What do you think?
How to Find a Romance in a Bookshop
After a social media post gone wrong, a literary agent runs away to look after a seaside bookshop for the summer—and forms an unlikely friendship with a charming novelist struggling with his latest idea.
Petra doesn’t like books anymore—not since her career as a literary agent imploded after a social media typo went viral. Now she is stuck for six months, babysitting a little bookshop by the sea—surrounded by books that just remind her of her failure.
Ross McCloud’s award-winning debut novel blew the minds of the world’s literati, but that was five years ago. Now Ross and his keenly awaited second work have vanished. Something has gone wrong—horribly wrong—and Ross doesn’t want to talk about it.
Marooned in Capelthorne’s Bookshop miles from London, Petra can’t stop thinking about all the ways she has let people down. Then she discovers Ross lurking, incognito, in the second-hand books section. Misery loves company it seems, and a kinship tentatively forms.
In the meantime, the magic of the bookshop slowly begins to enchant Petra. Soon, her book recommendations assume legendary status; she is chairing the newly formed Beach Reads Book Club; leading a weekly writing group and hosting a series of popular talks and signings by local authors. She is even starting to read again.
Petra is also finding time to help her new best friend Jess—owner of a local telephone box library—to launch the inaugural Portneath Literary Festival. What better opportunity to put the Festival on the map—says Ross—than for Petra to unveil his second novel to the world there, before re-launching her career representing him at the Frankfurt book fair? What a comeback! But can Petra find the courage to help the man she loves?
Their love of books may be re-ignited, but is that enough to save them both from their own worst enemy—themselves?
Friends to loversGrumpy x GrumpySmall-town romanceSlow burn
Petra doesn’t like books anymore—not since her career as a literary agent imploded after a social media typo went viral. Now she is stuck for six months, babysitting a little bookshop by the sea—surrounded by books that just remind her of her failure.
Ross McCloud’s award-winning debut novel blew the minds of the world’s literati, but that was five years ago. Now Ross and his keenly awaited second work have vanished. Something has gone wrong—horribly wrong—and Ross doesn’t want to talk about it.
Marooned in Capelthorne’s Bookshop miles from London, Petra can’t stop thinking about all the ways she has let people down. Then she discovers Ross lurking, incognito, in the second-hand books section. Misery loves company it seems, and a kinship tentatively forms.
In the meantime, the magic of the bookshop slowly begins to enchant Petra. Soon, her book recommendations assume legendary status; she is chairing the newly formed Beach Reads Book Club; leading a weekly writing group and hosting a series of popular talks and signings by local authors. She is even starting to read again.
Petra is also finding time to help her new best friend Jess—owner of a local telephone box library—to launch the inaugural Portneath Literary Festival. What better opportunity to put the Festival on the map—says Ross—than for Petra to unveil his second novel to the world there, before re-launching her career representing him at the Frankfurt book fair? What a comeback! But can Petra find the courage to help the man she loves?
Their love of books may be re-ignited, but is that enough to save them both from their own worst enemy—themselves?
Friends to loversGrumpy x GrumpySmall-town romanceSlow burn
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2026
About the author
Poppy Alexander
14 books656 followersPoppy's first published book - the bestselling 25 Days 'Til Christmas - has been translated into several languages and optioned for TV.
Poppy Alexander wrote her first book when she was five. There was a long gap in her writing career while she was at school, and after studying classical music at university, she decided the world of music was better off without her and returned to writing instead. She takes an anthropological interest in family, friends and life in her West Sussex village (think, The Archers crossed with Twin Peaks) where she lives with her husband, children and various other pets.
She is generally lurking on social media as @PoppyAlexanderBooks on Instagram and Facebook.
Poppy also writes as Rosie Howard.
Poppy Alexander wrote her first book when she was five. There was a long gap in her writing career while she was at school, and after studying classical music at university, she decided the world of music was better off without her and returned to writing instead. She takes an anthropological interest in family, friends and life in her West Sussex village (think, The Archers crossed with Twin Peaks) where she lives with her husband, children and various other pets.
She is generally lurking on social media as @PoppyAlexanderBooks on Instagram and Facebook.
Poppy also writes as Rosie Howard.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
September 12, 2026
⟡ Thank you for the free book, Avon Books.
Beyond the book’s pretty cover is another sweet romance from this author. I enjoyed Ross and Petra’s story and the depth of both characters. The cozy town and charming bookshop made the perfect backdrop. I enjoyed this one even more than Battle of the Bookshops.
Beyond the book’s pretty cover is another sweet romance from this author. I enjoyed Ross and Petra’s story and the depth of both characters. The cozy town and charming bookshop made the perfect backdrop. I enjoyed this one even more than Battle of the Bookshops.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Advanced Reader Copy from HarperCollins Publishers
I was so excited to recieve this copy. I really enjoyed reading Battle of the Bookshops and then to see how Jules and Roman's life played out while getting a new love story in How To Find Romance In a Bookshop. I loved how Poppy connected this book to the first one.
I wasn't sure about Petra in the beginning but the more she faced Portneath and the lovely people, she began to really grow on me. She had to start fresh in a place where she knew no one. Then she meets Ross. He's mysterious and he's closed off to literally everyone. Ross faced a pretty hard mental battle by himself.
I could not put this book down. I needed to know that Ross and Petra would end up together in Portneath. which really makes me wish I too, could belong in Portneath.
I was so excited to recieve this copy. I really enjoyed reading Battle of the Bookshops and then to see how Jules and Roman's life played out while getting a new love story in How To Find Romance In a Bookshop. I loved how Poppy connected this book to the first one.
I wasn't sure about Petra in the beginning but the more she faced Portneath and the lovely people, she began to really grow on me. She had to start fresh in a place where she knew no one. Then she meets Ross. He's mysterious and he's closed off to literally everyone. Ross faced a pretty hard mental battle by himself.
I could not put this book down. I needed to know that Ross and Petra would end up together in Portneath. which really makes me wish I too, could belong in Portneath.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was pulled in by the cute cover and had really high hopes for this one, but unfortunately, it just was not for me. The biggest issue was my lack of connection to the characters. Petra’s lack of self-confidence became repetitive, while Ross often treated her poorly, making it difficult to root for their relationship. The writing style did not work for me either. Even though the book is written in third person, the narration sometimes felt overly detailed and slowed the pacing down quite a bit. Petra and Ross’s perspectives also sounded very similar, so it was hard to distinguish their voices or fully connect with either character.
thank you to the publisher for an eARC via netgalley
thank you to the publisher for an eARC via netgalley
August 1, 2026
I really wanted to love this one. Between the British seaside setting, cozy independent bookshop, and a story centered around books and readers, it sounded like it would be exactly my kind of comfort read. Unfortunately, it never quite came together for me.
My biggest issue was the marketing. With romance right there in the title, I expected the relationship to be the heart of the story. Instead, this felt much more like general fiction with a romantic subplot. Even then, the romance was easily the weakest element. Petra and Ross go from awkward encounters to dating and declarations of love with very little development in between. I never believed their relationship because there simply wasn’t enough buildup, and the chemistry never clicked for me.
What kept me reading was everything happening around the romance. The seaside bookshop is undeniably charming, and I loved spending time with the quirky residents of the town. The members of the book club and the local literary community brought warmth, humor, and personality to the story, making those scenes far more enjoyable than the central romance itself.
Perfect for Readers Who Love
* Cozy British seaside settings
* Independent bookshops and book clubs
* Quirky small town communities
* Women’s fiction with a literary focus
My biggest issue was the marketing. With romance right there in the title, I expected the relationship to be the heart of the story. Instead, this felt much more like general fiction with a romantic subplot. Even then, the romance was easily the weakest element. Petra and Ross go from awkward encounters to dating and declarations of love with very little development in between. I never believed their relationship because there simply wasn’t enough buildup, and the chemistry never clicked for me.
What kept me reading was everything happening around the romance. The seaside bookshop is undeniably charming, and I loved spending time with the quirky residents of the town. The members of the book club and the local literary community brought warmth, humor, and personality to the story, making those scenes far more enjoyable than the central romance itself.
Perfect for Readers Who Love
* Cozy British seaside settings
* Independent bookshops and book clubs
* Quirky small town communities
* Women’s fiction with a literary focus
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I wanted to like this book, but let's just say I was disappointed. Everything seemed so promising, but the execution was just not okay. I struggled to find anything I liked here besides the cover.
I didn't really like the writing style. The book uses 3rd person POV, but the narration feels like a diary or something being written live while going through every scene. Whether it's Petra or Ross, both feel the same. I ended up thinking they have the same personality. They don't have distinct voices. Then, the book promised grumpy x grumpy. But where is it? Is the grumpy x grumpy even here with us? I don't think Petra or Ross are grumpy at all, I can already tell this from their very first interactions. Which, as I kept reading, made me think they're kinda childish. They don't act their age.
I guess this just isn't the right book for me. Very unfortunate.
I didn't really like the writing style. The book uses 3rd person POV, but the narration feels like a diary or something being written live while going through every scene. Whether it's Petra or Ross, both feel the same. I ended up thinking they have the same personality. They don't have distinct voices. Then, the book promised grumpy x grumpy. But where is it? Is the grumpy x grumpy even here with us? I don't think Petra or Ross are grumpy at all, I can already tell this from their very first interactions. Which, as I kept reading, made me think they're kinda childish. They don't act their age.
I guess this just isn't the right book for me. Very unfortunate.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Did not enjoy this book at alllll. Sadly found it fairly boring and fell really flat to me 🫠 i didn’t really connect with any of the characters ARC REVIEW
September 21, 2026
1.5⭐️
It’s closed door AND she ends up pregnant at the end…..? 😬
I really struggled with this book because I found the story very wordy and the narration made it hard to understand who's perspective I was reading. I wanted to like it because the setting was really immersive. However the amount of characters made this feel like it was a later book in a series and not a standalone.
It’s closed door AND she ends up pregnant at the end…..? 😬
I really struggled with this book because I found the story very wordy and the narration made it hard to understand who's perspective I was reading. I wanted to like it because the setting was really immersive. However the amount of characters made this feel like it was a later book in a series and not a standalone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2026
Making one mistake at work and then running away to the seaside is deeply relatable actually
September 4, 2026
After a major gaff at her job as a literary agent, Petra decides she needs a break from work and London. The perfect opportunity presents itself to run a bookshop for 6 months in a seaside town while the owners are away. The town soon enchants her, as does Ross, a former literary wunderkind who is hiding out in a cottage in town. Petra hopes she can find her way forward during her time away - and maybe love while she’s at it.
I wanted to love this one!! The set up is everything I could want!! Unfortunately, this book in practice is both boring and annoying - my two cardinal sins. I didn’t care about either main character, and the pacing of the book was wildly off. There was no chemistry whatsoever, and I did not care about them ending up together. I also felt like this book spent a loooot of time quoting other pieces of media instead of just standing on its own two feet. Anyway, this is a skip from me.
August 28, 2026
DNF. I really had zero interest in the characters 1/2 way through and I didn’t care. I felt like I was wasting my time.
Did Not Finish
August 7, 2026I was hoping to fall in love qith this bookish-themes romance, but unfortunately, I had to DNF at 16%. I just couldn't get into this one. The FMC comes across as a bumbling, insecure, immature woman, and after several interactions already with the MMC, there is zero chemistry. Third POV is not a deal breaker for me, but the characters personalities aren't defined enough to easily identify the POV switches mid-chapter. Will they find romance in a Bookshop? I'll never know... I appreciate they opportunity to read and review in advance from Netgalley and Avon/Harper Voyager.
Read
March 6, 2026Has anyone ever had as much self doubt as Petra? I think the answer is probably no. I liked the first of these books, and the town and quirky British people are fun. And parts of this book are great - the relationship is fun, the book info is fun, etc. - but parts just drag through the world of book publishing, the failure of these people to have a normal conversation, Petra's CRIPPLING SELF DOUBT - and it took me a long time to finish.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley.
Did Not Finish
August 7, 2026DNF 50%. This had all the makings of a book I would love. A book about book people in a bookstore?! Sign me up. Unfortunately, this just didn't hold my attention. I found myself skimming a lot and having a hard time keeping focus. It made me sleepy. I might come back around to this another time, but for now I can't push through.
September 14, 2026
Picture the scene. It’s a chilly, wet, miserable British wintery day… you’re all wrapped up, curled up on the sofa, book in hand… that book? How To Find a Romance in a Bookshop.
This was exactly the kind of book one would pick up on an afternoon like this. It was cute, it definitely had that warming, cosy, somewhat slow-paced feel. It is described as a romance but quite frankly, for me, it was more your typical British contemporary fiction, with a sprinkling of romance. But that’s neither here nor there.
Petra, a literary agent from London, has a little faux pas with a social media post, and her world implodes. She quickly escapes to a little seaside town in Portneath, to babysit a little bookshop for the next six months - avoiding the aftermath of her little mishap.
Here she has time to sit and to think, refusing to pick up a book – a once loved hobby, that now she cannot face - and spends her days musing over what went wrong and how she seems to have let everyone, including herself, down.
One late afternoon, as she’s shutting up shop for the day, she discovers Ross, hidden out in the second-hand books section.
For now, she doesn’t realise that this is Ross McCloud. An award-winning author, thanks to his highly successful debut novel, released five years prior. With no second book out yet, or even written, clearly, something went wrong, and he does not want to talk about it. He has also escaped to the town to live the incognito life. That is, until Petra.
Over the next few months, it becomes very clear that misery does, in fact, love company, and their friendship begins to develop. Petra finds her passion in books reignited – she’s recommending books to all and sundry, helps form a new Book Club, a weekly writing group, she’s hosting talks, and even picking up a book herself. And in doing all this, even finds time to help her new bestie, Jess, launch a Literary Festival, and not only that, works on a way to give Ross the ultimate comeback.
This, like I said, was the epitome of contemporary fiction. It was quintessential - If you’ve ever seen Beyond Paradise – a tv series with Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton, set in the coastal town of Shipton Abbott, Devon, this was exactly how I imagined Capelthorne. The setting and the cast included. The bookshop – without standing front and centre, blended into the backdrop but all the while being the heart of the community and the story.
Petra was a difficult one, I’ll be honest. She had her moments, don’t get me wrong, I didn’t gel with her as much as I would have hoped to have, and there were times where both her and Ross’s interactions came across a little stilted and awkward. However, this was probably more realistic than one would be used to reading in a romance, I did really like the way they utilised their literary knowledge to build on their connection. Ross was this reclusive, quiet, down on his luck, broody mysterious man and watching the two of them bring the light back into their lives was nice to see. The cosy, magic of a coastal small town, I guess!
Now as for the romance, something didn’t sit quite right with me there, the chemistry, not so much, it seemed to skirt over feelings, something was a little off, and they went from strangers to friends, to oh we have feelings, we’re in love. Wham bam thank you ma'am. It didn’t quite work for me I’ll be honest. However. As it seemed to be a sprinkling within the pages, it did not take away from the rest of the story. It was most definitely not the focal point. Despite the title of the book!
Whilst the romance side of things didn't quite work for me, what it did do well was show how, with the right support and encouragement, joy can be re-found in things once lost. Yes, Petra and Ross found one another – no spoiler, it's a romance – but for me, the real love story was Petra finding her way back to books. And it just highlights, for every bookworm out there, the magic that is reading. Regardless of circumstance, there is always a way to fall back in love with books.
And honestly, if you're looking for something cosy to curl up with on a miserable winter afternoon, this might just be the book for you.
Thank you to Poppy Alexander and Random Things Tours for sending me a copy, in exchange for an honest review.
This was exactly the kind of book one would pick up on an afternoon like this. It was cute, it definitely had that warming, cosy, somewhat slow-paced feel. It is described as a romance but quite frankly, for me, it was more your typical British contemporary fiction, with a sprinkling of romance. But that’s neither here nor there.
Petra, a literary agent from London, has a little faux pas with a social media post, and her world implodes. She quickly escapes to a little seaside town in Portneath, to babysit a little bookshop for the next six months - avoiding the aftermath of her little mishap.
Here she has time to sit and to think, refusing to pick up a book – a once loved hobby, that now she cannot face - and spends her days musing over what went wrong and how she seems to have let everyone, including herself, down.
One late afternoon, as she’s shutting up shop for the day, she discovers Ross, hidden out in the second-hand books section.
For now, she doesn’t realise that this is Ross McCloud. An award-winning author, thanks to his highly successful debut novel, released five years prior. With no second book out yet, or even written, clearly, something went wrong, and he does not want to talk about it. He has also escaped to the town to live the incognito life. That is, until Petra.
Over the next few months, it becomes very clear that misery does, in fact, love company, and their friendship begins to develop. Petra finds her passion in books reignited – she’s recommending books to all and sundry, helps form a new Book Club, a weekly writing group, she’s hosting talks, and even picking up a book herself. And in doing all this, even finds time to help her new bestie, Jess, launch a Literary Festival, and not only that, works on a way to give Ross the ultimate comeback.
This, like I said, was the epitome of contemporary fiction. It was quintessential - If you’ve ever seen Beyond Paradise – a tv series with Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton, set in the coastal town of Shipton Abbott, Devon, this was exactly how I imagined Capelthorne. The setting and the cast included. The bookshop – without standing front and centre, blended into the backdrop but all the while being the heart of the community and the story.
Petra was a difficult one, I’ll be honest. She had her moments, don’t get me wrong, I didn’t gel with her as much as I would have hoped to have, and there were times where both her and Ross’s interactions came across a little stilted and awkward. However, this was probably more realistic than one would be used to reading in a romance, I did really like the way they utilised their literary knowledge to build on their connection. Ross was this reclusive, quiet, down on his luck, broody mysterious man and watching the two of them bring the light back into their lives was nice to see. The cosy, magic of a coastal small town, I guess!
Now as for the romance, something didn’t sit quite right with me there, the chemistry, not so much, it seemed to skirt over feelings, something was a little off, and they went from strangers to friends, to oh we have feelings, we’re in love. Wham bam thank you ma'am. It didn’t quite work for me I’ll be honest. However. As it seemed to be a sprinkling within the pages, it did not take away from the rest of the story. It was most definitely not the focal point. Despite the title of the book!
Whilst the romance side of things didn't quite work for me, what it did do well was show how, with the right support and encouragement, joy can be re-found in things once lost. Yes, Petra and Ross found one another – no spoiler, it's a romance – but for me, the real love story was Petra finding her way back to books. And it just highlights, for every bookworm out there, the magic that is reading. Regardless of circumstance, there is always a way to fall back in love with books.
And honestly, if you're looking for something cosy to curl up with on a miserable winter afternoon, this might just be the book for you.
Thank you to Poppy Alexander and Random Things Tours for sending me a copy, in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2026
Set in the charming little town of Portneath, Poppy Alexander gives another adorable romance centered around Capelthorne's Bookshop between a writer who's gone off the grid and a 'mess' of a book publisher.
I warmed to both Ross and Petra over the course of the story, and to the two finding themselves together. While it took quite a bit of time during Petra's six-month ownership of the bookshop for her and Ross to admit their feelings, no time had passed, and they were proclaiming their love for each other. I really enjoyed Poppy's highlight and background for Ross's experience with a previously manipulative relationship with his previous editor and seeing him overcome such a dark time in his career. I would have loved to see more of his experience with overcoming his toxic editor attempting to come back into his life, but I truly loved the ending both MC's received.
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC!
I warmed to both Ross and Petra over the course of the story, and to the two finding themselves together. While it took quite a bit of time during Petra's six-month ownership of the bookshop for her and Ross to admit their feelings, no time had passed, and they were proclaiming their love for each other. I really enjoyed Poppy's highlight and background for Ross's experience with a previously manipulative relationship with his previous editor and seeing him overcome such a dark time in his career. I would have loved to see more of his experience with overcoming his toxic editor attempting to come back into his life, but I truly loved the ending both MC's received.
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC!
August 18, 2026
How to Find a Romance in a Bookshop was one of those slow-burn romances that focused more on building the relationship than on the shmexual tension between the couple. Petra is a literary agent trying to keep a low profile because of an unfortunate incident. She wants nothing to do with books but ends up at a bookstore, where she meets Ross, a writer going through his own issues. I liked how the story centered on books and on saving the bookstore. Also, I liked how the two characters helped each other—both went through significant growth throughout the story.
Thank you to Avon Books for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to Avon Books for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 18, 2026
Thank you so much to Avon and Harper Collins for the early edition of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another amazing romance from Poppy Alexander. A continuation from Battle of the Bookshops, the memorable town characters are just as fun and lovable as I recall. I wish I could visit Portneath myself or even move there. It just sounds like so much fun. And the relationship between and Ross is so wonderful. I adored how realistic and quirky the characters were and gosh do I relate to Petra with the clumsiness and my mouth saying things before my brain has been able to filter them. If you like sweet romances this book is absolutely for you.
Another amazing romance from Poppy Alexander. A continuation from Battle of the Bookshops, the memorable town characters are just as fun and lovable as I recall. I wish I could visit Portneath myself or even move there. It just sounds like so much fun. And the relationship between and Ross is so wonderful. I adored how realistic and quirky the characters were and gosh do I relate to Petra with the clumsiness and my mouth saying things before my brain has been able to filter them. If you like sweet romances this book is absolutely for you.
August 25, 2026
This book just checked every box for me. It was sweet and charming. The bookshop and the town were painted in such an idyllic way and I wanted to spend my days there. I loved Petra and connected with her so much. I loved the awkward moments, the sweet moments and everything in between. This was such a cozy story and it made me feel genuinely happy to sit in this world and with these characters. It was everything I needed in this moment.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon and Harper for the advanced copy. All thoughts and feelings are my own.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon and Harper for the advanced copy. All thoughts and feelings are my own.
October 7, 2026
I sincerely wish I could have enjoyed this book more. It was sweet, and it was nice, but overall it just fell flat for me, and I found myself struggling to finish it.
Petra, though relatable, was incredibly flat as a MC for me. I found myself more drawn to Ross, but even then I was not as invested in their blooming relationship as I wish I could have been.
Petra, though relatable, was incredibly flat as a MC for me. I found myself more drawn to Ross, but even then I was not as invested in their blooming relationship as I wish I could have been.
August 17, 2026
The literary setting for romance books can get to be a little much lately, but this one was so much fun. I enjoyed the characters and their relationship felt authentic. It was nicely paced and not too lengthy, a fast and fun read!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
October 5, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio for an advanced copy!
I thought this was a fun book-related romance! I liked the characters and the atmosphere, and I think the audiobook reader did a good job. Would recommend if you want a fun cozy romance read!
I thought this was a fun book-related romance! I liked the characters and the atmosphere, and I think the audiobook reader did a good job. Would recommend if you want a fun cozy romance read!
August 31, 2026
Just the cozy I needed 📚
August 30, 2026
Gifted an audiobook from Avon and the Libro.FM Library ARC Listener program. Thanks to the publisher, Libro.FM and the author for the ALC copy. I received this book free and all opinions are my own.
For a standalone sequel to Battle of the Bookshops readers return to the familiar indie bookstore in a small seaside town. This time they meet a disgraced literary agent, taking some much need time away from the publishing industry and a successful debut author hiding from the world. Right from their meet-awkward, things are both comical and tinder. This time Alexander takes inspiration from Willaim Shakespear's The Tempest. This story harkens nicely to the source text while rewriting to story to be a romance for the modern reader. It has a cozy character-driven pace. I wasn't sure I liked the pacing until I listened to part of this book as I enjoyed an afternoon snack, then I realized that is book is meant to be enjoyed like an afternoon tea. I loved the seaside town, and these two characters were unique from the first book, but it had the same mix of cozy with a bit of drama. At the end, I wanted to read more cozy romances inspired by Shakespear.
For a standalone sequel to Battle of the Bookshops readers return to the familiar indie bookstore in a small seaside town. This time they meet a disgraced literary agent, taking some much need time away from the publishing industry and a successful debut author hiding from the world. Right from their meet-awkward, things are both comical and tinder. This time Alexander takes inspiration from Willaim Shakespear's The Tempest. This story harkens nicely to the source text while rewriting to story to be a romance for the modern reader. It has a cozy character-driven pace. I wasn't sure I liked the pacing until I listened to part of this book as I enjoyed an afternoon snack, then I realized that is book is meant to be enjoyed like an afternoon tea. I loved the seaside town, and these two characters were unique from the first book, but it had the same mix of cozy with a bit of drama. At the end, I wanted to read more cozy romances inspired by Shakespear.
August 21, 2026
How to Find Romance in a Bookshop is a friends to lovers read set in a small town with grumpy x grumpy and slow burn tropes. The cover is so cute and I was excited to give a-new-to-me author a go. This book has so many tropes and things I usually love but it was a big miss for me. The book starts with Petra upending her literary agent life due to a public typo towards an author that no one really seems to even like. She walks away from publishing to help run a bookshop while its owners take an extended vacation which is where she meets Ross, who also seems to have his own gray cloud above his head.
I found the pacing off- the beginning happens so quickly and there doesn’t seem to be any consequences from Petra’s typo but she is quick to jump ship. Petra settling into the shop is a blur for me but any time she is with Ross drags on. I found the main characters extremely unlikable, even towards each other, and I did not connect with them at all. I’m also very confused how it went from friends to “I guess I love you now” so quickly. And maybe It was because the setting is an ocean away from me, but I could not keep up with the English conversations. I never knew who was saying what and at times the conversations seemed to not reply to each other, like they were on different topics. The book is also written in second person POV which comes off a bit rambly or diary- like and then switches between the characters mid chapter with a break instead of a new chapter so things get muddy a lot. The scary nighttime hiking was very out of place and character for me. I was excited to read more about the small town but we really just get the bookshop and a couple nearby shops with a few “beach” scenes. I felt like there were too many characters, some are introduced and never seen again. I also wish we could have been briefed on The Tempest. Petra and Ross loved The Tempest enough to write a fanfic off of it but I have never read it so I don’t know who these characters are or why they have such a strong connection to them.
I found the pacing off- the beginning happens so quickly and there doesn’t seem to be any consequences from Petra’s typo but she is quick to jump ship. Petra settling into the shop is a blur for me but any time she is with Ross drags on. I found the main characters extremely unlikable, even towards each other, and I did not connect with them at all. I’m also very confused how it went from friends to “I guess I love you now” so quickly. And maybe It was because the setting is an ocean away from me, but I could not keep up with the English conversations. I never knew who was saying what and at times the conversations seemed to not reply to each other, like they were on different topics. The book is also written in second person POV which comes off a bit rambly or diary- like and then switches between the characters mid chapter with a break instead of a new chapter so things get muddy a lot. The scary nighttime hiking was very out of place and character for me. I was excited to read more about the small town but we really just get the bookshop and a couple nearby shops with a few “beach” scenes. I felt like there were too many characters, some are introduced and never seen again. I also wish we could have been briefed on The Tempest. Petra and Ross loved The Tempest enough to write a fanfic off of it but I have never read it so I don’t know who these characters are or why they have such a strong connection to them.
August 19, 2026
4.5 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this eARC. I love this bookshop series. I didn't realize that this was book 2 (although total standalone) in Poppy's bookshop series. I love books about books and bookstores - this was great. Petra is the disgraced agent who keeps putting her foot in her mouth and needs to hide out for a few months. Ross is the famous author who had a fantastic debut novel and then nothing since. Set in a small town in England - the two of them form a friendship and then more - and they both help each other move forward. I really enjoyed this story and the back and forth nature for both Petra and Ross. I HATED Henrietta - I mean who wouldn't. I also loved how Jules and her hubby popped into the story. If you like cozy books about books and stores - this is for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
HOW TO FIND A ROMANCE IN A BOOKSHOP is a cozy, warm hug of a book that had me cheering for the grumpy/sunshine couple.
Genre: Romance
Spice Level: Fade-to-black, kisses on the page
This book came at the perfect time for me—I needed something to wrap me up in a world of delightful characters who love books. Pairing the agent and the writer, each struggling in their industry, felt relatable and was great because they understood the industry from different sides. This made it so they were the best cheerleaders for each other.
I love a slow burn romance, and this one fully held my attention for the ride. It didn't drag out, but moved in a natural-feeling tempo for romance to develop. I'm always up for books in bookshops and with authors—so this contained one of my favorite set ups.
Overall, the stakes are pretty low. No one needs to save the world, they're just saving their own worlds/lives from despondency and fear of not being good enough. The characters have backgrounds that led them to this point, and I felt for them as they doubted themselves. It was a refreshing read.
Happy reading!
My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager. All opinions are my own.
Genre: Romance
Spice Level: Fade-to-black, kisses on the page
This book came at the perfect time for me—I needed something to wrap me up in a world of delightful characters who love books. Pairing the agent and the writer, each struggling in their industry, felt relatable and was great because they understood the industry from different sides. This made it so they were the best cheerleaders for each other.
I love a slow burn romance, and this one fully held my attention for the ride. It didn't drag out, but moved in a natural-feeling tempo for romance to develop. I'm always up for books in bookshops and with authors—so this contained one of my favorite set ups.
Overall, the stakes are pretty low. No one needs to save the world, they're just saving their own worlds/lives from despondency and fear of not being good enough. The characters have backgrounds that led them to this point, and I felt for them as they doubted themselves. It was a refreshing read.
Happy reading!
My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After a social media post gone wrong, a literary agent runs away to look after a seaside bookshop for the summer—and forms an unlikely friendship with a charming novelist struggling with his latest idea.
EEK! I love Poppy Alexander and fell in love with The Battle Of the Bookshops and jumped for joy when I got the opportunity to read this one too. I love that they are both connected.
I devoured this one pretty quickly and just fell in love with everything about it.
Petra leaves London and heads to a seaside village to run a bookshop for 6 months. There she runs into Ross, a successful novelist who is also hiding out from the stress of everyday life. There they form a friendship and a connection that is undeniable.
This was a fantastic book and I totally fell in love with it all.
EEK! I love Poppy Alexander and fell in love with The Battle Of the Bookshops and jumped for joy when I got the opportunity to read this one too. I love that they are both connected.
I devoured this one pretty quickly and just fell in love with everything about it.
Petra leaves London and heads to a seaside village to run a bookshop for 6 months. There she runs into Ross, a successful novelist who is also hiding out from the stress of everyday life. There they form a friendship and a connection that is undeniable.
This was a fantastic book and I totally fell in love with it all.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Was it even a good book though?" he demanded, suddenly animated, turning to face her, eyes blazing. "Who says it was a good book? Who decides? Do they even know? Who are the book police who decree which writer floats to the top of the pile and who spends years and years slaving away invisibly?"
quote from this novel as our two protagonists debate the future of the literary novel as two people naturally do while “not” dating. Which is completely adorable.
I am hardly the book police. I am a mere lover of books and romance. But I'll encourage you to move this cute little book to the top of your TBR pile this August when it's released.
What Is It About:
London based literary agent, Petra, has committed an error that has led to a brief moment of career suicide. A brief moment that sends her to manage Capelthorne's Bookshop for six months and essentially regroup. The publishing industry has chewed her up and spit her out. Change is in order and the next six months will help shape that change. Petra meets Ross McCloud, an author with a resounding first novel success that has disappeared entirely from the literary scene. They begin a begrudging friendship that sweetly evolves through the entirety of the book. Petra keeps Ross's incognito secret from the bookish townsfolk while also encouraging him to write again. With the impending town literary festival, so much opportunity hangs in the balance for both Petra and Ross.
Why I'll Encourage You to Move It to the Top of the Pile:
- Poppy Alexander mentions Virago Modern Classics (VMC). Petra is mentioned wanting a copy of the VMC "Frenchman's Creek". I knew immediately Poppy Alexander knows her book stuff is she is mentioning VMC. For those that aren't familiar with VMC, this publishing house is instrumental in both celebrating and restoring the voices of female writers. And their greenback paperbacks have a special place on my bookshelf. Many female voices (especially in the interwar years) would be lost without the dedication of Virago. Alexander mentioning VMC made me sit up and pay attention.
-The most adorable NOT Valentine's Dinner: in which our couple spend time guessing famous first lines from novels. A girl can dream to have such a meeting of the minds.
-A seaside bookshop in Portneath. Small town literary atmosphere. (no explanation needed here, friends)
- When Petra meets Ross, she mistakes him for a pirate. Setting the stage for a lovely image of our male lead.
-Slow Burn. Friends to Lovers. But what I adored was truly a meeting of the minds. These are two people who have built their entire lives around literature. It is practically encoded in their DNA and when they interact, it's beautiful to read.
-Small town drama. I mean, when there is a hostile takeover of the local book club, get the popcorn popping!
-Poppy Alexander throwing in a small, forced proximity for warmth scene... loved it.
-Bookshop interactions including our male lead reading for children. Lovely.
-Petra and Ross experienced character evolution both individually and as a couple. I really enjoyed having a seat watching each come back from the ashes, experience vulnerability that is met with compassion, and get a second chance at happiness again. I'm not speaking romantically (this isn't a second chance romance). But professionally and personally, each has been knocked down.
- The literary references, quotes, author name dropping, Shakespeare plot influences. This book has it all!
-You get a Happily Ever After
My many thanks to Avon, Harper Voyager US, and Netgalley for graciously allowing me to read and review this charming novel. The opinions below are freely and completely my own.
quote from this novel as our two protagonists debate the future of the literary novel as two people naturally do while “not” dating. Which is completely adorable.
I am hardly the book police. I am a mere lover of books and romance. But I'll encourage you to move this cute little book to the top of your TBR pile this August when it's released.
What Is It About:
London based literary agent, Petra, has committed an error that has led to a brief moment of career suicide. A brief moment that sends her to manage Capelthorne's Bookshop for six months and essentially regroup. The publishing industry has chewed her up and spit her out. Change is in order and the next six months will help shape that change. Petra meets Ross McCloud, an author with a resounding first novel success that has disappeared entirely from the literary scene. They begin a begrudging friendship that sweetly evolves through the entirety of the book. Petra keeps Ross's incognito secret from the bookish townsfolk while also encouraging him to write again. With the impending town literary festival, so much opportunity hangs in the balance for both Petra and Ross.
Why I'll Encourage You to Move It to the Top of the Pile:
- Poppy Alexander mentions Virago Modern Classics (VMC). Petra is mentioned wanting a copy of the VMC "Frenchman's Creek". I knew immediately Poppy Alexander knows her book stuff is she is mentioning VMC. For those that aren't familiar with VMC, this publishing house is instrumental in both celebrating and restoring the voices of female writers. And their greenback paperbacks have a special place on my bookshelf. Many female voices (especially in the interwar years) would be lost without the dedication of Virago. Alexander mentioning VMC made me sit up and pay attention.
-The most adorable NOT Valentine's Dinner: in which our couple spend time guessing famous first lines from novels. A girl can dream to have such a meeting of the minds.
-A seaside bookshop in Portneath. Small town literary atmosphere. (no explanation needed here, friends)
- When Petra meets Ross, she mistakes him for a pirate. Setting the stage for a lovely image of our male lead.
-Slow Burn. Friends to Lovers. But what I adored was truly a meeting of the minds. These are two people who have built their entire lives around literature. It is practically encoded in their DNA and when they interact, it's beautiful to read.
-Small town drama. I mean, when there is a hostile takeover of the local book club, get the popcorn popping!
-Poppy Alexander throwing in a small, forced proximity for warmth scene... loved it.
-Bookshop interactions including our male lead reading for children. Lovely.
-Petra and Ross experienced character evolution both individually and as a couple. I really enjoyed having a seat watching each come back from the ashes, experience vulnerability that is met with compassion, and get a second chance at happiness again. I'm not speaking romantically (this isn't a second chance romance). But professionally and personally, each has been knocked down.
- The literary references, quotes, author name dropping, Shakespeare plot influences. This book has it all!
-You get a Happily Ever After
My many thanks to Avon, Harper Voyager US, and Netgalley for graciously allowing me to read and review this charming novel. The opinions below are freely and completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I won't lie this is the third or fourth book I had read this year that had a romance set in a bookshop or bookstore. I wasn't sure I was going to have high hopes for this book. But, Poppy Alexander did a great job of making this story feel unique and giving us characters that felt different. I had a good time with this book.
In How to Find a Romance in a Bookshop, we are following the characters of Petra and Ross. Petra is a down on her luck publishing agent and Ross is a "washed up" author trying to hide and find the words for his second book. Petra's introduction was so much fun. We got dropped into the immediate aftermath and of an inadvertent autocorrect typo that was called one of her authors a less than pleasant word. She asked to quietly step back and take a short leave of absence. Enter the opportunity to spend six months running a small town bookstore. Ross is in hiding. His first book shot to so much fame and success, he wasn't sure he could write another one. So he's been a nomad constantly moving and running away from the fame and the shame of not having a second book in him. This easily could have been set up to be enemies to lovers and the initial meeting of Petra and Ross had me wondering if that was the direction this story would go. But no, instead they created a friendship, somewhat begrudgingly. This friendship was built on a love of books and somewhat silly games. This friendship begins to develop into more as both Petra and Ross begin to share their hearts and secrets.
As the story moved forward, I felt that we got to know the characters, both main and side, in the charming town of Portneath. The characters as much as the setting had me coming back for more. I also really enjoyed that the characters seemed to love reading, as much as, us, well readers. The use of the bookstore as the backdrop for the romance made a lot of sense. But I loved that the author didn't shy away from kind of drawing the readers in when it came to the Valentine's Day window and the topic what makes a romance book a romance? How do we decide what's good? And what should be recommended? I found myself agreeing and disagreeing with the picks. While simultaneously, considering my own choices and the arguments I would make.
I also really enjoyed the conversation around how the publishing world can be hard and it can spit out authors left and right. I found that it was important conversation to have and I felt that the fact that the author was the male character gave a different spin to the age old tale. I also liked that this story dived into what toxic relationships could look like and how they don't always look the same.
But the best part of this book was the relationship between Petra and Ross. I loved their growth together and separately. I felt that, as a reader, I got the front row seat to their growth (and regression). I also found myself nodding along with Petra as she rediscovered her love for reading. It something I bet a lot of us can relate to.
My only complaint - it ended too soon. I hope we get to go back and meet the characters all over again and perhaps see where they ended up after the epilogue concluded.
Thank you to Harper Collins and Avon for this early release digital arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In How to Find a Romance in a Bookshop, we are following the characters of Petra and Ross. Petra is a down on her luck publishing agent and Ross is a "washed up" author trying to hide and find the words for his second book. Petra's introduction was so much fun. We got dropped into the immediate aftermath and of an inadvertent autocorrect typo that was called one of her authors a less than pleasant word. She asked to quietly step back and take a short leave of absence. Enter the opportunity to spend six months running a small town bookstore. Ross is in hiding. His first book shot to so much fame and success, he wasn't sure he could write another one. So he's been a nomad constantly moving and running away from the fame and the shame of not having a second book in him. This easily could have been set up to be enemies to lovers and the initial meeting of Petra and Ross had me wondering if that was the direction this story would go. But no, instead they created a friendship, somewhat begrudgingly. This friendship was built on a love of books and somewhat silly games. This friendship begins to develop into more as both Petra and Ross begin to share their hearts and secrets.
As the story moved forward, I felt that we got to know the characters, both main and side, in the charming town of Portneath. The characters as much as the setting had me coming back for more. I also really enjoyed that the characters seemed to love reading, as much as, us, well readers. The use of the bookstore as the backdrop for the romance made a lot of sense. But I loved that the author didn't shy away from kind of drawing the readers in when it came to the Valentine's Day window and the topic what makes a romance book a romance? How do we decide what's good? And what should be recommended? I found myself agreeing and disagreeing with the picks. While simultaneously, considering my own choices and the arguments I would make.
I also really enjoyed the conversation around how the publishing world can be hard and it can spit out authors left and right. I found that it was important conversation to have and I felt that the fact that the author was the male character gave a different spin to the age old tale. I also liked that this story dived into what toxic relationships could look like and how they don't always look the same.
But the best part of this book was the relationship between Petra and Ross. I loved their growth together and separately. I felt that, as a reader, I got the front row seat to their growth (and regression). I also found myself nodding along with Petra as she rediscovered her love for reading. It something I bet a lot of us can relate to.
My only complaint - it ended too soon. I hope we get to go back and meet the characters all over again and perhaps see where they ended up after the epilogue concluded.
Thank you to Harper Collins and Avon for this early release digital arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've enjoyed quite a few of Poppy Alexander's books in the past, so I went into How to Find a Romance in a Bookshop fully expecting to love it. While there was a lot to enjoy, this one ultimately fell a little short for me.
The beginning took a few chapters to find its footing. I wasn't immediately hooked, but once the story settled into the charming seaside town of Portneath, I found myself much more invested. The setting was easily one of my favorite parts of the book. In fact, it reminded me of a Scottish Airbnb I stumbled across while doom scrolling Instagram one night. Guests can stay in a cozy apartment above an independent bookshop for a week and even run the shop during their stay, setting their own hours. It's been sitting on my travel bucket list ever since. I couldn't help but wonder if Poppy Alexander knew about that little bookshop and drew inspiration from it. Whether she did or not, this story only made me want to visit even more. But I've digressed.
The premise of the book is inviting. Petra, a literary agent whose career has hit a rough patch after a public misstep trades the chaos of the publishing world for the quiet of a cozy seaside bookshop, where she soon crossed paths with Ross, a novelist struggling to write a second book. It sounded like the perfect recipe for a cozy romance.
That said, as much as I genuinely enjoyed spending time with Petra, Ross and the welcoming community around them, there were a few things that kept the story from fully clicking for me. The biggest was Instead, I was left wishing the romance had been developed and resolved a little differently.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad read by any means. The picturesque setting, lovable townspeople, and cozy atmosphere made it an enjoyable escape, and I never regretted picking it up. Romance storyline aside, that is.
Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager via NetGalley for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
The beginning took a few chapters to find its footing. I wasn't immediately hooked, but once the story settled into the charming seaside town of Portneath, I found myself much more invested. The setting was easily one of my favorite parts of the book. In fact, it reminded me of a Scottish Airbnb I stumbled across while doom scrolling Instagram one night. Guests can stay in a cozy apartment above an independent bookshop for a week and even run the shop during their stay, setting their own hours. It's been sitting on my travel bucket list ever since. I couldn't help but wonder if Poppy Alexander knew about that little bookshop and drew inspiration from it. Whether she did or not, this story only made me want to visit even more. But I've digressed.
The premise of the book is inviting. Petra, a literary agent whose career has hit a rough patch after a public misstep trades the chaos of the publishing world for the quiet of a cozy seaside bookshop, where she soon crossed paths with Ross, a novelist struggling to write a second book. It sounded like the perfect recipe for a cozy romance.
That said, as much as I genuinely enjoyed spending time with Petra, Ross and the welcoming community around them, there were a few things that kept the story from fully clicking for me. The biggest was Instead, I was left wishing the romance had been developed and resolved a little differently.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad read by any means. The picturesque setting, lovable townspeople, and cozy atmosphere made it an enjoyable escape, and I never regretted picking it up. Romance storyline aside, that is.
Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager via NetGalley for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews