This is a great cozy fantasy read if you are not looking for a lot of romance or action. Just a quiet trip to a magical inn, complete with finally solving some long-term personal magical issues, a touch of romance, and a lot of found family and friendship. It's calm, it's soothing, and it's a very cottagecore witch themed. For me, I did get a bit bored part way through. The thing is, it's a well written book and I think it fits within the genre well, so the fact that it didn't necessarily capture my attention isn't really a point against it in my mind. I know for a fact a lot of people loved it. It just wasn't necessarily tailored for me.

I feel like I’ve been waiting for this book forever. I’m happy to report it was worth the wait. I’ve come to the conclusion that I prefer my fantasy on the cozy side, and A WITCH’S GUIDE TO MAGICAL INNKEEPING ticked all the boxes for me.

Sera Swan, once an exceptionally powerful witch, is exiled from the Guild after casting a forbidden spell. Exile is not her biggest problem; however, as the spell in question sapped her of almost all her magic. She’s now living a quiet life running an enchanted inn for wayward souls; most of whom never leave. Surrounded by an eclectic group of society’s castoffs and a zombie rooster, Sera wants to reclaim the magic she once had, but she can’t do it alone.

Sangu Mandanna builds a world where the magic system is simple and the characters are rich. A bit quirky, but that’s part of their charm. There’s a bit of romance, enough tension to hook the reader, a journey of self discovery, and found family galore. I could read countless books set in this world. It’s charming and entirely captivating. Hardcore fantasy fans might find it a bit twee, but it was utterly perfect for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Sera Swan was only 15 when she was exiled from the Witches' Guild for using an illegal resurrection spell on her custodial aunt. The spell also drained most of her magic, so for the past 15 years she's been struggling to keep their inn's roof patched and the rooms heated. Nevertheless, the aptly named Batty Hole Inn has kept them safe along with an assortment of delightful misfits who've accumulated there, thanks in part to a spell she cast on it decades ago. Guild historian Luke has been searching for a place where his autistic sister will be free to be herself and Batty Hole welcomes them, despite his frigid armor. A really delightful fantasy rom-com ensues, with plenty of hilarity from the oddball secondary characters (a zombie rooster, a Mayfair refugee to the local Medieval Faire, an Icelandic teen witch, and a talking fox, among others), and unexpected hidden emotional depths. I really cannot recommend this highly enough!

Read via NetGalley.

I gave secret society of irregular witches 5 stars last year so, when I got the ARC of this I started it immediately. This book was cozy and charming and I loved the fast paced plot and watching Sera fight to get her magic back. I did feel that the romance was cute as well, however I would have loved to see more deep interactions between the two love interests. And the ending was sad but made perfect sense with the plot and really couldn’t have gone any other way. The messaging that the ending gave was wholesome. And I loved the found family of the inn and all the residence. Overall it was another great book from Sangu Mandanna

Sera my brave and beautiful girl... I love you so much. While reading, I felt like I was AT the inn, cozied up by the fireplace, with a warm cup of tea. I loved the plot, but the CHARACTERS made this book extraordinary. Each ensemble member added so much and I can't imagine the inn without them. A beautifully charming read! One of my favorite reads of 2025!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for an eARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

I loved this novel up until about 95% and the ending was extremely frustrating to me. This has a trope that I find, personally, intolerable and unnecessary.
Up until this ending, this book is sweet, adorable, cozy, romantic, lovely. It’s everything I wanted from Mandana especially after reading and loving her first book.
The ending, I’m sad to say, can kick rocks.

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance and Ace Books for this highly anticipated arc! This book was so cozy and whimsical and had me feeling like I was a part of this witchy magical world. The first half of this book was amazing, I was engrossed in the story and absolutely loved the found family. That being said, I feel like the plot got a little lost for me in the second half. The magical plot seemed to be taken over by the romance. Don't get me wrong I loved the romance element, but in the process we seemed to lose the plot. I also feel like I would have enjoyed reading this story more in the fall time because of how cozy it was. The ending was very intense and definitely had me surprised.

Otherwise, I absolutely loved the diverse representation in this and the found family. I loved Sera's thoughts around not feeling a sense of belonging in the country and groups she was a part of. This book is for readers that want a perfect escape during the fall time and want that wonderful cozy feeling of curling up next to a fire on a cold day with a hot cup of tea.

First thank you to Berkeley and NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis: sera swan is a witch who recently lost her power after bringing back her aunt. She works with her aunt at a magical inn but misses her powers. She finds out that there could be a way to get her powers back but needs the help of a cute historian.

What I liked: I really liked the very secret society of irregular witches and eagerly awaited this book. It delivered. It has the magical vibes along with small town whimsy. Quirky characters and a cute friends to lovers storyline. I really enjoyed being in her worlds again and enjoyed it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for an advanced copy.

This book was super fun and quirky and cute!!!

I really liked this but I think I liked The Very Secret Society a bit more overall. This one has a more likeable cast of characters for me, but I wasn't as into the beginning or the end as I'd hoped to be. The middle 50-60% was whimsical and delightful! I just found the setup more confusing than I'd hoped and the ending felt almost too clean, but with not enough romantic resolution for my liking.

The kids (Theo and Posy) were my standout favorite characters. Nobody writes cute, quirky, wonderful children like Sangu Mandanna!

No one does Found Family like this author.

From the truly diverse and quirky characters, to the real and tender relationships, the less than Disney ending, and discussions of justice, class, and social inclusion, this book engages both your brain and your heart.

I’ve already read Irregular Witches, so I guess I’ll just have to be patient until she births another.

This was such a fun and heartwarming witchy story. I loved the premise of this story and all the moving parts that made Sera so unique. I loved that she stayed so grounded and genuine throughout everything that she had to go through. All of the inhabitants of the inn were so fun and complex in their own ways. I really loved how they made a family and loved each other fiercely. I would love to live at the inn with its quirky magic and it's zombie rooster. I really liked the ending of this story I thought that a lot of it came full circle and I was glad that Sera stood up for herself and all the other witches that had be left behind by the politics of the guild. Luke was also an absolute delight and I loved that he was so good to Posy. And that he was so good to Sera.

Honestly, the best cozy, witchy, romance novel of the year.

After reading (and loving) the The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches I knew Mandanna was an author to keep an eye on and when I saw this book show up on NetGalley I immediately requested.

Mandanna's novel opens with our main character, teenage Sera Swan finding her beloved great aunt dead in front of the inn they both run. Sera almost immediately resurrects her aunt Jasmine and then also just as immediate loses the majority of her magic. The book then jumps forward fifteen years to reveal that Sera and her aunt are continuing to run the inn this time with an ensemble cast of characters (how I adore a found family made up of delightful weirdos). Some memorable members of Sera's family are: her magical cousin Theo (on "loan" from his unmagical parents), Nicholas (a knight), Matilda (a gardener of questionable talent) and Clemmie the fox. One of the best parts of the book is getting to know all the characters and their quirks firsthand. Of course this wouldn't be a cozy, witchy, romance novel with our love interest. Enter: Luke and his adorable sister Posy. Luke is grumpy but accidently gets roped in to helping Sera recover her lost magic. Rounding out the cast of characters is a villain named Albert Grey.

I really enjoyed Sera as a character and how she manages to be grumpy and maternal at the same time. She's annoyed by her family but uses the tiny bit of magic she has left to fix Matilda's flowers or repair minor parts of the inn to keep everyone happy. Her relationship with Luke also evolves slowly but naturally and their romance is very cute.

Overall I highly enjoyed this novel and will recommend to whoever I can.

This witchy cozy fantasy is packed with charm, found family feels, and laugh-out-loud moments. The cast of quirky characters was such a highlight — each one brought something special to the story. And the vibes? Immaculate. I wanted to pack my bags and move into the magical inn immediately! 🏡✨

The romance was sweet (no insta-love, thankfully!) and I really appreciated the inclusive rep — with queer, autistic, and disabled characters woven into the story in such a natural way 💕 It was low-stakes, comforting, and a total breeze to read. Perfect for when you need something cozy and light.

That said, some of the themes were a bit too on-the-nose for me — lots of “just be yourself!!” and “you don’t need magic to be special!!” moments that felt a little overdone. And while brief, the sex scene felt super out of place for a book with such a whimsical tone. 😬
Still, if cozy fantasy is your go-to, this one is worth checking out! It’s heartfelt, magical, and full of good vibes 🌙💖

A magical inn, a grumpy historian, and one semi-villainous talking fox later...l'm charmed. This book was such a cozy, funny, and unexpectedly emotional ride. It's the kind of story that feels full of charm and chaos but also heart and healing.
Sera Swan is the perfect blend of powerful ex-witch meets reluctant innkeeper with a messy past, a big heart, and zero patience for nonsense (which is hilarious, considering how much nonsense lives in this inn). Between managing magical guests, keeping her resurrected great-aunt from doing anything too wild, and wrangling a snarky talking fox, Sera's life is never boring.....and that's before the grumpy (and annoyingly handsome magical historian shows up.
Luke Larsen is icy and broody in the best way, and watching him slowly thaw (both literally and emotionally) was honestly so satisfying. The dynamic between him and Sera gave me major slow-burn grump/sunshine energy, and I ate up every interaction.
What makes this book shine, though, is the balance between laugh-out-loud moments and deeper themes about belonging, identity, and rebuilding your life after everything falls apart. It's weird and whimsical and chaotic in all the right ways, but it also sneaks in these soft, soul-hugging moments that make you pause.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing a digital copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!

ARC Review: A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
Pub Date: July 15

Thank you to @berkleyromance for the #gifted copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #berkleypartner

You guys!!!! This book!!! It's everything I wanted and more somehow?? The wait was absolutely worth it.

The people may call this cozy but honestly there's enough plot to keep me super invested, which is the issue I most often have with "cozy" books. But it definitely has those cozy vibes - the found family here is absolutely out of this world fantastic - I loved every single character and wanted to book a room at the inn just to spend time with them all.

Sera was once the most promising witch of her generation - and then she lost almost all of her magic bringing her beloved aunt and guardian back to life when Sera was only 15. Now Sera finds herself running the inn she grew up in and collecting people along the way. Her residents include a zombie chicken who is only bones, a medieval knight, a talking fox, and even more quirky characters. The inn has been a haven for people who truly need it. Sera knows that there is a way to get her magic back, but it requires a book that she no longer has access to after getting kicked out of the guild. But one day, Luke Larsen shows up to the inn with his little sister Posy and they're in need of lodging - and it turns out that Luke may know how to translate the spell that Sera needs to use.

I love love love the magic system in these books! It feels like the magic system is a character in the book - I just love it so much! I could read 100 books set in this world - Sangu's writing is absolutely top notch and really immerses the reader in the world. I didn't want to leave!

The relationship between Sera and Luke is also just perfect - I loved the slow burn and how well the relationship balanced with the rest of the plot. The ending of the book may get mixed reviews from readers but I for one loved it!! Highly Highly recommend this book.

It’s been a very long time since I read a book and was like “Wow, that felt like a warm hug.” Not just a warm hug, but a sense of safety and acceptance for merely existing.

There are so many layers to this book… not only is the physical and mental disability representation absolutely extraordinary but mental illnesses and trauma are given a light that simply let’s these facts of life be known. On top of all of this representation, it also brings direct attention to how those considered an “immigrant” (even though these individuals were born and raised in said country) are treated. And with everything happening in the world right now, it’s a stark reminder to treat people the way you want to be treated. Books are political, even a heart-warming, lovely romance such as this… speaks volumes, so please, listen closely.

Love is a very tangible thing throughout this entire story, whether through familial bonds, friendships or relationships, this book shows just how many ways love can manifest

“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.”

One thing about me, is I will always find solace in a found family. This beautiful found family, all brought together by a protection spell, led to several tear drops streaming down my face. This book emphasizes that it doesn’t matter where you came from or where you are going, but that you are loved anywhere you end up.

I didn’t really get into any details about the characters because I feel like they deserve to reveal themselves but that doesn’t mean I didn’t absolutely adore every single person whom took up resident in the inn. Although I will have to say Theo & Posy’s relationship is EVERYTHING.

Pub Date july 15 2025

Thanks so much to Berkley Romance for this eARC as apart of their influencers hub for underrepresented voices.

review posted to NetGalley & Goodreads

This highly anticipated #cozyromance book releases next week on ✨July 15th✨and it deserves a spot on any reader’s shelf who enjoys books with humor, witty banter, magic, diverse representation, and HEAPS of found family JOY.

Mandanna is just the best at writing misfit characters and I fell in love with Sera Swan, exiled witch who has lost her magic, that runs a magical Inn that only reveals its location to guests who truly NEED a room/visit. Over the years she’s collected a gaggle of guests who simply refuse to leave because the Inn has been their safe space for call home. When she’s not managing the Inn, she’s dreaming of getting her magic back, so when an old spell book could hold the secret to restoring her power, she must rely on an icy (yet gorgeous) historian who can help translate the spell.

I laughed, I cried (some extremely realistic portrayals of depression, abandonment, being a caregiver to a special needs child, and identity crisis), I swooned, and cheered for this fantastic group of lovable characters!

Mandanna is the queen of witchy found families. I have loved both this book and her last. I found the characters to be endearing and lovable. I loved the storyline and the romance. I would have added maybe a bit more of a buildup to the “final battle” but overall loved it!

3.5 stars

I had high hopes for this one because I've heard nothing but rave reviews for the author's first book (while I've shamefully had on my shelf for years), but as soon as I started I knew I wasn't going to fully connect to it. It can best be described as cozy, which I do like as a vibe, but the language was overly flowery and wordy, and combined with the third person narration, I felt like I was hovering above and not fully immersed in the story or anything the characters were feeling. Every once in a while, a bit of typical British wit and snark broke through, but these bursts of personality were very few and far in between. The inn provided an excuse to cobble together a found family of misfits who at one time or another found themselves in need of a home, but at times the dynamics felt forced. I can always appreciate a grumpy FMC, so I did like Sera, I just wish I saw more depth from her, but the way the story was written you were kept very surface level, a long with her romance with Luke.

Thank you @berkleyromance for free book and @prhaudio for the #gifted audiobook. #berkleypartner #berkley  All opinions are my own.

Favorite Quote: “You went up in flames but you’re still here.”

Sera Swan was once one of the most powerful witches in all of Britain until she re-alives her great-aunt (and a not so recently deceased rooster) and loses most of her magical powers in the process. With dreams for a future that now seems lost, Sera has resigned herself to helping her aunt run an enchanted inn alongside a talking fox who is usually up to no good. Sera then learns that an old spell could hold the key to regaining her power but she will need the help of Luke, a historian who wants nothing to do with all the magical shenanigans going on around him.

Like many, I have been waiting so long for this sweet story. I absolutely loved The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches so this is one that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on. I particularly enjoy the audio versions of these stories because the narrator, Samara MacLaren is phenomenal and draws you right into the beautiful and whimsy world Sangu Mandanna creates. A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is heartwarming and filled with so much cozy goodness! The amazing cast of characters the author creates and the found family she develops within her stories is unmatched. While I did find this one a little slower to start then her other book I ended up enjoying it quite a bit.

Read if you like:
✩ Found Family
✩ Whimisical Stories
✩ Cozy Fantasies
✩ Magical Mishaps
✩ Slow Burn Romance
✩ Forced Proximity
✩ An adorable cast of characters

Audible Notes: Highly recommend listening to this one!! It adds tremendously to the experience of the book.