Author Event: Marcia Hutchinson
Named one of the best New Novelists for 2025 by The Observer.
Bradford, December 1962.
A precocious Mercy makes her reluctant entrance into the world, torn from the warm embrace of her mother’s womb, to a chaotic household that seems to have no place for her. Her siblings do not understand her, her mother’s attention is given to the Church, and the entire family lives at the whims of her father’s quick temper.
Left to herself, Mercy finds solace in books, her imagination, and the quiet comfort of her faithful toy, Dolly. But escapism has its limits, and as the grip of family, faith and fear threatens to close in, Mercy learns she must act if she wants a different future; one where she is seen, heard, and her family set free.
The Mercy Step is a sharply-witted and tender portrait of a young girl’s quiet rebellion, and her refusal to be broken.
Author Event: Chris Mapp
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.
Author Event: Richard Whitehead
We are thrilled to welcome writer Richard Whitehead to the shop on 11th November where he will be in conversation with multiple award-winning Bristol-based author Stephen Chalke. They will be discussing Richard's new book Victory In Australia - the definitive account of an epic Ashes battle.
The Ashes series of 1954-55 marked a watershed moment in the history of English cricket. Under the leadership of Len Hutton, the national team's first professional captain, one of the greatest group of players to represent England won a series in Australia for the first time in more than 20 years. A feat made more remarkable after losing heavily in the initial Test.
An Ashes series for the Ages is brought thrillingly to life in this momentous slice of sporting and social history.
Praise for Victory in Australia
"Splendidly atmospheric" The Times
"So fresh and detailed that you feel it might have happened yesterday" The Observer
"A remarkable book" The Cricketer
"Such incredibly gripping sports writing. It was like being there" Giles Coren
Author Event: Emily Buchanan
Welcome to our author event: Emily Buchanan - Send Flowers at Hartmanns Books! Join us for a wonderful evening where you'll have the chance to meet the exciting new author, Emily Buchanan, and hear all about her novel, Send Flowers. Set in a future that feels all too real, this startlingly original debut explores the right to protest amidst climate chaos, the importance of community and the resilience of love and hope in a world that seems to be beyond saving.
Ticket only - £6
Pre-order book (collect at shop) and free ticket - £10.99