"The Vanishing Bookstore" is a really engaging story that mixes the old and the new in a magical, mysterious way. It’s about this girl named Dora who finds out that her family's survival depends on uncovering a hidden bookstore that's been missing forever. As she digs into her family's secrets, she stumbles upon links to the Salem Witch Trials and a creepy figure that’s been after her family for ages. Her adventure to locate the bookstore isn’t easy either—someone’s keeping a close eye on her.

Dora is a brave and determined lead character, and her emotional journey is at the heart of the story. Her mission to save her mom and figure out her family's past is portrayed really well. The other characters, like her mom and the mysterious figure, add extra layers of suspense and intrigue to the plot.

Helen Phifer's writing is totally captivating and brings a cool mix of history, fantasy, and mystery to life. The words are full of vivid imagery and deep feelings that pull you right into the story. It flows really well, balancing nail-biting suspense with quiet, reflective moments that make you want to keep reading.

The book digs into some pretty big themes like searching for the truth, how history shapes our lives today, and the strength of family ties. It shows how tough it can be to deal with your past and the bravery it takes to face new challenges. Plus, it really emphasizes the importance of finding hidden truths and the power that comes from family connections.

Helen Phifer has a bunch of cool writing tricks up her sleeve that really bring the story to life—like using awesome descriptions, deep emotions, and a solid sense of where everything's happening. She also mixes in different viewpoints and flashbacks, which makes things a bit more complicated and lets us unravel the mystery with Dora.

The book moves at a nice pace and has a clear structure that keeps you interested the whole time. It's easy to read too, with straightforward writing that anyone can dive into.

"The Vanishing Bookstore" is an incredible read that mixes fantasy, history, and mystery all in one. Helen Phifer really knows how to tell a story that hooks you in and makes you think, so if you’re into magical realism or historical mysteries, you definitely want to check this out. It sticks with you, getting you to think about ideas like truth, resilience, and family.

I totally recommend "The Vanishing Bookstore" to anyone who likes fantasy, historical fiction, or mystery. It’s got a great story that will stay with you even after you finish it!

This book was phenomenal. I loved the writing style, the characters, everything! I was sad to put this book down. I wish I could re-read it for the first time. I loved the character of Dora, I thought she was written really well and I loved following her in this story. Brilliant book!!!!

A book about a vanishing bookstore and the witchiness of Salem and the infamy of the witch trials....sign me up!

Whilst it's not a fast paced read, it's certainly addictive and my poor kindle took quite the battering as I raced through the pages.

It's a dual timeline story that flips between 1692 and present day. It's atmospheric and the imagery really brings the story to life, along with characters that are written with depth and personality.

An enjoyable and entertaining read steeped in mystery and magic.

I am a sucker for bookstores and I think even the regular ones are magical. Taking place in dual times, this bookstore is extra special because it it really is magical and the key to unlocking the past is locating it again, with the journal that was hidden inside. Add in witches cursed to live time and again with a horrible guy hunting them down the whole time and I was sold on the book! I rooted for Dora to discover all the clues, even if the remembering was hard and I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even if I did wish that it had a bit more on the bookstore and its own magic.

The book had a great plot, but a poor execution.

The Salem Witch Trials, the blurb and the cover enticed me to read this, but it was so hard to read and go on with the book. The writing was flat and so were the characters. I could neither feel the high stakes, nor care if they actually succeeded.

Dora does not act her age and the biggest moments like meeting her mother also do not invoke any emotions. Also why would you keep her away for 33 years, then just tell her she is a witch and not let her remember?

The bookstore in itself didn't really make an appearance till 60% of the book and the end of the book was pretty hurried. The sex scenes also didn't add anything to the story. I also felt that the narrative was pretty confusing at times, especially when so many characters were mentioned and not really introduced.

I think if the book was probably 100 pages shorter, I would have still given the author the benefit but it was difficult to finish this book.

This book took me a minute to get into but it turned out to be a cozy little story. The story follows sisters from Salem who lived in the 1600s and then continued to be "reborn" due to a curse that they are trynig to break. The book has so much potential but I needed more character development and the plot jumped around a little too much for my liking. I felt it unrealistic how Dora reacted to being told she has been reincarnated multiple times in the last several hundred years and that she has a mother she had "forgotten" about. It was just kinda brushed over and it really made me lose interest.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

Dora English feels like something is missing from her life but can’t quite figure out what it is. When her beloved Aunt Lenny invites her to the United States for a work conference, Dora’s life is turned upside down.

In an unexpected twist, Dora uncovers hidden truths about her heritage, her identity, and even her own heart. As she begins to piece together her past, she finds herself in the midst of a dangerous situation with someone intent on ending her life. With time running out, Dora must navigate a labyrinth of secrets while discovering what truly matters.

The suspense and tension build as the plot unfolds, keeping you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The blend of mystery, personal growth, and romance makes "The Vanishing Bookstore" a compelling and unforgettable read. I couldn't put this book down and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a gripping story with heart.

What a delightful story Helen Phiefer has woven! This dual timeline novel, set in the 1690s during the Salem witch trials and present day London and Salem follows the English sisters & their niece, Dora. Turns out, the English sisters aren’t your usual family — they’ve lived numerous lifetimes, always helping those in need, but cursed to be hunted in every lifetime. Only the youngest English, Dora, can break the curse, with the help of a spell book she hid in the 1690s, and which the sisters have never been able to find. But as Dora begins to remember who she is, and manages to finally find the vanishing bookstore, will the English sisters finally be able to break the curse, or will they be doomed to be hunted yet again?

I loved the blending of the Salem witch trials with present day Salem, the little spells and magic woven through the story, and Hades, Dora’s familiar. The Vanishing Bookstore has a small but mighty role, and perhaps there is a hint of another story featuring the sisters?

It’s a delightful weekend read, perfect for lovers of magical, witchy, fantasy novels.

This a a fantastic book. I didn’t realize before reading it that it would span so many years and continents.
The story at the beginning was so intriguing that I kept asking myself how this would lead back to the vanished bookstore. Quite clever how it’s all laid out.
The sister’s and mother’s will was always strong and you find out just how strong. This book has mystery, magic and a families love and connection. just showing if you work together you can defeat evil and save your community.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc.

Dora believes she lives a normal life running her flower shop in London with her aunt Lenny, but her life turns upside down when they take a trip to Salem, Massachusetts together. Dora learns the truth about her family’s history and works with them to end the curse set upon them once and for all.

Based on the beautiful cover and title of this book, I expected the plot to revolve more around a vanishing bookstore than it really did. I enjoyed the flashbacks to 1692 Salem, but these moments were few and far between. The present day storyline lacked a little something but I can’t place my finger on what it is. I just wasn’t completely immersed in the plot, I didn’t feel fully connected to the characters, the relationship between Dora and Ambrose didn’t feel as “tale as old as time” as it was described to be, and 33-year-old Dora felt more like a 21-year-old coming of age character than a grown adult most of the time. Overall, the story started off very promising, but it lost its luster halfway through. I pushed through and made it to the end because I was interested enough to see how it would play out, but the ending left something to be desired. If you enjoy historical fiction and you’re looking for a simple read you’ll probably like this one.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Helen Phifer for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Vanishing Bookstore out January 7, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I’ve always been really interested in the Salem witch trials. I’ve visited Salem and really love being there. I’ve read a lot of books about the history of Salem. I think the timeline in 1692 was a lot more interesting to me than the modern timeline. I’m not sure if the two timelines really flowed together for me. But I really enjoyed the Bookstore plot. I would definitely read more books by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books about the Salem witch trials!

Such a lovely narrator for this audiobook, which is such a great bonus to a wonderful book! Follows a family of witches who keep living new lives after death since Salem, trying to break the curse that haunts them. Very reminiscent of Weyward. Very good!

3.75 stars for me this was a great mix of historical fiction witches and I adored the dual timeline USA to London perfection. Honestly if you’re after a witchy read then this is for you! It’s kind of giving Sabrina the teenage witch vibes.

Author did a great job a with this book the audio was just unreal!

Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Now it took me a minute to get fully into this page turner. It’s a dual timeline story set in London, UK in the now and in Salem, USA in the 1700s.
We follow Isadora aka Dora in the present day, who has a simple life running her small but much-loved flower shop. Her dreams are laced with peculiar memory like moments, she lives with her Aunt Lenny who is a bit of a sourpuss.
A random but handsome man named arrives to look at flower arrangements for his girlfriend’s coffin, there’s a moment of recognition when their eyes meet but she cannot place him.
Her Aunt Lenny is desperate for her to come on a trip to Salem, USA, to break a 100s of years old spell that her and her two sisters have been haunted by and Dora too, if only she’d remember.
Leaving her friend Katie in charge of the shop, Dora is about to discover some truths she can’t settle into as her memory is still blocked, and yet Salem feels like home.
Will her memory return, can she break the spell and save some lives? To find out, you’ll have to pick up a copy. If you do, I hope you enjoy the read, magic and suspense as much as I did.

I love Salem and magic and books so figured I’d probably enjoy this book.

Dora is finally able to meet her mother but unfortunately the excitement doesn’t last long. Her mother says both of their life’s are in danger. Dora decides to dig into her family’s past and finds that the key to their survival is a hidden bookstore. What kind of secret’s will she uncover?! I had goosebumps the entire time I was reading this book. I enjoyed the story! And love when any books mentions Salem. It’s such a cool place!

This isn’t normally a book I’d go for but I’m glad I was given the chance to read it!

Thank you NetGalley, Helen and Bookouture for E-ARC!

I would like to start by saying I really wanted to love this book. The book had a wonderful cover that piqued my curiosity, and I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen. However, once things started to happen, it was a big letdown. When the story started to unfold the information was handed to the characters and it was very underwhelming. I was expecting memories to be explored through artifacts that would connect the dots to investigating the bookstore. Truly a bummer, if there is a second, I most likely will not pick it up. I gave the book three stars, simply because I did in fact finish it and kept believing it would turn a corner. Lastly, the most important information I think for the publishers is the book was classified as “Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction”, and I do not think it qualifies for either of those genres. I think it would be better suited in New Adult, Sci-Fi-Fantasy.

Really enjoyed loosing myself in this witchy read. Had the audiobook and despite the English accent not being fully there, it was good to listen to. A quick and easy palette cleanser book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ebook and audiobook for review.

When I first picked up The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer, I wasn't sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this enthralling tale. As this was my first time reading a Helen Phifer novel, it has left a lasting impression on me, so much that I am eager to explore her back catalogue and discover more of her works.

The story follows Dora and her aunts as they embark on a journey to break a centuries-old curse. This curse, cast during the infamous Salem witch trials in the 1600s, has doomed them to relive their lives repeatedly, all while being pursued by a relentless witch-hunter determined to seal their fate. The plot is rich with elements of witchcraft, familiars, and historical intrigue, creating a captivating atmosphere that kept me engrossed from start to finish.

The book's vibe is truly enchanting. It combines elements of history, magic, and suspense in an engaging and immersive way. With witches and the historical backdrop of Salem, the narrative offers an exciting blend of the fantastical and the historical. I was so absorbed in the story that I devoured the book in one sitting.

I highly recommend The Vanishing Bookstore to anyone who enjoys a good witchy tale, especially those with a touch of historical context. Helen Phifer has crafted a spellbinding story that is sure to captivate readers who appreciate a mix of mystery, magic, and history.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing the e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review. This delightful book is a must-read for fans of witch-themed stories.

Not sure what I expected when I picked this book but I was pleasantly surprised by it. This is the first book of Helen’s that I’ve read that wasn’t a thriller, but it was equally as good. The title is a bit deceiving, it’s definitely more about the English women than about a bookstore, but the bookstore does hold the key.

I love that this book takes place mainly in Salem Massachusetts. Books that take place close to home always thrill me. Even though I’ve never been, I know enough about Salem to make me feel connected to it.

The majority of this book is about the connections between Dora and her mother and aunts, what they’ve been through back to when they were hung during the time of the Witch Trials. But there’s also a little romance in it. Dora and Ambrose, even through hundreds of years, still share a special bond.

I would happily read another historical fiction by Helen.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC of this book.

I have long been fascinated with the Salem Witch trials and Phifer’s spin is fantastic.
Four witches are tortured through eons of time as they are hunted by evil.
I love that the author used real people and knitted them in with the English sisters and the demon himself, George Corwin.
The descriptions of Salem, which I visited many years ago, make the scenes leap off the pages as I read.
The climax was jarring and satisfying.
I wish Lucine had a different ending.
Also, Dora’s father was supposed to come back but if he did, I missed that part.