This book is a cosy, warm embrace of a fantasy! It’s a found family tale with the cosiest form of witchiness and it’s so full of heart, hope and humour. The romance was lush, the story beautiful and it had me feeling all kinds of fuzziness inside whilst having me chuckling aloud on the outside. I can’t recommend this enough - a cosy, hopeful, weightless fantasy, a refreshing addition to the genre.

I really wanted to love this book the way I loved the House in the Cerulean Sea but the characters and conflict didn't land for me.

It's definitely not for me and I think House in the Cerulean Sea is an unfair comparison because the strength in this book lies with the romance not the children/found family - whereas the opposite is true in the House in the Cerulean Sea.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for sending me a copy in exchange for a review.

This has become one of my favourite books of all time!
it was so wholesome, so comforting, and so beautifully written - the characters were fleshed out, the kids adorable, and the romance was soooo good! Steamy, romantic and slow burn. Ten out of ten!
I can't wait for this author to write anything else!

Secrets can protect you. But they can also hurt you.

In an alternate Britain where anti-magic sentiments are high and a misfired spell has resulted in all magical children becoming orphans, Mika Moon has only known isolation and mistrust. She doesn't create strong ties and she definitely does not put down roots. But when a strange message on her social media account lures her to the mysterious Nowhere House, Mika has to decide if she should leave and report them to Primrose, ultimately separating three young children (and letting them grow up miserable under the very same Rules she's always hated)...or if she should stay and teach the three young witches how to control their magic (and maybe give them a sense of belonging and a semblance of a normal life).

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a beautiful story of belonging, acceptance, and found family. The longer Mika stays, the more she realises that maybe the way she was brought up wasn't quite right, even if the strict rules were put in place for her protection. The strange assortment of adults in the house - a retired actor and his gardener husband, a long-suffering housekeeper and a prickly librarian - soon show her what it means to live in community and love each other sacrificially, even when they're at odds with each other. It makes her want to finally set down roots - especially with that hot, prickly librarian who is oddly spending a lot of time with her.

In that light, I suppose you can also read the story as a fantasy romance - with all the predictability that that involves: secrets kept, revelations that come just a little too late, a betrayal of trust. Can Mika and Jamie truly trust each other when the starting point of their relationship was built upon a web of lies? Secrets are costly, but they're not the only ones keeping them. (I did somewhat see that twist coming.)

Overall, the book is a funny and heart-warming read, though not exactly clean. There is quite a bit of swearing and a sex scene somewhere in Chapter 26 - so despite its overall feel-good nature, not exactly one for younger readers.

Note: I received a digital ARC of this book from Hodder & Stoughton via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Mika Moon is a witch. Something she has had to hide all her life. An orphan whose parents died when she was a baby, and raised by strangers, Mika is no stranger to having to hide who she is, protect herself and her fellow witches, her one outlet is a youtube channel where she post videos pretending to be a witch, thinking no one will actually believe it's true. That is until she gets a mysterious message in her inbox 'Witch wanted', and even more vague and strange answers to her questions. So Mika does what anyone would do, she goes to the house and tries to find out what is going on. What she finds is a strange place, with an even stranger group of people inhabiting it, including three young witches. Mika knows that that much power in one place can surely only cause trouble, but she quickly gets sucked in to helping the children learn to harness and control their power. The more time she spends there, the more in love with falls with everyone, not least the prickly and scowly librarian Jamie, but Mika has a lot of scars from her past, some not quite healed over, and all it will take is one little lie for the life she has built to come tumbling back down.

Mika was such a fantastic character. We start the book falling into her easy charm, wit and smiles, but the more time we spend with her, the more we realise just how lonely her life is. Thanks to rules set by the 'head witch' of the UK, witches are only allowed to meet at certain times and places, certainly not live together, so Mika has spent her life flitting from place to place, never setting down roots, making friends because she knows it would never be true while she is keeping such a big thing from them. But then comes Nowhere House and the inhabitants that not only know shes a witch, they love her for it. It's easy to see why she gets drawn to this place, this life she never imagined herself having, and was both sad and heartwarming seeing her second guessing herself, thinking that surely they would get bored of her at some point and then slowly coming to realise this might just be where she fits.

As for side characters we meet a few of Mika's witchy friends, including Primrose, the head witch and woman who was in charge of raising Mika as a child. But the true stars of this story are the inhabitants of Nowhere House. Ian, the ex dramatic actor who likes to meddle in things he shouldn't, Ken, his long suffering husband and gardener for Nowhere House, Lucie the housekeeper who ended there after a failed marriage, Jamie the librarian and only real parent the children have ever known, and the children. Rosetta, Terracotta & Altamira, all three with tragic backstories who were brought to Nowhere House as babies and have been raised by the quirky bunch of people who live there. The children absolutely made this story what it was, they added humour, heartbreak as well as love.

You know those stories that when you're reading them, feel like you're getting enveloped in one big massive hug? That's what this book is like. It's hilarious, heartwarming, but also incredibly sad in parts, and the thing I loved most about it was seeing Mika develop all the different relationships, seeing her finally be accepted for what she is, not having to hide her witchiness. If you're a fan of the found family trope this is 100% the book for you. It is one big happy family, but every family has their cracks, and so does this one. The big threat throughout the story is if Primrose found out about these three witches being raised together, she would demand they be split up to lessen the danger. Mika knows what she is doing is dangerous, but she's also not willing to take these children from the only lives, the love that they have, especially knowing how hard it is to grow up alone. Some take their time trusting her, others are just instantly in awe of her power, but I loved seeing her worm her way into each and every life in the house.

The romance in this book was delicious and slowburn and just *chefs kiss.* Jamie, at first doesn't want Mika to come at all, let alone trust her with teaching the children they have spent so long trying to keep safe. He can't get used to her quirkiness, her charm, her smile, the way she seems to be slowly worming her way into belonging at Nowhere House. Mika also isn't quick to trust, but she finds it hard to not get drawn in to a life she has never had before, one filled with family and love. They both have their trauma, both have pasts they would rather forget, but what draws them together is their love for the children, their need to protect them and everyone else who lives at Nowhere House. There's plenty of snark, of surprised longing and it definitely gets a little steamy towards the end, but I loved seeing their relationship develop alongside all the others Mika makes.

If you enjoy fast reads, I polished this one off in an afternoon, filled with found family, quirky and lovable characters, magic and romance then you need to add this to your TBR asap. Mandanna's writing style, the wit and snark and quirkiness ensure that you never want to put the story down, and there are plenty of emotional moments thrown in to ensure you get invested in the story and characters. I can totally see why it's been compared to The House in the Cerulean Sea, but this story stands on it's own two feet, and I am incredibly excited to see what the author has in store for us next.

When Mika Moon is being summoned to Nowhere House to help learn 3 young witches how to harnass their magic, she doesn't expect to find this unconventional but loving family she wants nothing more than to be part of.

Growing up Mika was raised by different nannies, hired by Primrose the head of the 'Secret Society of Witches'. Lonely in the world where she spends no more than a couple of months in one place, Mika is contacted by Ian with his unusual request.

Slowly but surely Rosetta, Terracotta and Altamira, the 3 young witches, and Nowhere House start to feel like a real home to Mika. She helps Ian, Ken and Lucie lovingly look after the girls, learning them how to balance their powers and teach them more about magic.

Of course there is librarian Jamie, handsome but brooding, not sure if Mika is the best to help them with their precarious situation. But Jamie seems to understand Mika better than she sometimes does, and their attraction grows deeper.

I absolutely loved this book and found it very hard to put down. Wonderfully written, with very likable characters. I look forward to reading more from Sangu Mandanna.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for my eARC in return for my honest review.

This was utterly charming from start to finish and I couldn’t put it down - Practical Magic meets The House On the Cerulean Sea!

Mika has lived her life in almost-complete separation from other witches, following The Rules that keep them from being discovered. Her world is turned completely upside-down when she takes a job teaching three young witches. The girls are hidden in a secluded part of the Norfolk coast with an eclectic group of caretakers including a theatrical octogenarian and his husband, and a grumpy librarian who definitely hasn’t made up his mind about Mika just yet.

There’s a sweetness and a lightness to this story that I fell in love with, and I’d love to see more stories of the witches that Mika comes into contact with.

Having grown up in Norfolk, it was particularly wonderful to see the county included in such a lovely story.

Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. This review is entirely my own opinion.

I received an electronic advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you to Sangu Mandanna and Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the opportunity to read The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches before it’s release.

I can safely say that Mandanna has well and truly cast a spell on me with this book. Any book involving witches is sure to catch my eye; but I truly fell in love with the magic of Nowhere House.

Hired to be a live in tutor for three young witches; Mika Moon expects the worst- having been told all her life that only catastrophic things can come from multiple witches being in the same place for too long. What she does not expect, is to find a whole new way of living amongst this unique group of people.

I felt the pacing was brilliant throughout; the romance never overshadowed the ongoing plot to fool a solicitor and while there wasn’t any unexpected twists, there didn’t need to be! I loved all the characters within this book, even the troublesome Terracotta who certainly doesn’t think she needs any help.

What a beautiful story! The author has created a wonderful world where magic is real, but witches must hide for fear of being persecuted. When Mika Moon receives a message that begins 'Witch Wanted', she is intrigued. When she arrives at Nowhere House and meets the three young witches she should tutor, she doesn't realise that her life is about to change forever.

Beautifully written, with wonderful characters that come to life, this is a heartwarming story of love, friendship and belonging. I was sorry to leave them when it was over! Highly recommend.

4.25/5 Stars

This was a lovely book… I really enjoyed being part of this very secret society of characters.

Mika Moon (who is, of course, a witch) grew up in an environment where she was forced to hide her real nature. She is invited to be the tutor of three girls, and finds herself sharing house with some surprising characters, including (very grumpy, always handsome, sort of father figure to the girls) Jamie.
There are some nice interactions in this story, and it’s quite easy to grow fond of these characters. Just like life, there were some surprises and growth along the way, but all in all it was a very candid story, not necessarily due to the fact that the car was named “The Broomstick”.
I really liked the romance and how the dynamics between those two evolved, but for me this book is more about the complete group of characters. Each one of them make it special. There are laughs and philosophy and twists and found family and diversity representation and magic… Would definitely recommend.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton, the author and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When the blurbs said this one is a perfect recommendation of TJ Klune fans, I couldn't agree more.

I really love this book from the first page. The writing style is quiet simple yet so cute. I usually didn't enjoy many romance books. But, it seems my preference doesn't apply for this one. The slow burn romance is just perfect.

Also don't forget the stunning cover. Love it !!!

I am so pleased to be able to partake in the 'cosy fantasy' trend we're seeing popping up at the moment - life is hard enough let me have some escapism in my books. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna is one such book that so perfectly captures all of my favourite cosy things. There is magic, found family, gardening and growing and so much love captured in the pages of this wonderful book and I honestly cannot wait to recommend it to everyone I know - and their mums!
This is a world where there are witches but for their own safety they remain hidden both from society and, except for a few occasions, from each other. But Mika Moon (our main character) realises that this may be a safe choice but it might not be a healthy choice when she is called to look after three young witches under one roof - something unheard of in the witching world. This shouldn't work, shouldn't be allowed, but Mika takes on the challenge of keeping the girls - and their unusual family - safe. She might also find some romance on the way!
I loved this book, that's all I need to say really. It did exactly what I wanted it to do and was incredibly well written. I think it will be a comfort read for me in the future and I can see myself picking it up over and over again. This will inevitably be compared to The House in the Cerulean Sea because they do share an awful lot of similarities but for me this book felt a bit more nuanced, more considered and overall more successful in some ways.
I will be recommending this wonderful read to pretty much everyone from here on out, it's the cosy book we all deserve right now. Do yourself a favour and get yours today - it's magical.

Today I want to talk about a book that unfortunately has been little publicized and that has been a bit overshadowed by other great August book releases, but which I literally loved, and I know you will love it too!

The book is The very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna, out on August 23 by Hodder & Stoughton whom I thank along with Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Since few have ever heard of this book, I write the plot in a nutshell:
Mika Moon is a witch and she is part of a secret witchy society that meets once every three months. The rules are simple. Keep a low profile, hide your witch skills and stay away from other witches.

Mika is used to the rules of society, but she would like to talk about her abilities as a fearless and risk-free witch. A social media account seems like a great way to tell about her life as a witch until, through her videos of her on her social media, she receives a somewhat bizarre offer: to teach three young witches to control and use their magic in a house in the middle of the woods.

Arriving at Nowhere House, Mika finds more than she bargained for. She meets a wonderful group of people, including an elderly retired theatre actor with her husband, a grumpy but sexy librarian, and three young orphaned witches with not much control of their powers.

Little by little Mika realizes that in that magical house she is finding the family she never had, and maybe even love, but she and the people of Nowhere House have to face some problems before thinking about the future.

The book is truly a cuddle to the heart! It's a Grumpy x Sunshine romance found family with a pinch of magic, spells and magical potions.

I loved the fact that it was a Found Family (it's one of my favourite tropes) and I loved the fact that the book features a truly diverse cast of characters full of representation (LGBTQ+ characters, different ethnicities, an Indian MC, orphaned children and much more).

The characters are all truly adorable and I loved the bizarre family they make up, there is the protagonist Mika, an energetic witch, with a huge and always optimistic heart, Jamie, the grumpy but caring bookseller, the three little witches, pestiferous but very sweet and many other unforgettable characters.

Even the author's writing perfectly reflects the sweetness and warmth of the story!

The story is extremely cosy and perfect for the autumn/winter period. I highly recommend to read this book if you love Found Family stories, with a very nice Grumpy x Sunshine romance, with a hint of magic/witchcraft and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

P.S. the shed scene at the end of the book made me die with laughter, I think it's one of the funniest scenes I've ever read in my entire life (anyone who has read the book will understand what I'm talking about).

"This is either going to be the miracle you hoped for or it's going to be an absolute fucking disaster."

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Spice Meter: 🌶️

❗This is a spoiler-free ARC review from Netgalley❗

I am seriously losing my mind over the cuteness of this book. It was the most wholesome read so far. I felt pure joy, I laughed, I met some very unusual, delightful characters, aaaaand I cried a little too. All in all, this was a reading goal success. There wasn't much in the way of conflict for more than half of the book, (so don't expect an intensely engaging story) not counting grumpy and sunshine getting to know each other (you know how that is 🤗🤗), which left a lot of room for really funny, happy moments and bonding that may or may not have cured my depression a little. The use of the found family trope was excellent. It was a very pure story. Also, the writing style reminded me of Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett a little bit, with its tasteful humour, quirky characters, and delightfully ridiculous situations. I don't know if this is intended to be as a standalone, but I demand another book. I don't care. I want it.

Mika Moon, the main character, was delightful and really entertaining to read about. She was such a lovable character and such an awesome, badass witch. I really loved her, I laughed with her and found myself empathising with her, which means the character was written well. I also loved her attitude towards life, in spite of the loneliness she experienced all her life, even though I could never match it. I'm more the grumpy rather than the sunshine 😅😅 Mika also has a dog, her name is Circe and she's absolutely adorable (duuuuuh), and some koi fish named Hecate, Freyja, Medusa, and Ceridwen, all names which I really love and want to use for my pets. So you can imagine how much identified with this particular witch. I should mention that she also named her car Broomstick which is what I want to name my car now if I'm ever not broke long enough to buy one that is...😅😅

As expected, the love interest was amazing as well. James Kelly was delightful, hilariously grumpy, kind, and really really hot. This particular reader approves 🤩🤩 You should see how adorable he looked trying to convince himself he wasn't helplessly crushing on the charming, beautiful witch. He had his own found-family story and it was so emotional, and beautiful. If I could take Mika and Jamie, wrap them in a blanket, and give them milk and cookies I would. He was willing to do anything to protect the ones he loved. Especially the three young witches he was taking care of. He was also a reminder that men like this only exist in books written by women...I did not appreciate the reminder, to be perfectly honest 😑😑

I found the romance excruciatingly slow, which for me is pretty much ideal because I'm an uncurable masochist. I want to be tortured with lingering looks, longing, 'innocent' hand holding, and sweet, 'friendly' words until eventually, after more than half a book later they finally give me what I want, (which is more or less what happens here). In fact, the longer they take to get together the better. Yes, I have a problem. I will NOT do anything about it except read more exruciatingly slow-burn romances. Call me crazy, I don't care. I also definitely have a weak spot for the grumpy x sunshine trope. I can't help it. It's delightful every time. Just the idea of an insanely energetic, extroverted person teaming up with a broody, antisocial introvert brings me an innumerable amount of joy.

As for all the other characters, there isn't a single one I don't love unconditionally. Well...there is one actually, but he can suck it. He doesn't matter. Each character had their own unique, quirky personality, they were so damn lovable, funny, and cute. I had such a blast with all of them. Primrose may have had a stick up her ass but I still really really liked her. Ian, Ken, and Lucie (the girls' caregivers) were incredible. As for said girls, Rosetta, Altimira, and Terracotta, you couldn't find cuter witches no matter how hard you tried. They were so adorable and just as funny as everyone else in this book. It was such a brilliant experience with all of them.


I highly recomend it.

A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a wholesome witchy slice-of-life story set in the English countryside. The story follows the witch Mika as she takes up a position as magic teacher to three young witches. It features a big cast of characters, and everyone from the little girls to the elderly helpers at the house are just delightful. Quite frankly, the whole story is just delightful. There’s no real big bad, instead the source of tension is the arrival of a solicitor who can’t know the three little girls are witches. And you know what? It was a nice change of pace. Just following this weird found family and their daily life dealing with magic and healing past trauma. It’s a comfy and cozy read with a lot of heart and real-life based humor. Also the ending left me with a smile on my face, which is nice.

The Very Secret Society of Witches meets on the third Thursday of every third month. They never meet in the same place twice and this is the only chance for its members to connect and socialize as witches can stay too long together because it attracts too much magic.

Mika Moon is one of its members, one of the youngest. Orphaned right after her birth, she was raised by a string of nannies and tutors. Mika is used to being alone and she never stays long in the same place. She posts online videos where she pretends to be a witch and that’s how she attracts the attention of a particular inhabitant of Nowhere House who contacts her to teach three young witches to control their magic. When she arrives at Nowhere House she is welcomed warmly by most of the residents, which include two caretakers and one retired actor, except for one of her charges, Terracotta, who comes up with different ideas on how to murder her, and Jamie, the handsome and grumpy librarian, whose constant scowl is proof she doesn’t trust her. As Mika starts to feel like she belongs, someone threatens her happiness and that of the people she has come to care about…

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I loved the setting, the writing, the plot, but, most of all, the characters. They are eccentric, witty, vivid, and engaging and you can’t help but love them. Mika is relatable, funny, and smart; Jamie is charming and prickly and he would do anything to protect the three young witches; Ian, an energetic and eccentric retired actor, who likes to play Cupido; kind and considerate Ken who, despite not having any powers, has a magical touch in the garden; Lucie, the caring housekeeper who tries to keep everyone in line; and all of them would do anything – including come up with far-fetched and absurd plans – to protect the three young witches in their care: Rosette, Terracotta, and Altamira.

I can’t recommend The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches enough. There is romance, magic, entertaining plans and much more. It was such such an enjoyable, addictive, and superb read and I am really hoping for a sequel in the future.

Sangu Mandanna’s The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a cozy and heartwarming hug of a book that, like it’s utterly loveable protagonist will melt even the coldest—and grumpiest—of hearts. It’s a lighthearted (and Hallmark-worthy) tale of love, acceptance, found family and human connection that I literally couldn’t put down.

It follows Mika Moon, a witch who (like most witches) lost her parents at a young age and was raised in isolation so as not to draw attention to her magic. Mika has gotten used to her solitary life, only meeting with fellow witches sporadically to limit the risk of detection. But, all that changes when Mika receives a message asking her to travel to Nowhere House and teach three young witches in need of her guidance—a post she readily accepts.

Mika’s arrival at Nowhere house heralds a big change for the young witches, their guardians and for Mika who feels—for the first time in her life—that she can truly belong.

I loved every second of this adorably sweet and wholesome, witchy romance. It’s Practical Magic meets Mary Poppins premise was utterly perfect! Having sped through this at a record pace, I definitely feel like I’ll be floating on the lighthearted, feel good vibes for a long while to come!

The word building was really good if a little light, but the characters were exceptionally well written and complex which I really enjoyed—I loved the found family that this endearing, rag tag group creates and really brings to mind the feel good/cozy vibes I get from T.J Klune’s books.

Mika, our loveable protagonist was absolutely phenomenal, she’s such an endearing and optimistic person who manages to see the good in almost everyone—even when they try to exploit her kind-hearted nature. Having grown up away from children her own age and with a revolving door of tutors and nannies—it’s not difficult to see just how lonely and guarded she is, never staying in one place longer than six months. But her blossoming confidence and growing friendships (with Ian, Lucie, Ken, Jamie and the girls) were such a delight to watch unfold—especially when seeing just how happy having a place to belong (and finally call home) made Mika.

I also loved all three of the girls (Rosetta, Terracotta and Altamira) and really enjoyed how adorably cheeky they were—though they had each other (something Mika never did) it was great to see just how much being around a fellow witch who could help them control their powers, give insight into their unique situations and really helped them to thrive. Especially the sassy firecracker,Terracotta who was pretty set against Mika to begin with.

I adored the swoon worthy, slow burn romance between Mika and cranky librarian, Jamie and watching Mika’s sunshine personality slowly break down Jamie’s stony defences was an absolute delight!

Overall, this gently humorous contemporary fantasy is full of endearing, larger than life characters and a whimsically uplifting plot that you’ll find yourself fully immersed in—and if you’re anything like me, you won’t want it to end!

I definitely recommend checking this out if you love sunshine/grump, found family or since of life-style fiction.

A massive thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for the e-arc.

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC!

I'm in LOVE with this book.

This book is so heartwarming and at the same time we will also given the "heart break" of this characters. Mika is a witch. She live almost all her alone and moving to one place regularly because she believe that is the safest thing to do for herself. Until one day, she got a message to tutor 3 young witches. Of course she didn't believe it at all because no one knows her as a witch except her group but with curiosity she came to them. And there, she saw human and 3 young witches live together as family. She decided to help them and slowly she fell in love with this little family.

As you can see, this book is about found family. Mika want someone to love her for herself. And I really love Mika here. I thought she would be a little childish but no, she's mature and can handle these 3 cute young witches so well! I love these young witches and their interaction between them and to adult around them. Their so pure and lovable, every comment they make successfully to create a smile to me. Focus on creating the family, this little family is so great, their interaction, their bantering, how protective of them to each other is beautiful. I also love the relationship that develop between Mika and Jamie, their love story didn't dominate overall story so the heartwarming in this book is preserved.

This is what I would call a cosy witchy romance story. It was utterly lovely, and I loved every second of it! The plot was great, the characters lovable and the romance positively swoon-worthy. Can highly recommend!

In The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches we follow Mika Moon, one of the few witches in Britain, who is currently creating witchy internet content for a living, as she moves to Nowhere House following a mysterious invite, to teach three young witches the art of controlling their magic. However things aren't as clear cut as Mika initially believes and we end up on a whimsical journey of what it means to be a witch and the true power of friendship.

This was such a cosy read, I adored all the characters and their relationships were a joy to read.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for the chance to read The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.