I always enjoy a good witchy book. This was no exception. This book is a very reminiscent of a Louisa Morgan or Alice Hoffman. I liked that it talked about places in modern Salem, because I was able to envision it as if I was there.
I enjoyed the sibling dynamics, not a perfect relationship but love each other through and through.
I think the main character, Dora, questions things for slightly too long for a logical mindset but it wasn’t so annoying that I was yelling at her to just believe them already. I’ve read books like that and they’re instant DNFs. This was not the case, just when I thought she was going to question things again, she said she believed.
The love story was cute and not overdone. The main part of the story was about Dora and her sisters.
This probably could have been a series too. Breaking down their trials and struggles across time, but this was a nice condensed version.
Overall, I would love to read this again during the fall season. It’s a bit strange to have this released in January but still good just the same.
I wish I could give half stars because I’d rate this a 4.5. It would have gotten a 5 if I was more emotionally invested in the characters.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this ALC in exchange for an honest review!

Anticipated Release date: Jan 7th 2025

Thoughts:
This is a standalone adult low fantasy book, that had so much potential but just fell a little short for me.

While this is technically a high-stakes story, it reads like a low-stakes/cozy read. This is being released in January but takes place in Salem, MA during October, so this would be a perfect cozy fall read. It also felt more ya/new adult rather than an adult story (32 y/o FMC).

The imagery was vidid and immersive and I could so clearly see the town of Salem, MA. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book.

Something that I had an issue with is how we as the reader was presented information. The multiple POV’s throughout the story gave us insight into Dora’s history and the past lives she has lived. We would then learn the same information again alongside Dora in her POV just a chapter or 2 later. So while the information was dramatic for Dora to learn, it felt underwhelming to me as the reader because i already knew this information. This seemed to happen a few times through the story.

Something else that came up short for me was the romance. Dora and the love interest, Ambrose were supposed to be destined for each other in every life they lived. At first Dora does not remember Ambrose but when she does start to remember him, the emotional reunion felt… lackluster.

I also wish we could’ve seen more of her memories throughout her different lifetimes (we get small glimpses) I feel like those would have been short storytelling diversions that would have been fun to read out.

If you liked a very secret society of irregular witches, I think you would enjoy this story.

Tropes:
✨Magical realism
⚔️Witch x Witch Hunter
🕰️Dual timelines
👯‍♀️Multiple POVs

Witches & Mystery, Good vs. Evil, there is adventure & magic in this dual timeline story. Captured me right from the start. The narrator brought everything to life. This was my first book from this author and I will definitely be reading more from her. Thank you netgalley for the ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the digital copy of this audiobook; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book was a great listen. A family of witches is cursed, and they have to live their lives over and over again, with the same fate in each timeline. The women retain their memories from one lifetime to the next That is, all except Dora, who is in the present timeline. Her beloved aunt takes her to Salem to jog her memories, because Dora holds the key to breaking the curse.

Another thing I really liked about The Vanishing Bookstore is the connection between Dora and Ambrose. They have a love across the ages, great respect for each other, and you could just feel the emotion jump off the pages.

Another thing I liked was the way the author described things, down to the tiniest detail for some things like the setting. There’s so much written about Salem, but I finally got a real feeling for the place from this book. It’s both enchanting and spellbinding in a way. (See what I did there?)

Will be purchasing this book for my bookshelf. The narration was great and the storyline even better. Across 300 years, echos remain and strength is mustered from memory! A must if you are interested in historical women's fiction, witchiness, or redeeming stories.

I thought this book was a good mix of historical fantasy and mystery. The multiple stories told were blended together well, and the ending was satisfying.

I am disappointed that the witchcraft in this tale is so realistic. It went against my personal beliefs. While this book is well-written, and the story is quite unique and interesting and the book is completely entertaining, I just had a terrible feeling of guilt looming over my head as I was reading this book. I felt that the book could have been better if the "magic" in this book was more like fiction instead of fact. As a previous witch myself, and I was someone who studied magic in the real world, this book brought me to feel my past sins more than I would have cared to feel. This book does have some frightening moments especially when read through the audiobook. If you are interested in magic, then this might be the book for you, but I couldn't fully enjoy it myself based upon my own beliefs. This books language feels less like an adult novel and more like young adult fiction as well. That wasn't a problem for me as I prefer young adult fiction to adult novels, however I would have enjoyed a more fictional type of magic being introduced in the book, akin to Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings. This book does remind me of "Beautiful Creatures" but more of a magical realism. I also enjoyed how this book takes notes from "The Crucible" and real witch hunts, but sadly, you find yourself rooting for the witches in this book instead of non-magic people. This book also suggests that the murders that have happened are more realistic as well, instead of just killing witches for no reason, the witch hunter is fueled by a personal vendetta against the main characters. There are some loose ends in this book where a sequel could be made, but while I truly enjoyed this book, I'm not sure I would read the second one due to guilt.

Big thank you to both NetGalley and Helen Phifer for sending me this ALC. this was a really entertaining historical fantasy! This is a great pick for anyone who enjoys Practical Magic and the Salem Witch Trials. Dora must unravel her family history all while discovering who she really is and being reunited with the mom she thought died when she was young. She quickly is taught the strength of the English Women and is guided by those close to her to protect not only their history but their very own lives. The narrator was perfect and I really thought this was a great book!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and the author for providing me with an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review of this novel.

The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer is a multi-timeline novel that combines historical fiction and fantasy.

The Good:
A unique storyline and vivid descriptions of old (Salem witch trial era) and contemporary Salem. Strong female characters. Prose that is often poetic and a mystery that connects the past and present.

The Not-So-Good:
The story started strong, but I wanted to know more about the bookstore itself, and the ending seemed rushed. I also found the plot (and twists) to be fairly predictable, and the writing felt like it was geared towards a YA audience, although this could also have been more obvious in the audiobook format, with a reader who was a bit too perky for my taste which probably also made it hard for me to appreciate the story (although she was so much better than the reader of Book of Doors, who sounded depressed about everything).

Overall, I felt this book had potential, and I think readers who enjoy historical fiction and witchcraft will like it. Personally, I struggled to finish it and would probably have abandoned it if I hadn't received the ARC for free from the publisher (I felt obligated to give it a chance so I could provide an honest opinion). If a friend was interested in reading it, I'd suggest they try the book rather than the audiobook.

When a book is hidden and lost in 1692, six people's lives are altered for centuries to come. Dora uncovers family secrets and has to figure out her role in it all. A very intriguing backstory that leads to more questions and surprises makes this a fun, witty, witchy listen! I also enjoyed the references to pop culture witch depictions and the comparison of those to the witches in our story.

"But you know what all great story needs, don't you? Likable characters, great plots, and a villain everyone hates? Well those are important too. And we definitely have all of those ingredients, but a really good story has to have a happy ending, Izzy. I can't write our story until we have our happy ever after."

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ARC audiobook!

I absolutely loved this book, it has all the elements for such a great witchy read. I loved that there's a little mystery, and a little murder, and a lot of curses and drama. I found the English women to be really likable and enjoyed the way that they interacted with each other and other characters in the story. I am always a sucker for a good generational curse and really liked the way that this one was set up. The world building was fun and I did enjoy the time hops back to the women's pasts lives. I am secretly hoping that there is going to be another book in this universe based on the ending!

I loved the narrator of this audio. I think that she was the perfect fit to bring the story to life. The audio quality is seem less and it really made for a pleasant listening experience!

The Vanishing Bookstore is a spellbinding blend of historical fiction and fantasy that transports readers between the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and the present day. The narrative begins with a young woman in 1692 hiding a journal in a vine-covered bookstore before it mysteriously disappears. In the present, Dora reunites with her mother, whom she believed dead, only to uncover a family curse linked to the elusive bookstore. As Dora delves into her family's past, she embarks on a quest to locate the vanished bookstore, unraveling secrets that intertwine magic, survival, and the bonds of family.

Phifer's atmospheric writing vividly captures the mystique of Salem and the enduring legacy of its witch trials. The dual timelines are seamlessly interwoven, enriching the narrative with depth and intrigue. The novel's exploration of family secrets, curses, and the supernatural makes it a captivating read for those who appreciate a touch of magic in historical settings.

This book is recommended for fans of historical fantasy. Its blend of mystery, magic, and historical elements will appeal to those seeking an immersive and enchanting story

The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer. Releasing 7 January 2025. Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC of this book. Stephanie Cannon is a lovely narrator.

The book opens up in the outskirts of Salem in 1692 with a young woman running away from a group of men and dogs chasing her. She grabs a special journal wrapped in linen and runs to the secret bookstore with Ambrose. They hide the journal beneath a floorboard and when they run away the bookstore vanishes from sight.

Sisters Sapphy, Lennie and Lucien English and Lucien’s daughter Dora (Isadora) are witches. They are doomed to live each lifetime over and over running away from a dreadful man called George. In each lifetime they are trying to find the bookstore and the journal as they know that is the key to breaking the curse.

Present day Dora is the owner of a flower shop, but her mother and aunts have kept her in the dark about her witch background. Until a sinister man appears in the flower shop and she has to flee to Salem with her aunt.

I loved the Salem setting and would love to visit if I ever get to America. The only negative I have is the supposed love story between Dora and Ambrose. They are connected in each lifetime but I think more could have been written about it as it didn’t come across very loving, just a random appearance now and then.

3 🌟🌟🌟 overall
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 story, plot, characters


I loved the characters and the setting of Salem, Massachusetts, beginning the 1600’s to present contemporary time. It was the time when they hung many woman for a variety of reasons, from personal dislike of someone, to worry about their witchcraft or healing strengths, to being rejected as a suitor, but were all under the guise of being a…..healer or a witch.

It begins in Paris 2000’s with a young woman, Nora (short for Leonora), happily working to make ends meet in her tiny floral 🌼 shop. Nora lives with her no-nonsense Aunt Lennie and has a BFF called Kate. A mysterious man shows up one day at her flower shop to order some sympathy flowers and things get odd and strange about him.

In the meanwhile, Aunt Lennie invites Nora on a trip with her to Salem. It’s a city which Nora knows nothing about.

What didn’t work for me in this audiobook is the narrator playing all characters/voices. This included over 5 women and a few men, which got tedious and sometimes confusing IMO. Mostly, I wasn’t captivated by the story I think because of this narration. When you’re reading a book or Kindle, you can be more subtle or more effusive depending on how YOU feel it goes. This is the slight downfall of listening to audio or at least one in which you don’t connect or expect something different.

This audiobook was an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for which I am thankful. My opinions and reviews are my own.

The Vanishing Bookstore started with such a promising premise but ultimately let me down. The opening was a balm to my little homesick soul—I’m from Boston and spent a few years living near Salem, so the setting and witchy vibes immediately had me hooked.

The idea of a hidden bookstore in the woods, enchanted to protect a spell book, was captivating… but it was never mentioned again until over 60% into the book. This concept had so much potential, but it fell flat due to its lack of development.

The story follows Dora, a 33-year-old woman who is simultaneously helpless, blindly trusting, and inexplicably suspicious. She describes herself as “not a coward,” but I struggled to see any depth in her character. When it finally came to her taking a stand, she was left bumbling and at the mercy of crows (Moira, is that you???).

Despite the intriguing premise of characters who have lived multiple lives over hundreds of years, they all came across as surprisingly shallow and, frankly, dim.

There was a noticeable emotional disconnect between Dora and the male love interest—the walking definition of a golden retriever—as well as between the entire family and the villain. The relationships felt hollow, which made it difficult to invest in the stakes of the story.

The dialogue throughout the book was stiff and awkward, making the characters feel disconnected. That, and the real lack of honest familiarity. The fact that these characters had been reborn over generations was one tidbit that was lost on no one, yet there was an obvious lack of communication and warmth between all the characters. And where was the magic??? Yet another part of the story woefully ill explained.

The pacing was another issue. While the beginning held promise, the middle dragged, and the ending felt lackluster. Much of the story involved unnecessary wandering that seemed like filler. I’m not sure if the author intended these scenes to build tension, but instead, they left me feeling confused and bored.

And there was a glaringly unrealistic moment I really can’t get over: after running and locking herself away from a creepy man, a ✨female✨ character checks her hair (!!!) and inexplicably opens the door because he promises her a decent meal. I just… what woman??? In this day and age???

I ultimately wonder if my experience would have been different if I’d read the book instead of listening to the audiobook. The FMC is from London, yet her accent isn’t mentioned (though the FMC’s best friend has a very well done and distinct British accent) until 40% into the book—aside from some random slang awkwardly delivered by the narrator. I remember her saying “mum” and rolling my eyes because the narrator didn’t ✨give her an accent✨.

Overall, The Vanishing Bookstore had so much potential, but its execution left me disappointed.

Thank you so much to Bookouture Audio via Netgalley for this ARC!

Calling all Practical Magic (the movie) and Hocus Pocus fans! This is your fun, historical fantasy complete with witches, familiars, eccentric aunts, and Salem past and present. A lovely adventure, perhaps a little simplistic through the historic bits, but a clever take on witches and the brutes who hunt them. The narrator was great—a little odd to hear obvious britishisms in American accent, but that didn’t take away from her capable, energetic delivery of the story.

Audio format 🎧

The Vanishing Bookstore is a dual timeline novel set in Salem in 1692 and present day (England/Salem). The book is a mix of fantasy, historical fiction with a touch of witchcraft and magic. What it is not is a book which revolves around the vanishing bookstore as the title implies. That is only one minor part of the plot so if that’s what you are expecting the book to be about you will be disappointed.

The focus of the plot is based around a family of cursed witches. Typically this is. Not the type of book I enjoy however the audio narration is excellent and kept me engaged. Had I read this book in traditional format I don’t think I would have finished it.

What I liked:
🧙Dual timelines that came together nicely
🧙 Excellent narration in audio format
🧙 historical elements abs magical/fantasy elements woven into the plot
🧙the book gave me Addie La Rue and The Lost Apocathary vibes (both books I enjoyed a lot)

Areas for improvement
🧙 pacing was off for me and the book dragged about half way through. Beginning was good and then fizzled out a little before picking up at the end
🧙I wanted more about the vanishing bookshop and the journal. I felt the title overpromised and the plot underdelivered

I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys books about witchcraft/Salem witch trials or those who like magical realism/fantasy blended with historical fiction.

I give this book a 3.5/5. It was enjoyable but average. I added an extra 0.5 for the great narration.

Thank you to Net Galley and Bookouture Audio for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for a review.

3.5⭐ I enjoyed this read! It is definitely on the lighter side of witchy-fiction books. I found it to be a wonderful mix of a mildly suspenseful plot taking place in a cozy atmosphere.

The writing was solid, and I really appreciated the dual timelines. I know its historical fantasy so history is going to be part of it, but I loved the real history laced throughout the book. It made the magic seem that much more realistic. The plot started off strong and then lulled in the middle, but it was still enjoyable.

The conflict and antagonist were the best/worst? I loved to hate it/him. Truly a reprehensible antagonist.

I found Dora to be a bit naive for a 33 year old, but I excused it because if I were suddenly told I was a witch who lived in 1692, I too would be skeptical and probably not act rational all of the time. I wasn't entirely convinced of the love story aspect. That was part of the story that we were told about and not shown very much. How can we fall in love with a love story if we are not brought along the way?

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC for free!

The synopsis of this book hooked me immediately. <b>A magical bookstore lost in time, a centuries-old mystery, and a protagonist uncovering her family's secrets—what’s not to love? </b><i>Unfortunately, the execution didn’t live up to the promise of its premise. </i>

The story starts strong but as the plot unfolds it’s riddled with inconsistencies and missed opportunities. The most glaring issue is how the main character learns about her history. Rather than unraveling her past through a thrilling journey of discovery, the information is simply handed to her. This lack of intrigue diminishes the emotional impact and suspense.

Some twists left me scratching my head. We’re led to believe certain characters have lived for centuries, yet they fail to figure out seemingly obvious truths? It’s hard to suspend disbelief when the story’s internal logic feels shaky.

That said, I couldn’t put this book down. The writing style is engaging, and the pacing is quick enough to keep the pages turning. While it’s not the deeply immersive tale I had hoped for, it’s an entertaining read for those who can overlook its flaws.

If you’re a fan of books like Practical Magic or A Discovery of Witches, you might still enjoy the atmosphere and premise here. Just don’t expect every thread to be neatly tied up.

Great audiobook! I really enjoyed the narration and thought the narrator did a great job

This was a really fun read. It was new for me, reading a historical fiction book about the Salem Witch Trials. As a fellow New-Englander its history we learn a lot about, and I’ve visited Salem myself. I could picture the environments down to the scent as I listened which made it that much more enjoyable! I loved the family dynamic, and the storyline itself. Takeaway? I could still be a witch, I just don’t remember it yet, hahaha!