
Member Reviews

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!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are mine.
This is a perfect summer read following Kelsey who like every millennial is contemplating her life and her current career. Her day starts like any other day except she gets hit by a car and wakes up next to Georgina Tate. Both women have a few regrets and they decide to start saying yes to things they said no to initially. The summer of yes is the sign you needed to start saying yes to new opportunities and life experiences.
Rating :3.5

Such a fun story. The main character, Kelsey Worthington, is at a crossroads in her job. She wants to be a writer but she is discouraged at several critical points. After being hit by a car, she ends up in the hospital with world-famous Georgina Tate. Tate is a woman of means who has given up home life in pursuit of her highly successful career. Kelsey envies Tate’s achievements. But, she senses there is more to Tate’s story. With some introspection, Kelsey embarks on a summer of “yes” and hopes to convince Tate to join her in the pursuit. These women both need to find out what really matters.

I've enjoyed all of Courtenay Walsh's novels, but this one shines! I loved the premise of finding oneself less young than one used to be yet making new discoveries and taking risks. It's an inspiring, heartwarming story and one of Courtenay Walsh's very best!
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for a complimentary copy of The Summer of Yes, for this honest review.

Book: The Summer of Yes
Author: Courtney Walsh
Genre: Fiction, Self-Discovery/Change, Romance, Drama
Places Featured: New York City, New York and North Carolina, United States
Review Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 (rounded up)
Review: I’m a big fan of Courtney Walsh–her books are just always well-written with well-developed characters that I really care about and storylines that are hopeful and positive and always leave me with a warm fuzzy feeling. That being said, this is probably my least favorite book of hers that I’ve read–the storyline was fine, but I just didn’t identify with the characters or see the chemistry I usually see in Courtney Walsh’s stories.
In The Summer of Yes, we meet Kelsey, an aspiring young writer trying to make it in New York City, who has just had a near-death experience and finds herself in the hospital next to Georgina, a powerful businesswoman, who is sick and near the end of her life.
The two form an unexpected bond and agree to a “summer of yes”--a summer of putting themselves out there, trying new things, and seeing where life takes them.
It’s a great premise, but again, I just felt something was lacking in the characters–they were just a touch too over-the-top–and I just couldn’t get into them or the story.
That doesn’t mean I didn’t cry and I still think there are some good lessons in the book–but if this is your first Courtney Walsh, please read others, too!
Reviews posted on Instagram (@travelbooksandmovies) and some posted on blog (www.travelbooksandmovies.com)

As far a n0vels go, this is not a bad one.
I really enjoyed parts of it, but it also felt as though it dragged on a lot, with a lot of bickering with the two fmcs.
the ending did however make this book worth reading.
Thank you Courtney Walsh and Netgalley for allowing me access to this book.

I can't say enough wonderful things about this book! Courtney Walsh has done it again and weaved a story I could not put down. Walsh makes you think at every turn but in a wonderful, deeply thoughtful way that you don't even realize its happening. The Summer of Yes will have you asking yourself what you can and should say yes to in life! It's a beautiful story of forgiveness and reconciliation as well as self discovery and new romance. If it's by Courtney Walsh it is a definte read!!

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh is an incredible book. Kelsey Worthington ends up in the hospital after a car jumps the curb. She wakes up next to Georgina Tate, a legend of the business world in New York City. Georgina is not the most approachable person, but the two connect as they ponder life. Kelsey wonders “What if I said yes to everything I’ve always said no to?” What would my life be like? Georgina is not so sure about that.
Oh, this was a delight to read as the characters were truly enchanting. Kelsey is a little bit meddling, introspective and just plain fun to get to know. Georgina is quite edgy, has regrets, and is honestly rather terrifying in a good way. I felt like I was being mentored by the characters, and I loved how humor was intertwined within more serious topics in the story. The book made me think about life, wonder what I would like to do differently with my life, and reminded me to make each day count. The setting of New York City and the coast of North Carolina made for a great read!
This was the perfect story for me as it shared life lessons with great characters, was humorous, and had sweet romance! I am a big fan of The Summer of Yes and I recommend you say “YES” to reading it. You will not regret your decision! I very highly recommend and this will be a top book of 2024 for me.
I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Cute story with strong themes
I love the premise and the story is great! This was an adorable romance(s) with great overarching themes. This was a sweet, closed-door read, I'd rate PG for kissing, talk of kidney failure and potential death, and implied relations between a married couple.

Loved this book. Loved the romance storyline with the younger main character. Loved the dynamic between the two female protagonists. Appreciated the strong female characters. Thanks for the advanced copy.