A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna is a cute and cosy fantasy that feels like a hug. Filled with wonderfully quirky characters and set in a magically imbued inn that draws the guests that need it most this is the ultimate in comfort reading.
Sera Swan was once one of the most powerful witches in Britain but when she resurrected her recently deceased aunt Jasmine she sacrificed most of her power and was exiled from the magical community as a consequence of breaking the rules. Along with her aunt, an enchanted fox and several other unique characters she has been running the inn for years when she learns of a spell that could bring her powers back. Unfortunately her banishment makes it hard for her to access the information she needs but when magical historian Luke and his little sister Posy arrive at the inn it seems like fate (and possibly some friends in unexpected places ).
This is the most enjoyable cosy fantasy I have read in a while, I really loved all of the characters, and I loved seeing good disability representation incorporated naturally into the storytelling. I am a sucker for found family and this book does it exceptionally well, I really felt like the characters cared about each other and relied on each other like a family should. This book had the perfect blend of whimsy and heart and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

What is a 15 year-old, extremely powerful witch to do when her beloved great-aunt's fresh corpse is lying about in the garden of their inn? Only one thing to do, really. Obviously she resurrects her and promptly loses nearly all of her magical power in the process. Furthermore, the action causes her to be exiled British Guild of Sorcery, which was pretty much her only chance of ever regaining her magic. But her great-aunt Jasmine lives. As well as a zombified rooster. And the morally dubious talking fox Clemmie, who needed Sera to help undo a curse on her, isn't really going anywhere either.

Fifteen years go by, and at age 30 Sera has taken over running the inn, albeit a bit begrudgingly (after all, this wasn't how her life was supposed to pan out), but she secretly cherishes the nurture that goes into taking care of the inn and its guests (well, lodgers, really). When there's a chance for her to access the spell capable of restoring her magic, Sera can't help but hope... But why should things ever go smoothly? The spell is old and no one can make heads or tails of it. No one except maybe convenient new inn guest Luke Larsen, magical historian with the Guild. He, however, has NO intention of helping her or even staying beyond one night, and that's that. But one night turns into more nights, and as he spends more time with Sera and the other inn guests... he can't resist, albeit a bit begrudgingly (this is a theme), warming up to her enough to agree to maybe help. Minimally.

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping had me at "corpse in the garden of the inn". Yes, I'm aware that this is morbid, but it told me several things: this book would be a bit dark in its humor, brave when it needs to be, and there would be an inn - which translates to cozy vibes. A cozy fantasy with some bite? My kind of book. We get some colorful language here and there, which isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea, but I personally (as a rather proud regular peruser of the F-word) really quite liked it for a change. A book can be cozy and still hold space for telling the people in it to F off every once in a while. There's comfort in that bluntness for some of us. I believe "cozy" isn't just cinnamon buns and hot beverages, but the freedom in being able to be yourself, and standing up for yourself, and allowing yourself to feel loved ones supporting you in this. A Witch's Guide definitely highlights that message.

Mostly though, the book demonstrates the importance and value of inclusivity. This standalone fantasy shines most in what I call the Innhabitants: the side characters residing at the inn. There's representation everywhere. Sera is half-Indian on her dad's side (which is Jasmine's family, too). Lodger Matilda is a Black lesbian woman. Jasmine has a clubfoot. Luke's 9 year-old sister Posy has autism (with Luke likely being on the spectrum as well).

Some passages pulled at my heartstrings: Sera's memories of her struggles with debilitating depression are relatable for many of us in this world, as are Luke's feelings of powerlessness over his sister not being accepted for who she is. I felt humbled by scenes that shed light on the immigrant experience: the Guild looking down on anyone not in their race, or class... lovingly building a home in a country but not being claimed by it in return. That unrequited love sort of pain. Nothing really hurts quite like that. So how beautiful was it to read about a blossoming love between not only our main characters, but between two elderly women?

We could all use a little more love, and the lodgers in this book have oodles of it to spare. A Witch's Guide is a prime example of a found family story, with Sera being surrounded in support by people young and old, each with their own struggles and strengths. Her 11 year-old cousin Theo is a highlight for me, particularly in how he interacts with Posy. He's also a bit naughty at just the right times. I also enjoyed Clemmie, the witch-turned-fox, whose mouth is responsible for several of those aforementioned F-bombs, and a lot of funny one-liners. The writing is very "dry British" and that's a humor I can get behind, always.

And then there's Sera herself, and Luke. Oh, these two. Two grouches who sell themselves short so often. Their slowburn romance is wonderful, and I think having them both be in their early thirties is a good decision. They both have wisdom, insight and patience to offer the other, which in turn helps themselves through their respective feelings of disillusionment. I also liked seeing Sera be a bit more direct with Luke in terms of what she wants, being a bit blatant here and there. In turn, Luke - who refers to himself so often as cold - has a bit of a daddy streak while being able to be utterly calm while simultaneously fiercely protective when Sera needs him to be. He's steady, someone Sera can let herself lean on when the plot starts plottin'.

And there is a solid plot line in here re: getting her magic back and being up against the Guild, and former mentor Albert Grey in particular. Oh, he is a good villain to hate and root against. (Definitely one of those people who can F off in this still very cozy book.) Things take some time to figure out, and there are some unexpected but welcome twists. I also liked Mandanna's creative interpretation of magic: it manifests differently for everyone. The power is what it is, stronger for some, but the way it reveals itself to the wielder. For instance, Sera sees a galaxy when she calls on her magic, whereas Luke sees a library with rustling pages in open books.

Ultimately, the magic of A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping is the small things, the intimate moments, being together and and having each other. A magic to be loved by its wielder.

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton / Hodderscape for generously providing me with a copy of this book; all opinions expressed are honest, voluntary and 100% my own.

Thank you Netgalley and Hodderscape for approving me for this ARC.

I am a total sucker for a cosy, found family fantasy book, and this book delivered there in spades.

We follow Sera on her journey to recover her magic after she loses it while performing a very complex resurrection spell, all the quirky inhabitants at the inn.

The romance is slow burn and satisfying, and there are plenty of laugh out loud moments, as well as a few twists that keep you on your toes. This author is definitely becoming a firm favourite.

Found family, magic, diversity and an undead rooster. What more could you ask for?

I really enjoyed this one, it was funny and sweet and full of well-rounded, lovable characters. A motley crew as with her previous book but one full of love and care and heartfelt fondness for each other - one of my favourite aspects of found family. The thing I loved the most though was the instant acceptance and inclusion of the young autistic sister of our MMC.


I felt that the slightly "spicy" dialogue was just a tad out of character for the rest of the book but I did love the build up of tension between our grumpy x grumpy pair.

Another great read from Sangu Mandanna

Y'ALL i absolutely LOVE sangu mandanna books they are absolutely phenomenal.

the main thing that always fascinates me about her works is that her books are mainly cosy romance fantasy books right? but even though that is the main thing, they always include other deeper aspects such as racism, family bloodlines, colonialism, parent absence and so much more.

from the very start of this book, it talks about how the 'guild', which is where the witches learn, always favours strong bloodlines and only those who are white and, even more specifically, from britain.

another key aspect this books highlights that family is not only blood related. you can be family simple because you have that connection and share love.

OH and something i was really pleasently surprised by was the diversity of representation. there is physical disability, a girl on the spectrum, and even talks of depression. i LOVE how the author spoke about so much while still keeping it a cute, fun and cosy read.

Thank you to both Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review a witch's guide to magical inkeeping

A Witch's Guide To Magical Innkeeping is a cosy romantasy about not only finding love but learning to love yourself. We follow Sera, a 30 year old inkeeper and once a prodigal witch with magical power strong enough to rival the strongest witch in the UK until she sacrificed her magic to resurrect her great-aunt Jasmine after she suddenly died 15 years ago (along with her aunts beloved pet rooster) and was exiled from the witches guild. In those 15 years the inn Sera runs with her aunt has been overrun by a cast of quirky guests ranging from the witch trapped in the form of a fox who taught her the illegal resurrection spell, a gallant knight who swore a lifetime of servitude to Sera and now Luke Larsen, a magical historian and Sera's childhood crush she hasn't seen since her exile, who might just have the answer to getting her magic back and opening up her heart.

Sometimes a family is two grumpy witches in their 30s, the kids they took in to protect from their shitty family members, old lady lesbians, a villainous witch trapped in a foxes body who wants take over the guild, and a himbo knight clinking around in his armour and trust me when I say that makes for a truly good story. I absolutely loved A Witch's Guide To Magical Innkeeping from its fun cast of characters, slow burn - heart melting romance, and overall theme of trying to find your place in the world when you're not the person you used to be. I found myself relating to Sera's character arc on a personal level to me, when I was around the age she was when she lost her magic my physical health started declining as my disability worsened and I suddenly wasn't able to do the things I used to do anymore just like how she couldn't call on her magic the same way. I know what its like to have to much sadness, anger and overall grief for the person you used to be, the person you could have been and because of that Sera's journey throughout the book just had such a huge impact on me especially with the added layer of me also being mixed race like she is. I also loved the addition of disabled and queer characters as a queer autistic cane user i loved the addition of Posy and Jasmine and the queer relationships present within the book.

A Witch's Guide To Magical Innkeeping was a cosy, emotional and romantic read I couldnt put down and I think its definitely worth a read

Sangu's books have a unique way and fun way of being inclusive. Her books routinely feature heroines of South Indian decent (like herself), neurodivergent and LGBTQ characters, and a mental health representation.

This is a story of found family, resilience, power struggles, self-acceptance, and sacrifice warped into a hilariously, emotional, witchy, cosy fantasy.

When I tell you I cried my little heart out in bittersweet happiness for the last 1/4 of the book, I'm not even exaggerating.

Oh, and did I mention the MMC is basically Alexander Skarsgard?!? Which is exactly how I pictured him AND Sangu's dream cast pick!!

This was a 10/10 read for me, and I beseech you to read it!!

his was my first book by Sangu Mandanna and definitely won’t be the last. I really loved the cozy magical inn vibe. It felt warm and inviting, like a place you’d want to visit for a weekend getaway.

The found family aspect was one of my favorite parts. The characters are all so different, each with their own quirks and personalities, and they all bring something important to the story. It felt really natural how they came together and supported each other.

There’s humor sprinkled on pretty much every page, which kept the mood light and fun. I especially enjoyed the slow burn romance between Sera and Luke. It wasn’t rushed, and it made their relationship feel genuine.

That said, the ending knocked it down to a 4 star for me. It made sense for the story, but I wished Sera got a better ending as felt like something important was left hanging. Still, it didn’t ruin the book by any means.

Overall, this was a charming and magical read that I’m glad I picked up. I’m looking forward to reading more from Sangu Mandanna in the future.

This book had a very cosy romantic fantasy setting and reminded me almost of Shrek weirdly lol??

I thought the main characters were likeable and the storytelling was nice but ultimately I don’t think it was really for me.

I felt like nothing was really happening throughout the book and I couldn’t really get into it, and ultimately didn’t end up finishing it quite late on in the book (about 80%). By this stage of the book I would’ve hoped for something more; I know it wasn’t advertised as a steamy romantasy but I would’ve liked to have seen a bit more between the two main characters because at times it felt like they were indifferent to one another. I also found some of the side characters a bit annoying.

However, I do appreciate the autism representation!

Nonetheless thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review :)

Absolutley LOVED this novel!

We follow Sera, a witch who has lost her magic after she cast a spell when she was a teenager and now runs a lovely B&B with her resurrected aunt, a Rooster that is resurrected way past his expiry date, a wanna be knight, a sarcastic fox and other lovely lodgers! Seriously, this is a highly character driven Cozy story with found family and feel good elements.. I could not put this down until I had finished it. And even then, I wanted to start it all over again. If you enjoy Cozy contemporary fantasy that is easily accessible, immersive and funny, this is the book for you. I highly recommend this to anyone who needs a hug and a good, wholesome, Cozy book with romance subplot.

Thank you Hodder and Stoughton and Netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own and I am leaving a review voluntarily.

After loving "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches," I simply couldn't miss Sangu Mandanna's new book, "A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping."

This is, to all intents and purposes, a cozy fantasy, yet it's far from slow or lacking in dynamism. Right from the start, we're plunged into Sera's world and her wonderful inn. The book is set almost entirely at "Batty Hole," but I absolutely adored its magical and eccentric atmosphere. It's a place that can only be reached by those truly in need, sustained by the small spells Sera can still cast, and which has become a home for many who initially intended to stay just once.

The setting is very reminiscent of Klune's "Under the Whispering Door" (although it doesn't deal with such heavy themes), and the true strength of this book lies in the bond between the characters. Jasmine, Matilda, Theo, Nicholas... they don't get a huge amount of space, but despite that, they're well-characterized, and each has their own nuances. There's a lot of representation in the book, and at "Batty Hole," discrimination doesn't exist. It's truly an idyllic place. And then, there's a zombie rooster!

The love story between Sera and Luke plays an important role, but it never really overshadows the main plot. They are truly adorable, even if I wouldn't have minded reading more sweet interactions between the two.

At the center of the narrative, however, is always Sera, a wonderful protagonist who, despite experiencing several unpleasant events in her life, has always found a way to get back on her feet. Indeed, "A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping" is not just a book about magic, but also about rebirth and reclamation.

In conclusion, "A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping" is a comforting book that aims to rekindle hope in all those who feel a little lost. Despite a few flaws, it's a book you can't help but appreciate because it's an ode to life, love, and family (not by blood).

The world is a mess around us, so if you need a hug in book form, I need you to pick this one up.

Offering the same cosy charm of A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, although they aren’t connected, this book manages to still pack the emotional and important punches whilst filling up your tea cup with Apple blossom scented wholesomeness.

I was invested in all of the diverse cast and Sangu Mandanna makes you care about every single one of them. The essential topics dealt with in this book were timely. Both longstanding institutional racism and the resurgence of anti immigration rhetoric can’t be shied away from in our country and this book expertly highlights both. The autism representation in Posy, and I believe Luke’s characters, were a breath of fresh air too.

I couldn’t get enough of this story.

A WITCH'S GUIDE TO MAGICAL INNKEEPING is a cosy, funny fantasy romance.

The inn - and its inhabitants - are a delightful disaster. Matilda's obsession with animals and constant meddling in relationships. Nicholas who wears plate armour and speaks like a chivalric knight from a medieval romance. Clemmie the meddling witch trapped in a fox's body. The undead rooster demanding pets. It's chaos and yet such a loving found family. They made me laugh a lot but also the book makes it so clear how much they love each other.

Although the book does have the stakes of "if Sera has her magic back, she can challenge the tyrannical leader", the focus of the book's stakes are the stakes for the inn and her family. If she has magic, she can repair and strengthen her inn. If she is caught or fails, then she could be punished and her found family broken up. This focus is very typical of cosy family, with smaller stakes and a far more character-centric tale.

The theme of this book felt to be deciding what real magic is. Some of the characters are magical and others' don't, and both have its own complications. Sera has been defined by her magic of lack thereof for so long and I enjoyed watching her come to define herself not by it.

Luke is a nice opposite to her, cool and calm where she is all energy, a lot more deliberate in his actions than spontaneous. I also liked how they so easily fit into companionable silences, like the evenings working in the same room, not touching or talking. It showed how comfortable they were with each other very effectively.

I also loved seeing autistic rep in this book. Posy (Luke's younger sister) is autistic (and Luke felt like an undiagnosed adult too). Luke's a great carer for her, in contrast to many of the others, and he (and the inn's other residents) are determined to create a safe space for her to be herself rather than demand she conforms to societal expectations. It was such a positive depiction of an allistic community being welcoming and holistic in their approach to supporting someone with additional needs.

If I could give this 6 stars I would! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I laughed, I cried, I gasped, and then I forgave — because this book has that kind of magic. It’s the cosy romantasy of my dreams: warm, whimsical, and quietly powerful in the way it tells a story of second chances, self-trust, and soft magic.

Sera is a witch in her 30s who’s lost her magic and, honestly, a bit of herself — and I felt that. Her journey of rebuilding a life (and an inn!) she didn’t expect to return to was comforting, hopeful, and deeply relatable. I love stories about women finding their way in the messy middle — and this one wraps that journey in a delightfully chaotic magical inn, a found family full of heart, and one very grumpy historian whose slow-burn romance with Sera had me swooning. At least one 🌶️ of heat, and the tension? Chef’s kiss.

The side characters don’t feel like side characters: Jasmine is pure comfort, Nicholas the hilariously dramatic knight, Matilda the unflappable chaos queen, Theo and Posy bring sweet youthful charm, and Clemmie — the witch-turned-fox — adds both wit and wistfulness. Even the villain had depth. I gasped at the betrayal (you know the one) and found myself forgiving — just like Sera — because this story makes you believe in healing, in home, in trying again.

Being on the precipice of 30 myself, I love stories about women in their 30s figuring it out (feels deeply relevant), and this one wrapped it in found family, magical mishaps, and innkeeping mayhem. The world is charming, the banter top-tier, and the magic is equal parts whimsical and warm.

I read it in a single day but I know I’ll carry it with me for a long while yet. Buying a paperback immediately to annotate the hell out of it.

🧹 Cosy romantasy
🏡 Magical innkeeping
🦊 Witch-turned-fox sidekick
📚 Grumpy x grumpy
💖 Second-chance magic
🌶️ Slow burn with heat
🌿 Found family
✨ Chaos, charm, and hope

Thank you to Sangu Mandanna, Hodder & Stoughton, and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own — and honestly? This one was pure magic.

I LOVE SENGU MANDANNA'S PEN!!!!

I screamed it, now I can go on, I loved his previous work and when he came back with a cozy fantasy that had everything to tell me it would be just as beautiful as its predecessor, I couldn't jump fast enough to get a copy and devour it.

The found family element that I love so much is present with a cast of quirky characters that I couldn't love more.

We have Sera who has committed a great act of rebellion that has had the cost of her losing her magical powers, she went from being a great and powerful witch to running a magical inn where each guest is more peculiar than the last.

As she secretly seeks to regain her powers, she encounters a mysterious magical historian, Luke.

I am 100% on board that I will read everything Sengu writes because I am already in love with her pen.

Infinite thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this amazing ARC.

I LOVE SENGU MANDANNA'S PEN!!!!

I screamed it, now I can go on, I loved his previous work and when he came back with a cozy fantasy that had everything to tell me it would be just as beautiful as its predecessor, I couldn't jump fast enough to get a copy and devour it.

The found family element that I love so much is present with a cast of quirky characters that I couldn't love more.

We have Sera who has committed a great act of rebellion that has had the cost of her losing her magical powers, she went from being a great and powerful witch to running a magical inn where each guest is more peculiar than the last.

As she secretly seeks to regain her powers, she encounters a mysterious magical historian, Luke.

I am 100% on board that I will read everything Sengu writes because I am already in love with her pen.

Infinite thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this amazing ARC.

I LOVE SENGU MANDANNA'S PEN!!!!

I screamed it, now I can go on, I loved his previous work and when he came back with a cozy fantasy that had everything to tell me it would be just as beautiful as its predecessor, I couldn't jump fast enough to get a copy and devour it.

The found family element that I love so much is present with a cast of quirky characters that I couldn't love more.

We have Sera who has committed a great act of rebellion that has had the cost of her losing her magical powers, she went from being a great and powerful witch to running a magical inn where each guest is more peculiar than the last.

As she secretly seeks to regain her powers, she encounters a mysterious magical historian, Luke.

I am 100% on board that I will read everything Sengu writes because I am already in love with her pen.

Infinite thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this amazing ARC.

If you loved The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, you’ll probably enjoy this too. Sangu Mandanna brings back all the cosy, magical vibes in this light hearted, whimsical paranormal romance.

As an immigrant in the UK, I really connected with the themes of found family and belonging. The story does such a lovely job showing what it feels like to be somewhere new and slowly find your people. I also really liked how naturally the book includes queer, disability, and autism representation. The characters are so quirky and warm, especially the zombie rooster and the sweet cosplay knight. The inn itself is also basically another character. It’s charming and a bit chaotic, and it perfectly reflects the people living there.

While the romance didn’t grab me quite as much as in The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, I still loved spending time in this world. The main character’s struggle to hide her magic adds tension and depth beneath the cosy surface, reminding us how hard it can be to share our true selves.

If you’re in the mood for something comforting, magical, and full of heart, this is a great pick.

I was so, so excited to read this book! I ADORED The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and was so happy I was approved for a NetGalley ARC! I might have to get my own copy when it comes out though, for any time I need a pick me up. This book has firmly got a place with its predecessor, and the likes of The House in the Cerulean Sea and Legends and Lattes which had me smiling and so warm throughout.

We meet Sera, a now 30 year old who lost her magic at 15 whilst resurrecting her dead great-aunt… as you do, oh, and at the same time she resurrected a rooster! Now she is constantly searching for a way to replenish her lost magic, whilst trying to run a completely chaotic inn. We meet very eccentric and loveable characters, in this house that feels safe for them and in a place where they can be authentically themselves. I loved this aspect, particularly with Posy - one example where she’s bouncing on a sofa and is told to stop, then suddenly a trampoline is bought the next day. It’s such a lovely way to redirect and I loved how everyone was just accepted as themselves, no matter how grumpy, difficult or temperamental they might happen to be.

This book had me smiling throughout, at the conversations which contained some fabulous phrases, at the descriptions and the characters. I hope there is going to be another book set in this world, because sign me up to read it right now!

Witchy cozy goodness. The start of this book is absolutely captivating and sucks you into this adorably whimsy world of witchcraft. The first chapter is essentially a backstory for the drama and plot, this had me shook! For such a cozy read it did start a little dark but this very quickly balanced out with good use of humour. Throughout the characters are all so lovely and fun, for me it’s always a quirky side character that seems to make me smile and this book gave me several. The found family trope is strong and slow burn romance full of will they won’t they moments. At times the romance was questionable but that’s forgiven with everything else that made me smile. Overall everything you could possibly need from a cozy fantasy. Thank you to the author for a copy. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.