A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping
Paranormal Romance
Berkley
July 15, 2025
Paperback, Ebook, Audiobook
336
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.
How do I say that this book feels like a magic spell cast directly on my soul without being too cheesy?
Worth the Wait
Berkley has been edging Sangu Mandanna fans for what feels like a lifetime. Highly anticipated after the delightful “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches”, readers have been waiting (im)patiently for another installment of magical hijinks. It’s me, I’m readers.
“A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping” has had it’s publication date pushed multiple times over the last few years. I fell in love with Mandanna’s writing after only a few pages, and waiting for new words and new characters felt almost unbearable. Authors are human, though, even when their craft feels like it could be a superpower. Mandanna was very transparent on social media about why the publication faced so many delays. Ultimately, her mental and physical health came first, and her writing was managed at a much slower, more realistic pace.
Friends, this story is worth the wait.
Sera Swan & The Batty Hole Inn
Our main character Sera finds herself an unexpected innkeeper after almost all of her magic leaves her. Not only does Sera care for her family and her semi-sentient inn, but somehow she ends up caring for “guests” that come to stay at Batty Hole and don’t seem particularly pressed to leave. Found family is one of Mandanna’s specialties, and throughout “Magical Innkeeping” you can tell she finds her stride.
The Inn itself is a character, and one that I found myself more and more intrigued by. I kept wanting more glimpses of how it’s magic worked, how it chose to make itself known to guests, and it’s feelings about the family that lived inside of it. The house is special, and one of those things that I wanted a behind-the-curtain knowledge of. Thankfully, readers get a little insight at the end of the novel.
Cozy-ish
Mika Moon, darling protagonist of “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” walked so that Sera Swan could run. If Mika is the adorable, endearing woman searching for a family of her own, then Sera is the sassy older sister who wears her attitude like a leather jacket, but secretly loves letting her siblings play dress up.
I expected “Magical Innkeeping” to be soft and soothing and cozy, and don’t get me wrong, it is all of those things. This story, though… it has teeth. These characters, they’ll have you in it’s grip and you won’t be able to escape it. Better yet, you won’t want to. Soon enough you’ll be asking Sera if you can rent a room at Batty Hole Inn, too.
Final Thoughts
There aren’t enough words in my brain to explain just how wonderful “A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping” really is. I am going to be so annoying about recommending this to everyone I know.
Authors don’t owe their readers explanations or information about their personal lives. They’re entitled to their privacy and their personal space. I appreciate when information is shared, because I feel more of a connection with the writer and that they’re connected with me as a reader. I wish Sangu all the best for her mental and physical health, and send her all the positive vibes I can.
If I am being honest with you and myself, I am also greedy, and can’t wait to see what is in store for her next. Please grab your copy of “A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping” and fall in love with Batty Hole Inn and the cast of characters that live there. Berkley needs to know that we want as many stories from Mandanna that we can get.
I’m Val, and I’m excited to share my love of books with you! I’m a sassy Sour Patch kid from New Jersey, dog mom to Chance the beagle, and much like the rest of the Hive, I’m a coffee lover (I think it’s a requirement to be here). The first book I remember reading voluntarily involved a boy wizard who lived in the cupboard under the stairs, and I’ve been chasing magic ever since. I love Happily Ever Afters, and I love love. My favorite genres are romance and rom-coms, fantasy, and young adult/new adult. If I’m not reading, I’m probably kayaking, watching the Great British Baking Show, or discovering a new craft beer.
