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The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds: A Charming and Uplifting Novel with Heartfelt Storytelling
Can an entire life be erased by one thoughtless wish that changes a single moment?
Josephine Reynolds never imagined she'd be a widow in her midthirties. Grieving and barely able to contemplate one more night alone, she carelessly wishes she'd never been born. At the exact same moment, her inbox dings with an it's a link from her sister that lists local foreclosures, and, to her immense surprise, she sees her great-grandmother's house listed and immediately conspires to reclaim it.
But as Josephine restores her great-grandmother's home to its original glory, she comes to realize not everything is as it seems. Replacing the modern front door with the original hand-carved and solid wood one, she notices minuscule words carved into the edging. As she speaks the words aloud and opens the front door with its original key, Josephine finds herself transported back almost one hundred years ago to a 1920s party thrown by her great-grandmother Alma.
A shocked Josephine fears she is losing her mind. Has her grief caused her to lose touch with reality? But it quickly becomes clear that her life and future--thanks to her throwaway wish--hinge on one single moment that happened almost one hundred years ago. The two parallel timelines start blending together, and Josephine witnesses her present life disappearing right before her eyes.
She can only hope it's not too late to save her own future.
Josephine Reynolds never imagined she'd be a widow in her midthirties. Grieving and barely able to contemplate one more night alone, she carelessly wishes she'd never been born. At the exact same moment, her inbox dings with an it's a link from her sister that lists local foreclosures, and, to her immense surprise, she sees her great-grandmother's house listed and immediately conspires to reclaim it.
But as Josephine restores her great-grandmother's home to its original glory, she comes to realize not everything is as it seems. Replacing the modern front door with the original hand-carved and solid wood one, she notices minuscule words carved into the edging. As she speaks the words aloud and opens the front door with its original key, Josephine finds herself transported back almost one hundred years ago to a 1920s party thrown by her great-grandmother Alma.
A shocked Josephine fears she is losing her mind. Has her grief caused her to lose touch with reality? But it quickly becomes clear that her life and future--thanks to her throwaway wish--hinge on one single moment that happened almost one hundred years ago. The two parallel timelines start blending together, and Josephine witnesses her present life disappearing right before her eyes.
She can only hope it's not too late to save her own future.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2025
247 people are currently reading
13566 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Moorman
27 books611 followersJennifer Moorman is the USA TODAY Bestselling author of five novels, including The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds, The Magic All Around, and the Mystic Water Series. Her creative works also include a collection of folklore retellings and Strawberry Shortcake children’s books. Praised by Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and others, The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds is described as “imbued with Moorman’s trademark touch of magic,” “a seamless blend of history and magical realism,” “an absolute treasure of a book,” and “absolutely mesmerizing.”
A double major graduate of Middle Tennessee State University from the Recording Industry and English programs, her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including People, Parade, Writer’s Digest, The Nerd Daily, Women’s World Magazine, Hollywood Weekly, and many more. She holds degrees with concentrations in mass communications, linguistics, and fiction writing, reflecting her diverse background in storytelling and communication.
She put together a band and toured the United States as an accomplished professional singer for five years. She also worked many years as a senior editor for Harper Collins, guiding authors through the writing, editing, and publishing processes.
Jennifer is the cocreator and cohost of the podcast One Happy Thing with fellow bestselling authors Kerry Anne King and Maddie Dawson.
When she’s not writing, you can find her testing a new recipe, chasing rainbows, or stargazing. Jennifer lives in a magic house in Nashville, Tennessee.
A double major graduate of Middle Tennessee State University from the Recording Industry and English programs, her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including People, Parade, Writer’s Digest, The Nerd Daily, Women’s World Magazine, Hollywood Weekly, and many more. She holds degrees with concentrations in mass communications, linguistics, and fiction writing, reflecting her diverse background in storytelling and communication.
She put together a band and toured the United States as an accomplished professional singer for five years. She also worked many years as a senior editor for Harper Collins, guiding authors through the writing, editing, and publishing processes.
Jennifer is the cocreator and cohost of the podcast One Happy Thing with fellow bestselling authors Kerry Anne King and Maddie Dawson.
When she’s not writing, you can find her testing a new recipe, chasing rainbows, or stargazing. Jennifer lives in a magic house in Nashville, Tennessee.
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October 12, 2024
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The Book Review Crew Blog
When I saw the blurb of this book, a woman steps through a door to 1927 and meets her great-grandmother, I knew I had to read it. Plus look at that fabulous cover! This is more historical fiction than magical realism, which disappointed me. I liked the idea of a magic entryway to the past that ends up helping you in the future, that part I did enjoy. The writing felt more like a romance, which isn’t my thing either. I did like watching the main character, Josephine come into her own. But what I didn’t like was the fact that she goes into a new timeline and boom! She starts a new romance.
The plot moves at a very slow pace and at times I was bored. I wasn’t a big fan of the main character either, she grated on me the wrong way for some reason. Just another woman who lost herself to a marriage and doesn’t start to live her life until he’s dead. I did love the character of her sister though, she was a force to be reckoned with and supported Joe one hundred percent. I wasn’t a fan of the rudimentary writing style or how the ending was tied up into a neat little bow, I found it very superficial.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Book Review Crew Blog
When I saw the blurb of this book, a woman steps through a door to 1927 and meets her great-grandmother, I knew I had to read it. Plus look at that fabulous cover! This is more historical fiction than magical realism, which disappointed me. I liked the idea of a magic entryway to the past that ends up helping you in the future, that part I did enjoy. The writing felt more like a romance, which isn’t my thing either. I did like watching the main character, Josephine come into her own. But what I didn’t like was the fact that she goes into a new timeline and boom! She starts a new romance.
The plot moves at a very slow pace and at times I was bored. I wasn’t a big fan of the main character either, she grated on me the wrong way for some reason. Just another woman who lost herself to a marriage and doesn’t start to live her life until he’s dead. I did love the character of her sister though, she was a force to be reckoned with and supported Joe one hundred percent. I wasn’t a fan of the rudimentary writing style or how the ending was tied up into a neat little bow, I found it very superficial.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
August 11, 2025
Can one thoughtless wish erase a life?
"Infused with Jennifer Moorman's signature blend of magical detail and heartfelt storytelling, The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds is a tale of resilience in the face of loss and a testament to the timeless bond of family."
This is an incredible story that was hard to put down. It is a real story of grief, finding yourself in the midst of heartbreak and starting over—simply magical. Moorman's vivid descriptions and intricately crafted characters drew me in completely. I love dual timelines, and this book delivered that element beautifully. All the details were truly tied together so seamlessly.
*reread*
This book yet again had the ability to take my breath away. 5 stars. ✨
What to expect:
✨ Mystery
✨ Magical Realism
✨ Historical Fantasy
✨ Dual timeline /time travel
✨ Atmospheric
Thank you so much, HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse, for providing me with this ARC. The publication date is January 14, 2025. Many thanks also to Jennifer Moorman. I was fortunate enough to get a signed, personalized edition in addition to reading the ARC. 🥹
As always, all thoughts are my own. 🖤
"Infused with Jennifer Moorman's signature blend of magical detail and heartfelt storytelling, The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds is a tale of resilience in the face of loss and a testament to the timeless bond of family."
This is an incredible story that was hard to put down. It is a real story of grief, finding yourself in the midst of heartbreak and starting over—simply magical. Moorman's vivid descriptions and intricately crafted characters drew me in completely. I love dual timelines, and this book delivered that element beautifully. All the details were truly tied together so seamlessly.
*reread*
This book yet again had the ability to take my breath away. 5 stars. ✨
What to expect:
✨ Mystery
✨ Magical Realism
✨ Historical Fantasy
✨ Dual timeline /time travel
✨ Atmospheric
Thank you so much, HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse, for providing me with this ARC. The publication date is January 14, 2025. Many thanks also to Jennifer Moorman. I was fortunate enough to get a signed, personalized edition in addition to reading the ARC. 🥹
As always, all thoughts are my own. 🖤
January 8, 2025
What a great book. I love time travel books 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. There is a lot of tension throughout along with moments that will touch your heart in the best possible way. After the loss of her husband, Josephine is struggling to figure out what happens next. Her sister sees their old family home in foreclosure and decides to buy the home and move in herself. When Josephine finds the original door that was on the house and has it put on the house, strange and mystical things begin to happen. Josephine finds herself in 1927 and the story takes off. Highly recommend.
June 25, 2025
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.
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.
February 6, 2025
This was a surprising book for me. I went into it thinking it was going to be a mystery about a disappearance and instead I get a time travelling historical fiction with a dash of romance.
This was a bit of a slow start/ slow burn as we were introduced to Josephine and her story. It's not until we are quite into the book that we get to the meat of it with the time travelling door and we meet the 1920s cast which are frankly much more interesting and endearing. It really does make you quite nostalgic for the past.
As the book progresses, the pace of the book picks up and soon we are well on the way to an exciting ending where you're just not sure how it should end. Head vs heart much like the dilemma Josephine herself has.
I was torn on the rating of the book because the first third was rather a bit tedious for me but the rest made up for it.
For lovers of historical fiction or time travelling this is not a bad one to pick up.
Many thanks to Harper Collins Focus for providing me with an audio and digital copy of this book via NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
This was a bit of a slow start/ slow burn as we were introduced to Josephine and her story. It's not until we are quite into the book that we get to the meat of it with the time travelling door and we meet the 1920s cast which are frankly much more interesting and endearing. It really does make you quite nostalgic for the past.
As the book progresses, the pace of the book picks up and soon we are well on the way to an exciting ending where you're just not sure how it should end. Head vs heart much like the dilemma Josephine herself has.
I was torn on the rating of the book because the first third was rather a bit tedious for me but the rest made up for it.
For lovers of historical fiction or time travelling this is not a bad one to pick up.
Many thanks to Harper Collins Focus for providing me with an audio and digital copy of this book via NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
June 6, 2025
4.3 ⭐
What an amazing story! 💛
Plot: 5/5
Pace: 3+/5
Female characters: 4.5/5
I loved Josephine's journey coming back to life after a long year of grieving.
She felt lost and sad, but seeing how the women in her life helped her see the beauty of life was inspiring and heartwarming.
The magical element in the book is something I'm really drawn to (time travel) and I would like to read more about in the future.
The ending has me smiling and cursing a bit too. I think I needed a second epilogue 🥹
And I also think I need to keep an eye on this author and her stories.
// Thank you to Netgalley, Jennifer Moorman and HarperCollins Focus for the opportunity to read the ARC of this in exchange of my honest opinion //
What an amazing story! 💛
Plot: 5/5
Pace: 3+/5
Female characters: 4.5/5
I loved Josephine's journey coming back to life after a long year of grieving.
She felt lost and sad, but seeing how the women in her life helped her see the beauty of life was inspiring and heartwarming.
The magical element in the book is something I'm really drawn to (time travel) and I would like to read more about in the future.
The ending has me smiling and cursing a bit too. I think I needed a second epilogue 🥹
And I also think I need to keep an eye on this author and her stories.
// Thank you to Netgalley, Jennifer Moorman and HarperCollins Focus for the opportunity to read the ARC of this in exchange of my honest opinion //
January 23, 2025
The Vanishing Of Josephine Reynolds is the third stand-alone novel by American author, Jennifer Moorman. “I wish I’d never been born” is what thirty-five-year-old Josephine Reynolds mutters on a particularly bad day when she’s been widowed six months. She had moulded her life to suit his, so Nathan’s absence has eliminated Josephine’s purpose and direction.
But her sister Katherine is determined to bring back the Jo-Jo she once was, and has suggestions, starting with selling the house that was Nathan’s status symbol, a way to showcase his ambition and impressive lifestyle, but was never what Josephine wanted. The impetus to actually do so comes when she learns that Grandma Dorothy’s historic Victorian mansion in Bell Meade has been foreclosed on: she can easily afford the wonderful home their Uncle Donnie helped himself to when his mother died.
It's late September when Josephine moves into the Carter Mansion. The sound of music takes Josephine down to the cellar where she stumbles on a hidden door. When they open it, she and Katherine discover what used to be a speakeasy. A bit of internet sleuthing reveals that their great-grandmother, Alma, given the house by her first husband, Franklin Carter, ran the speakeasy in the late 1920s during Prohibition, and was once almost arrested during a raid.
Soon after getting essentials unpacked, Josehine’s priority is to replace the ugly front door Donnie put up, probably to annoy the fussy neighbourhood association. The door that Leo Freeman at the salvage yard shows her is perfect: it’s the door his father originally crafted for the house. His mother blessed it, and he even has the door key. This was meant to be! Leo does mention something about Alma being shot dead in a raid on the speakeasy, but she lived to the ripe old age of ninety-eight, so that can’t be right.
The new door fitted, Josephine spots some words engraved next to one of the glass panels, a Gatsby quote she recites just before turning the key and finding herself in the mansion’s foyer, being greeted by Alma Carter. She bluffs her way through, and begins to realise she’s stepping between dual timelines or, as she later understands, duelling timelines.
Back in her own time, Josephine notices that random items, clothing, furniture, photographs, seem to be disappearing, and her chat with Leo, the only person who might not think she’s crazy, leads to the conclusion that her throw-away wish might come true if the timeline in which Alma is shot prevails. If Josephine wants to continue to exist in the 2020s, she needs to save Alma’s life in 1927.
Moorman certainly evokes her era and setting, although her wordy descriptions of clothing, furniture and buildings do become a little tedious. The time-hopping is fairly well handled, with any anomalies put down to Josephine’s ignorance of quite how it works. There’s a good bit of drama in the climax, and a sweet, possible happy ever after at the end. An enjoyable time-travel romance tale.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Focus.
But her sister Katherine is determined to bring back the Jo-Jo she once was, and has suggestions, starting with selling the house that was Nathan’s status symbol, a way to showcase his ambition and impressive lifestyle, but was never what Josephine wanted. The impetus to actually do so comes when she learns that Grandma Dorothy’s historic Victorian mansion in Bell Meade has been foreclosed on: she can easily afford the wonderful home their Uncle Donnie helped himself to when his mother died.
It's late September when Josephine moves into the Carter Mansion. The sound of music takes Josephine down to the cellar where she stumbles on a hidden door. When they open it, she and Katherine discover what used to be a speakeasy. A bit of internet sleuthing reveals that their great-grandmother, Alma, given the house by her first husband, Franklin Carter, ran the speakeasy in the late 1920s during Prohibition, and was once almost arrested during a raid.
Soon after getting essentials unpacked, Josehine’s priority is to replace the ugly front door Donnie put up, probably to annoy the fussy neighbourhood association. The door that Leo Freeman at the salvage yard shows her is perfect: it’s the door his father originally crafted for the house. His mother blessed it, and he even has the door key. This was meant to be! Leo does mention something about Alma being shot dead in a raid on the speakeasy, but she lived to the ripe old age of ninety-eight, so that can’t be right.
The new door fitted, Josephine spots some words engraved next to one of the glass panels, a Gatsby quote she recites just before turning the key and finding herself in the mansion’s foyer, being greeted by Alma Carter. She bluffs her way through, and begins to realise she’s stepping between dual timelines or, as she later understands, duelling timelines.
Back in her own time, Josephine notices that random items, clothing, furniture, photographs, seem to be disappearing, and her chat with Leo, the only person who might not think she’s crazy, leads to the conclusion that her throw-away wish might come true if the timeline in which Alma is shot prevails. If Josephine wants to continue to exist in the 2020s, she needs to save Alma’s life in 1927.
Moorman certainly evokes her era and setting, although her wordy descriptions of clothing, furniture and buildings do become a little tedious. The time-hopping is fairly well handled, with any anomalies put down to Josephine’s ignorance of quite how it works. There’s a good bit of drama in the climax, and a sweet, possible happy ever after at the end. An enjoyable time-travel romance tale.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Focus.
January 9, 2025
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 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 she 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
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 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 she 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
October 29, 2024
The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds
By: Jennifer Moorman
Pub Date: January 14, 2025
Publisher: Harper Muse
This was my first novel by Moorman, and I will be look for more of her work.
This novel was a beautiful read, which took up my Sunday and I did not want the novel to end.
Josephine Reynolds finds herself widowed in her mid-thirties. Her grief is heavy and she is finding hard to move forward.
She gets an email from her sister and she finds out her great-grandmother’s house is for sale, and she feels compelled to purchase the home and restore it. She must find a door that matches the era of the home. What she will find is so much more!!!
The door was some words carved into it and when she speaks the words and opens the door she is transport back to the 1920’s.
When this happens, Josephine is wondering is she is dreaming or something else.
I loved being transported to the 1920’s in the life of this home and all the secrets it holds. As Josephine works through her grief she deals with the past and present.
I will be pre-ordering my own copy, because this IS ONE to read over-and-over. This one is a traveling arc with my book club Beyond the Pages.
Thank you, Jennifer, for allowing us to read this advanced copy. This novel started in South Carolina, and then traveled from NC, GA, now in Texas and headed to NC again before several more states.
By: Jennifer Moorman
Pub Date: January 14, 2025
Publisher: Harper Muse
This was my first novel by Moorman, and I will be look for more of her work.
This novel was a beautiful read, which took up my Sunday and I did not want the novel to end.
Josephine Reynolds finds herself widowed in her mid-thirties. Her grief is heavy and she is finding hard to move forward.
She gets an email from her sister and she finds out her great-grandmother’s house is for sale, and she feels compelled to purchase the home and restore it. She must find a door that matches the era of the home. What she will find is so much more!!!
The door was some words carved into it and when she speaks the words and opens the door she is transport back to the 1920’s.
When this happens, Josephine is wondering is she is dreaming or something else.
I loved being transported to the 1920’s in the life of this home and all the secrets it holds. As Josephine works through her grief she deals with the past and present.
I will be pre-ordering my own copy, because this IS ONE to read over-and-over. This one is a traveling arc with my book club Beyond the Pages.
Thank you, Jennifer, for allowing us to read this advanced copy. This novel started in South Carolina, and then traveled from NC, GA, now in Texas and headed to NC again before several more states.
January 24, 2025
Oh my heart!! The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds was just a pure joy to read!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
This book had everything that makes my heart just expand while reading. The close bonds of sisterhood, friendship, allowing someone the space to grieve and find their way again, the closeness of family and amazing community. And of course, there’s that time travel element that kept me on the edge of my seat and having to know what was going to happen next!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
Magical Realism
Time Travel
Family
Second Chances
Heart warming moments
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
Fast! Between the sweetness, tension, and suspense this is a story that you will find very bingeable.
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
If you are a reader like me that just wants books that make you laugh, sigh, feel like you’re transported into the magic of the story, and have to grip the book just a little bit tighter while reading those tense and suspenseful moments, than this a book you don’t wanna miss out on.
Thank you Harper Muse for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
This book had everything that makes my heart just expand while reading. The close bonds of sisterhood, friendship, allowing someone the space to grieve and find their way again, the closeness of family and amazing community. And of course, there’s that time travel element that kept me on the edge of my seat and having to know what was going to happen next!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
Magical Realism
Time Travel
Family
Second Chances
Heart warming moments
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
Fast! Between the sweetness, tension, and suspense this is a story that you will find very bingeable.
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
If you are a reader like me that just wants books that make you laugh, sigh, feel like you’re transported into the magic of the story, and have to grip the book just a little bit tighter while reading those tense and suspenseful moments, than this a book you don’t wanna miss out on.
Thank you Harper Muse for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
July 26, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds by Jennifer Moorman hooked me from the very first page. This novel blends a captivating mystery with a heartwarming small-town vibe, creating a reading experience that feels both comforting and exciting.
The Details
The story centers on Josephine Reynolds, an ordinary woman who disappears without a trace. But this isn’t just a typical mystery. Moorman uses Josephine’s disappearance as a lens to explore the lives of those left behind. The town’s residents come alive with unique quirks, strengths, and flaws, making the setting feel like a real, tight-knit community. As secrets unfold, readers dive deep into the emotional currents beneath the surface.
Moorman’s writing strikes a perfect balance. Suspense builds steadily, but the novel also sparkles with warmth and humor. The friendships, rivalries, and unexpected alliances among the characters provide moments of laughter and genuine connection. These relationships highlight the story’s central theme: hope and resilience can emerge even in difficult times.
What sets this book apart is its emotional depth. While the mystery keeps you turning pages, it’s the exploration of community and belonging that truly resonates. The characters’ growth feels authentic and uplifting, reminding readers how people can come together to heal and find strength.
The Verdict
In short, The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds is a beautifully crafted novel that offers both intrigue and heart. It’s a feel-good read with a mysterious edge—perfect for anyone who loves stories about human connection and hope.
If you want a book that lifts your spirits while keeping you guessing, this one deserves a spot on your reading list. Five stars all the way!
September 23, 2024
Thank you to Harper Collins & Netgalley for this Arc.
I absolutely adored this book, it felt like a cosy experience that had me curious & touched by the heart warming connection with family. The end was so sweet & really wrapped the book plot up so deliciously that my heart felt warmed. Highly recommend reading! 4.5 🌟
I absolutely adored this book, it felt like a cosy experience that had me curious & touched by the heart warming connection with family. The end was so sweet & really wrapped the book plot up so deliciously that my heart felt warmed. Highly recommend reading! 4.5 🌟
August 26, 2024
I loved this book so much! A time travel story is not my usual genre but this book stole my heart from the very first line!!!
After the loss of her husband, Josephine is struggling to figure out what happens next. Her sister sees their old family home in foreclosure and decides to buy the home and move in herself. When Josephine finds the original door that was on the house and has it put on the house, strange and mystical things begin to happen. Josephine finds herself in 1927 and the story takes off.
This is a story about love and loss. It is a story about family and family history. It is a story about the boldness to chart your own path while still respecting those before you. This book is everything you want to read in a book. Absolute perfection!!!
After the loss of her husband, Josephine is struggling to figure out what happens next. Her sister sees their old family home in foreclosure and decides to buy the home and move in herself. When Josephine finds the original door that was on the house and has it put on the house, strange and mystical things begin to happen. Josephine finds herself in 1927 and the story takes off.
This is a story about love and loss. It is a story about family and family history. It is a story about the boldness to chart your own path while still respecting those before you. This book is everything you want to read in a book. Absolute perfection!!!
July 4, 2024
What a beautiful story- A magical portal opens up into a past where it can change and heal the future. This is a story of love, grief, hope and passion. Reading it made me smile, cry, and love.
Absolutely beautiful and transporting
Absolutely beautiful and transporting
November 15, 2024
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!
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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!
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 31, 2025
This was such a phenomenal book! It has so many things I love. Time travel, duel timelines, a 1920s speakeasy, a woman trying to restart her life. What's not to love! These are some of my favorite book tropes.
The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds is an enchanting blend of magical realism and historical fiction. Josephine is newly widowed and trying to start over when she purchases her late grandmother's home. A home that allows her to travel in to help her great-grandmother.
I really enjoyed this! I loved that Josephine was able to travel between different times and wasn't stuck in the past. Josephine was an all-around great character, and her relationships felt so genuine.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book and enjoyed the narration very much. It's was engaging and performed perfectly.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds is an enchanting blend of magical realism and historical fiction. Josephine is newly widowed and trying to start over when she purchases her late grandmother's home. A home that allows her to travel in to help her great-grandmother.
I really enjoyed this! I loved that Josephine was able to travel between different times and wasn't stuck in the past. Josephine was an all-around great character, and her relationships felt so genuine.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book and enjoyed the narration very much. It's was engaging and performed perfectly.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 4, 2025
A very well-done Time Travel story.
July 17, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus for an ARC of The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds.
I think this was a case of right book, wrong reader. The writing was lovely and the story wrapped up so nicely at the end, but for my liking it was not enough magical time travel and too much historical fiction romance. This would be a great choice for someone who enjoys those genres.
3 stars for my personal taste, but 4.5 stars for the right reader!
I think this was a case of right book, wrong reader. The writing was lovely and the story wrapped up so nicely at the end, but for my liking it was not enough magical time travel and too much historical fiction romance. This would be a great choice for someone who enjoys those genres.
3 stars for my personal taste, but 4.5 stars for the right reader!
February 8, 2025
This book has TIME TRAVEL!!!
Need I say more? For some readers, that's all they need to know!
But, for everyone else, I'll continue.
This book is magical, cozy, nostalgic, romantic, and a wee bit scary. It really hit the spot for me!! I really loved this book and I highly recommend it!!
The time travel is from the present day back to the 1920s in Nashville, Tennessee. This is primarily historical fiction with a bit of magical realism (time travel).
Josephine Reynolds is a 35 year old widow. She goes into a deep depression from grief until her sister, Katie, pulls her out of it.
Josephine purchases a family mansion that once belonged to her great-grandmother, Alma. She replaces the pre-fab ugly front door installed by her uncle, with the original hardwood carved door that has been refinished. Reading aloud the words carved into the door and opening the door with the original key, she steps through to the house almost 100 years in the past.
Do you recall what happened in the classic movie from the 80s, "Back to the Future" with Marty McFly starting to disappear from photographs? Well, Josephine starts to disappear, too. In fact, each night that she returns to her own time, more of her things have disappeared!! This is where the title comes from, "The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds" by Jennifer Moorman.
The audiobook is expertly narrated by Kathleen McInerney. I enjoyed her performance.
Characters - 5/5
Writing - 5/5
Plot - 5/5
Pacing - 4/5
Unputdownability - 5/5
Enjoyment - 5/5
Narration - 5/5
Cover - 5/5
Overall - 39/8 = 4 7/8 rounded up to 5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins Focus/ Harper Collins Muse, and Jennifer Moorman for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Need I say more? For some readers, that's all they need to know!
But, for everyone else, I'll continue.
This book is magical, cozy, nostalgic, romantic, and a wee bit scary. It really hit the spot for me!! I really loved this book and I highly recommend it!!
The time travel is from the present day back to the 1920s in Nashville, Tennessee. This is primarily historical fiction with a bit of magical realism (time travel).
Josephine Reynolds is a 35 year old widow. She goes into a deep depression from grief until her sister, Katie, pulls her out of it.
Josephine purchases a family mansion that once belonged to her great-grandmother, Alma. She replaces the pre-fab ugly front door installed by her uncle, with the original hardwood carved door that has been refinished. Reading aloud the words carved into the door and opening the door with the original key, she steps through to the house almost 100 years in the past.
Do you recall what happened in the classic movie from the 80s, "Back to the Future" with Marty McFly starting to disappear from photographs? Well, Josephine starts to disappear, too. In fact, each night that she returns to her own time, more of her things have disappeared!! This is where the title comes from, "The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds" by Jennifer Moorman.
The audiobook is expertly narrated by Kathleen McInerney. I enjoyed her performance.
Characters - 5/5
Writing - 5/5
Plot - 5/5
Pacing - 4/5
Unputdownability - 5/5
Enjoyment - 5/5
Narration - 5/5
Cover - 5/5
Overall - 39/8 = 4 7/8 rounded up to 5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins Focus/ Harper Collins Muse, and Jennifer Moorman for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
January 19, 2025
I listened to the audiobook version of The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds narrated by Kathleen McInerney.
On paper, this book felt like it was just for me. I love the 20s, time travel, magical realism, and a mystery that needs to be solved. I found the story intriguing: Josephine can step back in time through the door to her house, and the speakeasy, and having to save her grandmother to save herself. However, some things nagged at me. For instance, Josephine's relationship with her dead husband—she spent so much time mourning, but as the story progressed, I got the feeling that she wasn't happy in the marriage. And that's okay, I guess. I just felt that she had been married to this guy for a long time, and it seemed like she now realized she wasn't happy. At first, it didn't bother me; however, as the book progressed, she thought more about how controlling he was, how he swept her off her feet, and how she lived in a golden cage that she seemed to like—at least until he was gone, and she now realized everything. It's perhaps a small, thing, but it was just something that annoyed me throughout the story since she was at first so sad. Then, of course, there is someone else that she meets...also a thing that I was not completely sold on. However, it made the ending quite good. So, I will admit that it wasn't all that bad the romance part of the story.
I did enjoy the book, but not as much as I hoped I would. As I mentioned above, some things bothered me; however, I did love going back in time through the magical door and that her grandmother had a speakeasy. The story felt a bit easy to predict, but overall, it was a good story.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
On paper, this book felt like it was just for me. I love the 20s, time travel, magical realism, and a mystery that needs to be solved. I found the story intriguing: Josephine can step back in time through the door to her house, and the speakeasy, and having to save her grandmother to save herself. However, some things nagged at me. For instance, Josephine's relationship with her dead husband—she spent so much time mourning, but as the story progressed, I got the feeling that she wasn't happy in the marriage. And that's okay, I guess. I just felt that she had been married to this guy for a long time, and it seemed like she now realized she wasn't happy. At first, it didn't bother me; however, as the book progressed, she thought more about how controlling he was, how he swept her off her feet, and how she lived in a golden cage that she seemed to like—at least until he was gone, and she now realized everything. It's perhaps a small, thing, but it was just something that annoyed me throughout the story since she was at first so sad. Then, of course, there is someone else that she meets...also a thing that I was not completely sold on. However, it made the ending quite good. So, I will admit that it wasn't all that bad the romance part of the story.
I did enjoy the book, but not as much as I hoped I would. As I mentioned above, some things bothered me; however, I did love going back in time through the magical door and that her grandmother had a speakeasy. The story felt a bit easy to predict, but overall, it was a good story.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
February 1, 2025
I really enjoyed the uniqueness of this time-travel story! It kept my interest throughout and I was anxious to find out what happened next. The house and door, with mentions of Gatsby, were right up my alley. While I liked the ending, I was hoping for a different outcome or less of an open-to-interpretation finish.
The audio narration was quite stilted in the reading, which wasn’t ideal, but a worthwhile listen nonetheless.
Thank you for Libro.fm for an ALC!
The audio narration was quite stilted in the reading, which wasn’t ideal, but a worthwhile listen nonetheless.
Thank you for Libro.fm for an ALC!
October 16, 2024
‘The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds’ was a really sweet, enjoyable read. It’s about a woman named Josephine who, after losing her husband, moves into her great-grandmother’s historic home. She discovers a hidden speakeasy in the basement, and before long, finds herself transported back to 1927.
It’s a quick, fun read—light and entertaining!
Thanks to NetGalley for the early reviewer copy.
It’s a quick, fun read—light and entertaining!
Thanks to NetGalley for the early reviewer copy.
January 9, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins Focus, and Harper Muse for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review
Josephine Reynolds is 35 and deep in the depths of grief after losing her husband. It has been six months since she became a widow, and is struggling as much as day one. Her family is trying to support her and help her heal but Josephine only wishes she could disappear. When her sister send her the listing of their great-grandmothers home being in foreclosure it presents the perfect way for her to focus her energy and get her life back. She sells the house she had with her husband and moves to her new home with the intention to restore it to its former glory.
First on her list is replacing the front door, and she is lucky and finds the original door at a salvage yard. When she first steps through it she finds herself transported to 1927, where her great-grandmother Alma runs a speakeasy out of her basement. When she returns back to her time she realizes the timeline has been changed and it turns out Alma now dies in a raid only days after Josephine visited. Now Josephine must go back and find a way to save Alma and set things back on their rightful path.
I love a magical realism, magical object, time travel book. The fact that the other timeline is prohibition era 1920's was everything I could want. The author delivered on so many aspects, the jazzy atmosphere, dynamic characters, a well paced plot, and an intriguing premise. Where this book did not deliver for me was the unnecessary romantic side plot, and how much of a part in plays. The author did not flash it out enough for it to really fit and not feel like an afterthought.
Josephine Reynolds is 35 and deep in the depths of grief after losing her husband. It has been six months since she became a widow, and is struggling as much as day one. Her family is trying to support her and help her heal but Josephine only wishes she could disappear. When her sister send her the listing of their great-grandmothers home being in foreclosure it presents the perfect way for her to focus her energy and get her life back. She sells the house she had with her husband and moves to her new home with the intention to restore it to its former glory.
First on her list is replacing the front door, and she is lucky and finds the original door at a salvage yard. When she first steps through it she finds herself transported to 1927, where her great-grandmother Alma runs a speakeasy out of her basement. When she returns back to her time she realizes the timeline has been changed and it turns out Alma now dies in a raid only days after Josephine visited. Now Josephine must go back and find a way to save Alma and set things back on their rightful path.
I love a magical realism, magical object, time travel book. The fact that the other timeline is prohibition era 1920's was everything I could want. The author delivered on so many aspects, the jazzy atmosphere, dynamic characters, a well paced plot, and an intriguing premise. Where this book did not deliver for me was the unnecessary romantic side plot, and how much of a part in plays. The author did not flash it out enough for it to really fit and not feel like an afterthought.
August 2, 2024
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
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
November 25, 2024
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
January 28, 2025
Review of The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds by Jennifer Moorman🎧
Hello, lovely readers! 🌟 I’m excited to share my thoughts on The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds by the talented Jennifer Moorman, which I had the pleasure of experiencing as an early access audiobook. A huge thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse, and, of course, the author herself! 🙏
This was my first audiobook narrated by the incredible Kathleen McInerney, and let me tell you—she did not disappoint! Her voice brought the characters to life in a way that made me feel like I was living the story alongside them. 🎤✨
From the first chapter, I was drawn into Josephine’s deeply moving journey. After the sudden loss of her husband, Nathan, she finds herself lost in grief, even wishing she’d never been born. 💔 But when her concerned sister encourages her to purchase their ancestral Craftsman bungalow—one that’s in dire need of love—things start to change.
The magic truly begins when Josephine discovers the home's original door in a salvage yard. Once she installs it and steps through, she’s transported back to 1927! Here, she meets her adventurous great-grandmother Alma, who’s living life to the fullest as she runs an illegal speakeasy in the bungalow's basement. 🍸🎷 The vibrant Jazz Age setting is simply enchanting, and I loved the bond that forms between Josephine and Alma.
However, the stakes quickly rise when Josephine realizes that changing the course of history may also mean saving her own existence. The tension is palpable as she races against time to rewrite the past! ⏳🔥
Now, why did I give this novel a solid 4 stars? ⭐️ While I adored the overall story and its depth, the ending left me wanting a little more. I craved a deeper exploration of what lies ahead for Josephine, especially since my emotions were so intertwined with her journey. I laughed, I cried, and I genuinely wanted to see what happens next.
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, I highly recommend diving into The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds—it’s a beautifully crafted blend of history, emotion, and magical realism. 📚💕
Thanks for reading, and happy listening! 🎉
Hello, lovely readers! 🌟 I’m excited to share my thoughts on The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds by the talented Jennifer Moorman, which I had the pleasure of experiencing as an early access audiobook. A huge thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse, and, of course, the author herself! 🙏
This was my first audiobook narrated by the incredible Kathleen McInerney, and let me tell you—she did not disappoint! Her voice brought the characters to life in a way that made me feel like I was living the story alongside them. 🎤✨
From the first chapter, I was drawn into Josephine’s deeply moving journey. After the sudden loss of her husband, Nathan, she finds herself lost in grief, even wishing she’d never been born. 💔 But when her concerned sister encourages her to purchase their ancestral Craftsman bungalow—one that’s in dire need of love—things start to change.
The magic truly begins when Josephine discovers the home's original door in a salvage yard. Once she installs it and steps through, she’s transported back to 1927! Here, she meets her adventurous great-grandmother Alma, who’s living life to the fullest as she runs an illegal speakeasy in the bungalow's basement. 🍸🎷 The vibrant Jazz Age setting is simply enchanting, and I loved the bond that forms between Josephine and Alma.
However, the stakes quickly rise when Josephine realizes that changing the course of history may also mean saving her own existence. The tension is palpable as she races against time to rewrite the past! ⏳🔥
Now, why did I give this novel a solid 4 stars? ⭐️ While I adored the overall story and its depth, the ending left me wanting a little more. I craved a deeper exploration of what lies ahead for Josephine, especially since my emotions were so intertwined with her journey. I laughed, I cried, and I genuinely wanted to see what happens next.
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, I highly recommend diving into The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds—it’s a beautifully crafted blend of history, emotion, and magical realism. 📚💕
Thanks for reading, and happy listening! 🎉
March 16, 2025
Josephine is grieving the loss of her husband, Nathan. With her life spiraling, she decides to make a wish that she had never been born. The world rumbles but nothing seems out of place. Her sister finds out that their great grandmother's house is for sale and convinces Josephine that this is exactly what she needs to move on from the loss of Nathan almost a year ago.
Well, after Josephine buys the house and purchases a new front door, she finds herself walking through it to the past and meeting her great grandmother, Alma in 1927. Of course, only to find out that Alma's life is the only thing saving Josephine from losing hers.
This book is a WHOLE whirlwind of emotions. Completely hooked from page 1 and stayed up until almost 2am to finish reading it. I GENUINELY have ZERO complaints about this book. The execution was perfect, detail oriented, and a story about passion, love and family with holy sh*t twists. Predictable? Yes, but in the best way possible.
I stumbled across this book at my local library and boy oh boy am I glad I read it. This was just *chefs kiss*
Well, after Josephine buys the house and purchases a new front door, she finds herself walking through it to the past and meeting her great grandmother, Alma in 1927. Of course, only to find out that Alma's life is the only thing saving Josephine from losing hers.
This book is a WHOLE whirlwind of emotions. Completely hooked from page 1 and stayed up until almost 2am to finish reading it. I GENUINELY have ZERO complaints about this book. The execution was perfect, detail oriented, and a story about passion, love and family with holy sh*t twists. Predictable? Yes, but in the best way possible.
I stumbled across this book at my local library and boy oh boy am I glad I read it. This was just *chefs kiss*
December 2, 2024
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!
Thank you @jenniferrmoorman for sharing Josephine as a Traveling ARC with Beyond the Pages. This book has made it to a few states but she still has many miles left in her. The accompanying journal is gorgeous and so much fun to read the thoughts of my friends 💚🧡
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 @jenniferrmoorman for sharing Josephine as a Traveling ARC with Beyond the Pages. This book has made it to a few states but she still has many miles left in her. The accompanying journal is gorgeous and so much fun to read the thoughts of my friends 💚🧡
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 💚🧡
November 17, 2025
More Like 3.5 ✨
November 2, 2025
ARC kindly sent by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
One day Josephine Reynolds discovers she can travel back in time: this is the perfect opportunity to meet her great-grandmother, Alma. But not all that glitters is gold. There are some threats Josephine and Alma have to face. While the premise sounded really interesting to me, I didn’t feel any strong connection to the characters or the story. The pacing feels weird, it’s very slow, but at times it feels like things are happening too quickly (for example, the development of the romance). The writing is very descriptive, sometimes to its detriment. In addition, some of the magical realism elements don’t make any sense and are never properly explained. Wouldn’t recommend.
One day Josephine Reynolds discovers she can travel back in time: this is the perfect opportunity to meet her great-grandmother, Alma. But not all that glitters is gold. There are some threats Josephine and Alma have to face. While the premise sounded really interesting to me, I didn’t feel any strong connection to the characters or the story. The pacing feels weird, it’s very slow, but at times it feels like things are happening too quickly (for example, the development of the romance). The writing is very descriptive, sometimes to its detriment. In addition, some of the magical realism elements don’t make any sense and are never properly explained. Wouldn’t recommend.
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