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.

When Kelsey is hit by a car and lands in the hospital for several days, it massively derails her organized life. And she really wasn’t looking for a hospital roommate: Georgina, an uber-successful businesswoman on kidney dialysis and trying to run her company from her bed. But the time in the hospital and dealing with her testy, private roommate open Kelsey’s eyes to what she has been missing in her life, and she wonders what both of their lives would be like if they said yes to the things they have been saying no to. As Kelsey sets out to change her life, she is determined to take Georgina with her.

I really like Courtney Walsh’s books–they are consistently sweet, closed-door romances bursting with all the good feelings. But The Summer of Yes is probably my favorite yet. Gerogina was hard for me to like at first, but I was in love all the way through with her husband Dylan and son Hayden, and Kelsey was cute, quirky, and adorable. I loved the premise, with the freedom of summer stretching out on the pages and the big questions of all the possibilities a life can contain, and all the hope that it’s never too late to try again. This book was a sheer delight from start to finish.

If you like feel-good romance, fun characters, and stories just full of love and grace, this is a book you’re definitely going to want to pick up this in July. Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the advance copy.

This wasn’t how Kelsey Worthington’s day was supposed to go. She wasn’t supposed to be picking up Starbucks for her smarmy boss. She wasn’t supposed to get hit by a car that jumped the curb. And she certainly wasn’t supposed to wake up in a hospital room next to Georgina Tate—the legendary matriarch of New York City businesswomen.

Kelsey and Georgina couldn’t be more opposite. Kelsey’s a dreamer, a writer who questions her own skill. And Georgina is a confident businesswoman whose years of shouldering her way into boardrooms and making her voice heard have made her far too outspoken for the faint of heart. But now, when Georgina’s failing kidneys force her to face some big regrets about the way she’s lived her life, the two women recognize they share a common thread. Maybe it’s time to confront a few things. They must ask themselves: What if I said yes to everything I’ve always said no to?

With Georgina as her companion, Kelsey soon finds herself doing things she’s never done before. Eating street food. Swimming in the ocean. Matchmaking for Georgina with the help of Georgina’s handsome son. And writing her own romance—both in book form and in real life.

Alternately hilarious, uplifting, and an utterly real look at the meaning of life, this was a complete gem. Highly recommend this to anyone who needs some love and uplifting! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

The Summer of Yes is a very light, hopeful exploration of what it means to say yes to life instead of no. Main character Kelsey Worthington wakes up in the hospital after surviving an accident where a car jumped the curb. She shares a hospital room with none other than Georgina Tate, a confident businesswoman Kelsey’s always admired. Kelsey’s second chance at life forces her reevaluate the way she’s been living — always hiding, constantly saying no. And she manages to take Georgina along for the ride.

This book is simple and lighthearted. It’s sometimes very funny. Author Courtney Walsh makes witty cultural references and still manages to dive deep into Kelsey and Georgina’s inner worlds. The book reads slowly at times and requires some suspension of disbelief. Kelsey sometimes oversteps boundaries in a way that is off-putting. Still, it’s a cute summer read that anyone looking for a little escape will enjoy.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh. I felt like it was a self-help book for myself about embracing life and saying yes to things that I normally wouldn't say yes to. Things that bring me fear or make me say "But what if..."

A quote that stuck with me was "I've dared to hope for things I want, rejecting the worst-case scenario-- that dreaded voice of doom that accompanies every exciting thing. I haven't mastered it, but I'm learning ." I am a wort-case scenario person and I feel like I related so much to this book.

Things I liked about this book:
- The connection between the main characters and how their lives intertwined and how they helped each other in different ways.

- The concept of saying yes to things you normally wouldn't and flipping the script on the what-if's. Instead of "what if ____ happens" it's now "What if it's amazing? What if it's fun and exciting and inspiring?" Being a what-if worst case scenario person I loved the flip and putting a positive spin on the "what if..." question.

- The various relationships between the characters.

- The dual POV between Kelsey and Georgina. They were so different and it was important to understand both and hear from both of them.

This is my 3rd book by Courtney Walsh and they are just clean, feel good books that make me smile.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh is an amazing mixture of women's fiction with a little tease of romance in it. A story about to strangers who end up impacting eachothers lives in the best way possible. The Summer of Yes is the perfect beach read for the upcoming vacation season, it's very well written and it just plays out like a movie in your head.

So I am a Fallen series middle school fangirl so I really enjoyed reading a more adult Lauren Kate novel as an adult now myself. I loved her writing and thought this story was pretty great and funny and overall I liked the idea of this book and the butterfly-affect aspects. How can one event change the course of your life storyline always interests me...BUT....there were a lot of things that didn't get explained and it left me confused. What happened during the wedding ceremony triggered the realm switching? The switch happened so suddenly and I was pretty in the blue for a bit trying to follow along. What powers did Yogi/Rabbi Dan have to trigger this? I didn't understand why her mom, in the alternative life, would cut off her daughter for getting a loan and following her dreams..? I needed a little more with that relationship.

Overall this was a cute romcom that gives “13 Going on 30” vibes. I do wish we would have gotten a glimpse into their happily ever after. like in an epilogue.

"I thought this was really well written and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I think it will find readers at our library, so we will definitely be purchasing for the collection.

Loved this book! I keep finding that I’ve been thinking about it off and on throughout the week. It’s one that will stick with me for a very long time. It’s thought provoking and sweet.

This was my second book by Courtney Walsh and I absolutely loved it! The characters and the settings were all so lovable. Even Georgina who could be prickly at times. What a sweet and fun story where I felt like I was right there with them. It’s even inspired me to try and say yes to more things this year. This was a cute, clean, fun read with some romance sprinkled in. I truly can’t recommend Courtney’s books enough! Thanks to NetGalley, Courtney Walsh, and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me with this ARC. It was a joy and delight to spend time with Kelsey, Georgina, Hayden, and Dylan!