A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping weaves a story full of second chances and magic, chosen family and romance, as a once-powerful witch tries to get her magic back and her life in order.
After Sera Swan cast a resurrection spell on her (barely) dead great-aunt, who is more of a parent to her than her biological mother, she finds herself with almost no magic left and exiled from the Witch’s Guild. Begrudgingly forced to run an enchanted inn with her aunt and deal with a motley crew of sweetly goofy residents, Sera aches for the return of her magic. When Clemmie (a mutinous former witch trapped as a fox) and Theo (an 11-year-old budding witch abandoned by his parents) discover an old spell that could help Sera, she starts to become optimistic for the first time in years.
Luke Larsen, a magical historian, and his sister, 9-year-old Posy, are drawn to the inn one wintry night by the meddling magic of his witch mentor and the inn’s own magical charm. Although Luke maintains he wants nothing to do with Sera’s dilemma, his icy exterior quickly starts to thaw and the charm of this beautifully weird chosen family begins to break down all his walls. And Posy, who has autism, is happy and thriving for the first time in her life.
Sangu Mandanna might actually be a witch herself. How else can readers account for the spell she casts on us in her latest book? Her bestselling debut, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, won rave reviews for its cozy world and side characters almost as lovable as the romantic leads. A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping will thrill fans who have been eagerly awaiting their return to Mandanna’s magical version of Britain. Delightful personalities abound, from Nicholas, a sweet Ren Faire knight in shining armor, to Matilda, an older gardener so full of queer pining you can’t help but swoon, to a zombie chicken that takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Sera and Luke’s romance is icing on an already pretty perfect chocolate cake. Sera may be a grumpy gargoyle of a heroine, but she’s built a new life and protects the inn and its inhabitants with a fierce love. And Luke, who’s frequently called the Tin Man because of his standoffish nature, actually has the biggest heart of all. It’s a joy to watch our gargoyle and Tin Man squirm as they find themselves on the receiving end of a love they weren’t expecting. A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping asks us what we would do for the people we love, and the answer is a resounding anything. It’s a wholly original, deeply enchanting and utterly charming love story that will delight readers.