Perfect for fans of Morgan Matson and Netflix/Hallmark Channel rom-coms, this is the story of a girl who decides to give in to the universe and just say yes to everything, bringing her friendship, new experiences, and, if she lets her guard down, true love.

The perfect book to kick off summer! For as long as Rachel Brooks can remember, she’s had capital-G Goals: straight As, academic scholarship, college of her dreams. And it’s all paid off–after years of following the rules and acing every exam, Rachel is graduating at the top of her class and ready to celebrate by . . . doing absolutely nothing. Because Rachel Brooks has spent most of high school saying no. No to dances, no to parties, and most especially, no to boys.

Now, for the first time in her life, there’s nothing stopping Rachel from having a little fun–nothing, that is, except herself. So when she stumbles on a beat up old self-help book–A SEASON OF YES!–a crazy idea pops into her head: What if she just said yes to . . . everything?

And so begins a summer of yes. Yes to new experiences and big mistakes, yes to rekindled friendships and unexpected romances, yes to seeing the world in a whole new way. This book is a fresh and fun take on the coming-of-age novel that explores the quintessential themes of growing up: taking risks, making mistakes, and, of course, love. And who knows? Lindsey Roth Culli’s hilarious and heartwarming debut may just inspire your own SAY YES SUMMER.

my thoughts:

Of late, my reading preferences have shifted away from lighthearted young adult contemporary stories, as many began to feel repetitive—my interests leaning more toward fantasy. Yet, when I came across the irresistibly cheerful cover of Say Yes Summer at ALA last January, I knew I had to grab a copy. And I’m happy to say the content inside fully delivers on the fun, vibrant energy the cover promises.

Rachel has dedicated her entire high school career to academic excellence, sacrificing typical teenage experiences like parties and carefree friendships in pursuit of becoming valedictorian. But as the summer after graduation begins, she realizes there’s nothing left to strive for—and decides it’s finally time to let loose. She embarks on a journey of saying “yes” to all the opportunities she once passed up: parties, romance, and rekindled friendships await!

The book’s description hits the mark—Say Yes Summer truly embodies the spirit of a Hallmark romantic comedy, which, admittedly, contributed to some of my reservations. Similar to those films, the story leans toward the overly sweet and predictable. Take love interest number one, Clayton: he’s practically flawless—athletic, witty, charming, and more. A character without shortcomings can be hard to root for. On the other hand, Miles, the second love interest, won me over completely. Quirky, genuine, and with a deeper connection to Rachel, he felt far more real. In comparison, Clayton fell a bit flat.

Fortunately, the rest of the characters are wonderfully developed. Rachel herself is a strong, intelligent protagonist—determined, bold, and refreshingly authentic. She shines from the very beginning, though she’s not the only standout. Rachel’s family and friends are equally compelling. For those seeking a YA novel that portrays a supportive, functional family dynamic, this is a great pick. The family isn’t perfect, but they’re consistently present for one another—a refreshing departure from the often-absent parents in young adult fiction.

While the storyline may feel familiar, it’s executed with charm. The book moves along at a brisk pace, making it hard to put down. What’s more, it’s nearly impossible to read without smiling—or even laughing out loud—at Rachel’s many entertaining mishaps and adventures.

All in all, Say Yes Summer is a book I’d definitely recommend saying “yes” to this season. With its sweet romance, beachside ice cream, and rekindled friendships, it’s a delightful and uplifting read.

“Dr. Paula outlines a three-step plan for success with her process, but essentially it seems to boil down to this: We are, as Aristotle said, what we repeatedly do. Therefore, if we repeatedly say yes to opportunities, people, and experiences, we will become our truest, fullest selves.”

—Lindsey Roth Culli, Say Yes Summer