Another wonderful work from Sangu Mandanna. She honestly has such a way with warm, comforting stories; but more than that, her writing is also very clever (that whole passage that describes Malik and Sera’s friendship!!!). After Nowhere House, it’s Batty Hole Inn’s turn in North West England to serve as a safe haven for our characters. Those mad people make for a colourful bunch and you can’t help but love every single one of them (even you, Clemmie). I truly enjoy books about found families, about finally being accepted the way you are after wandering for so long, not fitting in anywhere. Luke and Posy’s journey was particularly painful in this regard, but it ended so beautifully. The novel itself ends so beautifully. This reading experience was a magical adventure with profound messages I’ll keep close to my heart.

(Side note but the thing about witches and alliterative names is weirdly satisfying? Also, the drawing of Roo-Roo at the end is just perfect.)

“You’ve built a beautiful world, Sera Swan”.

Those words, sweetly uttered by Luke, the magic historian, are the perfect words to sum up Sangu Mandanna’s “A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping”, a standalone novel in a witchcore world hidden in contemporary England, very much like “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches”. This book is the perfect read for the rainy autumn days with a fresh cup of tea and a warm blanket.

When Sera Swan was 15 she was on her way to be the most powerful witch in England, an honour only to be shared with her mentor, who is a prideful man who seems to only live to gain power by bullying everyone in the witch world, Sera included. Sera’s only close relative is her great-aunt Jasmine and a sentient fox named Clemmie, and together they live in the family inn in Lancashire. All of a sudden Jasmine dies, leaving her niece alone with Clemmie, who happens to know of a spell that would resurrect Jasmine.

Sera manages to bring Jasmine back to life, but in the process she loses almost all of her magic, leaving her with only enough power to keep protecting the inn and its people. She is expelled from the Guild, an organization that governs and protects all the witches in England, and so, she becomes simply Sera the innkeeper.

The Inn is the center of the novel. This is a much deeper an darker novel than “The Very Secret Society…” but still it has the same cottage core, witch core and acceptance feel to it. A timeskip of 15 years finds Sera still keeping the inn, a safe place full of a magic that hides it from the eyes of the world except those who need shelter, comfort and a guiding light. There she lives with lovely Jasmine, Theo, Sera’s tween cousin, Matilda, a retired former ballet teacher, Nicholas, a young man who dresses as a medieval knight, Clemmie, the mischievous fox and… a rooster made of bones that Sera brought back to life along with Jasmine. Soon, two more people will join the inn, someone at the guild sends Sera help in the person of Luke, a magic historian, who brings his very young sister Posy with him.

All of the people of the inn have something in common. They have all been rejected by the people who were supposed to love them the most. For one reason or other, they find themselves forming a new family full of love, support, understanding, and above everything else, acceptance. The inn keeps them safe like a protective mother who makes tea and scones and hugs you when you’re sad. That’s what makes this book so special, that and the characters’ unique to them quirks, they’re all adorable. Sera and Luke becoming friends despite not seeing eye to eye at the beginning, their chemistry slowly turns into something else throughout the novel, a feeling that influences everyone else at the inn.

All of the characters help each other and Sera deal with depression, anxiety and the shared feeling of not fitting in anywhere but here. There are still more battles to be fought, but in the meantime, we’ll share good times with the people who chose us as theirs. This is, indeed, a comfort read full of unforgettable characters and a heartwarming feel that lingers.

Firstly thank you to netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the chance to read this arc.

I've been trying to decide on a rating for two days now . what was a very highly anticipated read for me turned out to be abit flat. Now don't get me wrong it was a nice easy read, good characters, but something was missing. I feel like some parts were abit rushed, and then some parts were completely unnecessary (mainly the "spice" scene) I know a lot of people have rated this 4/5 stars which is great for them. For me personally I just didn't get that feeling. I always dislike when everyone loves something but I always feel like maybe I'm in the wrong, but that is just the book industry. Some people will give 5 stars and love something, other people will rate it lower and not love it. All of these opinions are valid.

3.5 (we need half stars please netgalley)

I have went into this expecting delight and that's what I got. Mandanna has woven us a story of love, self-acceptance, finding ones own place, one own magic, finding self, family and healing. In an ensemble of lovely characters we saw what love, acceptance and growth mean to wounded and traumatised souls. This will be a book I recommend a lot and Sangu Mandanna a auto-buy author.

My rating is 4.25 and that's due to intimacy and "spice" feeling quite unnecessary.

I have waited an impossibly long time to read this book for has faced multiple delays, but it was worth the wait. I loved the author’s first book and knew she’d become an auto-buy author for me.

Sera and her found family as Batty Hole Inn was just everything you need in a cosy fantasy book. This is a true testament to how much your found family is just as special as your actual family, sometimes even more. With such a mix of eccentric and weirdly wonderful characters, this stood as the core of the story.

But we also have Sera who is looking to reclaim her magic. Sera was a fantastic FMC and I loved everything about her. You feel her anguish at having lost her magic, but also her protectiveness of the life she has created for herself without it. I almost didn’t want her to get it back, but she was the true hero and I won’t ruin why that is.

Luke and Sera were a great couple, but I just wish we got a smidge more of them together as this part felt quite hastily put together. But no complaints from me as Luke is just a cute little cinnamon role.

Safe to say, this book did not disappoint and I will continue to read Sangu’s books as long as they’re released.

I really enjoyed Sangu Mandanna's previous book The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches so I was very excited to pick up her latest release A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping. Whilst this has a similar vibe to her previous book it features separate characters and a new world. I really loved this book. It is a cosy, heart-warming magical fantasy that is really well done. There is just enough intrigue and plot to keep it interesting and wanting to read on whilst also striking that cosy balance. The characters are extremely lovable and the found family aspect is brilliantly done. Definitely recommend to anyone who enjoyed the authors previous book and anyone looking to read a heart-warming and cosy magical book.

It is very rare that a book makes me cry from sheer joy but this one managed it.

After reading The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, I already knew that these cosy witchy vibes were absolutely for me. However, I was also expecting a continuation of that universe so was surprised when the magic system and witch society were totally different.

This is not an interconnected standalone, it is a completely different book and you will be introduced to a new magic system. You will still get the same cosy writing, great characters and all those little things you loved from Secret Society. In the end, the fact that it is entirely separate made this book even better.

I adored the magic and found that the whole magic aristocracy made such a brilliant point (which was also very well executed). It made the themes of found family and personal development even stronger, underpinning how important they are.

As with Secret Society, A Witch's Guide deals with larger themes but in a beautiful way that doesn't make the book feel too heavy. The way it talks about racism, class and elitism fits perfectly within the overarching story and doesn't feel preachy at all.

But my favourite part of this story are the character. I would literally bare-knuckle box anyone who came for them (except Albert) because I love them all. They feel like real people with real flaws, feelings and issues.

I can only hope that one day I accidentally stumble upon an inn I didn't know was there but that gives me the things I need at that moment.

i have been getting into comfy fantasy literature lately, and i really enjoyed this book! thank you so much to the publisher for giving me this e-arc ♥️

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I previously read Sangu Mandanna’s *The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches* and really enjoyed it, but I think I loved this one even more. I’m not usually a fan of the cosy fantasy trend, but Mandanna’s books are a definite exception.

This novel follows a powerful witch who loses her magic after resurrecting her great-aunt and is subsequently exiled from her guild. She finds refuge at a magical inn filled with quirky, lovable misfits who come together as an unexpected but deeply bonded family. When she discovers a book that might hold the key to restoring her powers, she must team up with the guild’s grumpy librarian to unlock its secrets. But perhaps the magic she’s looking for has been with her all along, in the inn and the people who’ve become her home.

This book was deeply emotional and beautifully written. There were so many quotes that resonated with me, and the themes of belonging and identity were handled with such tenderness. Each character felt fully realised, with unique voices and personalities that extended beyond familiar archetypes. I especially adored Matilda.

The magic system was simple yet evocative, often tied to the main character’s emotions (she sees stars within herself), and the inn itself responds to those in need. I also noticed how much Mandanna’s writing has grown, I wasn’t particularly invested in the romance in *Irregular Witches*, but in this book, I found myself really rooting for the couple. I guess I’m a fan of a grumpy x grumpy pairing instead!

One thing I particularly appreciated was how Mandanna explores themes of racism and ableism. These issues were handled with care and authenticity, and it was clear she did her research. As someone who often struggles with belonging because of the colour of my skin and where my family is from, I felt genuinely seen by this story.

This is a heartfelt, magical read perfect for fans of fantasy, found family, and stories that celebrate difference and healing.

Rating: 4/5

oh my gosh i was so over excited when the publishers said a bit fat yes to review Sangu new book i got to meet Sangu few years back at a book event i loved hearing how she puts the story together ,i do recommend if you have not read her last book The very secret society of irregular witches do it i fell in love with that story .

i feel that Sangu has done an incredible job with this story
This book has amazing cosy fantasy ,whimsically charming and best heartwarming romance this book gave me all this and the fact the book has a talking fox which i would say a very cheeky grey character .

i think the characters are just as wonderful as the last book Sern has lost her magic cause she made a bo bo when she was young who has not ever done ,then we welcome Luke character hello to the magical historian swoon worthy (are you looking for a new book boyfriend well he is right here ).
and maybe just maybe be able to help Sera magic back and help uncover other mysteries too. there is also a lot of humour just like the last book which i always enjoy .

There are big family secrets to be unveiled in this story which you know me i love a plot twist or the carpet pulled from under you this book did that .

i loved the disability rep to i thought that Sangu did her research with this and written about autism beautifully .

the setting for the story was wonderful and world building was so well done i felt i was in the story .

Overall, I feel this is was of my favourite reads this year

i am giving the book 5 most wonderful magical stars

What an absolutely adorable read! Sometimes you just need a book that envelopes you in a warm hug and this was that!

I loved The very secret society of irregular witches, so jumped at the chance to read this one.

And yet again the author has created a magical world I easily fell into. It was a perfect cosy vibes witchy read.

The inn was just super cute and I absolutely loved the mix of characters in the book. A Knight, a fox that talks, the Inn (because yes that was a character all on it's own!) and the slow burn relationships in the book.

Bring on grumpy/ sunshine vibes, an older generation queen romance and a quest to get magic back and this was everything I wanted in a book.

I spent the weekend enveloped in the world the author created and was quite frankly very sad to leave at the end.

If you are looking for a cosy vibes magical read, this is it. This book definitely has a place on my read again often cosy picks pile.

Thank you so much to Hodderscape and Netgalley for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was very excited to receive this ARC and come back to another cosy and witchy romance by Sangu Mandanna! While I didn't feel super invested in the plot, I enjoyed reading this book and found it entertaining. This book has the usual elements of cosy fantasy to escape into: quirkiness, lovable characters, found family, adorable romance and lots of adventures. My favourite aspect was the uniqueness of the characters and the messages of acceptance throughout the book. I would definitely recommend picking it up if you think you'd be into a cosy witchy book with the themes above!

Thank you to NetGalley, Hodderscape and Sangu Mandanna for sending me an eARC of A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping in exchange for an honest review! I read A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches last year and loved it, so I was very excited when I got this!

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a magical, wholesome story with a wonderful and magical found family.

It’s an easy read, with simple worldbuilding and a lot of funny moments, but with incredibly important messages - it comments on huge aspects of society, including racism and the (appalling) treatment of immigrants and neurodiverse people. It also reminds you that magic is everywhere around us - and so is love, in all of its forms. It explores mental health and neurodiversity, and has a wonderfully diverse cast of characters (and a zombie rooster, who is adorable).

I’d recommend this if you liked A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and witchy, cosy stories (with some stakes), or generally if you fancy a warm hug in a book. (but it may make you want your own magical inn).


‘A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is due out on 17 July in the UK! Let me know if you plan on reading it!

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a warm, whimsical tale that blends gentle magic with heartfelt storytelling, a true comfort read for anyone who loves stories filled with charm, love, and the kind of family you find along the way.

The novel centres on Sera Swan, a once-powerful witch whose life has gone a bit off-script. After a string of magical mishaps, including accidentally resurrecting her formidable great-aunt Jasmine, losing most of her powers, and adopting a cheeky talking fox, Sera ends up running a magical inn nestled in the idyllic Lancashire countryside. When she stumbles across a mysterious spell book that might help her reclaim her lost magic, she teams up with Luke Larsen, a quiet historian with secrets of his own. But as they uncover the book’s hidden truths, Sera begins to discover that real magic might lie not in spells, but in the people she’s come to love.

From the first page, this book radiates cosiness. The Batty Hole Inn is the kind of place you wish were real, filled with eccentric guests, gentle magic, and delightfully odd details, like wildflowers blooming from teacups and apple blossom tea that rains from the ceiling of one room every Sunday. It’s a setting that wraps you up like a patchwork quilt and invites you to stay a while.

More than just a magical mystery, this is a story about building a life from the broken pieces, and finding your people along the way. Sera's journey is one of healing and belonging, surrounded by a wonderfully diverse cast that includes LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent characters, each adding depth and warmth to the story.

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a celebration of love, community, and the quiet, everyday kind of magic that transforms lives. It’s a hug in book form, perfect for fans of cosy fantasy, found family, and just the right amount of spell work.

Thank you to Hodderscape and Netgalley for this eARC to review.

Reading A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping felt like sinking into a warm cup of tea laced with stardust — comforting, quirky, and just a little bit spellbinding. Sera Swan is the kind of heroine I adore: slightly chaotic, secretly heartbroken, and wholly determined to reclaim the pieces of herself that magic (and life) took away. Her journey from exile to empowerment is a gentle, magical joy to witness.

The enchanted inn setting is its own kind of magic — full of creaky charm, enchanted mischief, and guests with secrets of their own. Add in a sardonic, semi-reformed talking fox (easily one of my favorite sidekicks in recent memory), a curmudgeonly magical historian with hidden depths, and a heavy dose of found family vibes, and you’ve got a story that glows with warmth.

While there’s a sweet undercurrent of romance, the real heart of this book is healing: from grief, from lost purpose, from the idea that we have to do everything alone. Mandanna has a real gift for mixing whimsy with sincerity — and just enough bite to keep it from being saccharine.

If you loved The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, this one might be even better. It’s cozy fantasy at its finest: hopeful, heartfelt, and quietly magical.

“It seemed at first glance like ridiculous theatre, unneccessary and a bit silly, but at the heart of it, weren’t they just a handful of people trying to be good to one another?”

This book was everything I needed and more. Reading it felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket while the rain is pouring outside. I love the found family trope, and here it was so well executed, each character has its own past and story of how they ended up at the Inn, but they all chose to stay and create their happy place, tolerating each other’s quirks and genuinely caring for one another. I fell in love with Sera, her strength, her resilience, and overall her love and willingness to do everything for her family. I almost cried at one point, and I was so proud of her by the end! The cast of characters is diverse, the setting is whimsical, the writing flows nicely and I soon found that I couldn’t put this book down, I was enjoying it so much.

If you want a cozy read, with a dash of romance, and a lot of peculiar, funny and loveable characters this is the book for you! Also, bonus points for the zombie chicken, which was the perfect comic relief! I will definitely be recommending this book.

Thank you to Netgalley, Hodderscape, and the author for the arc.

I loved this book! It’s a charming blend of whimsical and emotional that remind us that magic is more than spells. The found family of quirky characters is devine and the self discovery is bound to crack your heart wide open. I can see this becoming a comfort re-read for me for sure.

I was excitedly awaiting the release of ‘A witch’s guide to magical innkeeping’ after reading ‘The very secret society of irregular witches’ and absolutely loving its quirky characters. Unfortunately the characters in AWGTMI was what let me down this time as I just could not connect to them at all.

I can’t put my finger on what didn’t work for me, these characters should have been my favourites… a quirky found family which includes a bitchy witch stuck in a fox body, a powerful witch who lost her powers and deals with it with a sarcastic snark and a broody magic historian. I really wanted to love them but I kept forcing myself to read and just didn’t care what was happening.

The setting was definitely cosy and soft with a low stakes adventure filled with messages of hope and being yourself. I think many will love this book, it just didn’t hit the spot for me.

I have no notes. this was a such a cute little cosy fantasy, with a dash of romance. I loved that the theme of found family was more important than the main romance. It was such a fun ride with a bittersweet ending for me.
While it was simple in it's world building, it was done very well, and really focused on a great cast of characters.
I'm not sure if I want my own magical inn or to live in Sera's, but it just sounds so perfect and exactly what I need. For now I'll settle through experiencing it via this book.

Thank-you NetGalley and Hodderscape for allowing me to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.

This was the perfect level of cosy, and just what I needed! I tore through this book in a day, and if anything, I loved it even more than her first.

Sera's search to rediscover her lost magic - with a strange and sometimes supernatural family by her side - makes her a compelling and likeable protagonist. I loved watching her grow throughout the novel, particularly seeing how her time with Luke helps each bring out the best in the other.

The story expertly balances moments of lighthearted humour with raw emotional truths, all within a comforting and magical world. Just as in The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, Sangu Mandanna uses fantasy to explore questions of identity, exclusion and belonging, creating a story that is both charming, and encourages the reader to reflect. If you're looking for a sweet fantasy, with a found family bond, I would definitely recommend.

Books with similar vibes - The Honey Witch by Sydney Shields, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna, The Binding by Bridget Collins, and Spells, Strings and Forgotten Things by Breanne Randall.