I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

1) this book instills so many emotions! I laughed, cried, smiled, and felt love. I tend to rate based on feelings and emotions and if a book can make me really truly feel something it is an automatic 5 ⭐️

2) I thought it was unique and fun! It was genuinely a fun book to read.

In a depressive rut after the death of her husband, thirty-five year old Josephine wishes she were never born. Accidental time travel drops her into 1927, racing against the clock to save her great-grandmother’s life and her own eventual existence. Over time, Josephine learns how much of herself she lost during her marriage and seeks to find herself again.

Overall this is a light, easy read without spice or violence on the page, though there is plenty of insight to consider if you’re looking for it. The jazz age speakeasy and old mansion settings are palpable and add so much to the story. I was pleasantly surprised how well the time travel element is handled. I think this book will have wide appeal.

I received a complimentary early copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book had me feeling every emotion the words reached from the page and hugged me. A real story of grief and finding yourself in the midst of heartbreak and starting over. Magical and loving

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds by Jennifer Moorman, one of my favorite authors. Magical! Just magical.

I want to put those quote about wishes because it made me stop to think.
I believe the old saying goes be careful with what you wish for because it can happen. Others might call it karma
"Those made from the deepest part of someone's heart even the broken pieces, well, they can dramatically change life. The stronger the wish, the stronger the possibility of change.
She said that listens to our wishes. Time breaks and reforms. Like branches of a river, time can split from
a single point where a vital event occurs— when a specific wish is made a single point where a vital event occurs— when a specific wish is made— and create alternate outcomes simultaneously.
Wow! That certainly leaves a lot to think about doesn't it. This quite came from Leo. I'm loving his wisdom.
Josephine is a pretty cool character.
This is an amazing book. I love time time traveling adventures. I was pretty happy when I received this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the chance to read this delightful story!

This was a fun, breezy read great for fans of 'Midnight in Paris'. The time-travel didn't get too convoluted, which I always appreciate. I was expecting a fun read from the premise alone, but was pleasantly surprised by the way this story tackled love, grief, and healing. The romance was sweet, and the characters all feel distinct and likeable (Except Barbara, who deserves a kick in the tush! lol) The ending was bittersweet, of course, but I wasn't disappointed.

I highly recommend picking this book up, and I will definitely look into other titles by this author.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

How do you describe an indescribably wonderful book? This was the type of book where I never wanted to stop reading because I felt the story would continue without me!

Recently widowed Josephine Reynolds, in all her grief, feels that she is just a shadow or ghost of her usual self and wishes she could just disappear. Her sister Katherine encourages her to move through her grief and become the woman she wants to be, to be her real self. When they find that their great-grandmothers home has gone into foreclosure, Katherine convinces Josephine to buy the house. The tale that ensues is a magical tale of a Narnia-like portal Josephine passes through to meet her great-grandmother in 1927 where she experiences fringed flapper dresses, cloche hats, windowpane suits, French 75's, prohibition & bootlegging, and a speakeasy. The descriptions are so real that I could see the smoky speakeasy, smell the cigarettes & alcohol, and hear the jazz music.

As a result of meeting her grandmother, Josephine learns to become herself again, regains her momentum and strength, and finds that you can live and love again. A truly wonderful read.

The characters development is excellent, the story line is engaging from beginning to end, and the book ends exactly as I envisioned!

Thank you NetGalley, Harper Collins, and Harper Muse for allowing me to read an advance copy in return for my honest review.

Josephine is struggling. Her husband died unexpectedly and she's not sure how to go on. She even wishes she'd never been born. In an impulse she ends up buying an old mansion that used to belong to her family. In the basement, she finds an old speakeasy and soon after unexpectedly ends up with a door leading to 1927. Add she travels back and forth, she realizes she's disappearing. She had to figure out how to save herself. This is a great time travel book!!!

Thank you NetGalley for granting me access to the arc of The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds! I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT!! I have never felt so immersed in 1927! And at a speakeasy! My heart is bursting with love and I feel like dancing! At one point Josephine thinks to herself "why not turn up every part of my life? Why not live louder and bolder?" YES!!! That is exactly how I feel after reading this story!! This book is why I love to read!!! GAH!!!

I recieved a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Captivating. Captivating is the first word which springs to mind when thinking about this book. Jennifer Moorman again delivers a beautiful tale of magical realism.
Josephine Reynolds, newly widowed in her mid thirties, makes a rash and thoughtless wish in a moment of grief. Thinking no more about it, she embarks on a journey to restore her great-grandmothers home to its former glory, however she soon realises that there may be more work than just the property restoration to challenge her.
When she discovers miniscule words carved into the front door, she is transported back to the 1920's, and into her great grandmother Alma's circle of friends.
With a parallel timeline emerging, Josephine decides to get to know her great grandmother, however, when the timelines being to merge, Josephine can feel herself slowly disappearing.
Can Josephine find herself again? Can she start to heal her heart and mind?
Jennifer Moorman again expertly blends magical realism with historical fiction. The descriptions of the 1920's are descriptive, evocative, and you can almost imagine you are side by side with Josephine in the roaring 20's. As a reader who enjoys historical fiction, this read was beautiful

O m g!! I am in love with this book!! It was everything I've expected and more..
I was so excited to read about two timelines, and especially because one in set in 1927., and the 20's are such a fun time to read about. That was one of my favorite parts of the book, how well Jennifer Moorman described the atmosphere, the parties and dresses, the men! The courtship, the manners.. it's just chef's kiss!

Jospehine is a widow in her 30's who decides to move house to get a fresh start, and she ends up buying her great grandmother's Alma house. The house is full of Alma's things and memories, and anything but ordinary; and soon Josephine is immersed in Alma's world, and quite literally so.
I'm not gonna give too much away, but she is faced with decisions that could alter both timelines - and hence the title - changing the future so much, she might never even exist..!

There's so much more to it, the female friendships, family, romance, hope.. How things that are meant for us will always find us, and bravery will always be rewarded.
It was SUCH a heartwarming read that I can't waitttt for all of my friends to read; and I can't believe we have to wait for January for that to happen!
But once it does!! This will actually be a PERFECT winter read.
Add it to your TBR's, folks! So beautiful, a full 5 star!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. But, opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Muse for my first ever ARC! :)

(I made a little moodboard for how I imagined the book & you can see it here :) - https://i.pinimg.com/736x/83/38/f1/8338f191da1f29e5cc34fca264629543.jpg )

I received an ARC of The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds through Netgalley, and I am absolutely blown away. Jennifer Moorman has crafted a mesmerizing tale that seamlessly blends historical fiction with time-travel suspense.

Josephine's journey is both heart-wrenching and exhilarating. Her connection with her vivacious great-grandmother, Alma, is beautifully portrayed. As the plot twists and turns, I found myself on the edge of my seat, desperate to discover how Josephine would save both her past and future.

Moorman’s vivid descriptions transport readers to the roaring twenties while simultaneously building tension in the present. This novel is a must-read for fans of time-travel and historical fiction alike.

Five stars without a doubt!

I love that the whole time travel aspect wasn’t too complicated. I love a good time travel story even though they usually make me so anxious about timelines. This was such a great read though the character development that happens throughout through the discovery of how things were in a different time really makes this such a special read.

This is such a healing story too, things aren’t glossed over too quickly which is nice to see because there is a lot of emotion to be felt with the death of a spouse.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC

Well written and engaging, The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds pulled me in from the first chapter and held my attention throughout - I read it in two sittings over the course of one day.

With excellent character development and a compelling plot, I really didn’t want to stop reading this. I don’t want to write anything that could be considered a spoiler so I will simply add - I loved this story, absolutely adored it ❤️

This was my first time reading Ms Moorman’s work - it definitely won’t be the last.



Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the DRC

Omg this book was evertything i expected. It, had love , grief, friendship, healing , time traveling . i felt in love from the beginning. It was captivating.
Recently widowed Josephine Reynolds, in all her grief, feels that she is just a shadow or ghost of her usual self and wishes she could just disappear. Her sister Katherine encourages her to move through her grief and become the woman she wants to be, to be her real self. When they find that their great-grandmothers home has gone into foreclosure, Katherine convinces Josephine to buy the house. The tale that ensues is a magical tale of a Narnia-like portal Josephine passes through to meet her great-grandmother in 1927 where she experiences fringed flapper dresses, cloche hats, windowpane suits, , prohibition , and a speakeasy.
The book is so atmospheric , it literally takes you back to the 1920s.I felt as if I was there with the characters in the book. This was my first time reading Moorman’s work - it definitely won’t be the last.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for the e ARC and the chance for reading this book.

Oh my goodness what a book!!! A story of love, grief, history and coming to terms with your present and future while trying to understand your past.

Jennifer Moorman writes a gorgeous story that left me sobbing several times.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse for the honor to read and review this amazing book!!!

Jennifer Moorman is a wizard! This magical book introduces you to widow Josephine Reynolds. Josephine is spiraliing and griefing and decides on a whim to buy her old ancestral home when it comes up in foreclosure. She begins restoring the home and finds the the door she installs is actually quite magical! When Josephine walks through it a certain way she is transported to the 20's and is able to interact with her great grandmother. Everything is so real and vibrant, even Josephine's grief is beautifully written about. This is the best kind of historical fiction and a time traveling book to die for!
#harpermuse #harperfocus #jennifermoorman #thevanishinglifeofjosephinereynolds

Such a great read! Highly recommend this one.

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Josephine is transported to the 1920's. if you like time travel books, you will love this one, first time reading this author, but will definitely look for more books by her.

I received this ebook from Netgalley and the publishers. Thank you

I really related to a main character, Josephine, as she struggles to make a life for herself after her husband dies.

The time travel element was fun. I enjoyed reading about life in the Jazz Age.

This book follows newly widowed Josephine on her journey between the present and past, facing her truths and taking chances alongside a delightful cast of characters. Jennifer Moorman’s latest will keep you on your toes, dancing the Charleston from one dimension to the next. You’ll turn the doorknob and enter an enchanted, time-traveling story that embraces hope and proves there is happiness awaiting on the other side of grief. I highly recommend.

I absolutely love time traveling books! This book had me interest and invested from the first page and kept my attention the entire time. The ending was beautiful as well

Wow!! Moorman does it again! I love her magical realism takes and while this one is a little different with a time travel element, she writes a wonderful tale!
Josephine is floundering. Recently widowed she decides to renovate her ancestral home. When she finds the original door she learns it’s a portal back to the Jazz Age and to her great- grandmothers time. Moving back and forth through time Moorman writing takes us right there too! But can Josephine rewrite history or will it create more problems?

Time travel books always leave me with many questions, but it is fiction so the questions will just have to remain unanswered. I loved this book! The house, the setting, the characters. It didn't matter that everything seemed to fit, it was still so good. The characters were very likeable and the pace just perfect for me. The setting was described so well, that I could actually envision the basement room in my mind.

Highly recommend for a romantic, happy ending, filled with a magical twist!

Some books don’t just tell a story; they invite you to live within their pages long after they’ve closed, and The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds does just that. I received a complimentary copy of this book from HarperMuse via NetGalley, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts.

The story follows Josephine Reynolds, a thirty-five-year-old woman who realizes, after losing her husband of fifteen years, that she no longer knows who she is outside of her marriage. In her grief, she wishes she’d never been born—a throwaway thought that sets a series of impossible events into motion.

Seeking a fresh start, Josephine buys her great-grandmother Alma’s house, hoping its restoration will help her move forward. But as she unlocks the original, intricately carved door of the house, she finds herself transported nearly a century back.

What follows is a heartfelt, five-day journey where Josephine must prevent Alma’s untimely death to secure her own future. She soon finds herself completely immersed in Alma's world—a world of underground speakeasies and lively gatherings.

I loved the bond that forms between these two women from different times. Alma, a bright, spirited woman who embraces life despite her own struggles, quickly becomes a guiding light for Josephine. As the past and present blend, Josephine grows close to Alma’s friends and finds love with a man named Danny. Despite her fears, she allows herself to be loved and to choose love in return. Watching her grow and begin to define herself as her own person, rather than an extension of anyone else, was incredibly moving. The found-family aspect was wonderfully done and Josephine’s journey to self-discovery is one that I’ll carry with me.

The ending is bittersweet, adding to the story’s beauty- so keep the tissues ready. This book is perfect for anyone who loves stories about second chances and finding oneself in the most unexpected ways. It releases in January 2025, and I can’t recommend it enough for those seeking a beautifully emotional read.

The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds is a heart-warmingand magical tale of accepting life's challenges and finding yourself.
Our protagonist is, Josephine Reynolds, a 35 year old woman, who is struggling to come to terms with being a widow and the need to rebuild her life. When Josephine's sister, tells her that their old family home is up for sale, Josephine makes the impulsive decision to buy the house, and slowly restore the damage, caused by the previous owner (her uncle).
It's not long before the house starts to reveal it's secrets to Josephine. And when she replaces the front door, with the original, Josephine is given a pathway into the past.
I loved the chapters set in the 1920s, the descriptions are so vivid, and just beautiful. The costumes (or rather outfits), and music, helped to build up the atmosphere and I was almost disappointed to return to the contemporary timeline. During her trips into the past, Josephine realises that her beloved great, great grandmother, Alma is due to die shortly and if she does, then Josephine and her sister would not exist. Josephine's race to save her grandmother acts an extra layer of drama and heightens the tension.
A wonderfully bittersweet ending, but one that gives the reader hope for the future.

I was in the mood for something with an element of magical realism, and I knew it had to be The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds by Jennifer Moorman. I read and loved her book The Magic All Around but I loved this one even more and it was such a delight to read. I love time travel and when you throw in parallel timelines where the characters have big decisions to make, it just creates an even more intense and interesting read. I loved the present timeline and Josephine’s relationship with her mom and sister, and the 1920s timeline was excellent with its Prohibition era speakeasy and dash of romance and drama.

I was so close to ugly crying at the end of The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds, and I definitely found myself tearing up often. Despite the serious subject matters Moorman touches on, this book made me laugh as well and I can’t imagine a better way she could have wrapped the story up. There is a lot of tension throughout along with moments that will touch your heart in the best possible way. Read this if you enjoy time travel, family themes, romance, and hopeful endings!

Josephine Reynolds is a young widow, at only 35. Somehow during her marriage, she had lost her sense of self, and molded herself to fit her successful husband’s needs. Even the house she lives in doesn’t reflect her style - if she even knows what that is anymore. Six months after his death, she’s still just going through the motions during the days, with no sense of purpose. That all changes when her great-grandmother’s mansion The Carter House comes up for sale. Her uncle had purchased it, but ran out of money and left it with much still to do. Encouraging Josephine in this adventure is her realtor sister Katherine. When Josephine enters the house, she truly feels she is home, but as she starts to explore, there’s a whole other world literally beneath her feet. She finds out that her great-grandmother ran a speakeasy in the basement of her house in the 1920’s.

As she begins to research her great-grandmother’s past, she discovers a newspaper article that could drastically alter her future. Josephine journeys back to 1927, to try and prevent a tragedy that could affect her and her family’s future, and in the process learns that she is stronger than she knows. But how much of changing events in 1927 will affect events in her current day? Lots of jazz age music and fashion details blended with the magical aspect of time-traveling makes this an enjoyable read - I couldn’t wait to see what happens next! Thanks to the author for sharing an ARC with my book club. Pub date is 1/14/25, but available for preorder now!

What a heart-tugging novel! When recently widowed Josephine Reynolds makes a desperate wish that she was never born, things are put in motion that will change her life - or get rid of it entirely. It's up to her newfound ability to travel back to 1927 to keep her entire family from being erased. Can she save her great-grandmother's life, ensuring her own continuation?
There is so much heart in this novel. I loved it. The support Josephine receives from her sister, the new romance she stumbles into, getting to know her grandmother as an adult... all of it hits the right feelings and I found myself on edge and turning pages to find out what would happen. I love magical realism and this novel definitely does not disappoint.

What an amazing story! When I first read the synopsis of this story, I immediately thought of "It’s a Wonderful Life", however, I was taken on an even more incredible journey than I expected! Imagine being in one of the lowest points in your life and making a wish that changes your entire life and the life of your loved ones? How far would you go to make amends?
Jennifer Moorman is one of my favorite authors of magical realism. Her seamless transitions from the present time to the past time are incredible, making the story smooth and taking the reader between timelines with no confusion. I truly fell in love with the characters, and the vividness of the scenes made me feel as though I was right there throughout the entire story.
A definite 5 star read for me and one that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a bit of magic!

I loved Josephine’s story so much. I wish I could read it again for the first time. The idea of traveling back in time and having a friendship with a relative is just so fascinating. I have so much to say but I don’t want to give anything away about this magical story. If you love the 1920s, if you love time travel and you’d love to meet a great grandparent when they were your age, definitely pick up this book.

The Vanishing Of Josephine Reynolds
By: Jennifer Moorman

5 Stars

Josephine just lost her husband of 15 years. She finds a house that happens to be linked to her family and buys it to start anew. When she walks in the door, magic is happening. She steps into the past. Her life will never be the same as she goes on an adventure that defies logic and sets her on a path she never saw coming.

Wow. This was such an interesting and fun story to follow. The characters are well done and likable. The setting of an old house, with its secrets, was well described. To think, a simple wish could bring about such adventure and drama. I was mesmerized by the magic of this book. It presented a mix of mystery and fantasy that keeps you spellbound. It definitely had a pull on me. It was amazing and well written.

*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Review

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved everything about this book. I connected with both Josephine and Alma, and constantly thought about what it would be like to spend time with relatives the way Josephine was able to. Jennifer Moorman writes in a way that does not make me feel like I have to suspend belief, and even though a big factor of this story was time travel, it was easy to follow. I did not find myself getting confused or frustrated keeping up with the changes in time periods.

This was slightly different from the usual quite light magical realism books Jennifer Moorman writes, it felt a little 'heavier' to me, just as enjoyable but in a different way.

Josephine has recently lost her husband and is finding life very difficult, so decides (with the help of her sister) to make a new start, sell their old house and move to a new house, which is actually an old family house that her great grandmother first owned. Once there she sets about restoring it to fit in with the neighbourhood, and replaces the current modern front door with the original front door. But there were very small words on the frame of the door and when Josephine speaks them and goes through the door she finds herself back in the 1920s when her great grandmother, Alma, owned the house.

Alma was a wonderful character who ran an illegal speakeasy in the basement of her house. In the present day one report said she died on a certain day during a raid on the speakeasy, and one said she lived. Can Josephine make sure events happen so her great grandmother lives, and in turn Josephine is born... or will she disappear forever.

It was very enjoyable hearing about the speakeasy and the 1920s, but quite sad in parts too as Josephine needed to make sure events ran correctly and had to leave behind people she loved. But I really loved the ending in the present day which kind of made up for it!

Jennifer Moorman has done it again with THE VANISHING OF JOSEPHINE REYNOLDS centered around a home full of magic, love, second chances and an ensemble of endearing people. We travel between present day to 1927 when Josephine discovers a passage in her home teleporting her to the days of her great grandma’s amazing life. Josephine is determined to fix a wrong while finding herself, forgiveness, community and of course - love!

Jennifer Moorman’s words transported me back to exactly what I pictured during the Roaring 20s - a time filled with incredible fashion, dance and fun! Makes me want to drive to the closest speakeasy and order a Mary Pickford and take in all the jazz music. This book gave me all the feels!

The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds is out January 14! Pre-order your copy today, clear your schedule when it arrives. You will thank me later when you get to the last words - it’s perfect!

Oh and while you wait for it, pick up The Magic All Around - another house you can’t wait to step into 💚🧡

Thank you to Net Galley for this early copy!

Josephine Reynolds is grief-stricken and lost months after losing her husband of 15 years. She feels so low that she wishes she could just disappear. But when she buys her ancestral home and steps through its original door, she’s transported to 1927 and meets her great-grandmother Alma. All her wishing and time traveling set off an alternate timeline in which she really does begin to disappear, and she has to figure out how to stop it.

Josephine’s time is the Jazz Age is the most enjoyable historical fiction I’ve ever read! The characters are so sweet and the bonds are so rich. I wanted to find a flapper dress and a speakeasy! Jennifer Moorman’s magical realism is easy to believe. Her characters and story are like a warm cup of tea. She does a great job of processing real issues like grief and codependency through escapist settings and relatable characters. This was a unique time traveling story with a little fantasy and lot of love, and I highly recommend it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Writing style
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Characters
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Plot
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Premise
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Pacing
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Impact

Thank you to HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Josephine Reynolds is widowed at 35 and in a complete rut in her life. She's stuck in grief and when her sister convinces her to buy the family home, that their uncle almost ruined, Josephine discovers she can time travel back to 1927 and when she comes back, she discovers things are disappearing. Will she be able to save the 1927 timeline so that she continues to exist? This book had so much emotion and I could not stop reading as I read about Josephine's journey. Definitely add this one to your TBR. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for a chance to read this one early in exchange for an honest review.

Jennifer Moorman has done it again and pulled me into her magical storytelling. A story that captures the main character, Josephine, going through her grief after losing her husband and making a wish that could possibly change not only her life but the life of those around her. She must now figure out how to undo what she’s done before she is gone forever.
There was time travel, romance, friendship, loss and grief. Jennifer Moorman has a way of telling these lovely stories and adding a little magic to them. I loved the main character, Josephine, her journey is really quite beautiful. I found myself falling in love with all the characters in this story! The side characters all added their own beauty to the story. I love the way Moorman tells stories, I have been a fan of every book of hers that I have read. I love the magical touch to them and they are just feel good books.

WOW. First off, thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Okay, you should RUN, don't walk, but RUN and buy this book. 5 stars. Absolutely amazing.
Why is it amazing? So many reasons. One of them is the way the author uses time traveling to have the FMC's great grandmother help her through a period of deep and dark grief. It just hits differently than a friend or therapist helping someone navigate their grief. With that being said, this would be a great book for someone who is dealing with the loss of someone, especially the loss of a spouse. Secondly, the author brings each character to life, making you truly care for them and feel their emotions with them. And OH the ending. I couldn't have asked for a better ending than what the author gave us- absolute chefs kiss.

Josephine Reynolds is widowed at thirty-five and feels like her life is over as well. She lost herself in her marriage and now that her husband is gone, she feels like she has nothing left. She makes a wish that changes everything. Convinced that she needs a new start, Josephine's sister sends her a link to their family home that has fallen into some disrepair and is for sale.

When Josephine finds the home's original door, she installs it only to discover that she is transported back to 1927. There, she meets her great-grandmother, Alma, who runs a speakeasy out of the house's basement. Soon Josephine discovers that by stepping into the past, she may have put her own future in jeopardy. Suddenly, things in the present begin disappearing like pieces of furniture and photos. She realizes that if she wants to save herself, she will need to save Alma as well.

Trigger Warnings:
Death of a Husband (off the page)

Why Jackie loves it"
Josephine's grief at the beginning of the book is palpable and yet, it does not weigh the story down. As Josephine fights to save Alma, she also learns to fight for herself as well. I love the way the story developed and the touch of magic makes to story feel hopeful. This is perfect for historical fiction fans as well.

I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.


Time travel/dual timelines done differently and it’s so much fun!

THE VANISHING OF JOSEPHINE REYNOLDS is the first book I’ve read by author Jennifer Moorman and it was a pleasure.
Historical Fiction is a favorite genre of mine. This story explores Prohibition era issues, women.’s issues and racial from the same time as well as providing a good amount of detail about food, clothing, art, architecture and a bit about cars.

To further enhance the story for me, the primary character goes through her journey and is able to identify her challenges, learn from others, grow, change and arrive at the end in a better place. I like that; tremendously.

Josephine is recently widowed and has withdrawn from life. She’s financially secure, doesn’t need to work so can avoid people. Her sister won’t be ignored and gets Josephine to purchase their great grandmother’s house. Without regurgitating the entire story, the front door is enchanted and Josephine learns to travel back 100 years to meet her remarkable great grandmother, affect history and reclaim her life.

Thankfully, the magical realism part of this book is minimal and the historical and fictional is stronger. Others might feel differently depending on why they chose to read the book. Under any circumstance, the writing is clean from descriptive sexual content, foul language and graphic violence. Were this a movie, it would be rated PG or PG-13

If you enjoy historical fiction, a touch of magic and time travel, rich family connections, well crafted period details with some romance and mystery on the side, knock on Josephine’s door📚

Read and Reviewed from a FirstEditions eARC thru NetGalley, with thanks

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick.

This novel is as magical as the title sounds and lives up to being another excellent, enchanting Jennifer Moorman novel. Completely atmospheric and hopeful, you'll lose yourself in this story. Can we start a petition for a short story to pick up where the novel leaves off? I'd love to see how Moorman would continue to explore the next chapter in Josephine's life!

What a fabulous book; so well written! With the author's descriptions of life in the Roaring Twenties, I was ready to go back and enjoy the parties, preferably wearing the red or the purple dress. :)

So many dual-timeline books are badly written and readers give up because it's difficult to keep the timelines straight. This book manages the timelines masterfully. Recently widowed Josephine has bought her ancestral home and once she re-installs the original door, she walks through it into 1927. She meets her great grandmother Alma and becomes close to her...and learns, once she's back in the present day, that Alma was killed in a raid on her speakeasy several days after she met her. Can Josephine change the past? Because if she can't...no Josephine in the future.

If I could give this book 10 stars, I would!

This absorbing book was right up my alley. Kind of a time/portal/travel story which is both unbelievable and totally believable. It was a relatively clean read with not much mention of faith but did have a side character who was cheating on her spouse. It was also set in the Roaring Twenties so an illegal speakeasy was depicted.
The main character, Josephine, was a widow who purchased her great grandmother Alma’s mansion and found herself transported to 1927. After recurring forays into the past, she discovers something that may change her present. She has days to stop an event that could end her great grandmother’s life in the past and thus her own life.
What I liked about this book, besides the unique way Josephine traveled back to the past,was the relationship that she forges with Alma and Danny. And that Josephine moved forward from the grief of losing her husband to a new purpose for her life.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Harper Muse through NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

Jennifer Moorman's "The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds" is a captivating blend of magical realism, historical fiction, and emotional journey that will enchant readers from the first page to the last. Set between present-day Nashville and the roaring 1920s, this novel weaves a tale of grief, self-discovery, and the unbreakable bonds of family across generations.

The story follows Josephine Reynolds, a young widow grappling with devastating loss. When she impulsively purchases her family's ancestral home, she unknowingly steps into a time-bending adventure that will challenge her perception of reality and her own existence. Moorman's vivid prose brings both time periods to life, with rich descriptions that transport readers seamlessly between eras.

At the heart of the novel is Josephine's relationship with her great-grandmother Alma, whom she meets in 1927 through a magical door. This intergenerational connection forms the emotional core of the story, exploring themes of resilience, love, and the healing power of family..

Moorman expertly balances the fantastical elements with genuine emotional depth, creating characters that readers will deeply care for.
The author's attention to historical detail shines through in her portrayal of 1920s Nashville, complete with speakeasies and period-accurate dialogue. This attention to authenticity grounds the magical elements of the story, making the impossible seem plausible.

While the concept of time travel is not new in literature, Moorman's approach feels fresh and purposeful. The "vanishing" aspect adds a layer of urgency to Josephine's journey, creating tension that keeps readers engaged throughout the novel.

"The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds" is more than just a time travel story; it's a poignant exploration of grief and the process of rediscovering oneself after loss. Moorman handles these themes with sensitivity and insight, offering a story that is both comforting and inspiring to those who have experienced similar pain.

The novel's pacing is well-executed, with a satisfying build-up to a conclusion that ties the various threads together beautifully. Some readers may find the ending slightly rushed, but overall, the story's resolution is emotionally fulfilling and true to the characters' journeys.

In conclusion, "The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds" is a heartwarming, magical tale that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, magical realism, and emotionally resonant storytelling. Jennifer Moorman has crafted a novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page, reminding us of the enduring power of love and the magic that can be found in unexpected places.

I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I have never in my life flown through a historical fiction book as past as this one. Exquisitely immersive is an understatement. I absolutely loved everything about this and cannot wait to read what Moorman writes next!

I love time travel books!
It was probably a little predictable but I still really enjoyed it. It grabbed my attention from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. My only complaint is I wanted a few more pages. Definitely recommend!!

This book was a joy. I've never read anything by this author before but I'm so glad I've come across her now.
It had everything. From historical fiction, romance, mystery. And it had just the right amount of all of them.
Josephine Reynolds is 35 and currently in deep with grief. She lost her husband 6 months previously and is struggling. And it doesn't seem to be getting easier. Her family are becoming increasingly worried. So when her sister sends her the listing for their great grandmother's home it seems like the perfect opportunity. Josephine sells her home and moves in with the hope of restoring it to its former sparkle.
As luck might have it she strikes a win when she comes across the original doorways in salvage yard. And when it's all installed she steps through.... and so starts her journey.
She's taken back in time to the younger days of her grandmother. With all that this entails! And let's just say her grandmother gets up to some adventures of her own. And not without risk.
When tragedy strikes Josephine must find it within to save more than her own future. And more than her own present.

Fantastic story! This book was incredible—did not want to put it down. We have a dual timeline, along with great characters and storyline. This author was new to me and I will be looking for more from her. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I requested to read this book because I wanted to attend a pre-release event for it. It left me little time to get into it, which turn out to fine, because it's a compelling read.
The book begins with the grief of a widow who realizes she has ceased to be her own person. She lived in her husband’s shadow. But that’s not the “vanishing.” She makes a wish that she had never been born. I know what you're thinking. No—its not another “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Josephine, at the urging of her sister, sells her house and moves to a part of Nashville where she buys back her family home, the one her great-grandmother and grandmother lived and died in. That’s when things begin to happen. The house needs some renovation and Josephine buys back the home’s front door from a salvage dealer. When it is installed, she find an inscription beside a pane of window glass in the door.
Josephine, who at one point made a wish she had never been born, says the words out loud and finds herself in 1927. She meets her great-grandmother and discovers her ill formed wish has created an alternate timeline. The novel then becomes a race to save the original timeline (and her great-grandmother.)
You’ll learn about prohibition, and speakeasies, as Moorman crafts her characters to deal with a potentially fatal raid. That’s about as much as I can say without spoiling the read. Even if you not a big fan of time travel, I think you will enjoy The Vanishing of Jospehine Reynolds. I'm happy to recommend it to you.

A thoroughly enjoyable story told with heart and warmth. Josephine is a recent widow, struggling with moving on after her husband dies. Her sister Katherine convinces Josephine to sell her house and purchase an old family home that was in foreclosure. When Josephine begins to restore some of the original house features, she replaces a door which starts her journey back and forth into 1927, the jazz age of speakeasies, where she will meet her great grandmother. Suspend your belief and you will love the characters, the time period, and the story line. Highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

We follow Josephine as she struggles through her life. She moved to a new neighbourhood and is recreating her identity through that. Throughout it we learn about the character and her family and friends. We also learn a bit more about her likes and dislikes. There is some elements of mystery as we uncover a history about one of her relatives. The book also has a fantasy element to it which I think readers will enjoy

In terms of my opinion, at the start I felt like I wasn’t going to finish this one but I pushed through and it did get better. I really enjoy how Josephine grows throughout the book as well as how the side characters help support her. It reminds me a little of a doctor who episode.

The Vanishing Of Josephine Reynolds is beautifully written and, despite the time travel element of the story, completely believable. The imagery, particularly in the depiction of the 1920’s dresses worn by Josephine and Alma, is exquisite. While this is very much Josephine’s story, it is also about family connections, both between Josephone and her sister Katherine and between Josephine and her great-grandmother Alma. I loved the way Josephine grew into her own person after spending fifteen years being the wife her husband wanted to be. I also loved Alma’s charismatic charm. What a dynamic woman! The growing romance between Josephine and Danny Stewart during the 1927 timeline is both swoonworthy and tragic, given that Josephine has travelled back a hundred years to save Alma. While this was a secondary thread, I was on the edge of my seat hoping there’d be a way these two ciud make things work. The Carter Mansion, Alma’s house until her death and later Josephine’s, plays a pivotal role in this story. It reminded me very much of The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe for the way the front door and its key enabled movement between the two time periods. This has been a fascinating, gripping and compelling read and a book that I couldn’t put down. I loved it!

I absolutely adored this book!! From the first page, I was drawn into this amazingly beautiful story. It's a magical mix of historical fiction, mystery, and time travel. I loved seeing the journey and growth of Josephine as she found herself and her relationship with her sister is one that warmed my heart. This is one of my favorites and will be one that I always recommend! Don't miss out on this magical story!

Jennifer delivered exactly what I expected: dual timelines, historical- fiction with family drama, and a sprinkle of magic. This was another great book!

Watching Josephine come into her own after losing her husband had me in tears. I like a book that makes me think after I finish.

This book will sit with you for a minute so be prepared.

Thank you so much Netgalley, HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse, and Jennifer Moorman for the ARC of this phenomenal book.

I am leaving this review voluntarily.