Skip to main content

Member Reviews

This was such a fun read!

Difference generations coming together to learn from each other how to live a more fulfilling life.

One of those "second chance" at life kind of stories, with the feel-good moments, the example of what you DON'T want your life to be, and all the heartfelt love by the end.

A fantastic summery read, with well developed characters and lots of adventure.


Closed door & no language.

Was this review helpful?

The Summer Of Yes
by Courtney Walsh
Pub Date: July 2, 2024
Thanks to the author, Thomas Nelson Publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Both the author and publisher are known to me, and I highly recommend this book.
Things I liked about this book:
Stand-alone novel
Perfect for fans of Denise Hunter and Rachel Linden
Book length: 100,000 words
Includes discussion questions for book clubs. As a book club leader all of these things help make a book easier to read and lead.
This book provided a non-stop engaging and imaginative story line that had me hooked from page one.
I enjoyed the dynamic and witty push and pull between Kelsey and Georgina and their character development was so exquisitely crafted. I love to see characters grow into their most authentic selves and work for the life they want. Life gets busy and sometimes we get in our own way. Great book for summer!

Was this review helpful?

It was a good plot and a good idea but it just moved so slowly and the characters weren't very interesting to follow because they lacked personality..

Was this review helpful?

This is a summer must read. This book had me in tears, laughing tears. This book shows us all kinds of emotions: joy, hope, forgiveness and love. A feel good book that will leave a lasting impression. This book will encourage readers to consider the power of saying yes to new adventures and trying something new.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This was such a fun, sweet, light summer read. The romantic subplot was satisfying and swoony, and the arc of empowerment and control over one's own life was exactly what I needed to read. Funny, full of atmosphere, and such a resonant, relatable read!

Was this review helpful?

Just say Yes!
The Summer of Yes is an insightful, funny, sweet story about two women who have regrets about the course of their lives. They end up together in a hospital room, alone and afraid. Together they go on a journey to face their regrets and learn about love, forgiveness and hope. It's a story about life and living it fully and freely. This is a great summer read that may cause you to look at your own life, recognize some things you are saying no to out of fear and give you the courage to say yes! "You will never be happy if you listen to what everyone else says about it. It's what you say about you that matters."
I received a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

#TheSummerofYes #NetGalley

A person might say it's fate when two people who are dedicated to their job end up in the same hospital room. Kelsey was it by a car while walking down the sidewalk. When Keelsey sees Georgina Tate, she knows exactly who she is, a woman who owns her own cosmetic company. Kelsey also notices that Georgina is very sick and seems so unhappy even though she is wealthy. Kelsey does some self reflection and decides to take some time off work and say yes to whatever comes her way, and she persuades Georgina to come along for the ride. I loved this book. Maybe it will inspire me to have my own summer of yes.

Was this review helpful?

I can't say I enjoyed this one very much. The writing was a bit repetitive and in the end I had to give up the effort and DNF the book.

It might be suited for some, but unfortunately this was not for me at all.

Was this review helpful?

This was a cute story that didn’t really get beneath the surface. That’s not necessarily a bad thing but I found both Kelsey and Georgina to be pretty one-dimensional and childish. Which is odd to say given they are 40+ years apart in age. For a summer read, this is fine, but I also think I would’ve enjoyed this if the characters were more fleshed and the drama/conflict was better explored.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

"The Summer of Yes" by Courtney Walsh stands out as my top read so far this year, despite a roster of fantastic books. While women's fiction isn't typically my genre of choice, Courtney Walsh's previous rom-coms persuaded me to give this one a try.

I expect this novel will have an enduring impact on my life, prompting introspection about everyday decisions and the importance of saying "yes" to spending quality time with loved ones. Walsh masterfully weaves a story that is both relatable and transformative, encouraging readers to embrace life's opportunities with open hearts.

I highly recommend "The Summer of Yes." Courtney Walsh has a remarkable ability to touch hearts, and this book is a testament to her talent. Let her story resonate with you as deeply as it did with me.

Was this review helpful?

A summery, predictable little rom-com. At times a little too cheesey for me, but overall I enjoyed this one. Alight read that also emphasizes the important things in life and not taking each day for granted.

Was this review helpful?

Ugh, Courtney did it again…wrote a book that I felt so connected to and absolutely loved!  And this was the first time I read a book where I shared a name with the main character, so that added even more love to this one from me!

Kelsey is an assistant editor whose life is disrupted when she is hit by a car while on her way to work.  When she wakes up in the hospital, she finds that her roommate is none other than the legendary businesswoman Georgina Tate.  But she soon notices that while Georgina is the very definition of success, she seems to be all alone.  Kelsey begins to wonder if Georgina has any regrets and if she is looking at her future self if she continues on the workaholic path she is currently on.  Or can she find a way to use this ‘Disruptor’ to make some major life changes…and so begins her ‘Summer of Yes’.

Again, I loved this story!  I loved that Kelsey challenged herself to be bold, face her fears, and take some risks.  I loved that Georgina spoke her mind and didn’t hold back.  I love that their chance meeting changes both of their lives for the better and I loved the unique relationship they built along the way…they dynamic between these two was fantastic as it was full of sarcastic banter and also tender moments.  Along with their friendship, I fell in love with their journey and their healing.  I appreciated the messages of forgiveness and hope “Hope is never a bad thing”, stepping outside of our comfort zone and finding joy in saying yes to things you may not have before “Be fearless, the world needs your voice”, second chances “We all need someone to believe in us”, and finding what truly matters in our lives “After all, it’s the little moments that make a life”.

A huge thank you to Courtney Walsh, Thomas Nelson publishing, and NetGalley for gifting me this e-arc for my hones review.

Out July 2nd, please pick up your own copy of this wonderful story so you can enjoy it as much as I did too!

Was this review helpful?

ive been wanting to read something by Courtney for quite and while and this was officially my very first read! it definitely did not disappoint and I want to read so many more by her 😊💞

Georgina was such an admirable character because she was just so quirky (very relatable from this quirky nerd over here🫶🏻)! And I loved both her and Kelsey throughout the story. I also loved that this had a romantic element with Hayden 🥰 I can’t say enough how deeply I appreciate our closed-door authors who are so extremely talented in bringing in ALL of the swoon without the explicitness. 🥹

I really enjoyed this and felt it was such a genuinely authentic story. between that and the character development & dynamics, there is absolutely no way this could be anything less than a 5 star read!! definitely recommend 🥹

Was this review helpful?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the first book I’ve read by Courtney Walsh but I’m so excited to read more!

Kelsey gets into an accident and ends up sharing a hospital room with Georgia, a high societal business woman. Kelsey & Georgia are alike in many ways, but mostly because work is their number one priority. They blow off family & friends to climb the professional ladder at their jobs.

After her accident, Kelsey realizes she needs to make a change, and encourages Georgia to do the same. She tells Georgia to join her on the ‘summer of yes;’ challenging them both to go way outside their comfort zone.

When Kelsey & Georgia take a road trip, Kelsey meets Georgia’s son, who happens to be quite charming, and even more handsome.

I thought this book was a little slow to start, but overall it was a great book! Thanks to NetGalley & the Publisher for the ARC! #booksbyashleynicole

Was this review helpful?

Yet again, Courtney Walsh never disappoints! I was grateful to receive this advance copy in exchange for an honest review, and honestly: I fell in love!

Georgina might be my favorite of Courtney’s main characters to date. She’s sassy, spunky, a little acerbic, and hiding big feelings behind that tough facade. Being paired up with earnest, determined, optimistic Kelsey in the hospital turned out to be a game-changing moment for them both.

Our story bounced back and forth between Kelsey and Georgina, and I found both voices enjoyable. Courtney develops perfect rom-coms with characters you root for, all the heart, and plots that move steadily to a happy ending. I love rom-coms for a reason, and Courtney is at the top of this game. She creates happy spaces - but with depth and grit- that make reading fun. And isn’t that what it’s all about?

Also: Hayden. Swoon.

This book is about chasing your dreams, finding yourself, and taking chances. And I loved every moment of it.

Thank you to Courtney Walsh for another fantastic and unforgettable story with heroines to root for and leading men to swoon over. Thank you for closed-door, non-steamy (but still plenty romantic!) love stories. Thank you for not focusing on the ugly in life, but the happy. Those of us who read for escapism really love you the most.

And, in a truly ironic twist, I might like Georgina a bit more because I have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and although I’m not in kidney failure, it’s rare to find a story about someone who is. This hit a little closer to home - in a good way!

This one drops July 2; if you love rom-coms, you definitely need to preorder this one now!

Was this review helpful?

What a wonderful read! I was intrigued by the title as so many things came to mind. I was wrong but in a good way.

We meet Kelsey, who is a workaholic, and something happens to her (no spoiler!) In her recovery, she meets a very famous businesswoman, who is a hyper workaholic for lack of better word. She, Georgina, is facing a serious life crisis and Kelsey is drawn to her even though Georgina pushes her away.

From this, Kelsey decides to live, experience life, and drags Georgina into it whether she likes it or not.

Parts are funny, wise, and also very touching. They have an adventure it will be hard to forget. Parts are romance, but it's more about forgiveness, love, and living your best life.

Was this review helpful?

Loved reading the highly recommended and wonderfully written story. While Kelsey is in the hospital, she shares a room with the famous woman, Georgina Tate, who started her own cosmetics company. Kelsey realizes she hasn't done anything but work, so she begins her journey to say yes to the summer of yes and feels the need to help Georgina into a summer of yes. Read the must read riveting story full of captivating characters and an engaging storyline.

Was this review helpful?

Rating: I really liked it!

This was my first book by Courtney Walsh and it did not disappoint! It was the perfect Summer read!

I adore books that have generational relationships! This book showcased character growth, forgiveness, bravery, selflessness, and more!

Honestly, it’s one of those books you need to read when you need faith in the world and yourself again! I read this at the perfect time in my life, and loved it!

Thank you Net Galley, Thomas Nelson, and Courtney Walsh for the ebook in return for my honest review!

Was this review helpful?

Loved this - it is like "Yes Day" but for romance readers. Let me first say that I have read every book Courtney Walsh has ever written, and I will continue to do so. Forever. She is my go-to for a great romance that tugs the heart strings, but I believe this one might be her best yet! What a wonderful story! An excellent romance by one of the top Christian contemporary authors, but I think anyone regardless of religion would enjoy the sweetness and the simplicity of this well-plotted love story that really is more than just a romance - its about loving yourself, throwing hear and caution to the wind, and living the life you were given like there is no tomorrow. What a wonderful reminder to enjoy each and every day!. I can't wait to own this novel in print.

Was this review helpful?

The "Summer of Yes" title just gives off a vibe of saying "Yes" to reading it. The beginning of this story starts with an accident, which turns into a unlikely meet up of two women, one that is not sure where she wants or needs to be and another who knows where she deserves to be, but with lots of pent up angst and regrets.

Kelsey & Georgina find a commonality, albeit at first they fight it. They wind up together intertwined beginning with a series of answering "Yes" to questions they normally say "No" to, not knowing how much it will change the trajectory of both of their lives.

This book made me literally laugh out loud (few books do that honestly). Most might provoke a smile from a sentence or two but it was just funny especially the analogies! And there was once I literally teared up.

This is a fun, witty, feel good story with real life situations and problems written within all the sunshine parts. As I read this, I couldn't help but think a little (or maybe a lot) of the author was shining through with her own thoughts and feelings, which to me is authentic in it's rarest form and refreshingly fantastic. The writing is a lot of "Yes! Exactly! I've felt that before, but didn't know how to put into words."
A feel good (yep said it again), pull at your heart strings, but oh so fulfilling summer read you need to add to your TBR.

Was this review helpful?