Author: Sangu Mandanna
Genre: Cozy, witches, magic, LGBTQ

Some books have a certain kind of magic—the kind that wraps around you like a warm blanket, transports you to a world you never want to leave, and lingers in your heart long after the final page. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna is one of those books. It’s a beautiful blend of whimsy, warmth, humor, and heart, and from the moment I picked it up one peaceful morning at my cabin, I was completely enchanted. What started as a quick read with my morning coffee turned into a full-day obsession, and by the time my in-laws had guests over that evening, I was conveniently planted on the couch, book in hand, pretending to be engaged in conversation while secretly savoring every word.

At its core, this novel is a love letter to the idea that family isn’t always the one we’re born into—it’s the one we create. It’s about discovering where we belong, even when we’ve spent most of our lives feeling like we don’t quite fit. There’s something deeply comforting about the way this story unfolds, as if it’s gently reassuring the reader that no matter how lost we may feel, there’s always a place (and people) waiting for us to find them.

Mandanna’s writing is effortlessly charming, painting a world that feels both magical and familiar. The setting itself is a dream—Nowhere House is the kind of place I wish I could visit, filled with hidden nooks, mismatched furniture, overgrown gardens, and an undeniable sense of warmth and belonging. The atmosphere is rich with cozy details, making it the perfect escape for readers who love books with a strong sense of place.

Then there are the characters, each of whom feels wonderfully alive and distinct. The novel is filled with an eclectic cast—some mischievous, some grumpy, some exasperating, but all of them loveable in their own ways. Their relationships are the heart of the story, full of laughter, bickering, and those quiet moments of connection that make a book truly special. Even the smallest interactions are brimming with personality, making it easy to become deeply invested in their lives.

And of course, there’s the romance—a perfectly slow-burning, beautifully crafted love story that sneaks up on you in the best way. It’s filled with playful banter, unspoken glances, and those little moments of tenderness that feel so much bigger than words. Without giving too much away, it’s the kind of love story that leaves you smiling long after you’ve finished reading, the kind that reminds you why you love romance in the first place.

But beyond the magic and romance, this book also carries a quiet depth that makes it truly stand out. There’s an emotional resonance woven into the story that touches on themes of loneliness, identity, and the courage it takes to open our hearts to others. Mika’s journey is not just about discovering magic—it’s about discovering herself, and that is what makes this book so unforgettable.

I’ve been on a bit of a witchy-book obsession lately, and The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is easily one of my new favorites. It’s cozy and heartwarming but also rich with emotion, making it the perfect book to curl up with when you need a little bit of magic in your life. Sangu Mandanna has crafted something truly special, and I cannot wait for her next book to come out later this year. If it’s anything like this one, I already know I’ll be completely spellbound.

And the best part? There’s more to look forward to! I can’t wait for the next book A Witches Guide to Magical Innkeeping to come out this summer. If it’s anything like this one, I already know I’ll be completely spellbound. Either way I will find out because I preordered it the second I saw it was available.

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