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 her aunt 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 might just 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.
Review
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping has been one of my most anticipated reads since it was first announced. I have been not so patiently waiting with baited breath to read this book, overwhelmed with excitement to immerse myself in Mandanna’s magical writing again, but also slightly nervous that it wouldn’t quite live up to my expectations. I am beyond thrilled to say that I was worried for nothing – A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is hands down one of the most wonderful books I have ever read. It is an easy 6 stars. Honestly, I would give this book 10 stars if I could.
I am actually struggling a bit to put how much I loved this book into words. Have you ever had the feeling when reading a book that you would just like to jump into the pages and live within the story? That is exactly how I felt when reading this. Mandanna excels at creating a fictional atmosphere that is so magical and welcoming. The little details throughout of the inn, the charmingly whimsical characters, the growth, the romance, the friendships, the magic, the smattering of cinnamon buns throughout – honestly, perfection.
If you enjoy cosy fantasy with romance and whimisical characters, don’t waste any time. Make yourself a heart-warming cup of tea, or a coffee with Bailey’s if you’re feeling a bit more like Sera, grab a cinnamon bun, and dive in.
Perfect for fans of:
– found families
– magic
– cosy cottagecore fantasy
– light romance
Thank you Netgalley and Hodderscape for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
