June in the Bookshop

Greetings, friends!

Welcome to the monthly newsletter from Hartmanns Books, the family owned bookshop at the heart of Portishead High Street. We offer a wide range of fiction, non-fiction, and children's books, as well as toys, games and puzzles.

With the recent heatwave, our thoughts are turning to long days reading by the pool or on the beach. So, we're curious to know what makes YOUR ideal summer read? Is it thriller or romance, comedy or drama? Let us know your recommendations!

New in the Shop

Book Club

Our book club usually meets in the shop at 6.30pm on the last Wednesday of each month. Attendance is free and all are welcome.

Our book for June is The Sunshine Man by Emma Stonex, a revenge thriller exploring grief, resilience and love.

Birdie wakes to the news she’s been waiting eighteen years to hear: Jimmy Maguire – the man who murdered her sister – is out of prison. She sends her children to school, picks up a gun, and leaves for London with one purpose: to find Jimmy and make him pay. But there’s another side to this story, and Birdie is about to enter a world of family lies, worn-out loyalties and long-buried betrayals . . .

We have copies in stock now, and in addition, the author will be joining us at our next meeting to talk about her book and sign copies!

Forthcoming Events

Historical fiction inspired by real events, Songs of Expectation brings to life the story of Britain’s forgotten child migrants.

Set mainly in the 1880s, the novel follows five children sent from Britain’s slums and workhouses to Canada, where they face separation, hardship, and prejudice in a world far from home. With strong Bristol connections, this moving debut explores a little-known chapter of history and gives voice to children whose stories deserve to be remembered.

A sharply-witted and tender portrait of a young girl’s quiet rebellion and her refusal to be broken.

Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2026

Winner for the British Book Award – Discover Prize

Set in 1960s Bradford, The Mercy Step follows Mercy, a precocious young child facing a world far too big for her small body. She lives with her Windrush-generation parents in a crowded household where her mother’s attention is stretched between church and family, and her father’s temper is something to be endured or avoided.

Feeling like an outsider within her own home, Mercy retreats into books and the companionship of her beloved doll, Dolly, while learning early how to navigate the flaws and failings of the adults around her. Yet Mercy is nothing if not resilient. Armed with humour, style and fierce imagination, she quietly begins to plot her escape from a traumatic childhood.

Book in Store

What our Staff are Reading

Working in a bookshop means we have a huge choice of books to sample. Right now, our staff are reading:

• Hayley - Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearne
• Matilda - As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
• Gareth - The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley

Did You Know?

If there's a book you want that isn't in our stock, we can usually order it for you within a day or so? Ask us for details!

Tea and Coffee

While you're browsing our shelves, why not treat yourself to tasty hot drink at a very reasonable price? We have a variety of teas and a handmade Italian cappuccino machine, and we can prepare you any of the following to drink in or take away:

Freshly Ground Coffees - £2.50

• Americano
• Latte
• Flat White
• Espresso

Quality Teas - £1.20

• English Breakfast
• English Breakfast Decaf
• Earl Grey
• Chamomile
• Lemongrass and Ginger
• Triple Mint

You can sit at one of our tables with a cup and saucer, or get your drink to go in one of our recyclable paper cups.

Social Media

You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Just search for @hartmannsbooks.

Book Tokens

Book tokens make the perfect gift for any age. We offer vouchers specifically for our shop, as well as National Book Tokens that can be spent anywhere, and you can choose any amount that suits your needs, from £1 to £250. Just ask at the till for details.

And that's it for this month. We'll be in touch again in June. In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you in the shop, where you're always guaranteed a warm welcome!

Read on!

Hayley & team

Hartmanns Books
28-30 High Street
Portishead
BS20 6EN
07949 480856

PS: If you've enjoyed this newsletter, please help spread the word to your friends in Portishead and beyond, and encourage them to sign-up using this link: https://hartmanns-books.ghost.io/