Thank you Bookouture for the ARC!

This book has everything that I asked for! Odysseus and Penelope vibes of finding each other in any lifetime? Perfect. Sisterhood focus and the relationship between women? Perfection. Witches! YESS

I loved the switch between the Salem trials and the modern era, and how the change impacted them. I also really appreciated how it explored that this was a result of male jealousy, not anything the women did wrong. Men could learn to take rejection.

I do wish we had spent more in the magic system. It felt like the rules could have been more explored.

Witches and Salem and a bookstore are things that always interest me in book descriptions and this read did not disappoint. The mystery was done well and I enjoyed the read very much. I loved the setting and descriptions.

The reader is fully immersed into the feel of the mysterious, magical town of Salem. The knowledge of the Salem witch trials and of the history of witchcraft is very clear in Phifer's writing. We feel completely enveloped into the heritage of this bewitching group of women; Dora, her mother, and her aunts Lenny, and Sephy. As readers, we come to learn that the witches have been living and re-living lives for centuries. Long ago, a bookstore vanished and - along with it - so did a family secret. One that desperately needs to be found so the English women can live their full lives.

And as if these magical women aren't a cast alone enough, Phifer gives us a forbidden love story that is a page-turner. This coupled with some impulsive moments of female sensuality will keep you enthusiastically re-reading paragraphs for the experience of it (or in my case, hitting the rewind button). This was a wonderful listen! Stephanie Cannon is a captivating narrator that adds a ton of magic to the already lively text.

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 my favorite audiobooks so far! The narrator was very good as well and did a good job differentiating between each character.

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

This was my first ALC and I enjoyed the narrating. The characters and story plot gave me Weyward and a hint or The Lost Apothecary vibes as the story goes back and forth from the present to 1692. The mystery and magic in this story is lovely and enchanting. This is an easy book to follow and definitely had me intrigued throughout. Hades, the family's pet, was a lovely touch to the story. Overall, a fun and enchanting story and the narrator did a fantastic job.

This book has great bones! I love anything surrounding the Salem Witch Trials, and Phifer puts an interesting spin on the hangings and the witchcraft that led to them. Though the book spends much of its time in present day, it has the feel of a Salem historical fiction.

Phifer has all the elements of a great story. Magic and curses, sisterly bonds and long-lost loves. Good versus evil. However, the whole story felt rushed. This is the kind of book I want to be pushing 500 pages or more because there is so much to develop in terms of history, backstory, characters, motivations, magic, etc. Phifer did a great job at creating such strong personalities in her characters, and I would have loved to see them fleshed out. Everything just needed a little more time. I will say, based on the title, I expected the bookstore to play a larger role, but it was a relatively minor plot tool.

Overall, it wasn't my favorite book in this genre, but I liked it well enough.

This book was not 100% srue what my next book would be, but I knew I wanted it to be an audio book so that I could finish up an embrodery project. Once I hit play on this book, I wasn't 100% sure because it started off and gave me another book. I was a little worried. But oh my goodness. I fell in love with this book. I couldn't wait to hear what was going to happen next. I wasn't even half way before starting to see if this book was a part of a sereies or a stand alone. I am so excited to read more from this author.

"The Vanishing Bookstore" by Helen Phifer is a captivating tale expertly woven between two timeframes. The author's unique plot seamlessly connects characters from the 1600s to their modern-day counterparts. The book's cover art is equally impressive, boasting an eye-catching design and vibrant colors.

Stephanie Cannon's soothing narration brings the story to life, making for a delightful listening experience.

I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. "The Vanishing Bookstore" is scheduled for release on January 7th, 2025.

This book is magical, enchanting, and incredibly entertaining. Set in both present-day Salem and 1692, the story follows Dora (Isadora), who has been living with and running a floral shop with her aunt, Lenny, in London. When Lenny takes Dora on a trip to the U.S. to visit Salem, Dora is unaware that she will be reconnecting with her aunt, Sephy, and her mother, Lucine—whom she thought was dead.

As Dora uncovers the truth, she learns that her family has been cursed. For generations, they have been fleeing the vengeance of George Corwin, a cruel man who was rejected by one of Dora’s aunts in 1692. Corwin is determined to persecute and kill them, just as he did centuries ago. The English women are dedicated to breaking the curse, but in order to do so, Dora must find a mysterious spellbook hidden in a long-forgotten bookshop nestled in a forest.

I absolutely loved the vivid imagery in this novel, especially the character of Hades, the crow who protects the women as they escape Corwin’s pursuit. The setting of Salem, combined with historical fiction elements, and the kinship amongst these strong females characters. It added an extra layer of intrigue that I thoroughly enjoyed!

Thank you to Helen Phifer, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for an Audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

What a delightful book! I finished this book in less than a day and adored it! If you loved "the spell shop" this book will be right up your alley! It has everything you are looking for in a cozy fantasy - easy to understand magic system, {found again} family, a low stakes mystery and all the cozy vibes you'd expcet to find in a witchy bookshop book!

This was my first novel by Phifer and I thoroughly enjoyed everything from the writing styles to the pacing of it. very well done! The Narrator also did a fantastic job - very easy to listen to even at a faster speed and she did a wonderful job at making each character, just that - their own character. I will be seeking out more books narrated by Stephanie Cannon in the future!

4 stars!

Alternating between two timelines 1692 and present day, we follow the English women of Salem as they are accused of being witches and subsequently cursed for many lifetimes afterward.

Everyone knows about the Puritan Salem witch trials, what they don’t know is the curse that gives three sisters and one daughter immortality, reliving their lives over and over, knowing they will not live past a certain age. The English sisters need Dora to remember where a special bookstore was hidden in her past to break the curse.

Filled with witchy vibes: familiars, spells, etc, The Vanishing Bookstore will appeal to those who relish this type of tale. I personally feel like this story should be categorized as a YA novel. Dora, who is supposed to be 33, reads to me like an unsure teenager who relies on her elders. There was also a little too much telling rather than showing, which affects the pacing of the plot and not in a good way. The author did do a great job handling the alternating timelines. Bravo to the cover artist!

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and author Helen Phifer for the advanced copy of the audiobook. The Vanishing Bookstore is out tomorrow. All opinions are my own.

I thoroughly loved this cozy witchy read. It was very descriptive both in present and 1692 Salem. The three sisters and one daughter, finally facing their fears and ending it all, but have they? The ending has left us on a cliffhanger for more, especially with Isadora and Ambrose. Did I mention I love Hades? Thank you to NetGalley for this book in exchange for my review.

I could not put this book down! This is one of the best urban linked to past witchy books ever! This book features a group of Salem witches that tried to escape the Salem witch trials and ended up not being able to or did they? With the help of a familiar friend their souls were saved, but at the cost of having to relive their lives until they can fix the problem. They’ve tried for years and years to fix the problem and each year. It’s the same. They finally figured out that Dora and her father’s book are the key to helping break the curse that they are under. The witch hunter from their past that had them hung for witchcraft. Also seems to be enjoying this curse as he tries to hunt down these women. Dora with the help of a friend is eventually able to hunt down her father‘s missing book and her aunt’s help her to come up with a plan to defeat the witch hunter.

A Spellbinding Odyssey Through Time and Love, Enchanted by Stephanie Cannon's Magical Narration

The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer is a Historical Fantasy Romance narrated by Stephanie Cannon that took my breath away and stole my heart.

The narrator's performance was absolutely magnificent. Stephanie Cannon gave every character their own voice and aura, making them come alive as if you could see them. The rhythm of her narration is so smooth and soothing that I could listen to it all day long.

The book itself is marvelously written. The world-building is exquisite and immersive, and all the characters are crafted so artfully that I felt as if I was right by their side, watching them grow and evolve throughout their quest. The story kept me enthralled from start to finish, and nothing could distract me until the explosive and utterly satisfying ending.

The pace was perfect, and though action-packed, it never felt overwhelming. Despite the narrative moving back and forth from past to present, which I normally dislike, it was so delicately woven that it made the story even more impactful.

Overall, this audiobook is a masterful blend of exceptional narration and captivating storytelling. It’s a mesmerizing journey that I highly recommend to anyone looking for an engaging and unforgettable listening experience.

Immense thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the Advanced Listening Copy. Your kindness gave me the chance to immerse myself in this magical story.

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.

I just could not get into this book.. I have read two of the three Maria Miller novels by this author, and enjoyed them, so was intrigued enough by the concept here to give it a try. Unfortunately I neither cared for the narrator nor the direction of the story, and it quickly became apparent that this was not a good book for me. I just didn't enjoy the writing or the insta-connections between the characters...

#NetGalley #ARC #TheVanishingBookstore
The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Pfifer was my first ARC (advanced reader copy) ever, and I will always be grateful for that. This does not mean I will not be critical in my review, however. After all, why bother reviewing a book if you're not going to be honest? So don't worry, dear reader. everything in this post is my honest opinion. It was also my first book from Helen Phifer, but hopefully not the last, as I am rather interested in some other works by her.






I must confess, I wasn't really sure about the book in the beginning. The story opens in 1692 and right there, in Salem, America, the family of definitely-not-witches has a pet raven named... Hades? That name just threw me off. It's edgy, and I am really not sure if the Greek gods were known in 17th century America, so even though it is possible (I really, really don't know this one, though my better learned friends support me in my disbelief, please let me know if you know better), it felt like a pointless anachronism to me. As you might be beginning to gather, I can really get stuck on tiny details like this and it hurts my final review, usually. Btw, pro tip, if you don't want to be persecuted for being a witch, maybe don't keep pet ravens? And don't name them after gods of underworld? That should be common sense, right? And don't go "Oh he told them that was his name," because if they _spoke_ with him, they have no right to claim they were not witches then and it beats the entire point. The fact this never gets adressed was kind of meh to me.

Which is a pity, because for the next several hours I was listening to the audiobook I was very much buying what the author was selling. A curse through time, fated love that doesn't jumpscare you in the first chapter, a very reasonably explainable mystery of a "vanishing", or rather vanished, bookstore... A very pleasing listen to be sure. Creepy witch hunters always a plus, apparently! And even though Gucci was namedropped so many times they better be sponsoring this book, it felt plausible (unlike a certain ravens name, sorry...)

The intimacy was tasteful, but placed in a really, really distasteful place. I mean, sure, given the info the heroine had she didn't have a sence of urgency, but still, wouldn't it be better to wait after the looming evil was dealt with? How was she in the mood, knowing there was a lunatic after her and her aunt(s)? And how did he get it up, when he oh so loves her and she was still in constant danger?

All that being said, the atmosphere was on point, the tiny looks at the sad history of Salem interesting but not patronizing or shallow. the magic wasn't too indepth, but I felt like that was not the point of the book - family, love and bonds crossing time, but also the need to let go and let things end was. And those themes were lovely in the way the author decided to present them in.

All in all, I very much enjoyed the book, even though it wasn't my all time favourite. A solid 4/5 stars, and a great first read of this year.

Hope you pick this book up and enjoy it as I did.

Stay kind

Cyan

The Vanishing Bookstore was atmospheric and gave similar vibes as Discovery of Witches and Spells for Forgetting. If you loved those books you will love this one too.
A legacy of Salem witches forced to relive their tragedies over and over until the spell can be broken and the bookstore found.
Dora has no memory of her previous lives or her own mother until it's almost too late. Dora has a lovely little flower shop and a friend named Katie who is helping her out while Dora goes to Salem to finally meet her mother who she thought was dead. This turn of events unleashes an old terror and a race to find the long buried answers.

If you like books with magical realism, I would definitely recommend The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer. It reminds me of Weyward by Emilia Hart and The Witches of El Paso by Luis Jaramillo. This novel hooked me from the start, keeping me guessing about what mystery was waiting around the next corner. It blends historical elements from the Salem witch trials with a touch of magic, telling the story of women cursed to relive their lives across centuries, always meeting the same tragic fate.

In 1692 Salem, a young woman hides a journal in a mysterious bookstore before fleeing into the night. Moments later, the bookstore vanishes without a trace. Centuries after, Dora arrives in Salem to meet the mother she thought had died, only to learn their lives are in danger. As Dora digs into her family’s past, she uncovers secrets tied to the vanished bookstore and must face the dangers that await her.

I found the book imaginative and loved how the magical elements carried throughout the story. However, the epilogue left me a bit confused—does it set up a second book? If not, it felt a little random. Despite that, it was a compelling read that I highly recommend for fans of historical fiction with a mystical twist.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC!

Fantasy and supernatural books can be very hit or miss for me, but I was intrigued to read this as I have read, and loved, some of Helen Phifer's brilliant thrillers. I was completely immersed from the very start of this incredible story and safe to say this was absolutely a big hit!

From 1692 until the present day, a family of cursed Salem Witches live their lives on repeat, whilst being hunted down by the same evil, reincarnated form of the man who tried to harm them in 1692.

In the present day, Dora is the focus of the story, oblivious to her chequered history, the secrets her family hold and the real reason her mother gave her up. As Dora's family nurture her and guide her to recover her buried memories, the women are once again in danger as they strive to triumph against evil and break the curse that hangs over them all.

The writing was captivating and I loved the descriptions, the characterisation and the magical story, which was beautifully and realistically brought to life by Stephanie Cannon, one of my favourite voice actors.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Helen Phifer and Bookouture, for an ARC in return for an honest review.