Wait. A second book that hits just as good as the first, shocking.

Absolutely loved this one, even single character was funny and quirky and somehow meshed so well together and made the best little found family that will go to bat for each other.
The villain of the book was a touch characature ish. And was overly written but it worked and helps sucks you imp to the book and makes the eventual downfall more enjoyable, while the book was fast paced and witty I did find it somewhat predictable and saw the twist coming pretty early. But still highly recommend.

5 stars
Content warning: prejudice, classism, historical parental abandonment, emotional neglect, trauma from upbringing

Thank you to the author and publisher via NetGalley for a digital copy to review. All thoughts are my own.

Sometimes, you just need the warmest hug from a book, and A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping enveloped me in its wholesome embrace and took me on a journey of acceptance, found family, and sacrifice for those you love when it matters the most. I appreciated the characters the most from this tale. They're rich in loss and love, and the way the inhabitants of the inn created just as much magic, if not more, in the way they cared for one another was truly beautiful to read about.

I liked how Sera's magic after burning out was used for mundane things like keeping the rooms warm or ensuring produce grew well to hide the gardener's woeful attempts, to fixing leaks in the roof or keeping unwanted people out. This magic felt more powerful than the lost powers Sera once utilised because it helped those around her in small but significant ways every day. It wasn't showy or greedy, like those within the witch's guild, because it was used for practical reasons that were (mostly) harmless. The comparison between those who had spurned Sera, Clemmie, and Posy from the guild and those who had access to guild magic, secrets, and history was well done, and it helped round the story to Sera and the inn family's favour. Add in the delightful slow-burn romance and the genuine care for those who had been seen as misfits or disruptive by their own families and peers, and you have the cosiest little place to enjoy reading about.

Of course, Sera is trying to get her magic back, but the real success of the story is how she uses that outcome and how important finding a place where you belong, around those who are chaotic yet irrevocably yours, matters more than any powerful magical guild in the world. I loved the gentle way Mandanna embraced difference and rejected the norm by showing how having your own individual spark is better than shining in a sea of others the same, especially with Luke and Posy's stories. The book has powerful moments of discussion without darkening the storyline too far, and it makes you want to champion for every character and ensure they all get their happily ever after. I love softly powerful stories like this, and appreciate that this second book I've read by the author offered escape from the harsh realities of the world inside a whimsical delight. I have enjoyed Mandanna's last two releases for providing such warmth to the soul, and I hope to read more stories like this from the author in the future.

Just as cute as the first one. Loved the vibes. Bit of a slow start but good once you get into it thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this arc in exchange of my honest review

Thanks to NetGalley and Hodderscape for the ARC

3.5 stars

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a cozy fantasy, stuffed to the brim with found family and fun escapades, with a sprinkling of romance.

The story follows Sera Swan, a powerful witch who loses almost all her magic during the casting of an illegal resurrection spell to save her aunt when she is 15. Exiled from the world of magic by the guild, we jump forward 15 years to a 30-year-old Sera, who manages a magical inn with her Auntie. They are surrounded by a bunch of outcasts they have picked up along the way, who come to stay at the inn and never leave. It is this found family that is the heart of the novel. While we follow Sera’s quest to regain her magic, we also have micro journeys for each of the inn's residents as they find their place in the world.

I adored The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, and while I enjoyed A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping, it did not quite hit the same. While it has the same charming, cozy fantasy vibe, it did not quite hit right. There were perhaps too many characters, each with an important story, so you couldn’t really fall in love with any in particular. The book started out great, falls a little flat in the middle and picks up again towards the end.

The ending is going to be marmite. I personally was disappointed with the ending, but I can see the message it was trying to get across. And this might be the biggest problem with the book: everything is a message, an important social issue, and rather than trusting her readers to get the point she is trying to make, Sangu bashes them over the head with it multiple times to ensure you really don’t miss it.

That being said, Sangu is great at writing an engaging story that keeps you reading right to the end.

This was a cute little cozy fantasy book. We follow Sera who is on a quest to get her magic back after bringing her dead great-aunt. I rate this book 3 stars. I thought the plot was nice and the cozy vibes were there, I just don’t like a single character in this book. I found pretty much every character including one of the children to be just selfish and chaotic.

This one was a fub read touching some serious topics. I enjoy this author writing, is very engaging and funny. The banter between the characters wqs hilarious. Just what I needed after a few deeper reads! I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of the eBook.

Oh I just loved this book so much. It was so whimsical and magical and cosy. I loved Sera as soon as we met her as a teenager losing her magic, and then jumping to her as an adult running an inn.

The side characters from the long-term guests at the inn were the perfect addition to the story with their fun quirks and love for Sera. Then Luke arrives and just makes the dynamic even better. He’s a not so reluctant helper in getting involved with the workings of the inn and he and his sister find it difficult to leave. I loved watching Luke and Sera get to know each other better and how the whole household helps Sera with the spell ingredients to get her magic back.

I wasn’t expecting a book as good as The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches but this was just as good. I just love how Sangu writes magic and can’t wait to see what’s next. Save for your next cosy read!

Oh my gosh, this book felt like a warm cup of tea! Such a cosy, witchy, magical story filled with the funniest, quirkiest characters that I couldn't get enough of. Truly a heartwarming and joyful read for any cosy readers out there. I personally could have done without the smut scenes on this occasion as it just didn't feel like the right vibe to accompany the rest of this cosy book, but other than that, zero complaints!

Thank you so much to NetGalley & the publisher for the ARC!

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a cozy fantasy gem brimming with heart, humor, and spellbinding charm. Sangu Mandanna has once again created a world that feels like a warm hug, filled with magic, misfits, and moments that will make you laugh, cry, and feel completely at home.

At its center is Sera Swan, a once-powerful witch who lost most of her magic after performing a forbidden resurrection spell to save her beloved aunt. She also accidentally brought back a rooster. Now running a magically hidden inn for those in need, Sera’s quiet life is turned upside down when a long-lost friend returns with a spell that could restore her magic. Enter Luke, a grumpy magical historian (and reluctant romantic interest) who arrives with his endearing little sister. As Sera and Luke work together to break an ancient curse, the real magic unfolds in the inn’s found family of quirky, lovable characters.

From a talking fox and a zombie chicken to a wannabe knight and a mushroom-obsessed gardener, every resident of the inn steals a piece of your heart. The slow-burn romance adds tension, but the emotional core is found in friendship, second chances, and self-worth. It’s a story about learning to live again after loss and about the messy, beautiful people we choose as family.

With rich representation, whimsical worldbuilding, and sparkling dialogue, this book balances light-hearted fantasy with deeper emotional threads. Mandanna tackles themes of grief, belonging, and identity with care and tenderness, all while keeping things enchantingly weird in the best way.

Whether you're here for the magical inn that rains tea, the grumpy/grumpy banter, or the soul-healing found family, A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping delivers. It's cozy fantasy at its absolute best. I didn’t want it to end, and I’ll be recommending this one to everyone who needs a bit of magic in their life.

After reading A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, and absolutely loving everything about it, I have been patiently waiting for this book to fill that cosy, whimsical void and it did not disappoint!

A Witches Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a beautifully written book about found family, a magical inn, the emotional healing of the characters, a magical quest (of sorts) and a zombie chicken.

The characters in this book are simply brilliant with just the right amount of character development in every chapter to keep you invested.
The romance fell a little short and could have had a little bit more build up but that wasn’t the focus of the story.
The (for me, supposed) main plot, the quest, was well done with the guild politics and recovering Sera’s powers.

But for me that wasn’t the plot that stole my heart, I felt the main plot was the found family. The mismatched crew of humans, witches, a magical inn and resurrected chickens was it 100%. The way that each character had a role in the healing of the MC with minimal effort but with their support and love had me bursting with joy whilst reading.


Overall, this book was a 5 star and I beg Sangu Mandanna to please have more beautiful, whimsical, magical books lined up as I need more and I need them as soon as possible.

A review is posted on my TikTok (@teaandfairytales)

Sangu Mandanna strikes again with this cozy fantasy that draws on similar elements as Very Secret Society: namely a motley crew of unique characters with out FMC in the centre, a grumpy MMC and heaps and heaps of magic and found family. The romance felt a bit more fleshed out in this one than in Very Secret Society, which I enjoyed, and all-in-all a solidly written story that’s whimsical and easy to read!

Thank you to Mandanna, Berkeley Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and honestly review A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping.

One of those books that makes you smile and think. There's humour, romance but there's also the evolution of a young woman who must fight for her place in a very elitistic world where her power is a sort of blessing and curse
Well written, highly entertaining, fell in love since the beginning.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Thank you Hodder and Stoughton and NetGalley for the e-arc of A Witch's Guide To Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna!

We are following Sera Swan a once powerful witch who is now exiled and nearly magicless after casting a banned spell when she was younger. Sera now helps run an enchanted inn with her Great Aunt while searching for a spell to restore her powers. When Luke a magical historian reluctantly agrees to help her, unexpected sparks fly and Sera starts to learn that the messy and magical life she’s built might be exactly what she needs!

Firstly, I want to say this book was one of my most anticipated releases this year and it did not disappoint. This had everything I look for in a cosy read.. we have humour, found family, talking animals (Clemmie the fox might be super annoying but still) and quirky characters!

What I particularly loved about this book was that all characters had their own unique backstories and all seemed to go through a character development journey alongside main character Sera which added a lot of depth and made me equally warm to them as I would Sera who we spent most time with. Whilst it is a cosy read, some very important issues were also addressed and thoughtfully processed throughout!

How the story developed was lovely however I did feel the pacing was slightly off on this. The latter half felt faster and in places felt less like a cosy read and more in the standard fantasy realm. I enjoyed how it wrapped up however it did throw me off slightly!

I would recommend to anyone who loves a cosy read and adores the found family trope, this book will have you in all the feels! Could not stop smiling whilst reading this!

I waited forever for this and I am happy to report that I absolutely loved A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping. Just like The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, it was cozy, charming, and full of gentle magic. Sangu Mandanna has such a gift for writing fantasy stories that feel comforting but still speak to real experiences.

I really appreciated how she acknowledged the struggles that people of color face in England. It was done with such care and subtlety, and added an emotional depth that really stayed with me. The mention of Handala was especially powerful. I was so pleasantly surprised and genuinely grateful to see that nod to Palestine. Malek’s character’s backstory was brief but meaningful and showed a lot of heart. I love his and Sera’s friendship.

The ending wasn’t quite as satisfying as I had hoped. I found myself wanting just a little more closure. Even so, the journey was beautiful and this is a book I’ll be recommending often. I want Sera to have a sequel. The climax took a long time to get to but it was also really short.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC. I am already looking forward to whatever Sangu Mandanna writes next.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the eARC copy for my honest review.

This was definitely a cosy fantasy with a little sprinkle of romance.

Have a bad day? Don’t want anything complicated and still get your heartstrings pulled, this is the book for you.

It is a lot slower than the irregular secret society of witches, but also I don’t think you should go into this comparing the two as they are completely different books.

There were very important messages in between the pages about looking at yourself, getting to know who you are and about the people around you.

That brings me to the found family, a bunch of quirky cast offs that come together to cause chaos and love from a skeleton chicken, a heroic knight, a handful of humans, witches and a cunning villainous fox, with an agenda!
Everyone was a delight to meet and I loved them all.

I will admit that I felt like there was something about the book that was missing for me, I can’t really explain it, while it was still cosy and beautiful and magical it felt like it was missing just that extra sparkle of magic for me.

This was a 3.75 read.

If you're in your cozy fantasy era—or looking for a gentle escape filled with whimsy, warmth, and found family—A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a perfect pick. With its heartwarming charm and enchanting setting, this book is another magical success from Sangu Mandanna, offering the same delightful atmosphere of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

The story centers on Sera Swan, a witch who lost her magic after a heartfelt but reckless act to resurrect her beloved great-aunt, Jasmine. Now running a magical inn with said aunt—who’s back from the dead and as opinionated as ever—Sera tries to live a quiet life, until the arrival of Luke Larsen, a grumpy and mysterious historian. Their slow-burn romance unfolds alongside a deeper quest: unlocking a spell that could restore Sera’s lost powers.

The inn itself is a standout character, and its eclectic cast makes every page sparkle. From Clemmie, the sarcastic fox-turned-witch, to Roo-Roo the zombie rooster, every inhabitant brings something weird, wonderful, and touching to the story. The blend of humor and heart is spot on, and Mandanna handles themes of grief, redemption, and self-acceptance with a light but meaningful touch.

The pacing isn’t perfect—the first half leans into the slice-of-life charm, while the second half suddenly ramps up into plot resolution territory. Some readers might wish for more time spent unpacking key emotional beats near the end. Similarly, the magical system and world-building serve more as a cozy backdrop than a richly developed fantasy framework. But that’s part of the charm—this is a story more about heart than high stakes.

With inclusive and thoughtful representation, quirky dialogue, and a setting that feels like a magical hug, A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a warm, comforting read. If you loved The House in the Cerulean Sea or Mandanna’s previous work, you’ll find much to adore here. It’s the kind of book you curl up with on a rainy afternoon, a cup of tea in hand, and a smile on your face.

‘Sera had never planned to run the inn. It creaked, it leaked, and worst of all, it had people in it.’

This was the perfect palette cleanser; a great lighthearted choice for a summerween read!

The found family and cozy aesthetics paired together were absolutely perfect and exactly what I needed right now. Delightful representation and really loveable characters!

I enjoyed the writing a lot and would say my only criticism would be that I wish the romance plot was just a little more fleshed out…there could have definitely been more build up to them being together which would have upped my overall review.

That being said this was a really enjoyable read and I can’t wait to read more books by this author!

After adoring The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, I couldn’t wait to dive into A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping and it delivered everything I was hoping for. Warm, whimsical, and brimming with heart, this is one of those books that feels like a blanket and a cup of tea in story form.
We follow a witch who takes over a magical inn—and with it, a house full of complicated histories, charming surprises, and a chosen family of flawed, lovable characters. It’s part romance, part self-discovery, all wrapped up in that soft, sparkling magic Sangu Mandanna writes so well.
✨ My Thoughts
I loved this book. It’s got such a cosy, feel-good energy, but it also explores deeper emotional threads with grace and honesty. The character development really stood out, there’s a lovely balance of light and shade, showing not just the magic, but the messiness of being human (or witch, as it were).
There’s also a real emphasis on found family, belonging, and healing without ever feeling overly sentimental. The diversity within the cast is truly refreshing. It feels natural, inclusive, and genuine.
It’s funny in places, tender in others, and always comforting. The kind of book that leaves you with a full heart and a quiet smile.
🪄 What I Loved
• Cosy, heartfelt atmosphere that draws you in and holds you gently
• Incredible, diverse characters with real emotional depth
• Character development that feels authentic, flawed but lovable
• Themes of healing, love, and self-acceptance wrapped in soft magic

Final Thoughts
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is an utterly charming and beautifully written celebration of love, growth, and magic, inside and out. Sangu Mandanna has once again created a world I didn’t want to leave. If you love witchy stories with warmth, heart, and a sprinkle of romance, this one is for you.

Sadly this one wasn't for me. Very whimsical and sweet but lacked on the depth I felt from the authors first book. Would still be keen to check out this authors other works, but just this one was a bit of a miss for me personally.

A great cute cosy fantasy!

This book had:
👩‍👧‍👦 Found family
❤️ Romance
🐓 Magical animals
🧙‍♀️ Guild politics
✨ A magical based "quest"

I loved all the characters, you could really tell care and attention was paid to each and everyone of them. They all had their own personalities that made them stand out in their own way.

Sera was a fantastic main character,.you could really feel her love for the inn, magic and other characters. And it was great being able to see her growth and learn the journey she has been on.

Luke was also a great main character, trying to balance his care and love for his sister while also battling with what he wants for his life.

The overarching plot was enough to keep me interested, and I really wanted to know what happened, but it never gripped me. I didn't find myself sitting down to read for long periods, I always ended up picking up this book in short bursts.

That often can be the curse of a cosy fantasy, where there's a lack of urgency to power through and know what happens next.

I would definitley read more in this world, I really do enjoy it! It's sweet, wholesome and just an all around great read!