A review by karlakayjenniges
The Hex Next Door (The Witches of Moondale Book 1) by Lou Wilham

adventurous emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

"To those of you looking for home. Sometimes it's right where you left it."

Icarus is a witch on the run from a coven that is after her adopted daughter. She returns to the town of Moondale in the hopes to find protection. Icarus is not exactly well accepted because of some of her past decisions, stepping into some witchy practices that are frowned upon. But she will do whatever it takes to protect her family from the dangers that are threatening them. 

There are many characters to fall in love with in this magical world of witches. The adopted daughters of Icarus, Aihuan and Meiling, are adorable and the family bond is so heartwarming. The house they live in has a personality all its own and often times a sassy one, so creative to include a lively house that offers protection and care. 

There is a love story, although it is somewhat of a broken one, or maybe just bent, clearly the love is still there and I hope as the story continues into the next book, the relationship will become stronger and they will admit to how much they are still in love. 

The five covens are strong and they each have their own set of skills to offer which makes the town of Moondale even stronger. 

Fairies, druids, witches, sapphic witches, powerful magic, necromancy, a bewitched house, diverse and flawed characters, a broken love story, and a whole mystery to get lost in. 

Moments to make you smile and moments of that will have you on edge.

I had so much fun reading this and will be keeping watch for the next book in this creative and fantastical world. 

Just wonderful!