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.

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.