3 🌟🌟🌟 overall
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 story, plot, characters


I loved the characters and the setting of Salem, Massachusetts, beginning the 1600’s to present contemporary time. It was the time when they hung many woman for a variety of reasons, from personal dislike of someone, to worry about their witchcraft or healing strengths, to being rejected as a suitor, but were all under the guise of being a…..healer or a witch.

It begins in Paris 2000’s with a young woman, Nora (short for Leonora), happily working to make ends meet in her tiny floral 🌼 shop. Nora lives with her no-nonsense Aunt Lennie and has a BFF called Kate. A mysterious man shows up one day at her flower shop to order some sympathy flowers and things get odd and strange about him.

In the meanwhile, Aunt Lennie invites Nora on a trip with her to Salem. It’s a city which Nora knows nothing about.

What didn’t work for me in this audiobook is the narrator playing all characters/voices. This included over 5 women and a few men, which got tedious and sometimes confusing IMO. Mostly, I wasn’t captivated by the story I think because of this narration. When you’re reading a book or Kindle, you can be more subtle or more effusive depending on how YOU feel it goes. This is the slight downfall of listening to audio or at least one in which you don’t connect or expect something different.

This audiobook was an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for which I am thankful. My opinions and reviews are my own.

The Vanishing Bookstore started with such a promising premise but ultimately let me down. The opening was a balm to my little homesick soul—I’m from Boston and spent a few years living near Salem, so the setting and witchy vibes immediately had me hooked.

The idea of a hidden bookstore in the woods, enchanted to protect a spell book, was captivating… but it was never mentioned again until over 60% into the book. This concept had so much potential, but it fell flat due to its lack of development.

The story follows Dora, a 33-year-old woman who is simultaneously helpless, blindly trusting, and inexplicably suspicious. She describes herself as “not a coward,” but I struggled to see any depth in her character. When it finally came to her taking a stand, she was left bumbling and at the mercy of crows (Moira, is that you???).

Despite the intriguing premise of characters who have lived multiple lives over hundreds of years, they all came across as surprisingly shallow and, frankly, dim.

There was a noticeable emotional disconnect between Dora and the male love interest—the walking definition of a golden retriever—as well as between the entire family and the villain. The relationships felt hollow, which made it difficult to invest in the stakes of the story.

The dialogue throughout the book was stiff and awkward, making the characters feel disconnected. That, and the real lack of honest familiarity. The fact that these characters had been reborn over generations was one tidbit that was lost on no one, yet there was an obvious lack of communication and warmth between all the characters. And where was the magic??? Yet another part of the story woefully ill explained.

The pacing was another issue. While the beginning held promise, the middle dragged, and the ending felt lackluster. Much of the story involved unnecessary wandering that seemed like filler. I’m not sure if the author intended these scenes to build tension, but instead, they left me feeling confused and bored.

And there was a glaringly unrealistic moment I really can’t get over: after running and locking herself away from a creepy man, a ✨female✨ character checks her hair (!!!) and inexplicably opens the door because he promises her a decent meal. I just… what woman??? In this day and age???

I ultimately wonder if my experience would have been different if I’d read the book instead of listening to the audiobook. The FMC is from London, yet her accent isn’t mentioned (though the FMC’s best friend has a very well done and distinct British accent) until 40% into the book—aside from some random slang awkwardly delivered by the narrator. I remember her saying “mum” and rolling my eyes because the narrator didn’t ✨give her an accent✨.

Overall, The Vanishing Bookstore had so much potential, but its execution left me disappointed.

Thank you so much to Bookouture Audio via Netgalley for this ARC!

Calling all Practical Magic (the movie) and Hocus Pocus fans! This is your fun, historical fantasy complete with witches, familiars, eccentric aunts, and Salem past and present. A lovely adventure, perhaps a little simplistic through the historic bits, but a clever take on witches and the brutes who hunt them. The narrator was great—a little odd to hear obvious britishisms in American accent, but that didn’t take away from her capable, energetic delivery of the story.

Audio format 🎧

The Vanishing Bookstore is a dual timeline novel set in Salem in 1692 and present day (England/Salem). The book is a mix of fantasy, historical fiction with a touch of witchcraft and magic. What it is not is a book which revolves around the vanishing bookstore as the title implies. That is only one minor part of the plot so if that’s what you are expecting the book to be about you will be disappointed.

The focus of the plot is based around a family of cursed witches. Typically this is. Not the type of book I enjoy however the audio narration is excellent and kept me engaged. Had I read this book in traditional format I don’t think I would have finished it.

What I liked:
🧙Dual timelines that came together nicely
🧙 Excellent narration in audio format
🧙 historical elements abs magical/fantasy elements woven into the plot
🧙the book gave me Addie La Rue and The Lost Apocathary vibes (both books I enjoyed a lot)

Areas for improvement
🧙 pacing was off for me and the book dragged about half way through. Beginning was good and then fizzled out a little before picking up at the end
🧙I wanted more about the vanishing bookshop and the journal. I felt the title overpromised and the plot underdelivered

I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys books about witchcraft/Salem witch trials or those who like magical realism/fantasy blended with historical fiction.

I give this book a 3.5/5. It was enjoyable but average. I added an extra 0.5 for the great narration.

Thank you to Net Galley and Bookouture Audio for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for a review.

3.5⭐ I enjoyed this read! It is definitely on the lighter side of witchy-fiction books. I found it to be a wonderful mix of a mildly suspenseful plot taking place in a cozy atmosphere.

The writing was solid, and I really appreciated the dual timelines. I know its historical fantasy so history is going to be part of it, but I loved the real history laced throughout the book. It made the magic seem that much more realistic. The plot started off strong and then lulled in the middle, but it was still enjoyable.

The conflict and antagonist were the best/worst? I loved to hate it/him. Truly a reprehensible antagonist.

I found Dora to be a bit naive for a 33 year old, but I excused it because if I were suddenly told I was a witch who lived in 1692, I too would be skeptical and probably not act rational all of the time. I wasn't entirely convinced of the love story aspect. That was part of the story that we were told about and not shown very much. How can we fall in love with a love story if we are not brought along the way?

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC for free!

The synopsis of this book hooked me immediately. <b>A magical bookstore lost in time, a centuries-old mystery, and a protagonist uncovering her family's secrets—what’s not to love? </b><i>Unfortunately, the execution didn’t live up to the promise of its premise. </i>

The story starts strong but as the plot unfolds it’s riddled with inconsistencies and missed opportunities. The most glaring issue is how the main character learns about her history. Rather than unraveling her past through a thrilling journey of discovery, the information is simply handed to her. This lack of intrigue diminishes the emotional impact and suspense.

Some twists left me scratching my head. We’re led to believe certain characters have lived for centuries, yet they fail to figure out seemingly obvious truths? It’s hard to suspend disbelief when the story’s internal logic feels shaky.

That said, I couldn’t put this book down. The writing style is engaging, and the pacing is quick enough to keep the pages turning. While it’s not the deeply immersive tale I had hoped for, it’s an entertaining read for those who can overlook its flaws.

If you’re a fan of books like Practical Magic or A Discovery of Witches, you might still enjoy the atmosphere and premise here. Just don’t expect every thread to be neatly tied up.

Great audiobook! I really enjoyed the narration and thought the narrator did a great job

This was a really fun read. It was new for me, reading a historical fiction book about the Salem Witch Trials. As a fellow New-Englander its history we learn a lot about, and I’ve visited Salem myself. I could picture the environments down to the scent as I listened which made it that much more enjoyable! I loved the family dynamic, and the storyline itself. Takeaway? I could still be a witch, I just don’t remember it yet, hahaha!

The title is a bit misleading. Bookstore is a loose term for the cabin that vanishes. This novel is a strange mix of fantasy and historical fiction. Isadora, her mother, and her aunts are all victims of the Salem witchcraft trials. However, they repeatedly are reborn together, along with Ambrose, the young man who tried to save Isadora, and his uncle, George Corwin, the corrupt man who damned them.

On each incarnation Isadora never makes it past 35. Now in present day, she has no memory of her past life. Her aunt takes Isadora back to Salem in hopes that they can find the vanished “bookstore” where Dora hid her mother’s book of spells way back when. It is the only way they can defeat Corwin.

There are some holes in the story. I was always confused about them coming back. How are they answering questions about Isadora’s father? Many of their incarnations are in times when women did not have many rights. They are also unclear on how many times they have come back, and if the aunts are living into advanced age, it cannot have been that many times.

However, it is an engaging story. The narration was excellent.

Thank you to Net Galley and Bookouture Audio for the DLC. All opinions are my own.

I really liked listening to this book. The narrarator is one that I have heard before, and she did a great job! The tone was engaging and the pace was great. I really liked this book-the genre is one that I do not usually gravitate to, but I am a HUGE fan of Helen Phifer, so I gave it a try. I was pulled in immediately, and honestly didn't want the story to end!

This was a cute, cozy read and a super easy listen. I felt the pacing was a little weird around the time they find the bookstore and at the beginning, but it wasn’t enough to make me dislike it.

3.5⭐️

This was a very enjoyable story about the Salem witches. I loved the last lives concept, was a bit confusing at first but I got there. The story is a little slower than I’m used to but it still kept me engaged. Definitely recommend for any witch lover.

A Spellbinding Journey: Review Of The Vanishing Bookstore By Helen Phifer 🌟

I was absolutely thrilled when I received early access to The Vanishing Bookstore through NetGalley, BookCouture, and the author herself! 📚✨ Listening to this enchanting audiobook was one of those experiences that felt like slipping into a beloved old sweater—comforting, warm, and utterly delightful.

From the moment the story unfolded, I was transported back to my childhood, reminiscing about magical shows like Charmed, Practical Magic, and Witches of East End. Helen Phifer masterfully intertwines historical fiction and fantasy in a way that rekindles that same joy I felt as a young witchy dreamer. 🔮🌙

A Gripping Beginning 🧙🏻‍♀️

The novel opens with a harrowing flashback to the witch trials, setting a tone that feels both eerily haunting and compelling. It introduces us to the fierce Lenora English, whose refusal to accept a marriage proposal from a witch hunter leads to devastating consequences for her family. This sets the stage for an exhilarating ride as we follow Lenora's sisters—Sephie, Luc, and Dora—on their journey to reclaim their lives amidst a backdrop of curses and danger. 🕯️💔

With their unforgettable familiar, Hades the crow, guiding them, the story beautifully explores themes of sisterhood, resilience, and the powers of protection.

The Cycle Of Rebirth 💫

What makes The Vanishing Bookstore truly unique is the haunting concept that the girls, along with the witch hunter, are trapped in a cycle of rebirth, doomed to suffer the same fate in each lifetime. Each time they are resurrected, memories of their past lives linger just out of reach, creating a sense of urgency and desperation. Enter Dora, who in this modern-day incarnation is blissfully unaware of her witchy heritage or her familial ties.

Raised by her aunt Lenny, Dora leads a simple life in Boston, running a flower shop and she feels something missing, yet can't quite put her finger on it. But when a mysterious man with nearly black eyes and a peculiar scent steps into her shop, everything changes. Lenny, sensing the pull of destiny, persuades Dora to embark on a journey to Salem. 🌸

Awakening And Adventure 💫

As they arrive in Salem, Dora is unknowingly drawn into the depths of her past. She learns that she has a mother she never knew existed and an aunt —Sephie and Luc—are waiting for her. As memories begin to flood back, the emotional weight of their intertwined fates crashes down around her, revealing the true stakes: it’s up to her to find the ancient book hidden in the vanishing bookstore from their first lifetime. This book holds the key to breaking the cyclical curse and saving her family. 📖🔑

As Dora delves deeper into her reborn identity, she comes to the shocking realization that she not only has the power to save her aunts but that she must confront the witch hunter who has plagued their lives for centuries. With the knowledge that his defeat is essential to breaking the curse, Dora’s journey shifts from merely surviving to taking decisive action. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Dora must summon the courage to face the man who has caused so much pain, and ultimately, it falls to her to kill the witch hunter once and for all. ⚔️✨

A True Gem 💎

To put it simply, this book is a treasure! Helen Phifer has crafted a narrative that not only draws you deep into its fantastical world but also resonates with heartfelt emotion. The characters feel real, their struggles palpable, and their victories immensely satisfying. If you're a fan of stories that blend history and magic with a side of adventure, this one is a must-read. 🌌💖

Overall, The Vanishing Bookstore is a magnificent tale that deserves all five stars and more! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I can't recommend it enough, especially to those who, like me, long for the enchanting worlds of witchcraft and wonder. Thank you to Helen Phifer for this remarkable journey; I can't wait to see what she conjures up next! 🎉⭐️

To start with, I think that the description of this book is not necessarily an accurate reflection of the story that is being told. The description really leaned on the Vanishing Bookstore and made the story seem as if that were going to be more of a focal point. With that being said, it didn't impact my overall enjoyment of this book. I really enjoyed the relationships between the women. And the relationships with the animals. Those were all a true highlight. Hades is the best.
I think that the overall pacing wasn't the best. It was a slower buildup - which I didn't mind. But the conclusion felt a little rushed. I really loved all of the references to Hocus Pocus, that was a fun little element.
Overall, I loved the story telling, and would definitely read from this author again.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Salem 1642 and a man rejected vows revenge and the English sisters will suffer for centuries. Present day and Dora will travel from London to Salem to meet her family and find her destiny. She must regain her memories and skills as a witch to break the curse.

Very well written and well narrated (I listened to the audiobook). Excellent characters in this novel of witches, curses, love and above all family. Can Dora find the hidden bookstore and the book she needs before time runs out?

"All their gifts and ability to do good in the world hadn't stop them from that treacherous persecution and horrific death from the hangman's noose the first time around."


The English women (sisters Lennie, Sapphy, Lucien and her daughter Isadora) were victims of a vicious Salem witch hunt in 1682 led by the vile George Corwin. George is a judge's nephew and has taken a liking to Lennie much to their horror. When his advances were rejected, it had been the reason which started his wicked persecution of them all. (Power tripping and entitlement issue much?! 🙄)
Fast forward to present day, they have to put an end to the blasted curse gone on far too long. They have to figure out how to stop the vile man from chasing them across all of their lifetimes (already on their 8th!) and stop Dora from dying before she reaches the age of 35. Dora needs to find the vanishing library where they hid her mother's book. A store of happy endings - of stories and instructions.
A nice read if you're in the mood for something lighter, enchanting and atmospheric fantasy / historical fiction and if you don't mind if it reads like YA. It had a lot of pop culture references (Charmed, Hocus Pocus, Practical Magic and also a bit of Sabrina). I like the premise but while some parts were engrossing, others were a bit confusing and underdeveloped. Also, the ending was kind of rushed and I'm not sure if there's a sequel. The audio version is narrated by Stephanie Cannon and enjoyable to listen to. Love how she brought all the characters to life.

3.5✨

My thanks to Bookouture audio for providing an early copy. I received an audio arc for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Expected publication date: Jan. 7, 2025.

What a beautiful story about witches. It follows both past and present, has reincarnations, and as the title suggests, a vanishing bookstore. Have i mentioned a lovely romantic sidestory with the sweetest man? I love how this family of witchy main characters fights together to finally get the life they deserve. The story keeps you interested, and will draw you in completely (finished in a day oops). Its not too long, its well written and easy to follow, and its fun.

The narrator, by the way, did a great job on reading the story, kept me listening. My only confusion was that both men in the story had the same voice type and i was confused sometimes. I would prefer either no one getting a specific voice, or all characters having their own specific voice.

Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review

The Vanishing Bookstore (audiobook) by Helen Phifer
This was a creative story, not what I was expecting. The jovial tone makes it a suitable story for young adults for sure.

Sometimes history repeats until the ending changes. This story had a quirky cast of characters existing through time after a curse is released during the Salem Witch trials . A group of healers were punished because one of the sisters denied the advances of a witch hunter and he placed a curse on them. In a dual timeline, a family book was hidden in 1692 when a young couple was fleeing evil.
In the present, the cast has gathered again. Dora has reunited with her mother, who she thought was long gone. In order to stop the cycle repeating history, Dora must remember her past and find the missing book in the bookstore where it was hidden so many lifetimes ago.

The title was a little misleading. The most relevance the title had with the story was in the epilogue.
The narration was done well with good differentiation to give voice to individual characters. It was distinctive and enjoyable.
Overall, I liked the story but it wasn’t what I expected in subject matter or tone. I think this should be geared toward a YA audience. It is a clever, clean story. I think there could have been a little more depth to the plot and a better connection to the audience.
I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to review an ARC of this audiobook. 2.5/5⭐️

⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Spoiler free)

The Vanishing Bookstore is a light, cosy, witchy fantasy with a dual timeline narrative. Although this was a quick and easy read, which I did quite enjoy, I think I was expecting a lot more than this book ended up offering.

The title and summary were quite misleading and I thought it would be more like The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods, where the bookshop is a central feature of the plot. It didn't turn out to be like that and I do think the title should have been something different that better reflects the story.

The pacing is a little bit odd. I feel like it took 50% to really get going and then the plot massively sped up between 60 and 70%. I also didn't find that there was much tension during the "chase" element of the story. However, the descriptions of the locations were really vivid and done well.

The female main character, Dora, being 33 feels a little at odds with the plot and the writing, which leans a lot more towards a coming-of-age YA book. She felt very juvenile and needed constant reassurance and guidance from every other character. I just didn't find it believable that she was 33.

I feel like the magic element was lacking for most of the book and the romance aspect had little to no chemistry. If this had been advertised as a witchy YA, similar to The Bell Witches by Lindsey Kelk, I think I would have enjoyed it more.

Overall, it was a good book, and definitely had the potential to be great. I think with a different title, summary and genre marketing, this book could hit the right audience and be very enjoyable for a lot of readers.

I'd recommend this book if you liked The Bell Witches or enjoy cosy, light, witchy books.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook The Vanishing Bookstore. 

I loved the idea of this book- it has everything I enjoy reading about (books, witches, fantasy, a little romance, and historical fiction). While the plot was interesting, especially with the main character recalling her past lives, I was left with many unanswered questions. The FMC was so accepting of everything, including finding out her whole entire life was a lie orchestrated by her family. The author also does not tie up loose ends- what the heck happened in London! I kept waiting for us to hear a conclusion to that storyline but it never came. This is definitely a book where the author TELLS instead of shows us (a great example of this is the love story). You may enjoy this book if you are looking for a cozy fantasy/historical fiction but it was not for me. 3 stars.

A cute retelling of the witches of Salem. I loved all the references to the original families and landmarks of Salem. What I loved the most were all the references to modern day witches (I.e. Harry Potter, charmed etc.). It was a cute easy read. Personally, I struggle with timelines in books, this was no exception. I did enjoy the dual timeline, but a lot of action and growth seemed to happen over a matter of 2 days. The focus of the book was shedding light of Salem generational witches, so to be critical of things like the magic system or the some of the plot holes is counterproductive. It was overall an enjoyable read. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a night witchy read around Halloween or in conjunction with a travel to Salem.