This is now the second book I have read from Courtney Walsh and I am absolutely obsessed with her writing. The banter that she can write between her characters is top notch! At first with this book when I got the POV of Georgina I was a little thrown off and up to 30-35% I was very confused on where this book was going to go. THEN once I got to the part where they go on the trip to North Carolina that is where this book started really picking up for me. I absolutely loved the second chance aspect with Georgina and Dylan. Dylan is the epitome of the perfect book husband. The fact that he stuck around all those years, "Welcome home, Georgie", ahhhhhhh makes me want to cry just thinking about it again.

By the end the relationship between Kelsey and Georgina was so beautiful. I love that Kelsey never gave up on her and was determined to help change Georgina. When Georgina went to Kelsey's job at the end and stood up for her was so empowering and I love that she did that for her.

This book displays so many life messages about how you should never be scared to chase your dreams, to always forgive and love unconditionally. There were multiple moments that I started to tear up because the words were so beautifully written and the writing really moved me.

Favorite Quotes:
"It means filling your life with the people you love doing the things that make you feel the most alive."
"Don't wait to love the people you love. We aren't guaranteed a second chance-we're only lucky enough to seize one when it comes."
"Be fearless... The world needs your voice."

The Summer of Yes is a wholesome read by Courtney Walsh. It is refreshing to see a young and older woman female friendship pairing. In this regard, part of the book had some modern Thelma and Louise vibes meets a Devil Wears Prada dynamic (except Georgina is certainly not as icy as Miranda Priestly). Walsh balances the seriousness of medical scenarios with the small-town romance perfectly. Sometimes changing points of view often can make a read feel more tedious or confusing, but the alternating character perspectives were wonderful for this story. I will be recommending it to the Swoonworthy Magazine audience.

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

I think this is a classic case of a perfectly fine book that’s just not for me. The Summer of Yes is really introspective pretty quickly, but I suppose it has to be for Kelsey to feel inspired to actually embark on the summer of yes. The ideas ended up feeling repetitive, though, and it took a while for things to actually kick off. I enjoyed picturing Georgina as Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada and Ravi as Ravi from iZombie. Overall I like the concept but I may have read too many similar books for this to resonate with me. Don’t let this deter you from reading it. The writing was nice and I think a lot of people will really love it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I absolutely adored this book and finished it in one sitting. It is a heartwarming story about embracing new experiences, being brave when you don’t feel it, taking risks, forgiveness, friendship and mending relationships. Kelsey and Georgina, our two main characters, embark on a journey of self discovery and adventure through a dual POV that captivates you. In fact, this book made me think about my own life and the “no’s” that I say that could be “yes’s.” I highly recommend this inspiring and uplifting book and will now read other books by this author.

Perfect summer read! A book about a workaholic experiencing a near death experience and using that to go on a "Summer of Yes" adventure which leads to reconciliations, learning to love life, and taking more risk when it comes to relationships. Between the banter, and the emotional conversations, Walsh really pulls on heart strings of readers!

Say YES to this one!
I love when a book is both uplifting and funny! Reading should feel good in your soul & that's what Courtney Walsh brings. Her vibe in this book is inspirational, yet light & fun. For me, the characters were wonderful & I especially loved the interactions between Kelsey & Georgina. They drove each other crazy, but ultimately pushed each other out of comfort zones & towards positive changes. The romance was very sweet, as were the family bonds that were so beautifully rekindled after much heartbreak. The writing is clean, witty and creative! Many laugh out loud moments for me as I read. Bravo to Walsh on another wonderful novel!

Prepare to be captivated by the irresistible charm of "The Summer of Yes" by Courtney Walsh. From the moment I cracked open its pages, I was swept away by the allure of the characters and the enchanting storyline.

Walsh has crafted a cast of characters that leap off the page, each one unique and unforgettable. From the determined and relatable Kelsey to the endearing supporting cast, I found myself deeply invested in their journeys, rooting for them every step of the way.

What truly sets this novel apart is its ability to keep readers hooked from start to finish. I found myself unable to set the book down, compelled to uncover the twists and turns of the plot as they unfolded. Kelsey's transformative journey, sparked by a single idea, resonated with me on a profound level, reminding me of the power we each hold to change not only our own lives but the lives of those around us.

In "The Summer of Yes," Courtney Walsh weaves a tale of hope, growth, and the transformative power of saying yes to life's possibilities. This heartwarming story is sure to linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the final page.

Kelsey is a busy New Yorker with plans to rise thru the ranks to Editor. As she leaves a coffee shop one day, she is hit by a car and ends up in the hospital. The near death experience causes Kelsey to examine her "life": struggling to be heard at work, a non-existent social life and an apartment with blank walls and cardboard furniture.

Geraldine is standing by the difficult choices she made to focus on her business dreams while setting aside a life with her husband and son. Her goals reached, health issues are now stopping Geraldine in her tracks.

Kelsey and Geraldine end up roommates in the hospital. As Kelsey realizes that she needs some significant changes in her life, she sees that Geraldine has similar needs. Kelsey hatches a plan for a summer of YES in which she and Geraldine will seek connections, heal past wounds and discover love.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

This isn’t normally the kind of book I go for but YES! I LOVED IT.

it’s such a feel good story, it makes you think about your life and if you’re living it the best way you should. Full of cute, funny, eye opening moments, I found myself smiling and teary eyed while reading. I especially enjoyed the little romance in there!

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for a digital ARC copy.

I love Courtney Walsh. She is an autobuy/download author for me. When I saw this book I jumped on it. Unfortunately that is where the happiness ends. I feel this was a total deviation from the normal books she writes. I understand the premise of the book was supposed to be thoughtful and inspiring, but that's not what I read Courtney Walsh for. I'm going to hope this was a one off and I enjoy the next book!

Just say YES...to this heartwarming story of courage, growth, and second chances in this captivating read! It has the perfect blend of humor, heart, and relatable moments. 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕣 𝕠𝕗 𝕐𝕖𝕤 left me feeling uplifted and empowered. I absolutely loved it.

𝑫𝑬𝑺𝑪𝑹𝑰𝑷𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵
Kelsey’s and Georgina’s lives collide in an unusual way. Despite their contrasting, strong-willed personalities, they embark on a journey of self-discovery as they grapple with their pasts. Through dual POV you’ll witness Kelsey’s and Georgina’s personal transformations as they navigate through life’s challenges and learn valuable lessons along the way about love, family, forgiveness, friendship, and the power of saying YES (and no 😊). You’ll discover the magic of stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing the unknown, and facing your fears head-on.

𝑺𝑼𝑴𝑴𝑨𝑹𝒀
This is a beautifully crafted novel that will capture your imagination and tug at your heartstrings. I cried in several places, so tissue was necessary! But the book left me with a renewed sense of hope and possibility. If you liked The Devil Wears Prada, you’ll love this book.

𝑪𝑶𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑵𝑻
🛁 Squeaky clean read
💋 𝗦𝗲𝘅 & 𝗡𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘆 - Closed door
🤬 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 - None
🥊 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 - None

Thank you, NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Publishers, and @courtneywalsh for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

👉🏻 𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

This book is evidence as to at the time of an event that would be classified as a disruptor actually turns your life in a positive direction as to one can realize what true happiness and love looks like. Before this event happened to Kelsey, she lived in a sterile colorless world contrary to the vibrancy of New York City as all she did was go back and forth from her office to her apartment. Even the table in her apartment was an unopened box. Then the event happened and Georgina came into her life. Most importantly, she realized that it was time to say yes when her impulse was to say no. She let fear and the need to be liked supersede what made her happy. This turn of events made her hope for a change. Therefore, her and Georgina embarked on this adventure even though Georgina fought her with every step. There was no stopping the power of saying yes. Because of that, Kelsey found love with Hayden and Georgina rekindled hers with Dylan. A truly heartwarming and inspiring book as to what can occur when you hope for something you deserve.

I picked this book up for two reasons: 1. The premise seemed something right up my alley—two headstrong female leads who are kind of work obsessed? Sign me up. 2. The lead character was named Kelsey. I don’t see my name in most books (it’s a strange one), so I knew I had to read it.

This was really heartwarming and touching, and I liked the idea of getting two perspectives in one book—specifically from two women who were at very different points in their lives. It’s a real eye opener, especially if you’re in your twenties and fixated on getting ahead, career-wise. This really seemed like the kind of book that would suck me up.

While touching, I felt like a lot of the book was too good to be true? I love happy endings as much as the next gal, but there is a way to integrate them naturally so that it feels like it’s the only plausible ending. I think the resolution here was just too rushed, too sudden—like a complete 180 of some kind that just felt kind of unbelievable. It’s also very much insta-love, and while I’m a complete sucker for books with characters that fall in love in one fell swoop, even I was taken aback by how sudden it was. I’m a little conflicted here, because this book had so much promise. It had the makings of the kind of women’s romance that I knew I could get swept in. Unfortunately, the writing did kind of throw me off (Georgina, the elder character’s perspective just seemed a tad too shifty, in a way. It was both easy and difficult to get a read on her, mostly because I felt like she couldn’t exactly make up her mind). I think this book is the kind that would function really well as a movie, but sadly, it didn’t read too well for me.

I LOVE THIS BOOK!

It's a cute, endearing heartwarming, 'coming-of-the-age' tale about two women in different stages of life discovering romance, careers, and priorities.

I loved every character. Kelsey and Georgina are amazing. Hayden and Dylan are so cute. Ravi, Sasha, JP, and Kelsey's mom are great supporting characters. I like how they're all explored just enough to make you love them.

The romance is on point. The background stories and settings are perfect. The writing is captivating and sets a nice pace.

I have no complaints about this book.

If you're looking for a light, short summer read, say yes to this book.

Recommended to anyone who wants a Hallmark-worthy moviesque rom-com book.

Please tell me there's going to be another sequel.

Here's to saying yes!

I loved this book and the whole idea of it reminded me of the move 'the bucket list'. Just like that movie it moved me, made me laugh and i loved it.

I love how the story follows not just Kelsey but also Georgina in her journey of saying yes to things for a summer. This way you get two storylines that are connected seamlessly. I thought the book dealt perfectly with some heavy themes people experience in day to day life and i think the author portrayed that struggle really well.

I think there is also a message to learn from this book: say yes more often! Life is too short to be missing out on vacations or dinner with friends bc you are working. At the end of the day it's the friends and family you make along the way that will be there for you

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Wow. Every now and then a book comes along that is so delicious and fulfilling that it is tantamount to chocolate ice cream or perhaps prime rib, or better yet, chocolate ice cream and prime rib. Everything about this Courtney Walsh novel inspired, convicted, and enthralled me.

“Was it worth it?” asks thirty-something Kelsey who has just escaped a near-death experience. She asks the question of Georgina – the richest, most successful – and dying woman in the country. Georgina is powerful, cruel, and unhappy and is forced into sharing a hospital room with Kelsey. Kelsey is driven and solely focused on success and because of her accident has acquired a sense of boldness.

So, “Was it worth it?” becomes the question to be answered. Is success more important than love, friendship, and family? Kelsey wants to know before she spends the rest of her existence saying no to fun, relationships, and long-buried dreams. Searching for the answer, Kelsey gets Georgina to reluctantly try to experience life differently.

This book deeply affected me in many good ways. I am closer to Georgina’s age, I chased after fame and fortune for a long time in my life. And made lots of mistakes while doing so. Many of us probably have similar stories. And my younger friends in the midst of trying to forge perfect lives, are staggering under the weight of expectations from their families, the culture, and the world. It is a lot to shoulder when you are twenty, or thirty or forty. And looking back in time – I find myself thinking, did I try hard enough, or did I settle? Did I let fear keep me from what I really wanted? What would have happened if I had made different choices? These are big questions and Ms. Walsh deftly, gently, and sometimes crushingly takes her characters, whom we have grown to love and identify with, through them all.

The Summer of Yes could be a life-altering read for someone at nearly any stage of life. Did I mention that there was plenty of lovely romance woven throughout? That is the sumptuous dessert for this delicious feast. It will be a meal you will want to savor, and certainly one you won’t forget.
.
I received an advance, complimentary copy of this book and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

Courtney Walsh’s “The Summer of Yes” is a delightful journey of self-discovery, friendship, and embracing the unexpected twists life throws our way. Set against the backdrop of New York City, this novel weaves together the stories of two women from different walks of life who find themselves on a transformative summer adventure.

Kelsey Worthington, a dreamer and aspiring writer, and Georgina Tate, a confident and outspoken businesswoman, form an unlikely bond after a chance encounter in a hospital room. As they navigate Georgina’s health struggles and confront their own regrets, they embark on a journey of saying yes to new experiences and opportunities.

One of the most captivating aspects of the novel is the dynamic between Kelsey and Georgina. Their contrasting personalities create a perfect balance, and their evolving friendship is heartwarming to witness. Walsh’s skillful characterization breathes life into these women, making them relatable and endearing to readers.

The theme of seizing the moment and taking risks is beautifully woven throughout the narrative. As Kelsey and Georgina step out of their comfort zones, readers are inspired to reflect on their own lives and consider what they might gain by embracing new challenges.

Walsh’s prose is engaging and immersive, transporting readers to the bustling streets of New York City and the tranquil shores of the ocean. The vivid descriptions and vivid settings enhance the reading experience, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the story.

While “The Summer of Yes” is primarily a feel-good story, it also tackles deeper themes of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the importance of living life to the fullest. Through Kelsey and Georgina’s journey, readers are reminded of the power of resilience and the beauty of second chances.

Overall, “The Summer of Yes” is a charming and uplifting novel that will leave readers feeling inspired and hopeful. With its memorable characters, engaging storyline, and poignant message, it’s a perfect read for anyone in search of a heartwarming tale of friendship and self-discovery.

“𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙖 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙆𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚𝙮. 𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜.”

After a near death experience, Kelsey has a bit of a life awakening and realizes that she has missed out on a lot because of always putting work first. She ends up sharing a hospital room with Georgina, a famous businesswoman who is dealing with medical issues of her own. After much convincing on Kelsey’s part, the two women embark on a “summer of yes” together.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱:

•Georgina & Kelsey are a perfect example of a grumpy/sunshine friendship & their journey from strangers to friends was done so well!
•The banter between Kelsey & Georgina’s assistant was hilarious.
•The absolute mic drop moment of Georgina standing up for Kelsey with her boss
•Georgina’s arc!! It was beautiful & heartbreaking & I wanted to shake her senseless at times but her final speech in the end was amazing.
•The overall message & theme of the “summer of yes” was so inspiring!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗵:

While I did love both characters, I felt like both Hayden and Dylan came off a bit unrealistic with how forgiving they were. That being said, those two were pure cinny rolls.

•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-

This is a heartwarming story about forgiveness and grace and embracing life to the fullest. Another great book by a go to author for me!🙌🏻

Thank you Courtney Walsh, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgally for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Loved this uplifting book about the friendship of females that crosses generational divides. It encourages living life to the fullest, taking risks, and the sweet romance woven within its pages is a wonderful addition. Yes, yes, YES!

The Summer of Yes, by Courtney Walsh, was a sweet, clean romance full of wit and humor. Kelsey schemes a way to reunite Georgina with her family and finds romance along the way. In return, Georgina pushes Kelsey to find what “sets her on fire.” This was a great beach read, in which serious topics are covered in a way that is inspiring, rather than depressing, with a happy ever after for all.

This was the first book by Courtney Walsh I’ve read, and I look forward to reading more.

I rated the Summer of Yes 4/5 stars, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys supportive women’s fiction with a side of romance (without the smut).

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Netgalley, Courtney Walsh, and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.