Author : Sangu Mandanna
Genre : Contemporary fantasy, Witchcraft & Romance
My rating : ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Brief :
Sera Swan was once one of the most powerful witches in Britain until everything went wrong. After a rather questionable decision to resurrect her great aunt Jasmine (who had been dead for, well, not very long), she lost most of her magic, got tangled up with a sarcastic talking fox, and was promptly exiled from the Witch’s Guild. Now she spends her days in Lancashire, helping her aunt run an enchanted inn full of odd guests, mysterious happenings, and the occasional magical disaster. She is a little grumpy about it all, still nursing the ache of what she has lost, but beneath her sharp wit and reluctant smiles, Sera dreams of reclaiming her power and her purpose.
Her chance arrives in the form of an ancient spell that might hold the secret to restoring her magic. Enter Luke Larsen, a brooding magical historian who shows up on a cold winter night, armed with knowledge, skepticism, and enough emotional walls to build a fortress. He has no interest in getting involved in Sera’s chaos, but somehow, against all reason, he finds himself agreeing to help her. The chemistry between them simmers slowly, all frost and fire, as they untangle the spell and each other’s secrets. What begins as reluctant cooperation slowly turns into something tender, and a little bit magical in itself.
Between running the inn, dodging the Guild’s prying eyes, and keeping her troublemaking fox under control, Sera’s hands are full. But as the days pass, she realizes that maybe magic is not just something you cast, it is something you find in the people who stay, the laughter that fills the air, and the love that refuses to fade. This story is funny, cozy, and full of charm, a tale of second chances, found family, and the quiet reminder that even when life loses its spark, it is never too late to make your own kind of magic again.
My opinion :
This book felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a rainy afternoon, soft, comforting, and quietly emotional. Sangu Mandanna has once again delivered something beautiful and heartfelt. The sister book in this series was one of my absolute favorites of 2024, and this one carried that same warmth and depth. At its core, the story is about found family, second chances, and the kind of love that heals. While Sera and Luke’s slow burn, opposites attract romance brews gently in the background, the real soul of the book lies in the chaotic, tender, and completely lovable community at the enchanted inn.
I absolutely adored how the characters were delightfully weird and still loved unconditionally. Each person brought their quirks, pain, and humor to the table, yet they were embraced exactly as they were. That acceptance, that sense of belonging, felt magical in itself. The inclusivity in this book is remarkable. Mandanna does not just sprinkle diversity in for effect, she weaves it into the story’s heart. The discussions around autism, depression, mental health, racism, colorism, and misogyny are done with sensitivity and honesty, grounding the fantasy elements in something deeply human. The inn becomes a safe haven not just for the children in the story, but for anyone who has ever felt unwanted or unloved. It is whimsical, yes, but also emotionally rich in all the right places.
If I had to point out a flaw, it would be that at times, the story’s gentleness made it feel a bit too slow. There were moments where I wished for a touch more tension or movement. The pacing meandered, lingering too long in cozy scenes that, while sweet, dulled the momentum. Some emotional beats also repeated themselves, making parts of the book feel slightly predictable. That said, these are minor in comparison to how beautifully the story unfolds.
This book reminded me why I love Sangu Mandanna’s writing so much. It is warm, inclusive, and full of heart. It does not rely on grand gestures or dramatic twists, it thrives in quiet moments of understanding, connection, and healing. It is about rebuilding, about finding magic in people rather than power. For me, it is not just a fantasy story; it is a comforting reflection on community and belonging.
A gentle, cozy, and emotionally intelligent story, this book captures what it truly means to find family, to be loved for who you are, and to offer that same love to others. Sangu Mandanna continues to write with tenderness, humor, and empathy. This was more than just a book, it was a feeling, one I did not want to end.
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