I absolutely loved this book! I read it in about a day because I couldn't bare to put it down, I just wanted to stay in that world.
Mika is a fantastic character, perfectly quirky and completely herself and I loved that! We should all be more like Mika Moon! Sangu Mandanna has created the most enjoyable characters to read about and dearly hope that she creates more stories about them because id love to see how their lives unfold. This book is going to become a re-reading favourite because I can't see myself ever not wanting to step back into it.

I inhaled this book! This was an amazing read filled with magic, found family, humour around every corner mixed in with a little bit of heartbreak and of course, heart warming times!

Mika Moon is a witch and part of a secret group of witches who look down on her online past times!

'Witchcore. Not quite as popular as cottagecore or fairycore, but it’s up there.'

Because of her online presence she gets offered a job to teach 3 young witches in Nowhere House how to control their power. So of course, in the interests of secrecy, she takes the job!!!!

We have.....

* Irritable librarian, Jamie with the dab forearms
* Ian, once actor (and my fave!)
* Lucy, housekeeper
* Ken, gardener
* Rosetta, kid witch
* Terracotta, kid witch
* Altamira, kid witch

And of course now, Mika!

The recipe for a great potion consists of a dollop of magic, 2 fabulous old gents, a few secrets, a spoonful of drama, and of course, a pinch of romance!

And if this book was a potion, it would be a powerful one. Utterly fabulous!

"Niceness is all about what we do when other people are looking. Kindness, on the other hand, runs deep."

I received an E-ARC from NetGalley and Hodderscape in exchange for an honest review (@ Hodderscape besties pls send me a physical arc, I want to cherish this book forever).

You know when a book gets hold of you and won't let go? The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches does just that. It doesn't grab you in a violent, gotcha by the throat kinda way, but in a soft and gentle way; you don't even notice it at first, until you try to put the book down and discover that you can't. It's like you're a cartoon character walking down the street and you walk past a tasty smelling pie and the smell lifts you up and drifts you over to the windowsill where the yummy pie is sitting, except this particular pie is a deliciously magical romantic comedy with some of the loveliest characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading about.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is about Mika Moon, an actual witch, who is hired as the live-in teacher for three young witches, who are looked after by their unconventional but fiercely loving family. This book is also about learning to heal from trauma, finding a family, and the power of accepting one's identity.

There is SO much to love about this book. Seriously, when trying to come up with what to write in my review all I could think was "10/10, perfect, no notes".

The characters are a charming and eclectic mix of people with brilliant and witty dialogue and interactions; the relationships feel so real and grounded and your heart genuinely aches for these characters when things go wrong. I would die for all of the Nowhere family without hesitation. I do have a soft spot for Circe though, as I mainly read IRREGULAR WITCHES while sat next to my own hairy golden soul mate.

Identity is a key theme in this book, and as someone who belongs to a marginalised identity, I really loved and appreciated that part of it. So many of the things Mika and the others talk about resonated with me and it often felt like witchiness could be an allegory for other marginalised identities. At a time when the world feels increasingly hostile towards those who are "different", I really needed to hear Mika talk so positively about her identity.
I also deeply related to Jamie, the grumpy bastard to end all grumpy bastards. The romance in this book is the kind that makes you smile to yourself while you're reading (and sometimes squeal with all the feelings too).

The plot is expertly woven and full of surprises and sneaky callbacks to earlier things. It's beautifully written, and I found myself highlighting passages every other page. Trying to choose a quote to pop at the top of this review was an almost impossible task when only reading the whole book will ever fully encapsulate it's brilliance. The pacing is perfect, nothing is ever stagnant but you're also not rushed through anything; it's like a stroll through the countryside on a summer's day. Reading this book genuinely feels magical and I cannot express how much I loved it.

10/10, perfect, no notes.

If I could give this book more than five stars I would! I think it has been written just for me, the perfect, cosy, witchy, swoony romance I’ve always wanted to read. It is - and I do not say this lightly - grown up Ballet Shoes with witches. (I KNOW!) It is an absolute dream, a warm, enchanting place to spend time in.

I adored the entire cast of characters, they were utterly real to me. Yes it is a sweet, cosy book but it packs an enormous emotional punch. It is perfectly balanced, never tipping into saccharine, and I just wanted more of it. I know it’s a book I will reread, I think it would make the most glorious tv series. This is the book we need right now - comforting, romantic, full of joy and hope. I loved it.

An utterly captivating book, I knew from the first page that I would absolutely love it. Filled with magic, friendship and love it has a wondrously joyful feeling which carries you along to the perfect ending. I would give it ten stars if I could, I so hope this is going to be the first in a series.

Oh this book was BEAUTIFUL. 5 stars doesn’t cut it. I’m giving it 10.

My heart was full after I’d finished this book and it was just everything I wanted. It was so heart warming and lovely and really warms up the marrow of your bones. The character progressions, the plot, the overcoming of past demons. Was truly a sight to behold (or read in this case).

I absolutely adored the characters in this. Like all of them. Mika, the main character, quickly earned my affection and I fell in love with the three girls of Nowhere house. And all of the guardians of course.

They were all so lovable and there was something so endearing about a bunch of mistrustful misfits slowly finding their place. The home that they belonged too. With plenty of twists and turns along the way and a potential disaster seeing them all face the possible future of their home in ruins, they have a lot to overcome.

From the very first page I could tell I was going to love this. And right up to the end, I never wanted to put it down and saw the pages fly by. Seriously, a gorgeously happy, witchy read with romance, magic, friendship and a real sense of belonging. There was nothing I didn’t love!

A truly magical tale about a witch, Mika, who answers a job advertisement on the Internet and gets a lot more than she expected. I cannot say any more for fear of spoilers, but this novel is delightful and I recommend it highly. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.

This is a quick, easy and adorable read that I devoured in one sitting I couldn't put it down. Well written with a compelling storyline and well developed characters and incredible world building. I LOVED IT

Mika Moon is a witch but not as you know it! She answers a job offer to become a teacher to three young witches and finds herself getting into trouble with them as well as navigating the witch code! Along the way can she find herself?
This was way out of my comfort zone and I fell in love! Mika is a beautiful character and I really hope there will be more in this series please please please!
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I cannot express how excited I was to get my hands on this book! It was like my birthday, Christmas morning and getting a new book haul all in the same go! I am OBSESSED. This is everything you could want in a book and more. Witchy perfection!

I fell in love with this story. The heartwarming characters, the found family, the (achingly) slow burn romance, the magical tea and potions, secret mansions and old, rare books. This novel felt like a package deal of everything I love and boy did it serve. I smiled and giggled through the majority of this book, apart from the more frightening parts where my heart sank and I had to keep reading to make sure these characters were okay. I looked forward to reading this book, especially at the end of a long day. My love for the characters only grew with every page, they were so endearing and had such different personalities, it kept me enticed the whole way through. Also, the twists and turns? They just kept coming?? This book was a wonderful journey, as well as being an emotional rollercoaster, perfect for readers who enjoyed Klune’s ‘The House on the Cerulean Sea’.

This book will always hold a special place in my heart.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A really great plot with witches at the centre, witchiness the reason for everyone being together and yet just a gentle romance and a look at how people learn to love themselves in order to love others. Mika is a witch and is considered the only person to help out with 3 children witches and a plot to trick a lawyer. She gives it her all despite never settling for long in any one place and there is a glimmer of hope that she will be able to put down roots for once. Things are never that simple though.

Have you heard of the phrase, a hug in a mug'? Well, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a hug in a book! It's a sweet, funny (yes, I laughed out loud on my train journey) and altogether heart-warming tale of Mika Moon, a young Indian witch, who is orphaned and raised by a succession of nannies and tutors. Mika is indeed a witch and throughout the story, we learn of numerous, wonderous spells, requiring plants, flowers and moonlight. Like other witches in Great Britain, Mika is trying to keep her 'witchiness' a secret and must live alone (and be lonely). Then she is invited to become a tutor to three orphaned witches and the fun truly starts.
With three young witches struggling to control their powers (one of whom is opening plotting to kill Mika, leading to some very amusing dialogue), a dark, brooding, sexy librarian, and three slightly odd tutors/housekeepers, the chaos is just beginning and Mika will have her work cut out to keep the 'real world' from finding out the truth about the family at Nowhere house - though the greatest threat may come from within the witchy community.
I'm not general a huge fan of romantic, but The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches has simply stolen my heart. It's light-hearted, fun with sufficient levels of drama to keep the tale moving forward.
I hope that there is a sequel set when Rosetta, Terracotta and Altamira are a little older and venturing into the outside world.

Really enjoyed this book about all things witchy, made a refreshing change and I loved the quirky characters, had quite a few giggles along the way, storyline was good and detailed could not put it down

5 Stars

This book was absolutely lovely to read and I really enjoyed it. This story is about Mika Moon and how she has spent most of her life alone due to being an orphan and a witch. After a desperate call for a live in Nanny for three young witches in need to training, Mika Moon takes a leap of faith and goes to help. After being told that witches can’t live together due too all the combined magic and problems that it can cause and normal people potentially finding out due to magic surges.
Mika also meets all the other adults in the put together family and thinks she won’t be around long as she never stays in the same place for more than a couple of months.
I found the young witches to be extremely likeable and really well wrote for characters. There’s is romance between Mika and Jamie the librarian which is a slow romance. My favourite character had to be one of the children Terracotta who has a bit of a thing about murder and how she would constantly ask Mika her preference for how she would be killed which was pretty funny.
I definitely recommend this book.

Thank you to Netgalley, the Author and Hodderbooks for this early eARC.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a joyous, magical, wholesome book about found family and finding the people who accept and love you for exactly who you are.

This book is a lighthearted, comforting and surprisingly funny read. All of the characters were engaging and likeable. One of the children makes a rather annoying decision, but that is to be expected; since when does an 8 year old listen to their guardians? The children were portrayed very well and I really liked their interactions with the various adults. There are some deeper themes explored, e.g. childhood trauma, but these are handled well and don't detract from the main plot. I also liked the diversity of the characters.

The romance is swoon worthy, the Grumpy/Sunshine trope is very cute. I loved that the romance really added to the story and didn't overshadow the main plot. I also loved the dynamic between the found family, the children were hilarious at times. The plot twist really got me and the ending was very sweet.

This book was an absolute joy to read and if you're in the mood for a witchy, swoon worthy romance, this is definitely for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4.5/5⭐️

As one of the few witches in Britain, Mika Moon knows she has to hide her magic, keep her head down, and stay away from other witches so their powers don't mingle and draw attention.

An unexpected message arrives, begging her to travel to the remote and mysterious Nowhere House to teach three young witches how to control their magic. It breaks all of the rules, but Mika goes anyway, and is immediately tangled up in the lives and secrets of not only her three charges, but also everyone else living in the house and...Jamie. The handsome and prickly librarian of Nowhere House would do anything to protect the children, and as far as he's concerned, a stranger like Mika is a threat. An irritatingly appealing threat.

But magic isn't the only danger in the world, and when a threat comes knocking at their door, Mika will need to decide whether to risk everything to protect a found family she didn't know she was looking for or to follow the rules and run.

This is a story of finding where you belong and that friends are indeed the family you choose for yourself. In this heartwarming and cosy witchy book, you’ll want to cheer for Mika and be happy when she’s happy and sad when she’s sad; and in the end all you’ll want is for her to thrive and be happy!

I always love when the plot is in England, maybe because I now live there, I just have an extra soft spot for it. The characters are all so lovely and it’s amazing how you get to find out about everyone’s own story. The writing is easy to follow and build-up very nicely up to the climax and then down to the epilogue without leaving you hanging. And best of all? It’s a gorgeous stand-alone!

Please keep an eye on my bookstagram (@maria_bookshelf) as a review post is coming out on the release day!

Charming, full of heart and a warm burst of comfort The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is an absolute delight! I feel cosy fantasy is really having it's moment and this is a fantastic addition to the genre. Very reminiscent of the House by the Cerulean Sea this is a heart-warming tale of found family, unconditional love and magic.

We follow Mika Moon, a young witch who gets recruited to help out at a mysterious house called the Nowhere House with the training of 3 young witches. Witches in England have to keep themselves secret and follow the Rules™ which include not gathering and living together, so 3 young witches together, if they were discovered would be quite the scandal. Mika who has never set down roots her whole life begins to find a home at the nowhere house and with it's eclectic mix of residents and handsome scowling librarian and starts to question whether she can truly find somewhere she can belong for good.

The residents of Nowhere House include Rosetta, Terracotta and Altamira the three young rebellious witches who Mika is there to train in the ways of magic. Rosetta is calm and quiet, Terracotta is out to murder Mika when she first arrives and generally hostile and Altamira is the sweetest little excitable cinnamon roll! I loved all three of the girls and seeing their growth through the book and them growing closer with Mika was so cute!!! I love young children in books and am a sucker for caring for children themes. We also have Ian and Ken, an older couple who have lived at Nowhere house a long time. Ian is exuberant and always up to mischief and Ken is his fond but exasperated husband and I loved them so much!! We also have Lucie the housekeeper, a motherly figure and then Jamie the librarian, who is a bit of grump but has a heart of gold and cares very much for his young wards and with whom Mika can't help but feel sparks fly.

This book is very much a slice of life fantasy, it's quite low stakes and low conflict but this is actually something I really like in books and feels like the perfect remedy to an increasingly fraught and depressing reality. The main emotional stakes from the book come from Mika's emotional journey in learning to let others in and find a place she can call home (which I think is relatable to us all) as well as her relationships with the other characters.

I wouldn't call this book a romance but there is a romantic subplot which I loved!! Mika and Jamie are such a grumpy/sunshine pairing which I am an absolute sucker for. I also thought the build-up to the relationship was great, they were a bit prickly with each other at first but the development of the relationship felt very natural.

I loved the magic and witchy vibes in this book. I feel like often in witchy books I'm disappointed but I absolutely loved the magic in this one. This is such a bad way to describe it lol but it honestly felt so magical and full of wonder. Additionally I loved the focus of Mika's magic being on magical potions and teas - a good cup of tea can heal most ailments in my opinion and all the tea just added to the comfort factor. The botanical element to the magic I loved as well and being near the seaside - it all just added to the cosiness!

The whole setting and descriptions of Nowhere House were all so relaxing and created a beautiful atmosphere. The prose was quiet but also felt a bit like a warm hug with a light undertone of humour and charm that paired with the excellent characters just helped to make this book an absolute joy to read.

In summary this book feels like a warm cup of tea with a biscuit on a blustery autumn day. It's a beautiful break from a busy world that sucks you in and is easily readable in an afternoon. It will leave you full of hope, joy and comfort <3

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a perfect cosy witchy romance full of wit, warmth and heart. I instantly missed the company of these charming characters once I’ve reached the end and found myself rereading the book to specifically mark favourite passages and chapters. Something I rarely do, because how am I supposed to put this book back into my shelf?

Witch Mika Moon receives a message in her inbox begging her to travel to The mysterious Nowhere House to work as a live-in tutor for three out-of-control young witches. But surly that can’t be possible as witches always live alone for safety? Mika knows she shouldn’t take this job, but the idea of sharing her passion for potions and spells is hard to resist. Before long, she finds herself a welcomed part of their little found family, with the notable exception of a certain steely grey eyed librarian. When a threat comes knocking at their door, will Mika be able to risk everything to protect them?

Magic plays a huge part of the book and there’s a real whimsical beauty in the way that Sangu Mandanna describes the casting of a spell or even the simple act of gathering ingredients for a magical tea or potion. Her writing instils a deep sense of wonder and she weaves these little delightful tendrils of magic throughout the novel like little treasures waiting to be discovered with the turn of a page.

The main character Mika’s charismatic personality lies in her sunny disposition; always ready with an easy smile and funny quips, it’s hard not to fall under her spell. What I loved the most about her is that underneath all the sunshine and kindness, Mika is a very emotionally damaged character who’s past has never truly allowed her to feel comfortable with forming attachments to people. It’s what makes her so relatable and appealing as a main character, because isn’t that what we all want to find in life? A place to belong and people who truly love you just as you are?

The inhabitants of Nowhere House, a mysterious absent archaeologist, a nurturing housekeeper, a prickly librarian, a steadfast gardener, a mischievous retired actor and three unlikely witches, form an unlikely family unit, but their fierce devotion to one another is incredibly heart-warming proving that sometimes family can be the one you choose and commit to rather than the one you are born into.

It’s been a very long time since I can honestly say that I’ve read, loved and can’t wait to recommend a “happy” book. For fans of romance, the slow burn and tension between Jamie and Mika is so swoon worthy that I’m very tempted to haunt dusty library stacks in search of a devastatingly handsome scowly librarian to call my own. For those who are not, there is a real depth to this story beyond a simple romance. There are moments of piercing emotional insight, of real growth and healing for multiple characters which gives the book real weight and makes it memorable. It’s a wonderful magical tale and one I’ll be happily revisiting over and over again in the future.

Thank you so much to the publishers, Hodder & Stoughton for sending me an advanced reading copy of the book. It’s absolutely beautiful and I can’t wait to get the finished edition.

4.5 stars

When I started this book, I didn't know what to expect. In the end, I loved The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches with all my heart. It was such a beautiful, heartwarming surprise. The story hooked me from the start and I adored every single character. We have magic, found family, funny moments, adorable relationships and grumpy-sunshine romance. But this book also touches important topics: how being different can affect your life, how it can be lonely to never belong anywhere, how it's hard to trust someone, open up with them and let them see the most vulnerable part of yourself.

“It was wildly foolish to get attached, to care, because she had never belonged anywhere and had never been enough for anybody.”

It's not easy to found the right people. But when you do, when you found the person who acceptes and loves you for who you are, warts and all... then all the pain and suffering were somehow worth it.

“It's not always enough to go looking for the place we belong. Sometimes we need to make that place.”

Adored this book so much and I have no doubt that I will be getting myself a copy when it's finally out to the world.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is about Mika Moon, a witch who wanted a sense of belonging and a passion for her magic despite the Rules of Witches she has been taught since she was little that states she's not allowed to gather with other witches and attract attention. When Mika discovered that three girls in Norfolk are witches and living together when the family contacted her - she decided to help them learn how to control their magic due to upcoming circumstances that are happening at the house.

This book took me by surprise because I didn't expect it to be as wholesome and heartwarming as I expected it to be. I loved that the plot feels low stake and it's just a book that will fill you up with happiness and warmth when you turn the pages. Like Mika who found a home in the Nowhere House, I found home in this little chaotic family as well. Like Mika also, I can't help but grew attached to these people from the start. I love the little shenanigans, the way Mika bonds with the girls, Ian, Ken, Lucie and Jamie, and how all the relationships in this book made me feel warm. I was also not expecting romance in this book so I was pleasantly surprised to see there is one between Jamie and Mika.

That being said, this book worked for me because books with little to no plot that brings serotonin is just something I enjoyed reading. The world building in this book is minimal and it's not so much a plot-driven book as it is a character-driven one. The magic is something in the background that propels the story forward (and yet you'll feel it everywhere in the story) but the star of this book is definitely the characters and the genuineness of their love between each other. This book felt like a hug to me and I just adore it to bits for that.

Is there a better feeling than finding a new comfort read? I think not.

This book hit all the right spots for me, it was such a wonderful reading experience. The writing style is extremely fun and super engaging, and this book has a cast of characters you will absolutely fall in love with.

The book deals with a lot of themes that are basically my kryptonite, like loneliness, feeling different from others in society, and finding a home despite that. I don't think I could ever dislike the found family trope, especially if it consists of unconventional family structures, so I will surely be rereading this lots.

This book is just SO GREAT. The pick me up you didn’t know you needed. It’s about belonging, feeling loved and finding your place in the world. Yes, it is about witches too - and my hope is that this doesn’t mean the book is overlooked by some readers, because it’s the life affirming read one needs every time.

Five stars and telling all my friends about it next!

🫖The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches🫖

By Sangu Mandanna

Description:

As one of the few witches in Britain, Mika Moon has lived her life by three rules: hide your magic, keep your head down, and stay away from other witches. An orphan raised by strangers from a young age, Mika is good at being alone, and she doesn't mind it . . . mostly.

But then an unexpected message arrives, begging her to travel to the remote and mysterious Nowhere House to teach three young witches, and Mika jumps at the chance for a different life.

Nowhere House is nothing like she expects, and she's quickly tangled up in the lives and secrets of its quirky, caring inhabitants . . . and Jamie, the handsome, prickly librarian who would do anything to protect his charges, and who sees Mika's arrival as a threat. An irritatingly appealing threat.

As Mika finds her feet, the thought of belonging somewhere starts to feel like a real possibility. But magic isn't the only danger in the world, and soon Mika will need to decide whether to risk everything to protect the found family she didn't know she was looking for . . .

🫖🫖🫖🫖

Tasha Suri described this book as “The cosy magical romance you’ve been waiting for” and I couldn’t agree more.

TVSSOIW (because I’m not writing that title out every time!) is the kind of book that feels like a warm hug, a hot cup of tea and a plate of your favourite biscuits. It’s sweet, funny, has fantastic representation and a lovely, heartwarming story.

I loved every character, even Primrose in the end. (Damn it Primrose!)

The grumpy/sunshine romance is perfect, and without giving too much away, the steam level is just right, and very well written.

I loved the witchy details in this book and it had me cracking out the tea leaves for a proper cup of tea. Tonight’s tea is a gorgeous Black Forest from @birdandblendtea 🫖

Thanks to @netgalley and @hodderbooks for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches will be released on the 23rd of August.

Witchy, wholesome, and wonderfully witty!

"Niceness is all about what we do when other people are looking. Kindness, on the other hand, runs deep. Kindness is what happens when no one's looking."

7 months down yet this is my first 5 star read of 2022!!!!

This is the comfort book you'll find yourself reaching for this year! This book was like the creamiest bowl of pasta, the biggest hug from your loved one, a slobbery kiss from a baby, the music that makes you want to dance, the comfiest sweatshirt, and the scent of home!

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is one kaleidoscope of a story. Sangu Mandanna has beautifully crafted a feel good story with a mosaic of vibrant characters that you will instantly fall in love with. It is an exuberant tale of finding family and love in the unlikeliest of places. I devoured this book in less than 24 hours and I am on a bookish high right now!

The story begins when a 31 year old witch, Mika, finds herself at the Nowhere House after receiving a WITCH WANTED advert. Mika lives in a world where witches are taught to live alone to protect themselves from harm. Mika has never known the warmth of a loving family and finds herself awestruck when she meets the eccentric members of Nowhere House. She is hired as an in-house tutor to hone the magical skills of 3 very different and extremely brilliant young witches. However, there are secrets that can break Mika away from the family she always wanted.

Pick this magical romance up to warm your hearts. The book will be released on 23 August 2022.

A massive thank you to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton, and Sangu Mandanna for giving me the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC of the book from the publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is a tender read that's heartwarmingly enchanting. While the first chapter has already intrigued me with its off-beat humour, what made me fell in love was seeing how much Mika genuinely cares for the children, even before her relationship with them develops. That said, Mika's positivity and all-inspiring magnanimity aside, the children and the rest of the family were all hilarious and lovable, making it easy to see how quickly her feelings for them grew. Most importantly, what I loved about this book is the way it focuses not on the characters' backstories (which were undoubtedly rough to say the least) but how they work and overcome the limitations faced by them individually to build a loving, wholesome family despite all of its irregularities. This is highly empowering to me as it frames them as survivors and not victims and its a message that needs to be further shared today.

4.5 stars
Thank you Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for a copy of this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

From the first page, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a delightful read. It felt like stepping into a hug or curling up under your favourite blanket. It's so cosy and whimsical, and I smiled a great deal whilst I read it.

The found family trope is one of my favourite tropes, and I loved how it was utilised in this novel. Mika, having grown up lonely because of being a witch, isn't used to having people to rely on or look out for her. The family she gains in the adults and children at Nowhere House is completely rewarding. She was the missing piece to their puzzle, and even with the angst of the house's secrets, I enjoyed how well Mika fitted into their slice of the world.

The magic used in the novel is whimsical, much as the world is. It's described so delightfully, that I couldn't help but wish for the type of magic in this book to enter my own world (especially some of the teas - they sounded so helpful). With the addition of the children's magic and the wonderful prose, I was truly enchanted.

The sub-romance plot was a good balance in this world. I loved the meddling of the side characters in Mika and Jamie's relationship, and the pacing was perfect. The spice level was just enough to keep in with the rest of the sweet nature of this book, without taking away from it being an adult relationship with adult feelings.

The inhabitants of Nowhere House were so much fun. I loved all the girls, and the caretakers alike. Everyone added their own charm to this world, and it was easy to fall in love with everyone as much as Mika did during her stay.

I adored the conclusion, and how Mika was able to blend her previous ways of being a witch into the way she hoped for in the world. It ends very optimistically and as a reader, I felt fulfilled by how this story closed out.

If you're looking for a delightfully easy read, with autumn/winter cosy vibes, then I urge you to pick this book up. It was such a wonderful read, and I'm going to look out for further works by this author.

Mika Moon lives alone, without family or friends, to keep the secret that she is a witch. All witches are doomed to this life. Only on her YouTube channel does she pretend to be a witch and assumes that no one will see through the show. But Ian recognises the truth behind the façade and turns to Mika. Because Ian has three young witches at home who are supposed to learn to control their magic...

This book was pure sugar. We get to know Mika and realise how sad and alone she is due to her lifestyle. So she takes the chance to teach the three witches to spare them this fate. The three are absolutely adorable, each in their own way: the curious, the protective, the trusting. And with them come many more characters who together make a great found family, not to mention the romance. Each of the characters has not a drop of bad blood and wants only the best for those around them. We have humorous, emotional and sad scenes. Of course, there is also an overarching plot, a problem to be solved. But that is not the focus and was dealt with quite quickly, which didn't bother me. I was there for the found family and the grumpy-sunshine-romance. The book reminded me a lot of The House In The Cerulean Sea and I think people who liked that book will like The Very Secret Society Of Irregular Witches too.

Thank you Hodder and Stoughton and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book in return for my honest review!

4.5 stars rounded to 5

"The sea was the sea. It frothed and frolicked and had a beastly temper, but Mika would never wake up one day and find it gone. It knew all her secrets. It knew her. And it stayed."

This book has some of the most cozy vibes I've ever read - the setting of Nowhere House, a seemingly dilapidated house in Norfolk; the host of extraordinary and wonderful characters; the way magic exists and how its described... All of this blends to create a gorgeous book, something I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Even at the height of summer, this book made me feel like I was blanketed in Autumn and Winter, made me want to snuggle down with blankets and tea and just breathe in the atmosphere.

I'd say the main, overarching theme of this book, is that family can be created in so many different ways. And sometimes that's a mum and dad with their kids, but other times it's 'a housekeeper, a librarian, a gardener, a retired actor and three unlikely witches' and that's it's own kind of magic.

*thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

This book gave me the same feelings that I got from The House in the Cerulean Sea. (I loved that book to an extent I can't actually describe, so this is high praise.)

TVSSOIW just exuded cosy, comforting vibes and made me feel like I was wrapped up in a warm blanket with a cup of tea by the fire. Definitely a comfort read.

And as if this magnificent story couldn't get any better, the cute little references to Jane Austen did just that (especially to a major Austen fan like myself)!!

Anyway, if you like a good fantasy about witches with amazing representation and the found family and enemies to lovers tropes, you'll be doing yourself a favour by picking this up!

This was so wholesome, pure and adorable!

I have a definitely found a new favourite author. Sangu Mandana's writing is so engaging and easy to follow. The atmosphere that she creates of a secluded English Manor house in Norfolk is just the right amount of magical. Having lived and travelled across England for several years, I am intimately familiar with the landscape and reading about it just felt like coming home.

The characters are all adorable. I am a huge fan of found family trope and it was executed with such perfection. Mika is a fantastic main character, she is so vulnerable and unsure of herself at times but at the same time she brings so much joy to everyone around her. She is a loyal friend who everyone needs in their lives. Her relationship with the kids was done so well. It was fun to watch her become their friend and mentor. In fact, I loved how all the various relationship development that we got in this book. They were complex, deep and in some cases quite entertaining.

The romance was so sweet. It was a bit on a predictable side, but at the heart of it this story is a lot about belonging and finding your place and your people in the world. People you will love and care for wholeheartedly and whose love and trust will make you a better version of yourself.

Overall, this was extremely magical and whimsical with so much witchy goodness to it. I'd highly recommend it. A perfect autumn read!

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is an utterly charming book. It’s sweet and funny whilst also laced with longing, secrets, and a heroine I would love to be best friends with.

Mika Moon is a quirky vlogger, embracing the witchcore aesthetic whilst hiding the fact that she actually is a witch. She lives a secretive life, never staying long in any one place, obeying the Rules of witching imposed on her by the imposing yet sort of maternal Primrose, until one day she receives an invitation to move to Norfolk. An invitation headed ‘Witch Wanted’. It’s all too mysterious to ignore, so she packs up her magical teas, her dog and her pond and off she goes.

The story is paced just right, as we are introduced to a family of magnificent characters from the outrageous Ian, to the gorgeous yet guarded Jamie. We follow Mika as she joins their household and gets to know each of these wonderfully diverse people.

A cosy, fantastical adventure with a rising level of urgency, twists which don’t feel forced, and a very tidy wrap up – it’s a perfect autumnal read, to be enjoyed with a steaming mug of tea whilst watching the leaves begin to fall.

The title of this book was so great, I just had to read it. I was not disappointed!

I really loved this book. I was drawn into the story very quickly, and got attached to the cast of very loveable characters almost immediately that they appeared. The characters were all well portrayed, I felt like they all had their own stories and viewpoints, and that we got to know all of those at Nowhere House pretty well. I honestly loved all of them, but Mika and the children were my favourites I think.

I loved Nowhere House too. It exuded such a sense of home and kindly magic, and felt like another character.

I enjoyed the romance, and I liked the fact that although it’s an important part of the plot, it’s not the only important thing. The rest of the plot was excellent too, one or two little surprises in there as well, which I enjoyed.

Overall, this was a wonderful tale, full of magic, romance, and found family. It has to be one of my favourite books this year.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

I couldn’t have asked more of this book. Almost immediately, I knew I was going to adore it with all my heart and soul.

Mika is a witch. Except not the kind you’re used to. She’s part of a group of witches who meet on the third Thursday of every third month… and that’s it. Outside of that time, there’s no communication between them for fear of being found and somehow traced back to one another. That’s a lonely life to lead. So when she receives a message on one of her videos saying WITCH WANTED and is offered the job of training 3 young witches to control their magic, she’s tempted. Oh, so tempted. And taking the job will perhaps be the best thing that’s ever happened to her.

I’m not sure I can accurately put into words how much I loved this book. It’s found family. It’s grumpy-sunshine. It’s slow burn, and heartfelt, and broken. Mika is every person who’s ever felt alone, or unworthy, or scared of letting anyone in, and she finds this amazing group of people who pull her into their circle and make it clear that they’re never going to let her go… after they nearly get her killed. Of course.

I’ve seen people compare this to House in the Cerulean Sea, and I can absolutely see why. It has those same found family, hug in a book, cosy blanket vibes, and it’s absolutely a new comfort read for me. I immediately ran to preorder it because there’s an *exclusive epilogue* as a preorder incentive and I will never be able to get enough of Mika and her bizarre, wonderful new family.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this fascinating book

the society of irregular witches meet up every so often in different secret locations passing on new spells and a general catch up of gossip....there arent many left and no new witches have joined for quite some time

primrose is in charge the one that oversees them all and mica moon is fairly new but these two witches often clash primrose follows the rules to the letter but mica likes to bend

mica has a following of her videos where she pretends to be a witch its all a bit of fun and no real magic is exposed but primrose wants it to stop as mica might out them.....mica cant see the harm but she is about to be found out.....

a request for a witches help summoms mica to nowhere house where she is about to have the shock of her life.....

this a very funny and poignant book of how a family doesnt have to be about blood to bring people together....and the mishaps and confusion that can happen when a bit of magic is involved

loved this book and finished it in a day..... couldnt put it down at all

I will update the review with a link to our blog closer to publication date.
I'd like to thank the publisher Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review

Mika Moon is a witch with no connections, living a lonely nomadic life and dreaming of being able to embrace her magic and being wanted by the people around her. When she receives a strange request to teach 3 young witches to control their magic, she becomes entrapped in the weird, found family of Nowhere House and the strays found within.

This book is described as perfect for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea, and I completely agree. A low fantasy setting complete with found family, healing from past trauma and a sweet romance is key to both books, and I loved Secret Society of Irregular Witches just as much.

The main cast of characters are, in my opinion, the highlight of the book. This incredibly diverse, well-rounded and sympathic cast are lovable and easy to root for, even those we don't spend as much time with all have their charms as well as their flaws, which in many cases will relate to the readers.

The story is entertaining with lots of insight and a nice mystery to it which all. comes together in a satisfyingly feel-good way. A wonderful book for anyone wanting a pleasant, if sometimes very emotional, read! Personally, I can't wait to pick up a physical copy for a reread in the future, and I hope others are encouraged to do the same!

This book was soooo darn cute!!!!! I loved it!! Loved the witchiness, loved the kids, loved the grumpy hero vs sunshine heroine romance, loved loved loved Ian Kubo- Hawthorne (who reminded me of Oliver Putnam in Only Murders in the Building) and I very definitely got the House in Cerulean Sea vibes which is an added plus. The last third of the book was maybe a bit rushed and everything wrapped a little too conveniently but who cares. I loved it!! Would definitely recommend!!!

What a gorgeous witchy read. I had no idea what to expect from this book but I absolutely loved it.
Mica Moon is a 31 year old witch who has been brought up believing that witches must always work alone and can never trust anyone with the secrets of their witchcraft. However, when she is approached to help three young witches control their powers, she sees the chance for a new start.
The three girls live in a mysterious house in Norfolk in the care of their guardian but more directly, Ian, Ken and Lucie who look after the girls and the house. And then there’s Jamie who is the librarian and is determined to keep the girls safe at all costs.
Mica settles into her new role and begins to feel at home which she has never done in any place before. However, then she discovers that Jamie and the others are keeping secrets from her because they do not trust her and everything she has come to believe is shattered.
I loved all of the characters in this book. The three girls especially are brilliant. Each of them has their own character but my favourite is Terracotta who is a typical middle child, very spiky and reluctant to trust anyone especially an unknown witch. The standout character though is Mica herself. Despite lacking love and affection in her life, she cares about everyone around her and always thinks the best about any situation. A character who is a constant ray of sunshine can be irritating but Mica has a very vulnerable side and when she was hurt, I got a real lump in my throat.
This is a gorgeous book about found family, trust and new starts. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a witchy story with a healthy dose of romance.
Thank you so much to Net Galley and the publishers, Hodder and Stoughton for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

“The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” is a beautiful romantic comedy in which a lonely witch finds her place in the world, a home, in the most unexpected way. They say that witches are alone in the world because they are always orphans. And that is the case of Mika, a witch of Indian origin who was raised by a British witch who took her in when her parents died. Primrose, the witch who took care of her is the oldest witch in England and that is why she is the boss of all of them. Primrose has established a series of rules according to which at present they can never reveal their status as witches, nor should they be in contact with each other in case something happens and non-witch people find out that they exist.

But loneliness weighs heavily and Mika tries to combat it with the help of her dog Circe and her carp pond. Well… and from her youtube followers where she has created a witchty-core community, anyway, who would believe that this woman who mixes potions and publishes recipes on video is going to be a real witch, in the 21st century!. Actually a strange family does, Mika is destined to educate three little witch girls. Ian and his husband Ken, two very nice old men, the housekeeper Lucie, a widow in her fifties and the librarian of the house, an attractive young Irishman named Jamie look after the three little girls who grow up in a house protected with spells by their absent guardian. These two old men and good old Lucie are willing to hire Mika to teach the girls how to control her magic, but Jamie is not very happy entrusting the girls' education to a stranger. But there is much more at stake than the control of magic, their own future, and for this, more than one character will have to review their pasts and their fears.

At first I had the impression that the tone of this book followed the guidelines established by "The House in the Cerulean Sea”. English humor, sarcasm, diversity and a story for all audiences. However, this book is more mature than TJ Klune's, it is not aimed at children for it is more mature, it has more romance than comedy, more slice of life than romance, more family than friendship. The result is this story ideal to read between Halloween and Christmas, it is engaging, compelling, heartwarming and very cosy.

The Very Secret Society Of Irregular Witches is the second stand-alone novel by British author, Sangu Mandanna. At the latest meeting of the group that Mika Moon likes to call The Very Secret Society of Witches, the rules of remaining apart (Alone is how we survive) and the reasoning behind them (Too much magic left unchecked in one place would draw attention, which could be dangerous) are reiterated, and Mika is again criticised by the oldest, most powerful and persuasive witch, Primrose Everly, for her witchy social media videos. Mika is undeterred: no one could ever believe from her videos that she’s really a witch!

The email she receives, not much later, has her thinking twice about that: “WITCH WANTED. Live in tutor wanted for three young witches. Must have nerves of steel. Previous teaching experience not necessary. Witchiness essential.” Surely a hoax? But she’s recently jobless and her flat lease nearly up, and a single word in the email exchange has her driving from Brighton to Norfolk to check it out.

Mika meets her prospective employers: a housekeeper, a librarian, a gardener, and a retired actor, if not Lillian Nowhere, the absent archaeologist, witch, owner of Nowhere House and the legal guardian of three young witches. Most are very welcoming.

The job, genuine, it turns out, is to tutor three young witches in magic, to help them gain control over their powers. Mika is amazed that this little enclave of witches has gone unnoticed by the imperious and inflexible Primrose but Nowhere House does have some powerful wards protecting it from detection. And this quirky foursome clearly loves and cares deeply about their charges.

Mika is not at all sure she can do this job: she has no experience with teaching children. There’s also the urgency: Edward Foxhaven, Lillian’s solicitor is due to arrive in weeks on a legal errand, and this meticulous man, who detests Lillian’s employees, is likely to seize on any excuse to have them evicted; an outbreak of uncontrolled magic would easily fit the bill. And then there’s Jamie Kelly, the devastatingly handsome but scowly, cold and unreachable librarian who definitely doesn’t want her there.

But Mika recalls the crippling loneliness of her own childhood, raised by a parade of nannies in a house in York and learning to control her own magic by trial and error: she can’t condemn these young girls to that. After just a few weeks at Nowhere House, Mika realises she is feeling so needed, so comfortable, that she is in danger of forgetting her lifelong promise to herself: don’t get attached. Could she take a risk?

What a charming story Mandanna gives the reader! The plot is clever, the characters are appealing and she subtly and seamlessly inserts the properties and rules governing the fantasy elements into the narrative. All the requirements of an entertaining and enjoyable fantasy novel: quirky characters, magic, romance and a dog, are comprehensively met. The added bonus is plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and a few to bring a lump to the throat.

Sensitive readers should be aware that there is a bit of sex and some characters do use expletives, but Mandanna also gives them wise words and insightful observations: “Niceness is all about what we do when other people are looking. Kindness, on the other hand, runs deep. Kindness is what happens when no one’s looking” and “when someone leaves, all you can do is leave a window open for them so that one day, if they choose, they can come back.” More of this cast would be most welcome! Highly recommended.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton.

Mika Moon is one of the few witches in Britain, and they all abide by The Rules: 1) hide your magic, 2) keep your head down and, 3) stay away from other witches so as not to draw attention. Mika is used to being alone (mostly), but an unexpected invitation to the remote Nowhere House to teach 3 young witches magic opens the door to a different (rule-breaking) life. She soon finds herself charmed by the quirky inhabitants of Nowhere House, including the surly but handsome librarian, Jamie. Suddenly, the possibility of finding a place to belong seems very real, but there are other dangers that lurk around and Mika will need to find a way to protect her newfound family.

This book gave me “The House in the Cerulean Sea” vibes. Like Mika, I too, was charmed by the quirky but caring inhabitants of Nowhere House, from Lucie (the housekeeper), to Ian and Ken (retired actor and gardener couple), to of course our prickly librarian, Jamie, and the 3 young witches, Rosetta, Terracotta, and Altamira.

There is romance in the book (of course), but I feel that the focus appears to be on character growth (especially for Mika, the 3 girls and Jamie), as well as family (or rather, found family). The characters also have very diverse backgrounds.

The story is very heartwarming and touches on themes of loneliness, trust issues, dysfunctional family and learning about what it means to be different from others in society (and then trying to fit in) and its impact on your life. The pacing of the story is quite good and most of the characters, lovable. Overall, I had a really delightful time with this story! 4.5/5 ⭐️

Thank you Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the e-ARC.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches was so much fun to read! I loved all the magic aspects and watching Mika find the family that she'd always wanted. While, yes, there is a solid grumpy x sunshine romance plot in this, all the scenes with the side-characters were actually my favourite! I could have read an entire book of just Mika trying to teach Rosetta, Altamira and Terracotta magic! (Dark humoured, sarcastic, but with a heart of gold, Terracotta is my fave!) I also loved the other inhabitants of Nowhere House - Ian, Ken, Lucie and Jamie - and seeing the lengths they'd all gone to in order to keep the young witches safe.

This book felt really fresh and original, and I know it's going to be a hit with many of you!

When Mika Moon answers a message about becoming the magical tutor to three young witches, she couldn't have anticipated how much her life would change as a result. This book is gentle and warm, with a cast of outstanding characters and a theme of found family. I can't recommend it enough - reading it feels like a hug.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this eArc!

This was such a change of pace for me and I loved it! A romance with a compelling plot surrounding witches and a society that doesn't know of their existence. If you liked "The House In The Cerulean Sea" then you'll definitely like this! Very diverse and well written characters- all of the main characters felt truly like themselves and their personality traits were consistent. A surprising plot twist also that I didn't expect at all!

Mika and Jamie's relationship is what i've recently learned it called the 'grumpy sunshine' and 'found family' tropes. I loved their relationship which is just another bonus to an incredible story about witches around Britain but specifically three young witches on the south east coast. Described as similar to House on the cerulean sea, i'd have to agree with that, i enjoyed that book but loved this one so much more. Set on the Norfolk Broads, Nowhere house is home to a mega powerful witch who's never home, Jamie the librarian, Lucie, Karl and his husband Ian who all care or the three little witches, Altamira, Rosetta and Terracotta. At one point they go into Norwich city center and having studied there, this felt so nostalgic for me to follow around the descriptions of the city and felt right ack there again but this time with them. This was such an incredibly perfect read that I cannot recommend enough.!

What a wonderful warm hug of a book! I raced through its pages getting to know Mika Moon and the inhabitants of Nowhere House where magic is real and family so important in a world where witches are supposed to be alone. Mika is a lovely sunny character who always has a smile on her face dispute her lonely and damaging upbringing as a child. A story of family and finding where you belong, of friendship and love and of course magic. I loved it and would thoroughly recommend. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to have a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

What a truly delightful read. SM’s writing pulled me into the story from the very first chapter and kept me engaged throughout the story. Mika was an excellent lead. Despite the sadder aspects of her upbringing and life she never lost her kindness. She was warm hearted, smart, brave, capable, talented and completely relatable. Her journey was handled well. She was also the gateway into this world and it was truly magical to see it through her eyes.

Nowhere house , its residents, the impact they had on Mika and the impact she had on them was a highlight. Loved the girls, Rosetta, Terracotta and Altamira and their distinct but interesting personalities (their interactions with the adults legitimately made me lol). Ken , Ian, Lucie, Primrose and Circe (pupper) were great supporting characters who really added to the story . Jamie was wonderfully grumpy, loving and protective and a good counter to Mika’s character. Watching the development of Jamie and Mika’s relationship and how she progressively wormed her way under his skin and into his heart was a delight. A really well developed, believable relationship with great chemistry.

There are some fun twists and an interesting journey for all with a really satisfying ending. ( 5 ⭐️).

Many thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!

This book is about Mika, one of the few witches living secretly in modern day Great Britian. Or, at least she thought she was keeping her secret, until she receives a message starting with "Witch Wanted" in her instagram inbox. Half convinced that the following job offer is only a joke, she takes it up and becomes the tutor to three young witches living in a place called Nowhere House.

What immediately appealed to me were the key words cozy fantasy, found family, and rom-com. This book fulfilled all those and more - reading it was pure joy. I loved the humor and was constantly giggling or smiling. The world and its characters are slightly chaotic and so very lovable. I also appreciate the general maturity, something I didn't realize I hadn't expected, since the topic of witches usually makes me think of YA (even though I knew the book is an adult fantasy). It feels very refreshing.

As I mentioned, the characters are all great. Not everyone has the opportunity for as much background and depth as the protagonists, but the entire cast still felt lively and authentic. I especially liked Jamie, grumpy local librarian (although I might be a tiny bit biased towards librarians, haha) who is completely blindsided by Mika's sunny personality. Their dynamics were quite fun to witness and their character development felt perfect. Seeing them slowly grow together is simply heartwarming!

I did end up wishing that the book wasn't so short, since I would have loved to stay longer at Nowhere House. The pacing is perfect as it is, but still, at the end I wanted more because I had such a good time. The ending itself was able to gather up all the tension that had been discarded in the previous cozy atmosphere and I loved being carried through all the plot twists. It was certainly a great experience to unravel all the hints that had been provided from the beginning.

All in all, I really enjoyed the book and can only recommend it. It is filled with comfort, family, community, sunflowers, stardust and magic. The themes of belonging, of staying true to yourself and of trusting others are prevalent in the most beautiful way. This is the perfect book for anyone in the mood of a cozy, funny fantasy with a truly colorful cast that forms the most wonderful of witchy families.

I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!

I usually read fantasy book with witches that has adventure or high stakes but this book apparently isn't one of them. There are witches, yes, and magic, but they live like a normal human and blend well with human too, you won't even know they're witches at a glance. That's because they've been keeping their ability a secret. They live alone, separated from each other to avoid danger and suspicions. But they held routine meetings to talk and exchange new spells (if there's any).

Mika Moon has been lonely her whole life. She, like every witch, was orphaned young. She grew up in the hand of several caretakers that changed every time her identity started to be suspected. One day she uploaded a video about her pretended to be a witch and that video went viral. One of the viewer turns out to be able to saw that she's not a regular human, so that's when Mika's life started to change.

I LOVE how serene the atmosphere, how mundane and looked "normal" this story was. It's focused on the characters, the dynamics are fun and lovely, and they live a normal life like a normal family, except there's witches and magic. The magic system was easy to understand too so it didn't require a lot of thinking. I adored the found family, their bond are absolutely as strong as real biological family. The characters are so diverse and covered a wide age range which was made the interactions even more interesting. It also has slow burn romance that's so adorable even though they're adults. Some of the parts made me emotional in a good way too.

Overall this was such a relaxing book and I enjoyed everything about it.