The premise of this book hooked me immediately -- an old bookstore (that vanishes!), a family saga that covers multiple centuries, the historical element of the Salem witch trials -- what's not to love? I loved the dual timeline. In the end, this was an okay-good read for me, though many would love it. I tend to enjoy historical fiction more than fantasy/magic, and though this is billed as both, the historical part didn't grab me as much as I anticipated. Overall, this would be a great read for someone who loves fantasy/magic/witches.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and author Helen Phifer for the complimentary advance copy! It was my pleasure to write this candid review.

This book is the perfect comfort read! It’s nice to watch the FMC grow and develop through the story.

With elements of:
Witchcraft
Family love
Reincarnation
Love
Enemies
Grief
Hope
Murder

It has enough to keep you hooked and want more.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Publisher for allowing me to read this before it was released.

A family of witches has spent every lifetime trying to get away from a witch hunter and the key to their survival is hidden in a bookstore that no one has seen for generations.

This was a cute cozy, witchy fantasy with a bit of mystery too. It very much gave me Practical Magic meets Hocus Pocus vibes. It’s one of the best witchy books I’ve read!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

"Every story needs a happy ending. And you can’t have yours until you find the bookstore."
The Vanishing Bookstore is a magical read that is about a family of women who end up being accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials and sadly these women have to live their lives repeatedly all while being hunted by the same wicked man. This drew me in by the cover and had me captivated from the first page. I was turning pages until the very end. The author wrote this beautifully well and I look forward to reading more of her books. Every character in this was amazing. Overall, this was such a spellbinding tale that I loved and would recommend to any reader especially if you love fantasy. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this magnificent read in exchange of my honest review of The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer.

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚅𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚢 𝙷𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚗 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚏𝚎𝚛

Available tomorrow! (January 7, 2024)

📖 Read if you like:
🧙🏼‍♀️ Witches
🐈‍⬛ Set in London and Salem
🔄 Reincarnation
✨ Cozy vibes
☠️ But also murder 😱

💭 My Thoughts: If you love Hocus Pocus vibes and cozy magical realism, you NEED this book. The story jumps between the late 1600s and present day, which kept things super interesting, and the whole reincarnation/multiple lives angle was so fun to follow.

Even though there were a few darker, violent moments, the overall vibe was still fun and cozy. I kept saying, “This is such a cozy read,” and I stand by that. Perfect for curling up with on a chilly night.

⚠️ CW: violence, death of a loved one

#bookstagram #pastpages
#thevanishingbookstore #helenphifer
#magicalrealism #fantasy #arc

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 (tag NetGalley and publisher) 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

3.5 stars - The plot was unique, and this was mostly enjoyable but a little YA-ish at times. Of course I love everything Salem and witchy, and I liked the dual timeline (especially the 1692 chapters, of which there were not many). I liked the first half better than the second, which felt somehow both predictable and rushed. Overall, an enjoyable & light witchy read. (And Hades the crow was definitely the best character!)

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

This story centers around what appears to be an ordinary bookstore with a dark and enigmatic history. The MC is a determined investigator with a knack for solving the unsolvable.

Thank you, Helen Phifer and NetGalley, for this ARC.

Rating: 4.5/5
Recommendation: Perfect for readers who love atmospheric mysteries with a hint of the supernatural and a touch of bookish charm.

Tropes:
* Dual timeline
* Memory retrieval
* Family secrets
* Fiction based in history
* Old school magic

This was a wonderful palate cleanser book for me, so unlike other books I’ve read. The descriptions and timeline changes provided a great plot and story! The Salem parts provided great background and I love all the history surrounding that period. I loved the aunts, who were perfectly quirky and what I want from a witch character! Especially with their use of magic being more old school through herbs, positions and stones.

I did wish there was a bit more about the bookstore itself & more about how Dora and Ambrose met. But it was a great magical fiction steeped in history.

3 ⭐️

Quotes:
* Life was supposed to be a wonderful thing, but sometimes life was not as good as you imagined.
* the power of three was the strongest magic of them all and it was about time that they reclaimed it.
* Even when a beloved pet passes, they are always with us in spirit.

I enjoyed this book so much. It combines witches, magic, and historical fiction. There is plenty of intrigue and fantastic world-building. It was a rollercoaster to see Dora's memories return. Helen Phifer has an amazing way with words. Her story ebbed and flowed beautifully.

At the end of the day, this is a book about women, their struggles, and everything in between. It was atmospheric, bewitching, and a joy to read. The entire time I read it, I could picture everything in my head like I was watching a movie. Phifer's writing was so descriptive and vivid.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the eARC! I look forward to reading more of Helen Phifer's work.

3.5 *
I am a sucker for historical fiction, so when I saw this with a bit of magic thrown in, I requested it right away. Was so excited when it was accepted.
The book starts in Salem 1692, where you find out about the English woman being a woman of healing abilities.
Then you go to London in the present day and discover Dora and her aunt. Throughout the book, you find out about how they are connected and lives relived over and over again with a witch hunter coming after the English family.

I found it a nice little read, but with a lot of plot holes within the story. I have been left with a lot of questions about why I couldn't ambrose (Dora's partner) find the book. Also, I find the title of the book deceiving as there isn't really much about the books store in the actual storyline. Don't get me wrong, I would suggest it to people as it is an alright little read.

The cover and the premise is what drew me to The vanishing bookstore by Helen Phifer. Salem, witches and a bookstore that disappears to protect a magical book was a perfect read for me. A dual timeline that connects Dora, Sephy, Lenny, and Lucine English from the Salem witch trials to the present day, hunted by a witch hunter through time, the English women search for the grimoire that Dora hid hoping that this time they will succeed in breaking the curse. I really enjoyed reading this, but was a bit disappointed that the bookstore isn't really featured in the story, however the character of Hades the crow was a delight.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this eCopy to review

When I first opened "The Vanishing Bookstore," I was immediately captivated by the blend of historical intrigue and magical realism. The story transported me to Salem, Massachusetts, where the past and present intertwine in a spellbinding narrative.

The novel begins in 1692, during the Salem witch trials. A young woman, accused of witchcraft, hides a journal in a vine-covered bookstore before fleeing. This bookstore mysteriously vanishes, only to reappear centuries later.

In the present day, Dora, who believed her mother had died when she was a child, is shocked to discover that her mother is alive. This revelation leads Dora to uncover her family's dark history and a curse that has haunted them since the 17th century. The key to breaking this curse lies in the elusive bookstore, which Dora must find to save her family. As she delves deeper into her family's past, she realizes that someone has been watching her, waiting for her to uncover the secrets hidden within the bookstore.

The novel's atmospheric setting and rich historical context drew me in from the start. Phifer's vivid descriptions of Salem and the eerie, magical bookstore added depth to the story, making it an immersive read. The dual timelines were seamlessly woven together, enhancing the mystery and suspense.

The Vanishing Bookstore is set across two timelines: the present day and 1692. In 1692, Salem is plagued by accusations of witchcraft, while in the present day, Isadora and Lenny live peacefully in London—until a strange man named George Corwin arrives, mourning his deceased girlfriend. He asks Isadora for help with the funeral. Little does she know, George’s true identity will turn her life upside down in the most twisted way.

I’ve always loved Helen Phifer’s writing; she was one of my favorite authors last year. One of my favorite reads was Her Lost Soul. She’s also the reason I started reading Stephen King’s books—she mentioned how The Shining was one of her favorites, and it quickly became one of mine, too, after I read The Shining Duology.

The Vanishing Bookstore was truly unique. I loved how Phifer seamlessly wove the two timelines together, slowly connecting the dots. The mix of fantasy, witchcraft, romance, mystery, Greek mythology, and a touch of humor was perfect. I especially admired the English sisters, their resilience in protecting their family, and their refusal to resort to violence despite facing endless struggles, suffering, and immortality.

And Hades—oh, I loved him so much. I wasn’t particularly fond of crows before, given their dark reputation and the association with death, but this story made me see them differently. Hades’ role in protecting the English women for centuries was both heartwarming and intriguing.
I also couldn’t help but feel emotional over Ambrose’s love for Dora. Ugh, I wish there were a prequel that explored their bond more deeply. I’d love to see how their genuine connection grew and how they continued falling for each other, even as Dora repeatedly lost her memory after dying and coming back to life.

Overall, this was such a unique, adorable, and captivating read. If you love fantasy, witches, and romance, you’ll definitely enjoy it!

✨WHAT I LIKED:
📌 Dora realizing how much she loves Ambrose.
📌 Hades protecting Dora and the English sisters.
📌 How the people of Salem still remember the English sisters.
📌 Ambrose’s unconditional love for Dora.

✨TROPES:
📌 Star-Crossed Lovers
📌 Found Family
📌 Withcraft and Magic
📌 Unconditional Love
📌 Tragic Immortality
📌 No Spice

🖥️ GOODREADS REVIEW: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7180737784

💻 BLOG REVIEW: https://kimthebookdragon.com/2025/01/06/arc-review-the-vanishing-bookstore/

💻 LINKEDIN REVIEW: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kinanahmanalao_arc-review-the-vanishingbookstore-activity-7282003085705519105-0S_L?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Historical fiction

Witches and witch hunter

Goth setting

Curses

Strong female characters

This is my first time reading Helen’s book and I loved the writing style and flow of the story. I am a big fan of historical fiction and it served it so well.

This is a story of the English sisters who are caught up in the vicious cycle of rebirth for centuries and being hunted by the evil witch hunter every time, because of some unfortunate curse. The key to break the curse is the book that is hidden in the vanishing bookstore by Isadora who has lost her memories. The whole story revolves around Isadora’s revival of memories and breaking the curse.

Things I loved :-

The bond between the English sisters

The relationship of Isadora and hades is so adorable – “Dora is home, Dora is home”.

The fact that the English sisters carried their own household without a man dominating in 1692!! It makes me feel so empowering.

There is also a little love angle in this book between Isadora and Ambrose.

(though I didn’t understand the rebirth of Ambrose, it was nothing to do with expect for finding the bookstore, I would have loved to see Ambrose play a greater role)

And I always admire a book where the women do the opposite of what is dictated by the society. There were only two instances the vanishing bookstore came into the picture, it would have been more justified if the bookstore would have been more use than just getting one book out of it.

It was an amazing experience reading this book. It felt like a beautiful adventure. I look ahead to read more of the author's work.

Dora lived with her Aunt Lenny in London and looked after the florist shop, although their sales weren't the best and they were both worried about the future. But when Lenny offered Dora a holiday in the US, as Lenny had business over there, Dora had her best friend take over for her, and she and Lenny headed for Boston. When the two women arrived in Salem, Dora was shocked. She'd thought it was just Lenny and her, but it turned out she had another aunt, as well as her mother, both living in Salem. But that wasn't all the shocks that Dora was to have. As her memories gradually returned, Dora realised she and her aunts and mother had all been together in Salem back in 1692. She was remembering the terror of being hunted, of them being murdered for being witches - which of course they weren't. And of the different lifetimes they'd all endured, each with the same outcome.

Sephy, Lenny, Lucine and Dora were determined this time things would change. It was up to Dora and Ambrose to find the book she'd hidden all those years ago. But could they do it? The little bookstore had vanished and it needed Dora to make it reappear...

The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer is an intriguing book, and not one I'd been expecting. But I really enjoyed it - I don't mind a bit of magic now and then ;) The four women in the story, were cursed to live their lives over and over, haunted and hunted by an individual who was a nasty piece of work! Recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

The cover was what initially drew me to this book—it’s absolutely stunning and immediately sparked my curiosity about the story. A hidden bookstore wrapped in vines, a mysterious family legacy, and the atmospheric Salem setting all sounded like the perfect ingredients for a story I’d love. The premise promised a lot: magic, danger, and emotional depth. Unfortunately, the writing style just didn’t work for me, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged.

While I appreciated the intriguing setup and the tension surrounding Dora’s search for the bookstore, the execution felt off. The pacing dragged in places, and I kept waiting for the story to pick up or deliver on its suspenseful promises. Instead, I found myself waiting for it to end—a sign, for me, that I wasn’t fully immersed in the world or invested in the characters.

That said, I think this book might resonate with other readers who enjoy richly atmospheric settings and don’t mind a slower, more descriptive narrative. While it wasn’t a match for my preferences, I still suggest giving it a try if the concept appeals to you. The idea of a magical bookstore in Salem is undeniably enchanting, even if the journey to uncover its secrets didn’t captivate me the way I’d hoped.

3.75 ⭐️

A family of witchy women who’ve spanned centuries and continents come together in an attempt to defeat the darkness that’s been hunting them for generations.

I loved the women of the English family, they gave off Practical Magic vibes, and was delighted by their familiar, Hades. There was a nice balance of action, mystery, romance, and history.

There were moments when the pacing felt a bit awkward and occasionally I found myself confused as to if I was in the present or past. Overall though, this was an enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book and allowing me to leave my honest opinion. The premise of this book was so cute and it started off good but halfway through I just stopped caring about any of the characters. So much was happening that didn’t seem to add anything to the story and I ended up skimming through the last 10% of the book because I felt like I was never going to finish it. I think if she had a good editor pare down the unnecessary stuff the story could have been really good.

Main complaints:

The dialogue was off. People don’t have conversations in paragraphs. I think that was the hardest part for me. It went so slow and they never stopped talking and most of it didn’t drive the plot forward at all.

The most important thing Dora needed to do to break the curse she did so quickly with little effort so why did they have to live so many lifetimes for her to do it? What has she been doing all this time if not looking for the book?

The tone after her mom died was so off to me. Her mom that she just found out was alive died days after them meeting and everyone is sad for five minutes. She’s not mad at her mom or her aunts for keeping them separated for 30 years?? Nothing?? Then some random guy coming to get her mom’s dead body hits on her for no reason that adds nothing to the plot. It was so weird.

Part Hocus Pocus, part Practical Magic. Totally cozy. I enjoyed this. Would be a perfect Fall/October witchy read.

This book is a DNF.
The writing
From the very start when I began to read I couldn’t get into the writing at all. I had to force myself to keep reading and my mind kept wondering. Rather than being able to get the vibes of the scene and picture small details like I normally would be able to, I was just confused through this book, staring at words.
The characters
I found the characters themselves to be interesting but the way that they were introduced took me out of the book. Rather than showing the characters doing something that shows their personality or job, the author instead seems to list the characters, what their job is and what they have done. It began to feel like I was reading facts about these characters and studying them rather than getting to know them naturally throughout the story and learning more about their characters.
The storyline
When I first read the blurb, I thought it was such an interesting concept and that it would be something that would definitely interest me, but after reading it for a while, I got really bored and confused. I didn’t enjoy the reactions of the main characters to certain events, and the introduction to the story overall felt a bit clunky.

Thank you to Netgalley for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.