Thank You, NetGalley and the publishers for an opportunity to listen to The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer.

This was a fantasy fiction which sort of felt like a derivative of Practical Magic but not at that level.

A good one-time listen but that is all.

I wish I had good things to write about this book. I loved the concept. But it was so hard to finish this book. I received an advance copy via NetGalley and listened to an audio version. So let’s start there. Spoilers ahead.

First, Dora, the FMC, was supposedly raised in England, yet the narrator had no British accent for her. She did for other characters. I thought maybe it was because she really was from Salem and maybe the lack of accent would be explained. No. Once she’s in Salem, people comment on her being from England. So, she has an accent?

The FMC is so annoying. She is a witch who has lived many lifetimes but doesn’t remember. Okay, love that concept. But at like 65% in, she still doesn’t “get it” and just complains and has an attitude.

They have to try to fight Corwin who has been killing them through all their lifetimes. And they need this book that was hidden in the first lifetime. Dora and her one true love, who she barely is starting to remember, find it really easily (after talking about needing it for chapters, over and over.). Then, they have this super important book… but stop to have sex in the bookshop. Like why?! So random.

Then, she needs her dress from the 1600’s. So they break into a museum and no one notices them steal it from a mannequin.

It’s super important that she gets her powers and reads this book they found like 5 chapters ago… so let’s stop and get drunk. What?! You’re trying to kill this dude once and for all and it’s time for some Black Magic (a drink). 🙄

She finally gets her powers and remembers once she puts the dress on. So, it’s time to finally open the book and fight Corwin. This whole learning magic and fight, takes like 2 or 3 chapters. That’s it.

So much of this book was them talking and saying the same things over and over. Feeling guilty, talking about the past, saying how glad they are to be back, wishing Dora would remember. Stop talking!

Not to mention, her mother who was dying. The fact that they all get reborn and live but it never explains how Dora’s mom gets pregnant with her in each lifetime because it literally says that Dora’s dad doesn’t get reincarnated in each life. There are so many plot holes, this book is like Swiss cheese!

This high quality audio tells the story of Dora who in the present day is a florist but this is not her only life. Her past lives are complicated , she cant remember then but her family is cursed and without breaking the curse she is destined in each life to die young. She is a witch. I loved the narration and the descriptive nature of the past lives interwoven with the present. It was action packed. The male voices at times sounded too similar but the narration held my attention and was entertaining. . The plot was well executed until the ending which felt very rushed and didn't match the tone of the rest of the book. You were invested in the characters and wanted a happy ending but it was more of a bish based done approach. The ending left me feeling underwhelmed it should have been more of the tale. This however was very entertaiining and the dual timelines and well scripted and narrated characters made this an enjoyable quick read, perfect for fantasy read especially in oct or november. Thank you netgalley, publisher, author and narrator for this 4 star listen.

4 ⭐

Is that ending an indication of an upcoming book #2?!
Who was that girl in the epilogue? Surely it wasn't Dora?!

This has been a very intriguing read.
The narrator was great.
The magical story has an amazing atmosphere.
The only little problem for me was that the second half of the books was too rushed.
After 8 lifetimes to simply solve everything that fast and easily when Dora has just rediscovered her past?! Too easy.
Anyway I really enjoyed it 🖤

// Thank you to Netgalley, Helen Phifer and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to listen to an ARC of this in exchange of my honest opinion //
﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
Ⓟⓡⓔ—Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ

So excited about this audiobook.
The ingredients:
- Salem
- dual timeline
- witches
- reincarnation
- hunters
- a vanishing bookstore

I'm sold. 🖤

I think Helen Phifer has shot to the list of my top 5 authors! She can honestly not write a dud book if she tried! I first met her in all of the Maria Miller books, then the first Annie Graham and now a stand alone.

The Vanishing bookstore is so much more than the title suggests. A dual timeline-ish story set between London and Salem and over many centuries. It involves a cursed family who are doomed to recreate their lives and deaths over and over again throughout the years. The title was slightly misleading as the bookshop didn't get a lot of page space and I thought it would centre more in the story.

I loved the characters and thought recurring characters instead of more and more names to remember was clever. I thought the banter was fantastic and the animals characters stole the show. Who wouldn't want sassy witches who could drink you under the table for aunts?

The Narrator was top notch and had beautiful tones to listen to. The individual characters could all be picked out distinctively and the accents were great.

This would be a great read if you have interest in the Salem witch trials or if you love witches, the paranormal or historical fiction. Bonus if you love all of the above! 4.5 stars from me!

My thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Helen Phifer for putting another excellent ARC in my hands. All opinions are my own.

The witches of Salem are alive in modern day. Loved the premise, thought it was well executed. Good chracters and plotting, though the bookstore didn't make much od an appearance, but enjoyed the book. Stephanie Cannon's narration was very good an easy to listen voice. Thanks to Bookoutre audio and Netgalley for this review ARC.

Good characters and interesting premise. Narrator was OK in the female voice, but didn't love her male and bird voices. Had to back track a few times as I lost the plot when listening and once fell asleep. I haven't had this happen with an audiobook before which is why I'm rating as 3 stars. Would maybe have enjoyed more if I read the book myself. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

There seems to be a lot of Salem witch trial historical fiction/time travel novels coming out the last handful of years, so Phifer's basic plotline isn't exactly unique. The plot is a little unbalanced with about 70% of the novel being a leadup to Dora finding the lost bookstore and the final face-off, so the ending felt a little rushed. I also didn't love how easy it was for the bookstore to be found - especially since a certain character had been looking for it for decades. So that was a bit anticlimactic. The driving force for everything that happens is somewhat ridiculous... but also realistic (you'll understand once you read it, basically male fragility at it's finest).

Despite that, THE VANISHING BOOKSTORE was an enjoyable quick read that I think people who enjoy slightly witchy historical fictions will like.

Stephanie Cannon does a good job with the audiobook narration, though I was slightly confused by Dora's lack of accent if she supposedly grew up in England.

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley and Bookouture Audio in exchange for an honest review.

Platform: Audiobook

The Vanishing Bookstore is nothing short of magical, it created a dynamic story that I never wanted to end. I thoroughly enjoyed the reimagined story from the witch trials. I could see how it would be hard for others to hold empathy for Dora, but I felt her confused and childlike reactions were valid for her situation. Although the ending was a little lackluster for me, the epilogue really pulled through in how I *personally* wanted the story to continue. As far as some holes, I feel like her friends were almost forgotten, and the title is not the central point of this specific book. Overall, I would re-read and buy the physical copy for my library.

***This review was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***

This did take me a good while to get into. I did find the narrator very grating, especially with the pronunciation of “herb” as “erb” repeatedly, and the accents were also not good. I am very pleased that the “cockney” lady did not appear much as I laughed out loud….

The story is very “twee” and “gentle”, if you like cozy really really cozy then this is for you, but again, I found it annoying sweet. That being said, I did want to know what happened, and once I had accepted the style of the story, I did enjoy it, and the ending was great.

Overall, this narrator is not for me, the story I think would have held better with maybe different voices?

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer! The story had a lot of elements I enjoy—strong women characters, a compelling family dynamic, and just the right touch of magic. It’s the kind of book that gives off Practical Magic vibes, so if you’re a fan of that, you’ll probably enjoy it.

it definitely kept my interest, and I appreciated the mix of mystery and family drama. The women in this story really carried the narrative, and I enjoyed seeing how their relationships evolved as the plot unfolded.

I listened to an advance audiobook copy and want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity. The narration was well done and made for an enjoyable listening experience.

The Vanishing Bookstore was absolutely captivating and I felt, unique. The story line of Salem witches continuing to live lives to break a curse was very interesting.

This book combined all my favorite things from watches, found family, reunited love, and books. But barely on the books.

I wish the epilogue was actually about the English family or what Dora was up to? Even like going back to the U.K. to clean up the mess there? Nothing. It sets up maybe for a second book but??? I like the ending but the epilogue fell very short.

Helen Phifer’s The Vanishing Bookstore is a thrilling and atmospheric mystery that seamlessly blends the charm of a quaint bookstore with the chilling intrigue of a small-town disappearance. This book delivers an irresistible combination of twists, suspense, and emotional depth, making it a standout read for mystery lovers and fans of gripping, character-driven storytelling.
The protagonist is compelling, driven by a mix of personal stakes and a determination to uncover the truth. Their journey is as much about solving the mystery as it is about grappling with their own past and forging new connections.
The supporting characters adds richness to the story, from the enigmatic townsfolk to the bookstore itself, which feels like a character in its own right. Their interactions are authentic and often poignant, adding layers of complexity to the central mystery.
The book’s atmosphere throughout is amazing. The descriptions of the vanishing bookstore are both eerie and enchanting, capturing the allure of books and the creeping unease of something amiss. Helen Phifer paints a vivid picture of the town and its surroundings, immersing readers in its quiet beauty and shadowy secrets.
The Vanishing Bookstore is an engrossing mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. With its compelling characters, richly drawn setting, and expertly crafted twists, it’s a book that will appeal to both seasoned mystery readers and newcomers to the genre. Helen Phifer has created a story that is equal parts chilling and heart warming—a true page-turner that lingers in the mind long after the final chapter.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Helen Phifer for providing me with an ALC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Good narration, and voices could differentiate different characters. Enchanting relaxing voice to listen to. Enjoyed the story, reminded me slightly of charmed. Wish there was abit more info on past lives and the magic side but would recommend!

The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer was both captivating and magical. What could possibly be any better than a book about witches, a bookstore and a setting of Salem, Massachusetts during the infamous witch trials? The Vanishing Bookstore was written in a dual timeline. Part of it took place in 1692 in Salem when the witch trials occurred. The alternate timeline represented present day in both London, England and later in Salem. Many of the characters were well established and were very much influenced by their circumstances. I listened to the audiobook that was narrated very well by Stephanie Cannon. I enjoyed her presentation of the various characters.

Back in the days of the Salem witch trials, there were three sisters and a young girl who exhibited the powers of healing. A devious and discontented man had accused them of practicing witchcraft and had alerted the authorities. Many were hunting to find them. The young girl knew that she had the responsibility to hide the journal she had been entrusted with if they ever found themselves in these circumstances. She had to protect the journal and keep it out of the wrong hands. The last thing the young woman did before she attempted to escape from those that were hunting her down was to hide the very old and important journal in a bookstore covered with vines. She hid the journal under a loose floorboard and ran for her life.

In present day London, Dora English was the proud owner of a florist shop. Dora was barely making ends meet. She lived with her Aunt Lenny, an accomplished doctor, in her flat. Dora was concerned with the financial difficulties the florist shop was facing. Then one day a man came into her shop in need of floral arrangements for his recently deceased fiancé’s funeral. The man introduced himself as George. Dora thought that there something very familiar about the man but she couldn’t figure out why he looked familiar to her. There was also something alarming about the man as well. His story just didn’t add up. Dora had her defenses up.

Still in present day, Dora’s Aunt Lenny convinced Dora to take a much needed vacation with her to America. They were headed to Salem, Massachusetts. Dora was introduced to an aunt who she had never met and two other people who were very important people in her life. During this trip, Dora was told about a curse that plagued her family for centuries. The only way to end it was to find the journal that had been hidden back in 1692. Would Dora be able to find the bookstore and the journal in time? Could she end the curse on her family?

I don’t read fantasy books that often but I was glad that I chose to listen to the audiobook of The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer. It was about family, friendship, secrets, witches, trust, sisterly relationships, loss, discovery, teaching lessons and important things needed for survival, memories, happiness and a romance that was waiting to be rediscovered. I was impressed with the way this book was written. It drew me in from the beginning. The last third of the book was quite suspenseful. I found myself holding my breath and rooting for Dora to succeed. This was the first book I had the pleasure of reading by this author. She will be on my radar for future books that she writes. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy reading about witches and enjoy a good mystery with some magical elements.

Thank you to Bookouture Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a really interesting book for someone who went through a Salem Witch Trials phase as a teenager. Taking very real facts, and in some cases people, and working fiction around it is a fine line to follow without falling over. I think this book did a good job of it! The story was fun without being too over the top, it didn't push the facts too much, even with multiple lives and an immortal witch hunter. The hopping back and forth through the timelines was handled well, telling the story without being too confusing, leaving just enough questions needing answered to keep you going. I did find myself somewhat wanting with the explanation of the curse that was the thing that started the whole plot. In fact, I felt that the 'curse' that as referenced many times in the story was kind of forgotten and a completely different explanation was given for what was happening.

I listened to the audiobook of this, and for the most part it was fantastic. The variety of voices was well done, and the narration was clear and even soothing. My main issue is likely a director decision, but it's a big issue that kept bugging me. In this 'lifetime' the FL grew up in London, England from the time she was a few weeks old. A number of times characters remark that she's British, clearly reflecting a British accent, however, and possibly so that the accent didn't change between lifetimes, the character is read with an American accent. It's not a deal breaker, but it was something I found a bit jarring with the text.

All told, I really enjoyed this book, much more than I initially thought I would. I think if I were to pick it up to read again, I'd get the text format to avoid the dissonance of the accent. I listened to this audiobook through NetGalley.

⭐️⭐️💫 rounded down to ⭐️⭐️

I honestly had higher hopes for this story of Salem, Mass and witches and witch hunters. For Salem Witch trials fanatics this could be great. Here’s what brought it down for me. I thought that it was unnecessarily long (for not really that long of a book). The actual story could have been told in 200 pages or less. The lengthiness of it was in areas that took a long time to develop were important to the story, but they were overdeveloped where I felt that the important parts to the story were rushed through. Plus, a little bit of Hocus Pocus references were fun, but in this book overdone to the point that it started to feel silly and comical.

So, in the end did I like the story? Yes, I liked the concept and the characters, but the detractors for me built more and more as the story went on.

@netgalley
#netgalley
#netgalleyreader
#netgalleyreviewer
#netgalleyarc
#readmorebooks
#readmorebooksbywomen
#readersofinstagram
#bookstagram
#bookstagrammer
#bookish
#mybookishlife
#wearebookish
#lovereading
#alwaysreading
#readinggoals
#readin2025
#goodreads
#audiobook

Fantasy, even fantasy light, isn’t normally my choice of genre, but there was something about the cover and description that grabbed me. I wouldn’t describe this as a cozy fantasy, but it is on the tame side of world building and situations.

I loved that there was history of the Salem Witch trials tucked away inside Dora’s story. I’ve always been fascinated by this period. It did take me a little while to connect to the story, but once I did I was hooked. For me the romance was a little secondary. I wasn’t really feeling the years of love between the two, but that might be an author choice due to their circumstances. But I wanted to know all there was about the time loop and the family history.

A little bit of magic, a fight for life and some really great characters made this an enjoyable read. I was really a fan of the side characters in addition to the main ones. I was rooting for Dora and her aunt’s and their quest to overcome their curse and escape what might be their fate. This one really lived up to the cover and the description.

Stephanie Cannon Did a great job bringing the suspense and magic to life. She voice matched the aura of the book and was delightful to listen to.

Well the title and synopsis of this book are very misleading, while it did have a vanishing bookstore, it was in no way the centre of the story.

Dora is a witch in Salem and meets her mother whom she thought was dead, their lives are in danger and she must dig into her past and untangle secrets of her family to save themselves.

Very little happens for about 75% of this story and finally when an event occurred, it was very glanced over and over with quick smart. I also thought Dora our main character was a teenager and when it was revealed that she was actually 33, I was shook - her character is so very immature and I was not a fan.

Lots of things just felt off and I was left underwhelmed upon finishing.

Thank-you NetGalley, Bookouture Audio and Helen for this Audio Advanced Readers Copy, in exchange for an honest review.

This book had a good plot. There were some bits that I thought were going to be a bit predictable, and they were a complete surprise. I thought the suspense was unexpected, but overall, it was good. I really liked how timeless the storyline was and that it was easy to follow. I really appreciated the geographic nods and multiple real locations mentioned. I would have liked for Ambrose to have a bit more interaction with Dora.