I absolutely loved the characters in this book! Mika Moon, the main character, is a witch who agrees to tutor three orphaned magical children. Each of these children, Rosette, Terracotta, and Altamira, is unique and lovable, each with their own distinct personalities and challenges. Rosette, the oldest at ten, is social and friendly. Terracotta, the eight-year-old, is rebellious and spirited, while seven-year-old Altamira is more reserved but equally endearing. Their interactions with Mika and each other are full of warmth and genuine affection, making their growth throughout the story deeply satisfying to witness.


The supporting cast adds even more depth and warmth to the story. Ian Kubo-Hawthorn, an eccentric retired actor who brings Mika to Nowhere House, is a vibrant character who, despite his age, is full of life and humor. His partner, Ken, is a kind and gentle soul who brings a sense of stability and care to the household. Lucie, the motherly housekeeper, is nurturing and supportive, embodying the heart of the home. And then there’s Jamie, the brooding Irish librarian, who initially resists Mika’s presence but gradually reveals a softer, more vulnerable side. The dynamics among these characters are rich and multifaceted, making them feel like real, huggable people that I could spend pages reading about.

The story is a delightful mix of magic, romance, and found family. Mika, who has never stayed in one place for long due to a traumatic childhood, finds herself at Nowhere House, where she is tasked with tutoring three young witches. This setup is not without its challenges, as Mika must navigate the children’s uncontrolled magic and their various emotional needs. The tension of keeping their abilities hidden adds a layer of suspense, especially with the looming threat of Edward Foxhaven’s visit, which could disrupt their fragile sanctuary if he discovers their secrets.


The romance between Mika and Jamie, with its grumpy/sunshine dynamic, is a highlight of the plot. Their relationship develops slowly and naturally, with each character learning to trust and open up to the other. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their interactions are filled with witty banter and tender moments. The plot, while having a few predictable elements, is engaging and heartwarming. It tackles themes of loneliness, acceptance, and the importance of family, both chosen and biological, in a way that feels genuine and impactful.

The writing style is cosy and charming, with a perfect blend of wit and warmth. Sangu Mandanna’s prose is engaging and easy to read, making it a pleasure to immerse myself in the story. The descriptions of magic are vivid and whimsical, adding a delightful sense of wonder to the narrative. The dialogue is sharp and often humorous, bringing the characters to life and highlighting their distinct personalities. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for moments of quiet introspection alongside more action-packed scenes.


There are some steamy scenes and a bit of profanity, but they are tastefully done and serve to enhance the characters’ relationships and the overall story. Mandanna skillfully incorporates these elements without detracting from the book’s overall cosy and heartwarming tone. The author’s ability to create a cosy, witchy atmosphere is commendable, making the reader feel as though they are right there in Nowhere House, surrounded by magic and love.

The book explores themes of loneliness, belonging, and the importance of found family. Mika’s journey from isolation to finding a place where she truly belongs is both touching and relatable. The story emphasises the idea that family is not just about blood relations but about the connections we choose to make and the people who accept us for who we are. This theme is beautifully illustrated through Mika’s interactions with the residents of Nowhere House and her growing bond with the children she tutors.

Additionally, the book touches on the challenges of living with secrets and the fear of being different. The witches’ need to hide their abilities for safety and acceptance resonates with anyone who has ever felt the need to hide a part of themselves. The romance adds another layer of depth, highlighting the power of love and acceptance in overcoming past traumas and fears. The diverse backgrounds of the characters also subtly address issues of representation and inclusion, making the story even richer and more meaningful.


This book fits perfectly within the fantasy and romance genres. It combines elements of cosy witchcraft, found family, and romantic tropes seamlessly. The magical elements are enchanting and well-integrated into the story, creating a whimsical yet believable world. The romance, while following some familiar tropes, is fresh and engaging, with well-developed characters and a compelling emotional arc. Fans of witchy romances and heartwarming stories will find this book enchanting. It’s a wonderful example of the witch-core aesthetic in literature, blending magic and everyday life in a way that feels both fantastical and relatable.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming, magical read. It’s a delightful blend of magic, romance, and found family that will leave you feeling uplifted and charmed. The characters are vivid and lovable, the story is engaging, and the writing is enchanting. The book’s themes of belonging and acceptance are particularly resonant, offering a comforting message about the power of love and community. Overall, it’s a spellbinding read that deserves a place on anyone’s bookshelf. Reading The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches was an absolute pleasure, and it cast a charming, heartwarming spell on me from start to finish

Warm, cosy and heartwarming, I loved this book about love and found family.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

I loved every page of this book. Cute and cosy, but with some drama, romance, and of course magic. Ther are some wonderful characters in this story, each carrying their own personal difficulties but find comfort in found family.
I would love to read individual books about the children of The Very Secret Society of irregular Witches as the grow into adulthood.

"An absent archeologist, a housekeeper, a librarian, a gardener, a retired actor and three unlikely witches. As backstories went, it was one of the weirdest Mika had ever heard."

Another novel that appreciates the inherent romance of stars and the sea. This was an exquisite read for me. Magical, whimsical, cosy. An instant comfort read.

✨Found family
✨Sunshine x grumpy
✨Adorable magical children
✨Studio Ghibli vibes
✨Kissing in the rain
✨"We talked about this. Murder can't be your first choice every time you don't like something"
✨A Good Dog.

Recommended for anyone that likes a touch of magic in their romance. And grumpy librarians.

Thanks to netgalley

This was just lovely. Very similar vibe to The House on the Cerulean Sea. Full of found family and magic. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a fabulous fantasy read.
So cute, so cosy, so magical, wholesome and a teeny bit of spice!
Reminded me a lot of The House in the Cerulean Sea. Full of fantastic characters.
I highly recommend!

I really enjoyed this book.

It was cute, fun, lighthearted and cosy with tropes of sunshine x grumpy and found family.

I liked Mika's personality throughout, she is quite a lonely person having been raised quite isolated and this continues into adulthood, but despite her fears, she chooses to try and be positive and to approach everything with optimism.

Sometimes in books with a romantic subplot, there is a spanner thrown into the mix but it worked for the plot and wasn't just thrown in for the sake of it luckily.

I liked all of the characters and could see myself re-reading this as an autumn read😊

This was such a cute and cozy fantasy! The magic felt homely, the relationships were heartwarming and sweet, and the story was one of those perfect narratives that have little drama but still just enough to keep you interested. Irregular Witches focusses on family, happiness and identity with immaculate whimsical vibes! Perfect if you’re looking for a quiet, easy read with lots of feels.

I loved the central message of acceptance, and allowing yourself to be loved when you think you don’t deserve it. I do agree with some other reviews that I didn’t really connect with the romance plot, but it was cute in the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such a nice cosy book that premises on found family and love between a grumpy and a sunshine character. All the characters are so cute and their story line kept my hear warm through all the pages. Amazing novel that's good for your heart.

"The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" revolves around Mika Moon, a young adult witch leading a secretive life until her social media persona attracts the attention of a family in need. Reluctantly, Mika becomes a magical tutor for three young girls in Nowhere House, defying her lifelong fear of exposure. The story unfolds into a delightful narrative of found family, love, and magical bonding, featuring a likable and relatable heroine, Mika, and her sweet romance with the grumpy Irish librarian, Jaime. While the book introduces an original take on witches and offers a cozy fantasy experience, some side characters could be more fully developed, and occasional sex scenes feel slightly out of place in an otherwise wholesome and family-friendly read. Overall, "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" is recommended for fans of heartwarming fantasy. It is indeed an absolutely delightful read!

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! This book was exactly what I needed. It is cosy, fun, magical, romantic and has a sprinkling of mystery throughout. I am honestly obsessed with it. This was such a wonderful book and it really enraptured me. I tried so hard not to devour it all in one sitting and managed to make it last two whole days! I will absolutely be buying any future works from this author, it was just so so good. Thank you so much for the eARC!

Very cute. Very cosy. Perfect for this time of year. An adorable group of little witches and a grumpy/sunshine pairing made for a really fun read.

What a delight this book was utterly charming and oh so quaint. Usually I steer clear of contemporaries and romance, and I only picked this up initially for the witchy element, but I was pleasantly surprised. Great structure to the story an engaging plot and lovely warm characters. A little twee in parts, but overall enjoyable.

I loved this! The perfect escapist read, it's a cosy and warm story about family, love, and witchcraft. I love a found family story and this executed the trope to perfection. I need more about these characters!

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was A perfect read for this time of year
It was such a cozy book and was a delight to read
Highly recommended

This book is such a cozy and cute romance I practically burst into sugar dust.
Read if you like feel good cozy books with witchcraft, kids, and romance.

Lovely book! Really enjoyed it. In the story, the side characters truly shined.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC copy of this book, in exchange for this honest review.

I love a good romance and I love fantasy! The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is the perfect book to curl up and read in winter. I loved the world and the way the magic system worked. The way in which the characters interacted with each other was great. I will definitely be reading more from Sangu Mandanna

I loved these books. Both of them were so good, so full of women power. I ope more and more people will reach for them. I will defo read more by the author.

A cozy, quirky read filled with witches, Magic and romance ✨️
So uplifting and I absolutely loved it being set in Britain 🇬🇧