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.

Kelsey Worthington’s, day wasn’t supposed to go this way. She wasn’t supposed to be getting Starbucks for her boss and she certainly did have get hit by a car and end up in the hospital, on her bingo card. That is what happened though, she wakes up in a hospital bed, with no memories after getting the Starbucks. Her family & friends don’t know she is there, nor does anyone else and she isn’t really worried about that. She is intrigued by her roommate, Georgina Tate, a legendary NY business woman. Since she will be in this bed, in this hospital for some time, she slowly befriends Georgina. The two have nothing in common but it doesn’t seem to matter. Even when Georgina won’t disclose why she is in the hospital to anyone. She eventually caves and tells Kelsey. Their differences aren’t so drastic. Kelsey is a dreamer, who doesn’t know how to stand up for herself. Georgina is so used to making up her mind quickly and decisively. She has confidence enough two people. The two could really use each other outside the hospital and it so happens they do. With Georgina’s failing kidneys and Kelsey’s desire to make changes in her life, the two set out, to conquer the world, make amends and find peace with their lives. Both woman give it their all to have the summer of fun. They let loose, have faith in themselves and the process. Kelsey even finds love and Georgina works on redemption with her son.
This was a very cute story and the prefect summer read. The characters really make this story, so good. It is light and witty, just like I like it. I want to thank Netgalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Courtney Walsh for my copy of The Summer of Yes, for an honest review. It was my pleasure to read and review this book. I am so happy to read all the summer books.

The Summer of Yes was a slow read for me. It doesn’t offer much in the way of surprises. The plot is straightforward and follows the expected beats of a feel-good summer read. I found the story a bit too predictable, and the character development, while adequate, doesn’t delve as deeply as it could.

Overall, The Summer of Yes is a pleasant read that delivers exactly what it promises: a feel-good, inspirational story about taking chances and embracing life. It’s perfect for those looking for a light, uplifting read, but it may not leave a lasting impression.

I loved this book so much, for so many reasons. It was quirky, thought-provoking, and fun. Most introspective, “it’s time to rethink your life” are filled with boring navel gazing, but this one wasn’t like that at all. The heroine was likable, relatable, and believable, even though she did crazy things. I found myself rooting for her (and her partner in crime). Her antics kept me turning the pages wondering what was coming next. And, spoiler alert, who doesn’t like a happy ending. Well done. I can’t wait to read more from this author and share a copy with a friend who could use a summer of yes.

Courtney Walsh will always be an automatic read for me - I love how she’s able to give emotion & meaning to a book, and keep it positive and light.

I love the idea behind a summer of “yes” - especially when I have said “no” to a lot of things in life.
The characters brought a lot of joy & laughs as I was reading. Especially Georgina. I was not expecting a sassy old lady to become my favorite character.

Did everything wrap up super easy & in a neat little bow? It’s to be expected with Courtney Walsh, but that’s why I read her books. I love knowing that I’m going to have a light & fluffy read that is sure to bring a smile to my face.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson & NetGalley for the e-ARC. And thank you to Courtney Walsh for the traveling ARC I got to participate in with some friends.

4.5 stars

Wow! So good! Inspiring and thought provoking. A great romance subplot. Very well-written. I couldn't get enough of it.

No swears, mentions of others drinking alcohol, but main characters choose not to drink, and kissing only.

The Summer of Yes is a sweet and easy story highlighting the importance of second chances, forgiveness, love and taking risks. I found Georgina exhausting but understand her personality is a huge part of the story. Thank you to the author and Thomas Nelson Fiction via NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This book is so cute!! Thank you, @thomasnelson , for sending me a copy, I loved it!

If you’re looking for a quick summer read, I highly recommend this. Kelsey and Georgina’s yes-y summer is adorable and fun, with a young gal trying to make positive changes and a grumpy old woman who doesn’t want to learn new tricks. They’re cute and endearing and a good time. The romance here is cute, clean, and oh-so sweet, so a safe read for any younger bookish friends.
The story maintains a steady pace and is told from multiple POVs, and the length is perfect; a combo that means it’s easy to breeze through but not so short it’s silly.

The beginning of August means the summer is almost over, but there’s still time squeeze this one in. ☺️

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

The book starts with Kelsey getting hit by a car, on the sidewalk! She wakes up and really wakes up - realizes her life revolves around an editing job she's not happy with and has nobody that would take care of her after the accident.

She's put in a room with wildly successful businesswoman, Georgina - who left her family in order to work her way up the corporate ladder. Now she's facing the end of her life and has regrets. Kelsey decides to have a Summer of Yes - where she says yes to things she normally wouldn't do and ropes Georgina into it with her -- and that leads them down south and to Georgina's estranged family. It's a great story, full of love and hope.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

Courtney Walsh does it again. 👏🏻🥹

What a sweet and wholesome story! 😭

The Summer of Yes follows Kelsey and Georgina as they go on a “summer of yes”, where they are tired of the rut & are ready to embrace the new. 💛

I absolutely adored the relationship between the two main characters, and the character development that took place for both characters. I could definitely see myself in both characters. 🥹

I also really appreciated the subtle, yet powerful faith tie-in’s. Giving grace, overcoming fear, etc. SO GOOD. 🙌🏻

The only thing separating it from a 5-star is because…I honestly didn’t *love* the relationship between Kelsey and Hayden. 🙈 I thought it was very rushed, and very insta-love. Like, slow down, y’all quite literally JUST met. 🤣🙈

This is a solid book, and is guaranteed to make you smile from cover to cover. 💛

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Publishing for an e-ARC of this book. 🌸

I've read a fair amount of books about a grumpy character lately and I was afraid this premise would be cheesy. I was so wrong, Walsh nailed the characters. The recipe for each character was well thought out and balanced. I loved it! When done right, these books are so heartwarming and stick with you for a long time. I'm happy to say this will be on my mind for awhile.

Okay, this one was adorable! Such a fun read and original concept. The MC was so funny and relatable, although I thought I predicted the ending, there was a slight surprise that I didn’t see coming but absolutely loved. I can’t wait to read more by Kristy Greenwood!