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.

This is a really cute witchy romantic comedy that includes themes of friendship, vulnerability, loss, hope, family, and found family. A young witch, Mika, is summoned to a home where three young witches are being raised and minded by a young handsome librarian. Her task is to teach them her ways, and keep them from getting into trouble or attracting too much attention so they are split apart from the only home they have ever known. Little does Mika realize at first, but she may never want to leave Nowhere House either, after spending time with the three precocious children and their ridiculously charming father figure. Thank you for the early copy. A charming story for all!

If I could give this one 10 stars I would.

I wholeheartedly adored this book. The coziest, most joyful witchy romance.

I loved the magic system, I loved the main characters, I loved the found family and their meddling.

Highly recommend to anyone looking for the most heartwarming book ever.

This is one of the most brilliant and beautiful book with wonderful witchy lore, an amazing slow burn romance, and the most delightful found family!

Thank you Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for providing an e-arc for an honest review.

If you loved House in the Cerulean Sea then this book is for you. It is such a feel good, warm and fuzzy book and I couldn’t get enough! Of course it has all things that are good; Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Grumpy x Sunshine, Found Family, Witches, Sweet Golden Retrievers, A beautifully diverse cast of characters and a tiny bit of spice. The writing is beautiful and descriptive and brings you into the story. You truly feel as if you are at Nowhere house learning to cast spells with Mika and the girls. You can practically see the beautiful library filled with amazing special editions and a librarian who is not nice but is kind. It makes you want to curl up by the fire in the front room of Nowhere house and swap stories with Ian, Lucie and Ken. Most of all it really made me want an attic room with a balcony.

The story is just as beautiful as the scenery and truly tackles subjects like what it means to be loved, loneliness, chosen family and what one would do for them. If you are looking for a witchy read with a beautiful story filled with love and quirky characters then this is the book for you.

I'm a big fan of found families and this story of 3 young witches coming together hit all the right marks for me. The characters were so vivid and lovable. The romantic aspect was a slow burn but gratifying in the end. Overall, 4/5 for heartwarming feels, found family, found love, and a charming good time.

Fun and quirky, the two words I would use to describe this book. I really enjoyed this mixed up, mashed up family. They come together as a group of misfits and stayed together as a family. Each one of them has something different to offer the three young witches and together they keep them safe, happy, and help them learn to control their powers.

Mika Moon, what a great name for a witch, takes on the job of teaching the young witches. She has no experience, but she understands the feeling of being left alone, of needing guidance, and of wanting to be loved. These were all things she craved growing up and she knows that she can offer that to them along with the knowledge of controlling their magic.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches if a fun, quirky, easy read. I love the witches, I love the family, I love the book. I recommend picking up your own copy.

There have been some excellent paranormal romances so far this year and this one is a major standout!! Full of heart, found family and a grumpy cinnamon roll hero (who's an Irish librarian I might add!) - this heartfelt story will make you feel all the feels!

Mika Moon was orphaned at a young age and raised by strangers. One of only a few witches in Britain - she is forced to keep her true identity a secret by Coven decree - but her online 'pretend' magical videos catch the attention of the caregivers for a trio of young witches who turn to Mika for help.

Knowing these precious young witches would be separated if their true natures were revealed, Mika agrees to come to Nowhere House and quickly falls in love with everyone there - including the cantankerous librarian with a secret of his own.

I loved all these characters soooo much!! Plus the slow burn, somewhat enemies to lovers, interracial, forced proximity romance with a few steamy scenes definitely satisfied my romcom loving heart! The real stars though are the young witches and the mischief they get up to.

Highly recommended for fans of The undertaking of Hart and Mercy or The godparent trap. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! I can't wait to see what's next from this incredibly talented, new-to-me author!