A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a charming and magical cozy read. It follows Sera, a witch who lost her powers at fifteen and has spent the last fifteen years searching for a way to restore them. With the help of the quirky and endearing guests at her inn, she sets out to collect the nearly impossible ingredients needed for a spell that might reawaken her magic. Along the way, Sera discovers as much about herself as she does about what “true magic” really means. The book is mostly well written and engaging. However, the author does sprinkle in a bit of spice that feels slightly out of place in an otherwise gentle, cozy story. One of the highlights is the cast of characters—both main and secondary—who truly stand out. The inn’s eccentric guests are delightful, memorable, and each adds warmth and depth to Sera’s journey. Overall, it’s an enjoyable, heartwarming tale perfect for readers who love whimsical fantasy with a strong sense of community

A fun, lighthearted read about connection, community, and finding yourself. The story didn't take the direction I expected, but it was entertaining and enjoyable.

Charming until it went into themes that seemed added to check unnecessary boxes.

Sera's relationship with herself and her magic really resonated with me, but I was really disappointed with the ending. Her losing her magic again felt like tragedy for tragedy's sake. There were absolutely more options to solve the issue than what was explored, so it felt a little cheap to me. I adored the found family though, and I think Sangu Mandanna was trying to emphasize that Sera's home and family were more important to her identity than her magic. I don't know, I just feel like it could've been done better :(

Sometimes you just need a reading sorbet - a break from violence and bad feelings and whatever is bothering you at the moment. This was that book. It was funny and life-affirming, without being saccharine. A lovely diversion, and I loved the characters. Wouldn't mind a sequel.