Oooohhh I love a fantastic ghost story and this hit everything you need for one!!!!!!!!!!! I fell into this story and couldn't leave until I finished it. Now I can't wait for the 2nd book in this series!!!!!!!!!!!

This book is not anywhere near what I thought it would be. It goes back and forth from the past to the present of the Poole family. Sonya MacTavish is thrown for a loop when she finds out that her father was a twin. Sonya also finds out her fiancée was cheating on her right before the wedding of his dreams. Her uncle has passed away and left the Lost Bride Manor to her. Is Sonya ready to move away from everything she knows? Her job, her friends and her mother. After dealing with her cheating fiancée at work, Sonya realizes it is time to make a change.

Once there, Sonya finds out the manor is haunted. Will Sonya still be willing to make this place her home? On top of all that, there is a guy. A great guy. Trey, Oliver Doyle III, helps make this move a little more bearable. He was very close to Sonya’s uncle and spent a lot time at the manor and even met a few of the ghosts. Unfortunately not all of the ghosts are nice. Hester Dobbs seems to have something against the Poole brides. Sonya is next in line. Sonya refuses to let Hester have the final say and vows to put a stop to her haunting.

This series’ start will have readers wanting more especially after meeting some of the brides. Readers will want to know more, need to know more. Sonya grows into a strong young woman with family and friends supporting her every step of the way. Will Sonya be the Poole to finally break the curse? I will be anxiously waiting to find out.

Sometimes the exception proves the rule, and this book is one of those cases. I always say I'm not a fan of Nora Roberts writing as herself, yet I love her writing as J.D. Robb in the In Death series, which seems a bit pithier to me. But something about the description of this book (and okay, yes, the lovely cover) sucked me in and I decided to give it a try. And I really enjoyed it. Part Gothic romance, part haunted house/paranormal novel, this is the story of the unexpected inheritance of a large manor house by a young woman who's in need of a fresh start in her life. It has a Gothic haunted house, interesting characters, friendly spirits (that I wish would take up residence in my house!) and one particularly unfriendly ghost that's made life in the house difficult for generations.
The one caveat I'd add is that this is the first book in a trilogy, and it ends on a cliffhanger - a big one. While the cliffhanger didn't bother me, it definitely bothers many readers so if that's an issue for you, just be aware.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the gifted ARC of INHERITANCE by Nora Roberts.

INHERITANCE is the first book in Nora Robert's new The Lost Bride trilogy. Sonya has been through a rough breakup which leads her to leaving her job as well. When she discovers that her late father had a twin brother he never knew, and that her uncle has also passed away and left her his old Victorian home, she has nothing really keeping her from saying yes to the move.

The home is magnificent, but it is also haunted. Still, Sonya can't help from feeling right at home, especially as her uncle's friends provide a warm welcome. She begins to look into the house's past to try to determine why her father and his brother were separated at birth. As she digs into the history of the house, she begins to uncover a legacy of tragedy going back in time and a centuries-old curse plaguing the brides connected to the house.

Nora Roberts is an author I've been reading for years and one I always count on for comfort reads and this book was no exception. The synopsis for this book had a lot of big buzzwords for me with secrets and ghosts and curses and I was not disappointed! Sure there's a malevolent force in the house which poses a bit of danger, but I could really go for the friendly ghosts the house brings as well. She's got a built in ghostly housekeeper and who would say no to that?

As with most Nora Roberts books, the romance in this was fairly on the instalove side of things, but I tend to expect that going in. It is more about the house and the mystery than the romance so for some reason the insta relationship doesn't bother me here. I love the big family vibes and strong friendships as well.

This was such an easy book to binge read and I had a hard time putting it down. I am already anxiously awaiting book two!

INHERITANCE - NORA ROBERTS

#1 in The Lost Bride Trilogy

Compelling! - 5 stars

Plot - 4 stars - Graphic designer Sonya MacTavish is stunned to learn that her late father had a twin he never knew about―and that her newly discovered uncle, Collin Poole, has left her almost everything he owned, including a majestic Victorian house on the Maine coast, which the will stipulates she must live in it for at least three years. Her engagement recently broken, she sets off to find out why the boys were separated at birth―and why it was all kept secret until a genealogy website brought it to light.

Writing - 5 stars - As always, Roberts grabbed my attention from the first page. She has a knack for creating characters that draw you in to their world and make you wish you could hang out with them. The story was fascinating and compelled me to keep turning the pages to find out what would happen.

Characters - 5 stars - This is where the story shone for me. Sonya is a wonderful main character. She is intelligent and warm and smart, with a close relationship to family and friends. She made a mistake, which has shaken her confidence a little, but she's open to a new adventure. I love that she is so confidence in her job, plus that her confidence also shows when she insists on staying in the house despite the irregularities. Cleo is a great counterpoint. She's flighty and fun, but she has a solid core and is a supportive friend. I was glad that her role didn't decrease when Sonia moved away because I loved the contrast between the two of them. Trey is a great boyfriend. He's also solid and mature, but with a fun sense of humor. Owen is another good character in a supporting role. All of them make up an excellent core, with additional characters of Anna and Winter and Corrine, all of which I hope will appear in future books in this trilogy.

Title - 4 stars - It's pretty self-explanatory since the manor is the unexpected inheritance that Sonya receives at the beginning of the book.

Cover - 4 stars - Good cover, with kind of a misty feel, indicating that the main focus is a bride.

Overall - 5 stars - As usual, Roberts has built an amazing world. Although Sonya is part of the larger world, of course, with her background in Boston and her active job, this book focuses on her insular spot in the isolated manor in Maine. We feel as though we are there with her, experiencing the ambivalence that Sonya feels as she enjoys her home but is nervous and often scared about the evil that seems to be also living there. I was impressed that Roberts could make us, in turns, feel comfortable with the music-playing ghost and the ball-playing ghost, while also feeling an underlying worry about the evil ghost. I loved her relationships and that she had a strong support group in Cleo, Trey, her mother, and other friends and contacts she made in town.

Over the years, I’ve enjoyed a number of trilogies and quartets by the super-talented Nora Roberts. Based on Inheritance, book one of her new Lost Bride Trilogy, this one is going to be up there with my other favorites. Roberts manages to write stories with supernatural elements that just seem so real/realistic/possible. I don’t know how she does it.

Sonya moves from Boston to a small town in Maine after breaking things off with her cheating fiancé. She has inherited a house from a relative she knew nothing of, and it’s haunted. For real. The extensive family history includes a lot of tragic deaths, all of new brides. Creepy! They even call the house Lost Bride Manor. Most of the ghosts are pretty nice, even helpful. One of them makes up her bed and cleans up after Sonya, which Sonya found off-putting at first and then started to really appreciate! Another one plays songs on Sonya’s iPad with appropriate themes at several points in the story. I *loved* that! There’s even a little boy who teaches her dog to do tricks. Of course, there’s one really malevolent one, and she is pretty scary.

Even though the book is fairly long at 432 pages (or 14 hours of audio), it never felt long. Since this is the start of a trilogy, I didn’t expect things to get all wrapped up neatly at the end, but I was a bit shocked at the major cliffhanger Inheritance ended on. So if you hate cliffhanger endings, you may have to wait for book two. But that would be a shame because Inheritance is a great story.

I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. The audiobook was beautifully narrated by Brittany Pressley, who did a wonderful job with all the voices and accents.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

WOW! I LOVED THIS BOOK1

This doesn't really surprise me since I've been a fan of hers for a very long time. But I wasn't expecting this.

Sonya discovers her late father had a twin brother that none of them knew about. She is the only descendant and is set to inherit a lot. However she must move to the home of her ancestors in order that to happen. What she gets is a haunted Victorian estate.

Creepy, ghostly and just plain fun. Certain aspects are a bit scary, but the funny parts make up for any fright.
Would make a great spooky Halloween read.

The only down side of this book is waiting for the next two books in the trilogy.

Fantastic work Nora Roberts.

Thanks to netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc.

Nora Robert’s has been a go-to author for a long time. I was thrilled when the opportunity to read her latest book came up on Net Galley.

We meet Sonya MacTavish on the day the life she thought she planned went flying out the door along with her cheating fiancée. Life changes dramatically when she discovers a long-lost uncle left her the family “manor” in Maine.

Sonya’s move to Maine with her freelance business sets her on a path full of mystery, intriguing visitors, and a hunky lawyer to keep her company. The “manor” has a personality of its own and The town of Poole’s Bay fills the tale with interesting secondary characters.

Ms Robert used her characteristic skill to weave a narrative that had me liking Sonya and her cohort of friends and friendly apparitions and curious to see where their adventures would lead. The thing that kept this from being a 5-star read was the cliffhanger ending. I am anxious for book 2!

This review is my opinion and mine alone. Nora Roberts is an incredible author. She knows how to weave a story to keep you wanting more. First, this story does end in a cliff hanger, because of the quality of the story you don’t mind. About fourth way through, I was praying for another book in this series and I was happy with the cliff hanger because it means there will be another book.
This series is about Sonya and how her life got turned around by a cheating finance and finding out she has an Uncle she never heard about. The Uncle left her a manor named “Lost Bride Manor.” She was greeted by Trey Doyle at the manor and the attraction was there. Is the manor haunted or cursed? Is there an explanation of why the manor is named Lost Bride Manor? To find the answers, you must read the story.
I loved the book. Nora Roberts knows her paranormal genre and can weave an incredible story. I can’t wait for the second book!

The past is definitely not dead and gone!!


Graphic designed Sonya MacTavish is forging a new path in her career after a broken engagement with a supportive mother and her best friend. But being the sole beneficiary of her unknown uncle’s estate sure throws her into a world of the unknown tarnished with a legacy of death and mystery.

Now it’s left to her and her new found love interest, the young lawyer Trey, Cleo and Owen, to get to the bottom of the murders that have plagued her ancestors. Sonya has to keep an open mind and follow the clues her friendly ghosts seem lay out, to a realm that may give her answers and put an end to the curse that has plagued her family for generations.

Remember, this is a trilogy and we have to wait for Sonya and Owen to bring back each other to the present. Trey and Cleo will have the wait of a lifetime!

Any story by Nora Roberts is always topnotch with narration, plot and incorporating intense research. With her unlimited imagination, Nora weaves another trilogy of mystique and romance.

Received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Inheritance begins Nora Roberts’ newest trilogy, The Lost Brides, with such a stunning introduction to this world that I was captured before the first page was finished. Weaving a plot through the events of the past brides of this family and the present, this story slowly builds as Sonya makes her own discoveries and begins to believe that the mansion in Maine that she’s inherited may truly be haunted… and cursed! That cliffhanger ending was completely unexpected, but it came at just the right ending to this first novel in the series (trilogy). I don’t consider saying cliffhanger to be a spoiler; many reviews have already revealed that fact. And although I usually steer clear of these types of endings before the series is complete, it works for this world. The Lost Brides appears to be a continuous storyline that will take two couples through friendship, attraction, and danger as they all search for answers to ending the curse.

I, personally, believe it’s best for the reader’s experience to go into Inheritance straight from the book cover blurb. This is a journey of lives being upended, and torn apart, with new discoveries that will rock some people’s worlds. So my review will not be about the storyline but my reaction to this captivating new world.

I loved watching Sonya’s reactions as she went from bride to tossing out a first-class lying, deceiving, manipulative jerk. Her rage is so cold it burns and fits perfectly with her personality, as we will discover. I also had quite a few chuckles and smiles as Sonya tried to logic away the moved items, the sudden music, or the closing doors throughout the mansion as she began her time in this new world. The attraction between Sonya and Trey has always churned beneath the surface but is acknowledged with looks and thoughts about each other. When they finally take the risk, it is explosive, and I loved every moment of that romance sparking alive on the page. I wish everyone had a best friend like Cleo. Closer than blood, bound by shared experiences and finding that person who gets them no matter what. What a friendship! We see Cleo and Owen’s (Trey’s cousin and best friend) relationship begin with bartering, friendship, and hints of, maybe, more that might develop over time. But Inheritance is mainly Sonya’s and Trey’s story. So anything else will be shown to us in time.

There is one nasty, powerful, evil witch in this story. One with some amazing powers, but she will meet her match in Sonya and her friends. Who will ultimately win in the end… well, only the conclusion of this series will tell us that, but I have my suspicions.

Overall, Inheritance is one of those stories where the reader is pulled slowly into a new world through the characters’ actions and the consequences of others’ actions as well. It is riveting, it pulled me in and had me wanting more at each turn. I loved the way the story played out, some hints at things to come, some revelations about the past, and as the tensions ratchet up, you can feel the difference in intensity as we enter a new phase of this ongoing journey. I absolutely loved the spirits we meet here (aside from her royal witchiness), and the loyal (and frisky) dogs/pups we meet are as much a vital part of this story as the humans and, yes, the ghosts.

I loved Inheritance. It’s probably my favorite starter novel yet of all of the Nora Roberts books I’ve enjoyed over the years. I cannot wait to be able to return to this world and discover what comes next. But that will happen in time.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house (St. Martin’s Press) for their trust. I chose to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.* I also purchased my own copy for my Nora Roberts collection.

First, can I get some ghosts that clean and do laundry? I'd even deal with a bad ghost to get that deal!

I really enjoyed Nora Roberts blend of past and present as Sonya learns about her newfound heritage and the tragedies that befell them. The ghosts in the house are all murdered wives, which began in 1806. Each ghost has their own personality and as you learned about them through Sonya's family research you can begin to see which ghost they are and their personality.

Of course all is not perfect, there is a sinister ghost, determined to keep the murders going. I definitely found a few of the incidents with her to be creepy and was glad I wasn't reading this before bed!

Sonya's isn't a pushover and I appreciated that she was not going to let anything scare her out of her house. She has an amazing and supportive best friend and mother. Her love interest Trey is a complete delight, he's all in for everything happening in the house and here to support what Sonya needs (even if it terrifies him).

I was not expecting the major cliffhanger. I've read NR"s trilogies before and while they don't wrap things up in a bow, they aren't usually this level of cliff hanger. I cannot wait for the next book!

Wellll shoooot!!! I don't like spooky, I don't like MAJOR cliffhangers, and I don't like series!!! And yet, I really enjoyed this book! What just happened???!!!

This was my first Nora Roberts book, thanks to St. Martin's Press ! I am so grateful to them because, honestly, I would never have chosen this book for myself, aside from this gorgeous cover, and here I am with nothing but positive feedback (aside from a little open door romance I could've done without🙈).

Nora Roberts has such a way with words, such a knack for breathing life into her characters, and such a gift for building anticipation! Yes, please💯!!!

It's the classic unexpected inheritance from an unknown relative trope, but I was here for it! Sonya, fresh from a break-up with her fiancé is ready for a new start, and boy, does she get one! In fact, she gets much more than she bargained for!

I'm not sure how Ms. Roberts pulled off the super spooky mood with the sweet and charming vibes, but man, it worked. And I truly loved Maine as a setting! We stayed in haunted hotel by the ocean in Maine (unbeknownst to me, until something spooky happened), so I was very invested in this story!

The cliffhanger was a bit jolting! I thought that surely the publisher sent me any unfinished copy, tbh😩!

And now I must wait for over a year for the sequel???!!! Oh Lordy mercy😱!

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Publication date: November 21, 2023

Inheritance is the first book in the Lost Bride series by Nora Roberts and I am on edge waiting for the next instalment! I have read many Nora Roberts over the years and this is one of my favourites!

Sonya MacTavish is dealt quite a few life changing blows in a sort period of time. After walking in on her fiancé having sec with her cousin weeks before her wedding, she kicks him out. They also work together so after he continues to harass her st work she quits her job and right after that a lawyer knocks on her door.

Sonya discovers her father who passed away when she was a child had a twin brother. They were separated at birth and never knew each other. Sonya’s uncle has left his estate home, money and a share in the family business in his will. The terms say she has to stay in the house for three years and then everything becomes hers.

As Sonya gets settled in she begins to learn more about her family history and the seven brides that died on their wedding day. Sonya also discovers the house is haunted, not just by the lost brides but by the witch accused of killing them over more than a hundred year history.

Can Sonya break the curse that surrounds the old manor and the brides within? This is a fantastic historical story that weaves in lifetime friendships, love and ghosts. The end of this book is left on a cliff hanger and I’m desperate to learn the rest of Sonya’s story! This is a 5 star for me.

#NetGalley #noraroberts #inheritance

Sonya has a bad breakup and because her ex is so vindictive she decides to quit her job. She finds out her father had a twin brother he never knew existed who left her most of his estate which includes a haunted manor in Maine. The perfect spot to set up her new business venture. I was really enjoying this. I loved hearing the details about the house and the ghosty stuff was either deliciously creepy or just plain sweet how some of the spirits were taking care of her. She invites her best friend, Cleo, to come live with her as there is enough room for each to set up a studio and work at their jobs as a graphic designer and illustrator. I loved their friendship but sometimes the dialogue felt kind of forced and things fell into place too conveniently. It was an easy read and kept my attention but then the ending really turned me off. There are those endings that leave some questions unanswered and you look forward to the next book but this ending went beyond that. I turned the page expecting more and nothing there but to wait for book 2 which will probably do the same leading into book 3. I always feel when an author does that they don't have enough confidence that the world they built is good enough that you will want to come back for more. In this case I'll probably read the next books if I still remember what happened and I still care and definitely not until the series is done.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a digital copy.

I'm a fan of Nora Roberts mystery and thriller novels so I was intrigued with the idea of reading a sci-fi /fantasy novel from her. That was a mistake.

The novel started out well enough and the paranormal events didn't bother me at first. But after a while, the ghost business started to get annoying. Especially when the pop music is suddenly being played through Sonya's (the main character) iPad and to which the music was to match the mood or situation Sonya was in. i.e. Pretty Woman being played after Sonya dons an outfit that made her look stunning. And the pop up music scenes kept repeating itself without an end in sight. It was cute at first, but then it just got too repetitive and "old."

I can't imagine how the narrative could be stretched out into a trilogy. And I don't intend to find out. A one star DNF at 54%

I received a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

5 stars

This book was wow! I loved the characters and the plot. Not too much romance, not too much fantasy. Just the right amount of both. Hate that it ended on a cliffhanger. Hope the next one comes out sooner rather later. Great job Nora!

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sonya MacTavish is at a low point after finding her fiance cheating on her with her cousin and then having to quit a job she loves because of him when she gets a very shocking surprise. Her dad had a twin who owned a gorgeous mansion, and he left her it and everything inside it in his will. The kind lawyer who tells her this also tells her the only stipulation is that she has to live in it for three years. Seems easy, until the ghosts that make it their home and the evil spirit of a witch that's cursed the family start making appearances. At least there's the very cute and kindhearted son of the lawyer is there to offer support. There's also a sassy friend who won't let the ghosts phase her and some very good doggies all ready to offer Sonya some much-needed backup.
It's a city girl moves to a small town to heal and finds love story with some very Gothic elements that add an interesting twist to make it stand out. We get flashbacks to the Lost Brides on their wedding and/or death days, adding ever more heart to the plot and making Sonya's quest to not let the evil spirit take over the house even more empathetic.
Nora Roberts is an excellent writer who can make any story incredibly engaging. However, this one feels like it could have maybe been told in fewer pages. I couldn't tell you what I'd remove because it all flows beautifully, but it also feels like it's the book that never ends... which is fitting because it ends with quite a cliffhanger. Even with the issues I had with it, I'm hooked and plan to pick up the next book as soon as it comes out. I need to know what happens with the Poole brides.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the riveting read!

“You will never have him,” she says. “Die a bride, and know he’ll come to me. He will come to me, or by your blood on my tongue, bride after bride will join you in death.”

And the curse begins. It will be up to Sonya MacTavish, a graphic designer who inherited the manor from her unknown uncle, Collin Poole, to solve the mystery and lift the curse.

Sonya had a bad breakup with a huge douche bag, and I love what her best friend, Cleo had to say:

“What do you want me to do?…Tell me what you want, and it’s done. Murder? Decapitation? Castration?”

I think we could all use a best friend like that. LOL

Sonya had been thinking about branching out on her own and now was the time. Would the ghosts of the manor be a help or a hindrance. Most of them are on her side, but there is always one, isn’t there? I would love to have some help around the house, and Sonya has her very own ghostly maid. She leaves her bedroom and comes back, the bed is made. She leaves the kitchen a mess, comes back and it is cleaned up. Forget to charge your phone, they have you covered. Even ghosts want a purpose.

Those around Sonya accept the ghosts, but Sonya hesitates.

The point of view flashes past to present and back again. We get all of their histories, ghosts and humans, and Sonya will need all the help she can get to break the curse. We have a combination of modern and gothic.

This light and fun mystery is full of surprises and I loved each and every one. The characters quickly won me over, ghosts and human alike…even the dogs have a place of honor. Cold pizza, I love it too, even for breakfast. Little things that I can relate to on a personal level add that little bit extra that I love so much. I had plenty of smiles to go along with the creepy.

The mirror…made me think of Charmed and Grimm. TV shows make it easy for me to visualize the action as it is happening.

NO NO NO a cliffhanger. So wrong!!!!! But I couldn’t put it down and I HAVE TO HAVE the next one, and the next one. I knew it was a trilogy going in and the story would not be told in one book, but when I came to the end, I wasn’t expecting it. That is how involved I was in the story. I foresee good things for the next two books and I can hardly wait to visit the manor again.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com

Nora Roberts weaves her magic in the first book of The Lost Bride Trilogy, "Inheritance." I found myself captivated by the blend of past and present within the enchanting and haunted estate that serves as the backdrop for this intriguing story.

As the protagonist, Sonya's, journey unfolded, I was drawn into her exploration of newfound family ties and the rich history that surrounds them, particularly the curse and legend of the lost brides. The narrative is complex with a multitude of characters, both living and spectral. The sheer number of characters sometimes prompted a desire for a family tree to aid in keeping track, especially as the intricate plot unfolded.

Within the mysteries, a blossoming romance between Sonya and Trey added a delightful layer to the overarching narrative. Yet, it was the ghostly inhabitants of the mansion, particularly the endearing Jack, Molly, and Clover, who stole the spotlight for me, providing moments of warmth and levity. This is needed to balance the presence of the malevolent ghost, Hester Dobbs. She is a bone-chilling presence who heightens the suspense.

The quartet dynamic formed by Sonya, her best friend Chloe, her love interest Trey, and cousin Owen created a supportive network united in unraveling the secrets of the past. I appreciated the inclusion of Sonya and Chloe's daily routines and creative work lives, a welcome layer of normalcy amidst the supernatural challenges posed by Hester's curse on the Poole family. These details added depth to the characters, making them feel more relatable and interesting.

The book ended with a dramatic cliffhanger, making me eager for the next part of the story. I wish I didn't have to wait an entire year for the next installment. I'll definitely be picking up the next book as soon as it comes out.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book.