The Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping was an absolute delight! It was whimsical, warm and with a heartbeat that comes from its beautifully diverse cast of characters. At the centre is Sera, a once-powerful witch who lost most of her magic as a teenager when she brought back her beloved great-aunt… and a rooster. Exiled from her guild, she’s spent the last fifteen years running a magical inn that appears only to those who truly need it. Some who arrive never leave, becoming part of the inn’s eclectic and loveable found family.
When a chance to restore her magic appears, Sera teams up with Luke, a fellow witch, his brilliant and autistic nine-year-old sister Posy and the inn’s residents to gather what she needs. Along the way, the story weaves in tender romance, fierce loyalty and heartfelt representation. From queer relationships to characters navigating mental health, racism and the lingering harm of colonialism. These deeper themes sit beautifully alongside the cozy fantasy elements, making the warmth feel earned and the comfort all the richer.
I adored the way this book explores the magic of safe spaces, places where people can finally exhale, be loved without question and heal from old wounds. The romance between Sera and Luke is lovely, but the true love story here is the one between Sera and her inn family, each of them finding ways to be their truest selves. There’s so much joy, vulnerability and humour here plus a skeleton rooster called Roo-Roo who absolutely steals the show.
It’s everything I crave in this genre: cozy vibes, a sprinkle of romance, found family, a bit of chaos and just enough magic to make your heart ache in the best way. I laughed, I cried and I closed the last page feeling like I’d just been hugged.
⭐️5/5 stars This was everything and more for me!
Amy Leigh Reads 