A Witch’s Guide To Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna | Book Review

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AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! • A whimsical and heartwarming novel about a witch who has a second chance to get her magical powers—and her life—back on track, from the national bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

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 Jasmine 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 just might 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.

I love when books feel like a warm hug as you are reading — A Witch’s Guide To Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna evokes this exact feeling. I had initially picked this book up because I thought it was a sequel or a companion novel to The Very Secret Society Of Irregular Witches. As it turns out, the two books are not connected. The only things in common are witches, England setting, and some thematic elements. Once I realized there was no connection, I found I really enjoyed this book and that it could truly stand on its own merits. 

Once, Sera Swan was one of the most power witches in Britain. She had a bright magical future ahead of her. However, when she resurrected her aunt Jasmine and a rooster, she was banished from the Guild and lost the vast majority of her power. When she closes her eyes, she no longer sees her magic manifesting as stars and galaxies. Nowadays, she runs an inn called Batty Hollow. The inn is home to an eccentric group of people and a talking fox. There are extra rooms where people who happen to need what the inn can offer are able to stay short term. Things are about to change when a magical historian called Luke happens upon the inn with his autistic sister, Posy. Luke has no intention of staying for long or of helping Sera regain her magic. Yet, something begins to thaw between the two, particularly with how welcoming and kind everyone is with Posy. And so, reluctantly, Luke becomes part of the quest.

What I enjoyed the most about A Witch’s Guide To Magical Innkeeping was the found family aspect. I loved the little group of odd people who had found their way to Batty Hollow — from Matilda who is an older Black Woman who is looking to live a hobbit like life to Nicholas who works at the Medieval faire to Clemmie the witch who is stuck in the body of a fox. Plus, Sera’s cousin Theo also adds to the story as he is on the page. I loved that Luke is coded as being low support needs on the spectrum. I loved that Sera has experienced some real issues and depression but she still persists. She remains a kind, wonderful person at the end of the day, even if she is a bit prickly. I loved the interaction between Luke and Sera and found myself rooting for them to just kiss already. Sangu Mandanna truly is talented in writing comforting, warm books. I cannot wait to read through more of her backlist, even if there is a departure from this cozy style.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

Latest posts by April (Books&Wine) (see all)

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