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.”

This was my first dive into this author’s work, and now, I’m fully committed. I can hardly wait to delve into her other books if they’re anything like this one. I completely adored Kelsey and Georgina, captivated by their narratives. I found myself cheering for both of them every step of the way.

The author’s descriptive prose was incredibly immersive, deepening my connection to these wonderful characters. Their compelling stories made it difficult to put the book down; I was invested in their fates and eager to uncover the next twists. The narrative flowed smoothly, maintaining an engaging pace, while the plot held my interest with its intrigue. The romance was sweet and endearing, and I particularly valued that there is no language or spice (closed-door romance), which I appreciate. 

The central concept of this narrative brought to mind the film “Yes Man,” starring Jim Carrey and Zooey Deschanel, albeit with a refreshing twist featuring two female protagonists, one older and one younger. Their journey of a lifetime unfolds in a manner that is both highly entertaining and deeply moving, offering moments of hilarity, heartbreak, and profound uplift. Prepare to experience a rollercoaster of emotions as this book elicits laughter, tears, and moments of heartfelt connection. Embedded within its pages are numerous thought-provoking themes touching on the essence of life itself: navigating past trauma, embracing second chances, not giving up, it’s never too late, the power of forgiveness, the importance of family, and the enduring nature of love and grace. This book was so impactful that now I want to buy a physical copy to revisit its pages, annotate its wisdom, and relive its poignant moments time and again.

I’ve never connected with a character as much as I did with Kelsey. She resonated with me on so many levels, from her professional life to her personal quirks. She’s just so relatable – bold, daring, quirky, ambitious, and absolutely adorable. I loved her! 

Georgina’s charm lies in her unique personality. She may come off as grumpy and cynical, but beneath that tough exterior beats a tender heart. She yearns to connect with others, but her past has left her guarded. Striving to maintain a facade of strength as a business mogul, she grapples with the choices she’s made, sacrificing personal fulfillment for career success. Now, she’s wrestling with a tide of regrets.

The character development journey for both Kelsey and Georgina was absolutely incredible. Witnessing their growth and positive transformations was such a joy. Plus, the dynamic between them was pure gold, leading to some seriously hilarious moments. They’re like the perfect duo—grumpy meets sunshine, and it works brilliantly.

Romance plays a delightful role in this tale, adding sweetness and entertainment. It was a treat getting to know both love interests and seeing them charm the women they adore. The blend of romance, comedy, and women’s fiction created a captivating mix that kept me hooked.

Beyond just a narrative about a road trip between two women, this story embodies the essence of friendship, hope, and embracing life on your own terms. It beautifully illustrates the power of choice—whether to say “yes” or “no” to the people and experiences that shape our journey. 

This story was truly beautiful, deeply moving, and left a lasting impression on my heart. 

Prepare to reflect on your own life and relationships with loved ones after finishing this book. Highly, high recommend!! This is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year!!