I loved the premise of this story - Sonya, a talented web designer, finds her fiancée in bed with her cousin while planning the last of her wedding. She throws him out, quits her job after a very awkward stage working together, and decides she is going to venture into business on her own. Que the unknown recently deceased uncle who leaves her a fortune and a haunted mansion. To inherit it, she must move there and live in it for 3 years. With her quirky, badass best friend Cleo, she moves in and begins to get acquainted with the family history she never knew. Soon, she realizes there’s much more to this haunting history, as there have been 7 brides in her family cursed to die as soon as they wed. A cursed family, a ghost witch bent on revenge, and a magical mirror portal bring a paranormal aspect to this tale. Of course, it would not be complete without a dashing love interest as well for the newly single Sonya. I wanted to love this story so much, as Nora Roberts’s magical tales are my favs of hers. However, the plot for this one ultimately fell short, as I felt there was just too much dialogue and relationship building and not enough action to carry the story. I’m anxious to read the sequel and see if the plot will be able to catch some fresh air and redeem itself. Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

Many thanks to NetGalley and especially @macmillan.audio for allowing me advanced copies of the audiobooks by Nora Robert’s #thelostbridetrilogy !!
First came #TheInheritance where we meet Sonia, a Bostonian of middle class who learns that her father had an estranged and very wealthy brother. She inherits a mansion up in Maine, and drives up there to investigate. She learns that every descendant’s bride had died on the day or night of their wedding, as a curse was laid upon the brides of the manor by a very evil and conniving witch who believed she would always be the lady of the manor. She haunts it as well, and Sonya has to suspend her disbelief when she starts seeing and hearing visions of the past.
In book 2 we get more of the backstory of the family tree, as book 1 leaves us with Sonya walking thru a mirror into visions of the past that show the deaths of the prior brides and the witch stealing the wedding rings .. she feels helpless to change the past, but anxious to learn as much as she can to be rid of this evil from the mansion. The best part of this book for me is that Sonya and other relatives and friends come to decide not to fear the hauntings, as they discover that their ancestors who died there also are present and protective. I also love the relationships that Sonya has with her boyfriend, her mother, and especially her best friend Cleo. If you could pick an ideal family (minus all the death) and ideal friends, this group would be it. They are cheerful and sweet to one another and create a wonderful home out of the mansion, and of course have wonderful artsy careers and an inheritance to assist in their new lifestyle. In The Mirror, Sonya cycles through to many visions, each one making her hate the evil ghost, leaving her more determined than ever to find a way to lift the curse and rid the house and the family of this horrible ghost! As things heat up between Sonya and her bf and Cleo and hers, it’s only a matter of time before the house needs to host a new wedding and … they have got to get rid of the evil presence first! I’m super excited to hear the next installment in this trilogy when it comes out, hopefully next summer or fall!!

Solid read for Nora Roberts fans. Ghosts/haunted house/finding love….as we are entering fall, this seemed like a no brainer. But I wanted it to be spookier, and that just fell flat for me. Also, the cover didn’t seem like a ghost-ish read at all, and I think they could have given it more of that feel.
I didn’t care about the characters as much as I wanted to. But the ending had my jaw drop a bit…so when I thought I wouldn’t read the next pencil that ending has me wondering what the heck happens!!

Very interesting Ghost Story. I really enjoy Nora Roberts books and this was no exception. It was a fun different story and I am excited to continue the series.

4 stars

I’ve read many Nora Roberts books and have enjoyed most of them. I found this book predictable. I enjoyed it but it fell short for me

Thank you Macmillan for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 rounded up to 5!

This book was everything and more! My first Nora Roberts, and it did not disappoint. Inheritance is so cozy- and that’s a word I did not expect to describe this mystery thriller. Our protagonist, Sonya, inherits the haunted manor known as "Lost Bride Manor" after her father's secret twin brother passes away. The manor has a dark history, with every Pool-family bride meeting a tragic end on their wedding day.

Sonya soon finds herself experiencing eerie hauntings and vivid dreams that feel like memories of the lost brides. The narrative alternates between Sonya's present-day discoveries and chapters told from the perspective of the brides spanning from the 1800s to the 1960s. This dual timeline adds depth and richness to the story, creating a captivating connection between past and present. The book is set in 2023,which made the tie between present and past more stunning.

Another favorite aspect was the friendships and romance in the book. Roberts writes real, intelligent, and relatable characters who make logical decisions while still moving the plot forward. I wasn’t bored for a second! And that final chapter? It had me on the edge of my seat! It does feel a bit repetitive about 80% through the book, and the ending does make me rethink some choices. BUT, it was honestly so good and kept my attention so I will give it a pass since I am very excited for the rest of this trilogy.

For anyone seeking a cozy yet thrilling paranormal read, Inheritance is an absolute must-read! It's worth noting that the book is quite friendly in terms of content, with no overly descriptive, gruesome scenes. The heart-pounding moments happened from the unraveling of the story rather than the haunting elements, which I didn’t expect. I loved every minute of it and really wish this was a movie!

I cannot wait for book 2!

If you love:
🪞haunted manor
🪞hidden family history
🪞secret twin
🪞inheritance plot
🪞witch curse from the 1800s
🪞lost brides
🪞best friendships
🪞cozy thriller

You will love this book!

Inheritance by Nora Roberts is the first book in The Lost Bride Trilogy. Before going any further, I will say, if you don't like cliffhangers, then you might want to wait until the whole trilogy is published so you can read them one after another. Sonya MacTavish is shocked to find out that her late father had a twin he never knew about, and that this uncle, Collin Poole has recently died and left her almost everything, including a large Victorian Mansion on the Maine coast. In order to keep the home, she has to live there for three years. As a graphic artist, she can work from home, so she heads off to find out more about her father's newly found family. When she arrives she meets, Trey, a man who was like a son to her uncle. He tells her all about "the first lost bride" and the supposed curse on the house and family. As Sonya stays in the house, she realizes that she is sharing it with many ghosts, and that she has inherited the family curse. Can she and Trey solve the puzzle to rid the house and family of the curse?

I don't read a lot of paranormal, but this is Nora Roberts and I do enjoy her writing and stories. This was a gripping story, that I very much enjoyed. My one niggle with her books is the length and this was another long one. Could some of it been cut, maybe, but I enjoyed meeting the various characters, including the ghosts, and learning about the family history. There is some chills with one of the ghosts being evil and like a poltergeist. The others provide humor and made me smile. The house is definitely a wonderful setting and almost another character in the story. The secondary characters of Chloe, her best friend, her new boyfriend Trey and new cousin Owen all play important roles in the story and in Sonya's new life. I look forward to seeing them again and how they help her to solve the mystery. I need to know what is going to happen next, and am anticipating the next book in the series, The Mirror. I did a read/listen with Inheritance, although more listen than read, narrated by one of my favourites Brittany Pressley. She gives each character their own voice, so it is easy to identify who is speaking. Her expression and tone add much to the story and my enjoyment of it. A story that I enjoyed and recommend.

This is my first ever Nora Roberts book (yes I’m very late to the party) but I saw this for download on Netgalley and it sounded super interesting so I requested a copy (which was listed in audiobook format). Imagine my surprise when I actually got approved for it. I’m not much of a romance reader (but am trying to broaden my horizens) and I thought the addition of the haunted house/curse plot line would make this more up my alley.

I’m glad I found this because I really liked it. Sonya is such a well written character. I like how big of a part of the story her job was. A lot of the times in romance the profession of the FMC is mentioned in passing and then never plays into the story again but that wasn’t the case here. I loved all of the side characters, especially the best friend of the FMC. I like how open everyone was about the fact that the house is indeed haunted. I loved the time skipping part of the story where you got to go back and see what had happened to previous residents of the house. It greatly fleshed out the backstory without being infodumpy. And I liked how the story didn’t play into a lot of the standard haunted house tropes that it could have.

My main complaint is that the book tended to be a bit repetitive. There were multiple points where a scene would happen and then the person who it happened to would recount it beat by beat to the person they’re telling about the situation so you he to read the same thing at least twice. That tapered off toward the end of the book but it was annoying when it happened. And on a lighter note, that cliffhanger is brutal. I need to know what happens after so bad and now I have to wait for the next book how rude (jk).

I read this via audiobook and I liked it/recommend it that way the narrator did a fantastic job with the audio.

Overall I greatly enjoyed this book. Recommend for suspense/romance readers and I can’t wait to get my hand on the next book in the series.

Pros:

We hit the Nora Roberts classics that people love. A woman starting life over. A woman starting her own business and thriving in it. Best friends supporting each other etc. they are well done and if they’re what you’re looking for you’ll likely be thrilled.

I think adding in the exploration of family history might really get people into genealogy.

Cons:

Nora Roberts writes in predictable patterns. In recent years she has changed the pattern from having a couple per book to more of an assemble cast situation. While that is nice in some ways for the found family aspect it does mean less resolution between the books.

This does not feel unique but like stealing the best parts of past series (ghosts from Jewels of Ireland and Inn Boonsboro, quest from the Key trilogy, brides from the bride quartet). There isn’t enough new for this to be fully captivating if you’ve read and loved the others.

"Inheritance" by Nora Roberts is a captivating read, weaving together mystery, romance, and family drama seamlessly. Roberts skillfully crafts characters that feel real and relatable, drawing readers into their world effortlessly. The intricate plot keeps you guessing until the very end, making it a satisfying page-turner. Overall, Inheritance earns three stars for its engaging storytelling and memorable characters.

I want to express my gratitude to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book. The narration truly enhanced the spooky atmosphere and added an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. As someone who's delving into Nora Roberts' work for the first time, I now understand why she's renowned in the literary world. Her unique plot and exceptional writing style have made her an author I'll definitely be purchasing from in the future. From the very beginning, the opening chapter grabbed my attention and set the tone for an engaging read.

Sonya's inheritance of her late uncle's house came with an unexpected twist—a curse and a multitude of ghosts. What struck me was the diverse roles these spirits played, from musical accompaniments to household chores. The interaction between Sonya and the musical ghost added an intriguing element to the story. I particularly enjoyed how certain chapters delved into the past, providing insights into the characters' histories, especially the brides' tragic tales. The way Sonya witnessed these scenes unfold before her eyes was both eerie and captivating.

Discovering that this is part of a duology left me eager for the next installment, "The Mirror." While all the characters were compelling in their own right, Cleo's character stood out to me, especially her distinct style of speaking that was brought to life through the audio narration. Her laid-back, supportive demeanor added depth to the narrative. And of course, the addition of Yoda the dog was a charming touch.

In summary, this was a fantastic read, and I highly recommend experiencing it through audio format if possible.

"Inheritance" is a captivating mystery novel that intertwines the past and present, linking the murder of Astrid Poole in 1806 to the modern-day discovery of family secrets. Sonya MacTavish inherits her late uncle's estate, embarking on a journey to uncover the mysteries of her lineage and the centuries-old curse that haunts her family. Ghostly encounters and eerie happenings in the Victorian mansion on the Maine coast add suspense to Sonya's quest to secure her future by confronting the past. "Inheritance" combines elements of romance, suspense, and historical intrigue, making it a compelling read for fans of supernatural mysteries.

Here's a perfect beach read! Especially if you are at a haunted resort. . .a Hotel California (East Coast style)! Nora Roberts is beckoning with this rompy read, complete with ghosts, 7 brides each with a tragedy, and one very mad, cursing witch. On the coast, in a mansion, with $$ to spare and a bunch of couples coupling up. Oh, and some cute canines.

Who can resist? Not me, surprisingly. Have been an anti-romancer, but maybe Ms. Roberts has turned my heart. I know I'm very eager for the next book in the series, promised for November 2024. I'll be the blue-faced woman waiting with bated breath. . . .

*A sincere thank you to Nora Roberts, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #Inheritance #NetGalley 52:44

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this book.

I've tried Nora Roberts books in the past and didn't really get into them so was hesitant on reading this one but I am glad I did! The characters were pretty enjoyable and well rounded, the pacing was decent and I enjoyed the paranormal aspect. I would continue to read this series! The narrator did a good job as well.

I am now a Nora Roberts fan because of this book. Her writing demonstrated beautiful character development that made me feel am immediate connection. It was nice to see Trey and Sonya slowly get to know and fall for each other but my favor character is Cleo. The plot moves at a wonderful pace, I just couldn’t stop reading. The ending cliffhanger is the best one to date. I can’t wait until the second book is released.

Oh my gosh, this book is nothing like I expected! It was so engaging and was a fantastic romantic mystery that included ghosts, mostly funny ones. I thought the mystery part itself was particularly well-written. And it has a magical theme, which worked so well. It was unputdownable! There was Manor House in Maine, and there were seven lost brides and their sorrow was conveyed uniquely. And, as is pretty typical of a lot of Nora Roberts’ books, there was family included in the plot as well as twins. I love it when I find a book so engaging and that I truly am invested in, but that doesn’t happen all the time.

And the characters were just so loveable or at least likeable. There was enough bantering and hilarious moments that were laugh aloud moments, keeping me interested in the humor as well. I loved Jack and I also liked Sonya a lot. But I saw something in all characters to like.

The narrator for this book was amazing. I loved listening to the audio version and would most definitely pick this narrator to listen to again!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced audio copy and ebook copy.

Sonya MacTavish has discovered that her late father had a twin brother whom he never knew about. Her uncle Collin, who recently passed away, left her almost everything he owned, including a manor on the coast of Maine. But there's a condition: she must live in the manor for at least three years. With her engagement called off and her job redundant, Sonya, a graphic designer who can work from anywhere, decides to move to the coast.

When Sonya arrives at the clifftop manor, she meets Trey Doyle, a young lawyer. Trey tells her that the place is haunted, which makes her uncomfortable. Trey's father and Collin were best friends, so Trey spent a lot of time in the house while growing up.

Strange things happen in the manor—objects move, music plays, fires roar in the hearths—all without Sonya doing anything. Can she break the curse and bring peace to the lost brides?

I really enjoyed this book and will definitely recommend it to others. As a long-time reader of Nora Roberts, I have read many of her trilogies and can't wait for the next part of this one.

What the what?? This left me completely hanging & needing the next book in #TheLostBrideTrilogy!

I’m not generally a fantasy fan, but I really enjoyed this one. The incredible #NoraRoberts created such a wonderful story with incredible characters that are enjoyable!
I’m really excited for the next two books! This is a well-done first book.

@BritPressley was such a fantastic narrator and I loved the note Roberts read to share what inspired this trilogy with personal history that led to the stories.

Thank you, Nora Roberts, Macmillan Audio, stmartinspress & netgalley for my audiobook! All opinions are my own.

This first in this new trilogy was so so good. I did not want to put it down. I loved the story of the Lost Brides. Im always in for a haunted house story. Sonya inherits a house but she has inherited more than that. She has inherited an old curse too. She has to solve the puzzle to break the curse. I cannot wait to see what happens next. The narrations was just fabulous! Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I was so excited for this book. I went through a Nora Roberts phase a while back and haven’t read one of her books in years so I was really looking forward to this. A story about a haunted family and house is right up my alley but unfortunately this book didn’t hook me how I wanted it to.

The book didn’t flow well and felt choppy. There were too many ghost brides thrown in and it made it difficult to follow along. Some of those stories could have been saved for later on in the series. Overall it felt slow and I started losing interest in the story.