The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
Book Review: The Ex Hex
Whimsical, spellbinding, and delightful, The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling is perfect for the Halloween season! This is a light and upbeat romance that will captivate its readers.
The story surrounds the main character, Vivienne (Vivi) Jones, and the events that result from an accidental curse. Vivi’s heart was broken by the infamous Rhys Penhallow, after a memorable summer many years ago. On the night that their relationship ended, and after copious amounts of vodka with her cousin, Gwyn, the two young women jokingly place a curse on Rhys, not realizing that their breakup hex may have actually been real. Vivi’s aunt Elaine always told them, “don’t mix magic and vodka!”
Nine years later, when Rhys returns to Graves Glen, Georgia (home to both witches and ordinary residents), peculiar things start to happen. At first, Vivi thinks the incidents that occur are purely coincidence, until she is invited to recharge the town’s secret, magic ley lines with Rhys. When things go terribly awry with recharging the ley lines, the pair realize that they have much bigger problems than a mere curse. From toys coming to life, to a talking cat, and an unpleasant encounter with a ghost, Vivi and Rhys must put their feelings from the past aside, and solve the town’s problems while breaking the curse together.
The themes of family, love, forgiveness, and the power of second chances are prominent throughout the story. Both of the main characters have strong connections with their family and with the help of their loved ones, they are able to decide whether they can forgive each other for the past and move forward. Despite the challenges that they face, Rhys and Vivi recognize the power of forgiveness and second chances. Who are they to deny true love?
In short, I enjoyed this novel. I wouldn’t say that it is one of my favorites, as it was pretty predictable and a little bit rushed, but I did like it. It’s a fun, light read for the fall season. I could see this book becoming a movie down the road. It would definitely make for a fun Halloween film! 🎃👻