I would like to start out this review by thanking Bookouture and Helen Phifer for allowing me to read this book, The Vanishing Bookstore, via #netgalley. All opinions following are my own.

Wow. This book. Just wow. It had a lot of historical fiction, a lot magic, some badass females, a little mystery, and a little romance. All ingredients for an amazing read. The story follows Dora English, her mom, her two aunts, and a man who will stop at nothing to kill them... in any lifetime. The story begins in Salem in 1692. Dora and her family are to be hung as witches. She is saved by Ambrose, and all he tells her is that she needs to go before they kill her. In her haste, she hides her mother's spellbook in Ambrose's bookshop. They escape, and admit they love one another.

Fast forward to modern-day, Dora is living with her Aunt Lenny in London, as both of her parents died when she was a baby. She runs a flower shop. She has a very pleasant, easy existence until someone shows up in her shop and changes everything. Soon, she will be back in Salem with the mother she thought was dead, and the other aunt she never knew existed, fighting for her life and her family's.

This book was just magical. It took me on a journey, and I never wanted it to end. I definitely gave this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, and I can't wait to see if more comes from this story!

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“The Vanishing Bookstore” is a historical fantasy (possibly magical historical?) book by Helen Phifer. The summary of this book - and that amazing cover - caught my eye. Salem witches? History of that time period? Repeated people in multiple lives? A bookstore somehow involved? Yes, please! I liked how this book started - it instantly grabbed my attention. But somewhere along the way, the book felt … flat. The story progressed, but that initial detail (granted, sometimes repeated) and capturing of my attention was missing. The dialogue also felt off - more like it was intended for a YA audience - not a more mature audience as the main character is in her early 30s. I liked the idea of this book, but it also seemed like a lot of build-up for the fight and then things resolved rather quickly. Sadly, the “vanishing bookstores” didn’t make a lot of appearances - as it was more one particular book that was being looked for. I’m really torn about what rating to give this book - three stars seems a bit too low, but four stars seems too high due to the flatness. So, a solid 3.5, rounded up to 4 because I did finish the book and I do think the idea was interesting - along with the historical research Ms. Phifer did.

I did enjoy this book. I think people who love things like Hocus Pocus, Practical Magic, and Charmed will also enjoy it. There's a lot of pop culture references (especially Hocus Pocus and Practical Magic) which makes it fun and there are some scenes in here that directly reflect that.

The beginning of the book could be a little over descriptive and sometimes felt a little repetitive, so things like that are why I have lowered the rating a bit. And also just random scenes thrown in for characters to have sex that felt so out of place.

I also thought we didn't get to feel as much emotion as I would have expected to during certain scenes. And, unless I just wasn't paying attention enough, there seemed to be some disconnect in how the relationship between Ambrose and George was described. Sometime as cousins and sometimes as his uncle? I'm not sure if that was on the book or on me.

A longer fight scene would have been nice. The book made it feel as though the characters were taking up a lot of time to get things done, but things resolved much faster. And calling it a bookstore just felt a little off the whole time.

I did still enjoy this book, though. I loved the idea of it and it was a quick read. I probably could have finished it all in one day if I actually sat down to it.

What a wonderful book! The plot is so cool, and I really felt like the author poured her whole soul into this book. One minor thing is that the writing style really threw me off. I don’t know what it was, for some reason I just couldn’t connect with it.

Really good read, loved the characters but wish there was more realistic emotions during reveals, but it is fantasy so not too big a deal. The build-up felt slow but was meaningful and loved the big battle scene, but I wanted more, but overall, such a good read, good ending, and the epilogue makes me want another story.

This historical fiction and fantasy novel offers a unique spin on the Salem Witch Trials that took me by surprise. The story centers on a family of women accused of witchcraft, blending drama, mystery. You quickly become invested in their struggles and deeply care for their family unit, rooting for them to finally find a positive outcome after centuries of trials.

I loved how seamlessly the past and present timelines were interwoven—they were integral to the story's unfolding. The historical backdrop, with all its cruelty, added a darker edge to the fantasy elements. Overall, I was captivated and intrigued as I followed the path of the English witches, eager to see where their story would lead.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the advanced digital copy; All thoughts and opinions are my own.

England: Dora’s aunt Lenny has convinced Dora to take a trip with her to America to visit Lenny’s sister. Dora agrees and has her friend Katie watch her flower shop while she’s gone. Lenny hides things from Dora and when they soon arrive to America, Dora’s whole life changes in extraordinary ways and the fate of her family’s lives are in peril.
When I came across this book, I was fascinated with the idea of a vanishing bookstore-what an interesting concept. My curiosity got the better of me and I just had to read this story to find out what happens. Also, I have not read this author’s work before. The history of the Salem witch trials is another topic I’m interested in and was fascinated to find out how it was weaved through this story.
Dora discovers that she, her aunts and mother are witches though they like to refer themselves as healers. Dora has no memory of her or her family’s past lives and her reaction to finding out was not what I would have expected. I felt that this telling was a bit disjointed. Dora also wasn’t aware that her mother was alive.
The issue of whether the two Aunts, Dora and her mother, were immortal or not was perplexing to me. You see they are cursed, and they keep dying and they keep being hunted by the same man.
Dora seeks to understand who and what they are and asks her aunt Lenny to explain. Lenny says they are immortals. Her explanation to Dora is vague. I couldn’t make heads or tails of it, and I felt they were reincarnated because they all would die and be reborn repeatedly through the centuries. This left me feeling the characterization was rushed and underdeveloped.
The key to saving Dora’s family and ending the curse lies within the vanishing bookstore. Time is running out and danger is getting closer. Do Dora and her aunts find what they need to end the curse?
While I’m interested in the Salem witch trials, in reality I condemn witchcraft for several reasons. One being how disturbing it is that our society romanticizes it. Magic is drawn to manipulate non-human spiritual powers either for malevolent or self-serving reasons. In this story, Dora and her aunts face a challenge in deciding what magical lengths they would draw upon to break the curse. I must say I was disappointed with the decision they made.
Despite my views on the subject, I enjoyed many elements to the story and found myself not being able to put it down because I wanted to know what happened! If you like reading fantasy with magical elements, this story is for you.

Unlike any book I’ve ever read! So fun, exciting, and just such a fun story. Loved every page. It’d be a really fun book club story!

The Vanishing bookstore is a cozy, witchy, read, perfect for a chilly fall or winter weekend. — it’s a fantasy novel with an interesting dual timeline story interwoven with historical elements and fun modern pop culture witch lore.

The story is told through Dora English, and her family who have been living multiple lives due to a curse set forth during the witch trials in Salem. The way the duel timeline narrative takes you back and forth through the events of the English family, really draws you in and engages you in an interesting and delightful way.

Phifer, came through with an interesting fantasy witch novel, a delightful way to unravel the story and histories of the witch trials; however, the most central aspect of the story “the bookstore” took a back seat to me. I craved more about it, about how the plants themselves hid the bookstore, keeping it safe, how the precious copies of all those historic books had been preserved and perhaps weren’t just sitting there, but part of a larger journey. The bond between the bookstore, Dora, and Ambrose, fell flat and unfortunately disconnected me a bit from the story and character development.
I adored that Dora was age wise in her 30s however, she read more like a teenager or young 20 something.

As a whole, The Vanishing bookstore had a wonderfully enchanting premise, enjoyable, historical and fantasy aspects woven with a unique timeline. The mid point to the end of the story felt rushed and left with an unsatisfactory overall feeling to what could have been an exceptional book.

Thank you to the author, publishers and to netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book!

I loved the concept! I did not connected with the author's writing style or characters and it read more like a YA book. I also felt confused by the characters at times.

This is the first book, in a very long time, that has sat with me for days. I finished this a week ago but am still thinking about just how much it took ahold of me.

I have to admit, the thing that initially grabbed my attention was the book title and cover, and now, after reading, I can honestly say it is the most fitting title and cover I've seen in years.

I have NEVER been a dan of anything mystical, whimsical, or fantasy led, so I am still now in complete disbelief of how gripped I was. Until I'd read the authors Morgan Brookes series I had flat out rebuffed any supernatural books but now can't get enough of that series, maybe Helen Phifer has her own powers as she's now got me reading genre's I'd kept far away from previously!

Set over two timelines of the late 1600's and the present day and told through multiple POVs, this is the tale of three sisters and their neice, trying for centuries to break the curse bestowed upon them hundreds of years previously.

Dora lives in London with her aunt and runs an amazing florist. Invited on a 'works' trip with her aunt, they end up in Salem, where Dora discovers her connections not only to Salem but also to the 1692 Salem witch trials. A time when innocent people were percecuted, tortured, and killed.

Confronted with her connections and her past, Dora soon learns she is the key to breaking the curse, but first, she needs to remember. Remember who she was, remember hidden memories, remember who she loves and remember where the hidden bookstore is.

It pains me that I can't really go into any detail without spoiling it for anyone, so *NO SPOILERS*

I truly can't recommend this book enough. It filled me with so many emotions and was the most mesmerising, magical read.

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

In this book, we follow Dora, who owns a flower shop in London. When her aunt invites her to take a trip to Salem with her, she discovers her connection with the Salem witches. The book moves back and forth between present day and the past, as we uncover more of what happened.

The concept worked well overall, and I enjoyed the magic aspects, although I would have liked more explanations about the origins of the book of magic. The epilogue hinted at the possibility of a sequel with different characters, so perhaps all will be revealed then!

A recommended read for fans of Practical Magic, Weyward, and The Once and Future Witches.

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

I'm a sucker for a book based on witches even better if it's a historical based.......wow this book did jot disappoint. I've read a fair few witchy books and think a majority of plots and ideas have been covered but Helw Phifer comes up with new and interesting storylines. This book had me grabbed from the start time hopping, powerful females and reincarnation all mixed together. I loved the way Phifer manages to make you fall in love with all the characters that you can't even pick your favourite. This book is going to be a best seller in 2025 and I think one of my favourites. If I had one complaint I felt the endjng was a bit rushed but everything was tied up....hoping the epilogue means we are getting a follow up because boy I want to know what happened .....

A cozy read about the Salem witch trials from the 1690s to the present day. If you like history, and witches you'll enjoy this book

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review. The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer is set to hit the shelves on January 7, 2025.

We are taken back to the Salem witch trials of 1692 where hundreds were persecuted, tortured, and executed. Along with those women were the English women. Isadora English was a little girl when her mother and two aunts were accused of witchcraft. Isadora tried to flee with the help of her best friend, Ambrose, but she decided that she needed to go back to help her family. Unfortunately, All four English women were sentenced to death. But right before they died, they were cursed to live their lives over and over again. The English Women lived many centuries being hunted down by George Corwin. With each life lived they all met the same fate. They hope that they can finally break the curse once and for all.

The author's dedication set the tone for the entire novel, "For every woman, man, and child ever wrongly accused of witchcraft. Your voices will never be silenced."

This was my first novel by Helen and it won't be my last. I loved everything about this book and I didn't want it to end. I grew close to the characters and they will have you rooting for them until the very end. This story is your typical good vs. evil and it's filled with adventure and magical realism.

An entertaining cosy read, written in a voice I found more suitable for young adults than the mature public. The story covers Salem's proclaimed witches in the 1690's and in present day. Yes, they've been around. The characters are nice enough, but highly sensitive. Tears flow freely to the point that it becomes annoying.
Salem town in modern day seems fun though and I enjoyed the witchy stuff.
Then poof! it's over. Lame ending.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

Witches and Salem. Not like I’ve read it before. I really enjoyed the different take on well known events. I thought the dual time line approach was handled exceptionally well, filtering in information at just the right time. I wish the ending had been given more time, as the build up was so intense that the final section felt a little rushed. I hope the very final chapter becomes a plot for a future book - I’ll be first in line to read it!

Firstly I would like to thank netgalley and Bookoutune and the fantastic author Helen phifer for an early copy of her book.

My rating is 3.5 rounded to four
Another great read from one of my favourite authors. A great fantasy read.I enjoy reading her crime books. Set in two different times 1962 and the present day..Dora loves her flower shop in London a stranger named George walks in she sensed she knew him..who is George? She goes on a trip with her aunt to the USA and visits another aunt she had never met. This book is full of witches a great fantasy read..i am looking to reading more of her books.

This book will be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon.

When Dora is persuaded to go on a trip with her aunt, Lenny, she never knew she would be awakening a magical past that would leave them in a precarious situation.
Merging their past lives and current life in a fight to save themselves and regain the Wicca bonds that have been forgotten.
I don’t mind the occasional cosy witch read but I really enjoyed this one. You can tell the passion Helen holds for the witches and I’m sure this won’t be the last one. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

First off a big thanks to the publisher Bookouture, the author Helen Phifer as well as to NetGalley for letting me read and review The Vanishing Bookstore. As well as for helping me discover one of my new favorite books for December, I was so surprised when I found out about this book because I already knew this author since her Detective Morgan Brookes series is one of my all time favorite suspense/ thriller series to read , so I had no idea she wrote fantasy and without any Hesitation I decided to pick it up and read it and I'm so glad I did .Because like I said its a five star read for me and with that said I'm going to list what I loved about this book and helpful it'll help you to decide and make you want too pick it up as well .
Things I loved
The beautiful cover ( the cover is stunning )
The storytelling of her story pulled me in to the book with the way she blended fantasy, historical history, mystery as well as romance so well that it flowed together and came alive before my eyes .
The family's curse as well as their powers and history and how much they loved each other .
The characters themselves also came alive and made me fall for theme .
And I especially love how you got the different timelines past and present which also worked really well and just seemed to flow together as well .