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Witches of Moondale #2

The Ghost of Hexes Past

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Some dreams should stay dead.

Azure Elwood’s world was clear cut—simple—she knew her place in it and what was expected of her. That all changed about two months ago when Icarus “Rus” Ashthorne moved back to Moondale and made things . . . complicated. As the fight for The Coven of the Forgotten heats up, Azure comes face to face with insecurities and choices she thought long buried.

Rus Ashthorne has never known her place in the world, never had a “home” really. After returning to Moondale and reuniting with the family she left behind, she’s decided maybe it’s time to settle down. Only life is never that simple, is it? And as the Board of Magic is keen to remind her, necromancers aren’t welcome in Moondale.

So, when a broken bluebird shows up on Az’s doorstep, and the board’s demands start taking a toll on Rus’s physical and mental health, their tenuous relationship will be tested. And they’ll find that maybe “home” is just as complex—and as simple—as they always thought.

304 pages, ebook

First published November 1, 2023

5 people are currently reading
72 people want to read

About the author

Lou Wilham

34 books174 followers
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.

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,163 reviews132 followers
October 16, 2023
"This was the perfect start to the Coven of the Forgotten."

Azure Elwood and Icarus Ashthorne are still trying to get Icarus' Coven of the Forgotten off the ground, even if it means that they have to change the minds of some pretty set-in- their- ways old witches.

Necromancer Icarus and her family are still being embraced ( truth) by their home and Rus is reluctantly working at clearing spirits when asked. However,as usual, she's working and not caring for herself. No one sees or hears from her for hours, even days on end. And that's how this second book starts. Rus misses the meeting about the acceptance of her Coven of the Forgotten. Azure stands up for her friend and gets them an extension...

Rus has a really big chip on her shoulder about being a necromancer. Seems like the only one in her corner: Azure, is also dealing with family expectations and is feeling the need to stretch her own boundaries if she can gather herself together to stand up for herself.

Icarus isn't herself ( more so than usual). Her self talk turns out to be ... some situation from her past literally come back to haunt her. How's that going? That you're going to have to read on your own


When I read the first book in January I was absolutely blown away. The characters are so real! You find yourself rooting for the good ones and hissing at the not so good ones. Lou Wilham is a writer to watch for. I know I will. Highly Recommended 5/5

( Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it)
Profile Image for Tara Kat (MagnoliaPigeonBookBlurbs).
877 reviews68 followers
November 1, 2023
Ghost of Hexes Past by Lou Wilham was absolutely fantastic! This is the second book in the Witches of Moondale series and is the perfect spooky season read! I 100% recommend this series and cannot wait to see what happens next!

🔮 Witches
🫶 Found Family
🎃 Halloweentown Vibes
❤️‍🩹 Second Chances
🦴 Necromancy
🔍 Mystery
📖 Second in the Series
✨ Magical Chaos


Thank you Lou Wilham & MBGBT for the ARC!
Profile Image for Sydney .
240 reviews10 followers
February 29, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Once again, I really enjoyed the magic and community in this story. The house was like it's own character, though not as much as in book 1. The familiars are sassy and fun.

The characters were fantastic. I wish there was more with the kids, because I think they steal the show, especially Huaner. It was nice having Rus not be obsessed with hating half the town all the time.

The romance finally delivered. There were dates and kisses, though only a few of each. And they haven't actually communicated about you know, feelings and important stuff like that. But I feel like it's finally headed in that direction. It ends on a Happily for Now kind of ending, and definitely leaves room for more development as the series continues.

Ok, now for the things I didn't particularly like. After Rus has been possessed for the third time...I was really kind of over it. Rus, who has lots of experience with things latching onto her as a medium can't seem to notice all the spirits attaching to her throughout this story. And she makes some truly horrible decisions, that she even admits while planning to do them are horrible, self-destructive decisions. But that's not going to stop her. Honestly, the only one that actually furthered the plot was the final possession. The others act as fillers for lack of plot movement. There were plenty of things to advance the plot without repeating the same thing over and over. Making an "impossible" magical tool in very little time, could have been great plot movement...gets glossed over. The threats against Av, could have been investigated...get ignored. Need to fill up some pages though, Rus gets possessed and abuses her friends and no one notices.

Not sure if I'll continue with the next book in the series when it comes out. If I do, it will be in spite of this book, not because of it.
Profile Image for Melissa (Mels_booksandhooks).
96 reviews13 followers
November 2, 2023
Moondale is the magical small town I want to call home and it’s people my coven. I devoured this book in a matter of hours after a re-read of the first book, The Hex Next Door. I loved learning more about each of the covens and the way they interact. I appreciate the way Lou addressed Az’s family dynamics and was so happy to see her growth in this book.

The circle of Rus’s friends is amazing and I’m now thoroughly invested in all of the side characters and can’t wait to read more about them in book three. Rus’s struggles in this book were raw and relatable- I adore her character and would love to sit at her counter and talk over a cup of tea.

One of the things I love about Lou’s books is the inclusivity of LGBTQIA+ characters and the way she writes them. Rus and Az are officially one of my OTPs!

I first read The Hex Next Door a year ago and eagerly awaited book two because I wanted answers to something niggling at the back of my mind. I was excited to get that answer in The Ghosts of Hexes Past and can’t wait for book three!

If you like sapphic reads, found family, second chance romance and magic-this book is for you.

Thank you to @louwilham for my gifted ARC copy of this book. Can’t wait to get my hands on the gorgeous hard covers.
Profile Image for Mandy Kell.
444 reviews15 followers
November 4, 2023
“Stuffing yourself into a box of someone else’s design won’t make them love you.”⠀

Lou Wilham, The Ghost of Hexes Past ⠀



The Ghost of Hexes Past by Lou Wilham is a sensational sequel that brings us back to the magical community of Moondale. I love the worldbuilding of this series and how close knit the community of supernatural residents is. It makes me think of a witchy Stars Hollow!⠀


The Ghost of Hexes Past focuses more on Rus and Az's relationship as they try everything they can to appease the Board of Magic and establish The Coven of the Forgotten for Rus and her family. I was so happy to get to know Azure better and get a deeper look into her shop and the behind the scenes of her relationships with her siblings and Aunt. You can feel the love there, despite the difference of opinions they have. Rus is such a cool character and in this book it was heartbreaking to see her struggle so much. She spread herself so thin for the people who she loves and I'm glad she got the support and help that she needed. ⠀

If you're looking for a LGBTQIA cozy fantasy, this book is perfect for you! I give it five stars for a wonderful second chance romance with found family and supernatural suspense! ⠀
Profile Image for Amelia Vegan.
331 reviews61 followers
November 10, 2024
"Because the world was big and scary when you were a witch without a coven."
I love this magical world so much! I loved how Az was helping Rus even when she was late for her own hearing because she was out looking into the ghost problem that seemed odd how it was such a problem in that exact time period when she had to defend her right of creating her own coven. Most of these people and ghosts were really trying to not let that happen and still Rus and Az never gave up and we even got some sweet moments of them together. As always I'm trying to be vague to not spoil anything, but just as the title suggests, some ghost exes are there to haunt you and Rus didn't deserve all that throughout most of the book, I was so worried about her and her mental well-being. I'm so excited to read the third book and see what else will the Moondale people try to do to not let them live peacefully.
As always, the queer rep is my favourite part along with all the magic and necromancy and the sassy sentient house.
Profile Image for Andreea.
174 reviews2 followers
October 31, 2023
I thought I loved the first book in the series, and then this one hit me like a bag of bricks.

The Ghost of Hexes Past is more of everything that made The Hex Next Door a great read. More of Rus and Az and their little found family. More of the city of Moondale and the world beyond it. More of the magical creatures coexisting in this universe together with the witches. More romance, more drama, more high highs and low lows. It has it all.

The themes in this book revolve around self-acceptance, finding and forging your own path, and fighting your own demons (sometimes literally, this IS a book about witches). The only thing I found frustrating was how self-destructive and painfully relatable the main characters could be at times. I laughed, I cried, I never wanted it to end. But end it has, and I can't wait to return to the Witches of Moondale at some point.

✨Disclaimer ✨ I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Gemma Best.
505 reviews
October 25, 2023
I didn’t think this series could get any better but I was wrong because this second book in the ‘Witches of Moondale’ series is absolutely sublime. I love everything about Moondale but I especially love the Coverns and the way the different magical families interact with each other. I love how Rus’ magic affects the town of Moondale and how Lou Wilham explains the necromancy side of it.

I just want Rus and Az to live happily ever after but life isn’t that simple and the two main characters are so well written and have such distinct and different personalities that it was never going to be a straightforward love story for them. I can’t think of anything I didn’t like in this book so you should definitely pick it up for the spooky season.

Thank you to @Lou.wilham for the gifted copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jaynelle Dessirae.
242 reviews8 followers
October 30, 2023
Rating: 4.5

Tropes: Found Family, Second Chance Romance, Necromancy, Stubborn MC

Thank you to My Big Gay Book Tour and the Author for an eARC.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series so I was really excited to read book 2 in this series.
Found Family is by far one of my favorite tropes and this one made me so happy. I love Rus and her little family that she has built for herself.
I really enjoy how no matter how Rus acts due to what is going on in her life- her family is there to love and support her.
Az and Rus make me so happy. I love Az so much and how she finally learns to put herself first. This is such an important lesson- it‘s something I am still working on myself.
I really want a spin-off with Greer, Nesta, and Cagney... I am also interested to see what is going to happen in book 3.
This book has really diverse representation which I love.
Profile Image for Issy Waldrom.
Author 10 books55 followers
November 6, 2023
With one crisis averted, it's back to the main issue at hand - making a home for Rus and her family in Moondale, although that isn't going to be easy, with the discrimination and distrust already present, and perhaps other supernatural forces at play as well. But Rus isn't alone, Azure helping her while trying to work out where she fits in it all as well.

It is a rough ride, that's for sure. Lack of confidence and self sabotage can be difficulty things to read, especially when there are outside forces, and some people can be just plain nasty. Yet amongst all of that there are sweet and tender moments, and Rus and Az really are made for each other, if they can just realise that and work past the issues that are interfering. And when they do - it's really is beautiful.

While it was a slow read for a few sections, I really enjoyed the story, seeing more of Az and Rus, watching their relationship grow. It's well told and wraps up nicely, but I am certain that we will be seeing plenty more of them to come, as their story is far from over.
Profile Image for OpenedBooks.
219 reviews9 followers
November 8, 2023
Last year I read book 1 and was left wanting more of these witches and now, after finishing book 2, I’m in suspension again. I want more. More of the found family, more of the magical relationship with all its past struggles and future love, more of the swearing witches I grew so fond of. Lou Wilham creates characters that are full of conflict with themselves and the world around them, who grow with every step of the way, and are just like you and me. This is what makes the Moondale books so fantastic. Yes, the plot is intriguing and I couldn’t wait to find out how everything unfolds, but ultimately, it was the characters that kept me going and wanting more. I can’t wait to read more about Azure, Icarus, Meiling, Aihuan, and all the rest of Moondale, but I know I will have to wait at least another year to become part of the Coven of the Forgotten once more.
Profile Image for Charleys Bookshelf.
208 reviews5 followers
November 28, 2023

The Ghost of Hexes Past by Lou Wilham is the second book in the Witches of Moondale series.

I have had book one on my TBR, and I am so glad I finally picked up these books. The Ghost of Hexes Past continues on the story from the first book, The Hex Next Door. I would not recommend reading this as a standalone, as there is a great deal of world-building and character development in book 1.

This book has all of the found family warm and fuzzy feelings, as Rus has never felt safe and at home anywhere, even as she tried her hardest to push everyone away. I loved how this second book wrapped everything up. The power and magic in this book were brilliant, and Wilham did a fantastic job creating a cozy witchy read, but with power, Necromancy, and possession! I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and world-building, and I am ready to pick up more books by Lou Wilham.

This book checked many paranormal fantasy reads, and I recommend picking up this series for yourself!

*ARC Review: I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Hannah Rae.
239 reviews29 followers
December 8, 2023
I was so chuffed to see both book one and book two were available to read and review at the same time! That meant I could finish one and quickly move to the next without losing track.
It was nice to see Moondale again and what the characters were getting up to since the first book. I loved seeing the progression of the story; how Rus and Azure were creating and getting their new coven underway in Moondale, as well as seeing Rus’ new role and services in the towns. I really loved that Rus was brought in to help lingering spirits move on; and I would love to see stories of these moving forward. Maybe a spin off of all the spirits that Rus has helped being documented?
I did however feel like there was a lot of thriller in this book, and it didn’t get really started until 60% of the book where we see events unfold and get scary for the group.
Thank you for letting me read and review!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
304 reviews52 followers
May 9, 2025
I fell in love with Moondale and the witches within after reading the first book, The Hex Next Door. I was really excited to continue the series. While I enjoyed the book, it didn't captivate me as much as the first. I love the dark, tormentous challenges faced in the story, but the progression of the overall plot felt like it took a back seat. I appreciate that Icarus and Azure are working on themselves rather than jumping right back into a relationship, though! I'm still looking forward to continuing the series! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Alix Neyer.
44 reviews3 followers
November 2, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! It was a perfect sequel to The Hex Next Door, and is exactly what I needed for the spooky season. True to form, Lou gives us the perfect mix of suspense, drama, quips dialogue, tension in both romantic vibes and suspense, and backstory that I love to have to round out the book and make you fall more in love with the characters and setting.

This is a must read if you have read book one in the series, and it’s a 5/5⭐️ with a 3/5 on the 😱👻 level.
Profile Image for aliteraryarchivist .
157 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2023
he Ghosts of Hexes Past by @lou.wilham is an excellent follow-up to The Hex Next Door. I loved reading about Az and Rus again. I absolutely adore the expansion of this world!! It was one of my favorite parts of this story. I cannot wait to read the next book. I definitely recommend checking out The Ghosts of Hexes Past!!
147 reviews
December 5, 2023
I really wanted to adore this one, because I enjoyed the first one so much and couldn't wait to see Rus and Az together. Unfortunately, it was just meh. I missed more character development and growth. 
For most of the book there's not much going on, but the final act it's well written and raw and compelling. 
Profile Image for Serina’s Stories wolfganghollows.
130 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2025
This story just keeps getting better, I’m in this for the long haul. With a mixture of humour and spooky dark spirits and two amazing female main characters who just happen to love each other, what better could I ask for. Looking forward to reading more on Az and Rus’s journey.

Thanks to book siren and the author for an ARC copy for my honest opinion
Profile Image for Jaime Alexander.
202 reviews3 followers
June 24, 2025
"Stuffing yourself into a box of someone else’s design won’t make them love you."

"Where [she] had always been achingly beautiful, there was an edge to it now that [she] wanted to cut herself on. Like she wasn't just burning the candle at both ends anymore but had actively thrown the candle into a bonfire and started making s'mores on it."
Profile Image for Whitney Spradling.
Author 11 books70 followers
April 7, 2024
Another amazing read by Wilham. I'm not used to reading low stakes, but this world and the characters in it capture my heart and make it difficult to put the book down. I can't wait to watch Az and Rus's relationship grow as the series continues.
Profile Image for Amy C.
313 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2024
This one got a bit long winded in the middle, but still loving this indie author!
Profile Image for Tracey.
301 reviews9 followers
Want to read
May 10, 2024
I was obsessed with the first book and was chomping at the bit for a sequel. Be careful what you wish for. The second book in this series has me dreaming of moving to Moondale and being part of this coven instead of a solitary practitioner. Now I'm thirsting for another book in this series and longing for another fix. I received a complimentary copy of this book via BookSirens and am leaving this review of my own volition.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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