I liked the idea of this book but the execution fell short for me.

I don’t know if it’s because I switched to audio half way through but the first half really dragged setting up the conflict while the second half, the actual conflict, flew by.
The aunts did an absolutely atrocious job explaining their history to Dora which is completely confounding because their lives quite literally depend on it. It’s also baffling to me why they chose for Lenny to move with Dora to London when they could’ve skipped all of the dead parents trauma by simply letting her very alive mother do that instead. What was the purpose?

I also want to take a second to say that Dora got over the actual death of her mom VERY quickly and the rest of the book unfolded in a flash too. It was like once we got to the conflict, the author was just checking off boxes. Mom died, check. Fall in love, check. Find book, check. Defeat villain, check.

This is obviously minor but the author referenced Hocus Pocus a bunch of times which felt heavy handed considering there are dozens of witch movies out there to choose from. Some of them are even set in Salem. Just saying.

The narrator though did a really excellent job.

The Vanishing Bookstore was like stepping into a world where mystery and magic collide. I didn’t know what to expect when I started but it totally pulled me in. Helen Phifer crafts a story that’s mix with mystery, danger, and just the right touch of magic. The dual timelines between 1692 Salem and the present day add depth and intrigue, with historical suspense and modern-day drama.

Dora’s journey to uncover her family’s secrets and the role of the elusive bookstore kept me hooked the entire time. The vivid descriptions of the overgrown vines, the hidden journal, and the mysterious blue door painted such an enchanting picture.

The narrator deserves a special shoutout for bringing this story to life with such nuance and emotion. It’s one of those performances that elevates the story to a whole new level. If you love magical realism with a touch of suspense, The Vanishing Bookstore is a must-listen/read. It’s perfect for fans of Practical Magic and The Lost Apothecary. I highly recommend it!

✨📚 Book Review – 4 Stars 📚✨
The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you’re drawn to mystical, magical tales with a dark twist, The Vanishing Bookstore will captivate you from the very first page. Helen Phifer has crafted a spellbinding story that masterfully intertwines history, mystery, and supernatural elements – perfect for young adult readers and beyond.

This haunting narrative follows a family of women cursed during the Salem Witch Trials, destined to relive their lives while being relentlessly hunted by a sinister and malevolent force. Phifer’s rich storytelling breathes life into Salem’s hidden corners, forgotten bookstores, and long-buried secrets that refuse to stay hidden.

I’m always eager for magical stories done well – and this is one of the better ones. Through a dual timeline, we are transported between 1692 Salem and the present day, where Dora unearths a hidden past and a mysterious bookstore that may hold the key to her survival. The pacing is spot on – I found myself flying through the chapters, eager to unravel each twist, yet wishing the story would linger a little longer.

My only critique? I longed for more time in the Vanishing Bookstore itself. However, I appreciate how the door has been left open for a potential sequel – and I’ll be first in line for it.

A captivating blend of history, magic, and intrigue. Highly recommend!

I don't know what else to say except I absolutely love this! The narration is great and the story was really brought to life. I cannot recommend this book and audio enough!

Oh I did not enjoy this writing style at all, which is a shame as the story itself is up my alley.

It starts off with a young women who's part of a family of wise women being chased for witchcraft in Salem and hiding her family's book of magic then jumps to present with a florist with some uncanny abilities herself but is missing a connection.

The plot is fine, but there's soooo much telling instead of showing, even for unnecessary things that it was a drag to get through.