The Summer of Yes + Giveaway

A near-death experience catapults workaholic junior editor Kelsey Worthington into changing her life–one yes at a time.

Kelsey Worthington always dreamed of being a writer, but she’s settled into a routine of helping other people tell their stories in her job as a junior editor. She doesn’t go outside of her comfort zone. Her relationships are safe. Her job is secure. Her existence is stable. And she’s great with that.

And then, the accident.

While she’s in the hospital overnight, she meets an older woman named Georgina Tate–a glass-ceiling-shattering, wildly successful businesswoman. Georgina sacrificed everything to become the woman she is today, but now, with a pair of failing kidneys and only a handful of months left to live, Georgina is forced to come face-to-face with her regrets. Kelsey is forced to reckon with her own list of “things I’ll do someday,” and she starts to ask a simple but life-changing What if I said yes to all the things I normally say no to? And The Yes Plan is born.

It takes some convincing, but Georgina finally agrees to go along with Kelsey on her Summer of Yes adventures. The two of them set off to see what might be out there waiting for them if they simply open themselves up to it. Together, they say yes to whatever comes their way–a whole day being tourists in their own New York City, dinner with strangers, a convertible that is far from practical but so much fun. But when Kelsey springs a surprise visit to Georgina’s son Hayden and Georgina’s ex-husband (who is not so much of an ex), the older woman is less than thrilled. But this is where the true journey begins.

Two stories of love, forgiveness, regret, romance, and finding a way to live a fearless life intertwine as these two women make an indelible impression on each other. And it all starts with a simple “yes.”

My Review:

Delightfully quirky and emotionally deep all mixed up in the best of ways. I laughed. I cried. I cheered. I swooned(!!!) Honestly, Courtney Walsh delivered so much more than I was expecting (and I was expecting a lot because she is one of my fave contemporary romance authors.)

The perfect blend of zingy banter and soul-searching discussions that pulled on all my emotions. This is one of Thomas Nelson’s general market selections so no faith content per se but there are some moving moments involving forgiveness and overcoming fear that are very impactful. I was especially touched by Hayden’s story. What an example! So much wisdom learned from some tough life lessons.

The story is told from two points of view — our young heroine Kelsey and the irascible, grumpy, gruff and all things grinch-y, Georgina Tate, a successful septuagenarian with a lot of attitude. The way Walsh throws these two together and then pits them against each other is sheer brilliance and makes for such an entertaining read.

There’s so much heart to this story – and not just the romance kind. Beautifully layered storytelling that made me pause and ask myself some pointed questions right along with Kelsey and Georgina. Love when a book causes reflection and prompts change and this one did that for me.

Part of my ‘reading’ enjoyment came from listening to the audio edition expertly narrated by Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas. They both added so much zest and personality to their performances that I could easily picture every scene playing out in my mind. I’ve become somewhat of an audio book snob and this edition of ‘The Summer of Yes’ easily makes my top ten audio books of the year.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio along with Net Galley for providing me with a copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of one of the The Summer of Yes, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday June 22 2024.

46 thoughts on “The Summer of Yes + Giveaway”

  1. OH, This book has been on my TBR list ever since I heard about it. Thanks for the chance to win! I’d love to win a print copy!

    blessedmommy3x AT gmail DOT com

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  2. I loved reading your review, Kav! I’ve had my eye on this book for a while, since I love Courtney’s stories. Thanks for the chance to win!

    whthomas13 at yahoo dot com

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  6. Kav, love the premise of this story — what fun! I’ve never read a Courtney Walsh book and this sounds like a good one to give a try. Count me in, please!

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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  7. This sounds like a fun summer read! I don’t think I have it on my Amazon wish list, but I am going to go and add it so I don’t forget about it.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  9. Courtney Walsh has become one of my absolute favorite authors the last couple of years! Having had a daughter with cancer has led her to write stories with all the elements I need in a book during my own journey with my daughter! I can’t wait to read this one!!

    dmandres5 at gmail dot com

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  10. Thank you for your review on THE SUMMER OF YES. Sounds wonderful! Love when a story pulls on our emotions and then some. And as they say, there’s always two sides to a story. 🙂

    Would love the opportunity to read and review this great story. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  11. I’ve never read a book by this author and it surprised me that I hadn’t. Your review tells me I would love this story. Thank you for the chance to win this one.

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    1. Oh Becky, you really would! I have three more Courtney Walsh books on my TBR pile right now. Don’t know how I got behind with her books but I’m determined to catch up! Good luck!

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  16. I’m definitely looking forward to reading this book! I love how her books have a light side, but also make you look deeper within the story, and also within yourself. I’d like to throw my hat in the ring to win!

    kcrhoades(at)roadrunner(dot)com

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  18. Count me in on this new one by Courtney. I’ve heard great things and your review made me say yes to the Summer of Yes 😉

    Thanks for the giveaway Kav! tracey14567 at gmail dot com

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