⭐ Rating: 4.5/5

The Vanishing Bookstore is a cozy, magical, and emotionally rich story that weaves historical fantasy with present-day mystery in a very satisfying way. With a dual timeline that alternates between modern-day London and the harrowing Salem witch trials of 1692, the book offers a clear and immersive reading experience that never feels confusing.

Dora’s journey is one of self-discovery, layered with family secrets, hidden magic, and a strong dose of fate. While she sometimes frustrated me, especially when she denied what felt like obvious truths, her growth arc still felt rewarding in the end. The paranormal elements, from witchcraft and reincarnation to the emotional weight of past lives, added a captivating layer to the plot.

The pacing was quite fast, and the worldbuilding, especially the atmosphere was vivid and compelling, but quite stressful. Supporting characters varied in depth, but overall contributed well to the story, even if a few threads (like the situation with Dora’s friend) were left a bit unresolved. I'm also still unsure whether this was the final life in their reincarnation cycle, which leaves a bit of lingering curiosity. The standout for me was Sephy, who absolutely stole my heart. Her sweet nature and big spirit made her the emotional core of many scenes. But there are many wonderful characters and companions.

The epilogue was very intriguing and it has great potential for another volume.

This book has a lot to offer fans of witchy stories, historical fantasy, and character-driven mysteries with heart. I’d especially recommend it to readers who love themes of self-discovery wrapped in a spellbinding setting.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

From the prologue, I was hooked! If you love anything witchy, especially that witchcore aesthetic, you’re going to be into this one. This book has it all! Past and present POVs, reincarnation, fate, curses, drama… the works.

We follow three sisters in Salem, Lenny, Lucine, and Sephy, along with Lucine’s daughter Dora and Dora’s fated love, Ambrose. And then there’s George Corwin, the witch hunter who’s followed them through time. We shift between timelines, from the origins of their story in Salem to a modern-day witch hunt happening all over again.

Time is running out. Dora hasn’t remembered who she was or the magic she once held, and Lucine, her mother, is starting to fade. The sisters believe Dora is the key to breaking the family curse, but with her memories locked away and her powers still dormant, the clock is ticking fast.

I’ve always loved witches and anything related to the Salem witch trials, so I was immediately drawn in. The author did such a great job creating an engaging story and characters that made you feel the weight of every moment. That said, I did find there to be quite a bit of repetition throughout. I get that with different POVs there’s bound to be some overlap, but at times it felt like I was reading the same scene over and over with very little change (through each persons perspective). It started to make the story drag in places. I love seeing different perspectives on the same events, but I think the story could’ve done without rehashing some of those scenes so heavily or repeatedly labeling which lifetime we were in (especially when it’s clear where we’re at). Still, the book, the adventure, the “history,” and the drama were really good and I truly enjoyed the trip, it just could’ve been even better with a lot less repetition.

Big thanks to Helen Phifer, NetGalley, and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this early for an honest review.

Enjoyed it: well written, funny, good storytelling
Recommended.Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

With the book beginning in 1692 you are quickly transported to today in Salem Massachusetts. Dora has been searching for her mother for years and finally finds her. Her mother is overjoyed she has been found but quickly tells Dora they are both in danger from the past and the only way to survive is to find a bookstore that hasn't been seen for centuries. 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. A touch of magic and the paranormal.

A fab story and well written. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. Enjoyed every second of reading.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and give an honest review.
This was an interesting story about four immortal witches that had been hung originally during the Salem Witch trials in the 1600s. They are forced to be born, live their lives, and then die before repeating this cycle. Through time, they are pursued by a witch hunter. To break this spell and remove the curse, killing the witch hunter, they must locate an old book of spells. This is not a scary story, but it is one of close family relationships between three sisters and their niece/daughter. I am not much of an enthusiast of fantasy stories but this one was held my interest.

Potential spoilers ahead, though I will try to be vague!
This book has a really enchanting premise—a magical bookstore hidden through time, a family curse tied to Salem’s dark past, and a woman desperate to reconnect with her mother... it delivers on atmosphere, nostalgia, and some lovely writing in places, especially in the earlier chapters. The dual timelines had potential to add depth and tension, and the opening scenes genuinely drew me in.
There’s a charm to the way the author weaves memory, history, and witchcraft together, and readers who enjoy gentler magical realism might find the story comforting and imaginative rather than dark or intense.
That said, I struggled to stay fully invested as the plot progressed. Dialogue sometimes felt unnatural or overly dramatic, with characters speaking in ways that didn’t quite match their supposed age or emotional state. Dora is often written with a tone more suited to a much younger protagonist than she is meant to be, which is a bit jarring. Similarly, the stakes often felt low despite the looming threat of a witch-hunter, which diluted the tension and sense of danger. Sometimes I was pulled out of the story due to a general lack of urgency. It lost some of the potential tension that could have been built up in the story. Because of this, it did take me longer to get through the book than I would have liked.
The magic system and rules of the world aren’t clearly defined, and some plot elements felt a bit rushed or underdeveloped. The bookstore, a major focus of the blurb and title, plays a surprisingly small role overall—appearing only briefly and without much exploration.
I think this book would appeal to readers looking for a light, atmospheric witchy tale rather than something deeply suspenseful or high-stakes. It has heart and a magical premise, but could benefit from the author taking a closer look at the world she’s trying to build and letting us fall into it a little better.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to have an ARC for an unbiased review.

Book Review: The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer

The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer is a contemporary fantasy novel that intertwines elements of magic, family secrets, and the haunting legacy of the Salem Witch Trials. Set in both modern-day London and 17th-century Salem, the story follows Dora English, a florist who discovers her hidden magical heritage and embarks on a quest to break a centuries-old curse.

Plot Overview

The narrative unfolds through dual timelines: in 1692, a young woman conceals a journal in a vine-covered bookstore before fleeing from impending danger; in the present day, Dora learns that her mother, whom she believed dead, is alive and that their family is bound by a curse tied to the mysterious bookstore. Dora's journey to uncover her family's past and locate the elusive bookstore is central to the plot, blending elements of historical fiction with supernatural intrigue.

Strengths

Atmospheric Setting: Phifer's vivid descriptions of Salem, both historical and contemporary, immerse readers in the eerie ambiance of the town, enhancing the novel's magical realism.
Engaging Dual Timeline: The alternating narratives between the past and present are seamlessly woven, providing depth to the storyline and keeping readers invested in both timelines.
Character Development: The protagonist, Dora, is well-developed, and her relationships with her family and love interest add emotional depth to the story. Supporting characters, including magical animals like Hades the crow, contribute charm and warmth.
Critiques

Underutilized Bookstore: Despite being central to the title, the titular "Vanishing Bookstore" appears briefly and doesn't play as significant a role in the plot as expected, leading to some disappointment among readers.
Pacing Issues: I found the middle sections of the novel to be slow, with repetitive elements that could have been more concise.
Rushed Conclusion: The resolution of the story, including the final battle and the epilogue, felt hurried to some readers, leaving certain plot points underdeveloped.
Conclusion

The Vanishing Bookstore offers a captivating blend of historical intrigue and magical realism, appealing to fans of witchcraft and family sagas. While it may not fully deliver on the promise suggested by its title, the novel's atmospheric setting, engaging characters, and intriguing premise make it a worthwhile read for those interested in contemporary fantasy with historical roots.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to honestly review.

In The Vanishing Bookstore, Helen Phifer weaves a captivating tale that seamlessly blends historical intrigue with contemporary suspense. The narrative begins in 1692 Salem, where a hidden journal in a mysterious bookstore sets the stage for a centuries-old secret. Fast forward to the present day, Dora, on the verge of reuniting with her long-lost mother, is thrust into a perilous journey uncovering family mysteries tied to the elusive bookstore.

Phifer's storytelling has garnered high praise from readers. One reviewer exclaimed, "I smashed this in one sitting and could not sleep until I finished it, which ended up being 3 am!" Another noted, "I devoured it over two evenings... and stayed up until WAY past my bedtime on the first night because I didn’t want to put it down!"

The Vanishing Bookstore is available in various formats, including eBook, paperback, and audiobook, catering to diverse reading preferences. For those intrigued by tales that intertwine magic, suspense, and historical depth, Phifer's latest offering is a must-read.

‘The Vanishing Bookstore’ is a tale that stretches through time - from 1692 Salem to present-day London. It’s a story filled with sisterhood, mystery, humor, and heartwarming coziness — all wrapped in a nostalgic, witchy blanket. Think *Sabrina,* *Practical Magic*, *Hocus Pocus*, or *Charmed*. If you grew up loving those, you’ll feel right at home here.

At the heart of the story is kind Dora English, a London florist with an uncanny green thumb. Since losing her parents in a tragic accident, she’s lived with her Aunt Lenny. Life is quiet — until a surprise trip to Salem upends everything. Dora discovers not only that she has another aunt and that her mother is still alive, but also that her family has been cursed and pursued across lifetimes by a vengeful witch hunter.

Understandably, she doesn't take the news well. Especially when she learns that she’s the only one in the family who doesn’t remember their past lives — and that their survival depends on her remembering the location of the bookstore where she hid a special spell book three centuries earlier, the bookstore that no one has seen since. As Dora uncovers more about her magical heritage and the centuries of persecution her family has faced, the witch hunter closes in and time is running out…

I truly enjoyed getting to know the sister witches and the animal familiars added a lot of charm. I did wish for a bit more magic throughout; while the story is very atmospheric and heartwarming, the magical elements felt a little sparse. The mystery was engaging and kept me turning pages, but the ending felt slightly rushed. After so much buildup, I expected a more intense confrontation — George Corwin, the antagonist, seemed less formidable than I’d anticipated.

I also would’ve loved more insights into Dora’s relationship with Ambrose, her love interest. (But perhaps that storyline is being saved for a sequel?)

Helen Phifer’s writing is confident and smooth, clearly showing her experience. The book is sprinkled with just enough historical detail to satisfy fans of the Salem witch trials, and its cozy, enchanting vibe makes it a perfect comfort read — a nostalgic escape from reality.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for providing this book for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

In 1692, on the outskirts of Salem, a young woman hides a journal under the loose floorboard of a bookstore covered in vines. She hears the dogs barking in the distance as she runs away and the bookstore vanishes behind her. In present day, Dora lives in the UK, running a flower shop when she is called to the US to see her mother, a woman she thought was dead. She leaves her friend to look after her shop while she is gone. When Dora meets her mother, she is ill, but tells Dora that their lives are in danger. That is when Dora's memories begin to come back. She digs into their history and learns about the mysterious bookstore, but no one knows where it is. She is able to pick her way through the thorns and brambles with her childhood friend, and eventually they find the bookstore. Inside she finds the journal, but will that be her undoing or salvation?

Having been to Salem a couple of years ago, I loved the setting. It made sense that the three sisters, Lucine, Seraphina and Lenora lived there and although they sold cures and herbs, the secret that they were witches was not well known. These women have been cursed to live their lives repeatedly while being hunted by the same diabolical man, George Corwin. Dora does not know anything about them being witches, until she visits her mother and memories begin to return. She is the reincarnation of the woman who hid the book, and only she can retrieve it. The story is told through various POVs, so I had to pay attention so I knew whose it was. There are two animals, Hades and Ophelia, who play parts in the story, one a crow, the other a cat. I really liked the parts they played. I did find that the middle of the book dragged a bit, but it really picked up later in the story. There are some suspenseful scenes, but nothing too descriptive. As far as a witch/witch hunting book goes, this was an easy read. It was a story of family, family secrets, memory, witches, history, survival, relationships, and being alive. Of course there is a happy ending for the English family (their last name, not nationality), but the story had a rocky road to get there. Overall, this was an enjoyable story, and for someone who doesn't read a lot of fantasy/witch stories, it was a good choice, but I would recommend reading this one.

The premise sounded so promising—Salem witches, a vanishing bookstore, a hunt across lifetimes? That combination had all the makings of a magical, gripping read. But unfortunately, the execution fell flat for me.

The characters were... honestly quite dull. They had little to no personality beyond liking certain colors, drinking, whining about the past, and repeatedly vowing to stop the witch hunter (while doing absolutely nothing about it). For someone who’s supposedly been chasing them across centuries, you'd think they’d have come up with a plan by now. Spoiler: they didn’t.

There were so many inconsistencies that I started to question my own sanity. One moment, they say the witch hunter murders them all. The next, it’s just Dora, and the rest live on in grief? Which is it? And why, across literal lifetimes, has no one fought back against George? Especially considering how easy it was to stop him in the end? Like... why didn’t they just do that before?

Also—who in their right mind hides in the exact place they were once killed and then invites their entire family over, fully aware a centuries-old enemy is actively hunting them down? Make it make sense.

And don’t even get me started on the “vanishing bookstore.” I was promised something whimsical and mysterious. Instead, we get a rundown shed hidden in overgrown bushes. And Ambrose—who hid it—doesn’t even remember the location? Why didn’t anyone try to retrieve it for centuries? The questions just kept piling up, and the story never offered satisfying answers.

I really wish the book had lived up to its concept. There was so much potential here, but for me, it just didn’t deliver.

This was a good fantasy, magical, and spellbinding dual timeline tale.it had an engaging plot that touches on family, history, secrets, witches, relationships, survival, an awaking of memories, a quest to break a curse, a search for a missing bookstore, amd other issues and twits. I enjoyed this writing style and the vivid descriptions. I highly recommend reading!

Paused my read of this as just can’t get into it. The timeline is jumping around all over the place and I just can’t follow who any of the characters are

Got into fantasy and really enjoyed this book! The Salem witch trials have always interested me so this book was really good!

First off, there is not actually a bookstore in this story, but don't let that dissuade you from reading it. It's a brilliant mix of past and present and I was absolutely hooked from the first page. Telling the story of three witches from Salem who are cursed to live the same lives over again until they can find the missing spellbook and break the curse, The Vanishing Bookstore is a spellbinding book and I was engrossed. There are some logic gaps if you think too hard about it but none of them really tripped me up.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The subject matter was intriguing - but the plot and characters fell a little short. The bookstore from the title needed to be in the book more.


Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.

Thank you to the publisher for the digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a great quick read! It's a mix of past and present, a mix of magic and mystery.

I was looking forward to reading this, with witches and books... What wasn't to love?

However, I struggled to read it.

The characters were great, and well established. I loved the character build up, and the descriptions helped me picture them in my mind. The environment too... I could see the places the author was describing.

However, the title is so deceptive, because the book did not have a bookstore at all. It was a wooden shack that had some books in it, and it didn't vanish... It just ended up hidden by the trees and foliage.

The story was drawn out, and I found it somewhat of a slow burn. The author also loved to repeat a lot of things, and it really started to get annoying.

A captivating blend of mystery and magic, this book pulls you into a world where the past and present intertwine. Dora's journey keeps you hooked from the first page to the last.