Overall rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a novel by Sangu Mandanna, published in 2025 and set in the same universe as her earlier book The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.
Honestly, I didn’t think I’d end up writing a review for this book, but the unexpected emotional punch it delivered changed my mind. I closed the book, cried, and knew I had to share what I loved about it. Is this a perfect read? That depends on how you define perfect. For me, the themes resonated deeply and were explored with care. And even though this is a cozy fantasy, written to be lighthearted and accessible, I think it’s also a powerful vehicle for discussing important—and sometimes difficult—topics.
This will be a mostly spoiler-free review, so if you haven’t read the book yet, you’re safe to proceed. That said, discussions of themes might hint at some plot points.
Characters
This book has an amazing, diverse cast of characters, all of whom play a meaningful role in the story. Everyone has a moment to shine, and it feels seamless rather than forced.
I especially loved Roo-Roo. For me, he represents the love you have for your very first pet. Maybe some people can process the grief of losing a pet in a healthy way, but I found it oddly heartwarming that Jasmine gets to keep her first pet forever (as far as we know), even as a little skeletal creature. Maybe that’s a little unhinged of me—would I actually want that for myself? For my own pets or even people I’ve lost? I wish the answer was a firm no, but it isn’t.
The Writing
I loved the writing style. It is funny, it’s simple and it is so effective. It shares that with the first book in this universe, the Very secret Society of Irregular Witches, so if you liked that book, you’ll probably love this one as well.
The Romance
I really liked the central romance. That said, I will probably always have a bone to pick with certain erotic scenes. As long as the age range is properly set so readers know what to expect, I think exploring sexuality and intimacy in fiction is a positive thing. But do we really need the overly dramatic lines? “The things I want to do to you” is just so unnecessary. Love scenes can be beautiful, meaningful, and even fun, but do they have to be dramatic to hit? I hope not.
On a positive and slightly spoilery note, I loved that Jasmine and Matilda found love later in life. Life doesn’t end in your 20s or 30s—or really, until it ends. And yet we often talk as if you’re only fully “alive” until you hit some arbitrary milestone. I like that this book, as well as its predecessor, treat age as just a number.
Does It Cozy Well?
If something is marketed as cozy fantasy, I expect it to nail the cozy aspects. Of course, “cozy” can mean different things to different readers. For me, the inn provided most of the coziness all on its own, but paired with a group of kind, supportive characters who actively work to make the inn a home, it really nailed the vibe. And then there’s the homemade bread and butter. Could I ask for more? Well—maybe a caramel latte every now and then.
Conclusion
This book resonated with me on so many levels, and I know I’ll revisit it when I need comfort. It’s a story about finding hope through struggle, rediscovering yourself after loss, and learning to take comfort in the people around you. And through it all, it’s a genuinely fun read.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a warm hug in the form of a story.