A cozy witchy fantasy that was a pretty fun read. There were a lot of interesting characters that formed a really nice found family, and the disability, queer, and autism representation in it was all done really well. The writing was filled with humor and I was cackling to myself more than once. Most of the book was filled with a lot of heart and was very enjoyable.

However. The romance was awkward and felt very shoehorned in. There was one spicy scene and it felt so jarring with the rest of the tone of the book. I really think this book would have been better with either less focus on this aspect, or just no romance at all, because it just did not work.

I really enjoyed this delightful and whimsical tale! Sera lost most of her magic years ago after performing a forbidden spell that drained most of her power. Now years later, she has a second chance to try and get it back. And all the quirky people/animals that have found her throughout the years by staying at her enchanted inn may be exactly what she needs to succeed. My favorite part is the found family from all different walks of life all supporting each other in the best albeit chaotic way 😂. This heartwarming and inclusive story will wrap you up in a nice big warm hug 💖.

𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆:

🌸 Cozy fantasy
✨ Slow burn
🌸 Found family
✨ A talking fox
🌸 Neurodivergent rep

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna was definitely the book that I needed to read! It is the most perfect cozy fantasy book with wonderfully eclectic characters. It has hygge in spades! The disability, LGBTQIA+, and autism representation plus diverse characters were pure gold for me. I highly recommend it!

Synopsis:
Sera Swan used to be one of the most powerful witches in Britain. Then she resurrected her great-aunt Jasmine from the (very recently) dead, lost most of her magic, befriended a semi-villainous talking fox, and was exiled from her Guild. Now she (slightly reluctantly and just a bit grumpily) helps her aunt run an enchanted inn in Lancashire, where she deals with her quirky guests' shenanigans, tries to keep said talking fox in check, and longs for the future that seems lost to her. But then she finds out about an old spell that could hold the key to restoring her power…

Enter Luke Larsen, handsome and icy magical historian, who arrives on a dark winter evening and might just know how to unlock the spell’s secrets. Luke has absolutely no interest in getting involved in the madcap goings-on of the inn and is definitely not about to let a certain bewitching innkeeper past his walls, so no one is more surprised than he is when he agrees to help Sera with her spell. Worse, he might actually be thawing.

Running an inn, reclaiming lost magic, and staying one step ahead of the watchful Guild is a lot for anyone, but Sera Swan is about to discover that she doesn’t have to do it alone...and that the weird, wonderful family she’s made might be the best magic of all.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for the advanced digital copy of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing the ARC.

This book is an absolute delight and I enjoyed every second of it.

I love Sangu Mandanna's writing style. Her prose is eloquent but has just enough snap that it doesn't come across as flowery or overwrought. It has the right amount of sarcasm and wit, and it wraps you up in a cozy cocoon just as magical as the witches in her books. I loved The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, and I think this book is that much better.

This book has a colorful cast of characters that have a delightful array of quirks and a plot with enough intrigue to really keep you invested in the story. Sera is a bit of a grump, but is so comforting and nurturing that you can't help but root for her. Luke is stoic and impassable, but only to hide his pain and trauma from a childhood that taught him how to be less than. Their found family, which even includes the house, allows them the freedom to truly be who they're meant to be.

Another excellent book by Sangu Mandanna

These books are so fun the perfect formula of romance, magic and found family ❤️ There is magic in what Mandanna writes because they're full of heart and warmth and charm.

This was such a cozy read that explored so many wonderful different tropes and brought representation to ADHD/neurodivergence & other disabilities in a fun - realistic - way.

I read The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches last year and absolutely adored it. When I saw that Sangu was coming out with another witchy read, I jumped at the chance to read an early copy of it. Thank you SO MUCH to Berkley for sending an e-arc my way to do just that.

There was so much to enjoy about this one, but my favorite thing was the found family aspect of it all. It was heartwarming to read about Sera and her Inn full of wonderful friends who, to her, turned into family. There's a headless chicken, a fox, and a D&D cosplayer and it's all just SO MUCH fun. And also at times, heart breaking and sad. It was wonderful to get to know each of the characters in some way, and it wasn't overwhelming at all or hard to keep up with. I had a soft spot for Luke & Posy and really appreciated that people met posy where she was at with her autism, instead of trying to push her to be where they wanted her to be at. As someone who has people in her family with autism, it warmed my heart to see her be accepted and not changed.

Overall a wonderful read, and worth the wait for this one. I cannot recommend this enough and it will have you feeling a mixed of emotions through out - happy, sad, angry, and down right have you cracking up. It's cozy, romantic, adorable, and feels like a hug.

4.5
Absolutely delightful! The best cozy fantasy I've read in awhile. Sera Swan was once one of the most powerful witches in England but now all she does is take care of a magical inn. Designed to be found only by those who truly need it, the inn draws Luke and his autistic sister, who need a place to live where she's accepted. They soon find family with the inn's residents, including a witch trapped in a fox's body and a resurrected chicken. Sera enlists Luke's help with getting her magic back and they are forced to confront the dangers of magical society as well as their growing feelings for each other.

A warm cup of tea with a dash of magic, found family, and healing in this sweet and charming story about a witch trying to regain her magic, save her friends, and possibly falling for the grumpy magical historian who has moved into her inn with his younger sister. Sera Swan was one of the most gifted witches and held so much potential but it all came crashing down when she used a spell to resurrect her great-aunt who had very recently died... and in turn lost all her magic, was exiled from her Guild, and now she helps run an inn with her great aunt while looking after her everyone in it. Sera is determined to find a way to get her magic back and when a icy magical historian appears at her door having been sent there with his younger sister, he might be the answer. Luke Larsen is as handsome as he is cold, he's spent most of his time with his head in books and avoiding everyone save for his younger sister who his parents abandoned. Luke's younger sister has autism and also hasn't learned how to control his magic and he doesn't know how to help her yet when he is given Sera's address he begins to realize that this one night stay might be a more prolonged stay as he begins to find his heart thawing and that Sera and her family might just be the perfect family for him and his sister. This was such a sweet and charming read with so much heart. I absolutely adore Sangu's writing so much and this second book she's written is just as charming and cozy as the first one. I can't wait to read whatever she writes next and I just adored this one!

Release Date: July 15, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

This was so sweet and cozy. Like the author's previous novels, there are some fun, quirky side characters that keep the story interesting. The romance is a sweet slow burn that readers will easily cheer for. I do think comparing to Irregular Witches, this plot seemed a lot slower and I wasn't quite as engaged in what was actually happening. This is just like a cozy, warm hug that will make you start thinking about summer ending and fall beginning.

Grumpy/Sunshine? More like Grumpy/Grumpy. This was such a fun read-whimsy, warm, wholesome and quirky. A big thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the arc. This has become one of my favorite comfort books where I expect to read every year.

Thank you Netgalley and @berkleypub @berkleyromance for the free e-book. My opinions are being left voluntarily. My opinions are being left voluntarily. I thought this was a cute follow up to one of the best debuts I've read. This was a much anticipated read and it was cozy and adorable. It wasn't as good as the debut but enjoyed all the MCs and side characters. I loved the inclusion of the characters especially the younger sister.

Suggest giving it a try.

3.5/5☆

#BerkleyPartner

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping
Sangu Mandanna
Pub: 7/15/25
4☆

#gifited @berkleyromance @prhaudio #BerkleyPartner #Berkley

If you’re in the mood for a cute, cozy, fantasy romance read to get you in the mood for witchy season, this will hit the spot.

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping was such a delight to read. Mandanna has a knack for charming stories with quirky characters and this was another gleaming example. I loved strong willed Sera’s journey and swooned at the sweet slow burn romance between her and Luke.

This was funny, heartwarming, and had the perfect amount of magic sprinkled in.

What I adored;
🦊 Second Chance
🦊 Slow Burn Romance
🦊 Lovable Characters
🦊 Cozy Fantasy
🦊 Found Family
🦊 All The Feels

Mandanna is officially an auto-buy. On the surface, her books are adorable cozies, but she manages to infuse them with an emotional heft, leaving you crying without even realizing it. And the characters! How could you not fall in love with this cast of characters? This is fantasy found family done to perfection. Witch's Guide was worth the wait, and I (along with my credit card) am looking foward to her next one.

This book was so beautifully written 🥹 PLEASE READ IT! (Honestly, you can stop here and just pick it up 😂)

We follow Sera, once one of the most powerful witches in Britain… until a mistake (aka accidentally resurrecting her Great Aunt Jasmine from the very recently dead 😅) gets her exiled. Now, she helps her (undead but fabulous) aunt run a whimsical, enchanted inn while navigating quirky magical guests, unexpected friendships, and the slow journey of reclaiming her power. Enter Luke, an icy historical magician who very begrudgingly agrees to help her on this path.

💖 The writing? Pure magic. Sangu Mandanna has this rare gift of making her words feel like a warm hug. She had me giggling at the characters’ antics, swooning at the romance, and tearing up at the quiet, empowering moments of self-discovery. The cast of characters - Posy, Nicholas, Matilda, Jasmine, Luke, and Sera herself completely stole my heart. Their witty banter, deep bonds, and individual arcs were so satisfying and full of charm.

What I loved most was the beautiful message woven throughout: you don’t need to fit anyone’s idea of “normal” to be worthy of love or success. Be your authentic, messy, magical self and the right people will find you and love you for exactly that. 🥹💕

Read this book if you love:
🌿 Cozy magical reads ✨
🌿 Found family (my favorite trope EVER) 🫶
🌿 Hopeful, heartwarming themes
🌿 Books that feel like a soft, cinnamon-scented hug while you sip your favorite tea ☕️🍰

I adored every minute of this story and didn’t want it to end. Add this to your TBR and thank me later 💕📖

Looking for a witchy, cottagecore redemption arc with the quirkiest found family, a pitch-perfect slow burn, and some of the best neurodivergent rep in fantasy? Please read A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping.

This one is snuggled-in-blankets-by-the-fire level cozy—full of heart, humor, and a magical inn bursting with charm. I adored every side character as much as the leads, from the knight-in-shining-armor energy of Nicholas to a fox and a chicken that will absolutely steal your heart.

Sera’s journey to reclaim her magic is equal parts tender and empowering, and I loved watching her learn she doesn’t have to carry it all alone. Her slow burn with Luke simmers with tension, and this man really takes his time to thaw before anything starts cooking.

Most impactfully, Mandanna writes some of the most authentic neurodivergent rep I’ve seen in fantasy. Posy—Luke’s autistic sister—is as brilliant as she is brilliantly herself, and her presence gives this story so much emotional depth.

I do wish the opening had moved a bit faster, with a bit more showing than telling, but once I moved in, I didn’t want to check out.

thank you berkley & netgalley for the arc!!!

Sangu Mandanna has written another sweet, heart-warming, and cozy story about witches, magic, home & all forms of love!!!

Mandanna's writing is like a warm hug. It's inviting, humorous, and comforting. I love the way she weaves the meaning of love, family, and friendship into her writing. It always leaves you feeling like your heart grew a few sizes!!!

Sera is an absolute delight of a lead in this story. I loved her personality, her determination, and the unwavering care & love she holds for everyone. I was rooting for her throughout the entire book & was so happy to see how beautiful her story turned out to be!!! Luke is a sweetheart hidden behind a cold, steel wall. I adored him, that nerdy, secretly soft, caring man!!!

All of the side characters in this story were so fun & added their own special element to the story!!! I loved getting to see all of their connections to Sera & the Inn!!!

If you're looking for a cozy story with magical elements, that's fun, fast paced, & heartfelt: this one is for you!!!!

This was a cute and fun read! It started out slow but worked through that and the story really picked up. I enjoyed the found family aspect of the story. It’s a very low stakes, cozy fantasy. If that’s your vibe, you’ll eat this book up!

🥰 I loved this! 🥰

I loved the author’s previous book, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, so I was so excited for this one to come out. And it’s every bit as heartwarming and cozy as her previous book, too! Sangu Mandanna just knows how to give you a big hug with her books.

This book starts off with the FMC Sera having lost almost all of her magic from performing a spell to save a loved one as a teenager, and continues with her trying to get her magic back. Like her previous book, the found family trope plays heavily into this one, and it’s done just so perfectly that it’s 🧑‍🍳💋. There’s also a love story that will have you melting. Adding the underlying themes of self-acceptance and all of the representations, and you’ve got a perfect book to curl up with.

𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝑰'𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐:
Lovers of cozy fantasy, the found family trope, or witchy, feel-good stories. (Even non-fantasy lovers would enjoy this one!)

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna was one of my most anticipated summer releases. Narrated by Samara MacLaren, the author transports us to an inn in Lancashire where the once most powerful witch in Britain lives with her aunt. You’ll want to grab your earbuds for this delightful, heartfelt, and magical tale.

I adored The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and dove into A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping with high expectations. Both stories are standalone novels and each offers magic, family, suspense, witches, and romance.

We meet Sera Swan, who once upon a time was the most powerful witch in all of Britain. She was exiled from her magical Guild, when she used magic to resurrect her recently deceased Aunt Jasmine and also accidentally resurrected a not so recently dead cat. That spell cost her most of her magic. So she and her aunt, along with a talking fox, set up an inn in Lancashire. Sera cast a spell over the inn that only allows those who need it to find their way there.

The tale that unfolds hooked me from the start with Mandanna’s delightful prose and vivid imagination. I loved the inn, the creatures there and most of all Sera.

Luke Larsen is a historian for the guild. When he and his precocious niece find their way to the inn, Sera seeks his help in locating a spell book that might contain a spell that will restore her magic. The story that unfolds builds in suspense as her mentor tries to thwart her and those in her inner circle both betray and aid her.

A romance builds between Luke and Sera. It was slow-building and sweet. The author created wonderful chemistry, and it felt genuine. The characters, both human and other, made this story come to life and left me hoping we will see more of Sera.

If you love cozy fantasy that wraps you up in comfort like a fuzzy blanket on a cold winter’ eve, then you will want to grab this one. It’s a tale of good vs evil where doing the right thing doesn’t always give you exactly what you want, but delivers unexpectedly.

Samara MacLaren narrates and beautifully captured the tone and voice of these characters. I enjoyed listening and felt it enhanced my overall experience as the story unfolded. I highly recommend listening. I cannot wait to see what this author brings us next.

In my review of this author’s previous book (A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches), I described it as feeling like a warm hug. I am happy to report that she does it again in this book!

Sera lost her boundless magic as a teen when she cast an illegal spell to bring her great-aunt back to life. Since then she has been running her magical inn that guides people to it that need it. When Luke, a magical historian from her past, arrives with his misunderstood little sister, they find that they need each other more than they would have thought.

This book was just such a delight. I enjoyed every second of it, from the descriptions of the magical inn with its oddities to the quest to get Sera’s magic back by solving an ancient riddle. The found family that lives in the inn is perfect, such an old little group who have come to love each other so dearly. And of course the romance that develops is so sweet!

I loved how everyone cared for Luke’s little sister, an autistic witch who can’t understand why she needs to keep her magic a secret. I’m so glad she finally found a family who cares for her and meets her on her terms without trying to change her!

Overall, if you’re looking for a cozy fantasy filled with whimsy but still with some really powerful themes of acceptance and healing from your past, please give this a try!

Thanks to Berkley for the eARC