This book is like the perfect hug. It is full of warmth, found family and let's us know that magic can be found in the every day.

I loved Sera as a main character, and the others who lived at the inn with her- the Inn itself was delightful and I'd love to visit if it was real!

This book is a hot chocolate on a cold winter's day, a balm for the soul and a reminder that we can do hard things and find the community around us.

I highly recommend this book to everyone, and many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Mandanna has done it again. I could not put this book down and finished it in a day. I loved the found family elements in this book, the zombie chicken was a delight. Everything about this book was cosy and whimsical and just pure brilliance! I cannot wait to reread this and I would 100% recommend this!

Sangu Mandanna’s A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping delivers the perfect blend of cozy fantasy, heartwarming romance, and whimsical charm. Fans of her previous work, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, will appreciate the same enchanting, character-driven storytelling in this latest book. It’s a delightful read for those seeking a light, magical escape with a touch of humor and a focus on found family.

The story follows Sera Swan, a witch who lost her magical abilities after a rebellious act to resurrect her great-aunt, Jasmine. Now, years later, Sera runs a magical inn with her aunt, quietly trying to regain her powers. When a mysterious historian named Luke Larsen arrives, their interactions spark a slow-burn romance and a shared mission to unlock a magical spell that could restore Sera’s magic. While the romance is sweet, the heart of the story lies in the rich, quirky world Mandanna has built around the inn and its inhabitants.

One of the book’s biggest strengths is its delightful cast of characters. Sera’s eccentric aunt Jasmine, the fox-turned-witch Clemmie, the lovable Matilda, and other quirky guests add plenty of personality and charm to the story. The inn feels like a true home for these misfits, each with their own unique traits that make them unforgettable. The book also includes great representation, featuring diverse characters, including those with autism and disabilities, which adds depth and authenticity to the story.

The whimsical setting and the sense of found family really make the book stand out. The dynamic between Sera and Luke, though slow-burn, is engaging, and readers will enjoy the growing tension between them. There’s a lot of sweetness in how their relationship evolves from reluctant allies to something deeper. Luke’s grumpy-but-soft side is a charming counterpart to Sera’s more determined and kind-hearted nature.

That being said, the pacing can feel a bit uneven at times. The first half of the book moves more slowly, as Sera and Luke get to know each other and navigate the inn’s magical happenings. However, when the plot picks up in the second half, things feel a little rushed. Some key moments in the plot’s resolution could have been fleshed out more, but the message of reclaiming power and embracing your chosen family is still meaningful and heartfelt.

While the world-building and magical system could have been more detailed, the focus on character relationships and emotional growth makes up for it. The whimsical magic is fun, but the heart of the book lies in the connections Sera builds with the people around her.

In the end, A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a charming and cozy read filled with humor, heart, and just the right amount of magic. It’s perfect for readers looking for a feel-good, uplifting story about love, second chances, and creating your own family. While a little more depth in the worldbuilding would have been nice, the warmth and charm of the story will likely keep readers enchanted from start to finish.

I'm deep in my cozy fantasy era, and this author's first book was one of the reasons that I got hooked.
A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping again brings forth the magic.
Sera has made a mistake as a teenager - one that came from a caring heart - and now has lost most of her magic. But what she finds turns out to be much bigger: a found family. Actually, the inn finds the family, or even more precise, a spell put on the inn.

There is an overly opinionated witch in the body of a fox, a resurrected great-aunt, a teenage boy witch, an aspiring hobbit in the body of a sweet elderly woman and a modern-day knight. And Roo-Roo the zombie rooster. And soon, Luke.
I wanna say if you loved The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and The House in the Cerulean Sea, then you will devour this book. As did I.

Get your magical cozy infusion with this book.

4,5/5 stars

Thank you @netgalley and @hodderbooks for the eARC!

#TheWitchsGuideToMagicalInnkeeping #Netgalley #Bookstagram

What a wonderful story! Full of magic (obviously!), fun, humour, love (of all kinds), and family (both related and found). Sera is one of the most powerful witches, until one day, in her teens, her great Aunt, Jasmine, dies in the garden and Sera resurrects her using a forbidden spell. Unfortunately, it costs Sera most of her magic and exile from the magical Guild. After 15 years continuing to run her Inn with Jasmine, she's accumulated a collection of unusual long-term guests, who are as much a family to her as Jasmine is. She also discovers a spell to restore her magic ... which is in a language she can't read! What follows is a tale of discovery, finding out who her true friends are, finding romantic love, and standing up to the one person who always put her down. I absolutely loved it!
Thanks to Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton, and Sangu Mandanna for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

This was perfect, even better than the first one. The found family, the swoonworthy romance, the pace and writing, the characters, i loved it. Also extra points for including a palestinian side character

5 full stars,
I have not loved a book as much as I do this one in a very long time.
It's creative, original, witty, heart wrenching just everything you want in a book. I'm hooked! Done. If you haven't read it yet, you're seriously missing out. I'm obsessed with the ease of flow and how the author has succeeded in making me invested in the outcome but also the journey to get there. I'm not just waiting to see how it ends, instead, I want to know every step and more.

Thankyou netgalley for giving me this early look at my new favourite book.

This was everything. If you love the found family trope you are gonna love this book.

I loved The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches so I didnt hesitate to request the arc of this author when I saw it and oh, this was even better than I was expecting. It's cozy, magical and heartwarming. I loved all the characters, specially Roo-Roo (A zombie rooster accidentally resurrected by Sera 😅).

It was such a cozy and fun read and can't wait to read more books of this author.

I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I jumped on this when it popped up, I adored The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. Sandu writes cosy fantasy so well and this is just a warm hug of a book. The book covers serious themes such as mental health issues, covers neurodiversity with grace and care. The characters are well written and well developed. I loved the magical system in the story.
Batty Hole is a charming inn, I only wish it was real!

Sangu Mandanna writes the ultimate cozy fantasies! Just like The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches this story is cozy and heartwarming while also tackling mental health and healing in a really beautiful way.
I also loved the autism and neurodiversity representation in this and am so happy that this is a consistent theme in the author’s books. We need so much more of this!
All the characters are endearing and really grew on me during the story. I’d love nothing more than to find myself at the Batty Hole Inn one day!

Thanks so much to Netgalley and the Publisher for the chance to review the eARC!

This paranormal romcom really touched my heart. One of the main reasons is because I related so much to Luke, the MMC who takes care of his autistic sister Posy. I saw a lot of myself and my situation with my autistic brother in Luke and Posy's relationship, so seeing the story develop and be able to see Luke and Posy find their place to belong was really beautiful.

I absolutely breezed through this book today. I laughed out loud repeatedly and cried twice. Between the romance and the found family element, it was so cute and heartwarming, and just what I needed!

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley, but this is my voluntary and honest review.

Such a heartwarming story of found family and second chances. I was hoping for another novel of chockablock with witchy cosiness, carefully created characters, laugh out loud moments, and a robust magic system. This book did not disappoint at all! I truly adored the galaxy imagery for Ser's magic as well!

5/5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the ARC of this book.

Honestly, I don’t have cohesive thoughts about this story other than I absolutely adored it.
All characters are lovingly fleshed out and handled with so much care, the prose is delightful and the plot more than engaging (although I was expecting for it to tie in with TVSSOIW, but I’m not upset that was not the case!).
Sangu is impeccable with the found family trope and she will forever be on my automatic buy author list (and this particular title has obviously been preordered for months).

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping follows Sera, a magical prodigy who loses her magic when she resurrects her great-aunt and is exiled from her Guild, as she navigates running a magical inn with interesting inhabitants. This book is a standalone.

The writing style throughout this book takes you on a magical and emotional journey getting to know the characters and the inn in which they find themselves inexplicably drawn to. Mandanna’s writing style is one to be admired and it’s one I will always love no matter what she writes.

The characters throughout the book are fantastic. They each have their own intricate lives which you gradually get to know throughout the book and you find yourself growing overly attached to them. They are incredibly detailed and I felt the same emotions as they did throughout the book - when they were happy, I was happy, when they were outraged, I was outraged and when they were sad, I was exceptionally sad. The best part about them though was their interactions and conversations with one another - you could tell all of these characters loved one another dearly and therefore you couldn’t help loving them in return.

The plot itself was soft and gentle yet persistent - much like the main character. Whilst there was a main goal for the characters throughout the book, it was nice to see that it did not take over the whole story and instead allowed the reader to learn a greater lesson.

The romance was to die for. I enjoyed the romance from Mandanna’s other book but this romance was even better than that (the other is also incredibly good). The slow burn of the character’s affections and attractions to one another was delectable and it made me very emotional - I cried happy tears. I cannot put into words how much I adored it.

Overall, this book would be a phenomenal read for those who like cosy stories with a hint of fantasy, magic and romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for allowing me to read this book in exchange for a review.

Sangu Mandanna is a gift, and this book is something really special. Sera Swan went from being the most powerful witch in an age to having only a tiny bit of magic after she resurrected her Auntie as a teenager. Broken and a little bit lost, Sera now runs an Inn that takes in the people who need it most.

This is a beautiful story of found family, and is achingly lovely. There are some moments that are joyful, and some that are bittersweet, but I adored every one of them and wish the book wasn't over!

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

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for sending me this ebook. All thoughts are my own.

This was truly a whimsical dream. So beautifully silly and heartfelt. I’m at a bit of a loss as to how to explain just how much I loved this book. There’s such an emphasis on just how magical life and love is. It’s so hopeful that I felt a bit teary, actually.

”Why do you find it so easy to be kind to me and so difficult to be kind to yourself?” Sera is a deeply wonderful and honestly relatable main character. For all her struggles, she remains so loving and kind to those around her. But she’s still headstrong – she’s not an entirely soft/gentle character, which makes her complex and real. I just love her!!! I could have read thousands of pages about her and her life. The romance is not necessarily the focus, but was very sweet. Luke was great as a love interest (not joking, more books need to be about magical handsome historians), and he was brilliant as his own person with problems and history.

The found family in this book was actually perfect. All of the characters added so much, and I loved them dearly. Everyone at the inn was met with such acceptance. It is so heartwarming to read about people who are known and loved as they truly are. Not only this, but this book has such beautifully effective nods to topics such as depression, absent parents, racism, disability, and ablism. It is such a breath of fresh air to have these things so effortlessly featured in a silly and fun witchy book.

"Fifteen years in the company of ghosts and great aunts, foxes and farmers, hobbits and knights and children bursting with light” <3

This was an incredibly beautiful, whimsical and heartwarming story with a diverse and unique band of characters. I absolutely loved them, they were the heart of this story.

Sera, a young and powerful witch loses most of her power when she resurrectes her great-aunt, the only family she cares about, from the dead. Exiled and with little power she spends the next fifteen years running her inn. A magical inn who's always there for those who need it. Some of the people who found it, never left it.
But now, there is a chance for her to restore her power, a spell in a language she doesn't know.
Enter Luke, with his adorable sister, a magical historian. He's there to help, albeit reluctantly at first. They, along with the rest of the inn family, will embark on a mission to figure out and find everything she needs for the spell.

The found family aspect of this book is what captured my heart. While the romance blossoming between Sera and Luke was a delightful addition, one I liked very much, it was all the occupants of the inn that were the center of this story. Each of them unique in their own special way, trying to be the truest version of themselves. I really loved the representation. And of course, let's not forget Roo-Roo, he might be my favourite.

The story was so beautifully written, I absolutely loved the setting. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love.

The only thing I didn't like is that one moment at the end. I won't spoil it, but it will never sit right with me when authors do that. I understand the story sometimes warrants it, but I don't have to like it.

This was was my first book from this author, but let me tell you, it will not be my last. Can't recommend it enough!!

4.5⭐ rounded to 5⭐

Sera Swan, who is a witch has a second chance to get her magical powers and her life back on track...

I really loved the characters - they all had such distinctive personalities and I loved learning more about them, whilst seeing them further develop throughout the story. Even the secondary characters added to the story and were memorable. I loved seeing the disability representation in this book, with Jasmine having a club foot and Posy is autistic. I liked seeing the romance blossom - it felt like it made sense, didn't feel rushed as it was quite slow burn, as well as opposites attract which I ate up. It definitely wasn't the main theme but it worked quite well running alongside the main plot and the most beautiful found family vibes.

I loved learning more about this gorgeous, whimsical world that was an absolute delight to imagine, paired with the most stunning imagery. Sangu is a master of being able to craft the most gorgeous worlds with the most amazing characters that are filled with my favourite trope of all time, found family, that you grow so fondly of and care so deeply for.

The only thing that stopped this book from being a 5⭐ was the last 15%. It felt like a rush to get to the end, which was such a shame. Way too much was happening with not enough time to let the information shared have the impact/moment that it needed, in order for it to have breathing room as it felt like each reveal blended into one. The rest of the story had created such an incredible build up to the end so it was a shame that it didn't deliver in the way I was expecting.

Thank you Hodderscape and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early, in exchange for an honest review.

⚠️ CWs: death, abandonment, cursing, alcohol use, ableism, animal death; mentions domestic abuse, racism, sexual content, fire, animal cruelty, injury detail ⚠️

Thank you to Hodderscape and NetGalley for the ARC!

This book is the epitome of cosy, brimming with whimsical charm, and filled with so much warmth. I was already a fan of Sangu Mandanna from the moment I read her other book, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, so I was so excited to be able to read this ARC. This book is like coming home after a long day, and drinking hot chocolate by the fireplace. It's a magical book and I am so grateful I got the chance to read the ARC.

This book follows Sera Swan, who resurrects her dead great-aunt Jasmine (and a rooster, accidentally), loses her magic, and is exiled from the Guild. Sera focuses on running the inn and dealing with the undead rooster (he's named Roo Roo, I feel this is very important!) and Clemmie, a talking fox. Years later, a mysterious historian named Luke appears at the inn and together, they work to get Sera's magic back and deal with the Guild.

The romance is sweet and I adored Luke from the moment he appeared on the page. I loved his interactions with Sera and his determination to do the right thing for his younger sister. I loved his characterisation so much.

Where this book shines, I think, is the side characters. The found family theme running through this book is perfect and all of these people who really needed the inn came together to create their own little family. I loved all of them so much and I would happily read a whole series following each member of the family!

This book had me giggling and kicking my feet and I had such a good time with this. Highly recommend that everyone picks it up for a bit of whimsy and charm.

I absolutely loved Sangu Mandanna’s The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, so I was very excited to receive an ARC of her newest book.

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a warm, lighthearted and beautiful story of found family and looking for magic in the everyday. The cast of characters is absolutely delightful, from warm hearted Sera to her resurrected great aunt, a witch stuck in the body of a fox, a modern-day knight, and an aspiring hobbit, among others.

The romance between Sera and Luke was perfect. They are exactly who the other person needs, and the slow way their relationship develops feels completely natural.

Luke and his sister Posy’s relationship was beautiful, and it was lovely to see them both finally find a place where they were accepted for who they were. I appreciated how the author represented both neurodivergence and mental health in a kind and compassionate way in this story. Both Sera and Theo have some mental health struggles, but it’s expressed that it’s okay to talk about it and seek out help. Despite the book’s overall amusing and lighthearted tone, the author still deals with these heavier topics very well.

This book is perfect if you’re looking for a comforting, cosy fantasy read with a sprinkling of whimsy, magic and cinnamon buns.

I can’t wait to read whatever Sangu Mandanna writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

This latest of Mandanna’s stories follows witch Sera Swan as she juggles managing a magical inn and its wonderfully odd assortment of semi-permanent “guests”. (Cue, The Found Family, my kryptonite.) Not only does she juggle this with all the finesse of a slightly overwrought mother hen, she is also constantly grappling with the loss of her magic, expended in an epic spell cast as a teenager, the same spell that saw her exiled from the Guild of Sorcery.
Slightly desperate, as she watches what little magic she has left dwindle, she would do almost anything to get her magic back. Luckily for her, there is a fantastically endearing cast of characters just waiting in the wings to help her, including a slightly reluctant guild historian who has plenty of his own problems, thank you very much, one of which is the autistic sister he is raising as best he can on his own.
The found family in this one is just as delightful as the one in The Very Secret Society Of Irregular Witches, with each character being loved and valued exactly as they come. I LOVE it; plug it into my veins Sangu! Posy and Luke’s relationship is beautiful. As someone with experience with neurodivergent families, it is so nice to see this kind of representation on-page. I absolutely loved watching Sera learn that she does not have to do it all alone, that there are people in her life who want to help her as much as she’s helped them.
I also loved the twist on the grumpy-sunshine trope here -- this one is kind of a grumpy-grumpy dynamic instead!
In all, this one was a super cute read, and Sangu is an auto-buy storyteller for me!

4.5⭐

Such a heartwarming and cosy read, I loved how easy it was to get lost in this book and surround myself with beautiful writing, loveable characters and vivid descriptions throughout and even better a swoon worthy romance. I had the best time reading this book and highly recommend.

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping has been one of my most anticipated reads since it was first announced. I have been not so patiently waiting with baited breath to read this book, overwhelmed with excitement to immerse myself in Mandanna's magical writing again, but also slightly nervous that it wouldn't quite live up to my expectations. I am beyond thrilled to say that I was worried for nothing - A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping is hands down one of the most wonderful books I have ever read. It is an easy 6 stars. Honestly, I would give this book 10 stars if I could.

I am actually struggling a bit to put how much I loved this book into words. Have you ever had the feeling when reading a book that you would just like to jump into the pages and live within the story? That is exactly how I felt when reading this. Mandanna excels at creating a fictional atmosphere that is so magical and welcoming. The little details throughout of the inn, the charmingly whimsical characters, the growth, the romance, the friendships, the magic, the smattering of cinnamon buns throughout - honestly, perfection.

If you enjoy cosy fantasy with romance and whimisical characters, don't waste any time. Make yourself a heart-warming cup of tea, or a coffee with Bailey's if you're feeling a bit more like Sera, grab a cinnamon bun, and dive in.

Perfect for fans of:
- found families
- magic
- cosy cottagecore fantasy
- light romance

My review will be shared on my blog a week before publication.

I absolutely adored The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and I loved this just as much! It's magical, fun and completely heartwarming with a lovely romance and a great found family. The cast of characters is so great and I loved the inn setting

✨5 stars!!!✨

I read The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches back in 2023, loved it, and ever since then I have been patiently waiting for this author’s next publication. So when I saw that I got approved an ARC I was over the moon.

That being said, I loved this book so much. Maybe even more than the other one *dramatic gasp* I can’t believe it either!

The book begins with a 15 year old Sera Swan resurrecting her recently deceased Great Auntie Jasmine. As the spell is such a massive feat, Sera’s magic ends up depleted, and as the spell is against Guild’s rules, the Guild’s authoritarian Chancellor Albert Grey decides to exile Sera. The rest of the plot occurs 15 years later as Sera and an array of characters staying at the inn try to find the ingredients required to complete the spell to gain her magical powers back.

If there’s one thing Sangu Mandanna is going to deliver on every time, it’s the impeccable found family aspect of her books, and this one was perfect. I loved every quirky character within the found family and they each brought something to the story!

I loved how the inn only appeared to people in need of a safe place to stay due to a spell Sera put on the inn when she had her magic 15 years ago. Also the fact that this book was set in the North-West of England which is where I’m from.

I loved this so much and would definitely recommend. I’m already looking forward to re-reading this which is something I rarely do.

I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

The Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is the kind of cozy fantasy I love. It has an actual story, heart, and just the right touch of magic and emotional depth.

Sera, the main character, is charming and relatable, and the inn she runs is the kind of place you want to live in. The romance is sweet without taking over the plot, and there’s even a lovely little side romance that made me smile.

The magic system is whimsical but well-thought-out, and the writing is full of that dry British humor I love.

This is cozy fantasy done right — warm, witty, and just a little weird in the best way. Highly recommend!

5/5 stars! Did I read this entire book in one sitting? Yes I did. Did I laugh and tear up in equal measure? Yep. I loved Sangu's first book and was ready for the coziness, found family, and romantic energy in this book...and boy did I find it. I will read anything this author writes. Add in a naughty fox and I was hooked!

“the very secret society of irregular witches” was one of my favourite reads of last year and sangu mandanna has done it again. This book is absolute perfection, five stars is not enough.
If you love cosy fantasy, or even if you don’t… this is the most adorable, wholesome read.
Following witch Sera who loses her magic after resurrecting her great aunt (and a zombie chicken) and her family of misfits in there quest to provide a refuge for anyone in need whilst trying to figure out how to get the magic to return. Throw in a little romance, a bad guy and an ex friendship and you have a story which rivals The house on the cerulean sea.

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc of this one!

No one who likes books can escape the fact that cosy fantasy is a definite thing at the moment. And why not? In tough times we all want to hunker down with the literary equivalent of a cinnamon bun and a fleecy blanket. What is less acknowledged is that a lot of cosy fantasy is just, well, dull. Long descriptions of making tea do not an interesting book make, even if the person making tea is an ogress or a warrior with supernatual strength. Luckily for the cosy fantasy genre there is also some fantastic writing, and with A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping Sangu Mandanna cements her place at the top. How? By not forgetting that a book needs great characterisation, real conflict- plot and emotional - oodles of sexual tension, a sense of community and real peril. And that's exactly what we get here.
Sera was the greatest witch of her generation until, while still a teenager, she performed a spell so big she lost most of her magic. Now, fifteen years later, she still yearns for all she lost. Unfortunately she was also exiled from the magic Guild, and no one is allowed to help her try to find a way to repair herself. Instead she runs an Inn still protected by a spell she cast many years before, a spell which means only people who really need sanctuary can find their way there. Cue a motley selection of permanant guests including a witch who turned herself into a fox and an aspiring knight. And then two more guests arrive, Luke, a Guild member who feels like an outsider and his small sister, both in more need of sanctuary than Luke knows - and he may just be the person to help Sera find out how she can get her magic back.
Funny, sweet, sexy and tense, this is the perfect book for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Highly recommended.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches was one of my favourite reads of 2023, so I have been eagerly awaiting Sangu Mandanna's next cosy romance. A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping was absolutely worth the wait! It is a perfect blend of magic, found family, and romance.

From the first page, the setting and the descriptive writing made me feel nostalgic and cosy. Mandanna has a magical way with words that transported me right into the page. I also started rooting for the characters from the first page, too.

My favourite aspect of the book was the strong found family theme. I loved following the residents of the inn as they learned how much they mean to each other. It was truly heartwarming. The interactions between the characters also led to many funny moments. I loved the chaos of Roo-Roo!

This story would be perfect for cosy fantasy fans and fans of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

This book felt like home and a warm hug. The diverse representation, the cozy inn set in Lancashire, which made my northern heart so happy and of course the found family trope we all love and adore - Sangu Mandanna can do no wrong.

Sera is exiled and running on little magic to power up her magical inn, where the most eccentric and unique characters reside. She enlists the help of Luke, a wizard historian who reluctantly helps Sera find the ingredients for a spell to resurrect her magic.

Luke’s caring nature towards his autistic sister Posy, was so heartwarming to read about. His grumpy but protective nature of the ones he loves adds to the coziness of this book. Plus, the slow burn between him and Sera was perfect. Their interactions had me giggling alongside their vulnerability with each other and it led to such a healthy loving relationship between the two.

All of the side characters were so original and added to the chaotic yet cozy atmosphere of the Inn, and this is definitely a book which does the found family trope justice. If you’re looking for a whimsical romance with a diverse range of characters, with great queer, disability, Indian representation - then this one is for you.

This book had beautiful prose and I loved the vivid world Mandanna has created. I appreciate the way she addressed racism, prejudice and classism which made sense in this magical world, as in the sub genre of cozy fantasy, it’s rare for books to be anything but fluff!

The ending made me slightly sad/ disappointed, but it fit with the plot and theme of this book. I loved the plot and writing so much, that I didn’t feel like knocking off a star because of it.

Honestly I can’t wait for this book to be released as I’ll be purchasing a copy and rereading straight away. Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an e-ARC.

I loved it. The book's message for me is essentially that everyday simple pleasures of life can be so beautiful and magical, even if you have lost abilities you once had. In Sera's case, she loses most of her magic (in chapter 1!) after casting a huge spell that drains her, and spends her time grieving the loss and fighting to get it back. But as she is fighting, she is learning about all the important, wonderful things she still has. As someone who has been in chronic pain for a few years, that message spoke a lot to me and was really beautiful. Sometimes people tell me to "just accept" that this is my life, and I don't think that's right. I liked seeing a character learn to love her current life, but who still fought for her abilities back. 💛 For me that's the key, love the days I'm in for what I do have, but keep fighting for better, pain-free days too. 💛 It was also so witty and had me giggling out loud!!

Wow! This book did not disappoint. With The Very Secret Society of Witches being one of my favourite books of last year and probably my favourite cosy fantasy of all time, I was nervous going into this because my expectations were high!

Different characters and setting but the same cosy, magical, and eccentric vibes. Such a comfort read that also has substance. The story was well paced and I fell in love with all of the characters in the inn. I have tried to list favourites but I honestly can’t, I loved them all! They were all so unique without being cliche or unnatural.

There was a romance that was present but didn’t take over the book, which I really appreciate. It was very cute, as were all of the relationships in this book. For me the found family aspect is much more impactful and beautiful. Sera was also an excellent main character and I loved reading about her journey.

I think I will be rereading this book very often and it is definitely a new favourite that I will be recommending to everyone!

I absolutely loved The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches so I was incredibly excited to dive into this one and so happy that it didn’t disappoint! Sangu Mandanna has such a gift for writing cosy magical stories that are full of warmth, heart and emotional depth.

In this story we follow Sera, a highly powered witch who as a teen made the decision to save the life of her great-aunt Jasmine which unknowingly meant she sacrificed her magic. The way that she came to terms with her new normal, by creating a magical inn which then became a sanctuary for others was so heartfelt. This was a real story of self-discovery, finding and accepting yourself, and opening your heart to new people. It was also ultimately about how a chosen family is bound by love, not blood.

The supporting cast of characters was absolutely wonderful. Each person had a distinct personality, and their dynamics felt so real and layered. I adored the found family aspect, everyone had their own journey of loss, abandonment, or rejection by their biological families, and they all found comfort and belonging in one another. The love and acceptance they showed, whether it was for Nicholas and his eccentricities, or Posy and her specific needs, felt entirely genuine and never performative. The representation in terms of age, ethnicity, health, and background was diverse, but it never felt like a checklist, it felt authentic and honest.

The romance was also sweet and added a gentle layer of emotional connection that never overpowered the central themes of healing, acceptance, and home.

Mandanna’s writing is magical in the most comforting of ways, and I just fell in love with these characters and this world. I closed the book feeling like I’d been wrapped in a warm hug and honestly, what more could you want from a cosy fantasy? 5 stars!

Title: A Witches guide to magical inn keeping by
Rating: 4 1/2⭐️/5⭐️

Let me start this by saying “the very secret society of irregular witches” is one of my absolute favorite books ever, so I went into this with high expectations, and ur delivered!

Starting of strong
The characters:
Perfection, they were varied and layered and I instantly fell in love with everyone.
Some side characters maybe didn’t get as much depth as they descended simply due to there being quite a few of them but they were still well done and each had their own individual personality and it was just a perfectly adorable “found family” sort of situation between them all.

The relationships:
Were beautiful and filled me with happiness and warmth. That’s the best way I can put it. I think Mandanna excels at writing relationships and characters and she does it beaufitully.
My only teeny tiny complaint is, that I think there wasn’t enough tension and bound up between Luke and Sera but overall that was still a satisfying and beautiful romance story.

The setting:
I’m a sucker for anything with a sentient house and this definitely fit the bill. It could have had a bit more page time in my opinion BUT that’s a very personal opinion.
The Inn is a beautiful, magical and whimsical space that fit the story perfectly and I enjoyed it tremendously! Honestly I didn’t even need any actual plot I was just happy being there with everyone.

Which brings us to the next point, the plot:
Eh it was there it was fun but don’t go into this expecting anything major plot wise.
It’s a cute little story about finding your home and believing in yourself. And it was perfect in achieving that.
My only issue was the ending (don’t worry I wont spoil it), it’s also the only reason why this book didn’t get 5 stars for me. I just dislike these types of endings and I get it, it made sense for the big message and morale of the book but personally I just can’t stand this specific type of ending scenario.

Lastly the writing:
The writing is beautifully lyrical and full of whimsy, with a strong emotional core. That said, the book’s message about finding magic in the ordinary and embracing yourself just as you are was sometimes laid on a little thick. Which isn’t anything bad per se but at times it felt just a bit too on the nose.

Overall:
What can I say? I inhaled this book in less than 24 hours and now I’m sad it’s over.
It was beautiful and cozy and felt like a warm hug.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes cozy fantasy, cottage-core, rom-coms and the found family trope.

10/10

This was one of my most awaited books of the year - and the joy and excitement I felt when I received the advanced copy is hard to describe. I was so worried that the magic from the first book would be too difficult to recreate, but I can wholeheartedly share that this story was just as amazing!

I think the author’s superpower is her ability to create a story full of warmth, heart, and genuine magic. I adore the found‑family trope when it’s done right - in this book we have such a diverse mix of characters, all living together under one charming roof. If that's not enough to charm you, there's a zombie chicken, a talking fox, slightly scary villain, and a whole load of love, acceptance, and kindness.

I giggled, I cried, I laughed out loud, and even swore at some of the characters - so, if you love magic, chaos, and all the perfect vibes, you might adore this book as much as I did.

I can't wait to re-read it again in July, once it is fully out in the world!

4.75/5 ⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Hodderscape and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a lovely, cozy read. It has a bit of everything - found family, quests, slow burn (not only between the main characters!), and second chances.

The slow burn was so well written, and seeing Sera and Luke blossom and overcome their fears was so lovely.

I’ve said this about other books too - one of my favourite things is when secondary characters are fully developed in themselves, as it makes the world feel so much more full (instead of them just existing for the purpose of the main characters’ story). In this book, I was just as invested in the side characters because they were so loveable and had their own things going on. I also have to say, Roo-Roo was a unique and hilarious addition, and although Verity was only directly in a couple of scenes, her antics made me laugh out loud.

Overall this book was just like a warm hug and I’m definitely keen to pick up Sangu’s books in the future!

I absolutely adored this book.
There's something wholesome about a found family of different personalities with chaotic tendencies. It's one of my favourite things to read about.
This book felt like a warm, cosy hug, giving you lot of reasons to smile, reasons to think and feel content with what you have around you. I'll treasure my physical copy when it comes out.

I absolutely loved this book. I haven’t read much cosy fantasy before, so I wasn’t expecting it to be so emotional (or to find a little touch of spice!). I definitely didn’t anticipate staying up until 3am to finish it, but I just couldn’t put it down.

At its heart, this is a story about found family and second chances. It’s filled with eccentric, lovable characters, including Clemmie a mischievous fox and the adorable Roo Roo. The story is heartwarming, full of hope and had me both laughing out loud and wiping away a few tears.

Sera’s journey, especially her struggle to accept herself, really resonated with me. Her opposites attract romance with Luke was beautifully done. They just got each other and that connection helped them to see themselves more clearly.

There were so many other little details I loved about this book like the way magic was described, with its unique look and feel for each witch, or the look into guild politics, which added depth and insight into how the witching world operates. It was all intricately and beautifully written.

Overall, this was such a lovely, comforting read. I wanted to stay at the Inn forever! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I couldn’t put this book down. Sera is the perfect MC, her family background, her struggle with how she lost most of her magic and likewise her hope of one day regaining her powers, her every day struggles with the inn, the people inhabiting it. There were so many moments when Sera felt so real to me, I wanted to hug her. I wish I could visit The Batty Hole Inn, meet this wonderful found family, and hug them for all the feels they gave me over the course of about 350 pages.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this incredible book.

Sangu just knows how to write incredible cozy fantasy with the best amount of yearning and romance. I’m always a sucker for found family and this book does not dissappoint with that, I would die for Jasmine or Nicholas and even Roo-Roo. The dead rooster that sounds strange writing this but became an important part of this story and left me smiling everytime he came onto page.

If more books could be written with these characters I would be in love, I’m not ready to sya goodbye to them and for it just to be one book.

I have to start with a negative - this book features my least favourite fantasy trope (largely because it always seems to happen to supremely powerful FMCs) - but that's so you understand just how much I must love the book if I love it anyway! I was a bit worried that this couldn't possibly be as good as Irregular Witches but that was quickly proved wrong. It's a gorgeously cosy hug of a book, with a grumpy but warmhearted former witch, a magical historian, a skeletal rooster, a cursed fox, various misfit long-term inn residents, and a couple of witchy kids, that together equal a found family you can't help but love and want to spend more time with, plus another swoonworthy romance! Sangu Mandanna can do no wrong as far as I'm concerned.

Ich war bereits von dem Buch „The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches“ restlos begeistert und das neue Werk „A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping“ von Autorin Sangu Mandanna, auf 352 Seiten im Verlag Hodder & Stoughton erschienen, konnte da nahtlos anschließen!
Die Bücher können völlig unabhängig voneinander gelesen werden, spielen aber im selben Kosmos.
Zu Beginn der Lektüre war ich fast schon ein wenig überrumpelt, weil man quasi direkt mitten im Geschehen startet, an einem wahren Wendepunkt der Protagonistin Sera Swan. Sie mag insgesamt die Hauptfigur des Buches sein, die Geschichte lebt aber tatsächlich wieder vom Zusammenspiel einer ganzen Reihe bunter Charaktere, die gemeinsam in der magischen Pension leben. Jeder ist etwas ganz Besonderes und macht im Verlauf der Geschichte seine ganz eigene emotionale Entwicklung durch. Mir sind sie alle so sehr ans Herz gewachsen, dass ich beim Lesen sogar die eine oder andere Träne vergossen habe.
Am Anfang dachte ich noch, dass das Buch insgesamt nicht mit der ersten Geschichte aus dieser Welt mithalten können wird, aber ich habe mich geirrt. Es war wieder eine Geschichte über Liebe in allen Facetten und Formen, über die Kraft von Zusammenhalt und Freundschaft, über emotionale Entwicklungen und darüber, dass Familie nicht immer etwas mit Blut zu tun haben muss. Die Lektüre war herzerwärmend, magisch, mitreißend und einfach nur zauberhaft - trotz aller emotionaler Höhen und Tiefen ein absolutes Herzensbuch, das weitaus mehr als „nur“ fünf Sterne verdient hat!

4.5 stars!

SOOOOOO CUTE!! I love a good cozy fantasy, and this made me feel all the warm and wonderful emotions! Count me in as a Sangu Mandanna Witchy Book stan, because I will continue to read them if she continues to write them hehe - I really enjoyed The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, and I knew I'd enjoy this one too!

I love a good romp of a story, and this one was no exception hehe. The story had so much charm and whimsy to it, I had the best time reading this book! There was the perfect mixture of fun and chaos, along with more serious issues and emotions sprinkled throughout, which made it all such a lovely easy read. There was such a fun cast of eccentric characters that made up Sera's chosen family of guests at the magical inn in question - the Batty Hole Inn (yes, that's the name and yes, I laughed every time I read it).

This book honestly has so, so much heart and charm to it - there were all different types of love highlighted in here, and that's one of the things I love the most about books with the found family trope! It was so sweet seeing all the characters interact, especially watching how loyal they were to each other and how welcoming they all were. The romance was SO sweet and burned bright at exactly the right moments, it was a slow-burn romance that tended to sit more as sub-plot, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. I thought it was super fitting for how the rest of the book flows, and I just had such a wonderful time with this book!

I have to dock slight points because I was a little disappointed at how the events played out, I don't want to spoil anything especially since it hasn't released yet - but it's a trope that has been done and I haven't been much of a fan of it in other works either! IYKYK, it didn't ruin the book obviously, just my personal preferences!

Thank you so much to Hodder & Stoughton and Hodderscape for providing me with an e-arc via NetGalley!

My review for A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna (5 stars) – Heartfelt, magical and cozy

Thank you NetGalley and Sangu Mandanna for an advance copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a cozy fantasy dream come true. With a wonderfully quirky and diverse cast (including the most original animal companion), Sangu Mandanna crafts a heartfelt story that wraps around you like a warm blanket. The characters are beautifully written, their arcs feel full and satisfying, and the setting is so charming.

The plot is engaging throughout: perfectly paced with a gentle thread of romance (grumpy meets grumpier?) and just a touch of spice. You don’t need to have read her previous book to enjoy this standalone, though I did. And to my surprise, this one outshines it completely. It’s whimsical, cozy, and surprisingly profound.

A must-read for fans of TJ Klune, Travis Baldree, or anyone craving a warm, magical escape.

This was one of my most anticipated books of 2025 and OH BOY did it deliver!

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping is cozy fantasy with depth and an incredible amount of heart. The characters are a mix of quirky and tragic, the plot is simple yet constantly entertaining and engaging, and the world is absolutely moreish. I couldn't put this book down, yet I found myself wanting to slow down to savour every moment.

The first few pages were a bit bumpy for me as the tone and tense seemed a bit mismatched, but once the time jump happened, everything was smooth sailing. I quickly became immersed and connected with Sera and the gang.

This cast of characters is ridiculous on the surface, yet charming through and through. I loved the oddball chivalry from Nicholas, reveled in the prickly wit of Matilda, was comforted by the steadfast kindness of Jasmine and exasperated by the antics of Clemmie, marvelled at the strength shown by the children... And I felt all the feels when it came to Sera and Luke!

Unlike many cozy fantasy stories, this one has its share of harsher themes that are dealt with much more directly, including poor mental health, death (sort of), childhood trauma, toxic relationships, prejudice, personal sacrifice, inherited power imbalances, and more. It's definitely one that will rip your heart to shreds while also simultaneously wrapping you up in a warm hug.

I could rave about this book all day, but I'll sum it up with this: A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a story that has it all: romance, found family, humour, heartbreak, magical puzzles, a curse, a resurrected rooster... It's everything I could have wanted and more.

(p.s. I'd 10000% be up for a sequel if it was ever in the cards!!!)

The wait for this book was so worth it!!! Sangu Mandanna has this way of writing that just feels like a warm hug.

Her stories always bring me this sense of nostalgia, suddenly a portal to my childhood is open and I'm going back to the time I was sitting in front of the tv awed by movies like Nanny Mcphee and Mary Poppins.

I DEVOURED this book, these characters...they feel like a family to me now, my heart was swooning.

Although this is a cozy fantasy, there's so many elements that surround these characters that shed a light and approach so many topics that nowadays you witness in our society/news and I loved how the author was able to balance the fantasy aspect of the story with it.

My heart feels full and I feel sad that I’ve finished this beautifully written, cosy, heartwarming, magical & thought provoking book!

This was another superb hit from Mandanna. I absolutely fell in love with all the characters in this book - it kept me on my toes, whilst also remaining cosy. I adored Sera and felt so much sympathy for her. Then enter Luke - hottie library nerd.... honestly you could not have given me anything more. The rest of the cast were as charming and amazing as the main two. This book was so cosy and honestly if you loved A Secret Society, this book will do it justice. I am so excited to see what Mandanna has next installed and I am here for it. Especially if its witchy!

Thank you to Hodderbooks and netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna has been one of my most anticipated reads for a long while. I believe it started in 2022 when I first read The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and was enamoured by the brand that Sangu Mandanna brought to a story of enchantment, found family, unconditional love and acceptance and cozy romance. Trust me when I tell you that A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is of this exact same brand but made to be more.
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is EVERYTHING Irregular Witches is, but more. It’s so obvious from the very beginning that Sangu Mandanna has really dug deep and improved her craft. The story immediately hooks you in with Sera resurrecting her great aunt Jasmine with the help of a mysterious and obnoxious fox, only to lose the magic that once marked her as one of the most powerful witches in Britain. Immediately, the emotional pull is there and along with it is an ache that I bet every individual who was once considered gifted and talented only to grow into an adult at a loss against the world will be able to understand. The story starts by giving us a couple of chapters to learn about Sera as a fifteen year old – who she was, what was important to her, what she stood to lose, what she was willing to give up – before showing us her journey to regain what she lost as a 30 year old, whilst learning what’s truly important to her along the way.
The second thing I wanted to mention was the characters! A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping has a slough of characters that are eccentric yet lifelike. They’re vibrant and practically leap of the page. Whilst I wasn’t sure about them at first, they soon grew on me. Sangu Mandanna showed me why I needed to love them with their vulnerabilities and their softness. I never really expected to love Clemmie as much as I did or adore Nicholas and Theo. They were all just a big found family full of love, laughter and silliness. I love that they all found their place at the Batty Hole. I find myself wishing that Batty Hole and its inhabitants were real.
Alongside the themes of found family, there were also threads of how ethnic minorities are treated in the U.K, defiance against the guild, and finding a place of belonging. The story was really healing and full of heart and soul.
All in all, I would recommend this book to people who loved Irregular Witches, for more of the same but kicked up a notch.

I adored The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, so was very excited when I saw this book on Netgalley!
It did not disappoint and I loved the story being centred on the magical inn and those that pass through or live there. There were some fantastic characters that I was truly so invested in (especially Clemmie and Matilda!) but nothing tops the dynamics between Sera and Luke. I loved the found family theme, was immersed in the magical cosy fantasy and through the banter, my heart felt so full at the end. A truly enjoyable read!

Such a beautiful book and one I will be buying for my shelf. The characters are ones you will support and come very close to The House of Cerulean Sea for me in the sense of how I’d die supporting all of these characters. The story was really good and I loved the craziness mixed in amongst the story which does bring these characters off the page for me. Beautiful book definitely one that will stay with me

Another fabulous read from Sangu Mandanna. Cosy and full of found family. Thanks to Netgalley for early access to this story.

Heartwarming, cozy, and slyly humorous, Mandanna's writing never disappoints. There is so much to like about this. I love a plot that lets you in on its secret early on and keeps you hooked to confirm whether your hunches are right. The found family in this is a delight - all the denizens of the inn are bright and lively and create fun subplots. The cast of characters in this were so varied and all treated with the respect and space they deserved in the narrative. Alex's antics, Matilda and Jasmine, Posy and Clemmie, and all the others captured my heart just as much as Luke and Sera did. And Luke and Sera, for me, were the highlight of this. Mandanna has managed to weave extraordinarily complex and sometimes heavy topics into a light and joyous book, and have the overall tone and narrative be enhanced and not diminished. I am still somewhat in awe about some of the lines in this, and I have a feeling they will be stuck in my head for a while.

Did I get approved for the ARC of one of my most anticipated releases of the year?
Yup.
Did I squeal when I saw A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping land in my inbox?
Also yup.
Did I devour it in one sitting?
You bet I did.
And did it live up to the sky-high expectations I had?
A million times YES!

Sangu Mandanna has truly done it again. I laughed, I cried, I felt everything—and by the end, I was absolutely drowning in the FEELS. Batty Hole and its weird (in the best possible way) residents completely stole my heart. A snarky semi villainous talking fox, meddling grandmas, a zombie rooster pet, an anxious medieval knight might all sound absolutely bonkers but they absolutely make sense in this quirky, cozy, magical tale of found family. Its a story of healing, and a witch trying to keep both her inn and her heart together while fighting to win back lost magic.

It’s full of charm, warmth, and whimsy, with just enough heartache to make the comfort hit even harder. My heart is full, and I need everyone to add this book to their TBR the second it releases.

Cannot wait to force feed everyone this book the second it releases!!!!

I adored this book. From the first chapter, I was hooked. It opens in such an exciting and unique way and then unfurls into a heartwarming and delightful story of chosen family, being yourself and love. It was so beautiful and was underscored by a great plot with a great villain. Each of the characters was really well sketched out and loveable. You could feel the love the writer has for this world and these characters and the writing was beautiful. This was exactly what I needed right now and I will definitely seek out the authors other works.
If you are looking for a beautiful, heartwarming fantasy with a brilliant magic system, a dollop or romance and a ridiculous zombie rooster, this book is for you.

Last year I read (and loved) The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches so at the start of the year I put A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping in my list of my top 20 most anticipated books of 2025.

I couldn't believe my luck when I got approved for an e-ARC through @netgalley! It's not a sequel to TVSSOIW but a completely separate book set in the same world.

Sera Swan used to be one of the most powerful witches in Britain, until one day saving a loved one's life takes almost all her power and Sera is left with barely a whisper. Together with her aunt, they live a peaceful life running an inn filled with quirky (but loveable) guests. Until, Sera has a chance to get her power back, risking the peaceful life they'd built.

This book is jam packed with found family, romance, autistic representation, diverse characters and a cosy magical house. It's basically my ideal book. If you like Travis Baldree, TJ Klune, or any other cosy fantasy you need to read this when it comes out in August and thank me later!

Thanks to @netgalley and @hodderscape for the e-ARC I absolutely adored it!

This book brought me so much joy! It was a wonderful read. I read an eARC of this book on Net Galley so thank you to the author and the publisher.

My second book from this author and both have been easy five stars. I’m utterly engrossed and feel so uplifted by both books. Auto buy author for me now!

This is a charming, magical novel. One for fans of cosy fantasy. We have an eclectic group of people, brought together by an inn, organised by the main character Sera who looks after everyone and keeps things running. Sera is prickly and has the weight of the world on her shoulders but is also kind, caring and wants to help others. She lost her magic as a teenager and this has weighed heavily on her ever since. She wants to look after her loveable bunch of inn residents but it’s hard without her magic. The arrival of a man and his younger sister will set Sera on a path to discover what she wants and how she can right historical wrongs.

I adored this book. The main characters are both a bit grumpy but still loveable and we see them opening up and blossoming as the book goes on. We see kind yet hurting people managing to heal through their connections with others. I was really rooting for all of their happiness. I also loved the supporting cast. We have such a fun bunch of quirky people who feel accepted and cared for in the inn, in a way that they haven’t previously in their lives.

I find this author’s writing style so utterly charming and I can’t wait to read more from them. I enjoyed this so much, I couldn’t put it down and it was such an uplifting read.

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.

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 lucky enough to receive a proof copy of A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping through NetGalley, and it completely stole my heart. This is exactly what cosy fantasy should be - warm, sweet, a little bit magical, and full of heart.

The idea of a magical inn that quietly attracts those who need it most is just so comforting, and I absolutely adored the eclectic cast of characters. I'm such a sucker for found family stories, and this one had that in abundance.

Also - the romance?! Grumpy x grumpy in the best way, with just the right amount of tension and softness. It’s easy to underestimate cosy books, but this one has surprising emotional depth too. It made me feel things I wasn’t expecting, in the best possible way.

A five star read. I didn’t want to leave this world.

I absolutely adored The Secret Society of Irregular Witches, and so jumped at the chance to read an advance copy of Sangu’s new book. And reader, it did not disappoint! All the wonderful characters and cosy setting from the last book were there, and I particularly enjoyed the found family aspects of this. For me, the first section felt a little jumbly, but after Luke appeared, it seemed to find its stride and was off. I didn’t think it needed the added spice either, and I felt this was included more for the sake of current trends than anything it brought to the book or its characters. The scene almost seemed a little embarrassed by itself as if the author really didn’t want to write it that way, but that being said, it was a wonderful read, which I greatly enjoyed and would have no hesitation in recommending. Many thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

After I loved the author’s previous witch book, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, I was definitely looking forward to this title. I am incredibly grateful to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing me with an eARC!

In her childhood, Sera Swan was the most powerful witch of her generation. Unfortunately, she lost most of her magic after the successful resurrection of her greataunt. Ever since then, she lives in exile in a magical inn hosting a colorful mix of guests. When the inn’s magic spell leads the grumpy witch historian Luke to her door, it rekindles Sera’s hope to find and decipher a spell that could restore her magic.

The story immediately charmed me. Sera is a complex protagonist, who has had many experiences even before the beginning of the story. She longs for her magic and tries not to let it get to her, even though it is a constant of her character. It stays pervasive despite the loving found family around her. Luke is similarly lonely, even though he seems to have his life under control. It is hard for him to admit that looking for a new apartment to live in for him and his sister are not the only reasons why he is staying at the inn.

The characters give this book so much life. The inn’s guests form a bizarre but loving constellation next to Sera and Luke, and are always present with their humor and unconditional support. Sera’s resurrected greataunt Jasmine with her accidentally also resurrected pet rooster, the cursed speaking fox Clemmie, the determined yet slightly misled gardener Mathilda, the constantly armor-wearing knight Nicholas or Sera’s younger cousin Theo, who is also a witch - they all add so much to the story. Even the spelled inn itself seems alive in its continous effort to protect everyone. The breadth of characters does not mean that they stay shallow: everyone gets enough time to overcome their own struggles.

The plot follows Sera’s attempts at finding and translating the rare restoration spell, and at obtaining its obscure ingredients. The label “cozy fantasy” fits completely - there is little direct action and the suspense stems mostly from character develpoments. The pages seem to fly by as Sera has to not only learn to understand her magic, but also herself.

Despite all the magic, the book is quite realistic in regard to its modern relationships and the effects of trauma. It can be painful to read about the characters’ efforts, their need for closeness and fear of rejection. Those parts are given a lot of care, they feel so authentic that I almost forgot I was reading fantasy at times. That makes it even more rewarding to spend this story following Sera along and finding a satisfying conclusion.

And what a beautiful ending it was! I was laughing and crying even while riding the train. The community of all those different people and their mutual acceptance, a magical house, a well-written romance (even as someone who is rather allergic to romance, I could entirely enjoy this one), a lot of fun and a bit of heartbreak that is healed with cinnamon rolls and pancakes. How could I not recommend this book to everyone?

What a wonderful story! This book is like a warm hug on a cold winter's morning. I'm definitely in my cozy fantasy era.

I absolutely adored the found family trope in this book and all the secondary characters were amazing too. I also admire Sangu's ability to write in real world issues like bigotry, racism and immigrants navigating the world into the story but manages to still retain the joy of the book. I loved Sera and Luke's relationship. I loved the fact that the romance was almost secondary in the book, in lieu of protecting those you have chosen as your family.

Ultimately, this book is about sacrificing for those you love and doing the right thing even if it means giving up something that you thought meant the world to you. Sangu made me laugh and cry as is her style. She weaves magic in her story telling and I would read anything she writes.

Reviewer’s note: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a cozy, heartfelt fantasy full of charm, grief, healing, and just the right dash of magic.

Sera Swan inherits a magical inn after the death of her great-aunt, only to discover it’s more than she bargained for—emotionally and magically. The Weatherbone Inn is alive in its own quiet way, responding to its guests and its keeper. As Sera struggles to make peace with her past and claim her future, she’s surrounded by eccentric guests, loyal friends, and memories both painful and precious.

Sangu Mandanna’s writing is warm and gentle, with a strong emotional core. This book explores themes of identity, belonging, and moving forward after loss. The romance is light and sweet, but the real strength lies in its found family, the inn’s personality, and Sera’s journey of self-acceptance.

If I had one tiny critique, it would be that the story leans more on atmosphere and emotional depth than plot-driven action—but for a cozy fantasy, that’s part of its magic.

Highly recommended for fans of Legends & Lattes, The House in the Cerulean Sea, or anyone looking for a witchy, comforting read with real heart.

i've been waiting for sangu mandanna's follow up to the very secret society of irregular witches for years. and i'm so happy to report that this is just as charming and fun

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. I loved this cosy fantasy, its full of fantastic characters, an engaging story and a beautiful magic system. I only wish it were longer!

This might be my favourite book of the year, and I loved it even more than Mandanna's last adult book (my best book of 2024).

It was warm, whimsical and genuinely heartwarming. A rabble of chosen family live at a run down magical B&B up in Lancashire, where rain can fall for a few minutes each afternoon and a zombie chicken runs around.

This magic is overflowing at the expense of one woman's loss of abilities and community though. Soon a new, nerdy, grumpy kind of man will come to the B&B with his daughter and some long asked questions start to be answered.

This book is to me what cosy fantasy should be, a whole bucket of fun and therapeutic adventure for adults wanting to please or heal their inner child.

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.

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.