What a delightful read - just in time for summer! I appreciated that this book had some depth while still remaining fun and breezy - definitely lots to contemplate in terms of relationships and how we spend our time. I loved Georgina's character and how her relationships developed throughout the story. I also really loved the romances for both women that added to the story but weren't necessarily the main focus. Highly recommend this one!

"The Summer of Yes" by Courtney Walsh invites readers on a transformative journey where the unexpected collision of two vastly different lives sparks a season of rediscovery and newfound courage.

Kelsey Worthington's ordinary day takes a dramatic turn when she finds herself in a hospital room next to the formidable Georgina Tate, a titan of New York City's business world. Their initial differences are striking—Kelsey, a hesitant dreamer grappling with self-doubt, and Georgina, a bold and assertive businesswoman unafraid to seize opportunities. However, as they confront shared regrets and contemplate the power of saying yes, a remarkable bond forms between them.

As Georgina faces health challenges, both women embark on an adventure of self-discovery, challenging themselves to embrace new experiences and confront long-standing fears. Guided by the mantra of saying yes to life's possibilities, Kelsey finds herself venturing into uncharted territory—indulging in street food, plunging into the ocean's depths, and even playing matchmaker for Georgina with her charming son.

"The Summer of Yes" beautifully captures the essence of seizing the moment and embracing the unexpected twists of fate. With Georgina as her spirited companion, Kelsey not only explores new horizons but also discovers the courage to pursue her own romantic aspirations, both on the pages of her writing and in reality.

Courtney Walsh skillfully weaves a tale brimming with heart, humor, and the profound significance of stepping outside one's comfort zone. Through Kelsey and Georgina's journey, readers are reminded of the transformative power of saying yes to life's adventures and embracing the joy of living fully.

"The Summer of Yes" is an enchanting and uplifting read that celebrates the magic of second chances, the beauty of unexpected friendships, and the limitless possibilities that unfold when we dare to embrace life with an open heart.

This book was an absolute delight! It was the perfect easy romance and hit all the right notes. It will leave you ready to say Yes to everything that scares you!

This story starts out focused on two woman - Kelsey, a young woman stuck in her career finds her life disrupted by an accident that lands her right in the path of the successful stubborn power house Georgina Tate. What ensues is an adventure of saying “yes”, taking risks, finding your happy and falling in love (or in love again).

The start of this book gives me Devil Wears Prada Vibes, Georgina is fantastic as a character. Kelsey took a LONG time to grow on me, I hate what she does at the beginning, and she comes across as immature for a 30 something. My biggest complaint is that I wish we got to Hayden faster, not 50% or so in. The front half feels slow and the back half rushed because of this.

It sits around a 3.5⭐️ for me but it gets the round up. It’s a great romance for those who don’t want a lot of third act miscommunication or prefer closed door romance. I would 100% read more by Courtney and recommend this to scratch that simple romance itch!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

This book was a lot of fun. It was uplifting and had a great message, while also having good banter and some romance in the mix. I loved that it was about two women in different stages of life that become friends and learn from each other how to have a life worth living. It was an easy read that came together nicely at the end. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

This was a great book about the redemptive power of love, and about forgiveness. The book begins with the two female main characters in the hospital, and I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. But once the two male characters are introduced, it’s swoon city! I loved these two couples. Particularly, I love how the men cared for the women they loved. Just beautiful.

Wow! Courtney Walsh knocked it out of the park with this one! 😍 As a first-time reader of her work, I was completely hooked from start to finish. The characters felt like old friends, and I found myself reaching for the tissues by the end. The character development was top-notch, and the themes of grace, family, and forgiveness were beautifully woven throughout. This book inspired me to embrace life and say YES to new adventures! Don't hesitate—say YES to this book.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Courtney Walsh has done it again with her likeable characters, witty yet fun stories. I absolutely loved this book the most. Right in time for the summer and this title, Summer of Yes will be this years hit beachy read for 2024! This author just knows how to grab the reader by their heartstrings. Clean, Romantic sarcastic fun, no spice but everything else that is nice!!

I have been following Courtney on Instagram and was excited to get a copy of her book! This is my first book written by Courtney's and I appreciated that her writing does not have alot of triggers and spice. I think sometimes its just a refreshing change. This story was so wonderful, it is about an overworked underappreciated book editor. Kelsey wakes up in a hospital with a fragmented memory of what occurred to get her in there. I wont get into spoilers but the characters felt really authentic and it was easy to connect with them.

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

I can relate to this in so many ways. I love this book so much. I have loved everything Courtney Walsh has written. It’s always happy and sweet and keeps a smile on my face.
I had to change how I responded to everything once I realized how much I was saying no to all the things . Although for me, it wasn’t to further a career, it was anxieties and fears trying to take hold. So now, if my automatic first response is “no”, I’ll say “yes” because I don’t want my kids to miss out on stuff just because something new makes me nervous. Best decision I have ever made.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction | Thomas Nelson. ~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~

3.5 stars rounded up!

Kelsey awakens to find herself in the hospital after being hit by a car while on the sidewalk. She barely has a scratch. Soon after, she gets a hospital roommate and it’s none other than Georgina Tate, an older, very famous and successful business woman whom Kelsey admires. Georgina has sacrificed everything in her life for her success and Kelsey has one question, was it worth it?

What follows is Kelsey’s summer of saying yes to the things she’s forsaken in hopes of furthering her career in publishing.

The Summer of Yes is a feel-good, heart-warming, funny and introspective story of what happens when you let go of obligation, of complacency and of self-doubt, not to mention of being consumed by what others think of you. How could saying yes to all of the things you’ve denied yourself in the past change your life? Are you brave enough to step outside of your comfort zone?

I really enjoyed this story. I could relate to both of the main characters and with the situations in which they found themselves. I adored the banter between Kelsey and Georgina and found it to be humorous and believable. I just wish more of the book contained that type of writing. For me, there was too much repetitive contemplation. So much so, that I began scanning those parts of the story wanting to get to the good parts. I feel like the story could have been condensed and the point have been made just as clearly.

Wow! This book was incredible. This was my first book by Courtney Walsh and I will be digging into more.

I fell in love with the two main characters, Georgina and Kelsey. I loved their bond and Kelsey’s meddling into Georgina’s business. I read this book quickly because I became instantly attached to the characters and their storyline.

The beachside setting of part of the book was perfect for a summer read and a great addition to this book about family.

I can’t wait to read more titles by this author!!!

5 Stars – The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh is a thought-provoking novel. FMC Kelsey Worthington was leaving Starbucks one day in NYC and a car jumped the curb sending her to the hospital. Her hospital roommate is Ms. Georgina Tate (she reminded me of the Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada). Georgina is facing kidney failure and voices her thoughts about some lifetime regrets that get Kelsey thinking she may not want to be solely focused on her career after all. Kelsey and Georgina both have spent a lot of time saying “No, too busy at work” in response to many opportunities in life. So, Kelsey convinces Georgina to spend a summer saying “Yes.”

This is such a good story! The characters are well fleshed out and, while there is romance and banter, it isn’t the only focus of the book. The story has a reader reassessing relationships, work/career, and personal growth. It’s an uplifting story and you will run through a variety of emotions as the story progresses.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Courtney Walsh for the ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was such a charming story! I loved the relationship between Kelsey and Georgina, and how they both help the other grow and evolve. The storyline kept me intrigued, wanting to know what would happen next and would it all work out. This was a perfect beach/Summer read!

Another good story by this author. I always enjoy how she weaves her characters together. I can always trust she will write a clean and interesting story. Thanks for the advanced copy.

Book review: summer of yes by Courtney Walsh

I got the privilege to read this book as ARC from @netgalley and here’s some of my thoughts of it.
I don’t even know where to begin. I loved it so much! The story was great, telling two different stories in the same time, and how they are linked together.
Sweet, funny and happy story with grumpy and hard back tone.
It’s not all about the romance (even it’s romance book), but more beautiful story of personal growth. Which I can relate so much too.
And of course, my favorites places New York City and little sleepy beach town middle of nowhere!

Recommending 100% to everyone as summer read. 5/5

A summer of yes was different than what I expected, and I loved it! It felt like women’s fiction with some romance.

Kelsey has a near death experience and ends up sharing a hospital room with Georgina Tate, a very successful business woman. Georgina is less than warm, but that doesn’t deter Kelsey from trying to learn from Georgina, both is being successful and also what leads to regrets. I loved the combination of these two women and it was really fun watching them interact. Their interactions eventually lead to a road trip that changes their lives.

As Kelsey stops and re-evaluates her life and what she wants, usually by saying yes to experiences she would normally say no to, she grows and learns more about herself. Eventually saying yes, leads to saying no, as she figures out who she wants to be.

I loved the grumpy sunshine of these two main characters. I loved the love interests. Really sweet romance. 💕 I loved that this book made me think about my own life and those I love. What do I say yes to and give my time to? When do I hold back to protect myself?

Another wonderful thought provoking masterpiece by Courtney Walsh!

The Summer of Yes was a really cute story! It was about second chances, forgiveness, family, and friendship. There were some serious situations, sad moments, some romance, and a lot of humor. Most of all, this novel was about happiness - exploring what creates real happiness in life - and about chasing dreams. I absolutely loved the main characters, Kelsey and Georgina, and reading the story from their viewpoints. They both had a lot of personality and the character development throughout the story was fun to experience.

Thank you to #NetGalley for an eARC of #TheSummerofYes by #CourtneyWalsh in exchange for honest feedback. I thoroughly enjoyed this read! - 5 stars

Courtney Walsh has mastered the ability to tell a rich story with deep emotions with this one. She takes this concept of getting a second chance to live life the way you’ve always wanted to and weaves it into a beautiful story. This story focuses on Kelsey, a 30-something who gets hit by a car & realizes she wants to start saying yes to things in life instead of living in her comfort zone, and Georgina, an older 60-something who’s on dialysis because of her failing kidneys. She abandoned the husband & son she loved in the name of building her business. Kelsey & Georgina end up sharing a hospital room & go on an adventure over the summer to put their priorities in life in the right order. I loved the unlikely friendship these ladies formed. They push each other & learn so much from one another.

The story of Kelsey & Georgina is the primary focus of the story, but we do get a side of love in the book, too. Georgina’s husband (because they never officially divorced), Dylan, and her son, Hayden, both play a role in the lives of these women. They both fall (or fall again, in Georgina’s case) for the right men in the wrong place, and they must learn to apply the lesson they’ve been learning all summer — how to say yes to the right things.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It has a different feel than her other books, but the story-writing that we’ve come to love from Walsh is still solidly present. It’s a beautiful and meaningful summer read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Be sure to check this book out when it releases in July!

This was my first dive into this author's work, and now, I'm fully committed. I can hardly wait to delve into her other books if they're anything like this one. I completely adored Kelsey and Georgina, captivated by their narratives. I found myself cheering for both of them every step of the way.

The author's descriptive prose was incredibly immersive, deepening my connection to these wonderful characters. Their compelling stories made it difficult to put the book down; I was invested in their fates and eager to uncover the next twists. The narrative flowed smoothly, maintaining an engaging pace, while the plot held my interest with its intrigue. The romance was sweet and endearing, and I particularly valued that there is no language or spice (closed-door romance), which I appreciate.

The central concept of this narrative brought to mind the film "Yes Man," starring Jim Carrey and Zooey Deschanel, albeit with a refreshing twist featuring two female protagonists, one older and one younger. Their journey of a lifetime unfolds in a manner that is both highly entertaining and deeply moving, offering moments of hilarity, heartbreak, and profound uplift. Prepare to experience a rollercoaster of emotions as this book elicits laughter, tears, and moments of heartfelt connection. Embedded within its pages are numerous thought-provoking themes touching on the essence of life itself: navigating past trauma, embracing second chances, not giving up, it’s never too late, the power of forgiveness, the importance of family, and the enduring nature of love and grace. This book was so impactful that now I want to buy a physical copy to revisit its pages, annotate its wisdom, and relive its poignant moments time and again.

I've never connected with a character as much as I did with Kelsey. She resonated with me on so many levels, from her professional life to her personal quirks. She's just so relatable - bold, daring, quirky, ambitious, and absolutely adorable. I loved her!

Georgina's charm lies in her unique personality. She may come off as grumpy and cynical but beneath that tough exterior beats a tender heart. She yearns to connect with others, but her past has left her guarded. Striving to maintain a facade of strength as a business mogul, she grapples with the choices she's made, sacrificing personal fulfillment for career success. Now, she's wrestling with a tide of regrets.

The character development journey for both Kelsey and Georgina was absolutely incredible. Witnessing their growth and positive transformations was such a joy. Plus, the dynamic between them was pure gold, leading to some seriously hilarious moments. They're like the perfect duo—grumpy meets sunshine, and it works brilliantly.

Romance plays a delightful role in this tale, adding sweetness and entertainment. It was a treat getting to know both love interests and seeing them charm the women they adore. The blend of romance, comedy, and women's fiction created a captivating mix that kept me hooked.

Beyond just a narrative about a road trip between two women, this story embodies the essence of friendship, hope, and embracing life on your own terms. It beautifully illustrates the power of choice—whether to say "yes" or "no" to the people and experiences that shape our journey.
This story was truly beautiful, deeply moving, and left a lasting impression on my heart.

Prepare to reflect on your own life and relationships with loved ones after finishing this book. Highly, high recommend!! This is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year!!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This may be my favorite of Courtney Walsh’s books. It took a few chapters to get into the story, but I loved both of the main characters and their growth throughout the story, especially Georgina’s. Her story was heartbreaking but with such an uplifting ending. This was a really sweet read with a great message.