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!

4.5⭐️

I really loved The Very Secret Society for Irregular Witches so I've been so looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint. Such a cute, heartwarming cosy fantasy about found family and finding yourself.

We follow Sera Swan, a once formidable witch, as she gets a chance at regaining her magic which she lost performing an illegal spell to resurrect her beloved Aunt Jasmine. Sera runs her a small delightful inn, which attracts those who need it most.

This was the most delightfully warmhearted story full of whimsy, featuring a whole host of mix matched characters from a knight named Nicholas to a resurrected rooster called Roo-Roo. I really enjoyed seeing Sera come to discover things about herself as was faced with different experiences along the way. It leaves you feeling hopeful and warm inside, just what I needed.

Thank you to @netgalley and @hodderscape for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Such a sweet cosy book, filled with hope, love and found family. The rooster is my new favourite book pet! I thought this was a really beautiful story that just felt like a warm blanket. Sera was a really great MC and I loved reading about the kids relationship, they were both great characters.

If you know me, I've probably recommended A Very Secret Society Of Irregular Witches to you a million and one times because I adored that book from the very first page to the very last! You can now add A Witch's Guide To Magical Innkeeping to that list because it's just as delightful.

I don't know how Sangu does it, but she writes the most magical, comforting stories that just heal my inner child and make me feel like I've been wrapped up in a warm hug.
Her stories are so beautifully inclusive, and honestly, the representation for so many communities in this book is just wonderful to see.

Following Sera Swan, a once powerful witch as she gets a second chance of regaining her magic after losing it due to using illegal magic where she performs a resurrection spell on her deceased Aunt Jasmine.
Sera also co-runs the most delightful inn fondly called The Batty Hole, and I actually could envisage booking a room there it seems like so much fun.
Full of the quirkiest characters, including a semi-villianous talking fox. a resurrected skeletal chicken called Roo-Roo and a Knight called Nicholas, who I would personally die for.
This book is just joy personified.

Of course, there's also romance in the form of a grumpy magical historian called Luke Larsen and is full of all the swoon worthy moments you would expect.

I'm low-key obsessed with Sangu and her stories, and if you love cosy fantasy, then this should be high up on your tbr.

What a beautiful story. full of found family and an Autistic characters that shines a light on struggles but doesn't diminish them-- an entertaining tale.

I had such a good time with this, partly because I read this book at the right time. It was what I needed, and full of such joyous characters and world- I couldn't help but smile the whole time. The romance, while a core part of the story was a slow build and for those non-romance readers, enough to the side that this story would still appeal to them if they wanted a cosy book.

I enjoyed the trials the characters went through, and how they all came together to help each other out, but the ending, while I can see how others may call it bittersweet, fit the book perfectly.

This was lovely and heartwarming and just a beautiful found family story. I loved the characters so much they all brought something different to the story. I loved that many of these characters were older too. And for me personally I loved that it was set in Lancashire because that’s where i’m from!! I need a physical copy to read again and again

I’ll preface this by saying that I’m not a romance reader; in fact, romance is my least liked and read genre, hence me usually avoiding it. But in 2023 I happened to have read The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and enjoy it more than expected (gave it a 4 star rating at the time), so I’ve been on the look out for Mandanna’s next novel since it got first announced. Well, I’m happy to confess it wasn’t just an isolated event, and that I actually had an even greater time with A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping’s characters and their shenanigans. Even more, Sangu Mandanna is now on my “auto add to tbr” list. I can love love, apparently.

What typically doesn’t work for me in romances is how cheesy (if not straight up cringe) the narrative style and the storyline can get, plus a general dislike for most of the popular tropes out there; I won’t lie and say there wasn’t the occasional tacky description or dialogue here and there, but I felt they weren’t so overabundant to particularly annoy me, and a solid writing style definitely made up for them. Ultimately, I found the whole cast multifaceted and easy to care for, the plot strong enough to hold my interest throughout the whole book, and the various themes and tropes explored - I won’t spoil them for you - to be done considerately.

This story managed to make a self proclaimed love grinch feel extra giddy, so it’s only fair for her (me) to reward it with a stellar rating. Until next time, Sangu Mandanna!

First of all, many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for granting me a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked the author’s previous novel ‘’the very secret society of irregular witches’’ so I was extremely excited to finally get my hands on her new witchy novel!!

Honestly, Sangu Mandanna is my new to go to author for cosy fantasies. Just something about her writing feels like wrapping your hands around a warm mug of tea after being caught in a rainstorm (if that makes any sense?). I love it when a found family doesn’t make any sense but at the same time also makes the most sense. Found family seems to be a recurring theme in her books (judging of the two i’ve read), and i am extremely sat for it each time. Keep it coming please, thank you!

I had nothing but fond feelings for the main character, Sera. She deserved the world and even more. I could really see a bit of myself in her (even thought I sadly don’t have any magical powers), and that made it even more intriguing to see what kind of way her story would go.

I have to say, i’m not the biggest fan of a certain trope that was featured towards the end. I get that it has to happen plotwise sometimes, but that doesn’t mean I have to agree with it.

Can’t wait to read more of this author’s amazing work!

This is a gorgeous, gentle and magical story with all the feels.

It has a crumbling old inn that is a safe haven for people who really need it, but is invisible to everyone else. It has a found family of quirky souls who live together as their most authentic selves, supporting and loving each other just as they really are. It has a fox who used to be a witch until her own spell rebounded and cursed her, and it has a hidden magical community with corrupt leadership and a once powerful witch who lost her magic saving the aunt she loves.

Sera is a fabulous main character. She runs the inn with her aunt Jasmine, wishing she could reclaim the magic she lost when she brought her aunt back to life all those years ago. But she loves her family, and looking after them is her life. When Luke, a witch from the Guild and her teenage crush, arrives at her door with his little sister Posy, her found family becomes more complicated and she has to choose whether or not to go after her dreams.

I loved Luke. He is driven by the need to protect his little sister, who is neuro diverse and misunderstood by her own parents and the everyone at the Guild. Both Luke and Sera have their own fears and baggage, but they are both lovable and always trying to do the right thing.

This is a beautifully romantic, relaxing and gentle story that carried me through and made me cry at the end. If you love cosy stories packed with magic, quirky characters and found family, then this is definitely for you.

"A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping" is a cozy story about a woman maintaining her magical inn. Sera after one very surprising incident in her youth, has lost almost all of her magic. She felt like some part of her went missing, but she has never gotten it back. When one opportunity presents itself, Sera will need to choose if she wants to pursue the search for her magic.

I think this book will be a great choice for every cozy fantasy reader. It checks all the boxes of an entertaining read, yet not that demanding.
You'll find here:
- found family trope, which I personally like quite a lot
- very cute and slow burn romance
- two adorable kids
- a talking fox
- magic quest that can change a lot

I've read the previous book by this author, and I think Sangu Mandanna's writing is getting better with this one. I think it's more mature than the previous and focuses more on the lives of adults, not the children. However, they still play an important role in the plot.

"A Witch's Guide to Magical Inkeeping" is a story that brings tons of warmth and hope. Perfect for a cozy evening under your blanket with a cup of favourite tea :)

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Loved this a lot.Sera my grumpy queen was a wonderful main character and therewas an amazing, eclectic cast of supporting characters that just filled the story with richness. Sera’s journey to try and restore her magic supported by her found family was emotional and engaging. More than once I teared up at the author’s description of what Sera lost, her rage, grief and sadness and the love and support that held her together. Luke was lovely and his own journey and self discovery in this was great. Some really nice chemistry between them. A heartfelt book filled with magic, touching moments and an excellent cast of characters. 5 ⭐

This is such an enjoyable cosy fantasy with the most heartwarming found family as well as a little dose of emotional turmoil from Sera - a witch desperate to get back the magic she lost. It was so lovely to spend time with the characters at the inn, they all had strong personalities and really showed what a community can look like. Clemmie was a bit of a grey area but also served to show that you don't have to be generous or perfect to deserve the love of family either. The way the relationship between Luke and Sera developed, each tackling their own issues but drawing closer together through the book, sharing all those small moments that make a charming love story. Posy was a fantastic character and I loved how she was always herself, and that she found the acceptance she deserved. The way Luke looked out for his sister was so lovely, making sure Posy had what she needed both mentally and physically. This book is full of terrible parents but with those gaps filled with brothers, great aunts, cousins, and even strangers turned family. Though it's incredibly warm, it also has some darker moments, particularly looking at Sera's past and how she reacted to losing her magic. There's pain woven into the joy of this book and it's really balanced well. It doesn't turn out how I expect and that in itself it commendable to Mandanna - she doesn't take the easy route with her writing!

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

I love Sangu’s writing so much! This book is like a cosy little hug of self acceptance, finding your people, and standing up for yourself. Cosy fantasy at its best!

All the characters are literal cinnamon rolls I would die for. Sera is a grumpy, heart-of-gold sweetheart. Luke is the best brother and slowly learning to be himself fully. Theo and Posy are the cutest. I was shipping Matilda and Jasmine from their first interaction. Nicholas is a golden Labrador of a human in a suit of armour. I dare you not to fall in love with them in the book!

4.5 stars.

I really struggled with this one, which is a shame because I loved her first book. I just couldn't connect with any of the characters and it felt a bit flat

Adored this one. About failing and getting back up again, and finding magic in the everyday. Some deeper themes too, like the struggles of not being accepted by society or feeling like an outcast. Perfect found family vibes with a lovable cast of characters that kept making me burst out laughing. Matilda is my idol. Highly recommend to anyone who needs a hug in book form ❤️

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

A heartwarming tale of grief, healing, and second chances—wrapped in cozy magic and a charming inn full of secrets.

When Sera Swan brought back her dead aunt's life which was a prohibited by the Guild, and made her an exile by Albert Grey, her by then mentor. Sera lived a life lowkey at the inn. The inn isn’t just a business—it’s alive with enchantments, memories, and a touch of chaos. As Sera tries to rebuild both the inn and herself, she’s met with old ghosts, new friendships, and the comforting reminder that magic, like love, often appears where you least expect it.

What I loved about the book is, it's beautifully cozy and atmospheric setting. The inn feels like a character itself!
Themes of family, grief, and rediscovery handled with warmth and depth.
A gentle mix of romance, humor, and healing magic. It’s a comforting read that’s both magical and meaningful. Ideal for readers who love cozy fantasy with emotional heart.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the e-arc!!

I will read anything Sangu Mandanna writes!! This book truly felt like a gift. An absolute joy to read that made me laugh out loud, sob, and stay up until 2am so I could finish it.

Mandanna’s ability and commitment to writing neurodivergent found families is so special and so appreciated. I absolutely loved everybody in this wonderful little inn family. I saw myself, my family and my friends reflected back on the page. I saw myself in Sera, my young family members in Posy and Theo, myself and my husband in Luke and in Luke and Sera’s relationship.

I cannot tell you how much I love Roo-Roo the resurrected skeleton rooster. I would go to war for him. An icon and a legend. Sera giving him a sweater for the winter in case he got cold!!! I’m gonna cry!!!

This is one of those books for me that I feel blessed to have read. It was so affirming and so warm, it felt like a hug. I very rarely re read books these days but I can see myself re reading this.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC!

It’s been a long wait for this book, but it was worth it. After adoring The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, I have been waiting for the author’s new book and I wasn’t disappointed. A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is another fantastic story of magic, found family, and second chances.

The story is well-developed, heartwarming, and immersive, but what I love most about this book is the cast of unique and adorable characters who live at the inn. The protagonist, Sera Swan, was once a witch prodigy until, when she was fifteen years old, she performed forbidden magic and she was not only banned from the Guild of witches, but also shunned from the entire magic world. Now, fifteen years later, Sera has been running, together with her great-aunt Jasmine, an inn that welcomes only the people who are in need. Amongst those there is Matilda, devoted to her vegetables and determined to convince Sera to adopt goats; Nicholas, who wears his knight costume even when he is not working at the medieval fair; Theo, Sera’s 11-year-old cousin from Reykyavic who moved to England because his parents couldn’t handle his magic; Clemmie, a witch trapped into the body of a fox who hopes that Sera will find a way to free her; and Luke, the handsome and grumpy magical historian, who arrives at the inn with his sister Posy intending to stay only for one night, but who can’t seem to be able to leave. Each character has their own story and their development, especially Sera who will have to come to terms with the decisions she made when she was only a teenager, but that have affected her whole life.

I so enjoyed A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping that I read it in one day. It’s witty, charming, and entertaining, there is a slow-burn romance that is not central to the story, but that still captured me, a fantastic magical setting, and a resurrected rooster that created quite a few hilarious scenes.

I liked this book. I thought it was a nice cosy fantasy book. Sera the female main character was endearing and I especially liked the side characters including Matilda and Clemmie.

This was another cosy witchy read by Sangu Mandanna and I loved it. It took me a little while to get into it, but once I did I couldn't put it down. I adored the found family aspect, and loved seeing those relationships blossom over time.