The house on the cerulean sea heterosexual version, or at least mainly straight. Nothing bad for goodness sake, it just reminded me so much of it and all in all there are no big twists and turns, but as a summer read it's just fine, plus I like the little witches.

La casa sul mare celeste in versione etero, o almeno principalmente etero. Niente di male per caritá, solo che mi ha ricordato tantissimo quel libro e tutto sommato non ci sono grossi colpi di scena, ma come lettura estiva va benissimo, inoltre le tre streghette sono carinissime.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

I wasn't expecting much when I requested this book, the cover gives me the image of a cutesy witchy book... which this book absolutely is, however it is so much more. First thing I'd love to mention is that the swearing and this being set in the UK made me so happy! It's rare to have contemporary fantasy that's not set in America so I'd just like to thank the author for that.

This book is plot focused with a side grumpy x sunshine romance with some steamy scenes. I loved the slow burn romance between the couple. I enjoyed that the romance wasn't too heavily set on and that the plot didn't revolve around the romance and instead the children.

The world contained an effortless and easy magic system that made sense, I liked how it wasn't too complex and there wasn't too much world building which allowed this book to be such a fun cute cozy read for me.

As I had the audiobook version I'd also like to mention that the narrator was fantastic, she made each individual characters different and fresh, I adored her accents (especially her Irish) and quite often they made me laugh. Her performance made this book even better.

Gorgeous and heartwarming book which is the perfect feel good read for autumn. Combines romance with the lightest touches of magic as a sunny witch looking for her place in the world meets a sexy, grumpy librarian.

4.5/5
I really liked this book. It was fun, atmospheric, witchy and cute. I enjoyed the world-building, it was unique for me even though I read a lot of witchy books. The characters were loveable and diverse :) Unfortunately, the child characters were a little bit cliché. My biggest issue with this book was the story. I enjoyed it, but I felt that this is the story of The House of the Cerulean Sea. It was very similar. Also, the vibe was the same. As I started reading, I got THOTCS feelings which were nice because I really loved that story, but also I missed some unique elements. Besides that, I enjoyed this book very much, and highly recommend it to everybody, especially to the fans of THOTCS.
I use CAWPILE system to rate my readings. This book got 9 (/10) in characters, atmosphere and intrigue categories and 8 in writing, plot, enjoyment and logic which came out 8.43/10.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a very sweet and charming read that drew me in from the start and enveloped me in warmth and magic. Add to your cauldron a house by the sea, found family, a grumpy librarian, some romance, three children in need of a witch to teach them, an adorable dog, a dash of humour, and a sprinkle of magic, and you have the perfect potion for a heart-warming story.

There are quite a few characters but the author paints each of them so vividly that I felt like I was seeing old friends, and instantly fell in love with the charm of Nowhere House and its inhabitants. Of course, with three young witches unable to control their powers, disaster is sure to follow and there were plenty of opportunities for humour which Sangu Mandanna delivered spot on, and I found myself smiling and laughing at many points as I listened.

As well as the warm fuzzy moments, there were also some more serious and heart-breaking parts exploring characters’ past traumas and their journey to heal. This made the novel feel raw and real, and made those happy parts all the more touching. One of my favourite things about this book was the found family. The characters just fit together so well and it was clear how close their bond was, and I loved seeing Mika become a part of that family and finally find a home somewhere.

Samara MacLaren’s narration is spot on. With lots of expression, she captures each character excellently and made the story very enjoyable to listen to.

While there were some surprises and twists, it was in many ways predictable. I didn’t mind that because this is the kind of story where you want that happily ever after. This novel made me smile, laugh and cry, and it definitely warmed my heart. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is the perfect cosy and witchy read for autumn.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches


Gods I *loved* this. A huge hug of a novel, a story of found family and discovering love and trusting each other. Every character in Nowhere House felt like a friend you already knew, and I miss them. The perfect Autumnal novel.

You know when a book is going to be your new comfort novel for dark days? This is that. Just absolutely get on it lads, I don't think any people who love the same kind of romance novels as me will be disappointed. It's just gorgeous.

also it would be remiss of me to not mention the parallels (to me) between Mika being a covert witch and autistic masking that I feel thread through this novel, and there's a gorgeous moment that read to me as an ode to stimming. This is a novel that celebrates difference. It holds your hand and says it's okay if things were tough because you were different, but they can be better now. They can be exactly how you imagine. And that in of itself is a beautiful romance. Just the book I needed. One of my faves of the year easily.

I listened on audiobook proof as well as reading my physical proof and both formats are just huge hugs - the audiobook is very lovely. I strongly recommend for fans of Practical Magic, the community vibes of Gilmore Girls & Schitts Creek, and cosy romance novels.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches was the wholesome and heartwarming book I needed right now. It was sweet and fun, and I adored the children and the adults (from the brooding to the eccentric to the gentle, sweet and caring) in equal measure that appealed to my found family heart. Each character felt well defined and endearing. The adults fierce but loving protection over the children tugged at my heart and I found the multi-generational found family household refreshing to read. Ken’s speech to Jamie made me tear up.

On a personal level, there were many things about Mika that I related to, which I appreciated. However, I would have enjoyed learning more about the side characters to give them a bit more depth.

Overall, I enjoyed the romance (although it did take me some time to warm up to) and it was nice to see how Mika and Jamie’s barriers came down, but I wish that there was more of a build up during the time skip, even a glimpse at the romance developing between them rather than a summary of it.

Although the plot is the weakest element for me and it would have been nice to have a greater threat, this is ultimately a character-driven novel about an unlikely set of people being a family they choose.

The narrator did a great job at making the characters feel distinctive and having their personalities shine through.

Overall, this book was charming and a pure delight to read. I can’t wait to get the physical copy and curl up with this comforting book and a warm spiced cider during autumn.

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

This audiobook was a delight to listen to, the pronunciation was even and so easy to understand.

The book itself is just wonderful,
A delightful tale about found family in the unlikeliest of places,
With heaps of magic and a twist of romance, would strongly recommend!

With “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches”, Sangu Mandanna delivers a splendid literary work when it comes to portraying drama magic stories which keeps the reader / listener captivated through the entire story.

Set nowadays, the story is told through the voice of Mika Moon, a witch who has been taught, like many before her, to hide her magical powers from the world, as it rarely brings anything good. As all witches of this world, her parents died shortly after her birth, leaving her to be raised by strangers to the witchy ways and always having to cut their time short with them once they discovered her powers. Although Mika generally follows the rules of her kin, she still likes to stream YouTube videos which show her performing magic, in a way that doesn’t raise suspicious no the non-magical people, but as it happens, her viewership also includes non-magical custodians of young witches who are in desperate rush to find a magical tutor. So they decide to reach out to Mika.

When it comes to books which are centered around magical items, I really enjoy an author’s capacity to describe the rules and laws which govern the magical worlds, and I have to say that Sangu Mandanna did an excellent work on giving just the right amount of details both at the beginning and through the story so as to keep my attention on the book. The same goes for the story development and the characters. Each of them has this careful crafting to it which makes any reader / listener finish the story in one sitting and creates a desire for more stories centered around the same characters & universe.

Having listened to the audiobook, I have to give the same good praise to its narrator, Samara MacLaren who’s enchanting voice kept me concentrated on the story all through the listening.

Overall, it’s A++ content! Congrats to everyone involve in making this story get out there to readers / listeners!

Special thanks to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton Audio, Hodder & Stoughton, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.

If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads!

#TheVerySecretSocietyofIrregularWitches #NetGalley #LifeLongLearning

This book is the most heartwarming book I've ever read. It captured me from the first page and wow I was not expected to love this much. The plot was the definition of cozy and the characters were so real and fun to read. Especially Mika Moon. she was the perfect main character. I also had the ebook too. I listened to the audiobook while I was reading it. The narrator had the perfect voice. It fits perfectly for the story. The story is filled with magic and I'll definitely reread it very soon. It is the perfect comfort read. I'll recommend to everyone to give this beautiful book a chance. You won't regret it.

Thank you so much for accepting my request.
I don't normally listen to audio books as much because I feel like some narrators are hit and miss but oh my gosh. I'm so glad I requested this one.
The narrator Samara MacLaren makes the cosy novel even more cosier. The different characters are enjoyable with different accents so you know who is who. It's so easy to follow. It was so relaxing.
The story itself is really enjoyable and I really liked the MC Mika.
I felt the story was well written and I felt like this was real life. It was made me smile and I really really enjoyed it.

This was so fun!

If you’re looking for a cosy fantasy with a strong found family trope, this is perfect for you.

The characters were loveable and well developed, I was gripped from the very beginning and I really liked the writing style.

Definitely one of my favourite netgalley finds so far!

The narration of the audio version was great and it was a really enjoyable listening experience.

I loved this book. It has a bit of everything in it-romance, witchcraft, families, murder and mystery. There was a bit of humour and lots of heartache. But the most enjoyable part of this book was the different relationships - from lovers to carers. This book flew by. I listened to this as an audiobook from Netgalley and enjoyed every minute - thank you.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

Thank you Netgallery for providing me with an audio copy to review.

I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book, but before I say anything more, I loved it!
But why did I love it so much?

I think from the start, when we get introduced to Mika Moon, you just sense this is going to be a magical journey in more ways than one.
When Mika becomes an adult, after being told to hide her magic, hide that she is a witch, she decides to bend the rules and makes videos 'pretending' to be the witch she is.

What she doesn't expect is that someone watches the videos and realises just who, and what she is. Before she knows it, her life is irrecoverable changed when she becomes involved with Nowhere House, and the 3 children there, all of whom are witches. Then she gets to know others at the house.

The moment Mika goes to Nowhere House, the story truly blossoms into its own.
We have characters that are cute, ones who are surly and we have Circe, the dog! A dog called Circe. Need I say more?!

There is a wonderful diversity of backgrounds for the characters, and it made it all the more enjoyable for me. Nothing was shoved in or felt forced. It was just who they are, and allowed differences to flourish in the same way likeness did. It left it feeling beautifully balanced.

Although not a large part of the book there is wonderful LGBTQIA rep, that I wasn't expecting, and it helped really just solidify how much I was enjoying it at that point.

We have the trope of 'found family,' that wasn't stale. There is also a 'slow burn' romance, but not too slow burn. Or too quick either. Again the balance felt right for the book.

The writing was a joy to read, and not difficult to get through, yet remained engaging pretty much throughout. I felt there were a couple of hiccups but they were so minor for me, I couldn't mark it down.

This is a book I'd more than happily have on my bookshelves. So if you want a great diverse magic based book, with found family and some romance thrown in, you really should grab this.

I would love if there was a 2nd book to this as I feel there are areas to explore to expand on what was told here. Although this ended nicely on its own merits, it just seems as if it could go forward some more if the author can do that.
A cozy kind of read that requires tea, a warm blanket and fire to snuggle up. Although a warm beach somewhere works too!

Easily 5/5 stars 🌟

This is a lovely, charming tale of a young, lonely witch finding her place in the world.

Mika Moon is one of the very few witches in Britain. She is orphaned (as all witches are) so has no family and was brought up by a succession of nannies and tutors who had to be replaced every whenever they discovered her true nature. Only able to meet other witches a few times per year she has only her faithful dog Circe for company and has never been able to put down roots. But that is all about to change when she receives an invitation to teach magic to three young witches at a very mysterious house.

The magic was a lot of fun in this novel, especially the accidents the children managed to have. The characters are also all delightful, not only the children Terracotta, Rosetta, and Altamira, but also the adults who look after them – noisy, vivacious Ian and his garden loving husband Ken and Lucie their lovely housekeeper. The resident librarian, handsome, brooding Irishman Jamie, is not at all happy about Mika’s arrival and is very protective of the children. It’s a wonderfully diverse household and makes for a fun and heart-warming tale about finding love, family and home. I listened to the audiobook which was beautifully read by Samara McLaren and added to my enjoyment of the novel.

ARC received from NetGalley in return for an Honest review
4.5 ⭐️
This book was just so lovely and a new take on the witch novel for me.
Sweet and heart warming. Found family and embracing ourselves and each other.
The narrator on audio book was also amazing.

Thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an early copy of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this and listening to it via audio made it even better. i loved the characters, especially the relationship between jamie and Mika. The writing was fab and i loved the plot, i didnt know where we were going to end up and the way it ended just brought it full circle. I shall definitely be reading more from this author in the future.

This book was everything to me, there is nothing more I would have wanted. It made me feel so much. I laughed, I cried, I longed but most of all I loved.

The Narration of this book is, I think, a big part of the reason that I laughed out loud so often at this book. The comic timing and ease of delivery from Samara MacLaren was second to none.
Character voices were varied and recognisable, each acted out beautifully bringing the characters to life.
There is a scene where Mika is feeling very vulnerable and the narrator is able to show the emotion in her voice so clearly its almost impossible not to have a choking lump swell in your throat as you feel desperately for Mika.

It feels like a warm hug, next to an open fire, on a rainy day. The perfect autumn, cosy read, but honestly I don't care what time of year it is, you need to read it!
Just enough witchy mischief, mystery and feeling to have you reading this in one sitting. A beautifully written plot that was warm, funny and bewitching.

The book has a found family trope and despite their being quite a few characters, each member of the Nowhere household is individual, uplifting, charismatic, quirky and cute. The variation of characters makes them easy to define and they all develop throughout the story.
Jamie has the most growth. I love that this book touches on so many issues such as past trauma, loneliness, self love and affirmation and processing change.

I don't usually quote books but this really stuck with me, its such a beautiful view point and a great way to see the difference in others when perhaps they are not being so kind.

“Lillian sounds like she’s more nice than she is kind. Does that make sense? Niceness is good manners, and stopping to give someone directions, and smiling at the overworked cashier at the supermarket. These are all good things, but they have nothing to do with what’s underneath. Niceness is all about what we do when other people are looking. Kindness, on the other hand, runs deep. Kindness is what happens when no one’s looking.”

This was just the most adorably witty and endearing book I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and of course Hodder & Stoughton Audio for an audio copy of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

Totally transported by this book. It was everything I hoped for and more , a fun romance with spells ? You got it! A sweet story of a family found in the strangest of places, a deeper look into how we can be our own saboteurs when it comes to happiness, that’s there too.

I just loved it!!

First of all thankyou to the publishers for this wonderful heart -warming book .

My Thoughts : well we all know I love a good witchy story and as soon as I started this I was captivated , I defiantly not disappointed with this story ,the book remined me of one of my all time favourite witchy reads Practical Magic although not dark which I would of liked a bit of that , but the book was full of warmth , magically realism , a really wonderful witchy story , I enjoyed learning a little bit about the founding family's ,I love a bit of history ,

it dose have a great plot twist which I'm a sucker for them . I wont say a thing as want others to enjoy just like I did.


I loved all the characters all very quirky in their own way which is great for any witchy read ,I enjoy the wit and how loveable each characters was in their way .


now we all know that enjoy my romance well I can say that this story had it all Mika and Jamie was just perfect together ,I loved the growth of the relationship, And ladies and gents I know some of you out there like a bit of spice its in there so don't you worries , it gave me all the butterflies , it reminded me very much of Sabrina and Harvey goose bumps all that jazz thankyou muchly Sangu


I would definitely like to see more from mika as I think there so much more to tell .


I loved the narrator samara , she really helped set the mood to the story and told it so well she brought great atmosphere to the story

I highly recommend this cosy witchy read you wont be disappointed I give this 5 witch stars
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