I will read anything book that has bookstore in the title. I really enjoyed this story and I liked the flow of the book. I liked the characters and the small twists the journey took. I really enjoyed this. Thank you to NetGalley for an arc of this

Okay, so, like, this book is so magical! I’m totally obsessed with the vibe of it. It’s got witches, dual timelines, and definitely a little bit of mystery, which totally sucked me in. Like, whoa, there’s this bookstore that’s hidden away (totally mystical), and the whole thing about the cursed witches? Gah, so intriguing. I couldn’t stop turning the pages, even though it did get a tiny bit slow in the middle – but honestly, I was still so into it. The setting in Salem? Super cozy and witchy in the best way.

I really liked the characters, though the romance thing didn’t completely sparkle for me. It was, like, a thing, but not the super strong “OMG” type of love, you know? But still, I was all in for their journey, and the magic? Chef’s kiss.

If you like books with a bit of a dark twist, magic, and some heart, you’re gonna want to pick this up! I had such a fun time reading this!

Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

It's 1692 in the town of Salem and the English sisters have been sent out on an errand of mercy, what they don't realise is that they are in grave danger, one person that does know though is Ambrose Corwin and he rushes to save young Isadora English from the worst fate, as they leave she insists on taking a linen wrapped journal which Ambrose assures her will be safe within his bookstore in the woods, but as soon as they close the door the bookstore vanishes. Fast forward to the present day and Dora is living in London with her Aunt Lenny, when Lenny receives a call from her sister Sephy declaring that Lucine isn't long for this world and they need to return to Salem before it's too late, but will Dora arrive in time to see the mother she thought was already dead, will she regain her memory from her past life to retrieve the book that nobody has seen for centuries and rid Salem once and for all of the evil George Corwin?

The Vanishing Bookstore is the new fantasy novel by Phifer and, I believe, a different genre to what this author normally produces and certainly different to what I would normally read so I began this with some trepidation, but there was no need as I was well and truly hooked. The story is told across two timelines; 1692 where we witness the infamous Salem witch trials and the present day where the sisters and Dora are living their current lives due to a curse bestowed on them centuries ago. This story certainly has it all, it's dark, intriguing, magical and mysterious all rolled into one and the characters are all so endearing (apart from George obviously). There is absolutely nothing I didn't love about this story and I would highly recommend to anyone that likes to lose themselves in a bit of witchcraft and magic. This is a new to me author but what an absolutely banging read to start my Phifer journey with and, with that ending, I hope there's a sequel in the pipeline!

I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

Oh my, what an enchanting read it is! Huge thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Helen Phifer for the advance copy.

Dora English is a florist living in modern day London and the story follows her journey along with her enigmatic, witchy aunts and her true love, Ambrose, to find a magical journal hidden away in the titular Vanishing Bookstore, which is the key to breaking a curse that has tormented their family for many lifetimes.

The book starts on a strong note, building intrigue and atmosphere and the storyline flows wonderfully well in a dual timeline structure as the chapters coherently switch between the past and the present. The premise holds great promise and the captivating narrative manages to hold the reader’s attention till the very end.

Another striking aspect of the book is the exceptional skill of the author in giving vivid descriptions of the various locations and settings within the book, which are evident of the thorough research the author has conducted on the historical and geographical intricacies of Salem and the Witch Trials of 1692.

With an intriguing concept, interesting dual timeline story and well-researched historical elements seamlessly intertwined with modern pop culture witch lore, The Vanishing Bookstore is the perfect cozy, witchy read for chilly fall evenings or festive winter weekends.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This may be my first COZY historical fiction that I actually enjoyed.

Imagine if there were actual witches during the Salem witch trials! The story follows a family of 4 women who died at the hands of a witch hunter in 1692 during the Salem witch trials. They were cursed to be reborn and then killed by the very same witch hunter in every single life they live. They must try and break the curse so they can finally live a life in peace.

The story jumps between present day London and Salem with some flashbacks chapters to Salem in 1692. I was initially intrigued by the title but in actuality the bookstore is really only involved in a few lines at the beginning and end of the book. It is an important part to the story but I would’ve loved a bit more on the bookstore aspect.

While I haven’t been to Salem or London I was able to imagine the scenes very vividly while I was reading.

I would’ve loved to hear more about this amazing connection that was built up but never dove deep into between Dora and Ambrose. While the love interest fell a little flat for me I could tell there was a powerful connection that would’ve been great to read more about.

Thank you for the ARC! I will be looking into more titles by this author in the future.

This story has dual timelines that were was easy to follow and had some interesting and imaginative aspects. I enjoyed the historical fiction of Salem and the witch trials. The characters are interesting and relatable. It was less action packed than I expected but if witches are your thing this would be a fun, cozy read around Halloween.

The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Pfeiffer, This is a story that starts in London and goes to Salem modern day and back during the witch trials. Dora, her aunt Lenny, her other aunt Safi and mom Lucin, are all witches and have been alive since before the witch trials. When the book starts, Dora owns a floral shop in London, where she lives with her aunt Lenny, as far as Dora knows her mom is deceased, but a strange visitor, flowers, and a phone call from Salem causes her and aunt Lenny to head back to America, where Dora Lawrence, the truth about her family lineage she is a witch,has a mother, a soulmate and previous lives unfortunately she cannot remember any of it and remembering will be the key to helping her family survive. Just like in the 1700s the witch finder is still on the warpath and just like Dora and her family has lived many lives as the same person in each life he comes to kill the English family. it seems Dora buried the book of Black Magic, and unless she can remember where, her family will be doomed. I just want to say I absolutely totally enjoyed this book. Like most great books this one kept me up until the wee hours of the night and when it was over, I wish there was more and although the epilogue. hence there could be another book sadly, if it is to be it hasn’t been written yet. I quickly downloaded The Hiding Place by this author, and I’m looking forward to reading that one. I only hope the author write another with Dora and her family.#NetGalley, #Bookoucher, #HelenPfeiffer, #TheVanishingBookstore,

I really enjoyed reading this book, it took some times at the start for me to get into the book as I kept putting it down but when I fully settled into the book I really started to enjoy it. I love the characters and the story line.

A beautiful spelling page turner about magic and witchcraft. Dora, the main character, learns that there is so much more to her story than she ever imagined. Living in England, with her aunt Lenny, she embarks on a journey to Salem, Massachusetts, where she learns who she and her family are. Reincarnation, mysticism, and adventure make this a wonderful read. I thank NetGalley (https://www.netgallery.com) for an advanced copy. I really enjoyed this novel and am sure you will too.

I very much enjoyed this book! It was a little bit of a slow start of me and getting used to the past/present chapters took a minute but once I got into it I really enjoyed it!

It's a lovely throwback story to the Witches of Salem with a modern twist. I did think parts of it were a bit predictable and I would have loved more of a witchy world build.

I do think the title doesn't really do the book justice as the Bookstore isn't as significant as I thought it would be!

All in all, very much an enjoyable witchy story and I'd love to read a sequel of how the characters proceed now!

If you’re feeling a little lost and in need of a bookstore sanctuary with magic realism… this one may be for you 💚

📚 Magic realism
📚 Salem Witch Trials
📚 Multiple timelines
📚 Multiple POVs
📚 Practical Magic vibes but different

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Closed Door Romance

First of all, the description gave me goosebumps instantly. I knew I needed it! We start on the outskirts of Salem and here Isadora suddenly has to flee the only home her family has ever known as they are hunted. At least that is where it begins but then we find ourselves moving through time and perspectives.

This book had me crying, laughing, and nostalgic for familial and maternal bonds between family members and true loves willing to do anything to protect each other. If I had to pick a favorite character, it would be the English sisters. All of them. Lenny’s bigger than life presence. Sephy’s caring but blunt kindness. And Lucine’s beautiful love story. Lenny is who had me turning the pages for more. But the romance between Dora and Ambrose was swoonworthy, too.

This book is very, very descriptive. If that is not your thing, it might not be for you. The author is very much a storyteller. If you enjoyed books like Weyward and The Lost Bride trilogy you will like this book. I found the relationship between the sisters the most beautiful though. This book was slow to start and get engaged with. It was about the 60% mark that everything started flowing really well and I became invested when I finally had the full story. But after that? I flew through needing to know what was coming next!

I enjoyed the read! Thank you for my advanced reader copy for an honest review.

✨Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review✨

If you’ve been searching for the perfect witchy read that includes a family of strong women who have worked tirelessly across centuries to put an end to a curse, then The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer is what you’ve been waiting for!

Characters
I loved these characters!!! We follow the English women on their quest to end a familial curse that’s been plaguing their family since 1692. My favourite character was definitely Aunt Lenny - the sassy, ‘Eda the Owl Lady’ type character. The family reunion was heartwarming and it was nice to see Dora learn more about herself - where she and her family have come from and who she really is.

Plot
Wow, did I not want to put this book down! The Salem Witch Trials have always been interesting to me, so to have an entire novel that centres around these events was perfect. Helen Phifer did an amazing job marrying her fantasy elements to the actual history of the Trials, while being respectful of those who were persecuted and lost their lives during this dark time. Around the 60% mark, things quieted down a little bit, there were some things that I was left wondering about (the English women’s life after the final battle, and the fate of Dora’s friend Katie and Dora’s flower shop in London, for example), and I thought that the big finale was a little rushed, but I definitely enjoyed my time reading this novel!!

Setting/Vibes
The setting and overall vibes of this book were ✨everything✨. Salem? Cozy witchy vibes? Autumn? Yes, yes, YES!!!!! I just loved it so, so much. I have been to Massachusetts and Helen Phifer describes everything (the sights, the sounds, the scents, and everything in between) so perfectly - you really feel like you’re there alongside the English women, working to kick Corwin to the curb.

🔮 Witchy Women
🔮 Family Reunions
🔮 Ending A Familial Curse
🔮 Sassy Aunts

This was what I would call a cozy book with magical realism woven throughout. It follows the English sisters (and niece) from their violent deaths in the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 to the modern day. They have been destined to follow the same paths in multiple lifetimes until Dora (Isadora, the niece) is able to reclaim a book she hid and discover her powers. It reminds me of Practical Magic with some of the characters but lacks Alice Hoffman's talent. Still it was an enjoyable read and definitely good for an escape.

The writing is exquisite. It feels like you are living in the book. Such a great story.
The ending was AMAZING I cannot wait to read more from this writer, definitely a book I will revisit many times and get a paper copy

I usually enjoy Helen Phifers writing but I think she should stick to thrillers. I really didn’t like The Vanishing Bookstore, the first chapter set in the past was good but the recent day second chapter was like something from a Disney film. I couldn’t carry on.
Sorry to the author but this was not for me.

Hundreds were tortured and executed during the Salem witch trials of 1692. Isadora English was just a small child when her mother and three aunts were accused of witchcraft. All four women were given a death sentence. They were also cursed to liver their lives over and over again.

This story has a dual timeline - the past, 1692 and the present day. Dora English is hoping to find the vanishing bookstore so that the curse that was put on her family can finally be broken. The chapters alternate between the past and the present day. The book has been well-researched and it's descriptively written. Although all of the loose ends were tied up, I did feel the ending was a bit rushed.

Published 7th January 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #HelenPhifer for my ARC of #TheVanishingBookstore in exchange for an honest review'

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early eARC of this book!

I had high expectations for this as I've read all of Helen Phifer's books and I always enjoy them. The dual storyline was great and it made it easy for me to go back in time to the Salem Witch trials.

Dora as a main character was not ideal ( or more her description ). I was confused when I remembered she should be 33. She felt like a naive teeny. Also her connection to Lenny - yes it is your aunt, but she raised you since you were a baby - so you basically are like her daughter! It felt weird that she never accepted any of Lennys help "to not take advantage" .

Thank you to netgalley for the opportunity to read & review this book.

3.5 * I just loved the idea of this book. A family of witches cursed to live their lives over & over again, unable to clear this curse & move on whilst regaining the memories the past lives have left them with.
All the cozy witch vibes, set in Salem & a dual timeline. What's not to love?

The dual timeline fell a little flat around 50% of the way through the book & the narration became a little stilted too. I did care for the characters, so I continued with the story as I wanted to know the outcome.

I did struggle with our main characters, Dora & Ambrose. Their love is described as one across the age's but i just couldn't feel that between them? Sure, there was attraction & great respec, but I didn't feel that great love from within these pages.

Although there are a few things that left me confused, The Vanishing Bookstore did hold my attention. Helen Phifer has written a story that is a combination of fantasy and supernatural events combined with mystical images and populated with mythical people and creatures. The storyline was fun. I found it best not to ask too many questions, but it is likely that readers will have plenty of questions.

Although the actual content had little to do with the title, The Vanishing Bookstore did contain many good descriptions. The characters included Dora, her mother, two aunts, a long time beau, and an evil villain. They all seem to have some variation of mystical powers. There are two timelines and two locations, but Phifer does label the chapters clearly enough. The focus of The Vanishing Bookstore (and don't look too hard for the bookstore) is women's lives. This novel is also a form of the coming of age novel, with a slight variation, as Dora discovers her story. Some scenes are too brief, when readers will want more than a paragraph, while other scenes are too long. I would have liked better balance.

Overall, I did like The Vanishing Bookstore and I am recommending it. For people who like witches, myth, and a supernatural world, The Vanishing Bookstore is perfect. Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing this ARC. The comments above reflect my honest thoughts.

This is a story about Dora, a florist who lives in London with her only family, her aunt Lenny. One day, a creepy guy called George appears in her shop and raises all kinds of red flags for her aunt, who convinces Dora to go visit Salem.

There she finds not only that they are witches, but that she has two more family members, a beloved pet and a long-lost love.

With all of their help, she embarks on a voyage of self-discovery and the process of learning about her blocked magic powers. She has to do it fast in order to recover the book that will save them from a curse to relive their lives over and over, hunted by the witch-hunter, George Corwin.

I highly enjoyed the story; it’s very entertaining and fun in the right places. There are flashbacks to tell the story about their several past lives, but they are not the typical flashback chapters, instead appearing as passages where the main character regains her memory. I found it very original and beautifully accomplished.

Overall, it was a beautiful and entertaining read. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories filled with magic, self-discovery, and a touch of romance!