Loved this book! Thrills. Chills, and suspense aplenty. Sonya is a strong woman, knows what she wants and goes for it.

You know right away the book is the first in a trilogy, it’s right on the cover. However, I wasn’t expecting the book to end the way it did. Now, I have to wait until the next two to have all of the pieces. I enjoyed the sic/fic historical book. It was completely different from other Nora Robert books, which I have read.

Thank you #NetGalley, #StMartin’sPress, #NoraRoberts and #Inheritance for the advance copy for my honest review.

Nora Roberts starts off her new series, The Lost Bride Trilogy, with a couple of classic tropes – coming home early to find your fiancé in bed with another person, and discovering you have an unknown wealthy relative who has died and left you a manor house and the funds to care for it. These things happen to Sonya in different chapters, but neither is a spoiler.

The newly single Sonya discovers her father had an unknown twin, who has left her the family home on the coast of Maine. To inherit it fully, she must occupy it 40 weeks a year for 3 years. A trust has been set up to cover maintenance and taxes (because who can afford to inherit a manor house with multiple acres in this economy?). Furthermore, Sonya and her mother discover that her late father drew and painted the manor house, and drew sketches of himself looking at a boy who looked like him, but wasn’t him, in a mirror. Intrigued, Sonya agrees to live at the manor for a three month trial period before committing to the three years. If you suspect that the manor is haunted at this point you are correct. The manor is very haunted with mostly benevolent ghosts and one malevolent ghost. This ghost has cursed the Poole family so that the first bride of every generation dies within a year of her wedding.

While Sonya adjusts to life in a huge house with several helpful ghosts and one hostile tantrum thrower, she is also building a business (graphic designers and web designers need to increase suspension of disbelief), discovering family, getting a dog, making friends, and falling in love. It’s a very Nora Roberts book.

Before I read it, I looked at some early reviews and saw one that called Inheritance unlike any other Nora Roberts book she had ever read. The reviewer didn’t identify what was different, but I have some guesses.

1. Roberts has included several happily partnered gay and lesbian people as tertiary characters.
2. Sonya’s love interest, Trey, specifically disapproves of the kind of straight, white Christian of a certain tax bracket who only respects other straight, white Christians of a certain tax bracket. Sonya agrees with him.
3. The book ends abruptly on a major cliffhanger.

I was surprised by the suddenness of the cliffhanger and I immediately went looking for the release date for book 2. I couldn’t find one. Insert cry emoji here. But, I am not going to harass La Nora about this lest there be another, “I have personally explained the process to you, Debra.” Instead I will wait patiently (ish).

For all that I am often frustrated by Nora Roberts, I truly and deeply appreciate that she wants to be inclusive and is explicitly against bigotry. There is a reason that she is widely respected in romancelandia. Long may La Nora reign. I hope she drags some of her recalcitrant readers with her.

CW: infidelity, slut shaming, workplace harassment, death of parent off page, death in childbirth on page, murder on page, discussion of death by suicide, adoption, hauntings both benign and hostile, discussion of witchcraft.

I received this as an advance reader copy from St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 5/5 Stars
Published: November 21, 2023
Series: The Lost Bride Trilogy #1
Pages: 432

Nora Roberts is an outstanding writer and author, and “Inheritance” brings to life on pages her storytelling abilities. This was a captivating piece of genre that kept me glued to the pages until the end. I very rarely read Nora Roberts but when I do, it is well worth the time and energy because she brings to life the characters on every page that makes it so hard to put down the book.

The depth of the characters as they are introduced and well-developed and appear very real to the imagination. The story holds mystery and a bit of gothic set in a haunted mansion. Oh, the mystery and suspense as the story builds and builds. This is a very good piece of fantasy fiction that was enjoyable and riveting to this reader. Highly recommend this book.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

Inheritance is a contemporary fantasy set in a haunted mansion in Maine. It especially follows Sonya MacTavish, a young graphic designer who unexpectedly inherits the home from the uncle she didn't know she had. She's told the home is haunted before she moves in, but her practical personality doesn't really believe in that...

I loved this book so much. Reading it felt like a warm hug because the storytelling was everything I have always loved about Nora Roberts. Some of the history and haunting reminded me a bit of the Inn Boonsboro series, but this one is much more focused on the fantasy than on romance.

In addition to Sonya, we get to know her best friend Cleo. I would love to join their group and become another best friend. There are amazing dogs, wonderful song playlists, a fantastic cast of ghosts, and just the right amount of suspense and intrigue.

The only part that I didn't love was that the book ended. Now it will be a long wait for the next in this new trilogy.

As a long time Nora Roberts fan, this book hits everything just right. The storytelling, flashbacks, relationships, everything is just right. (Makes me wish I had inherited my own manor in Maine) The mystery of the Lost Brides is engaging and I find myself wanting the next book asap. I can’t wait to see how each relationship unfolds, what Sonya and Owen find out, and how the mystery is solved. This novel proves yet again why Nora Roberts continues to be a standard in the romance genre.

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

I have to admit I am not a fan of ghosts but hold on for this read! The storyline and characters will entangle you into their adventure with an old Victorian and the spirits that still reside there.

Great side romances are also prominent in this book and you will not be disappointed. Family secrets, spirits (good and bad), art and relationships will keep you on your toes.

Can’t wait for the next in the series. What will happen to Sonya and Owen? How long will Cleo and Trey need to wait for their return?

Nora Roberts continues to prove her storytelling prowess with "Inheritance," the captivating first installment of The Lost Bride Trilogy. Once again, Roberts delivers a gripping narrative that kept me glued to the pages, unable to put the book down.

The characters in the story felt incredibly authentic, with Sonya's range of emotions resonating deeply with me. From her initial sadness and anger to her evolving determination, I was fully immersed in her journey. Cleo, though a side character, brought vivacity and charm to the story, making me eagerly anticipate her potential role in the upcoming books.

Trey and Owen, both solid and relatable characters, added depth and authenticity to the narrative. The hint of Cleo's involvement and the promise of future character developments left me excited for the next installment. Although I usually shy away from cliffhangers, the conclusion of this book was just right, leaving me eager for the second book.

"Inheritance" is a testament to Nora Roberts' storytelling brilliance, expertly weaving together history, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. With a cast of compelling characters and a riveting plot, this book is a must-read for any fan of romantic suspense and paranormal intrigue. I'm eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this captivating trilogy.

Loved this book was shocked how it ended wasn't prepared for that! Can’t wait till the next one comes out! The story weaves itself in a way that makes you believe in love and happiness after death. Such a great book!

If you're a fan of Nora Roberts, you know that she writes historical romances, modern romances, romantic mysteries, and romantic fantasy. This new trilogy checks all of those boxes.

After recently experiencing several major life changes, Sonya MacTavish inherits a house on the coast of Maine from an uncle she never knew. She decides to take a chance on the house, which may or may not be haunted... When Sonya arrives at the house, she meets Trey, a family friend of her uncle's, who helps her start to settle into her new life. Eventually Sonya, Trey, Sonya's best friend, Cleo, and Sonya's newfound cousin begin to unravel the mystery of "the lost brides".

I thought the start of book was much slower than previous books that are part of trilogies that I have read by Ms. Roberts. I actually forgot it was the start of a trilogy, and expected the story to wrap up by the end, so I was surprised when I reached 90% of the ebook and it was just getting exciting! The ending certainly grabbed my attention and left me wanting more!

If you are a fan of Nora Roberts' books, you'll enjoy this story. I was disappointed when the book ended and I couldn't continue reading! I can't believe that not only do I have to wait until November for this book to come out officially, but I'll probably have to wait until November 2024 for the 2nd book and November 2025 for the 3rd book! 😂

I want to know more about the lost brides and how Sonya and Trey will resolve the curse. I like that this story is a mix of historical and modern romances, and fantasy/paranormal stories. There's also a bit of mystery and, since Trey is a lawyer, some of his case work is included in the story as well.

My only issue is Cleo's name... It seems a bit stereotypical, I guess, for this child of the 80s (me). I do wish Sonya's best friend from Louisiana with a grandmother who believes in ghosts, etc. had a different name. All I can think of is Miss Cleo of the psychic hotlines in the 80s & 90s. Maybe that was intentional.

I would like to thank the publishers, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. As a lifelong fan of Ms. Roberts, I was excited to read the book ahead of its release and enjoyed it. I look forward to the rest of the trilogy.

Outside of what I'm used to for Nora Robert's, this one was surprisingly enjoyable. I wasn't sure about how a haunted story would go for her but she didn't disappoint.

I thought this was an all right book. I am not a believer in sci-to, paranormal or dead people coming back to haunt. If I had known the gist of this book I wouldn’t have requested it. That said, it was an a decent story, although it dragged a lot through the middle of the book. I skipped a lot of words there. The descriptions of the characters and the happenings was good. Just not for me. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Inheritance by Nora Roberts.

I’ve been reading Nora Roberts since I was sixteen. She’s one of the first authors that got me hooked on reading. She is the Queen of Romance for a reason. I know anytime I pick up one of her books, I won’t be disappointed and Inheritance is no different.

It’s well written, as always. The characters are well developed, and the romance is flawless. The paranormal aspect was not overly done and balanced the book beautifully. Another five star book by Nora Roberts.

I know when I pick up the start of a trilogy by La Nora, that I’m going to get a really good story. There are a lot of beats that are familiar but that doesn’t take away from the book.
This one did something a little differently. There are only 4 people so far involved in the paranormal mystery. It also ends differently than usual.
I love the familial elements and how it’s connected. I also loved the brides and the paranormal elements.
I need a Molly in my life. And a Cleo.

Another well done book by Nora Roberts, I've read her books for years and she doesn't tend to disappoint. The book pulls you in and makes you feel that are you there with the characters and keeps your interests going. A great romance/fantasy with some mystery, well done.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I love Nora Roberts books so of course i had to request this one.

The story is amazing and gripping, and of course I knew that it was going to be a trilogy at the end of the book.

Great characters, loved the story line and the description of the ghostly visits, i actually felt like i was there. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received this arc from the st. Martin's Press via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Amazing story and I am in awe. The story weaves and pulls you into it. The characters are so interesting and felt fresh and unique. Each book that Nora Roberts writes is better than the last! It is going to be like torture waiting for the sequel!! Thanks for the opportunity to read. Recommend.

Nora did it again! Her books are so great! This one in particular had me on my toes! I would recommend reading this one for sure!

As always, Nora has written another winner! This is one of those books that you sit down to read and it draws you in. Awesome characters, great story line and the description of the ghostly visits were so real you felt you were there. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read this advanced copy.

Loved this newest trilogy from one of my go to authors. Ghosties, curses, love, romance and of course an evil witch bring this story to the top of my “can’t wait til the next” list. Add to your TBR list,and don’t miss this one. Excellent!