Summertime

A Witty and Warm Tale of Life, Love, and Second Chances

Summertime by Raffaella Barker is a delightfully atmospheric novel that captures the joys and chaos of family life in the English countryside. First published in 2002 by Review, this evocative story explores what happens when a woman steps out of her routine and rediscovers what truly matters.

One Summer to Change Everything

Miranda is a busy, somewhat frazzled mother of three, juggling her children’s needs with the demands of her academic husband and the challenges of a crumbling country home. When summer arrives, she seeks solace in their rustic Norfolk farmhouse—but peace proves elusive. Between wild animals, unruly kids, unexpected guests, and the reappearance of a former lover, Miranda’s seemingly simple retreat turns into a season of revelations and emotional upheaval.

Perfect for Lovers of Smart, Character-Driven Fiction

With her signature wit and lyrical prose, Raffaella Barker crafts a story that’s both hilarious and touching. Summertime is a celebration of love in all its messy, complicated glory, perfect for fans of contemporary women’s fiction like Helen Fielding, Esther Freud, and Rachel Hore. It's the kind of novel that lingers with you like a long, golden evening.