really off, the first half was really slow and failed to keep me engaged. The insta love in second half and the happenings felt a little too good and a race towards HEA.

Some quotes that really stuck with me:
“Love’s a funny thing. It doesn’t always let you choose.”

“What good would it do to say it? Words are meaningless. They can’t change anything.”“You’re wrong,” I say. “Words change everything.”

“The world is going to tell you all kinds of things about yourself. You’re not good enough or smart enough or strong enough or thin enough or rich enough or talented enough. They’ll come up with a million reasons you can’t do the thing you want to do. The thing you were born to do.”

The Summer of Yes
By" Courtney Walsh
Genre: General Fiction

Summary:
Having been hit by a car not only leaves Kelsey with a 2 day stay in a hospital, but a driving need to reevaluate her life. She now has the time to look at her life and see how it's not what she wants it to be. Turns out, she's been saying "no" far more than she's been saying "yes". It doesn't take her long to decide that has to change. And what does any woman in her 20s need when turning her summer into one of saying, "yes"? Why an older- rather cranky- sidekick, of course. Georgina Tate has lived out more of her years than she has left, and secretly, with many regrets. So the least likely pair have a summer that changes their lives- but for good or bad?

The concept of this book was one that grabbed me from the start. It didn't sound like much of what I've read prior, so I couldn't wait to see how the story played out. For the most part, I enjoyed it. It was fun. heartwarming, challenging. It was fun to read how Kelsey dipped her toes into the world of "yes".

The book's standout character, for me, was Georgina Tate. A highly successful business woman who did what few others did in her day, has much to be proud of. But even more to be regretful of. She's well aware that her success came at the price of decisions that broke more than one heart. So, as Georgina is now facing the biggest challenge of her life, she's got much to look back on and wish she had done differently. She also sees a lot of herself in the random stranger's hospital room she was placed in. In the little time they share together, a connection is made. Though Georgina is loathe to admit it.

Kelsey approaches Georgina with an insane idea of taking the upcoming summer to say yes to things they once said no to. While these things are different for each of the women, both are highly impacted by the results. Where Georgina thought things were beyond repair for her, she's able to see that all isn't lost. If she can get out of her own way.

I'll admit, while Georgina's storyline was far more impactful and emotional, she wasn't an easy character to like. She read to me very much like Queen Charlotte from Bridgerton. She was a grouchy, stubborn, almost egotistical character. But she's also the character with the most growth. The Georgina you start the book with is not the same one you finish the book with.

The Summer of Yes was a fun read. It was a great combination of light, hearty and fun. It was fun and inspiring to see both characters face fears- big and small. I could easily see this being a beach or vacation read. The banter between Georgina and Kelsey was fun to watch unfold throughout the book.

IF you're looking for a summer read, I encourage you to consider The Summer of Yes. I encourage you to this book at some point. Maybe you'll be inspired to have your own season of saying yes to what you normally say no to.

I just finished "The Summer of Yes" by @courtneywalsh last night. The first parts were okay but I ended up enjoying it! The characters were relatable despite their flaws, navigating life's complexities with strength. I laughed and cried my way through this heartwarming story. I found myself rooting for Georgina and Kelsey's growth. Kelsey was amazing with Georgina despite her personal crises. The messages about overcoming fears, forgiveness, love, and acceptance resonated deeply.

Rating: 4 stars

Thank you to #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Now this was the perfect story. I’m a sucker for stories about the less likely friendships and this one is indeed that. On paper Kelsey and Georgina shouldn’t be friend. But somehow they are and it works. And I mean what a way to meet your friend. And I did enjoy the romances that blossomed on the page. As well as watching Kelsey find herself.

Kelsey wakes up in the hospital after having been hit by a car that ran up onto the sidewalk where she was walking back to work after a break. Soon after she wakes up, another woman is placed in her hospital room--making constant demands. After Kelsey is recovered enough to be released, she comes back to visit her roommate and to make a proposal to get the roommate out into the world again. After a conversation with her mother, Kelsey realizes that she says No to nearly everything. Her mother thinks her accident was a disruptor meant to show Kelsey a better way to live, so she decides to say Yes to things she wouldn't normally do.

Her roommate is Georgina Tate, a beauty products mogul worth a ton of money, but her health is failing and she seems to like her reclusiveness. When Kelsey asks Georgina if she had regrets, Georgina doesn't answer her but a sad look crosses her face and quickly disappears. Still Kelsey sees the look and convinces Georgina to join her on her "Summer of Yes" adventure. The adventure allows Georgina to reconnect with family and Kelsey to find out what she really wants out of life.

This book is a quick read because the action encourages the reader to keep on going. It's the kind of book that needs to be read before summer actually starts because it will encourage readers to enjoin their own Summer of Yes and to take on new adventures, to pay attention to life's disruptions, and to find themselves for who they truly are.

This is one of the best books by Courtney Walsh that I have read. Kelsey is as irrepressible as Georgina is recalcitrant. Their personalities clash at every turn, but mutual respect is earned and a friendship is ultimately formed. This is a five-star book with two thumbs up and a road trip in a 1965 Mustang.

Thomas Nelson Fiction provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

This was different than what I expected. I didn’t read the blurb at all which I kind of liked 😂 I knew I’d liked her books in the past and wanted to try it. If you liked Isadora Bentley, I think you’ll like this one too. This is women’s fiction with a side of romance. Its about second chances and getting outside your comfort zone. It’s heartfelt and I loved getting to know these characters! Read the blurb if you wanna know more of the plot.

What a refreshing read! Just in time for summer! This story of a young woman and an older woman and how life unfolds for one summer. They are an unlikely pair who push each other outside of their comfort zone. I will definitely read more Courtney Walsh books as this was my fist!
This book would be great for those who enjoy:
• Reading on the beach
• Women’s literature
• To feel all the feels
• Unlikely friendships
• Love that is never too late (sweet not spicy)
I want to have my own summer of yes!

Thank you Net Galley, Courtney Walsh, and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the pleasure of previewing a copy of this novel. I received this complementary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This novel and audiobook are expected to be released July 2, 2024.