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 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.

I’d been holding onto my Aardvark copy of this book since summer, saving it for crisp weather and warm drinks, and I’m so glad I did. This story was the exact kind of cozy escape I needed to kick off the season.

The book focuses on Sera Swan, once one of Britain’s most powerful witches, now working in a very different lane. After resurrecting her aunt Jasmine from the dead and losing most of her magic in the process, she’s been exiled from the Guild and now helps run her aunt’s enchanted inn in Lancashire. There’s a semi-villainous talking fox to wrangle, quirky guests with demands and secrets, and the quiet ache of a life that feels smaller than the one she imagined. There’s also her nemesis, who may have had something to do with her losing her powers.

Then Luke Larsen shows up. He’s a magical historian with a frosty demeanor, the kind of man who thinks he has zero interest in small-town chaos or innkeeping hijinks. Naturally, the inn works its charm on him, and naturally, so does Sera. Their dynamic is funny, stubborn, and low-key romantic in a way that never steals the spotlight but adds warmth to the story. A dash of spice makes the romance feel real, but it never overtakes the plot.

The thing I loved most about this book was the characters. Each one has a purpose, whether they’re longtime friends, guests, nemesis or members of Sera’s unconventional family. Mandanna includes a nice range of diverse characters and even a character with Down’s syndrome, and none of it feels like box-checking. These are people with their own agency and impact, folded naturally into the fabric of the overall story. The inn itself feels like a character as well. It’s cozy, unpredictable and brimming with secrets. It’s the kind of place you want to check into yourself, curl up in front of a fire, and never leave. The worldbuilding is just as strong. The magical rules are clear, easy to follow, and add to the charm rather than slowing things down.

If I had to sum it up, this book is quirky, fun, and heartfelt. It doesn’t lean too heavily on romance or magic, rather it balances both while grounding the story in themes of family, belonging, and second chances. Sera may have lost much of her power, but her growth as someone who learns to find strength and joy in what remains is where the real magic lies.

This is a cozy, magical read with heart, humor, and a cast of characters you’ll want to keep close. By the end, I wasn’t just entertained. I wanted to book a room at that inn and let Sera pour me tea while the fox and undead rooster caused trouble in the background. If you’re looking for something to put you in a fall mood, this one deserves a spot on your list.

Book Club/Book Box: