4.5/5 🌟 rounded up

Sera lost most of her magic when she was a teenager. Now, 15 years later, she might have the chance to regain her magic after discovering a spell of restoration.

This was such a fun and cute read! The inn this book takes place in sounds so cute and cozy. The characters are quite the cast and make the book so fun. Sera is a bit prickly but it makes her so relatable and she really has such a big heart! The overall story was super engaging and I don’t want to say more without giving anything away.

Just an overall good time with this one!

This book felt like a warm hug I never wanted to end. It’s cozy, magical, full of chaotic little weirdos that somehow turn into family — and I was OBSESSED. Sera is the kind of FMC that’s equal parts unhinged, soft, and stubborn in the best way. And Luke??? A grumpy, blonde, hot historian?? Be serious. The banter, the tension, the softness… delicious. I adored how the story balances humor, grief, healing, and second chances without ever feeling heavy. It’s whimsical but grounded in such a beautiful way. Truly, I just wanted to curl up inside Batty Hole (iconic name) and never leave. The found family trope here? Perfect. The representation? Beautifully done. The atmosphere? 10/10 no notes. This is the kind of book that feels like home.

If I had a nickel for every fantasy book I read with a magical house and a found family element I'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice, right?

Just like Mandanna's last book, I am absolutely and utterly enraptured. She has a way with words that just strikes a chord within my soul. I think, if possible, I may like this book better than her last. I connected with Luke in a way that I didn't expect, and the way she wove his character full of such sorrow at being likened to nothing more than the tin man, the man without a heart, the robot, made me cry. I weeped several times for him and the life he could've had if his parents had loved him for who he was, if he hadn't had to wear a mask most of his life.

Every character was absolutely stunning and filled with such life that it was hard to believe it was over when it was over. Asides from the obvious antagonist and snide side characters, there really wasn't a secondary character I didn't like. They felt fleshed out and real enough to fit into a contemporary romantasy. A story with real problems imbued with the magic of Mandanna's words.

Thank you to Berkeley Pub for the free copy!

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025, and it did not disappoint! This is cozy fantasy at its finest - a heartwarming tale where magic is present, but not the main character. There's found family, quirky characters, and just a touch of romance that enhanced the story, but was not the main focus.

The cast of characters in this story are well developed and offer realistic representation for queer and disabled communities that didn't feel forced at all. This is exactly the book I've been looking for lately, exactly what I need to read in our current chaotic world.

I really like this author and enjoyed this book just as much as her previous title. A cozy, romantic, witchy, feel-good novel, perfect for a weekend read with an up of tea.

5 stars. I really enjoyed The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Mandanna, but I have to say, A Witch's Guide was even better! I think that Mandanna's books have officially become the benchmark for me for cozy fantasy. In A Witch's Guide, Sera is an incredibly powerful witch that accidentally over-exerts herself and loses most of her powers. With the help of a fox, her ward, and a crazy cast of found family, Sera embarks on a journey to find a spell that will restore her power. Mandanna's books are the type of books that feel like a warm hug. And I truly get squishy feelings inside when reading them. And if that's not enough reason to read A Witch's Guide, there's also a really sweet romance and some wonky magic. All in all, I really loved this book. There's just something about Mandanna's writing that works for me, and I look forward to reading more cozy fantasy from her in the future.

Thank you so much to Mandanna, Berkley Romance (Berkley partner), and netgalley for the complimentary copy!

4.5 stars!

This one is whimsical, cozy, magical, and oh so heartwarming!

Sera lost almost all her magic 15 years ago after casting a very powerful resurrection spell. Now she lives at the inn of her great aunt, the one she resurrected, with a cursed fox, an undead chicken, a young magical boy, a knight, and an opinionated old gardener. They’re all protected by a spell Sera cast long that only lets those who really need to, find their way to the inn.

Luke and Posy, his autistic, much younger sister, who can’t conceal or control her magic, are one such pairing that find their way to the inn. Maybe this rag tag group, this beautiful found family, through a magic all their own, can help Sera finally get her magic back.

The romance in this book is definitely a slow burn and also takes a backseat to the heartwarming found family narrative and adventure to find the ingredients to get Sera’s magic back.

I would’ve liked a bit more from Luke and Sera. They’re cranky together in a charming way. The romantic lead doesn’t get introduced until maybe 25% into the novel. My other complaint is there are two full chapters at the start of when Sera is 15 and casts the spell. This overall just felt clunky to me.

Once the story got going, however, I was all in with these characters who are unique and quirky and love each other so fiercely! A truly lovely, funny, cozy, and charming read! A great novel for showing the magic of love and chosen family.

Such a beautiful, heartwarming story. I adored all of the characters, and the found family aspect. I loved the neurodivergent representation! My only gripe was that she lost her powers again at the end of the book. I felt like it was unnecessary, and kind of put a damper on things.

Either way, I still highly recommend this book and I think it's going to be one of the top cozy fall reads of this year!

"Like his lonely and her lonely fit perfectly in the empty spaces at the other's side, saying nothing, asking nothing, just keeping each other company."

That is the beauty of this book -- all of Sangu Mandanna's stories really. This book keeps you company. It holds your hand and makes you feel less alone. It is a hot bath at the end of a long day. It's a reassuring smile when the self-doubt creeps in. It’s the friend that checks in on you when tragedy strikes your community.

But most of all, A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping, much like her sister A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, reminds you that you belong. Even if it might not be where you are now, or where you've been, there is a place for you to be authentically yourself and be loved. As my High Priestess of Overalls, Matilda, astutely observes, "None of us share a surname....", yet the motley crew of The Batty Hole (the magical inn in discussion) make up one full family, many of them connecting on their marginalized statuses in society. I really connected with the FMC, Sera, who as a woman of color (South Asian/Indian), is ostracized from the white aristocratic echelons of British Witchery.

The characters are delightfully loveable and multifaceted. There is a talking woodland animal that might be a cursed witch, an animated chicken skeleton, a knight in historically inaccurate shining armor. Amidst these quirky characters, Mandanna also sketches out authentic depictions of neurodivergence (ASD) and physical disability.

What makes this story even more magical is that it's not divorced from the harsh realities of the world, despite being a comfy cozy fantasy. It is not sheltered, and faces -- head on -- many of the real world injustices that many readers, like myself, face: Discrimination, classism, racism, xenophobia, homophobia....these characters have felt it all. I was really touched by the small (yet mighty) acknowledgment of the ongoing devastation of Palestine, which we feel through the character of Malik, Sera's best friend. Still, there is hope in this story, and a reminder: "what an incredible, joyful act of resistance it was to simply exist."

In short, this book is full of love, and I would recommend it to every single human being on this planet.

#BerkleyPartner #AceBooksPartner

oh this was gorgeous. the closest i've come to wanting to just bawl my eyes out after reading a book. life is worth living!!

Mandanna’s writing is witty, cozy, and quietly profound. She doesn’t just give us magic — she gives us meaning. This isn’t a story about flashy powers; it’s about believing in yourself when the world has made you feel small. It’s about making space for joy and pain.

If you loved The House in the Cerulean Sea, Legends & Lattes, or anything that feels like a warm mug of something sweet — you’ll adore this book. It’s soft magic meets hard truths, and it absolutely glows.

The whole story was so cozy and filled with such amazing characters and I literally laughed out loud so many times with the dry humor. It was just a joy to read in all ways - the rickety but perfect house, witchiness throughout, Matilda and Jasmine and Nicholas and Poppy who are all just perfect, revenge served cold but so sweet, and the skeleton rooster! I have already placed a hold on Mandanna's previous book which I did not know existed so hooray for me! The only thing holding me back from five stars is the final resolution of the duel with Albert, despite knowing it is really the only outcome that would result in her having peace. Also - and I realize I am probably alone in this - I would've been totally happy with the consummation of Sera's romance being left (just a tiny bit) more to the imagination. It wasn't an issue worth decreasing the rating, just personal preference where I can imagine all my own details. A truly delightful read all around. Happy sigh.

I devoured this. I loved the first book so much. It’s honestly one of my favorite cozy fantasies ever. Following that up was a tall order but Mandanna did it. I like that this was t a direct sequel of Mika but did touch upon similar themes and ideas but in a new premise. As the mom of an autistic 5 year old boy, I felt very seen by Luke and Posy. I don’t know Mandanna’s background but if you told me they had an autistic child or sibling I would not be shocked. The way Posy is written is authentic and I saw my son in her. So thank you for that.

The romances were cute. The bigger plot was great. I loved this. I hope to see more in this world.

Thank you to Berkley publishing for the eARC of this book!

This book felt like a warm hug and a bowl of soup, it was just so cozy and lovely 🥹 every single character played such a beautiful role in this lil found family, and I loved each of them so much! Neurodivergence was a huge theme in this book, with most characters experiencing it in some way. The author portrayed the struggles that neurodivergence can cause for many people in a very real way, but then also showed us what true acceptance and love looks like. I found myself in tears at so many points throughout this book simply because I was so moved by the way certain interactions were written!

There were also major themes of breaking cycles of generational trauma, and I felt this was handled so well. Watching Sera and Luke work through their individual traumas together was so beautiful, and I loved the way they mirrored one another, and saw each other for who they truly are. I will be recommending this book to anyone who will listen, I loved it so, so much!

This story has such a cute and cozy fantasy/witchy concept. Between the magical setting, the found family trope, and a sweet love interest, it delivers on all the feel-good ingredients of a comfort read. There was a gentle warmth to the story that makes it easy to settle into.

While the pacing and tone didn’t completely sweep me away, I still found it enjoyable and endearing. I think this story will be a perfect escape for readers who love soft fantasy. It’s the kind of book that feels like a warm blanket and a cup of tea in the autumn… pure comfort from beginning to end.

Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for this early review!

Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for the preview. All opinions are my own.

So, 97% of this book was 5 stars, but that 3% made me so mad it knocked a whole star off. I'll discuss why in a spoiler section below.

So this is cozy, cute, heartwarming, and emotional. Full of amazing characters and a charming cottage. It's got magic, and heart, and everything you could want. I would sacrifice myself for Nicolas, he's so precious.

This book also addresses depression, belonging, sacrifice, love of every shape, prejudice, and power.
Which makes how one of the plotlines tie up even worse to me. So spoilers below....



<spoiler> I HATE THE TROPE WHERE THE POWERFUL WOMAN LOSES HER POWER!! I thought we all agreed that sucks! PLUS! It's so much worse to me that a woman of color sacrifices her power and magic to stop the evil white man that the other white people let run rampant. Like, that's just so much worse! I get that the "lesson" was that Sera didn't need her magic to be complete afterall because of all the love around her. Great, but she would have that love with or without her power, so why not let her keep it. ARGHHHHHHHHHH </spoiler>

Anyway, I laughed, I cried (a lot), and I was having the best time until that part. I think a lot of people won't mind it and will love it anyway.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars for A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

This story is cozy magic at its finest—with a touch of emotional healing, a dose of reluctant romance, and a delightful talking fox.

Let’s start with the heart of the book: the found family element absolutely shone. It’s tender, it’s messy, it’s weird in the best ways, and it reminded me how powerful it is to be loved for exactly who you are—magic or not. Sera’s relationship with her resurrected Aunt Jasmine, her semi-sinister fox sidekick, and the quirky guests at the inn made the story feel warm and deeply human, even in its most magical moments.

The magic system was another high point—intuitive and accessible, it blended seamlessly into the world Mandanna created without requiring tons of explanation. It made the idea of lost magic and ancient spellbooks feel real and grounded, like something you might stumble across in a dusty attic on a rainy day.

That said, the pacing did slow things down more than I’d like. The writing is rich and full of detail, but at times it bordered on dense, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged through the middle chapters. There’s a lot of introspection and world-building, which is lovely, but it does take its time getting where it’s going.

Still, Sera is a compelling protagonist—grumpy, funny, and quietly yearning—and I really enjoyed watching her slowly let people in. And Luke? The emotionally frozen historian with a complicated past and a soft spot for Sera? Yes, please.

In the end, A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a gentle, magical hug of a book. It asks what it means to start over and reminds us that even when things don’t go according to plan, we might still end up exactly where we’re meant to be.

Thank you SO so much to Berkley Publishing Group/Berkley Romance for the free eARC!

Ahhhh! This book! It's giving ALL of the feels! I loved it so so much.

This book is a magical, light-hearted tale about a whimsical, mischevious, magical inn and its cast of very irregular residents, in addition to Sera's main tale about restoring the magic she lost. It's a story about inclusion, personal growth, acceptance, found family, and has SO many reps (immigrant, LGBTQIA+, physical disability, mental health, mental disability, etc) that make it all the more touching. The entire cast of characters was delightful, from Clemmie who "aspires to villainy", to the multiple grandmotherly figures in Verity, Jasmine, and Matilda, and even Posy with her stubbornly carefree personality. There's a lot of wonderful banter between all of the characters, not just Sera and Luke (our main characters), and the family dynamic between them all was so heartwarming to read.

The story mainly focuses on Sera's journey to restore her magic, with the romance aspect set as a lovely side-plot almost. There's slow burn and tension, but its on the lighter side of what I was expecting and what I recall Secret Society containing. The main story is straight forward for the most part, with bits and pieces of clues for how one of the issues resolves scattered throughout, and the way that Sangu wrote the ending was very clever, pulling the reader back from Sera and Luke and setting the scene from the side character's perspectives instead, giving us a looking-in-from-the-outside view that was refreshing while not giving everything away and adding to the suspense of the final plot resolution.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and cannot wait for everyone else to be able to read it as well!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC. I absolutely adored this story. The story is centered around Sera, who was gifted with an abundance of magic. As the story evolves and you are introduced to a whole cast of characters, and when I say characters, I mean quirky, fun, and lovable characters. There is even a once dead rooster and a talking fox. These side characters, along with the main characters, Sera and Luke, all bring the story to life. Overall it's a story of Found Family, one of my favorite book tropes, add in magic and quirky characters and this became a 5 star read for me. Loved the vibes of the book! If you are looking for a fun read that will make you laugh, this is it!

Cozy fantasy isn’t usually my thing (I typically prefer a little stabbing and some morally gray chaos with my magic), but A WITCH’S GUIDE TO MAGICAL INNKEEPING was such a charming, heartwarming read. It’s a beautiful story of found family, quiet magic, and a hint of romance. I especially appreciated the diverse representation, including neurodivergent kiddos.

If you enjoyed THE VERY SECRET SOCIETY OF IRREGULAR WITCHES by Sangu Mandanna, this one will be right up your alley. I can see it being a cozy favorite this fall!

WHAT YOU’LL FIND:
🏠 Found family
🪄 Magical house
📚 Cozy fantasy vibes
🧒 Adorable kids
🐓 Zombie rooster
🦊 Talking fox