Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC! This was a fun, whimsical-style story of a family of witches who are under a curse. It was an easy read, and I enjoyed reading it. Certain portions of the book lagged a little, and other portions that I thought should have played a bigger role were almost mentioned in passing, like finding the bookstore again. And the end seemed abrupt, it wrapped up all the loose threads, but it almost seemed rushed to me. Overall, good for a quick, light fantasy read.

This is the first book of Ms. Phifer's that I have read, and I enjoyed it from start to finish. In this book we get the tale of the English sisters - three sisters that were witches in the late 1600's in Salem Massachusetts. They were cursed and kept coming back to life and finding each other only to have to fight the one that hunted them during their first life - in other words a lot of rinse and repeat for them except that Isadora did not remember her first life or her first love or the location of the magic spell book that would end the curse.

This was a well written story that I enjoyed from the start. It had that Practical Magic feel to it while not being Practical Magic. The characters were well written and relatable in the purpose of their actions. The plot moved along well and kept me interested throughout the telling of this tale.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend this book to others.

Thank you Netgalley, Bookouture Audio and Helen Phifer for the eAudio if The Vanishing Bookstore.
Narrated by Stephanie Cannon

The Vanishing Bookstore is a lovely cosy fantasy and an easy read/listen which is set on two timelines. 1692 and in the midst of the Salem Witch Trails, a small bookstore stands in the vines and a young women is hiding with a linen bound book. In the present day, Dora is reunited with her Mother, only to find a family secret and tha they are in danger,

This is a medium to fast paced read with some wonderful charmingly built characters. It has magic, witches and of course, a villain! . What more could you want! I would have loved more of the character building but there was definitely enough to decide whether you liked them or not and that they felt human.

I have read some of Helen Phifer books which delve into supernatural Thrillers so The Vanishing Bookstore had the same charm and pull. Id love to see more of Dora in the future.

Stephanie Cannon narrated this book and I loved her voice. Her voice really suited this sort of narrative.
4 stars for all review sites

4⭐ (audio) The audio on this was good. I listen to tons of audiobooks, and as long as the narrator doesn't take me out of the story, I'm generally fine. Stephanie Cannon does a nice job.

4⭐ (story) 1692: On the outskirts of Salem, a bookstore stands covered in overgrown vines. Inside, a young woman hides a linen-wrapped journal under a loose floorboard and runs away, panicked by the sound of hounds barking in the distance. The bookstore vanishes into thin air…

Present day: Stepping inside a pale-pink house on one of the oldest streets in Salem, Dora can’t believe she’s about to finally meet the mother she thought died tragically when she was just a child. But the excitement is short-lived. Dora’s mother has fear in her eyes, and with a trembling voice she whispers: ‘my life is in danger, and now so is yours…’

Desperate not to lose her mother all over again, Dora digs into her family’s mysterious past, and stumbles upon a seemingly impossible secret: the key to their survival is hidden in a bookstore that no one has seen for generations. Losing herself amongst thorny brackens and twisted ferns, Dora eventually finds the path that leads to the bookstore. But someone is watching her. They’ve been waiting for her.

Lovely cozy read. I'll read anything about the Salem witch era and anything to do with bookstores or books, so this was right up my alley! It has just enough of the magical element while still seeming relatable to me. I definitely recommend this if you enjoy books about book, anything to do with Salem, or cozy reads in general. 4⭐

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced audio copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

The Vanishing Bookstore is an entertaining and fast paced read, a blend of magical realism and historical fiction.

I found it to be an easy and enjoyable read, though quite light on details. I loved the setting, and the premise of the family being reborn and pursued over the centuries. I would have loved to learn more about their experiences over time, their relationships and the cultural change they experienced - it would make a great series! Whilst referenced in the title, I also felt the vanishing bookstore was a fairly minor component of the story.

Overall though, this was a fun and relaxing read, and I flew through it. The narration was of great quality, bringing life and emotion to the various characters. 3.5 stars.

Thank you Bookouture Audio for a copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

3.5⭐️

Well I like this well enough but thought there was a lot missing which prevented me from fully enjoying it enough to round up.

I think my biggest issue was that the “vanishing bookstore” didn’t make an appearance until past the halfway point and it was there for a hot minute. It had no big impact on the story at all which I was looking forward to.

Also while I like YA, I don’t like when a book claims to be an adult book and isn’t especially when the main characters aren’t teens.

I was raised with reviewing the audiobook which the narrator did a fine job and embodied the storytelling very well.


I am thankful to have gotten the ALC for free from Bookouture Audio through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

If you're a fan of witches, adult books that feel like YA, you don't think about the plot as you're progressing and are able to completely suspend disbelief and ignore massive plot holes, this might be a book for you. It just wasn't for me.

There was so much potential, the idea was compelling, and I'll usually give any book about books or about witches a try, but both in one and I'm eager to get my hands on it. There isn't much magic or spells or anything witchy other than a witch hunter, and a surprising cameo in the end from an unexpected ally really threw me off. So while I can see this book would make many readers happy, I was too distracted with questions that were never to be addressed. How? Where? To whom? Why? And without spoiling it I'll just say that if this turns out to be a series, it has a very lot of explaining to do.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Helen Phifer for the advanced copy of The Vanishing Bookstore.

Helen Phifer’s The Vanishing Bookstore is a captivating blend of historical intrigue, familial secrets, and magical realism that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The story seamlessly weaves between 1692 Salem, where a mysterious bookstore vanishes into thin air, and the present day, where Dora unravels a dangerous family mystery tied to this long-lost place. The rich detail and well-crafted character development make it an engrossing read, immersing readers in both the eerie historical backdrop and Dora’s modern-day struggles.

The book’s central mystery—a bookstore hidden for centuries and holding the key to survival for Dora and her mother—is both thrilling and haunting. Phifer’s ability to create a vivid atmosphere, from the overgrown vines to the pale-pink house hiding its own secrets, is remarkable. The stakes rise as Dora delves deeper into her family’s past, encountering danger at every turn.

Stephanie Cannon’s narration adds a compelling layer to the experience. She brings each character to life with emotion and substance, ensuring that their voices resonate deeply. Cannon’s portrayal enhances the tension and the emotional depth, making it a perfect companion to Phifer’s detailed storytelling.

While the book is richly detailed and atmospheric, some readers may find the pacing slower in certain parts due to the extensive world-building. However, the payoff is worth it as the twists and revelations come together beautifully.

The Vanishing Bookstore is an excellent choice for fans of historical mysteries with a touch of the supernatural. With its intricate plot, memorable characters, and atmospheric setting, it’s a story that lingers long after the final page.

This book was really good. It was magical, surprising, and so familial that it drew me right in. 5 stars

Many thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture Audio for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The premise of this book and the cover drew me to it. I have always been intrigued by the Salem Witch Trials and I thought it would be interesting to see how that was woven into this story. It ultimately fell a little flat for me. I liked the found family and bond of Dora and her aunts. The romance had SO much potential but it just wasn’t developed enough to make me love it. I also think the magic system could have used a little further development. It is a very quick read and I enjoyed the narration. Fans of Practical Magic might enjoy this more than I did.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy audiobook. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Content Notes: Closed door romance, strong language

Wow! This one was a trip! I loved it!
I enjoyed how this story was woven between Salem 1692 and the present day. This story follows a family of women from Salem in 1692 where they were accused of being witches, and then the same family to the now times where Dora has to try to save her family and change the timeline.
Dora meets her mother whom she thought was dead, and finds out she is very much alive but also she is dying of cancer. Her aunt thought that maybe if she were raised away from her mother things in the timeline would change. The family is hunted by the same man who caused their downfall or their accusation of being witches because the aunt refused his advances.
Full of love, mystery,y, and beauty! I loved the development of the story and how the flow of the story was AMAZING!
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a really good job of drawing you in and helping you visualize the atmosphere, bringing the story to life! The voice fit the story! If you are looking for a good audiobook that will draw you in with an enjoyable story then this one should be your next read! Thank you Bookouture Audio and Netgalley for the opportunity to listen and review this one! It was a treat!

I loved everything about this book EXCEPT the hanging ending. I had NO idea it would be part of a series or I wouldn't have read it. I really would have appreciated knowing it was going to be open ended going in. All that aside, it was a great story and I enjoyed the reincarnation elements in it.

Thank You Netgalley, Helen Phifer, and Bookouture for the ALC of this book. This is one of those "Read in one sitting" type books. I ate it up and wanted more. It is so good. I really do hope there will be another book, to explore this Vanishing Bookshop. I loved the Witches in Salem aspect of the book and so much more but do not want to give spoilers. The dual timelines was done so well and fit perfectly together,

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the book #TheVanishingBookstore by #HelenPhifer. This story takes place in two timelines, present day and 1692. Three sisters and a niece have lived many lives and have suffered each time to the same people. Back then, Dora, the niece, hid a journal in a vanishing bookstore to try and protect them. Now, she needs to find her memories and the journal to protect them. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!!

This was such a lovely read. The cosy vibes really took me back when witch books were exactly that, with familiars, spells, women connected to nature.. what a very welcome throwback.
We mainly follow 3 witches that have been hanged in the Salem trials; they have been reborn time and time again, their souls protected, so they can fight the "demon" that got them killed to begin with.
We get a small portion of the book in the past, so we can see what has happened, and the majority takes place currently, focusing more on Dora who, in her 30s, still has no idea who she really is, and who is the key to defeat the "demon".
I really enjoyed this, the familiars, the actual family and their relations, the magical aspect; all was so cosy and kept me engaged. If you're a fan of witches, get this one when it comes out.

The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer had so much potential, but unfortunately, it didn’t work for me. I was excited by the premise—history, dual timelines, and a touch of magic—but I couldn’t connect with the story. I listened to the audiobook, and that may have contributed to my struggle. The frequent shifts between timelines and the changing character names left me confused, and I often found myself zoning out and needing to rewind to catch up on what I missed.

The book felt disjointed, with the plot jumping from one focus to another, making it difficult to stay engaged. I never really connected with any of the characters, which made it even harder to stay invested in the story. While this might appeal to younger readers or those who enjoy a lighter YA mystery, it didn’t live up to my expectations for a well-rounded work of fiction.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the world of the characters. Once I understood the individual characters and their roles, I could not put it down. I almost finished this book within one day lol There were no loose ends, as I felt all aspects were tied up nicely. Dora, the main character, had some innocence about her, but as she discovered more about her family, I enjoyed witnessing the courage she developed. All other characters had impactful roles that allowed the story to play out nicely. This was my first Helen Phifer book and her writing is so captivating, can’t wait to read more of her work. :)

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Pub Date: 1/7/2025
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I am a huge fan of Helen Phifer, she is definitely an auto-buy author for me after reading her work in 2024. When I read the description of this book and saw that it was set during the Salem Witch Trials and the present I knew I needed to read it.
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The Vanishing Bookstore is told between multiple timelines, but the main ones are the present and 1692. It follows the English women, 3 sisters and one of their daughters, 4 in total who are killed during the Salem Witch Trials. Only catch, they keep reliving their lives only to have the same fate. I absolutely loved how Phifer weaved this story together. I love how she intertwined their other lives into the main two timelines - just little snippets of what happened.
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I loved the aunts and I absolutely loved Dora. I loved their banter with one another and their love for one another. I felt that family bond so deeply within the writing. I felt like this one was steady to fast paced. I was literally hooked right from the start and I finished it in a single sitting.
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I listened to this one via audiobook. Stephanie Cannon was the perfect fit to narrate this one. I loved everything about the audiobook. It was super easy to follow and I just love Stephanie Cannon’s work which made me love this one even more. Highly recommend the audiobook!
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I got major Practical Magic/ Hocus Pocus vibes yet at the same time was completely unique. Overall, this is definitely one you need to keep an eye out for! This was fantastic! Huge thank you to NetGalley, Helen Phifer and Bookoutour Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

First off, the narration for this book is amazing. I loved the voices, I loved the drama in the voices and I loved how the different characters each has their own unique voice. It really helped me get into the story and feel like I was living amongst the characters.

The story itself was unique. It was not your typical Magic story and I enjoyed that a lot. There was darkness mixed in with the magical and the dynamic between the aunts and the MC was great - I love those kinds of family dynamics that show family bonds tied real tight.

I loved the inclusion of familiars and only wish we had even more because duh, I love animals.

I really enjoyed this and will be looking for more books from Helen Phifer in the future.

Really enjoyed this spellbinding fantasy. Helen Phifer delivers it all: magic, family, enduring love. The storyline is captivating as it intertwines multiple timelines and a perpetuating mystic curse.