A beautiful story about belonging and finding your chosen family. Mika was contacted to help train three young witches, in a world where magic is hidden, and witches must find a way to survive alone. The story follows Mika, he finding where she belongs and finding purpose in her life.
I really enjoyed the story, I wish there was more on the girls and more focus on magic. The love interest was fun and good to read, though I was expecting a tiny bit more magic than there was.
Having said that, it was wonderfully written and I couldn't put it down!

Basically it's House on the Cerulean Sea with witches!
It gave me the same warm fuzzy feelings when they all bonded and found out this was where they belonged 😊 slightly rushed epilogue but really enjoyed it, give me more!

I thoroughly enjoyed the secret society of irregular witches immensely. The story was beautifully written and I really appreciate storytelling which has a strong female character at its core. This was a really enjoyable read for me with well developed characters and prominent cosy autumnal vibes. The perfect autumn read if you enjoy feel good romances with a serving of fantasy.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a cosy witchy romance!

Such a heartwarming read featuring precocious children, a grumpy meets sunshine romance and a large helping of magic.

The plot is pretty low stakes with a comfortably predictable ending, but that’s all part of the charm. There is an intriguing twist and it’s the characters you’re reading for, all of which will steal your heart!

I enjoyed the world building and learning about the magic system as it’s taught to three young witches with little existing knowledge. I’d very much like to return to this world at some point, it would be interesting to explore how witches exist in other cultures and countries.

While this is mostly an easy read, it does deal with some more serious topics such as loneliness, family and identity. This adds an extra dimension and is mostly well done despite the generally cheerful nature of he book.

This book is perfect if you’re looking for a comfy, satisfying read!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Many thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!

This book is about Mika, one of the few witches living secretly in modern day Great Britian. Or, at least she thought she was keeping her secret, until she receives a message starting with "Witch Wanted" in her instagram inbox. Half convinced that the following job offer is only a joke, she takes it up and becomes the tutor to three young witches living in a place called Nowhere House.

What immediately appealed to me were the key words cozy fantasy, found family, and rom-com. This book fulfilled all those and more - reading it was pure joy. I loved the humor and was constantly giggling or smiling. The world and its characters are slightly chaotic and so very lovable. I also appreciate the general maturity, something I didn't realize I hadn't expected, since the topic of witches usually makes me think of YA (even though I knew the book is an adult fantasy). It feels very refreshing.

As I mentioned, the characters are all great. Not everyone has the opportunity for as much background and depth as the protagonists, but the entire cast still felt lively and authentic. I especially liked Jamie, grumpy local librarian (although I might be a tiny bit biased towards librarians, haha) who is completely blindsided by Mika's sunny personality. Their dynamics were quite fun to witness and their character development felt perfect. Seeing them slowly grow together is simply heartwarming!

I did end up wishing that the book wasn't so short, since I would have loved to stay longer at Nowhere House. The pacing is perfect as it is, but still, at the end I wanted more because I had such a good time. The ending itself was able to gather up all the tension that had been discarded in the previous cozy atmosphere and I loved being carried through all the plot twists. It was certainly a great experience to unravel all the hints that had been provided from the beginning.

All in all, I really enjoyed the book and can only recommend it. It is filled with comfort, family, community, sunflowers, stardust and magic. The themes of belonging, of staying true to yourself and of trusting others are prevalent in the most beautiful way. This is the perfect book for anyone in the mood of a cozy, funny fantasy with a truly colorful cast that forms the most wonderful of witchy families.

I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!

I usually read fantasy book with witches that has adventure or high stakes but this book apparently isn't one of them. There are witches, yes, and magic, but they live like a normal human and blend well with human too, you won't even know they're witches at a glance. That's because they've been keeping their ability a secret. They live alone, separated from each other to avoid danger and suspicions. But they held routine meetings to talk and exchange new spells (if there's any).

Mika Moon has been lonely her whole life. She, like every witch, was orphaned young. She grew up in the hand of several caretakers that changed every time her identity started to be suspected. One day she uploaded a video about her pretended to be a witch and that video went viral. One of the viewer turns out to be able to saw that she's not a regular human, so that's when Mika's life started to change.

I LOVE how serene the atmosphere, how mundane and looked "normal" this story was. It's focused on the characters, the dynamics are fun and lovely, and they live a normal life like a normal family, except there's witches and magic. The magic system was easy to understand too so it didn't require a lot of thinking. I adored the found family, their bond are absolutely as strong as real biological family. The characters are so diverse and covered a wide age range which was made the interactions even more interesting. It also has slow burn romance that's so adorable even though they're adults. Some of the parts made me emotional in a good way too.

Overall this was such a relaxing book and I enjoyed everything about it.

I loved this book. It was magical, and heart-warming, I can guarantee I'll be reading it again. The story was really well done, but I do wish that we could see even more of the family hijinks going on in Nowhere House!

When I started reading this I told someone it had House of the Cerulean Sea vibes. I later found a review that said it was 'The House in the Cerulean Sea meets Practical Magic' so my vibes were clearly right!

It's witchy and has romance, 3 funny kids and a load of other great characters.

Mika is the protagonist (no she doesn't sing about Grace Kelly) who is just on the right side of bubbly, I think if she were any frothier it would be annoying but I really liked her.

The spells and the magic were beautifully described and I loved the connection with nature.

A great book if you are in the mood for a chilled, easy read.

Thanks to @netgalley
and @penguin for the ARC

I read Travis Baldree's Legends and Lattes early this year and was quite surprised by my own reception to low stakes in my fantasy reads, so I did request a copy of this book as soon as I saw it. This is a charming, paranormal fantasy that can be read in a single sitting. The book begins with Mika, our main character, beginning a meeting with other witches, as she tries to come up with multiple names for their gathering, in order to get to Primrose, her adoptive guardian who functions as their head witch. This sets the tone for the chapter, as well as for the rest of the book.

"WITCH WANTED. Live-in tutor wanted for three young witches. Must have nerves of steel. Previous teaching experience not necessary. Witchiness essential."
The story really kicks off as Ian, one of the many characters who inhabit Nowhere house discovers Mika as a witch from her presence on social media, and sends her a message, seeking a tutor for Terracotta, Altamira. and Rosetta, the children of the Nowhere household, who are in dire need of lessons to help keep their magical powers in control. Nowhere house is also home to Ken, Ian's partner, who is as calm and composed as Ian is flamboyant like the stage actor he once was, Lucie, the motherly housekeeper, and Jamie, the librarian who will surely give you "Bah! Humbug!" vibes, as far as Mika is concerned.

The book contains a limited amount of worldbuilding. There is just enough shown to keep the story going, but this is not a book that focuses on big stakes and problems that affect a entire populations of people. As the story progresses, the reader is slowly shown different interactions that show growth in most of the characters. It almost feels like the author took her time planning each of them in order to have a wonderful balance of respect for personal boundaries and displays of empathy, along with showcasing the need for communication about the difficult things in life, in order to get the characters to open up to others.

We talk often about books that can be read in one sitting. This book reads like the author could've written it in a single sitting. What I loved about the author's handling of the different topics this book contains, is that they feel so easily woven into moments which occur in everyday life, that it is so easy to forget that this is a work of fiction. There are moments of humour, of compassion, ones that show care and hurt, and all of them feel so natural to the flow of the story.

This book contains a romantic subplot, which is the only part of the book that I did not fully enjoy, and this purely boils down to preference. I have loved reading a lot of romantic fantasies lately, and I have observed that I lean toward those that progress slowly. I didn't particularly feel that in this book, but I also have a strong suspicion that it might be because of the large set of characters in this book.

This is a bite-sized paranormal story that is perfect for readers who love found families. It is compelling exploration of connection, and the importance of conversation in creating, maintaining, and strengthening it.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a wholesome story and a breath of fresh air. I devoured this book in a matter of hours. Mika Moon was a cheery, vulnerable and quirky woman who you'd fall in love with. Add in a grumpy and handsome librarian, meddling elders, three young kids growing into their powers and this makes a fun and engaging story. This was light-hearted, hopeful, and serious at times. I loved Ian's meddlesome nature, Ken's gentleness and the kids innocence and mischievous antics. The story was predictable but I loved reading every second of it. It is a typical story about a woman getting a job of tutoring young kids in the middle of nowhere but at the same time it was much more than that. It explored the concept of identity, finding acceptance and love. I loved seeing Mika opening herself and finding a family in them. If you are looking for a joyous story about acceptance and finding your family with a dash of romance and magic, this would be the perfect book for you.

This was the cosy, witchy fantasy romance I never knew I needed & I’m pretty sure this is a new comfort book!

Mika Moon is an isolated witch who uses social media to covertly share her magic. After being approached online she travels to Nowhere House to teach three young witches how to control their powers.

There’s such a great cast of people in this book, Mika is a ray of sunshine, but still very down to earth & relatable & our main man Jamie is the grumpus you want him to be! Ian, Ken & Lucie along with the girls are all great side characters, well rounded & none of them detract from the story or feel like added extras.

Although not a huge amount happens in this book, I was completely sucked into the world & finished the book in one day! The grumpy x sunshine pairing was lovely & I liked the found family dynamics too.

I read half via e-book & half with audio. The narrator did a great job with the different voices & I found her voice to be perfect for the book, lovely & calming which fit the tone of the book very well.

The atmosphere Sangu created is exactly what I needed & my only regret is that I read it on a 35 degree day & not a cold, rainy afternoon so that I could really appreciate the full cosy vibes. I literally have nothing bad to say about this book, I read it a week ago & I already want to re-read it!

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton/Hodder & Stoughton Audio & Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna is a cozy witchy story and follows Mika Moon.
 
Mika is a witch but grew up very isolated and alone. This is because a large amount of magic attracts trouble and catastrophic events. However, this very much weighs on her and she does some videos on witchcraft. Mika is a really inspiring and kindhearted person, and she was a lovely protagonist.
 
One day she gets approached by the Nowhere House and they want her to teach the three children there who are supposedly also witches. Mika is very skeptical of this, but at the same time curious and checks it out. That puts her very much out of her comfort zone and her beliefs are pushed. The three girls were so sweet and full of life, and I really liked that they were also characters and not only background characters. The found family aspect is just one of my favorite tropes and this was such a good one.
 
The plot is really slow and gentle. While that was enjoyable, sometimes I didn’t really know where the story was going. Only in the second half of the book turns and things start to happen, and Mika needs to figure out how much she is willing to do for her found family.
 
The story is just a comforting, cozy and heartwarming read. I feel like it would also be perfect to read in the fall and if you like The House in the Cerulean Sea, I think you would also like this one.
 
Overall, if you are looking for a comfort read with a bit of magic, check this one out. 3,5 stars.
 
(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)

I hadn’t really heard much about The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches until I saw some fellow bloggers and bookstagrammers receive the proof. I saw the word witches and was sold! I thankfully was approved for an eARC from the amazing Kate at Hodder and I dove straight in. Prior to reading this book I hadn’t really read for about a month, I was in the biggest reading slump I have had in years. This book was a godsend, and it came at the right time for me and it brought me out of the book slump. This book is just absolutely perfect!

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches follows the story of Mika, a 31-year-old witch who has spent her entire life alone. She has no family, and she moves around before she gets attached or anyone finds out her secret. When she is called to Nowhere House to teach three young witches, she finds more than she ever counted on.

This book is one of the best, most uplifting books I have ever read. It is just so adorable and sweet and it has some of my all time favourite book tropes in it. It actually gave me the same vibes and feelings as The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, which is another of my favourite books I have read this year. I absolutely loved that the main character was in her 30s. As a single person in their 30s, it was really uplifting to read about a character who doesn’t have her whole life together by that age. I read so many books about teenagers or people in their early 20s getting their happy ever after… it was really refreshing to read one about a character a little bit older.

I just loved every single moment of this book. It has found family, and the grumpy/sunshine trope which is one of my favourites. Right from the very first page, I was obsessed with this amazing book. I loved the characters, the setting, the witches. There was even some major twists and turns that I did not see coming. If you know me well, you’ll know I pretty much guess every twist in every book really early. So the fact that this one left me shocked, is a major plus!

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches should be a must read for everyone. It was everything I love in a book and more! I cannot recommend this book enough. It is without a doubt one of the best books I have read so far this year (and I’ve read over 60 books). It was utter perfection. Funny, witty and just a whole lot of feel good vibes. This is one you do not want to miss.

This was truly magical, such a beautiful read about finding yourself and where you belong. The found family theme was perfect and I felt like this was a cuddle in a book. I loved all of the characters and the story itself was simple but wonderful. I adored it, was exactly what I needed to read.

Mika is a witch and it's against the Rules to meet other witches and tell people you're a witch. She grew up alone, looked after by nannies whose memories were erased when they no longer took care of her. So when she is asked to help some orphaned young witches she feels like she has to.
She goes to Nowhere House to meet the girls, I loved the house and I loved the people who lived there, each person with a distinctive personality.
For me great characters make a story. Ian probably stood out the most for me, a theatrical man reminding me of a certain actor with the same name, surely a coincidence but I couldn't help seeing him when I read this as their positive personalities are similar.

This novel is a light hearted, effortless read and a unique world of magic.
I did guess part of the secrets in the story but it may have been obvious.

My only criticism was that about half way through there was a very clunky moment where the story jumped ahead. Ruined my enjoyment of it. I'd have liked to have read the scene in the pantry! Rather than be told what happened, which is something that happens on occasion.

But I loved the novel so much that anything minor I can ignore and still enjoy the story. I really hope it's the start of a series!
This book is a feel good balm of a novel just like Mika.

This story was phenomenal and I am still thinking about it a week after I finished it. I literally could not put this down - I was so pleased to get the audiobook as well as the book as I could switch between them when necessary. This story was beautiful, and I usually hate it when people say this book is like this book. However, this book has all the feels of T J Klune's House on the Cerulean Sea. Obviously, it is not too similar, and that is what makes them both so special.

Mika is such a strong and amazing woman and of course an awesome witch. Her childhood was not the best, but also not the worst. But as an adult, she can never reveal herself fully to anyone. She cannot tell anyone she is a witch, she cannot hang out with other witches and she moves a lot to try and not get too attached. Until someone asks her for help and says please.

No Where house felt like coming home to Mika and somewhere I would love to be as well. Mika starts to realise every rule she has abided by maybe not be all they seem.

Everyone needs to read this book, it has all the cosy vibes and I love seeing such amazing women and girls learn to lean on one another and make their worlds better.

What a truly delightful read. SM’s writing pulled me into the story from the very first chapter and kept me engaged throughout the story. Mika was an excellent lead. Despite the sadder aspects of her upbringing and life she never lost her kindness. She was warm hearted, smart, brave, capable, talented and completely relatable. Her journey was handled well. She was also the gateway into this world and it was truly magical to see it through her eyes.

Nowhere house , its residents, the impact they had on Mika and the impact she had on them was a highlight. Loved the girls, Rosetta, Terracotta and Altamira and their distinct but interesting personalities (their interactions with the adults legitimately made me lol). Ken , Ian, Lucie, Primrose and Circe (pupper) were great supporting characters who really added to the story . Jamie was wonderfully grumpy, loving and protective and a good counter to Mika’s character. Watching the development of Jamie and Mika’s relationship and how she progressively wormed her way under his skin and into his heart was a delight. A really well developed, believable relationship with great chemistry.

There are some fun twists and an interesting journey for all with a really satisfying ending. ( 5 ⭐️).

4.5! I really really enjoyed this!!
A big comforting magical hug. An absolutely awesome example of found family. Seen this compared to House in the Cerulean Sea, and can totally see that it has a very similar heartwarming vibe.

Loved all the characters, lots of diversity and all so fun and loveable in different ways. Full of friendship, heart and love. There was just so many sweet and funny moments. I would have liked even more time with the side characters to be honest.

The way the romance played out was so satisfying. Mika and Jamie made such a good balanced couple. I often find the dynamic of romance in books unequal and icky, but this was so right! Even the tiny bit of spice was good and written well, without going into too much detail.

Not quite a 5 because some bits were a little too cheesy and twee for me. But definitely one I will pick up if I need a serotonin boost!!

If you liked Cerulean Sea, chances are, you would like this book.
If you didn’t like Cerulean Sea, chances are, you would still like this book more.

It has a lot of the same ingredients, including the feeling of crayon-colored picture book, but where the other book pissed me off by its endless condescending twee-ness, this one was livelier and more genuine about the points it was trying to make. And what do you know, when one is not trying to write a reformation story about a protagonist l with informed flaws, there is room for some warmth, after all. But you have to like the ingredients to like the soup, so resign yourself to setting aside your grinchness if you want to enjoy the genre.

Thanks to #Netgalley for an advance copy of the book.

4.25 out of 5 stars!

This heartwarming gem of a book is the very definition of cosy and makes the perfect comfort read, with its quirky and lovable characters and the quaint and magical setting. It was so beautifully written and so enchanting I could almost feel the magic coming off its pages and surrounding me like a warm hug. I loved Mika, she was such a relatable main character, and just like her, I found myself irrevocably falling in love with all the inhabitants of Nowhere House. And I absolutely adored the romance! I would totally recommend this book to anyone looking for a magical, romantic and cosy read.

Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for approving my request for this book via Netgalley.