A Year Without A Summer

by Lesley Bungay

366 pages, Paperback

Published May 7, 2026

Reviews

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Year Without a Summer is the debut novel by Lesley. I was lucky enough to hear Lesley speak about her book on a number of occasions and was thoroughly looking forward to reading it.

The book follows the sorrow of Martha and Milly across two different time lines, 1816 and 2009. It was well written and set out with each chapter focussing on each time period. I liked the use of the tree at the start of each chapter and what it represented towards to ending chapters as there was some cross-over with Martha and Milly.

The relationships surrounding Martha and Milly were well thought out. As I was reading, I thought Milly really needs to find some new friends. Both Martha and Milly’s husbands didn’t appear to be the most supportive of men, but all became clear by the end.

I would say the book is humbling with its sorrow, relationships and mystery of Peak House.

I rate this book 📚📚📚📚📚

[Alison Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met the author Lesley as part of a French exchange at Seaton Burn High School two years running. Lesley went to George Stephenson High School and the two High Schools came together for the exchange and new friendships were formed very quickly! Lesley and I became pen pals for a few years afterwards! We reconnected via Friends Reunited many years later and now instagram! I’m very proud to say Lesley is now a published author and I have just finished her debut novel called A Year Without a Summer! It’s a story of loss, grief and friendship and a property called Peake House with two women separated by time! 2009 and 1816! I can’t rate it enough! A thoroughly good read!

[Alison Tones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be a compelling story with believable characters, a cleverly woven plot and well balanced emotional resonance. I highly recommend it to others.