The Book of Unwritten Stories

by Helen Phifer

‘This book could change your life for the better, my sweet daughter. If only you can find the courage to finish our family’s story…’

1680, Salem. Surrounded by lush herbs and colorful flowers, a young woman promises to keep her four-year-old daughter, Isadora, safe. Isadora’s father was an honorable man—but he was also truly dangerous. The book he left them must stay hidden until the time is right.

Present day. In the vintage emporium where she works, Morana shifts nervously as she traces the engraving of her name inside an old leather book. The pages are filled with delicate writing, but the ink stops half-way across the page. And now she sees why. ‘Only you will be able to finish these words and uncover my secrets, daughter.’ Orphaned as a child, Morana stifles a sob; could this be written by her mother?

But as Morana reads on, a dark shadow awakens. Someone has been waiting for Morana to open the book for generations.

Morana will soon learn that the family she has been separated from are full of whimsy and wonder, but they have been running from the truth for a very long time. And the secrets she uncovers could do more damage than she could ever imagine…

A spell-binding and utterly absorbing novel, perfect for fans of Weyward, The Lost Apothecary and Practical Magic.

What readers are saying about Helen

‘Spell-binding, heart-stopping… Unputdownable… Oh my I loved reading [it]… I just loved this book, it has everything… Enchanting… Just too good to ever put down.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Absolutely wonderful… I read [it] in two days… I couldn’t put it down… I was desperate to know how it was all going to end!… It had everything… a brilliant 5 star read.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Oh my, what an enchanting read… Captivating.’ The Chic Bookish Girl, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow. This book. Just wow… An amazing read… Magical. It took me on a journey, and I never wanted it to end. I definitely gave this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I absolutely loved this book!!!.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Breathtaking… Gives all the feels, is literally unputdownable. A cover to cover, in one sitting read… Had me in suspense from start till the very last page. A fantastic 5 stars read.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Oh wow… Fantastic… I just couldn’t put it down.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved it. It is an absolutely stunning read.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I didn’t want this story to end, I wanted to stay inside this world for as long as I could!!!’ Goodreads reviewer, &#

Genres: Audiobook

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2026

Reviews

[Julie MacKay · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a little while to get into it, but in the end, I did enjoy this book. It was about witches who aim to use their powers for good, so the theme of good versus evil is a big part of this book. There is a powerful book of spells that end up in a young woman’s hands – Morana receives the book and her name is written it but she has no idea why. The spells are incomplete and Morana can complete them with some interesting results and this is where the problems start. Read the book to find out what happens next.

I hadn’t read the first book of the series, so I don’t know if that hindered me at all, but I don’t think so. I did feel a bit confused at the beginning with the dual timelines – not sure which one we were in at times, especially since some of the characters were in both eras. Perhaps as it was an audiobook, I missed when it said the year or ‘present day’ at the beginning of the chapter. However, as I got further into the book, I was better able to identify which timeline we were in.

The plot and characters were well developed with each character having a distinct personality. The individual personalities really shone through the audiobook narration, which I have to say was outstanding. Excellent different voices and accents for each character and brilliant expression and intonation in the dialogue. I highly recommend the audiobook.

Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for sharing an advance reader copy of this book with me. All opinions are my own.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pure Magic! Helen Phifer has another spellbinding tale of magic, sisters, secrets, family, relationships, and an old book. The Book of Unwritten Stories is the captivating second book in her Salem Sisters series. While this book can be read as a stand-along novel, I highly recommend reading the first book in the series, The Vanishing Bookstore as it is a magical tale as it introduces you to some of the characters and the charm of Salem! As with the first book in the series, The Book of Unwritten Stories is told in two timelines. Both timelines are captivating, magical, and gripping.


Salem - 1680 A mother vows to keep her young daughter, Isadora, safe as she raises her alone. The child's father left town, leaving them with a mysterious book which must stay hidden until the time is right.


Present Day Morana is presented with an old book which has her name written on the inside cover. Inside the book are spells and stories. The book seems to have power all of its own....


Usually when there are two timelines in a book, I enjoy one timeline more than the other, but I have to say both timelines in this book were riveting, compelling, and cast their spell on me.. I also enjoyed the secrets, magic, mystery, and the tension in this book. This book had a nice blend of darkness and light in terms of magic. I was spell bounded by the plot, the characters, and the mystery surrounding the book. I also thought the author did a great job depicting Salem both in the past and present.

Wonderfully written, well thought out, and a wonderful witchy book to read this fall season! I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was there any doubt that I wouldn't love this one?!
After loving book 1 in the Salem Sisters series by this author, I couldn't wait to see how Dora was getting on!
This took a few chapters to get back in to the world but omg, when you get in, it is so addictive.
I also highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Stephanie Cannon, she performed it superbly!

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book....


ohhh man this book continues from the previous book..... lenny sephy and dora are now settled in salem recovering from their last fight

dora is loving life in salem but is a beginner witch mind a powerful witch but she doesnt understand the rules....

morana is lonely.... she has no family and only a few friends.... whilst at work a woman literally throws a book into her hands saying its for her...morana is puzzled but takes the book home not knowing its a very powerful book of dark magic

its a book of unfinished magic and all morana has to do is finish each of the spells off...

ohhh man this book is dark and amazing and has you on the edge of your seat ... we get some answers but it was great being back in their world again with all the spells and magic flying around....

i cant wait for the next book by this author

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story about a family of witches who will do anything for each other.
Following on from the previous book, Dora is still finding her feet as a witch but her Aunts are encouraging her to explore her powers.
We also meet Morana who is given a book and doesn’t understand why. She’s drawn to the book but soon regrets opening the cover when darkness seems to envelop her.
Dora and her Aunt’s are made aware of Morana when Hades (their crow) takes them to her and they realise she really needs their help.
This is a great read.
Thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

✅ My thoughts:
The Book of Unwritten Stories is the second book in the Salem Sisters Series. The previous book in the series is The Vanishing Bookstore which I have read. Yes, I do recommend reading the first book in the series.
The story is told in duel-timeline of 1680 to present day Salem. The authors writing draws you into the story right from the start.
🖤Family Secrets
🩶Witches
🤎Magic
🧡Cozy fantasy
Overall, a beautiful mystical story to start the spooky season with. But, do read the first book in the series. It will help you enjoy this story so much more.

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd been waiting for this one with real excitement since finishing the first book in the series, which I adored so much, I read it twice! It's a very different kind of read from what I'd normally pick up, but I've become completely absorbed in Isadora's story and the family surrounding her.

Now that Dora knows her own history and can recall pieces of her past, this instalment opens with her permanent move from London to Salem, where she's rediscovering her roots while grieving the mother she'd only just found before losing her again. There's comfort in knowing her mother will return one day, whether in this lifetime or another, though even Dora hasn't worked out quite what that means yet.

The narrative moves between 1680 and the present day, gradually revealing the identity of Dora's father and the legacy tied to him. In the present, Morana discovers an old leather-bound book with her name etched inside, filled with unfinished spells; without the experience to wield it safely, she inadvertently stirs up dark magic and draws the attention of other witches in the town, not all of them with good intentions.

Hades, the best crow ever, has a bigger part to play this time round, and he is absolutely one of my favourite characters; his fierce protectiveness over Dora combined with his sharp wit, brings some much-needed lightness in the dark moments.

I loved watching Morana grow across the story and can't wait to see where her arc goes next. Getting to know the English sisters better has been a real joy too; they're funny, warm and undeniably magical, each with a fascinating history of their own. I won't pretend I haven't been looking up Salem on a map since finishing it, hoping to plan a visit at some point so I can immerse myself in this stunning setting.

An outstanding read from start to finish, and I'd recommend picking up the first book in the series beforehand, as the two flow into each other seamlessly.

5 I'd been waiting for this one with real anticipation since finishing the first book in the series, which I absolutely adored. It's a very different kind of read from what I'd normally pick up, but I've become completely absorbed in Isadora's story and the family surrounding her.

Now that Dora knows her own history and can recall pieces of her past, this instalment opens with her permanent move from London to Salem, where she's rediscovering her roots while grieving the mother she'd only just found before losing her again. There's comfort in knowing her mother will return one day, whether in this lifetime or another, though even Dora hasn't worked out quite what that means yet.

The narrative moves between 1680 and the present day, gradually revealing the identity of Dora's father and the legacy tied to him. In the present, Morana discovers an old leather-bound book with her name etched inside, filled with unfinished spells; without the experience to wield it safely, she inadvertently stirs up dark magic and draws the attention of other witches.

Hades has a bigger part to play this time round, and he remains one of my favourite characters; his fierce protectiveness over Dora and the wider family, paired with his sharp wit, brings some much-needed lightness to an otherwise dark tale.

I loved watching Morana grow across the story and can't wait to see where her arc goes next. Getting to know the wider family better has been a real joy too; they're funny, warm and undeniably magical, each with a fascinating history of their own. I won't pretend I haven't been looking up Salem on a map since finishing it, hoping to be able to plan a visit and immerse myself in this stunning setting.

An outstanding read from start to finish, and I'd recommend picking up the first book in the series beforehand, as the two flow into each other seamlessly.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Helen Phifer and Bookouture, for an ARC of this book.

[Lisa Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This warm-hearted story of strong, positive relationships among powerful women is the second installment in a series of novels about a family of bloodline witches fated to reincarnate over centuries, with their talking crow Hades, after being hanged in late seventeenth-century Salem. The novel skillfully weaves together three interconnected storylines. First we have Morana, whose life takes a dark turn after a stranger gives her an ancient spellbook bearing her name. Then, there’s Dora, who is piecing together bits and pieces of her past lives with the help of her aunts, Lennie and Sephy. Finally, Lucine and John’s dangerous love in 1676 Salem set the scene. As each storyline unfolds, we learn about the fateful past that led up to the present moment as families are reunited across centuries.

The story kept me engaged and interested, and I finished the audiobook quickly. I hadn’t read the first book, The Vanishing Bookstore, but Phifer provides enough details not to lose me and even to pique my curiosity about what happened in the series opener. While the plot takes a couple of really dark turns, the overall tone of the book is sweet because of the deep love between Lennie, Sephy, and Lucine English and for Dora, Lucine’s daughter. The climax of the novel was surprisingly anti-climactic because the focus was less on the events, at that point, and more on the relationship that was developing between Morana and Dora. There were also a few minor loose ends, such as why Dora feels unsettled around her centuries-old soulmate Ambrose, or who was the frantic woman who gave Morana the book and where did she get it. But these unanswered questions did not prevent full closure at the end of the novel. Additionally, since this is a series, I could see these details being picked up in the next installment. The main takeaway from The Book of Unwritten Stories is that women can be bonded together in love, friendship, and sisterhood, supporting and empowering each other, which certainly puts this novel in the “feel good” category.

Stephanie Cannon’s narration, however, was awful. The women’s voices were either cloyingly sweet and high pitched or nasally and jaded. The men’s voices were even worse. It was like someone using a buffoonish man voice, but rather than being comical it was serious. The sickeningly sweet portrayal of Dora and Sephy English made their characters a bit less likeable to me. But what was really baffling, and I would say egregious, was her decision to voice Lennie and Dora with American accents even though they were from London. I’m not sure I would have even noticed it except there’s a moment in the book when Dora and Morana first meet and Morana says something about Dora being English. Dora is startled that Morana knows her last name, but Morana tells her that she’s referring to the accent. So, we know that Phifer wrote Dora to have a British accent and for some reason, Cannon does not honor that. What makes it odder is that she gives the London characters accents in the chapter when Dora and Lennie return to England. They weren’t good, so maybe she knew she couldn’t sustain it for a whole novel? I don’t know, but I certainly won’t be listening to the rest of this series.

Overall, The Book of Unwritten Stories has an engaging plot that kept me interested. It was nice light fiction that I would choose when I wanted to read something relaxing rather than taxing or mentally challenging. The downside of the audiobook has nothing to do with Helen Phifer, but Stephanie Cannon made the book sound a lot fluffier than she needed to.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for providing me with an advance listener copy of this audiobook in exchange for my review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magical family story written across lifetimes
Having thoroughly enjoyed the first Salem Sisters book, I was delighted to return to Dora and the remarkable family surrounding her in The Book of Unwritten Stories.

One of the things I loved most about the first book was its premise: these women have been born again and again, finding one another across different lives. It left me with so many questions. Where did their story begin? Why are they repeatedly reborn? Is history destined to keep pursuing them, even when they believe a particular danger has finally been defeated?

This sequel begins to provide some of those answers while opening the door to several more.
Dora returns with a much stronger understanding of who she is. Having found her feet in the first book, she is now beginning to recover more memories from her previous lives and recognise the scale of the history she shares with her family. I loved seeing that growth in her without losing the vulnerability and uncertainty that made her so easy to care about originally.

The three women surrounding Dora remain wonderfully individual, each bringing her own personality to their home. I hesitate to call them merely a coven because what connects them feels much deeper than shared magic. This is a family forged and reforged across centuries, held together by love, memory and the instinct to find one another again.

Alongside Dora’s story, we meet Morana, an orphaned young woman who discovers an old leather book engraved with her own name. As she begins to read and use it, the book seems to take on a dangerous momentum of its own. Her storyline introduces a darker kind of magic and another mystery concerning the family’s history.

There is a great deal happening here. The novel moves between historical Salem and the present day, while the modern narrative itself follows both Dora’s family and Morana. Occasionally, I needed to pause and remind myself which thread I was following. However, each strand adds another piece to the larger story, and I appreciated finally learning more about Dora’s mother, Dora’s childhood and how this extraordinary cycle began.

The contrast between historical and modern Salem is particularly effective. In the past, even the smallest suggestion of something unusual could place a woman in terrible danger. In the present, Salem’s supernatural history has become a source of tourism, photographs, souvenirs and enthusiastically marketed witchy tat. The distance between those realities is enormous, and the book captures both the tragedy and the strange irony of that transformation.

My only real reservation concerns the aftermath of Morana’s encounter with dark magic. Something extremely serious occurs, but the immediate fallout feels slightly too quickly passed over. Although the consequences have not disappeared entirely, I would have liked more time to explore their emotional weight.

The ending expands the family in a way that promises plenty for future books without abandoning the central relationships already established. Morana feels far too important to vanish after one story, and I am eager to see how she finds her place among these women.

Magical, mysterious and deeply rooted in family, The Book of Unwritten Stories does more than continue the Salem Sisters series. It reaches backwards to illuminate its beginnings while quietly rewriting everything we thought we knew about where this family ends.

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a digital copy as part of the Books on Tour book tour.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book rating: 3.25⭐️
Genre: cozy fantasy
Themes: good vs evil, family, witches, magical spell books, reincarnation
📖 Read if you like: Practical Magic, The Lost Apothecary

My first witchy read triggered excitement for spooky season! This novel was charming with a whimsical and wild sisterhood you will want to be part of, a dual timeline narrative that contrasts puritan beliefs with a modern obsession for all things witchy and a merging of light and darkness. Despite some tragic events, it felt like a low stakes cozy historical fantasy that channeled a Hallmark movie.

The English women had lived endless lifetimes as born again witches. While it may take time for the memories to resurface, the three sisters and one daughter will always find their way back together again along with their crow familiar and fate loves.

After vanquishing their age old foe, these powerful witches who do good are alerted to new dark magic in Salem, but it comes from an unexpected source. Morana is suffering in her loneliness when a crazy woman demands that she buys a book that apparently belongs to her according to the book. It is an ancient text of spell work that she samples with success, but also with deadly consequences. As the shadows grow and Morana becomes enamoured with the allure of power, the balance of all things will be called into question.

I have not read the first book, so there were some connections and previous events that I needed to catch up on including the magical library in the woods that the trees revealed. Still, it was easy to follow along and read as a standalone though I am of course curious about the first. The plot may have been a little predictable, but it was still magical to read and well developed with an enchanting connection and good characters. I will say I think I would have liked it a lot more had I read the first book given the quality of writing and complex characters.

Thank you to Bookouture for an eARC and ALC. Reading for myself made the different timelines easier to follow given that the same characters appeared in both, but the audiobook narration by Stephanie Cannon really landed the story in both settings. She gave distinct voices to all the characters and accounted for the historical setting with appropriate accents. She maintained her pace and built tension well as the plot progressed and new mysteries revealed themselves.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book of Unwritten Stories is a spellbinding, atmospheric tale that slips beautifully between past and present, weaving family secrets, inherited magic, and the ache of unfinished stories into something deeply captivating. From the opening pages in 1680 Salem, the novel establishes a sense of quiet danger — a young mother protecting her daughter, Isadora, from a man who was both honorable and truly dangerous, and a book that must remain hidden until the right hands open it.

Centuries later, Morana’s discovery of that same leather‑bound book is a moment filled with tenderness and unease. Working in a vintage emporium, she traces her own name engraved inside and finds delicate handwriting that stops mid‑sentence — a message waiting for her to finish. The possibility that these words belong to her mother, lost to her since childhood, gives the story a lovely emotional pull. But the author quickly threads in a darker note: someone has been waiting for Morana to open the book for generations.

The dual timeline is handled with elegance, allowing the Salem storyline to echo through Morana’s present‑day life. As she reads, the shadows around her begin to stir, and the sense of being watched — or expected — grows beautifully tense. The family she uncovers is whimsical, magical, and full of wonder, yet burdened by truths they’ve spent lifetimes running from. The contrast between enchantment and danger gives the novel its heartbeat.

The writing is lush and immersive, full of sensory detail and quiet emotion. The themes of inheritance, courage, and the stories we carry — written or unwritten — are woven with a gentle, lyrical touch. Morana’s journey feels both intimate and mythic, a search not just for her family’s secrets but for her own place within them.

Enchanting, haunting, and full of imagination, The Book of Unwritten Stories is a gorgeous read for fans of Weyward, The Lost Apothecary, and Practical Magic — a novel about the power of unfinished words and the courage it takes to finally write your own.

With thanks to Helen Phifer, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was instantly drawn to this book by this gorgeous front cover image and the promise of something a little magical.

What I hadn't realised was this is actually the second book in the Salem Witches series - and yet only the first I've read.

 

This meant that it did take me a little while to really feel like I'd got into the storyline.

There were some references to the previous storyline and I think had I read book 1, I'd have understood the sisters' lives a little better than I did here.

This is totally my own fault and I do intend to rectify this and re-read once I've caught up with the series.

So, definitely recommend these be read in order.

 

Having said that, once I get into this, I was enthralled by the story of the book of spells and it's history.

Morena was a really intriguing character and I loved the way that she had no clue about her history and that the sisters came to the rescue and helped her to navigate the changes and the remembering.

 

I was a little confused by the changes in timeline and how each story thread linked together, but eventually the two came together nicely, aiding the discoveries that were being made in the present day.

 

I honestly don't think I'd have been confused by the timelines had I not been trying to focus harder on the characters and what was happening - which again, my fault for skipping book 1!

 

So, ignoring the issues I created for myself, I thought this was really well written and plotted.

The characters had great backstories and I'm really intrigued to find out more about them in book 1.

I loved the magical elements that were dotted throughout the story and I really want to learn more about the other witches in the town.

 

I adored Hades, their familiar, and his part in the story. I really hope that this will be further expanded on in the next book, which I'm pretty sure is on the cards.

I have too many questions going forward for this to be the end.

In the meantime, I'm off to find book 1 and prepare myself in advance.

 

A little confusing, but still a great read that I want to know more about.

 

 

[Teresa Nikolic · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1680 in Salem and a young woman is desperate to keep her four year old daughter safe, her father was a good man but, before he disappeared he left a book that, if it fell into the wrong hands could prove very dangerous. In present day Salem, Morana Williams works in Nocturne, a beautiful vintage emporium that sells all sorts of handcrafted items. After being handed a book by a strange woman who insisted it belongs to Morana she takes it home and reluctantly opens it to discover a message and her name written inside by Lucine English. She realises it's a grimoire, a book of spells and opening the book has awakened a dark shadow and trouble lies ahead for this young woman but, with truths being uncovered, can she get the much needed help from the family she didn't even know she had, before it's too late?

The Book of Unwritten Stories is book 2 in this series and, after reading The Vanishing Bookstore at the end of 2024, I was really hoping there would be a sequel as there was so much more to be told of magical Salem and the English sisters, I'm so pleased the author decided to do it. This one starts where the first book finished with Dora being encouraged to practise more magic by her aunts, Sephy and Lenny and they are happy to welcome her back from London to Salem after she decides to settle and get closer to Ambrose. Once again this story is told across two timelines; 1680 where we meet John Hadden, who was besotted by Lucine, and the present day where it's lovely to see the sisters and Dora once more and continue with their story. This book has everything the first book had and more, the intrigue, the magic, the atmosphere of beautiful Salem and some amazing new characters too, I also loved the twist with a certain crow! Once again I highly recommend this series, which are better read in order and, as I stated in my review of book one that I hoped for a sequel, I really hope that there will be a book three on the horizon because I've not got my fill of Salem and the English family just yet!

I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads and Amazon.

[janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

*BOOKS ON TOUR REVIEW*

As always, the biggest thanks to Bookouture for inviting me to be part of the Books on Tour for the second book the Salem Sisters series.

Firstly, if you haven't read the first book in the series 'The Vanishing Bookstore' ... please do, not only because it's such a magnificent book, but so much of this story will make more sense if you have read the previous book.

This is the series that got me into the 'witchy' genre, it had never piqued my interest before, but as a HUGE Helen Phifer fan, I knew I had to give it a go and I am so incredibly happy that I did.

I absolutely devoured book #1 so wasn't sure if the 2nd book would compete.... those worries dissipated very quickly!

In book #2, it still has the most amazing dual timeline of the present day and 1680, but it's more based on the 'modern day' sisters, with less reference to the past lives we had in book #1. Dora has moved to Salem to be with her aunts and the delectable Ambrose, learning to live a life that includes many past lives.

Also in Salem is young Morana, a lonely girl working in one of Salems many tourist gift shops, when one day a woman appears with a book and insists Morana takes it, as her name is inscribed inside.

Taking the book home, followed by a strange crow, Morana explores the book but soon realises all it brings is pain and suffering *no spoilers*

Her aunts want Dora to help Morana but helping someone who doesn't know how to accept help will be a struggle.

I adored how prominent Hades was throughout this tale. He is such a beautiful character to have within the series and I'll admit at one point *no spoilers* I was really worried for him. Just like in the authors Morgan Brookes series, the crow is a really important character in their own right!

This was the absolute epitome of spellbinding. I was utterly transfixed from beginning to end, and I so badly didn’t want it to end.

Book #3 cannot come soon enough!

The biggest thanks to Bookouture & Netgalley for the ARC.

[Cindieslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

🧹 Salem witches, dual timelines, and a dangerous stolen grimoire...

​I just finished this enchanting cozy fantasy, and it is a magnificent 5-star read! If you love magical bookstores, sisterhood, dual-timeline mysteries, and atmospheric witchy vibes, add this to your TBR immediately! 🔮📖

​The Setup: Leaving her old life in London behind, Dora moves to modern-day Salem to embrace her witchy heritage alongside her sisters. Their peaceful new beginning weaves together with a secondary timeline set in the 1600s, where an ancestor’s forbidden historical romance led to a heart-wrenching tragedy that echoes through generations. 🕯️📜

​The Plot: The family's idyllic life is upended when a malevolent darkness descends upon Salem. The source? An uncloaked magical bookstore and the theft of a dangerous grimoire brimming with dark magic. The stolen tome falls into the hands of Morana, an inexperienced woman whose growing power corrupts her thoughts, causing chaotic, real-world consequences with every spell she recklessly casts. 📚

​The Catch: As the dark magic spirals out of control, Morana must align with Dora's family to face a far greater threat: a vengeful, secret enemy lurking in the shadows. It all builds to a high-stakes, magical showdown where past heartbreak and present power collide to save the town. 🌙🗡️
​An utterly spellbinding, magic-filled 5-star adventure! Absolutely loved every page! ✨🧹

​⭐ Rating: 5/5 stars
​📌 Tropes: Cozy Fantasy, Dual Timelines, Witchy Sisters, Stolen Grimoire, Forbidden Romance, Salem Vibes, Dark Magic Unravelling

My full review on this book can be found here; https://cindieslibrary.com/the-book-o...

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the first book and could not wait to get my hands on this one!! Firstly can we just appreciate the cover, it’s just beautiful and is perfect next to the first book.

I was fully immersed from the first page and loved that it picks up where the previous book ended. The author gives just enough back story to jog your memory of what happened before and soon you are off on another whirlwind adventure.

What a really admire is the attention to detail. All the little extras that make this book come to life in front of you. From the descriptions of characters and their homes, to things they experience and find along the way.

There’s certainly a lot going on and the tension builds throughout, making it incredibly hard to put this book down. The characters are all so real and relatable, and just so interesting and incredibly likeable (well most of them!!) I don’t think you can read this book and not want to visit Salem.

The dual timeline is a perfect way to mix the present and past stories and show us just what happened before and why everyone is where they are now. The author moves seamlessly between the two, keeping you fully invested in everyone’s stories.

Helen has such a way of drawing you in and not letting you go. I love the world she has created here and really hope we get to go back to Salem with the English sisters again. You can tell the author is passionate about this genre and has fully researched everything.

It’s an absolute mystical, witchy, must read!

[Sharon Greenwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to dive back into this world, and it was great how the story jumped straight back into the action where we left off. However, because it hits the ground running, I would highly recommend reading the first book, The Vanishing Bookstore, before starting this one so you aren't lost.

The first half turned out to be a bit of a slow burn because of all the dual-timeline scene-setting, shifting between 1680 Salem and the present day to weave the backstory together. It is not as dark or intense as the first book, leaning a bit more into the lighter, magical atmosphere. If you are used to the author's usual gritty crime thrillers, this is a major shift into cozy supernatural fiction, more in the vein of Practical Magic or Weyward.

I did find myself wading through a fair amount of repetition regarding the characters' pasts, along with some unnecessary details and over-explanation about the magical lore that slowed the momentum early on. Fortunately, the pace really picks up in the second half, and the plot truly takes off.

While not all the characters are instantly likeable, a few of them grow on you by the end. Overall, this was an enjoyable read that kept me entertained, and I genuinely liked it.

5 Excellent read - Loved it.
4 Enjoyable read - Liked It.
3 Average read - Mediocre.
2 Below average read - Mundane.
1 Regrettable read - nearly a DNF

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

1680. Salem. Surrounded by lush herbs and colourful flowers, a young woman promises to keep her four-year-old daughter, Isadora, safe. Isadora's was an honourable man - but he was also truly dangerous. The book he left them must stay hidden until the time is right.

Present day. In the vintage emporium where she works, Morana shifts nervously as she traces the engraving inside an old leather book. The pages are filled with delicate writing, but the ink stops halfway across the page. And now she sees why. "Only you will be able to finish these words and uncover my secrets, daughter." Orphaned as a child, Morana stifles a sob, could this be written by her mother?

This story has a dual timeline that's told in the past and present day format. We get magic that's been inherited, family secrets and Salem witches. In the first half of the book the pace is on the slow side, but it picks up in the second half. There is quite a lot of repetition. There's a mixed bunch of likeable and unlikable characters.

Published 10th September 2026

I wouls like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #HelenPhifer for my ARC of #TheBookOfUnwrittenStories in exchange fo an honest review.

[Danielle Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a direct sequel to The Vanishing Bookstore. I think you could read this one just fine without reading the first book, as Helen Phifer does a great job of revealing what happened throughout book 2, but you might be confused here and there.

We alternate timelines, the past is kind of slowly revealing how the problem in the current timeline came to be, and while at times it was interesting, it was a slow build to the reveal, and I found myself a bit bored with it.
Currently, Dora is settling into Salem and her new family relationships. We meet a new character, Morena, who ends up with a book of dark magic that only she can use, and it causes some horrible things to happen when she uses it. Dora, her aunts, and Morena end up having to work together to stop someone who wants the book for their own gain. I enjoyed the new dynamics with Dora and her aunts and watching as she starts to really come into her own after finding out about her family and her magic.

This is full of found family, secrets, emotional moments, magic, and mystery. Along with a wonderful crow named Hades that I loved in the first book, but now I absolutely adore him!

[Caz Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and author for giving me a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

As I recieved this as an ARC I hadnt read the first in the series, it gives straight in so I feel I would have truly benefited from reading the first one so I recommend picking up the first one before starting this one.

Dual timeline from the 1600 Salem witch trials & 2026. I did find the storyline slow to build, and did get a little lost with the dual timeline but thats not to say it wasnt a fantastic book. Three witches bought together lifetime after lifetime are looking after their town when a black magic book is discovered which causes some sinister stuff to immediately start happening. I loved the majority of the characters from the very beginning and one even grew on me towards the end!

I have read this authors work before but her thrillers so I went in thinking this was a thriller boy was I wrong and for that I thank you because it meant I tried a genre I wouldnt usually give a go.

4/5 star read for me and I will go back and read the first one!

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book of Unwritten Stories by Helen Phifer picks up right where the first book left off. I really enjoyed the dual timeline, especially since I felt like this storyline really benefited from it. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I will try my best not to go into too much detail.

I enjoyed seeing the characters and their stories develop as more of the mystery surrounding the family began to unfold. I especially liked discovering that there was a new addition to the family, as well as learning about someone who had been there all along, quietly looking out for them.

At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about Morana, but as her story developed, I found myself liking and understanding her a little more. I did feel bad for her friend after everything that happened, though.

The book kept me interested in seeing how everything would come together. Overall, I really enjoyed the continuation of the English sisters story, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes next.

A huge thank you to Helen Phifer, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the awesome ARC!

[Ashley Doughty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read (listen to) this book.

Here is my honest review:
I thought the summary for this book sounded incredibly intriguing, especially the back-and-forth between different years, along with the elements of witchcraft and long-held secrets. Unfortunately, the audiobook didn’t quite live up to the excitement I had going into it.
The narrator’s delivery felt very monotonous to me, which made the story feel less exciting and left me feeling less emotionally engaged as a reader. With audiobooks, I feel that the narrator can truly make or break an author’s intention to create suspense, thrills, or other evocative emotions throughout the story. In this case, I felt that the narration took away from some of the tension and excitement the story could have offered.

I also found that several of the characters had very similar-sounding names, which made it difficult at times to keep track of who was who, especially when the story was moving between different years. Overall, I was really intrigued by the premise, but the narration and similar character names made it harder for me to fully connect with the story.

[Brea · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was exactly the kind of witchy audiobook I wanted heading into spooky season. Salem, reincarnated witches, family secrets, multiple timelines, a mysterious spell book, and a talking crow named Hades? I was sold.

I loved how the past and present slowly connected and how much of the story centered around the women, their history, and the family they keep finding their way back to across lifetimes. Morana and that book had me especially invested because ma’am… perhaps we should NOT be experimenting with mysterious unfinished spells just because they worked the first time. 😂

But the AUDIO was the real winner for me. Stephanie Cannon absolutely brought this story to life. There are a lot of characters, timelines, accents, and moving pieces here, and I never felt like I was listening to one person reading a book. The characters actually sounded distinct, the dialogue had personality, and the narration made the witchy atmosphere even better. With a story this layered, the wrong narrator could have made it confusing fast, but instead I could just settle in and enjoy the chaos.

It’s magical and cozy while still having enough darkness, mystery, and questionable magical decisions to keep me completely invested. And Hades deserves his own book. I will accept no arguments.

Five stars for the story, but the audiobook experience absolutely pushed this one over the top for me. 🎧🔮🖤

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first witchy read of the season. I don’t tend to jump on witchy reads, but I was anxiously awaiting this one. I really enjoyed book one of this series last year and I love everything that Helen writes, so I wasn’t passing this one up. The one picks up right where book 1 leaves off and it took me a hot minute to remember the storyline, but once I did I inhaled this story.

Back to Salem Massachusetts, in both the 1600’s timeline and the present. We continue to see Dora connect with her aunts after her mother’s passing in the present. And we learn about her past with Ambrose. Parallel to Dora’s present life, we meet Morana. She was frustrating. She didn’t know what powers she had and what the mysterious book could do for her, and yet she made greedy life choices to take advantage of it. She does slowly learn from her actions though.


Stephanie narrated this story as well as the first and it was great to reconnect with the English women through her.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copies of this book.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book of Unwritten stories is book two in the series and another heartwarming mystical tale.
Dora decides to leave her flower shop in London and move to modern day Salem. To live with her aunt and her sisters. She can’t wait to learn more about magic and how the sisters came to be. This is a dual timeline story modern day and back to Salem in 1676 where women were hanged if they were found out they were witches.
Modern day Morana finds a book of Dark Magic that has her name engraved in it. She starts doing spells from the book, but things happen that she did not expect, with dire consequences. She only wanted to have a happier life and not be so alone.
This is another beautifully written cozy mystical read from Helen Phifer that I absolutely adored. I loved the dual timeline on how the sisters came about and Morana’ how she found herself and who and what she is and find a place that is home. This will make a good Halloween read to curl up too. 5 stars from me

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book of Unwritten Stories is book two in the Salem Sisters series. I read book one and enjoyed it so I gave book two a read. I enjoyed this story and was happy to be back in Salem,MA. I love how the author mentions real coffee shops, streets, and stores in Salem. I have visited all those places so I have a good visual while I’m reading the book. If you enjoy Salem and witchy books you will like this.

Our story follows the sisters from book one, but we get introduced to a new character named Morana. She is at work and a mysterious woman brings in a magical book that has Morana’s name in it. The book contains unwritten spells and the spells happen to be rooted in dark magic. Morana goes a little crazy using the books and harms a few people. Can the Salem Sisters contain the dark magic book and set things straight? You will have to read this book to find out!

Thank you Bookouture Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Inspiredbypmdd Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh, I have always loved witches and spells in fiction and historical fiction. From Samantha in Bewitched, Bibi Blocksberg, Sabrina, the book Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. Helen's writing transports me away and takes my imagination to places where good magic is life.
Book two, after reading Book 1, it had to follow. Back with the English girls in Salem dipping between the 1600s and present day. The Book of Unwritten Stories delivers! Meeting new and old faces. The creepy mysterious book of unfinished spells takes centre stage. Even when returned it finds its way back, bursting for its spells to be told to the detriment of the caster. Can and should anyone finish the spells, if they do, will dark override light? Can the sisters restore Salem’s its light and save its inhabitants?
What of Clara’s obsession with the hidden bookstore?
Helen’s writing drew me in and wouldn’t let me go until the last page! 5 Magical Stars.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

​Overall, this was an absolute treat of a read! I found it to be more of a cozy, atmospheric escape, and I loved every minute of it. Combining delightful witchy vibes, rich family love, and the iconic, moody backdrop of Salem makes this the absolute perfect way to spend the afternoon curled up with a blanket.

​The story itself is wonderfully interesting and instantly captivating from the very start. Helen Phifer weaves a spellbinding tale that balances charming, feel-good family dynamics with just enough of that historical, magical intrigue to keep you turning the pages. If you are looking for a comforting, immersive read that feels like a warm cup of tea on a crisp day, The Unwritten Stories is a must-add to your reading list!

Thank you to NetGalley and Helen Phifer for the eARC of this book.

[Mary L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

An easy witchy listen that is perfect for October.

I have not read any of Helen Phifer's works before The Book of Unwritten Stories. I listened to it with no issues and did not feel lost without having read the first book. I was drawn in right away.

Morana is given a magical and very powerful grimoire without realizing she is a bloodwitch. In this tale she discovers more about herself and finds family because of this book. This is a feel good witchy mystery story.

Stephanie Cannon did a spectacular job at narration. I did not realize until writing this review that it was only one narrator telling this story. Bravo! I normal listen to audiobooks at 1.5-1.75x speed. Because it is so well paced, I was able to listen to this story at 1.5x.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to listen to this story.

[Tabathareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first.

There’s something so heartwarming and cozy about these books. They have just enough magic and mystery to give you those fall and spooky season vibes without ever actually feeling scary. I especially love the whimsical feel and the family elements throughout.

This would be such a great spooky season read for anyone who wants the atmosphere without the actual horror. Cozy, magical, and just a really sweet read. Another great one from Helen, and I’m definitely looking forward to more from this series!

Stephanie Cannon did fantastic with the narration. She brought the emotions out perfectly.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC!