Home is Where the Hex is

Witches of Moondale #3

by Lou Wilham

Sometimes it’s not your own past that comes back to haunt you.

Icarus “Rus” Ashthorne has been covenless her entire life, but after returning to Moondale she’s forced to face the fact that maybe starting her own coven is the best way to protect her family. Shame the Board of Magic isn’t going to make that easy on them. The task? Find two new coven members by the Centennial or lose their potential foothold in Moondale. Easy, right?

Azure Elwood has always known her family’s Moondale roots run deep, but with the Centennial on its way, she learns maybe there is a little more to the Elwood connection to Moondale than she originally thought. Her plate is full with Centennial plans, classes, rekindling her relationship with Rus, and of course finding them two more witches to join their coven, there isn’t time for anything else. Not that fate has ever really cared.

With new dreams taking shape, new connections being made, and a prophecy hanging over their heads, Rus and Az have no choice but to lean on each other and their friends to unearth the secrets Moondale thought long buried, and solve the mystery of who is trying to turn the Board of Magic against them.

Home Is Where The Hex Is is the third book in the Witches of Moondale series, and fits neatly into The Bay of the Dead 'verse as a cozy LGBT+ urban fantasy set in a world of witches, vampire hunters, ghosts, and fae.

To read The Bay of the Dead 'verse in order:
The Hex Next Door
The Ghost of Hexes Past
Overkill
Fresh Kill
Home is Where the Hex is

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2024

About the author

Born and raised in a small town near the Chesapeake Bay, Lou Wilham grew up on a steady diet of fiction, arts and crafts, and Old Bay. After years of absorbing everything, there was to absorb of fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi she's left with a serious writing/drawing habit that just won't quit. These days, she spends much of her time writing, drawing, and chasing a very short Basset Hound named Sherlock.

When not, daydreaming up new characters to write and draw she can be found crocheting, making cute bookmarks, and binge-watching whatever happens to catch her eye.

Learn more about Lou and her future projects on her website: https://louinprogress.com

Or follow her on social media @lou.wilham on Instagram or @louwilham on Facebook.

Reviews

[Mandy Kell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’d have haunted me, wouldn’t you?” ⠀
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“To your grave,” ⠀
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Lou Wilham, Home is Where the Hex Is ⠀
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Home is Where the Hex is by Lou Wilham took us deeper into the chaotic romance of witches Rus and Az. We got to see more of their dynamic and magic and also quite a bit more of their *ahem* Romance. That's right folks, this book's a bit spicier than the previous installments! ⠀
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I loved this book so much, mainly because of the strong found family ties between characters and the supportive community and homes that represent Moondale. I was also so happy to see Ava and Hunter from Ironwood and hear a bit about what's going on with the witches vampire hunting neighbors. ⠀
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I don't want to give away too much of the storyline, so I'll keep it short and sweet. Home is Where the Hex is is a five star Sapphic Cozy Romantasy that's perfect for people who enjoy the shenanigans of Hocus Pocus and the romance and family vibes of Practical Magic. ⠀

[Tara Kat (MagnoliaPigeonBookBlurbs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Home is Where the Hex is by Lou Wilham ✨

The Witches of Mondale are back in the third installment of Lou Wilham’s magical series! I love this series so darn much, but dare I say this book is my favorite yet? ‘Home is Where the Hex is’ takes us deeper into the wonderfully magical & chaotic life that Az & Rus are building together. It balances paranormal slice of life coziness with mystery, ghost hunting, emotional vulnerability and Board of Magic drama. 10/10 recommend adding to your tbr this spooky season!

🔮 Found Family
✨ Magic & Mystery
🪦 Necromancy
🔮 Childhood Sweethearts
✨ Witchcraft
🪦 Sentient House
🔮 Cozy Paranormal
✨ Ghost Hunters
🪦 Small Town
🔮 Second Chances
✨ 3rd Book in the Series

The Witches of Moondale series is so much fun and I cannot wait to see what Lou Wilham has in store for Az & Rus next! Keeping my fingers crossed for many more enchanting installments! 📚

Thank you MBGBT for sending me an advanced copy!

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"But when had Azure Elwood and Icarus Ashthorne ever taken the easy way out? Definitely not when it came to each other,"

Is it time? Will Az and Rus become a blended family? Will the Coven of the Forgotten be recognized? Will the Centennial go off without a hitch? Will Moondale and her magic allow it?

For those of us who have followed this saga we certainly have cheered this couple on. Aided by Rus' daughters and Az's family and their own magic and tenacity they draw strength from each other as the bonds grow stronger and envelope them as an evil source is found. But can it be defeated?

"Home is Where the Hex is" is a great chapter in this series and opens doors to new experiences yet to come. Highly Recommended 5/5

[ Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and chose to read and review it]

[Toby walrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you aren’t familiar with the series, Azure Elwood comes from a long line of revered witches. When her first and only love (Icarus Ashthrone) returns to town, the women fall into a messy relationship. Wanting to protect the ones they love, they fight to start a coven together. Home Is Where The Hex Is gently eases into fantasy without watering down this incredible world. 

Lou Wilham creates the most beautiful romance between two women strengthened by their family. This book was adorable on all accounts. It’s so rare for romantic novels to center friendship and family with the same respect and magic as couples. If you’re looking for a spooky read that validates all types of love, I cannot find a better novel.

[Issy Waldrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third installment of the series, and it just keeps getting better. Az and Rus are in a much better place now in their relationship, finally making something of it, and the spicy moments between them are also very tender and sweet. There has been a lot of growth, and things are definitely starting to show.

Of course, all is not well in Moondale, and things come to a head in this book, secrets finally coming to light. While there is some resolution in this book, it is still not over, and I'd expect to see at least one more book in this series, which I am very much looking forward to.

[Andreea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this series and the whole universe so there was zero doubt I'd be back for book 3 in Witches of Moondale.

This one gets serious in a few ways - Rus and Az have been working on establishing their coven, and there's still a lot of resistance from some town members. But what's a challenge when you have your family and friends, one or two sentient houses, and the entire city of Moondale on your side?

If you're into found family vibes, LGBTQ witches (and other folk) and a seamless blend of modern technology and magic, give this series a go.

[Jaime Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I don't do regrets. There never seemed to be any use for them. But if I hadn't come back... You'd have haunted me, wouldn't you?"

"The first rule of necromancy: Spirits lie."

"[She] leaned toward her, seeking her warmth the way a sunflower seeks the sun."

"[N]othing worth having wasn't also worth fighting for."