Wonderful romantic women's fiction filled with moments of self-discovery, learning to say "yes" to life, and realising the power of overcoming fear and shame.

I enjoyed being part of Kelsey and Georgina's journey as they experienced their Summer of Yes and tackled several difficult life situations. There were moments I cheered and times I wanted to whack Georgina into making better choices.

Fear is an enemy everyone has to deal with, so I found their "adventures" relatable and uncomfortable at times.

Loved Georgina's family, their "Jesus-level" of grace and forgiveness... reminds me of how blessed I am because of Him.

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

4.5 Stars

I adored this book! It was a heartfelt story about an inter-generational friendship, living life to the fullest and love.
Kelsey, a thirtysomething woman in a dead-end job, finds herself in the hospital room with Georgina, an older and successful business woman, as her roommate. Both have regrets and Kelsey convinces Georgina to hop on her “Summer of Yes” bandwagon where they attempt to change the trajectory of their futures.

I loved Georgina and Kelsey’s dynamic – Georgina is sarcastic and at times their banter was laugh out loud funny. It was fun following along their summer and seeing them truly have fun and live their lives. There were some emotional periods especially within Georgina’s storyline, but overall if was such a delightful read!

Kelsey Worthington, a junior editor content with her predictable life, faces a turning point after a brush with death puts her in the hospital for a brief stay. There, she meets Georgina Tate, a pioneering businesswoman with failing health who is now confronting her regrets. Inspired by Georgina's story, Kelsey creates "The Yes Plan," vowing to embrace opportunities she usually avoids. Together, they embark on a Summer of Yes, exploring new experiences and challenging their boundaries. Their journey leads to unexpected encounters with Georgina's past, sparking a transformative adventure that intertwines their lives and reshapes their views on love, forgiveness, and living fearlessly.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to finish & review the ARC prior to the pub date, but overall, this was an OK book - I enjoyed while reading, but it won't stay with me. It prompts you to reflect on the opportunities you come across in your own life, both good and bad. The romance felt a bit lackluster, so if you're reading for that, you might be disappointed.

*thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an eARC of this book in exchange for a review*

Courtney Walsh can do no wrong. This book was light and fun and packed full of meaningful moments that made my heart squeeze in the best way. I loved Kelsey from the start, even though I typically am not a fan of a workaholic FMC. Also, she is a certified meddler—which was tough at times—but very realistic for someone trying to avoid their own issues. And Georgina? What did we do to deserve this masterpiece of a character? Though all prickles on the outside, she was somehow completely irresistible. I wept for her. She is epic.

The Summer of Yes is so lovable—it celebrates friendships of all kinds; it highlights self-awareness and forgiveness as essential to a full life; it unpacks the hardships we carry as part of what shapes us, for better or worse. Was it predictable? Yes—in a way that felt both warm and familiar. But it’s not a run-of-the-mill sweet romance. Walsh took the question “what if,” ran with it, and then gave us this beautiful piece that centers on the meaning that life can have if we choose it.

Plus, the men in this story are the biggest cinnamon rolls. It’s sweet. It’s beautiful. It’s a yes from me.

So in love with this storyline and the two female leads. One who work and the other who is at the crossroads of making that same decision. So thankful that both are painted as good choices but that only path can bring you deep joy.

I almost DNF this book so many times. It just wasn’t a right fit for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

What would you do with a second chance at life?

✨ Book Review: THE SUMMER OF YES by Courtney Walsh ✨

🚙 Book Synopsis: After a freak accident puts Kelsey in the hospital and in the same room as a grand dame New York City businesswoman, Georgina Tate, Kelsey feels the need to reevaluate her isolated, career-driven life. And she’s decided that Ms. Tate is the perfect person to go along with a summer full of saying yes to the things that bring joy. When Georgina actually says yes to this scheme (with her own conditions), they’re off on the summer adventure of a lifetime.

🏁 My Take: Kelsey may be the heroine who starts the summer of yes and self discovery, but Georgina Tate is the character that makes this story sing. Her acerbic wit is a wonderful counterbalance to Kelsey’s overly sunny and optimistic viewpoint. Plus, Georgina’s lessons learned and relationships repaired were the real tearjerkers because she’s older and more stubbornly set in her ways. Ultimately, she has more to overcome.

Overall the story was solid. I loved the premise and it definitely made me smell the roses a bit more. Go into this for the life outlook makeover and/or the female relationships. I found the romance to be quite secondary.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

😘 Thanks to @ThomasNelson, @TNZFiction, and @NetGalley for an eARC and audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I adored this book and the relationship that forms between Kelsey and Georgina. It's a fun Thelma and Louise vibe that is clean and full of humor and self discovery. There are so many things that can go wrong in life and we don't always take the time to say yes and experience it. Life is risky, even when we are playing it safe.

This books is a dual point of view, which I love because it gives you a deeper connection and understanding of our ladies. This story is about their growth and living life, heartbreaks and trials. It is not a romance book, although there is a subplot there. It's about the connections of friends, no matter the age, that help us learn to live life to it's fullest. I loved the humor and back and forth banter in this book. It makes you relate to the characters and see the real side of their personalities.

This books also has a depth that I find refreshing, as it's not superficial or surface level friendship. These two are truly humans who seek something more and the connections they haven't had in life. Their growth and self discovery from their travels and experiences throughout the book is remarkable and moving. You don't want to miss this book!

I have read a couple of books by Courtney Walsh and I loved them, so when The Summer of Yes was available on NetGalley, I immediately requested it. I was delighted to learn I was approved! While the previous two I read by this author are romcoms (My Phony Valentine and My Lucky Charm), The Summer of Yes is women's fiction, with a little bit of romance and some humor.

Kelsey Worthington is a junior editor whose job it is to help other people tell their stories. She is dedicated to her career and thrives off of routines.

However, after a near-death experience and a chance encounter with an ailing successful businesswoman, Georgina Tate, Kelsey rethinks her life choices and literally takes her newfound friend along for the ride.

In the first 20% of the book, Kelsey spends quite a bit of time contemplating her summer of yes and trying to convince Georgina to partner with her. I understand that the premise of the story needs to be set up, but I would have preferred to get into the saying yes portion sooner, Once it did, I was hooked. This is why I never give up on books that start slow simply for that reason. The payoff was worth it.

Kelsey's and Georgina's summer of yes starts small. They vow to say yes to things they have said no to in the past, while being open to saying yes to new adventures that come up. For example, Kelsey starts by saying yes to spending the day at the zoo in the middle of the week when she would normally be at work. Gradually, bigger issues arise and saying yes isn't so easy. They don't say yes to everything. They don't put themselves in danger, but they do say yes to finding ways around obstacles.

There are two budding romances with some humor sprinkled in. The romances are unlike anything I've read. I was genuinely curious to find out how everything would come together in the end, in the romance department and otherwise.

There are some heavy topics that are addressed in this book, but I'd still classify it as a light read. I am finding that this is Courtney Walsh's writing style. She aims to make readers feel happy, while addressing serious, real-life situations. Her characters can be flawed, as humans are, but they are loveable. Say yes to The Summer of Yes if you're looking for this type of book to read. You just may be inspired to say yes more often to your own life choices.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me with a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The story felt a little slow moving and repetitive at times. The character of Georgina was very tough to tolerate and I feel it took too long to give her a redeeming moment.

3.5 stars! This book had a nice blend of comedy, drama, and romance. It also makes the reader reflect on whether they’re happy with how they choose to live their life.

I enjoyed Kelsey’s character development throughout the book. Georgina had the right amount of sass and laughs, but I did find myself getting frustrated with her at times. The romance was a nice subplot.

Overall, I recommend for a light summer read 🏖️

This book was beautiful on every level! The relationship between the jaded older woman and the optimistic young woman and the budding romance that develops are both so well crafted, I was left thinking about this story long after I finished. Courtney Walsh is a master at her craft and I look forward to every new book she writes!

What a fun story! I really enjoyed reading about Kelsey, watching her try to figure out what was important to her in life, all while she "tortured" Georgina. The love story was just a bonus! I love a sassy old lady!

Mixed feelings on this book. Took a bit longer to get engaged with the story line and the characters. It felt a bit forced at times.

This was a cute, feel-good read. The first portion is pretty slow, so I hope it won't turn readers away because the rest of it is so good. The friendship development is beautiful and the underlying messages about taking chances and living life to the fullest are worth the read.

This was my first Courtney Walsh book but it won't be the last.

The Summer of Yes is tender and heartwarming, fun and hopeful, thoughtful and insightful. I loved the relationship between Kelsey and Georgina; both the intergenerational aspect and the way they encouraged and helped each other grow made it a brilliant picture of what relationships could and should be. The romances (yes, plural) were beautifully tender. This isn't a spicy book but it doesn't have to be. The cute banter of the younger relationship and the steadfast, deep love created a sense of love that's deeper than spice.

The whole concept of saying "yes" is something that's been lost in our busy, success driven society. It got me thinking what some of the things I'd like to say yes to without being preachy or making me feel burdened by another "should."

A book that makes me smile and chuckle is a book worth reading. Thanks, Ms. Walsh, for this one.

I was not familiar with Courtney Walsh's writing so I went into this book with no expectations.

One of my favorite types of books are books with quirky older main characters. This book fit the bill.

Kelsey Worthington wakes up in the hospital with no idea what has happened. Come to find out, she was victim of a hit-and-run accident when she was leaving a coffee shop on her way to work.

Georgina Tate is a crusty older woman who is the queen of her cosmetic company. She is a self made woman who appears to have it all. But on closer examination, Georgina is a lonely woman with no family or friends.

Much to Georgina's chagrin, Kelsey is her hospital roommate. Kelsey strong-arms Georgina in to going with her on a roadtrip. Kelsey has an idea that she is going to help Georgina reconnect with her estranged husband and grown son.

Was the story a bit predictable? Yes. But there was enough banter with Georgina involved that I felt like it offset the predictability.

I will read other works by Walsh in the future.\ as a result of reading The Summer of Yes.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I first discovered author Courtney Walsh when I was given an arc copy of a #SweaterWeather series book. So, when I was provided a copy of her new book, The Summer of Yes, I was thrilled!

And this book did not disappoint! The story starts with two women who share a hospital room - Kelsey Worthington, a young 20-something who’s had a bad accident and business mogul Georgina Tate, whose kidneys are failing. Kelsey is struggling in her career and failing to maintain relationships and Georgina has years of regret after putting her work first and family last. After much convincing, Georgina agrees to embark on a ‘summer of yes’ with Kelsey, starting with touring NYC, followed by dinner with strangers and a road trip both of them will remember.

I really enjoyed how this story unfolded and with sweater weather on the way, I’m looking forward to reading her book from that series!

I adored this author and her new novel, which follows Kelsey Worthington's rehabilitation after a car accident that may have killed her. Another surprise was the fact that she awoke in a hospital room with her idol, Georgina Tate, the famed matriarch of New York City businesswomen.
Kelsey gets the opportunity to meet her role model up close and personal after signing a non-disclosure agreement. Georgina Tate's life is not what she expected. Did she want her life to unfold in the same way? The near-death event has made Kelsey reconsider her entire existence.
Kelsey knows she has put herself in a box.

Her life had been full of no's. "Purposeful, intentional, forceful no's." She chose to turn down invites, see family, go on vacation, and attend parties. She decided to work, work, work. Attempting to be like Georgina. She can see how Georgina's decisions led her to a glamorous existence that turned out to be lonely. Kelsey has a question for Georgina. “Now that you've accomplished every goal, I'd like to know if it was worth it.

Kelsey and Georgina discover many things along their journey together, and they consider whether it was worth the sacrifice. Could these two lonely souls say yes to life's joys, delights, and love? They realize that true joy in life extends way beyond the work they do.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St Laurent
TBCN: Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog: https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

3/5 - The Summer of Yes - A fun premise and sweet story. After a near/death experience in the streets of NYC, Kelsey finds herself re-evaluating everything she’s ever known. Her work hard play oh safe life suddenly feels sad and stifling, and when she ends up sharing a hospital room with the powerhouse empire-building Georgina Tate, their brief conversation encourages Kelsey to catapult into the unknown and propose a joint adventure. Both women, facing life and (almost) death, are forced to reckon with past, present and future and find themselves in an unlikely but blossoming friendship. I really loved the premise of this one, but it was a little slow and the romantic connections felt abrupt and lacked chemistry. Thank you to @netgalley and Thomas Nelson Paperback for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!