What a lovely and enchanting story. I really enjoyed this book and I didn’t want it to end. The writing was amazing. I enjoyed the character. Great narration.
I just all around loved this audiobook.

The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds is one of the most beautifully written stories that I have ever read about loss, healing, self discovery, family, and believing in the impossible. This book is pure magic and transports you through time… literally to the 1920’s and introduces you to an era and characters you can’t help but fall in love with. I am so thankful to NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus for the opportunity to listen to an advance audio copy. I highly recommend the audiobook, the narrator did an excellent job bringing this enchanting story to life!

The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds was my first book by Jennifer Moorman, but it certainly won’t be my last. This book is a mix of a few genres: fantasy/magical realism/time travel, romance, women’s fiction (I hate that name), and historical fiction. It kept me entertained, for sure, wondering how events would turn out.

Josephine is widowed at age 35. Deeply grieving the sudden loss of her husband, she starts to realize that she had let herself “vanish” into whatever he wanted her to be and that she’d lost her sense of self along the way. One day, in despair, she wishes she’d never been born, not realizing the far-reaching consequences of that wish.

Her sister has started trying to encourage Josephine to get on with her life, to try something new or go back to something she wanted to do before her marriage. Her sister works in Nashville real estate and shows Josephine that their old family home, mismanaged by their uncle, is now in foreclosure. Josephine decides to buy it and restore it to its former glory.

I don’t want to spoil the story for future readers, but the publisher’s blurb gives a lot away. As Josephine and her sister explore the mansion, they uncover what looks like a former secret speakeasy in the basement. Via the newly rediscovered original door, Josephine finds herself transported to 1927, meeting her great-grandmother Alma as a young widow herself (blame WW1). Upon her return to the present, things start disappearing from her current life and she realizes she needs to go back and somehow stop her great-grandmother from dying in a Prohibition-era raid, to avoid her own existence going poof.

I loved the details of everything Josephine encounters in the 1927 timeframe. There were some wonderful characters, including a love interest for Josephine. How will that pan out? And will Josephine be able to warn the partygoers in time to avoid disaster? The current timeline also has some fun characters, including the obnoxious nosy neighbor who is on the committee/homeowners’ association that oversees what owners can and cannot do with their historic homes.

I had access to both the ebook and the audiobook and the narration by Kathleen McInerney was excellent. Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book and for the opportunity to listen to a review copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

Book reviews

Wow, is all I can say about this book . It’s simply amazing!! I give this book 10 out of 10. I’m excited to read more books by Jennifer Moorman.
For starters the cover is beautiful. I know it’s the beginning of the year, but this is by far my favorite book, I have read in a long time.
The adventure, the theme, the storyline, the characters all pop. The author made me feel like I was there the whole time. I absolutely loved how she took each character and made them so realistic. And at the end, how she wrapped everything up. This is an amazing book. It’s a must read if you like time travel And mystery you must read this!!!

This one wasn’t for me. I was a bit too whimsical with the magical realism aspects of the book. While the story was there it just wasn’t really holding my attention.

Wow this book was so fun. I have never read a book with a time traveling storyline, but it was definitely a good time. I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator was pleasant to listen to.

I loved the relationships Josephine formed with the individuals from the past and I secretly wish she could have somehow ended up with Danny, but it's understandable that she didn't. I found myself wanting more at the end hoping there would be more ties to the past or that she would find love again with someone like Danny's great grandson.

I would definitely recommend this book!

This was a fun read. It’s not something I typically reach for but I am so happy I did. I am not sure I would have liked it as much as printed but the audiobook was wonderful!!

Intriguing premise but execution was clunky and, frankly, pretty boring. The characters were all quite one-dimensional (even our heroine Josephine was a dud) and I found I wasn’t at all invested in what happened to them.

First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse, and the talented author Jennifer Moorman for providing me the opportunity to listen to this early access audiobook, narrated beautifully by Kathleen McInerney. This was my first audiobook experience with her, and I absolutely loved her performance! She brought the characters and the world to life in a way that was truly captivating.

From the moment I began The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds, I was drawn into the poignant journey of our main character, Josephine, who finds herself grappling with profound grief after the sudden loss of her husband, Nathan. The premise is original and engaging, rooted in a moment of darkness as Josephine contemplates a life where she wishes she were never born.

Josephine's sister persuades her to purchase their ancestral Craftsman bungalow, one that’s seen better days, which serves as a welcome distraction from her pain. The plot thickens when Josephine discovers the original door of the house in a salvage yard; when she installs it, she’s magically transported to 1927, where she meets her daring great-grandmother, Alma, who runs an illegal speakeasy in the basement. Their dynamic is electric, and the Jazz Age setting adds a vivid backdrop to Josephine’s time-bending journey.

What I adored about this book was its exploration of grief and connection across generations, intertwined with the thrill of changing the past. The stakes rise as Josephine discovers that her newfound bond with Alma could alter her very existence, leading to a chilling revelation about her own vanishing.

However, I did knock off one star due to the ending. I found myself yearning for more depth and closure regarding Josephine's future. There were moments where my emotions were so intertwined with her journey—I laughed, I cried, and I wanted a deeper dive into what lies ahead for her.

If you enjoyed The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Posten or The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab for their overall vibe rather than plots, you will likely find The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds to be a worthwhile read. Overall, this novel is a beautiful blend of history, emotion, and magical realism, and I genuinely hope to see more from such a talented author in the future.

Thank you once again to everyone involved in this wonderful audiobook experience!

Intensely captivating and utterly enchanting!

Master storyteller Jennifer Moorman's latest magical tale, THE VANISHING OF JOSEPHINE REYNOLDS, is a testament to her exquisite storytelling skills. It's a must-read for all book lovers, especially those who enjoy historical fiction and time travel narratives.

From the time travel, romance, and self-discovery to the excitement, adventure, and speakeasy to the glamour, decor, fashion, parties, and charm of the 1920s era reminiscent of The Great Gatsby—it will surely captivate fans (Alma and myself included).

With Jennifer Moorman's signature blend of Southern magic, charm, historical details, and family bonds, THE VANISHING OF JOSEPHINE REYNOLDS is a beautifully told story of courage, resilience, self-discovery, and second chances.

Audiobook...

I enjoyed reading the book and listening to the audiobook performed by one of my favorite narrators, Kathleen McInerney, @theveronicat a perfect voice for this Southern gem. The magic, history, and vivid descriptions come alive as the characters with an engaging performance, ensuring an entertaining and immersive experience. I highly recommend the audiobook. (I love Kathleen/MKA audiobooks).

About...

Josephine Reynolds, a 35-year-old widow, finds herself at a crossroads after her husband Nathan's death. It has been six months, and she is still grieving. She had lost herself in their marriage, giving up her friends, preferences, and identity to fit into his world.

Her sister Katherine suggested she sell the house and move elsewhere to start over fresh. Then they found their grandmother's house in Nashville was being foreclosed, and she decided to buy and renovate it.

The historic Victorian home in Belle Meade, The Carter Mansion, was a wedding gift to her great-grandmother Alma when she married in 1916. She had not been inside the house since childhood, but the photographs resurrected those memories.

First, she finds what appears as a speakeasy in the basement, and then she goes to replace the front door with an original one and finds herself transported back to 1927 and the magical era of the roaring 20s, where she meets her great-grandmother Alma, a daring woman running an illegal speakeasy in the basement.

What happens next transports readers to another time and the what ifs? Josephine must race against time to rewrite history to save Alma and her future, where the past and present collide.

My thoughts...

CAPTIVATING! I loved this charming story of Josephine Reynolds and her great-grandmother Alma. Although I am typically not a fan of time travel, I found this one a delight! I adore historic homes and the 1920s!

The drama builds with each page, and I could not wait to see how it would turn out. A seamless blend of choices and chances celebrates the enduring spirit of women. Memorable, atmospheric, nostalgic, suspenseful, and mysterious, with an unforgettable heroine.

With parallel timelines, Josephine faces decisions in the present and the lush Jazz Age of the 1920s. I enjoyed the present with Josephine, her mom, and her sister, as well as the 1920s timeline with all its prohibition, speakeasy, scenery, drama, vivid descriptions, and fashion.

Heartwarming! The author opens the door to possibilities and offers readers a perfect blending of Southern, literary, and historical fiction, romance, coming-of-age, time travel, and some magic! From self-discovery, loss, love, and second chances! A testament to family ties and the power of love.

This is my first book by the author, and I cannot wait to read more!

Recs...

This is for fans of the author and those who enjoy Sarah Addison Allen, Sarah Jio, Rea Frey, Patti Callahan Henry, Karen White, Matt Haig, and Meg Shaffer.

A special thank you to Harper Muse and Harper Collins Focus for an ALC and ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Jan 14, 2025
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Maybe I am just not an audio book girly but I just keep fading out when I was listening. The concept of the story was good tho!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this part historical, part romance, part fantasy novel about a young widow who discovers she can time travel through a door. Lately, these stories have really been my vibe and this one by Jennifer Moorman did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the back and forth between time periods, and learning more about the Jazz Age. I didn't love the ending and was hoping for it to take a different route but overall, I enjoyed the plot and the story. The narrator did a fantastic job!

Time travel is one of my favourite tropes and I really enjoyed this! I loved that Josephine was able to travel between eras and wasn’t stuck in the past. Josephine was really well developed as a character and her relationships with other characters were all well done. I listened to the audio version and found it really engaging.

Josephine, newly widowed, purchases her late great-grandmother’s home. In her grief, she wishes to disappear, and discovers that, through the early death of her great-grandmother, her wish is coming true. She finds a way to travel through time, and works to save her great-grandmother’s life, and therefore her own.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus for the advanced review copies.

Very easy read that left me feeling transported back to the 1920's. Had a great time reading this and recommend giving it a try if you love the idea of time travel with some magic.

I have decided to DNF this book at 18%.

I think this is well written and interesting for the right audience, but that audience may not include myself unfortunately. My only complaint, and maybe this is more due to the narrator's voice, but it almost felt like Josephine and her sister were living in the 50s-60s based on different terms used and such. I was actually surprised when it mentioned that Josephine got a text message just because the overall vibe gave retro. The narrator's voice and inflections also had an old time-y vibe as well that may have skewed my perspective further.

The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds by Jennifer Moorman is a captivating blend of magical realism and historical fiction that transports readers to the vibrant Jazz Age. I had the pleasure of listening to an ARC audiobook thanks to Harper Muse Audiobooks. The story came to life with this engaging audiobook, I would recommend listening to this audiobook version. 

The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds would appeal to readers who enjoy time travel and historical fiction stories. 4 stars.

In this historical fiction and magical realism novel, recently widowed Josephine moves into the Carter Mansion in Nashville to start over. After replacing the ugly front door, she discovers a perfect salvaged door; upon installing it, Josephine finds a Gatsby quote engraved on it and is transported to 1927, where she meets her great-grandmother Alma. As Josephine navigates this dual-timeline experience, she learns she must save Alma from a deadly raid to ensure her own future. The story’s pacing is just right, creating a cozy, reflective atmosphere while exploring themes of family, healing, and the possibility of love after loss. It’s a comforting, easy, and somewhat predictable read that I recommend to anyone who enjoys time travel, the 20s, love & friendship, and/or a little mystery.

The narration by Kathleen McInerney was enjoyable. A huge thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Focus, and Jennifer Moorman for the audio ARC.

This had me at Craftsman bungalow in disrepair and promptly lost me somewhere between magical time travel mechanics and a salvage yard door that might as well have been stamped “As Seen on TV.” The setup was irresistible: a grieving widow, a historical home dripping with secrets, and a basement speakeasy practically begging for jazz hands and a splashy Netflix miniseries. Unfortunately, the execution wobbles like a bad Charleston performed after one too many bathtub martinis.

The 1927 setting was a VIBE. Smoky jazz, clinking glasses of bootleg gin, and Alma—great-grandma turned speakeasy queen—owning the room with the kind of charisma that makes you wonder why the story isn’t just about her. Alma has that “main character energy” that Josephine can only aspire to.

And then there’s Josephine. Poor, well-meaning Josephine, who stumbles through the plot like she’s lost in a Home Depot trying to find aisle “Enchanted Door.” The rules of time travel? Who knows. Why does the door work? Who enchanted it? Why does stepping into 1927 apparently obliterate all sense of causality? The book doesn’t know, and neither will you. Josephine barrels through it all with the finesse of someone trying to build Ikea furniture without the instructions, hoping sheer willpower will keep it all from collapsing. Spoiler: it doesn’t.

By the end, the whole thing feels like a Gatsby-themed party that started with high hopes and devolved into mismatched costumes, flat champagne, and a iphone speaker blaring jazz remixes. The book tries to juggle grief, family secrets, romance, and the literal unraveling of time, but it drops so many balls it’s a wonder the characters didn’t vanish into a plotless void.

Final Grade: C+, the plot is vanishing

I gobbled this gem up in no more than 24h. It reminded me by turns of A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams, or of The Midnight Library by Matt Haig and without being as an intense a love story as the former or as dark as the latter, this had the depth of historical detail of the first and endearing characters of the second. Absolutely recommend for fans of historical fiction and not only.

P. S. If you ever wondered what fabulous outfits and make-up being a flapper girl would've entailed, this book is for you!

Josephine Reynolds goes back to 1927 to save her Great Grandmother from dying after finding out her front door can transport her back in time.

I was really hopeful for this book, the magical realism and time travel caught my eye. It was an OK book and I enjoyed it, but most of the time I found myself unable to pay attention. The narrator has a clear voice and is easy to understand. Everything was just average to me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the opportunity to enjoy this audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.