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.

I really loved this book. Such a magical adventure, and enough twist and turns on every page to keep you interested from chapter to chapter. This was my first exposure to Helen Phife and boy will I continue to read her books. Its hard not to fall in love with the English Sisters and hard not to feel a little sympathy for all the victims of the Salem Witch trials. Please grab this book as soon as possible you will not regret it. Highly recommend!!!! You can read a more in depth review on my blog https://bookswithbrian.blogspot.com/

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 .

I requested this book from NetGalley for two main reasons the first because it had bookshop in the title so has to be good and the second and main reason because it’s by one of my favourite authors Helen Phifer who as far as I’m concerned writes amazing books that I always love.
I have a bit of a love / hate relationship with fantasy books so it’s always risky but not in this case it’s an absolutely wonderful book and I am desperately hoping that we may have more about The Vanishing Bookstore in the future.
The story is told in two timelines past and present and flowed wonderfully well, I loved all the characters and also the main setting of the story, Salem and it’s now a place I would love to visit as it was so well described.
I read the book in two days and mainly because I couldn’t put it down as I was enjoying it so much but was also desperate to know how it was all going to end!
There was not one thing I didn’t like about this book it had everything a fabulous book should have and it’s one I would highly recommend it’s a brilliant 5 star read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I absolutely loved this story. Magical, beautiful, awesome characters, a 'battle' between good and evil to break a centuries-old curse and the vanished bookstore that holds the key to success. The dual timelines between the Salem witch trials in 1692 and the present day worked so well together, giving insight into the events of the present. The ending (not a cliffhanger!) left me wondering if there'll be another book to follow - I hope so. Brilliant read!
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture, and Helen Phifer for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Helen Phifer for providing me with an ARC of he Vanishing Bookstore in exchange for my honest review.

The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer is a fantasy novel interwoven with historical elements centered around the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. The story follows Dora English and her enigmatic witchy aunts as Dora embarks on a quest to locate the titular vanishing bookstore, hoping to break a curse that has plagued her family.

One of the standout aspects of this book is its dual timeline structure. The chapters seamlessly alternate between the past and the present, and these flashbacks are crafted with care, adding significant depth and richness to the narrative. It’s evident that Helen Phifer conducted thorough research on the Salem Witch Trials, as the historical details are skillfully integrated into the story.

Initially, I was thrilled to dive into The Vanishing Bookstore. As a fan of fantasy and witchcraft-themed tales, the premise held great promise. The book starts on a strong note, building intrigue and atmosphere. However, it falters midway through and struggles to regain its footing. By the halfway point, the narrative loses momentum, and I found myself persevering more out of determination than enjoyment.

One of the major challenges I encountered was with Dora’s characterisation. At 33 years old, she feels oddly misaligned with the story’s tone, which often reads more like a young adult or coming-of-age novel. Dora’s behavior and dialogue lean toward being overly simplistic and childlike, making her difficult to connect with as a protagonist.

The journey to uncover the vanishing bookstore—a central plot point—feels rushed and underdeveloped, with key moments (such as a sudden sex scene) lacking buildup or emotional resonance. Similarly, the dialogue between characters often feels flat and fails to elevate the stakes or deepen relationships. This lack of depth left me largely indifferent to the characters and their ultimate fates.

That said, there are elements of The Vanishing Bookstore that I enjoyed. The nods to witchy pop culture, such as Hocus Pocus and the Practical Magic kitchen scene with cocktails, are delightful Easter eggs for fans of the genre. These moments provide a spark of charm and nostalgia that briefly rekindles the book’s appeal.

Overall, The Vanishing Bookstore has an intriguing concept and flashes of potential, particularly in its historical components and creative premise. However, it falls short of delivering a fully satisfying story. With more character development and a stronger narrative arc in the latter half, this could have been a captivating read.

The vanishing bookstore by Helen Phifer is such a magical, spellbinding, immersive story that so well written for me that it pulled right into the story right there with the main character. Dora is such an amazing character, I love her and what she stands for. Just her first interaction with the guy in the beginning of the story was hilarious, seeing how she love the body spray he was wearing. Hahaha . Honestly if the guy smells good I would be remembering him too. I would highly recommend this for anyone that loves getting lost in world filled with wonder and laughing with a pinch of magic.

Oh wow, this book was fantastic. It had witches, mystery dual timeline. It really intrigued me and I just couldn't put it down. Highly recommend this one. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.