Although magic and witches are not of great interest to me, I was lured in to reading this book by the title.
But I'm quite glad I did read it, as the historical element made the book interesting to me.
For those who do like magic and witches, I'm sure this would be great read!

would like to thank netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this amazing book

if you are into witches and witch hunters with a touch of magic then this is the book for you oh and did i say that most of the book is based in salem

its about a family of sisters who help heal that are one day accused of being witches and they are all hanged.....

but the storyline is so much more and as you read it there is more information and rather than give the whole plot away its best that you read it for yourself....

you wont be disappointed at all... its the stuff of legends and will grip you so that you cant put the book down at all and it will stay with you for a few days after....

cant wait for the next book from this author

If you enjoyed Heartless Hunter you will definitely love this.
I was immediately hooked to the characters and plot of this book. 1600s? Salem? Witch trials? Bookstore? Sign me up! The descriptions were so vivid that I actually felt like I stepped inside the novel. I particularly enjoyed the setting and atmosphere that was set up by the author. The twists were exciting.
My only issue with reading this was that sometimes the dialogue was a bit stiff and unnatural that it would take me out of the story.

I had such a hard time getting into this book unfortunately. The synopsis sounded right up my alley with mysterious bookstores, witches, family bonds, etc. But the story didn't keep me interested, and I tried both reading and listening to the book. I felt very little connection to the characters and although there was a lot of descriptive writing, I felt like I was often told instead of shown. I also wish there would have been more on the bookstore itself. However, this would be a perfect read for someone that likes a blend of historical fiction and a touch of fantasy!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy of this title.

Thanks to Netgalley & Bookouture for the ARC of this book.

I've a read a lot of Helen Phifer's crime books, so was curious to try something a little different. Especially with the title. However, I would have liked a more about the Vanishing Bookstore than what was in the book. The mentions of it seemed a bit rushed and that it wasn't given the importance I expected.

Dual timeline set in 1692 and present day, we follow the story of Dora, her mum and 2 aunts. In 1692 they are persecuted by witch hunters - which leads to them being cursed to constantly relive their lives. Will this lifetime be the one when they can finally break the curse?

The descriptions, especially of Salem were good, I could really picture the setting. And I did like all the witchy vibes. It's not too dark despite the witch hunting. At times there could have been more depth and emotion with some of the characters and some parts felt a little rushed.

Overall a good storyline, I liked the magic and dual timeline, but some parts did leave me wanting a bit more.

I very much enjoyed reading this witchy book. I am always drawn to books in this genre which I enjoy, but what I particularly liked about this book was that it was a more light hearted version. Moving between Salem USA and London Uk in timelines of 1692 to present day, with a few mentions of past lives in between. This was fun.
I warmed to the family of ladies immediately, known as the English sisters.
The writing was very descriptive and detailed, and although I have never visited Salem I felt like I did in the book, in my armchair travelling.
The end left me speculating if there may be another book to follow regarding the vanishing bookstore? I wonder if there are more magical stories to come out of it? I hope so.
I look forward to reading more books from the author Helen Phifer.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.

The premise of this book hooked me immediately -- an old bookstore (that vanishes!), a family saga that covers multiple centuries, the historical element of the Salem witch trials -- what's not to love? I loved the dual timeline. In the end, this was an okay-good read for me, though many would love it. I tend to enjoy historical fiction more than fantasy/magic, and though this is billed as both, the historical part didn't grab me as much as I anticipated. Overall, this would be a great read for someone who loves fantasy/magic/witches.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and author Helen Phifer for the complimentary advance copy! It was my pleasure to write this candid review.

This book is the perfect comfort read! It’s nice to watch the FMC grow and develop through the story.

With elements of:
Witchcraft
Family love
Reincarnation
Love
Enemies
Grief
Hope
Murder

It has enough to keep you hooked and want more.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Publisher for allowing me to read this before it was released.

A family of witches has spent every lifetime trying to get away from a witch hunter and the key to their survival is hidden in a bookstore that no one has seen for generations.

This was a cute cozy, witchy fantasy with a bit of mystery too. It very much gave me Practical Magic meets Hocus Pocus vibes. It’s one of the best witchy books I’ve read!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

"Every story needs a happy ending. And you can’t have yours until you find the bookstore."
The Vanishing Bookstore is a magical read that is about a family of women who end up being accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials and sadly these women have to live their lives repeatedly all while being hunted by the same wicked man. This drew me in by the cover and had me captivated from the first page. I was turning pages until the very end. The author wrote this beautifully well and I look forward to reading more of her books. Every character in this was amazing. Overall, this was such a spellbinding tale that I loved and would recommend to any reader especially if you love fantasy. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this magnificent read in exchange of my honest review of The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer.

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚅𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚢 𝙷𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚗 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚏𝚎𝚛

Available tomorrow! (January 7, 2024)

📖 Read if you like:
🧙🏼‍♀️ Witches
🐈‍⬛ Set in London and Salem
🔄 Reincarnation
✨ Cozy vibes
☠️ But also murder 😱

💭 My Thoughts: If you love Hocus Pocus vibes and cozy magical realism, you NEED this book. The story jumps between the late 1600s and present day, which kept things super interesting, and the whole reincarnation/multiple lives angle was so fun to follow.

Even though there were a few darker, violent moments, the overall vibe was still fun and cozy. I kept saying, “This is such a cozy read,” and I stand by that. Perfect for curling up with on a chilly night.

⚠️ CW: violence, death of a loved one

#bookstagram #pastpages
#thevanishingbookstore #helenphifer
#magicalrealism #fantasy #arc

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 (tag NetGalley and publisher) 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

3.5 stars - The plot was unique, and this was mostly enjoyable but a little YA-ish at times. Of course I love everything Salem and witchy, and I liked the dual timeline (especially the 1692 chapters, of which there were not many). I liked the first half better than the second, which felt somehow both predictable and rushed. Overall, an enjoyable & light witchy read. (And Hades the crow was definitely the best character!)

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

This story centers around what appears to be an ordinary bookstore with a dark and enigmatic history. The MC is a determined investigator with a knack for solving the unsolvable.

Thank you, Helen Phifer and NetGalley, for this ARC.

Rating: 4.5/5
Recommendation: Perfect for readers who love atmospheric mysteries with a hint of the supernatural and a touch of bookish charm.

Tropes:
* Dual timeline
* Memory retrieval
* Family secrets
* Fiction based in history
* Old school magic

This was a wonderful palate cleanser book for me, so unlike other books I’ve read. The descriptions and timeline changes provided a great plot and story! The Salem parts provided great background and I love all the history surrounding that period. I loved the aunts, who were perfectly quirky and what I want from a witch character! Especially with their use of magic being more old school through herbs, positions and stones.

I did wish there was a bit more about the bookstore itself & more about how Dora and Ambrose met. But it was a great magical fiction steeped in history.

3 ⭐️

Quotes:
* Life was supposed to be a wonderful thing, but sometimes life was not as good as you imagined.
* the power of three was the strongest magic of them all and it was about time that they reclaimed it.
* Even when a beloved pet passes, they are always with us in spirit.

I enjoyed this book so much. It combines witches, magic, and historical fiction. There is plenty of intrigue and fantastic world-building. It was a rollercoaster to see Dora's memories return. Helen Phifer has an amazing way with words. Her story ebbed and flowed beautifully.

At the end of the day, this is a book about women, their struggles, and everything in between. It was atmospheric, bewitching, and a joy to read. The entire time I read it, I could picture everything in my head like I was watching a movie. Phifer's writing was so descriptive and vivid.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the eARC! I look forward to reading more of Helen Phifer's work.

3.5 *
I am a sucker for historical fiction, so when I saw this with a bit of magic thrown in, I requested it right away. Was so excited when it was accepted.
The book starts in Salem 1692, where you find out about the English woman being a woman of healing abilities.
Then you go to London in the present day and discover Dora and her aunt. Throughout the book, you find out about how they are connected and lives relived over and over again with a witch hunter coming after the English family.

I found it a nice little read, but with a lot of plot holes within the story. I have been left with a lot of questions about why I couldn't ambrose (Dora's partner) find the book. Also, I find the title of the book deceiving as there isn't really much about the books store in the actual storyline. Don't get me wrong, I would suggest it to people as it is an alright little read.

The cover and the premise is what drew me to The vanishing bookstore by Helen Phifer. Salem, witches and a bookstore that disappears to protect a magical book was a perfect read for me. A dual timeline that connects Dora, Sephy, Lenny, and Lucine English from the Salem witch trials to the present day, hunted by a witch hunter through time, the English women search for the grimoire that Dora hid hoping that this time they will succeed in breaking the curse. I really enjoyed reading this, but was a bit disappointed that the bookstore isn't really featured in the story, however the character of Hades the crow was a delight.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this eCopy to review

When I first opened "The Vanishing Bookstore," I was immediately captivated by the blend of historical intrigue and magical realism. The story transported me to Salem, Massachusetts, where the past and present intertwine in a spellbinding narrative.

The novel begins in 1692, during the Salem witch trials. A young woman, accused of witchcraft, hides a journal in a vine-covered bookstore before fleeing. This bookstore mysteriously vanishes, only to reappear centuries later.

In the present day, Dora, who believed her mother had died when she was a child, is shocked to discover that her mother is alive. This revelation leads Dora to uncover her family's dark history and a curse that has haunted them since the 17th century. The key to breaking this curse lies in the elusive bookstore, which Dora must find to save her family. As she delves deeper into her family's past, she realizes that someone has been watching her, waiting for her to uncover the secrets hidden within the bookstore.

The novel's atmospheric setting and rich historical context drew me in from the start. Phifer's vivid descriptions of Salem and the eerie, magical bookstore added depth to the story, making it an immersive read. The dual timelines were seamlessly woven together, enhancing the mystery and suspense.

The Vanishing Bookstore is set across two timelines: the present day and 1692. In 1692, Salem is plagued by accusations of witchcraft, while in the present day, Isadora and Lenny live peacefully in London—until a strange man named George Corwin arrives, mourning his deceased girlfriend. He asks Isadora for help with the funeral. Little does she know, George’s true identity will turn her life upside down in the most twisted way.

I’ve always loved Helen Phifer’s writing; she was one of my favorite authors last year. One of my favorite reads was Her Lost Soul. She’s also the reason I started reading Stephen King’s books—she mentioned how The Shining was one of her favorites, and it quickly became one of mine, too, after I read The Shining Duology.

The Vanishing Bookstore was truly unique. I loved how Phifer seamlessly wove the two timelines together, slowly connecting the dots. The mix of fantasy, witchcraft, romance, mystery, Greek mythology, and a touch of humor was perfect. I especially admired the English sisters, their resilience in protecting their family, and their refusal to resort to violence despite facing endless struggles, suffering, and immortality.

And Hades—oh, I loved him so much. I wasn’t particularly fond of crows before, given their dark reputation and the association with death, but this story made me see them differently. Hades’ role in protecting the English women for centuries was both heartwarming and intriguing.
I also couldn’t help but feel emotional over Ambrose’s love for Dora. Ugh, I wish there were a prequel that explored their bond more deeply. I’d love to see how their genuine connection grew and how they continued falling for each other, even as Dora repeatedly lost her memory after dying and coming back to life.

Overall, this was such a unique, adorable, and captivating read. If you love fantasy, witches, and romance, you’ll definitely enjoy it!

✨WHAT I LIKED:
📌 Dora realizing how much she loves Ambrose.
📌 Hades protecting Dora and the English sisters.
📌 How the people of Salem still remember the English sisters.
📌 Ambrose’s unconditional love for Dora.

✨TROPES:
📌 Star-Crossed Lovers
📌 Found Family
📌 Withcraft and Magic
📌 Unconditional Love
📌 Tragic Immortality
📌 No Spice

🖥️ GOODREADS REVIEW: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7180737784

💻 BLOG REVIEW: https://kimthebookdragon.com/2025/01/06/arc-review-the-vanishing-bookstore/

💻 LINKEDIN REVIEW: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kinanahmanalao_arc-review-the-vanishingbookstore-activity-7282003085705519105-0S_L?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Historical fiction

Witches and witch hunter

Goth setting

Curses

Strong female characters

This is my first time reading Helen’s book and I loved the writing style and flow of the story. I am a big fan of historical fiction and it served it so well.

This is a story of the English sisters who are caught up in the vicious cycle of rebirth for centuries and being hunted by the evil witch hunter every time, because of some unfortunate curse. The key to break the curse is the book that is hidden in the vanishing bookstore by Isadora who has lost her memories. The whole story revolves around Isadora’s revival of memories and breaking the curse.

Things I loved :-

The bond between the English sisters

The relationship of Isadora and hades is so adorable – “Dora is home, Dora is home”.

The fact that the English sisters carried their own household without a man dominating in 1692!! It makes me feel so empowering.

There is also a little love angle in this book between Isadora and Ambrose.

(though I didn’t understand the rebirth of Ambrose, it was nothing to do with expect for finding the bookstore, I would have loved to see Ambrose play a greater role)

And I always admire a book where the women do the opposite of what is dictated by the society. There were only two instances the vanishing bookstore came into the picture, it would have been more justified if the bookstore would have been more use than just getting one book out of it.

It was an amazing experience reading this book. It felt like a beautiful adventure. I look ahead to read more of the author's work.