A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

Book Description

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. 

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.

Review

Sangu Mandanna’s latest book, A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping, is like a fireside chat with old friends. It’s warm, meandering, and full of laughter and heart. At its center is Sera Swan, a witch who’s lost her family and her magic, but who is rebuilding her life anyway. Even though the novel’s vibes are cozy, A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a story about grief, healing, and the slow rediscovery of joy.

Like The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, this book captures everything I love about found family. Mandanna excels at building ensembles that feel alive. Her cast of characters bicker, love, and show up for each other even when it’s messy. The inn itself is another character, full of whimsy and warmth. I adored how the story balanced humor (hello zombie rooster!) with genuine emotional depth.

One of my favorite things about Mandanna’s writing is how naturally she includes diversity in her cast. I appreciated the inclusion of a young autistic character, written with care and authenticity. I also loved watching the older couple’s growing feelings for each other. These true-life details added even more tenderness to the story. To me, Mandanna’s inclusivity never feels performative. Instead, she builds a world closer to what I wish the real world was. And isn’t that longing for something better exactly why we read?

To be perfectly honest, I didn’t love how Mandanna concluded the book. The ending didn’t land for me. Still, I closed the novel smiling.

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a lovely, cozy fall read. If you’re looking for a story that is gentle, heartfelt, and comforting in all the right ways, you’ll enjoy this latest journey into Mandanna’s world.

Content Warning

Abandonment, Ableism, Bullying, Classism, Death, Family estrangement, Grief, LBGTQ+ Romance, Loss, Mental illness, Panic attacks, Violence (Mild)

The header photo is a composite image. Base image by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash