Found family, cozy fall vibes, and magic. Couldn't have asked for anything more. I adored this book and I think it's a perfect addition to any Fall TBR.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is one of those books that I really struggle to place genre wise. It's got bits and pieces of a cozy mystery, a rom com, an urban fantasy, and literary fiction but it doesn't firmly sit itself in any of those genres.

If you like stories about found families of groups of people you would never really expect to see together, a bit of steamy romance, and a MC who has to learn to love herself and trust those around her in order to fulfill a dream she never knew she had, then this book could be for you.

It's got a grumpy/sunshine romance that does have one incredible steamy scene but isn't necessarily a romance. There's not really a lot of fast-action plot either. It's a bit more quiet of a book.

Again I'm not really sure how to categorize this, but I did really enjoy the story. It had a few surprises and moments that made me laugh out loud.

I had no idea going into this book it would become one of my favorite books of the year! I went in thinking it was just going to be a cute witchy love story but it was really a story of found family and learning to let yourself be loved. Every single character was charming and felt familiar like an old friend. The three little girls were so lovable and I deeply dislike children lol. The Nowhere house enchanting and made me want to move in. The elder character's were the grandparents I never knew I needed. Of course I have to talk about Mika and Jamie. The best kind of grumpy x sunshine couple. They both had been deeply hurt in their young lives and that made them choose to face the world in different ways. It also made them fit so well together. They were slow burn so I wish we could have seen them together more (a sequel pretty please!). And our main character Mika was my absolute favorite character. Her passion for magic, her care with the children, and her story just made me want to be friends with her. This whole book felt like a warm hug. This needs to be turned into a movie ASAP so I could watch it every spooky season. I adored everything about this book from start to finish.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

5/5

I’m obsessed!!! If this isn’t on your TBR you need to go add it asap!! I loved it!!! It was the perfect amount of fiction meets fantasy meets romance. Definitely pulled at my heart strings 🥰
 
This is the first book from this author that I’ve read, and I will definitely be checking out the rest of her publications. This book is all about finding your family and was just a big ball of sunshine ☀️ You won’t be able to help it, you’ll be smiling 95% of the time while you’re reading.
 
The characters in this book were so well written and honestly, I just want to go live at Nowhere House with Ian, Ken and Lucie (the girls’ caregivers). The three little witches will legit have you in stitches from laughing. The bond and family they’ve created is just beautiful 🥲, every character has their own personalities and quirks. Also, the characters are diverse and multicultural!
 
Also did I mention Mika has a dog and magically fast traveling van!! Like does it get any better. Was definitely giving Practical magic meets House on the Cerulean Sea (but better) vibes 👏🏽
 
“She had been a ghost until Nowhere House, leaving no trace of herself on anybody, but she had thought for a few precious weeks that maybe she had at last come alive”
 
The relationship between Mika and Jaime was painfully a slow burn…. It worked though and I appreciated the friendship they built first. There was some spice when needed and it was well written. I need me a grumpy librarian 😏
 
The little twist at the end got me  was not expecting that to happen 😅
 
What’s bad is that it ended, and I need a sequel because I need answers 😫❤️

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is an absolutely wonderful book from start to finish. It is a contemporary fantasy with romance that I just adored. Mandanna crafts a contemporary world where witches and magic exist and are hidden in plain sight, and where our characters undertake a journey to discover themselves and finding where they truly belong. Found family is one of my absolute favorite tropes to read about, especially when magic is involved.

This novel was whimsical, with witty banter, strong character development, a unique cast of characters, a beautiful setting near the ocean, grumpy-sunshine romance, a dash of mystery, and the self discovery of our lead character. It was a cozy read to end the summer and bring in all the cozy fall vibes I have been dreaming of. I absolutely devoured this book over one weekend and strongly recommend this novel to anyone who is longing for a cozy fantasy.

I loved all of the characters we were introduced to in this novel (even the cheeky children!) and loved the magic system that Mandanna has created including the potions and the intention behind magic. The romance is a slow burn, but in a very realistic way that leads you feeling like you can relate to the characters. Overall this book just left me feeling warm and fuzzy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book. From the opening pages until the very end, THE VERY SECRET SOCIETY OF IRREGULAR WITCHES positively enchanted me. Mandanna expertly and seamlessly wove together the world of witchcraft with the emotion behind finding a place to belong and the discovery of what family can be in its purest form.

This story had it all. There was romance, un-malicious duplicity, witty dialog, cheeky children, and self-discovery. Honestly, what more can you ask for? Oh yeah. Magic. With that final piece, the reader is gifted with a truly beautiful novel about how making one choice will change everything for Mika. Nowhere House and its inhabitants is a place I will not soon forget. And I must say that the children really deliver in this book. Their personalities are just as bewitching as the rest of the cast.

Trust me when I say this, read this book. Taking a trip to Nowhere House will not be one you forget. Well, unless you meet Primrose. 😉

I really enjoyed this sweet little tale of a lonely witch who finds her chosen family. I finished in one day - nearly one sitting. The characters were lovable, they live by the sea, and there was some fun magic. The only thing at all that dimmed my enjoyment is that it seemed SO similar to The House in the Cerulean Sea that it felt more like a witch retelling of that story. Not that this is bad - I loved The House in the Cerulean Sea and I love witches - but it just felt a little extra predictable as a result. Overall, though, an enjoyable witchy fiction that gives you cozy feelings. I recommend it for a breezy read!

I loved so many aspects of this story. I loved that the protagonist was in her early 30s, like me. I loved that we got a bit of the grumpy-sunshine trope we all love. I loved that Nowhere House was a magical setting that I would love to live in. And I loved that it was a low-stakes story that didn't cause me any anxiety but was still engrossing enough that I finished it within two days. Any time it felt like there was going to be a plot hole, or a "but wait, how is this possible?!" question, Sangu immediately answers it. It was such a fun, sweet read!

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

My heart. Oh, this was lovely.

To be fully enveloped by a fuzzy blanket in front of a fire, sipping on tea, with background music of whimsical string instruments and the sound of rain falling in the midst of autumn, completely happy with life as it is at the moment--that is what it feels like to read this book. It is a warm hug and it's comforting and magical. I loved every second of reading it.

The story centers around Mika Moon, one of the only witches in England, who is mostly reclusive and hides her magic due to the Rules of her fellow witches. Like most witches, Mika lost her parents at a young age and is used to a mostly solitary, lonely existence, though she secretly hopes for more. The only thing that Mika partakes in that only slightly gives away her abilities is her vlog channel where she "pretends" to be a witch: making potions, casting spells, and the like. Mika doesn't think anyone will take her vlog seriously until someone does: and from here, Mika is spirited away to Nowhere House to teach three young witches to control their magic at the behest of their very protective and loving caregivers, most of all a handsome, bristly librarian named Jamie. As Mika starts to find a place, possibly a family, among the occupants of Nowhere House, threats arise as to upend everything they have each worked so hard to protect.

This story is a gem. There is just so much to love about it: the hilarious banter and dialog, an intelligent, strong, and funny heroine, found family, a sweet slow-burn romance, sisterly bonding, plenty of magic, endearing characters, cottagecore vibes, and a cute dog. I loved the characters of Nowhere House as well as the other witches that pop in and out of the story. I loved the general feel of this book--it's as if the magic were tangible. Mandanna nailed the setting and I felt like I could conjure up Nowhere House and the grounds around it in my head very easily. The writing is just all-around beautiful.

Is it a bit saccharine? Sure. But personally, I adored it. Sometimes you just want to dip into a story that is mostly warm, gooey feelings, and this book delivered on that front. However, I will say that the story did discuss some slightly darker themes of loneliness, orphanhood, and not belonging, and it did make me a bit emotional by the conclusion. I would love it if Mandanna revisited this world again one day.

This book is easily a favorite of mine. 5 stars and one of the best of the year without a doubt.

I don't know why I took this book to review. I didn't know the author. Whatever the reason was, I'm glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the characters and the happily ever after.

There are a lot of mysteries for the reader to work out. Some Mika knows and perpetuates, some she has no clue about and other she thinks she knows but what she's been told is wrong or incomplete. When she takes a new job, because it's time to move on from her self-imposed six month tenure at her local job and apartment, she's unsure. She's breaking the rules she's strongly been advised to follow by associating with other witches. She may not realize it at first but she needs a connection. Her constant moving and limited association with other witches isn't fulfilling in any way. I can share her feeling the need to help out the young witches who lack training and are a danger to themselves and others with their unleashed power. Her fellow employees make it so easy to get comfortable in her new, temporary, home. She's fighting hard against this unaccustomed desire to stay put and create a family around her. The exception? Jamie. He's sexy, his devotion to the kids is amazing but he's determined to keep his distance from Mika. It's so heartwarming to see her get under his armor and insert herself into his psyche. He may not want to admit is but he needs her, her compassion, her friendship, her love, .

The characters in this book were maybe not always relatable but certainly likable, even prickly Jamie. The kids were a blast to watch and their budding relationship with Mika was amazing. The mysteries around the kids, their guardian, Mika's guardian, the witch's rules and Jamie and his issues were all fascinating and I was invested in learning the answers to them all. I was definitely not putting this book down and walking away until I knew all.

I found this book entertaining and would recommend it to paranormal, paranormal romance and romance fans alike.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC.

This book was great....ish. It felt cozy and comfortable and welcoming from page 1, but there was something missing from the story and I can't put my finger on what that is. I enjoyed the book, but I don't think I would re-read it. I'd probably just re-read one of the thousand other cozy fantasy stories on the market now. Maybe that's what my issue is: it's unique in premise, but falls short in practice. There are a million books "sort-of" like this one already. If cozy fantasy is your cup of tea, then The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches will amaze you. If you're like me and have a general apathetic stance on cozy fantasy, it'll just be an alright read.

It is always better to be kind than nice! Mika Moon learns that family can come in many different formats. Love is it that in the air or is it just the magic of gold dust?? What a fun fall read.

The title seemed a little twee until I started reading it and was promptly invested in it, the society, and the protagonist. Distinctive, sweet, and unpredictable in the best way. I really, really enjoyed this every step of the way.

This book was adorable. Warm and charming like a cup of hot chocolate with a sprinkle of magic on a cold night. Will definitely look for this author's other books.

A lovely feel-good book to cheer you up! Some described it as a warm hug, and I totally agree. It was a heart-warming story which will resonate with people who love the found-family trope! A light read for those seeking for it, who also love witchcraft.

My only issue with this book was the writing style, as it often got me confused about the target group. It did sometimes feel so childish that I began to believe it was a YA book, but with the swear words and one spicy scene I was wrong. It does make sense, as she's around children a lot. But the writing style didn't really fit in my opinion. If it had actually been a YA book then it would have been perfect.

Either way, I did find myself enjoying it a lot. There were a few stakes there, but nothing too serious to really scare me. And that's why this book is such a comforting read! It also discussed some trauma and just how shitty the reality often can be, but it was light.

Overall, it was a pretty solid and pleasant read, which I will recommend for the ones who love the found-family trope.

Over & out. -Nora<3

Looking for a charming, witchy read this fall with a perfect grumpy/sunshine love story, found family, and lots of humor? This book is it. Honestly, I'm not sure what I was expecting when I opened The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna, I just saw people saying good things about it so I figured I'd give it a go. I like witches, I like romance, I like quirky book names. Now, having finished it in about a day and a half, I can easily say that this book is a top read of the year for me. I loved every second of it! It was fun, magical, romantic, and really emotional at parts. If, like me, you are a huge sucker for found family in a book, this is a must read.
Mika Moon is a witch but nobody but the few other witches she sees every three months knows that and that's the way it has to be. Or at least, the way she's always been taught it has to be. Too many witches in one place attracts too much magic, too much mischief, and it's safer for them to scatter and keep their power secret. It's a lonely life even if it's safe one, and it's that loneliness that nudges Mika to take up a tutoring job at Nowhere House. Her students -three young witches who are under the care of a loving and eccentric household of people but need a witch to help them navigate their powers. It's also the home of a very handsome and very grumpy librarian named Jamie who likes Mika a whole lot despite himself. But there are secrets at Nowhere House and Mika must learn to reconcile her upbringing and her trauma with the people she has come to love.
It's spectacular. The writing it bright and whimsical and the whole book feels cozy. It's the perfect read going into the fall season and I have every intention of shoving it on everyone I know.
I will say, the romance is very good and satisfying, but it is kind of slow burn, and while there is sex on the page, it's not long or descriptive. It's somewhere between closed door and explicit and usually I don't love that kind of vagueness in my romance, but I think it worked here and fit the tone of the rest of the book.
Highly recommend.

This book is amazingly entertaining. I love the mix of ancient rituals with the modern world. It seems that no matter the era, gossip, rivalry, and love are enduring themes.

The fabulous world-building sets the tone for the entire book. The spells are suited to today’s world, whether simple, functional daily helps or more complex wards to keep a family safe.

The theme of loneliness and found family runs throughout the story. The three small, isolated girls will steal your heart. Mika and Jamie are an engaging young couple who deserve a happy-ever-after. Ian and Ken are just darling as they each complement the other even though they are complete opposites.

There are plenty of plot twists to keep the reader turning the pages. I certainly didn’t see many of them coming, then I was surprised because they made perfect sense.

I highly recommend this tale to everyone that loves a great story with a unique witchy world.

4.5/5 Rounded up for whole star purposes.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sangu Mandanna, and Berkeley/Penguin Random House for providing me with a digital copy of the book and the excerpt.

I'm absolutely loving this flood of witchy romances cropping up.

I wasn't *quite* put under a spell with this one, probably because it mirrored so closely to another book about an isolated person going to a house in the middle of nowhere by the sea with several magical orphans who need protecting and their fierce protectors doing their best to raise them...but I will say that Mandanna has neatly sidestepped a lot of the faults the other-unnamed book had and also addressed being brown in a mostly white country (and also being a brown person plucked/"saved" from their home country by a white savior).

However, this was incredibly cute and very good.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches was the perfect cozy tale of witches, magic and love. This was a wholesome and romantic fantasy about a witch, Mika Moon, who is trying to find her place in a world that has not treated her kindly so far and out of nowhere she is invited to work as a tutor to three young witches at a place called Nowhere House. When she arrives she is introduced to an assortment of characters that include the three young witches, a missing witch who owns the house, a grumpy librarian, a retired actor, a housekeeper and a gardener. She is instantly blown away by how much love and magic is inside this house and the family that lives there. As she teaches the young witches she starts to fall in love with not only them but with everyone who lives in Nowhere House.

This magical book was so cozy that it felt the author was just giving me a warm hug while I was reading her book. I absolutely loved the main character Mika Moon who is super lovable and has such a great sense of humor. I love that her gift is potion making or tea making, she has an adorable dog, and her traveling koi pond. It really gave me House in the Cerulean Sea vibes with the charming characters, found family trope, and grumpy/sunshine main couple. I love that the characters are so diverse and that there is LGBTQ+ representation and that that author touches on issues that are still being dealt with in today’s society when it comes to the shaming of certain groups. I found this heartwarming story to be such a fast read that was super satisfying and well written. My favorite parts of this book had to be the many great quirky characters, delightful humor and a wonderfully slow burn romance that was the perfect amount of sweet and steamy. Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for the digital copy of this book. I would highly recommend this book if you’re a fan of Practical Magic and House in the Cerulean Sea .

This was a brilliant story. Just a beautiful book. I loved the witchy lore. The romance was captivating and I loved the characters so much.