Thank you so much to Berkley and Netgalley for sending me an early copy for my honest review!

I read A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches for review, too, and immediately fell in love with Sangu Mandanna's cozy, tongue-in-cheek humor writing style, the world she built, and every single character that we were introduced to. The Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping is absolutely no different. If you liked book one, you're going to LOVE book two. As far as I can remember (and it's been a minute since I read book one so I might be wrong) but I believe the stories are unrelated, as much as I'd been hoping for a cameo from the first, but in the end, I fell so in love with these characters I didn't even care.

Sera is the most powerful witch in existence, which she puts to good use on a resurrection spell when her beloved aunt unexpectedly drops dead in the garden. The unfortunate side effect, though, is the almost total loss of all of her magic. Fast forward 15 years, and she's still trying to find a way to get it back. But she has the help of a former witch/talking fox, an older woman with a black thumb, a modern knight from a Ren Faire, her young cousin she's taking care of, and the new boarders at the inn--a very hot magical historian and his autistic younger sister, Posy.

I adored this book from beginning to end. It made me sad, made me giggle out loud, and made my jaw drop a few times when I didn't see a twist coming. I'm so excited for everyone to read this book, and I'm going to keep reading everything she writes because it hits every cozy romance vibe I ever wanted.

One of my most anticipated reads for the year and I have finally read it! AHHH! Sangu I just love you! I love the witches and the characters so much! This book was great!

This was SO incredibly special. Sera's journey so heartbreaking, honest and so relatable. I LOVED how she came to terms with her powers and knowing her worth wasn't defined by that. The found family trope in this was outstanding. EVERY single character at that inn was delightful. You’ve got AMAZING representation all throughout this book, but I especially loved Posy!!

This story was so healing and lovely, I definitely will be recommending!

Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing Group for my ARC!

4/5

Having burned through the first book set in this world, I was champing at the bit to get my grubby little hands on this sort of sequel. All of my high expectations were nothing compared to how lovely this story is. I loved every character (besides the foil of the plot- you know what you did) and wanted to move into The Batty Hole like yesterday. The plot was well paced, the setting was immersive and magical (sometimes literally) and I couldn't help but fall for the cast of found family from page one. The only issue I had was that I got an advance e-copy thanks to NetGalley and now I have to wait EVEN LONGER for another story from an author I now consider an autobuy.

Because it's coming, right? RIGHT?!

Sangu Mandanna delivers another magical, charming, and romantic story. I loved following Sera Swan and her wonderful found family at Batty Hole. Every character is written with such care and gets their moment. The romance that develops between Sera and hot Scottish historian Luke is a delight to read. I hope Mandanna keeps writing books set in this magical UK because I want to keep reading them.

Cozy and magical, this novel about found family, loss, and being brave in the face of impossible odds was a lovely read. I loved it! (not as much as her other book, but still good!)

As a child, our MC is one of the most powerful witches. She garners the attention of a powerful group of witches and when her aunt dies suddenly she doesn't think twice about saving her. Unfortunately, she loses her magic, and all status in the process.

After years mourning her loss of her magic, she has found a life of happiness at the inn she runs with her aunt. Although it's become more of a lodging house and seems to call to those that need a safe place to land.

When an unexpected guest arrives, she is forced to face her past and think about the future.

Thank you to netgalley for a copy to enjoy.

So good! I was very eager to read this title because I loved Irregular Witch's Society and was hoping for another read just as good. Mandanna did not disappoint. Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a charming and funny romance, but it's also a story of found family and the struggle for both the mundane and the magical characters to find somewhere that they belong. Mix in a bit of soul searching about what is important to you and what you are willing to sacrifice for those you love.

This cozy fantasy is the perfect read on a rainy day. It is a seamless blend of humor, emotion and romance and the author did a wonderful job making it possible to fall in love with her characters. I loved her prior book, “A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches,” (which I’ve recommended to all my friends and family) and this book is a wonderful companion. I can’t wait to read it again and again.

A Warm Hug in Written Form

While not a sequel, this second novel by Sangu Mandanna beautifully evokes the same cozy, enchanting fantasy world as her debut. It’s a magical journey that tugs at the heart, filled with unforgettable characters and deeply moving relationships. Themes of found family, love in all its imperfect forms, and broad, inclusive representation make this book both comforting and inspiring. It reminded me to cherish every moment and hold my loved ones close, flaws and all. This book is a warm hug from start to finish — I didn’t want to leave its world.

This book was exactly what I needed in my life - the ultimate escapist comfort book, wrapped in magical realism. Many real-world issues are touched on in this book, in raw yet gentle terms. I want to live at Batty Hole forever.

Why are these so good?!

Perfectly cozy romance with a hint of mystery and a lovable found family.

I don’t really know how to explain it, but these books sooth my soul. I’d happily dive right into this world and live out my years with these fabulous characters.

My Favorite Things…
- NICHOLAS
- THE FOUND FAMILY!
- swoony romance
- laugh out loud funny
- blush inducing SLOW BURN
- diverse cast of characters, in both personality and whimsy and representation!

I love everything about this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

You know, it would be the understatement of the year to say that my expectations for A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping were absolutely out of this world, but Sangu Mandanna just proved that it is indeed possible to catch lightning in a bottle twice! Yes, this story is chaotic, yes, it’s batshit crazy, and yes, it’s so sickeningly sweet that your insulin levels will probably rise just from reading it, but I think that is exactly where its magic and irresistible charm lies; this is simply everything you could wish for in a cozy romantic fantasy.

After falling head over heels in love with The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches last year, I was beyond excited to read whatever Sangu Mandanna would put out next. I mean, her charmingly chaotic and effortlessly witty storytelling honestly tickles my brain just right, so it was no surprise when I opened A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping and found myself giggling, cackling, and kicking my feet in sheer delight within just a few pages.

I mean, just hear me out: Sera Swan was once one of the most powerful witches in Britain, until she resurrected her great-aunt Jasmine (and a long-deceased rooster, oops) from the dead 15 years ago, then lost almost all her magic and got exiled from the Guild of magic. For the most part, she is now content just spending her days helping out at her aunt’s inn where she lives with said resurrected aunt, an overly opinionated witch trapped in the body of a semi-villainous fox, her 11 y/o cousin with budding magical powers, an older lady aspiring to become a proper hobbit, a 20-something softie cosplaying as a knight all day every day (I would lay my life down for Nicholas, my knight in historically inaccurate but dazzlingly shining armour!!), and a reanimated skeleton chicken.

Why yes, life at Batty Hole Inn is just as crazy as its name suggests, and it doesn’t help that Sera can do little more than cast little protective spells around the inn to ensure that only those in need find their way to its doors. But what do you know, their most recent guest, Luke Larsen (a.k.a. a stoic Scottish historian with deadly good looks), might just be the key to unravelling the mysteries of the old spell book that is her last remaining hope to restoring her magic. Cue the banter, cue the over-the-top drama, cue the unexpected feelings, and cue some heisty vibes (say what?); I was so here for it all.

Now, A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping really doesn’t pretend to be anything else than it is, and your mileage may vary on whether you find it charming and comforting or just annoying and frustratingly predictable. Sure, the logic might not always have been logicking, the messaging might have been a bit too on the nose, and the way that the whole conflict with the Guild played out might require quite a bit of suspension of disbelief, but ultimately the vibes were vibing, the feels were feeling, and I was just totally along for the wild ride.

The intimate and wonderfully magical setting of Batty Hole Inn (which is honestly a character in itself) just had me instantly enchanted, and all its eccentric inhabitants absolutely stole my heart with their unapologetically loud personalities and wild shenanigans. For me, Mandanna just struck a wonderful balance between the cookiness and the more serious, heartfelt moments in A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping, and I really appreciated the casual and authentic representation of queerness, mixed race heritage, disability, autism and mental health.

Moreover, both Sera’s inner conflict due to the loss of her magic (and subsequently her purpose in life) as well as Luke’s doubts, fears and struggles as a caretaker for his autistic little sister tugged on my heartstrings in all the most unexpected ways, and I loved seeing these jaded, broken souls organically bond and heal throughout all the crazy trials and tribulations that they had to endure together; this is exactly the type of slow-burn, mature and emotionally-driven romance that I live for.

Sometimes you just need a warm hug of a book that rekindles a bit of hope and faith in humanity, and that is exactly what A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping delivers. It’s got the best found family vibes, lots of magical mayhem, a ton of humour and heart, and just the most delicious dash of sweet slow-burn romance. So, if you like your cozy SFF in the vein of T.J. Klune or Becky Chambers, then I can’t recommend this gem highly enough. What a joy, my heart is full.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is scheduled for release on July 15th, 2025.

"It seemed at first glance like ridiculous theater, unnecessary 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? It was the first thing about the inn that made sense to him. It would probably be the last."

Cozy, whimsical, and humorous fantasy with a redemption quest, found family, quirky magic inn, resurrected chicken, and more! Thanks Netgalley and publisher for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
4⭐️
This charming, cozy fantasy is a perfect pick for readers who loved The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. With its enchanting inn, delightfully quirky magical beings, and strong themes of found family, it’s an uplifting, heartwarming story that sparkles with whimsy. Sera’s journey of rediscovering her magic—and her self-worth—is deeply personal, while the supporting cast, from a zombie rooster to a fox-trapped witch, adds humor and heart. Though the romance is subtle and the pacing dips slightly at times, the world-building and character development more than make up for it. A magical comfort read full of laughter, second chances, and just the right amount of mischief.

If you look at the cover you might think, this is going to be adorable! You'd be right! It is adorable, but not in a sickly sweet way, but in a heart melting way.

I wanted the best for every single character (except the obvious baddy), Sera especially.

When Sera was a young witch, she cast a spell to resurrect her dead aunt. For that, she lost her magic, and spent the next 15 years making a life with only traces of it left. Then one day, Luke and Posy arrive at her Inn, needing comfort and a place to make decisions.

This book is all about the characters, and I love them all. Each brings their own quirky personality to the magic of the Inn. I wanted to hug them, and honestly, I would love to live someplace like the Inn.

My only issue was the ending. It made sense, but I know deep down, that magic has a way.

I was one of those readers who has been waiting literal years for this book. And boy was it worth the wait! Sangu Mandanna has a gift for writing thoughtful, diverse characters that the reader can really fall in love with, flaws and all. In 'A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping' we get.... a magical inn! Which is, honestly, a character itself. It's cranky and falling apart, but still holding space for a wonderfully eclectic cast of characters. The romance was sweet, the found family charming, and the story was the perfect mix of cozy and serious. I will gladly wait years for whatever Madanna writes next (though, I hope it won't be too long!).

If I could pick one book to live inside, this would be it.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC! Years ago, Sera Swan used her incredible magical ability to resurrect her great aunt (and guardian) Jasmine and was stripped of her chance at magical education and drained of her powers. Now, she runs the Inn she grew up in with her aunt and takes in those who need a safe place to stay while hoping and searching for a way to restore her lost power. Luke Larson is a magical historian and former schoolmate, who was unknowingly sent into Sera's path. Luke is looking into the strange magic of the Inn, while also becoming drawn to Sera and the lives of those who surround her. A charming romance with a fabulous cast a characters that create a found family who love and look out for one another. With magic and love at its core, A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping is perfect for those looking for a cozy fantasy romance.

I thought this was absolutely delightful! The found family comes across even better than Sangu Mandanna's first book, and everything was a perfect hit. I think the ending will be controversial among readers, but I think it makes sense and was set up fairly well. I LOVED this book!

Reading this book was like drinking a perfectly warm beverage on a chilly evening. As an exuberant fan of Mandanna’s prior adult release, "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches", I’ve been waiting to get my hands on "A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping" since approximately the second I put the former down. The wait was worth it, and I highly recommend saving up this new release for a time your heart is hurting, and you just need a bit of whimsy, magic, and deep all encompassing love to get you through.

Sera Swan used to be one of the most powerful witches in Britain, but, since she resurrected her great-aunt Jasmine from the dead as a teenager, her magic has vanished, and she has been exiled from the Guild. For the past fifteen years she has been running a magical inn with her aunt, which has become home to a quirky cast of characters. She dreams of getting her magic back, and one day she learns of an old spell that could restore her power. To translate it, she needs the help of Luke Larsen, a sexy, grumpy, academic (you know the type). As Luke and his younger sister Posy find themselves living at the inn, and he begins to work begrudgingly (at first) alongside Sera to complete the spell, the two find that their similarly frosty exteriors may be melting ever so slightly… you can guess the rest.

I loved this. Themes of magic, found family, and love ooze through every page of this novel. The world building was rich, the characters were unique and eclectic, and the pacing was just right. Mandanna writes really excellent dialogue, and I found myself snorting a few times while reading this one. There were some tougher themes sprinkled throughout the book, which I found imbued it with enough of a sense of reality to ground it. I will say that if you’re not a reader who enjoys cozy fantasy and stories that cross the border into cutesy at times, this may not be the one for you. If, however, you want to dive into something that feels like crawling into freshly made sheets while the rain pours outside, this will serve you- as it served me- very well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkely for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I’m so very glad to find the same enjoyment in this title as in “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches”!

I did not immediately gel with the main character, but there is a time jump at chapter three and I adore the older character.

Sympathetic treatment of autism and limb difference.