♡ thank you to Sangu Mandanna and Berkley for an ARC of this book♡

5/5 ⭐️

this isn't my typical genre of books but i'm so glad i decided to take a chance with this! this book was magical, romantic and very well written. this is the kind of book that makes you wish you were in their world!!

📖 plot & pace: the idea of this book was IMMACULATE, the loss of sarah's magic not only sets the stage for an amazing book but then there's also the mini side plots, like clemy's curse and posey/luke that add SO much to the story! this story was so perfectly layered, keeping the reader hooked the entire time.

👥 characters: i loved so many of these characters! there was the typical villain of course (albert) but even his character was well developed. everyone played an important role in this book and meshed together so well!

🤩 tropes: cozy fantasy/romantasy, found family, loss/redemption, grumpy x grumpy

i loved the diversity and inclusiveness Mandanna added to the story. this was a perfectly written book that i'll have on my mind for a LONG time!

This was a beautifully written story and a perfect cozy read. I highly recommend this book for a book club, it is a wonderful read.

I read The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches last year and was so enchanted by the story and the characters that Sangu Mandanna created. A Witch's Guide has been one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and I was so ready to dive into a cozy fantasy with a found family trope and magical characters.

Sera is one of the most powerful young witches at the beginning of the book, working as an apprentice to Albert, who is the most powerful of them all. From the start, it's clear that Albert feels bitterness toward Sera and her magic. He doesn't understand her magic, and she can do things he can't even imagine. Her magic is formed and shaped by her loving nature, whereas his is cold and detached. When Sera's aunt, Jasmine, suddenly dies, she uses an illegal resurrection spell that drains her of almost all her powers. She’s then exiled from the guild and left to run her family inn, where we meet gentle and magical characters, each unique and lovable in their own way.

Fifteen years later, we meet Luke - he works doing research for the guild and is the primary caretaker of his sister, Posy. She's nine years old and autistic, very powerful and still learning how to contain her magic. Society constantly judges Luke and Posy, expecting her to change to fit their norms instead of giving her space to simply be who she is. So Luke decides it's best to take her somewhere she feels safe. They end up at Sera's inn, where they stay much longer than expected, as Luke unexpectedly finds a home for both himself and his sister. It's really lovely and really comforting and a book that embodies the feeling of unconditional love and acceptance and encouragement.

The main plot point of this book is Sera’s quest to get her magic back, while developing a beautiful and strong connection with Luke. The plot was divine and perfectly paced, especially the connection between Sera and Luke, I really appreciated the time Sangu took to develop the friendship and trust between them before they acted on their attraction. It was perfect. And while I was invested in Sera’s mission to regain her magic, I had a difficult time connecting with the story and characters on a deeper level. I kept following along, hoping to get that feeling I sometimes get with books, that kinship, and for some reason, it didn’t happen. Maybe it was the right book, wrong time.

The story was beautiful. Sangu Mandanna’s writing is whimsical and special and always comforting, but I struggled to connect overall.

Surprising to absolutely no one, this was absolute perfection. I adored Mandanna’s first novel, and was a little uncertain if this one would hold up, but was thrilled that it did. The found family vibes again were immaculate, and I found the inclusion of the love story a little more finely polished this time, which was my only critique of her prior book. I adored the autism representation, and found the various storylines intriguing enough to keep turning the pages, without raising the stakes so high as to no longer be cozy. This book was a balm for my world-weary heart, and I am so grateful that we have Sangu Mandanna’s writing in the world to remind us of the goodness of community and care. More, please!

One of my most anticipated reads for this year, Sangu Mandanna’s follow-up to The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches was well worth the wait!

Though they share a witchy theme and a focus on magic and found family, these are two standalone books with separate characters. The biggest thing they shared though? Charm.

Synopsis:

Sera Swan was a fifteen-year-old prodigy discovered by the most powerful witch in the British Guild of Sorcery, Albert Grey, when he saw the powerful magic she used to enchant her parents’ inn. Perceiving her as a threat, he mentored her to control how much she could learn.

After using a resurrection spell one day to bring her beloved great aunt Jasmine back to life (and oops ... a dead rooster!), Sera loses most of her magic and is exiled from the Guild and its resources, allowing Albert to exert his influence unfettered.

Fifteen years later, Sera is running the inn with Jasmine and using what little magic she has left to maintain it. Her long-ago enchantments ensure that the inn will only appear to good people who genuinely need something.

The inn’s non-magical tenants are a young wannabe knight named Nicholas whose ardent devotion to Sera is hilarious and Matlida, an outspoken 50s-ish woman who loves gardening and just can’t resist well-intentioned meddling! The magical tenants are Sera’s bright young nephew Theo, Clemmie - a witch whose rebounded curse on Albert Grey turned her into a petulant talking fox, and Roo Roo, the skeletal resurrected rooster!

When Sera’s inn attracts an old crush from her school days, magical historian Luke and his adorable nine year-old autistic sister Posy, she finds out that her magic may be bringing her what SHE needs too, and possibly some romance on the side!

After she acquires a spell that can restore her magic and allow her to undo Clemmie’s curse, she needs help to make it work. Can she trust Luke and the others to help her get back the magic she loves and to put Albert Grey’s unchecked power back in its place?

My takeaway:

If you love a heartwarming ‘found family’ story with an overarching theme of magic and the things we sacrifice for those we love, this is a wonderful choice. There’s a touch of romance, but it’s the love between these characters that have chosen each other that really shines, and they were an absolute joy to spend time with. Even the inn with its magical misbehavior was a delightful character! Put them all together and you have a group that’s in turns quirky, awkward, hilarious, sarcastic, bumbling, sweet, humble and clever!

The autism rep with Posy was so refreshing since it brought back memories of my son when he was that age. Everyone’s gentleness with her was so sweet. It also had nice LGBTQ rep with two same-sex relationships (both MM and FF) and a non-stereotypical FMC with Sera who was half-Indian and half-Icelandic (and thank heavens, no MCs with red hair and green eyes, unless you count Clemmie the red fox! 😆)

This was an immersion read for me with my Kindle and the audio narrated by Samara MacLaren, which was the *chef’s kiss*! She differentiated the character’s accents and personalities with so much skill and humor. Whether by itself or along with the book, I strongly recommend the audio for this, as it’s a story whose characters almost demand to be brought to life with a voice!

My only complaints, which is why this is four stars rather than five, is that there was one brief sex scene whose tone didn’t match the more innocent feel of the rest of the book and the ending which can only be described as bittersweet and left me feeling a little divided. All-in-all I loved it and will again wait patiently for Sangu Mandanna’s next book!

★★★★ ½

This was sweet and had a great premise with some great characters. But many of the peripheral characters felt a little flat and cartoonish for me. It didn't fill me with the warmth and the willingness to suspend disbelief that the first one did, and it seemed to move slowly. Maybe because of that. I had trouble finishing.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkely for this ARC!

I thoroughly enjoyed Mandanna's other book, but this one took my love for her writing to the next level. I felt transported to the UK, and I truly felt every single thing Sera and Luke and everyone else felt. The characters felt so real and lovable and the found family that she writes can truly compare to no one else. And for those that have read this, I did in fact cry at the ending. IYKYK. Sera Swan is truly a magnificent main character, with all of her emotions and Gargoyle-ness in tow, and her journey truly felt real, raw, and emotional. DEFINITELY read this if you like Howl's Moving Castle, as batty hole feels just like it!

Loved the first one, was disappointed by this one. There’s aspects of found family and magic but it mainly focused on the FMC getting her magic back. I wish there was more going on.

This quite literally is the most heartfelt book I've read in awhile.

This story is so incredibly emotional, the characters and story are written with such love that it's felt the minute you turn the first page. The magic of Sangu Mandanna continues to thrive in her work.

The misfits found family trope always hits but Sangu not only created a family for these characters, she gave them a home.

Sera Swan after losing everything is exiled and forced to reside at her Aunt Jasmines Inn as she attempts to regain what she has lost.

Sera Swan is a protector through and through, it shows in the way she loves. Sera is constantly present for those around her even at her own expense. People like Sera are really rare, but when around speak depth to their character in the small details.

When Luke Larsen, described by his peers as a tin man arrives to the inn due to personal issues, Sera and Luke find themselves working together to restore what was once lost.

In their journey, walls are taken apart, magical items are collected, and love is kindled.

You literally fall in love with all the characters in this book, except the guild because old institutions with fucked up rules are not to be tolerated here.

This is more than a cozy fantasy romance, in fact, I found myself bawling my eyes out as I read. You not only stay for the comfort this book radiates but for the story.

I have so much love for this book, I'll literally go full on momma bear for it. I cannot recommend this book enough!
1 like

Just like book one, this felt like a giant hug. The wackiness of book one follows into book two with a band of fresh new characters. However, they're both stand alones so no need to read book one first to understand this one.

Sera's story boasts the importance of second chances and chosen family. She runs an enchanted English inn, with quirky inhabitants, and an unfortunate zombie chicken, all after a mistake fifteen years ago that led to most of her magic being lost. When someone from her past finds his way to the inn, they reluctantly work together to help get her magic back.

Although the growing romance between them was wonderful, the found family is truly what solidified the love I have for this book.

Editor’s note: Will publish in newspapers in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, NC July 24 and weekend editions

July book roundup: Strange towns, dangerous allies, unlikely magic and … a new Reacher short story

By Tom Mayer, Tmayer@RN-T.com

This month’s fiction lineup offers something for every kind of summer reader — from high-octane thrillers and mystical fantasy to genre-defying romance and cozy speculative tales. Whether you’re chasing outlaws, getting lost in magical archives, checking into a supernatural inn or catching up with Reacher in between novels, these titles deliver imagination, suspense and emotional punch in equal measure.

But first, a bit of a cheat. Robert Dugoni’s recent Tracy Crosswhite dropped in late spring, but a final copy of the book took some time to make it to my desk. With the incredible output and range Dugoni has offered his readers in the past year (“A Killing on the Hill,” “Beyond Reasonable Doubt,” “Hold Strong” and “A Dead Draw”), and at least two more in the works for 2026 — Tracy Crosswhite and Keera Duggan series continuations — I’m going to dig a bit deeper into the author’s most recent novel before we get to the monthly list.

Dugoni’s latest and most sensitive offering, “A Dead Draw” (Thomas & Mercer), not only captures echoes of the 10 Tracy Crosswhite novels that have come before, but brings to a boil a storyline that has been percolating since the debut of “My Sister’s Grave” in 2014.

It’s also his most personal storyline to date, making the launch of this 11th full-length story featuring the high school chemistry teacher turned Seattle, Washington-homicide detective both a perfect launching pad for those new to the series, and a satisfying continuation of the narrative for long-time readers.

But it’s not Tracy that brings it home in this novel. That honor goes to a new character, Lydia “Lightning Strike” Johnson, an autistic sharpshooter who becomes the detective’s touchstone. Lydia is on the spectrum, but she’s got the potential to be self-sufficient. She’s also a double for Tracy’s younger sister, Sarah, whose disappearance and murder in that first release not only highjacked the trajectory of Tracy’s life, but continues to be a specter in her current role capturing killers.

And like Sarah, Lydia is a character over which Dugoni labored.

“I hope I captured her accurately,” the author writes in the novel’s acknowledgements. “I did a ton of research to get it right, then had two epiphanies when I met two individuals, one from my childhood and one I met fortuitously, who were clearly on the spectrum and told me so. It was fascinating to hear them tell me what they understood without any embarrassment or self-consciousness. I’ve tried to conduct by own life similarly, talking openly about my stroke (in 2016) and the anxiety that resulted from it. … I have a brother with Down syndrome and have a heightened awareness of characters in books who are different. My intent was to portray Lydia as an accomplished, high-functioning human being but one who must deal with something over which she has no control.”

Capturing that awareness in Lydia sharpens the storyline about a warrant gone bad that frees a man who is a suspect in at least two murders — a man who became a prison-disciple of Sarah’s killer, the murderer who Tracy actually helped free in the series’ debut.

Now, as that killer’s protégé, Erik Schmidt is fixated on revenging his mentor by recreating an elaborate showdown that will lure Tracy to her hometown of Cedar Grove, Washington — the place of Sarah’s murder and now the full-circle space where Tracy’s daughter, husband and friends are in fatal danger.

That’s an oversimplification, of course — as is the portrait here of Lydia — because the hazard of any Crosswhite review is overstepping the author’s intricate plotting and plundering into a spoiler or two. But also of course, the only way to absorb the full complexity of a Dugoni thriller is to begin with page 1, and “A Dead Draw” is a fine place to start.

Now, here’s a look at some of the most notable new releases on the shelves in July:

"Infinite Archive (The Midsolar Murders Book 3)" (Ace Trade Original) by Mur Lafferty: Amateur sleuth Mallory Viridian has earned her space sea legs aboard Station Eternity — but now a living, working version of Earth’s entire Internet is on its way, and there’s going to be a party, with Mallory as the guest speaker. As the massive data ship Metis docks for a murder mystery convention, Mallory’s agent is killed and now it’s up to her to untangle the whodunit amid alien etiquette and sentient tech. Ideal for fans of speculative fiction with a bit of a literary twist, this novel will captivate readers who enjoy flowing series relationship arcs (be sure to read the first two in the series).

"Tricks of Fortune (A Play the Fool Mysteries Book 2)" (Bantam Trade Paperback Original) by Lina Chern: Tarot card reader extraordinaire Katie True gets embroiled in another local murder when her best friend becomes the prime suspect. When a beloved veteran police officer is found dead, Katie discovers tangled relationships and hidden truths that her cards and instincts must decipher. Perfect for readers of contemporary mysteries featuring fun, smart female leads — especially those who like their crime with a touch of cultural nuance and spry wit.

"Welcome to Cottonmouth" (Blackstone) by Jay S. Bell: What does the US government do with expired spies and special operators? It ships them to a small East Texas town where everything runs, sort of, peacefully — until a pair of women on the run from a ruthless criminal shatters the uneasy serenity. But doing the right thing for the pair might shatter the secrecy vital to Cottonmouth, Texas, and de facto mayor Devlin Mahoney has to make the choice. For fans of Slow Horses with an American twist.

"Soulgazer (The Magpie and the Wolf Duology Book 1)" (Ace Trade) by Maggie Rapier: Aboard a mythical isle quest, “Soulgazer” is rendered in prose readers will want to highlight line by line. Born with a penchant for volatile magic, Saoirse wants nothing more than to be without the curse that has plagued her since childhood. Facing an unwanted and forced marriage proposal, Saoirse seeks out a pirate who can help her get rid of the magic … but first she’ll have to use it for his own purposes. A quest, and an unlikely proposal of its own, ensues. Rapier is a debut author from Alabama and her first literary foray is tailored for those who crave both magic and romance, and high concept fantasy grounded in a human connection.

"The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy (The Dearly Beloathed Duology Book 1)" (Ace) by Brigitte Knightley: In this slow burn enemies to lovers fantasy romantasy, an assassin’s sickness forces him to rely on a healer from an enemy faction — and loyalties, plus affections, are tested. Their forced cooperation soon leads to mutual dependence, unexpected attraction and an uneasy truce with far-reaching consequences. Ideal for romance readers who love brainy protagonists, simmering tension, and meta literary hijinks. Not suitable for readers concerned with graphic violence and medical content including fictional, life-threatening diseases affecting adults and children.

"American Mythology" (Doubleday) by Giano Cromley: A bizarre group consisting of a pseudo-scientist, a filmmaker and the two, total, membership of the Basic Bigfoot Society embarks on a quest to find the creature, confronting nature’s mysteries and the human heart in equal measure. Along the journey, myth and reality weave together as secrets and the lure of the unknown collide in the wilderness. For those who want a character driven drama with friendship and a love for nature at its core.

"Bat Out of Hell" (Blackstone) edited by Don Bruns: A book of thriller stories inspired by Meat Loaf’s debut album, this anthology features a brand new Jack Reacher story and thrilling mysteries from top authors, including Andrew Child, Rick Bleiweiss, Heather Graham, Don Bruns, John Gilstrap, Dave Bruns, C.J. Kudlacz and Charles Todd — in a nonstop, engrossing mystery seesaw. At the top of that list is Child’s offering: When Reacher stops in a dying desert town, he’s drawn into a fight against entrenched criminal elements with no safe escape. This anthology is the fourth in Bruns’ Music and Murder Mystery Series. A must read for thriller devotees and long time fans of the Reacher series — especially those craving tight plots and righteous action.

"A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping" (Berkley Trade) by Sangu Mandanna: A whimsical, heartwarming tale follows a witch with no powers who is helping to run a peculiar inn for quirky beings. Enter a magical historian giving her a second chance at power, community and purpose. As Sera juggles enchanted guests and hidden pasts, she discovers that true magic lies in the bonds, and family, she rebuilds. Perfect for readers who want low stakes fantasy with heart, humor and a magical touch.

"Love You to Death" (Random House) by Christina Dotson: Kayla and Zorie have made a habit of slipping into weddings they weren’t invited to — usually to make off with the cash and gifts. But when the only two Black women show up at an antebellum-themed ceremony in the Deep South, the odds are stacked against them from the start. What was supposed to be their final, low-risk score quickly spirals into chaos, and they’re soon caught in a media frenzy as the infamous “Wedding Crasher Killers.” For Kayla — stuck in a dead-end housekeeping job and still picking up the pieces after a reckless teenage mistake — this runaway road trip becomes a reckoning with her past, her future and her friendship with Zorie, whose secrets run deeper than Kayla ever imagined. A fierce, fast-paced thriller for readers drawn to dark friendship tales and twisted crime capers.

https://admin-newyork1.bloxcms.com/northwestgeorgianews.com/tncms/admin/action/main/preview/site/rome/opinion/columns/july-book-roundup-strange-towns-dangerous-allies-unlikely-magic-and-a-new-reacher-short-story/article_d8543c69-3457-4396-83f9-5a5a992741da.html

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for this ARC! I’m sorry… I wanted to love it, I really did! I anticipated this book for so long after reading The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches last year (3/5 stars for me.) I can’t put my finger on what went wrong for me in this book. Maybe the plot? It was definitely atmospheric and giving all the magical cozy vibes. 2/5 stars for me.

I loved this book so much! This was the perfect cozy fantasy romance with just the right amount of whimsy and magical shenanigans. I loved this author's previous book, so I was really, really looking forward to this one. And I'm so glad it lived up to my expectations.

The story follows Sera Swan, a once-powerful witch who loses most of her magic after resurrecting her great-aunt and getting exiled from her magical Guild. Now she’s helping run a magical inn in the countryside with said resurrected aunt, a talking fox, and a cast of eccentric guests. When she learns about a spellbook that could restore her magic, she teams up with Luke, a reserved historian with his own secrets, and together they dive into a charming, chaotic adventure full of heart and second chances.

This book was everything I could have hoped for. It was beautifully written with complex characters that just grow on you from the very first page. Everything about it was so atmospheric and whimsical. Especially the inn! Mandanna has such a gift for creating lovable, memorable characters that feel like real people.

One of my favorite things was the relationship between Luke and Posey. I loved how much he cared for his sister. It was so sweet and genuine, and it added so much heart to the story. And the found family in this book? Absolutely wonderful. They were all such different people, but they looked out for each other in the best ways. I loved how much they cared, even when they didn’t always say it out loud.

This story just made me feel warm and happy. It had everything I love in a cozy fantasy: magic, heart, lovable characters, and that feeling of home. If you’re in the mood for something comforting and a little whimsical, I can’t recommend this enough.

I so loved this cozy fantasy! The characters were all so charming and chaotic, and I immediately wished I was living at the Inn with them. I felt the conflict was set up well and all the characters worked to solve it. I only wish the romance had a little bit more tension, but overall such a wonderful story.

I really loved the overall vibe of this book! It was warm, whimsical, and comfortingly magical in the way you’d want a cozy fantasy to be. I really liked both the FMC and MMC. The book stood out to me for its thoughtful, natural inclusion of diverse characters and meaningful representation, which never felt forced. The found family element was my favorite.

While the atmosphere was lovely, the pacing wasn’t always on point for me. Some chapters lost my attention. The romance subplot was sweet, but honestly, I would’ve preferred it stay sweet rather than dipping into spicier territory lol which felt a bit out of place in such a gentle story. The ending also left me with mixed feelings.

Overall this is a charming, slightly quirky, comfort-read that celebrates the kind of magic that comes from connection, healing, and community.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC!

Sangu Mandanna has such a gift for creating warm, inviting worlds, and The Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping was everything I hoped it would be. After loving her debut, I was so excited to return to this universe, and it truly felt like a cozy, magical homecoming. Her writing is charming and immersive, with just the right mix of heart, humor, and atmosphere. The setting in this one is especially delightful, filled with comforting details and enchanting touches that made me want to step right into the pages. It’s a story about healing, community, and finding your place, and it left me feeling full in the best way.

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping stole my heart. I loved loved loved this book. And I am not a fantasy person at all. It is the story of a woman who lost her magic when she resurrected her aunt and spends the next 15 years maintaining her little bed and breakfast, letting rooms for those in need. A place for outcasts and those struggling. Until she gets a change to get her magic back with a special spell. This book was all kinds of warm fuzzies about being inclusive and accepting others for who they are. About spreading love and kindness. About loyalty and what we are willing to do for those we love. About the family you make, not the one you are born into. All with laugh out loud moments with quirky characters and a sweet romance mixed in. All the love for this one.

Having read the Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches almost two years ago now, I was very excited to read this book, and hoped it would fill me with the same cozy wonder. Happy to say that if you were a fan of that book, you are likely going to enjoy this one!

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping follows Sera, an outcasted witch stripped of her powers after resurrecting her great aunt. In an effort to get her powers back, she teams up with a cranky, magical historian, Luke, and the band of misfits that make up Sera's enchanted Inn. This includes, but is not limited to, a talking fox, Sera's resurrected aunt, a lover of mushrooms in love with said aunt, her cousin, Luke's sister, a knight, and a zombie rooster. But Sera has some ghosts of her own that haunt her every move, so getting her powers back is not going to be as easy as she hoped.

Despite being advertised as a cozy book--and trust, it is very cozy!--this book dealt with a lot of heavier topics. Sera has a lot of trauma that she needs to work through, as do all of the people she surrounds herself with. So much so that I can confidently say that nearly every parental figure in this book absolutely sucks. But it was a fun journey watching everyone overcome their struggles and become happier people because of it.

I will say, however, that this book had one too many characters to follow. The magical Inn has a lot of side characters that we unfortunately don't get to know as well as I would have liked because they are sharing the spotlight with so many others. I enjoyed reading about everyone--there wasn't one character that I dreaded following--but I think the book either needed to be a little longer, or cut a character out. It was hard to keep track of everyone!

But, if there is one thing I love, it is found family, and this book is great at that. Pair it with a wonderful setting, and you've got a winner in my book. Shame that I didn't enjoy this one as much as it's companion book. again, I think it would've been better if we followed less characters, but it was still a fun journey!

4 stars.

I love Sangu Mandanna's whimsical mind! "A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping" is adorable, heartwarming, and cozy. It's full of whimsy, fun, and magic. I loved the characters, the gorgeous, lush setting, the intrigue, and the silliness. Sera and Luke are excellent, relatable, vulnerable, soft main characters. Sera is so kind, so gentle, so giving, and often to her detriment. Luke is also caring and giving, especially to his sister. Their relationship is slow-burning, but worth every second of the wait. The secondary characters are wonderful as well. Roo-Roo, the eccentric Jasmine, Clemmie the fox, etc. This book is easily bingeable because it's a book you won't want to put down. Like a warm cup of coffee on a cold morning. Just terrific!

Thank you to NetGalley, Sangu Mandanna, and Berkley Publishing Group for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced reading copy! Sangu Mandanna is one of my favorite authors of cozy, romantic witch books, with The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches being one of my favorite reads ever. So to say I was pumped about this book is an understatement. And it did not disappoint! I think no one does whimsy and charm like Mandanna - she’s the best out there in my opinion. This book was a delight in many ways, but one of the ways that this book stood out the most is the found family aspect - all the side characters living at this inn, loving each other for who they are. I would say that this book is a romance, but in many ways, it’s mostly about this concept of found family, and that was a refreshing romantic take. It was beautiful and lovely and written well. Just an overall sweet and lovely read that I highly, highly recommend.