Poppy Alexander’s latest offering, The Battle of the Bookshops, arrives with the cozy promise of seaside romance and literary nostalgia, yet delivers a surprisingly uneven reading experience that both charms and frustrates in equal measure. Set in the picturesque Cornish town of Portneath, this contemporary romance attempts to weave together family feuds, bookshop warfare, and a centuries-old mystery involving the last witch executed in England. While Alexander’s affection for independent bookstores shines through every page, the execution feels as wobbly as the ancient floorboards of Capelthorne’s Books itself.
The novel follows Jules Capelthorne, who abandons her London publishing career to save her great-aunt Florence’s century-old bookshop from bankruptcy and the threat posed by a gleaming new competitor directly across the street—run by none other than Roman Montbeau, scion of the wealthy family that has feuded with the Capelthornes for generations. What begins as a straightforward David versus Goliath tale evolves into something more complex, incorporating elements of historical mystery through the discovery of Bridget Capelthorne’s 17th-century grimoire.
Character Development: Depth Beneath the Surface
Jules Capelthorne: A Heroine in Transition
Jules emerges as Alexander’s most successful creation—a woman caught between worlds, neither fully the ambitious London publisher she once was nor the small-town bookseller she’s becoming. Her internal conflict feels genuine, particularly in moments where she questions whether her metropolitan dreams were worth abandoning. Alexander excels at showing Jules’s fierce protectiveness toward Aunt Florence, making their relationship the emotional heart of the story.
However, Jules’s romantic evolution occasionally lacks credibility. Her transition from viewing Roman as the embodiment of childhood humiliation to falling deeply in love feels rushed, particularly given the weight of family history between them. The author captures Jules’s vulnerability beautifully in quieter moments—such as her retreat to the “book nook” window seat—but struggles to make her romantic choices feel inevitable rather than merely convenient for plot progression.
Roman Montbeau: Beyond the Privileged Antagonist
Roman proves more nuanced than the typical wealthy romantic interest, burdened by family expectations and genuinely conflicted about his role in potentially destroying a beloved local institution. Alexander wisely avoids making him entirely sympathetic; his privileged background and the casual way he can afford to open a bookshop “on a whim” create authentic tension. His relationship with his domineering father adds depth, though the family dynamics sometimes feel underdeveloped.
The most compelling aspect of Roman’s character lies in his professional competence contrasted with his personal uncertainty. He’s clearly gifted at business, yet struggles with the moral implications of his success. This internal conflict drives much of the novel’s tension, though Alexander occasionally telegraphs his eventual redemption too obviously.
Aunt Florence: The Soul of the Story
Florence Capelthorne stands as perhaps Alexander’s finest achievement in characterization. Neither a saccharine elderly relative nor a burden to be managed, Flo embodies the independent spirit of small-town bookselling while wrestling with her own mortality and declining capabilities. Her relationship with Charlie, the earnest history student, provides some of the novel’s most touching moments, while her gradual acceptance of her shop’s probable demise creates genuine pathos.
Plot Analysis: Ambition Versus Execution
The Bookshop War: Promise and Pitfalls
Alexander’s central premise—two bookshops battling for survival in a small seaside town—brims with potential. The contrast between Capelthorne’s shabby authenticity and Portneath Books’ gleaming modernization provides rich metaphorical material about tradition versus progress, community versus capitalism. When Alexander focuses on the day-to-day realities of independent bookselling—the World Book Day events, the careful curation of stock, the personal relationships with customers—the novel truly sings.
Unfortunately, the actual “battle” elements feel underdeveloped. Beyond Roman’s grand gesture of donating books to local schools and a few promotional events, the competition between the shops lacks the strategic complexity the title promises. Readers expecting the literary equivalent of a chess match between equally matched opponents may find themselves disappointed by the relatively straightforward progression toward resolution.
The Bridget Capelthorne Mystery: Historical Depth and Modern Relevance
The inclusion of the 17th-century witch’s grimoire elevates the novel beyond simple contemporary romance, adding historical weight and thematic resonance. Alexander’s research into witch trials and the persecution of women deemed “difficult” or “different” provides compelling parallels to modern struggles for female autonomy and independence.
The revelation that Bridget Capelthorne was likely the last witch executed in England creates genuine stakes for the family’s financial salvation. However, the mystery elements feel somewhat perfunctory—more plot device than integral story element. The academic research scenes with Charlie, Robert, and Brynlee provide interesting historical context but lack the urgency that might drive readers to turn pages frantically.
Writing Style: Cozy Comfort with Contemporary Edge
Alexander’s prose settles comfortably into the cozy fiction tradition while occasionally surprising readers with sharper observations. Her descriptions of Portneath capture the quintessential English seaside town without becoming overly precious, and her bookshop scenes demonstrate genuine affection for literary culture.
The dialogue generally flows naturally, though some conversations between Jules and Roman feel artificially constructed to advance romantic tension rather than emerging organically from character. Alexander handles the generational differences well, particularly in scenes between Jules and Florence, where their speech patterns authentically reflect their ages and backgrounds.
Pacing and Structure Concerns
The novel’s pacing proves uneven, with some sections racing through important developments while others linger on less consequential details. The romantic timeline feels particularly compressed—Jules and Roman’s relationship evolves from animosity to love within what seems like weeks, making their ultimate conflicts less devastating than intended.
The multiple plot threads—the bookshop competition, the family feud, the historical mystery, and the romance—don’t always weave together seamlessly. The Bridget Capelthorne storyline, while historically fascinating, sometimes feels disconnected from the contemporary action, serving more as a deus ex machina for the financial crisis than an integral part of the narrative.
Thematic Resonance: Beyond Romance
Community Versus Commerce
Alexander explores meaningful themes about the value of community institutions versus pure market forces. Capelthorne’s Books represents more than a business—it’s a cultural anchor, a repository of collective memory, a place where relationships form over shared literary tastes. Roman’s bookshop, despite its obvious superiority in terms of selection and presentation, lacks this emotional resonance.
The Battle of the Bookshops raises genuine questions about whether sentiment should triumph over efficiency, whether preserving the past justifies ignoring practical realities. Alexander doesn’t provide easy answers, which strengthens the work even as it may frustrate readers seeking clearer moral guidance.
Women’s Independence Through History
The parallel between Bridget’s persecution as a “wise woman” and Jules’s struggle to maintain independence—both financial and emotional—adds thematic depth. Both women face pressure to conform to traditional expectations, whether avoiding accusations of witchcraft or accepting that women should prioritize family over career ambitions.
Florence’s declining independence also connects to these themes, as she must eventually accept help while striving to maintain dignity and agency. Alexander handles this subplot with sensitivity, avoiding both patronizing elderly characters and unrealistic optimism about aging.
Technical Craft: Strengths and Weaknesses
Alexander demonstrates solid technical competence without achieving literary distinction. Her scene-setting effectively establishes mood and atmosphere, particularly in the bookshop environments that clearly inspire her most passionate writing. Character motivation generally remains clear and consistent, though romantic developments occasionally strain credibility.
The historical research appears thorough and well-integrated, though academic readers might question some conclusions about witch trials. The contemporary details about bookselling feel authentic, suggesting either personal experience or careful research into the industry’s challenges.
Areas for Improvement
The Battle of the Bookshops would benefit from tighter plotting, particularly regarding the romantic timeline and the integration of historical elements. Some supporting characters, particularly Roman’s assistant Cally and various family members, feel underdeveloped given their importance to the plot’s resolution.
The climactic confrontation between Jules and Roman lacks the emotional weight their relationship theoretically carries, partly because their connection develops too quickly to feel genuinely deep. Alexander tells rather than shows some crucial emotional developments, weakening their impact.
Context Within Alexander’s Work
As Alexander’s fifth novel, following Storybook Ending, The 12 Days of Christmas, The Littlest Library, and 25 Days ’til Christmas, The Battle of the Bookshops continues her exploration of small-town British life centered around books and literary culture. Readers familiar with her previous works will recognize recurring themes of community, tradition, and the transformative power of literature.
The novel represents a slight departure in its inclusion of historical elements and more complex family dynamics. While maintaining the cozy atmosphere her readers expect, Alexander attempts to tackle weightier themes than in some previous works, with mixed success.
Comparable Reads and Recommendations
Readers who enjoy The Battle of the Bookshops might appreciate:
- Nina George’s The Little Paris Bookshop – for its focus on books as healing and community-building
- Jenny Colgan’s The Bookshop on the Corner – for similar themes of independent bookselling and rural romance
- Hazel Prior’s How the Penguins Saved Veronica – for intergenerational relationships and personal transformation
- Ruth Hogan’s The Keeper of Lost Things – for its blend of contemporary and historical storylines
- Katie Fforde’s A Perfect Proposal – for countryside romance with professional conflicts
Fans of Alexander’s work who haven’t discovered Veronica Henry or Trisha Ashley would find similar themes of community, family dynamics, and romantic complications in rural settings.
Final Verdict: Charming Imperfection
The Battle of the Bookshops succeeds as comfort reading for those who love books, bookshops, and the idea that love can overcome family feuds and financial difficulties. Alexander’s genuine affection for her subject matter shines through, creating an immersive world that many readers will find deeply appealing.
However, the novel falls short of its ambitious scope. The romantic elements feel rushed, the historical mystery remains somewhat disconnected from the main narrative, and the promised “battle” between bookshops lacks strategic complexity. These flaws prevent the work from achieving the resonance it clearly aspires to reach.
For dedicated fans of cozy fiction and bookish romance, these weaknesses won’t overshadow the novel’s considerable charms. The authentic portrayal of small-town bookselling, the touching relationship between Jules and Florence, and the satisfying resolution of long-standing family conflicts provide enough emotional reward to justify the reading investment.
Alexander has crafted a pleasant, occasionally moving novel that celebrates the enduring importance of independent bookstores and the communities they serve. While it may not achieve literary greatness, it succeeds in its more modest ambitions: providing comfort, hope, and a reminder that sometimes the most important battles are fought not for profit, but for preservation of what matters most to human connection.
- Best suited for: Fans of cozy contemporary romance, readers interested in bookselling culture, those who enjoy multigenerational family stories with historical elements.
- Less ideal for: Readers seeking fast-paced plotting, those preferring either pure contemporary or pure historical fiction, anyone looking for deeply complex character development or literary innovation.