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.

4.5

Magic was actually the friends we made along the way! I joke but I am also serious because this is essentially the message of this lovely and magical book! (Also, it is a very funny book - the author has such a unique humor that reallyworks for me!) Found family is in the very focus and is so strong here, every single member of it is special in their own way, kind, messy, spirited, sweet but overall delightful! Naturally, Sera is the one who stole my heart and is such an exceptional example of pure goodness in a person. I want to be a part of her family so badly. Luke, the love interest, is amazing and hot and made me cry (loved him). I liked that the romance subplot was simply that, a subplot, we had wonderful moments and there was some back and forth, but they were dealing with bigger issues and I appreciated that. If you liked the previous book by Sangu Mandana (also witchy but a different universe) I'm pretty sure you'll like this one too.

R E V I E W

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

☆☆☆☆.5

Advanced Reader Copy graciously provided by Hodder and Stoughton | Hodderscape via Netgalley

Well, this book was positively charming. After many postponed release dates, it is nearly time for this spellbinding follow up to The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches to hit the shelves, and trust me, it is more than worth the wait.

As someone who often finds cosy fantasy stories lacking, I strongly believe Mandanna has conquered a tricky subgenre, effortlessly combining magical realism with heartwarming narratives about love, found-family and identity.

After losing most of her magic when she resurrected her great-aunt fifteen years ago, innkeeper Sera Swan has worked tirelessly to harness the remaining sparks of magic she holds to create a space where any who seek help, shelter or solace can find it. But whilst others may find peace at her inn, Sera still struggles with the choice she unknowingly made on that heartbreaking day all those years ago, holding out hope that one day, her magic will be returned to her. With the help of a witch-turned-fox, an attractive magical historian, her resurrected aunt, and a host of other peculiar but well-meaning inn residents, Sera finally embarks on a path towards getting her magic back. But as relationships flourish and adversaries re-emerge, Sera has to decide just how much she is willing to sacrifice to get her power back, once and for all.

This book was heart-warming, from its depiction of a brother tirelessly advocating for his autistic sister to a young woman, refusing to relinquish the only family she has ever known. Mandanna cleverly weaves together a narrative where charmingly strange characters embrace others' equally charming oddities, deftly wielding humour, romance, and a touch of grief to create a poignant and memorable story.

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping has been one of my most anticipated releases since I read The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, one of my favorite books. It took a while for this one to be released, but it was worth the wait for sure.

Sera lost her magical abbilities after she resurrected her great-aunt at the young age of only 12. Not only did her magical abbilities leave her but she was also forced out of her learning position at the council. Ostrocized more like it. Now she runs the magical inn with her great-aunt, dealing with the strange and sometimes long staying guests that come to her. Including a certain familiar historian.

I initially struggled with the first two chapters or so when Sera was still a child. We got bombarded into the story at the very moment that her great-aunt died and there was this talking fox and not a lot made sense yet. Luckily however my struggle dissapeared once we got to adult Sera and the story settled into a rythm where the story and the setting of the inn became clearer.

The story line of Sera refinding her magical abbilities is interesting but not at all what this story is truly about. It is about accepting yourself for who you are. About learning to open up to others. To give them a chance. About accepting others for who they are and letting them be themselves. About finding your own family.

This story started to truly hit when these things became clearer. Sera who shared about her anxiety and depression, taking medications. Her great-aunt with her club foot. Luke's autistic sister. They all enrich and deepen this story with their own stories. Their backgrounds and their whole being. That is what I truly loved in this story.

The perfect cosy fantasy book!
I loved TVSSOIW and I’ve been so excited to read this ever since and it’s lived up to its hype
Can’t wait to see what else they have in store for us

Absolutely delightful. What else is there to say? It's like a less stressful Her Majesty's Royal Coven, with a dash of T Kingfisher. An adorable romance, great characters, and a plot with just the right level of stakes and pacing for a cozy and heartwarming read.

Wow! Mika Moon and the other cast of characters from Society of Irregular Witches are my go to book friends when I need a fictional hug so I was thrilled and worried when I began to read this. I was foolish, Sangu Mandanna has smashed it with Sera and Luke.
It has a different vibe to the first novel, a slower burn to get to know Sera and her found family in the cosiest inn possible but this is a good thing. This novel has more emotional layers to explore while the magical elements are just as imaginative and spectacular.
Sera loses her magic and her life is more constrained than she expected but she muddles through creating a life but the grief for what could have been lingers. As someone with a chronic illness and disability this hit home. It felt like those emotions I've felt where laid on the page. Similarly when Luke discussed his childhood versus Posy's. I loved autistic Posy was allowed to be herself without being forced to mask. It certainly meant tissues were needed.

This is cosy witchy fiction as it should be with quirky characters, magic, and love blended with layers of self-discovery. Mika Moon has competition in the fave witch contest.

Another warm magical hug of a book from Sangu Mandanna. Not a single thing about this book I didn't like and nothing I write about it will give it the justice it deserves. It needs to be read to fully feel what this book is.

The cast of Characters is full of representation and diversity and 100% lovable. The found family love singing from the start. The inn, where it rains tea and blooms teacup wildflowers and can only be found by those who need it, is a magical little character in itself and is the kind of place I yearn for, as I'm sure everyone does when reading this book.
I enjoyed the grumpy/grumpy romance between Sera & Luke, Grumpy/Sunshine is my favourite trope so seeing Sandu play with that was really exciting. (Although deep down we all know Sera is sunshine really.) And the background love story of Jasmine and Matilda was absolutely beautiful.

It's a book full of hope, that teaches us the real magic in life is where we make it. It's family, it's love, it's home.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

‘A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping’ introduces us to Sera Swan, once a witch with unimaginable power, now running her family’s inn and dealing with the consequences. Of what, you may ask? Perhaps just a tiny, forbidden resurrection spell she performed as a teenager that both lost her most of her magic and had her exiled from the Guild of Sorcery. 15 years later, Sera has resigned herself to running the inn, with its gaggle of wacky guests, an undead rooster, and a talking fox. When a blast from the past enables Sera to access the spell that could restore her magic, she is thrilled - the only problem is she cannot read the ancient language it is written in. But when Luke, who happens to be a bit of an expert in these sorts of this, and his younger sister turn up one night, Sera’s prayers may be answered. Except Luke has made it clear he’s leaving in the morning and he doesn’t want to help.

The inn, however, has other plans…

Writing:
Third person narrative that is chock full of quips, one liners, and ridiculous shenanigans that had me giggling throughout. The author manages to create such a whimsical little world, but then out of the blue will hit you with lines that gut you entirely. Accessible, immersive, and like a big warm hug.

Setting:
The majority of the book takes place in Batty Hole Inn (I know!) and honestly, it almost feels wrong to describe the inn as a setting, because it truly felt like another character. The shtick with the inn is that when she was younger, Sera cast a spell over it that had persisted to this day. Only people who NEED the inn are able to find it. The fallout of Sera’s inability to do Big Magic anymore means the inn is just as chaotic as its inhabitants, with wildflowers blooming spontaneously in teacups and the room that rains apple blossom tea for an hour on Sundays. It had its quirks (putting it lightly) but it was the cosiest setting and I honestly felt I was THERE. I also am sad that it isn’t real. Or is it? Please, let it be real.

Characters:
Sera is our leading lady and she is oh-so-relatable. Essentially a former ‘gifted’ kid, losing most of her magic and feeling stuck running the inn aged 30, she’s grouchy as anything but with the biggest heart going. At times grumpy then immediately becoming sunshine, the duality of Sera was fantastic and her entire character arc was beautiful and brilliant.
Luke, similarly, has that same grumpy persona hiding his squishy little heart, and was a wonderful MMC. His love for his sister was so wholesome and I enjoyed watching Sera and Co. break down his hard shell and draw out the real Luke.
Now, the ensemble cast really made this book sing. Jasmine, Sera’s great aunt (the recipient of the aforementioned resurrection spell), is a steady, warming presence. Matilda, one of the guests-turned-lodgers, with her vegetable garden of dreams and extreme penchant for getting into everyone’s business (but in the nicest possible way) was excellent and extremely funny. Nicholas, my esteemed knight, has my entire heart - literally, he is another guest-turned-lodger who ran away from his super rich, posh family and now works at a medieval fair as a knight 3 days a week but also wears his armour basically every day and is constantly threatening to defend Lady Sera’s honour. I just can’t cope, he was SO silly but completely adorable. Theo, Sera’s cousin, who was sent to live with her because his parents couldn’t hack having a magical kid, is a sweetheart whose friendship with Luke’s sister, Posy, just had me clutching my heart - essentially, he immediately becomes her ‘big brother’ and it is the purest thing. Posy, who is autistic and magical, and therefore has essentially been sent to live with Luke by her own parents because she doesn’t understand why she shouldn’t keep her magic secret, was just wonderful. In one hand, she holds a variety of leaves, and the other, she clutches my own little autistic heart. And Clemmie, our talking fox (and former sorcerer who accidentally turned herself into a fox - oops) was the sassiest animal companion and played such a big part in the story. I loved her complexities and her journey throughout.

Plot:
Honestly, this book didn’t even need one. It could simply be sustained purely on the vibes, but there was one so I guess I’ll comment on it. It was simple, but in the best way. Sera wants her magic back, and we are swept along on that journey. There are several subplots, including the romance, that are interwoven very nicely, and I enjoyed that each character had their moments and arcs, which only ever added to the overall experience.

Romance:
Our main romance was great. Sera and Luke are kind of grumpy x grumpy, which may be my new favourite trope, but their grumpiness is simply a thin veneer and it was SO good watching them fall helplessly for the other. This is also an example of how to plot a beautiful romance without relying on painful tropes (miscommunication, I’m looking at YOU) yet still deliver a heartwarming ending.
There was also a small, secondary romance that I won’t spoil but safe to say, I was kicking my feet with that one.

Themes:
You want themes? Rapid fire: loss (of magic, of yourself) and the reclamation of this; exile (from family, society, and/or a magical Guild), which pairs nicely with belonging, be it with other people or in a place you’d never expect; found family (a family I would truly pick up Nicholas’ sword for); and diversity - being different, not fitting in, not being from the ‘right’ background or family, or not having a brain that works like most people’s do - and how that should be CELEBRATED and not used as an excuse or reason to keep people out, make them feel small, or just plain old be horrible about.
The biggest takeaway I got from this book was about finding your nuance, your weirdness, or your differences, or whatever you want to call it… Finding the things that make you, YOU, and accepting them. Loving them. Celebrating them. Being proud of them. The below quote I feel sums up this better than my rambling does:

“Does it make you happy?”
“Yeah.”
“And is it doing anyone any harm?”
“No?”
“Then who the fuck cares what anyone else thinks?”

And maybe it sounds simplistic or whatever, but the heart behind this entire book just hit me like a truck and I had actual little (big) tears in my eyes and I just felt healed, man.

Overall:
If you can’t tell, I bloody loved this book. It was cosy, whimsical, and absolutely bonkers. I laughed, I cried. It made me feel warm and wonderful. I ended it with a big fat smile on my face and even writing this review, I can feel the tears threatening to spill. I don’t know what to say other than this book spoke to my heart/brain/soul and I replied ‘fuck yes’.

Recommendation:
If you want cosy fantasy, a slow burn romance with emotional healing, a cast of absolutely ridiculous and loveable characters, the best found family, and a whole lot of magical shenanigans, pick up this book. Please.

Rating:
5 🌟

Such a beautiful and heartfelt story. Perfect if you want a cozy read that is sure to improve your mood. I loved everything about this book!

5/5 stars

I am not even joking when i say i have been waiting for this book for WAY too long! After the absolutely beautiful Secret Society, I have had this on pre-order for over a year. So you can imagine the joyous squeal i let off when i was accepted for an ARC.

Tropes:
Magic
Cute and Cosy
Found family

Summary: I don’t know what it is about Sangu that makes these books absolutely, devastatingly beautiful. Literally from the first page. Sangu has a serious talent in these cute and cosy witchy romances and I need 100 more of them, right now :). Magical Inn-keeping had grabbed me in a chokehold from the very first page and I just couldn’t put it down. It was so easy to be fully emerged in this book, between the cute and cosy, witchy vibes, found family, and lightweight feel, its just perfect and i will not take any criticism on this book, or any book from Sangu. The characters all stand out in their own way and each one is loveable, they literally jump at you with every turn of the page. Sera was easily my favourite this time around. This book is heartwarming cute and cosy. I will now begin counting down the days till Sangu releases another book!

Mandanna is the queen of cozy witchy romances. I adored The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, and I love this one just as much. Filled with a quirky cast of characters, a swoon worthy romance and so many bloody emotions, I absolutely felt transported to Batty Hole Inn (yes that's actually it's name.)

Sera Swan went from being one of the most powerful and promising young magicians England has ever seen to having barely no magic in the space of a minute, resurrecting your Great Aunt will apparently do that to you, especially when you accidentally bring back a years dead Rooster to boot. It's a loss that weighs heavily on her, and it is a loss, having this thing that made you special, made you safe being almost ripped away from you. She never regrets her decision, she would save her Aunt all over again if she had too, but that doesn't mean she can't resent her a little for dying on her in the first place. Sera's one of those characters you just fall into, you know her, you become her and through that you feel her highs and lows, of which there are plenty. Though this may be a story with a HEA, it definitely doesn't start that way and Sera, along with Luke, have their own demons, their own grief to overcome before they can become the people they need to be.

Luke has always lived his life with one foot out of the door. Never willing to overstay his welcome, something that stems back to his non-magical parents treatment of him as a child and their current treatment of his little sister. He tries his hardest to remove himself from the daily goings on at the Inn, not wanting to get himself wrapped up in the quirky found family he has found himself living with. But things don't always work out how we plan, and after Luke finds himself roped into a plan to help Sera get her magic back, he starts finding the idea of leaving the Inn, and Sere, harder and harder to swallow.

I quickly found myself wrapped up in this wondrously quirky found family, Jasmine, Sera's Great Aunt and the only person to love her for just being herself. Clemmie, a witch who accidentally cursed herself into a Fox, Matilda, a scheming older woman who found herself at the inn years ago and never left. Nicholas, the Medieval Fair Knight who takes his day job a little too seriously. And then Theo and Posy, Sera's nephew and Luke's sister who find themselves with their respective family members due to their parents inability to look after their magically gifted children. Oh, and we can't forget about Roo-Roo, the undead rooster running around. If it sounds quirky that's because it absolutely is, but Sandanna makes it work, makes you fall in love with each and every one of them... skeletal rooster and all.

I loved the story, how Mandanna wove all the different kinds of grief and trauma through it whilst still managing to make it feel lightweight. Both Sera and Luke have trauma from their past that's been dragged with them everywhere they go, and Mandanna doesn't give them an instant fix, nor a magical one, more we see them being worn down by the people and love that surrounds them. The plot itself was fairly simply, but Mandanna brilliantly weaves in some plot twists, some being incredibly emotional, to ensure we stay hooked. Not that we needed them because the characters interactions were enough for me to keep reading.

It's a story filled with so many different versions of love. The main focus being the found family we have at the Inn, but alongside that we have familial love as well as romantic. Sera and Luke's romance was wondrously slow burn and filled with tension, but it's not the main focus of the book. Mandanna made the time to focus on all these different relationships, giving space to each and every one and, while I lived for every interaction between Sera and Luke, it was the found family that I found myself the most invested in.

If you love quirky stories filled with characters that leap off the page, a brilliantly delivered magic system and a swoon worthy romance, this is the book for you. I loved this just as much as Mandanna's previous cozy witchy romance, and can't wait to see what she delivers next.

I absolutely loved A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and the wonderfully cosy, found family that Sangu Mandanna had created with Nowhere House. I have to say, Sangu has done it again, with Batty Hole Inn and the absolutely fabulous cast of characters that feature in A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping.

After resurrecting her great-aunt, Sera Swan loses her magic and is exiled from the Guild. Sera runs the Batty Hole Inn, a safe haven in Lancashire for folks to find when they need it most. Current guests include a talking fox, a knight and a gardener who doesn't belive in an organised garden. When Sera finds a spell that could help her regain her magic, all sorts of shenanigans ensue, as it also coincides with the arrival of Luke, a guild librarian (who might just be able to help Sera with the spell).

Much like A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, the cast in this are fabulous. There were plenty of moments that had me laughing out loud, and plenty of moments that were heartwarming and gentle reminders that things can and will get better. I love a found family trope and this book is such a good example of it and all of the reasons why I love it so much. This is a cast that has each other's backs, even if they don't always understand what's going on (which again, leads to some fun moments!) These characters are all so soft and I loved them all.

There were also moments that felt a bit sharper, especially the ones in which Sera and Malik contemplate an existence that doesn't always look kindly on them and excludes them more often than not - it was these that hit a bit harder and made my heart ache for Sera. I loved how there was an acknowledgement of this and the fact that Sera defies it.

This is one of those books that just worked for me in so many ways and honestly, the kind of book I need right now. Much like Batty Hole Inn and Nowhere House, A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a beautifully cosy and safe space and one that I know I will come back to again. I absolutely loved this and I am hoping there will be more books in this vein.

Sera Swan was one of the most powerful witches in England. Or at least she was, until fifteen years before she nearly drained all her magic reserves to bring her aunt Jesmine back to life, being exiled from the Witches' Guild for performing forbidden magic. Now she finds herself running a magical inn with its eclectic inhabitants and living with the void left by her magic, made of stars and galaxies.

Sera is stubborn and grumpy on the surface, but if you pay attention you can see small cracks in her mask that reveal a person full of pain and loss, with a big heart who only wants to protect the people she cares about. Her constant companions are emptiness, mourning, loss, despair and that overwhelming feeling of being alone with one's own mind that only the loss of a part of oneself can make you feel. But throughout the book Sera realises that it is OK to ask for help and that you can be magical even without magic.

Luke, on the other hand, is all edges and cold-hearted, but to see him gradually change and melt when he finds people who accept him completely for who he is was really precious.

Perhaps it is because of the protagonists' need to be seen beyond their barriers and edges that their relationship develops slowly and naturally, making them perfect for each other.

I had loved The Very Secret Society of the Irregular Witches, but I loved this book even more. This read was exactly like living in Batty Inn: a journey full of life, sometimes chaotic, sometimes magical, with just the right balance of serious and funny moments, that welcomes you like a warm embrace and makes you feel accepted with all your strengths, flaws and quirks.

What a wonderfully heartwarming and sassy story! I was a big fan of the author‘s previous book so I was stokes when I was approved for an arc. A Witch‘s Guide to Magical Innkeeping has the same cosy vibe as its predecessor and even though it tackles some difficult topics, it was an easy and beautiful read.

This was such a lovely read. The cosiest, most heartfelt story with some absolutely incredible characters that steal your heart! If you’re a fan of books like Rewitched and The House on the Cerulean Sea, you’re going to really love this one!

Although the ‘witch loses her power and has to search within herself to restore it’ story has been done many a time, this story felt very special. Sera is a very likeable FMC and I felt very protective of her from the moment she came onto page.

Luke and Sera are so well matched and their love is the beautiful, understated kind that I love to read about. I love the grumpy x grumpy set up and these two interacting was hilarious at times. Bickering constantly until they slowly began to soften for each other - perfection.

The cast of characters in this really reminded me of something out of a TJ Klune book. So quirky and funny but equally sweet and endearing. I absolutely loved them all and I know that I’ll be thinking of them for months to come.

There are some gorgeous messages in this story about found family, finding your inner magic and how it can feel to finally believe you fit in somewhere when can make you feel like you don’t belong. I think at some point we’ve all been like Sera, sat on our kitchen floors with the weight of the world on our shoulders. There were some really profound moments this that I found to be so beautiful ❤️

If you’re looking for a cosy read for when you need a bit of a pick me up, I couldn’t recommend this book more!

A superbly crafted fantasy adventure full of cosy thrills, romance, intrigue and adventure than you've ever seen - but in the best way possible.

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping has been one of my most anticipated releases since I loved The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches when I read it a few years ago. I'm so glad that I ended up loving this book too.

Sera is such a strong character and I loved getting to know her. She is much more reserved than Mika from TVSSOIW because of her losing her magic at a young age. I felt so attached to Sera as this book went on and we find out more of her struggles. Her mental anguish over her life not turning out the way she thought and her describing her feelings of having had the world at her fingertips when she was younger but is now feeling stuck in her thirties is something that I feel a lot of people can relate to.

I loved the themes of this book and how deep and introspective it feels when reading it. Sera's struggles are the centre point of this book and while the book does have some dark moments, there is also a lot of hopefulness in this book especially from the other characters that live with Sera. I loved all of them, they all had depth to them and each one had a big presence in the Inn.

I liked the romance and how Sera and Luke knew each other from when they were younger. Luke is another interesting character as we see him struggle with trying to do right by his sister who has autism. I loved Luke and Posy's brother/sister relationship dynamic and liked how easily they fit with the rest of the characters that live in the Inn and the found family they all created together.

Overall I loved A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping. On the surface it feels like such a heart warming cosy magical book, and it is, but at the same time it also deals with darker topics like depression. I loved Sera and felt very attached to her, the other characters were intriguing and I loved the found family vibes of this book. The themes of this book were poignant and emotional and I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a magical read.


(I was sent a NETGALLEY ARC of this book to review)

✶ PRE-READING ✶
Cosy fantasy with a magical inn and a burnt-out protagonist? Yes, please. I expected something warm, slightly chaotic, and emotionally satisfying - plus the added bonus of a reluctant hero arc, one of my favourites.

✶ POST-READING ✶
As I thought... The inn setting was bursting with charm: guests who keep secrets in suitcases, spells that run amok, and the kind of emotional messiness that makes a place feel like home. Sera’s dry humour and slow-burning vulnerability gave the story real heart, and I adored the found-family dynamic with Jasmine and the staff. The web of relationships between the characters was wonderful to trace and watch blossom and grow.

It surprised me by... ...how manic the pacing felt in places. Sera is always juggling twelve things at once, and while it fits her character, it occasionally made the story feel breathless - like cosy fantasy with a double espresso shot. That said, the book had sneaky emotional depth beneath all the chaos, especially in how it explored grief, letting go, and the fear of being unnecessary. And the romance? Delightfully awkward but grounded.

✦ RECOMMENDATIONS ✦
Book Recommendation: Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett – for another prickly academic heroine who’s reluctantly drawn into magical mischief and unexpected connection.


TV or Movie Recommendation: The House in Fata Morgana (visual novel) or The Magicians (TV series) – the former for the melancholy magic in a house full of secrets, the latter for the chaotic, clever energy and snarky trauma bonding.

I loved Mandanna’s first book, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, and have been eagerly waiting the release of this book (which kept getting delayed!) so I was so excited to receive the ARC of this from NetGalley.

I struggled to get into the book initially but I’ve also been going through a reading slump so I can’t blame the book. The book has my favourite thing: a sentient house! It’s actually an inn but it has character for sure. The book is full of cosy characters and a found family. Mandanna does cosy fantasy so well.

In a nutshell, this book is about Sera who loses her magic and is a quest story in acquiring objects for a spell to get it back. I felt the book really picked up when Luke appeared at the inn, and then I was hooked and really started to fall for all the characters.

I like that Mandanna features big themes in her book even though it’s a cosy fantasy. There is depth to it. She talks about the displacement of her characters who though they have lived in the UK for a long time will never be claimed by this land because they’re foreign in their ethnicity. This touched me deeply as someone born and raised in England but will always be seen in such a way because I’m not Caucasian. She also shows depression and how Sera has overcome it but how it shames her to look back on her old self. Things that are very real that people grapple with in reality.

There is your typical buildup to some drama that was featured in her previous novel. They’re always dramatic yet quickly and neatly resolved as it’s a low stakes cosy fantasy novel. Mandanna writes wonderful characters and this one snuck up on me and made me fall in love with everyone.

I initially felt like I preferred her debut novel but there is a maturity and depth to this novel which I can definitely see in her growth as a writer. There are some insightful monologues about our society that I particularly resonated with being ethnically not Caucasian even though I am British through and through.

Overall, I give this a much deserved 5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley, Sangu and Hoodderscape for the chance to read this book early!

I really enjoyed A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches but I have to say this book? ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I did not want to put it down.

The magic, the romance, the found family! This book was magical. I laughed, cried and stayed up until 3am for it.

I could not recommend this enough for lovers of cozy fantasy. I was absolutely in love with Theo and Posy, they were adorable. And the roster, one can not forget the roster.

I can not wait to be able to re-read it when I get my physical copy next month!

If the other book, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, felt very cozy and warm, this made my heart much more cozy and warmer. I definitely enjoyed the story and its diverse and unique characters.

The story was so beautifully written and I absolutely loved the setting. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love. This is a highly entertaining fantasy filled with rich world-building, vivid and original characters, and a captivating magical setting.

This book felt like a warm hug and a mug of piping, steaming hot chocolate. I adored this one so so much and finished it pretty much all in one day (and if you're me, this rarely happens). The found family trope will always be something I adore and the found family in this one was absolutely beautiful to read about and see unfold (I would fight battles for everyone in this book but especially Matilda and Nicholas).

If you want to read about a witch who lost her powers living with a zombified chicken, a resurrected aunt, a mischievous witchy cousin, a medieval fair knight, a kind old lady (who cannot garden to save her life) and a talking fox all whilst running a magical Inn and falling in love with the scholarly historian (and his adorable, heart filled with gold sister) then read this is the book!!! it's heartwarming, it's funny, its sweet. The characters are what make this book and I adored all of them so so much. As someone who has not read the very secret society of irregular witches yet, you bet I am picking that one up next and any future cozy adult romance with unconventional found families that Sangu Mandanna writes next.

I loved the author's first book, and this one is just as magical! With found family, a slow-burn romance, and quirky, lovable characters, I enjoyed every moment. A wonderful, witchy, cosy read that's perfect for losing yourself in another reality for a few hours! Highly recommend.

This is such a heartwarming and delightful book, it’s set in the same world as the previous book but it is a standalone, although I really recommend reading both.
Sera is a very powerful young witch with a tremendous amount of potential, but thanks to a particularly unpleasant “mentor” and the death of her dearest relative, she finds herself with very few stars in her sky. However she still radiates love and compassion, and she draws people to her and her inn.
The characters in this book are wonderful, Nicholas is a favourite of mine, and they are the very best kind of found family. The romance is charming, although as with the last book, I would have preferred a fade to black. I think that the relationship between Sera and Luke is perfection, they are both very deserving of each other in the best possible way.
A definite recommend.

I absolutely adored A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, and this book is better! The book follows Sera Swan, who was one of the most powerful witches in England, until she resurrects her dead aunt and loses most of her magic. She spends the next 15 years running a magical inn and trying to find a way to reclaim her magic. But the story is not about her magic, it’s about her inn, which has been spelled to only allow in the people who need a place to rest and recover. And through the inn she meets people and creates her own family, which is its own special kind of magic. There’s a skeletal rooster, a sarcastic fox and a sexy librarian. All of this makes for a highly entertaining story that also touches on classism, racism and the bullying Sera endured from a mentor who was jealous that Sera’s magic was greater than her own. While the magic in this book is great, it’s the inn and the people within that make up the heart of the story.

Oh, the love I have for this book! I also adored The Secret Society of Irregular Witches so this wasn’t a surprise, I knew this would be the diamond it was.

I firstly want to talk about Posy. Posy is the little sister of Luke, the love interest. She’s autistic and mostly non-verbal with high needs when it comes to education. The way she was spoken about within the book was done with so much love and care. She was so, so loved and this is something I wish all autistic people had. She was truly accepted, she has been failed and hurt in the past and Luke (alongside the rest of the inn residents) were determined this wouldn’t be part of her future.

Disability in general is all throughout this book, including Jasmine who has a clubfoot. The inn was full of ‘misfits’ who had been rejected from the world for one reason or another but had found home and family with one another. They made an effort to include each other and make sure everyone felt safe and cared for. It was such a utopia and I never wanted the book to end, I loved being in there so much.

There’s also a storyline about accepting you, including flaws and imperfections, because all of you deserves to be loved and I adooored this message. The way Luke and Sera loved each other and helped each other achieve this, as well, was heartwarming. I loved them together. The slow burn and the yearning was exactly what I was looking for right now, too.

Jasmine and Matilda were older queer women, also, that you don’t often see in love stories and I have so much love for them both.

The writing in general was so funny, entertaining and it played like a film in my head. Sangu Mandanna may have only published two books I’ve read so far, but I’m pretty sure I can count her as one of my favourite authors. I love her and her books so much, I could go on and on about why I loved this book but I think you should just read it instead. I just finished it and I already can’t wait to re-read it.

this book was an utter delight from start to finish. With just the right balance of charm, wit, and warmth, A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping felt like being wrapped in a beloved patchwork quilt—soft, comforting, and quietly magical.

The found family element tugged at all the right heartstrings, weaving bonds that felt as real and tender as a cup of tea shared on a rainy afternoon. The queer and autistic representation was especially lovely—present, meaningful, and effortlessly folded into the world in a way that felt both affirming and natural.

There’s a quiet joy in the story’s pace, in its attention to gentle magic and everyday kindness. It’s a book I didn’t want to leave, a place I wished I could linger in just a little longer

5 stars - cosy fantasy

Sera, a powerful young witch, finds her great Aunt Jasmine dead and uses her magic to resurrect her. In doing so, she loses the majority of her magic and is exiled from the magic community. Years later, Sera is running an Inn with Jasmine and their long term quirky guests, whilst searching for a spell to restore her magic.

I squealed when I received the arc for this as the secret society has remained my favourite cosy fantasy of all time, and this one probably takes second place. Both books are like sitting down with a cosy blanket and a big mug of hot chocolate. A story full of found family, learning to love yourself and a sprinkling of fairy tale magic.

The inns guests made the story for me and I would love a stay there even in the tea raining room! I loved and cared about them all equally but I especially loved Clemmie a witch cursed to live as a fox.

I loved how the restoration spell made Sera realise she was just as special and loved with or without her magic. The romance between her and Luke was sweet and I loved the side story with Posy.

This book made me want to quit my job and run a magical inn with a talking fox, undead rooster, and maybe a ghost or two 👻🦊.

Sera Swan used to be one of the most powerful witches around—until she brought her great-aunt back from the dead (minor oops) and accidentally got herself exiled. Now she's stuck managing a moody, magical inn in a sleepy English village, where a fox talks, the guests are chaotic, and a hot grump (hi Luke 👀) might actually be into her.

This book is the *coziest magical chaos* you could ask for. It’s like *if Gilmore Girls moved into a haunted cottage and fell in love with Practical Magic*. I laughed out loud, got misty-eyed, and constantly wanted to crawl into the pages for a cup of tea and emotional healing 🍵✨.

Why You’ll Love This Book:
🪄 Found family
🦊 Talking fox with attitude
🏡 A magical inn that’s practically a main character
👩‍❤️‍👨 Grumpy x sunshine romance that *slow burns*
😂 Quirky humor + emotional depth = perfection

Tropes:

* Magical inheritance
* Grumpy x sunshine
* Second chances & starting over
* Found family
* Small village charm with witchy flair

Final Thoughts:
This book is like wrapping yourself in a fuzzy blanket and being handed a cinnamon roll by a witch. Pure comfort, with just enough mischief to keep it magical 💫

This was another gorgeous cosy fantasy novel from Sangu Mandanna. Sera Swann was once one of the most powerful witches in England but after resurrecting her beloved aunt, she now only has a fragment of her previous magic and uses that to keep her inn running smoothly. She’s perfectly happy with that state of affairs and the family group she has created there until she discovers the existence of an old spell that could possibly restore her magic.
Sangu Mandanna has created a beautiful haven at The Batty Hole Inn, Her descriptive writing is just gorgeous whether she is describing the inn, the surrounding countryside or the use of magic. I would love to go and stay there and look out over the rolling countryside before eating scones in the cosy kitchen. The book is quite slow paced at the beginning as we get to know Sera, Jasmine and the other characters but it does build up speed as the plot unfolds.
As with her previous book, there is romance here but the thing that holds the book together is the found family. As the inn works its magic, the random group of characters grows as they are all drawn to its promise of warmth and peace. I loved all of the characters even though like all families, you can’t necessarily trust every one. One of the main messages for me was that people have to be who they are meant to be and shouldn’t try to fit themselves into boxes created by others. Belonging is also a big theme of the book as several of the characters including Sera herself feel that they don’t quite belong .
The romance between Sera and Luke is a lovely slow burn affair which isn’t quite enemies to lovers but they certainly start off with very different views on life. I enjoyed seeing how Luke gradually felt more comfortable at the inn and how they both came to trust one another.
I loved the depiction of magic in this book. Here it is a very personal thing and each of the witches sees it differently. For Sera, the magic sends her soaring into a night sky whereas for Clemmie, it’s a thing of teeth and claws. All the spells are cast differently too rather than being set in stone. The author describes magic as ‘chameleon like’ which sums it up perfectly.
This was a lovely warm-hearted book that acts as a huge hug despite covering some quite serious issues. Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers, Hodder and Stoughton, for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I described Sangu Mandanna's previous novel, "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" as "a hug in a mug" and the same description could easily apply to "A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping". Both novels tell the story of witches who are hiding from the world- though in very different ways.
Sera Swan was one of the most powerful witches in Britain, but a hasty plan to resurrect her deceased aunt Jasmin, results in some unexpected consequences - including the return of a long dead rooster! But I'm getting sidetracked.
Instead of living the life that she had imagined, Sera finds herself running a magical inn, providing a home to a very loveable, if unusual group of guests, who eventually form a wonderful family.
There is love, loss, danger and plenty of comic moments in Magical Innkeeping and this is a book that I'll be keeping nearby to lift my spirits whenever needed.
A must for you bookshelf.

This book in one phrase - pure, cozy perfection. I have been looking forward to A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping so getting to read it early was such a blessing. If I had to describe this book in one phrase, I would use "pure cozy perfection" to describe it. It's witchy, it's magical, it's charming, it's delightfully funny, it's deeply romantic and has the found family trope. Literally the perfect recipe for a great read.

The writing is so comforting and feels like you're being wrapped in a warm hug. I love the way it immediately absorbs you into the story and takes you on a wondrous adventure with the characters. Seriously, I would pay good money to stay at this magical inn (which is lowkey sentient) and experience all the chaos that takes place within its walls. There are honestly not enough words to describe how much I love Sangu Mandanna's writing (the yapper in me wants to just yap for pages)

Sera is my girl. I love her and relate to her so hard. She's such a kind person and cares so much for all the residents of her inn, but often ignores her own feelings, but as she starts on a quest to restore her magic and break a curse, you can slowly see her recognize that it's okay to ask for help. Her character development is masterfully done. Also, I can't express enough how funny she is. I was laughing so much as some of her dialogue.

Of course, I have to mention (not-so) ice-cold Luke....I need someone like him. Like, he might be one of the most attractive men that I've read in romance this year. Behind that cold exterior is a man who cares deeply, for his sister, for his work and eventually for Sera. Their dynamic is honestly so adorable, and even before they realise their attraction towards each other, you can see the sparks between them. The progression of their relationship feels so natural, and they're perfect for each other.

The book has decently high stakes, but also is a cozy romance at heart, striking a flawless balance between the two. Also, there's such a really chaotic and fun cast of side characters and they're all so so lovable (Nicholas you have my heart <333). I had such a blast reading this and I can't wait to own a physical copy!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for approving me to read this book early, my views are my own.

I read The very secret society of irregular witches a little while ago and adored it, and my feelings about reading A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping isn't much different.

I loved Sera, her unwavering loyalty to those she loves and a seemingly infinite capacity for love itself. She created what is basically another character in this novel itself: the Inn. It reacts to her feelings, and plays with magic, and is somewhere I think I would love to live if it existed.

All the characters feel really solid and real, which is what I expected from a Sangu Mandanna novel as she writes characters with so much depth that there isn't really anyone I didn't care about or understand. Though a small part of me wanted a smidge more focus on Posey as I have people I care about who are on the autistic spectrum too and I would have loved to see her story developed just a little bit more - though maybe this will be followed up in a future book.

The romance plotlines also felt very true and I was rooting for them all the entire book.

Oh, and the running theme of parental neglect was very interesting - it made me want to see some flashbacks to everyone's childhoods to really delve deeper into those. I think it really balances the beautiful found family everyone has in the Inn by showing that blood isn't everything, and you earn the trust of those you love, you don't just get it because you're genetically related to someone. Though how anyone could leave Sera or Posey I don't know, they are the loveliest people.

I don't know how much more I can gush about this book, so just hear me when I say it's a beautiful and cosy read that I think everyone would enjoy.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this! Another magical novel about love in all its forms.

The writing was light and full of love. It was such a heartwarming read with the perfect balance of setting description to action ratio. I was engaged from the beginning right through to the end and looked forward to picking it back up at each reading session. I wasn't ready for it to end!

The chapters were fairly long so you got a good chunk of the story before moving on. There was a good pace to the story with things always happening to keep you engaged and to keep the story moving. There were some time jumps every so often, which also helped to keep the story moving.

There was a good flow between the chapters which meant that I was happy to sit and read it for long periods of time. It was definitely a "just one more chapter" sort of book!

The characters were excellent. I really felt for them all and willed there to be a happy ending. The relationships between all the characters was a joy to read about. There were some darker characters and these helped to highlight the importance of the love shown between the other characters. I would quite happily read more about all of these characters. They were all different with their own challenging backgrounds, but they managed to push through and find one another. It was the very definition of a heartwarming read.

I enjoyed being on the main character's journey and watching her find out things about herself. As the reader we were privileged to see how the other characters made her see things from a different point of view. Seeing her come to certain realisations gave a warm feeling to the story.

Lastly the settings. They were great. I enjoyed all the magical descriptions and the love that came with that. I was completely drawn into their world and would love to visit that Inn! The description of the settings perfectly aligned with the message of what is truly important in life.

Overall a wonderful, thought provoking read that I can't recommend highly enough. It's the perfect cosy fantasy that you didn't know you needed!

Another incredible book by Sangu Mandanna!!

This had my fiancé wondering why I was in tears laughing in the car.

Also the bittersweet tears shed for the characters

Speaking of characters, I LOVE found family so much and this is no exception! Sera and her possy at the inn made me so happy!

I love Sangu’s writing so much!!!! It was so beautifully written!

I read irregular witches last year with the mysterious bookcase book club and have been so excited since then when this book was announced. So to anyone who was in that month and loved the book PLEASE read this!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this eARC

Currently on holiday with minimal signal so will post to Instagram Sunday/monday

I was so excited to get the ARC of this book. I read The Very Secret Society for Irregular Witches and absolutely loved it.

This one was just as delightful I am not always a big fan of a slow burn but this worked. The characters were well written and interesting. I will continue to read anything this author puts out.

A most wonderful cosy ,magical slow burn romcom all wrapped up in one novel - what more could I want. Sera uses her magic in her teens to resurrect a great aunt not realising the consequences of the forbidden spell. A novel most wonderful cast of quirky characters that you just want to sweep up in a huge hug- a knight in armour, a cantankerous gardener, and is it wrong that I would actually want to kidnap Roo Roo ( you have to read a novel to find out) I devoured this book very quickly and I’m really looking forward to the next novel from this author as this book I think was even better than her last, and that was excellent. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the AOC of his novel in return for an honest review.

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping is the new cozy witchy fantasy by Sangu Mandanna. At this point, I will read everything she writes. I love the found family aspect of the story, and there’s also a talking fox and a resurrected chicken. Sangu Mandanna always includes diverse representation in her work. In this story, we see LGBTQ+ rep, autism rep, and disability rep, all written beautifully. I adore this whimsical inn and its quirky residents so much that I wish it were a real place. I highly recommend this book to everyone and will always read her books in the future. Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book by this author, and she has created yet another cosy, warm, and inviting world of witchy magic. The story revolves around Sera, a powerful witch, who runs a magical inn. It has a host of lovable characters and a warm love story.

I really enjoyed it, just as I had enjoyed Irregular Witches... And I am very excited for the world to read it

I had such a great time reading this book. I loved The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, and A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping gave me the same cozy, feel-good emotions. It made me laugh, it made me smile, it made my heart squeeze.

My favorite part about the book was the incredible found family element of it. Sera Swan created her own welcoming island of misfit toys in her magical inn, and it was unbelievably touching. Every guest-turned-lodger brought their own special something to the story and represented pure love found with others who’d been left out, left behind, loved less than they deserved before finding their place at the inn.

And, I mean, there was a lovable zombie rooster, so what more could one possibly need in a book?

Thank you to Hodderscape via NetGalley UK for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book had everything I need when the world feels a bit much. The representation is vast, but in no way token, and I especially appreciated the sub-narratives of finding your place as a person of colour in a home you love but that doesn't always love you back, and the found family that is abject chaos but provides a place for people who otherwise have felt adrift or unwanted. The romantic leads are both adorably grouchy, and being with them as they gradually allow each other to see beyond the prickly outer layer was a joy.

When I seen Sangu Mandanna was releasing a new book I was beyond excited, their previous novel The very secret society of irregular witches was one of my favourite read last year and I was itching to my hands on this book in the hopes it would give me the same feelings. I’ve now read this and can confirm it done exactly what I wanted, the only way I can describe the feelings I got with these two book is when I was a young toot during rain storms if we got caught out in them we’d go to my grans who would dry our clothes give us fluffy robes and a sugary cuppa Tea to keep us warm, that’s the magic in that’s in these books.

Follow Sera who is prodigy in the magical community that is until she casts a spell to bring her great aunt Jasmine back from death and with the spell her magic leaves her. Her once thriving sky of stars and galaxies is now just a twinkle behind her eye. Sometimes a twinkle is all you need.

I love the found family aspect of this book the messages that it gives you belong somewhere! The characters are so nuanced and quirky but in a way that feels authentic and not forced.
Something I love about this is you go in knowing what to expect or at least you think you do but it still doesn’t fail to entertain and surprise. I love that these books contain magic and then the experience reading them create some magic. The perfect cosy fantasy you’re missing out on.

I really want more information on the world and the guild, this books leaves you wanting more information about the magical system in place but also fulfils enough for you not to feel like the world isn’t well rounded. It’s one of those books that makes your crave more of this world and the characters in them.

*cosy fantasy
*found family
*mental health rep
*disability rep
*queer rep
*cottage core vibes

𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒋𝒊𝒔:🔮🦴🦊🐓📚🫖
𝑸𝒖𝒐𝒕𝒆: “Like his lonely and her lonely fit perfectly into the empty spaces at the other’s side, saying nothing, asking nothing, just keeping each-other company.”

𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
🔮Found Family
📚An Undead Skeletal Pet Rooster
🔮Cosy, Witchy Romance
📚Academic History Nerd MMC
🔮Magical House

𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: This was such a lovely book, the perfect comfort read filled with found family, diverse characters and themes of self love, belonging and personal growth, all tied up in a quirky, witchy package!

Sera felt so relatable as a MC, and I really felt the Gifted Child to Burnt Out Adult kinda pipeline she experienced (albeit with a magical twist!) The loveable side characters living at the inn were unapologetically themselves and accepted regardless of their quirks which I loved… in general this book felt joyous to read, like a warm hug of acceptance and healing that will put a smile on your face. I liked the romance in this and how it didn’t take away from the personal journeys of the characters

𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨ (4.5⭐️)

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches was such a great book that I was scared I wouldn't like this one but oh my god this was even better?? A Witch's Guide to Magical Inkeeping is everything that I needed to warm my grieving heart. I love the plot, I love the chaotic found family the characters had made, I love the romance!! Oh god I love everything about this book. I particularly love the messages about finding a home for yourself and to always be yourself - something that I probably have read in so many other books before but I'm so charmed by how this book tells it.

I really enjoyed this one, so cozy yet still had some stakes.
Felt like it was rushed at a couple of parts and I never really got a good idea of the characters appearances
But this was still such a lovely book so I'll be recommending it to everyone