Not a lot happens in this book. I appreciate the backstory of each bride but there was SO much mundane, day to day, “feed the dogs and cook dinner” filler.

I give this book 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

I DEVOURED Inheritance and I was so excited to read this book. Unfortunately, it just didn’t capture my attention the way the first in the series did.

The plot dragged A LOT. There was so much of the friend group just making dinner or hanging out and, unfortunately, it didn’t add much to the plot. There was so much practicing for the subplot of the presentation for Ryder and it just didn’t really move the plot along. There was so much exposition about making the boat and the dog house and the mermaid painting, and maybe those things will become more important in the next book, but they just dragged the plot along so slowly. Also, this huge party they were planning? I fully expected Dobbs to be out in full force… and nothing???

I started an ARC book on October 13, 2024, got about 40% of the way through and totally lost interest until a few weeks ago when I realized I still hadn’t given a review on NetGalley. I had to get the audiobook from the library and listen on 2x speed to make it through the rest.

I will say once I got to around 50% and she started going through the mirror and seeing things more frequently I was interested again. I’m sure I’ll at least give the next one a try. I’d like to know the conclusion, I just hope the next one doesn’t drag so much.

The main character has witnessed the murder of seven brides. She inherits a house on the coast of main and brings her best friend to live with her. Little does she know the house is holding a secret. Ghosts this book is very believable and makes you shocked to know how it ends

The tales of the brides continues to unfold- it's so interesting to go back and forth between the present time of Sonya, the past ages of the bride, and even the glimpses of Sonya's dad in the middle. No one makes paranormal in the present day a possibility like Nora.

I received an e-galley from the publisher through NetGalley,

I am new to Nora Robert’s fandom. Very new. Hi, I am kicking myself for this. How is it that every book I’ve read about Nora I am finding myself so intrigued and hooked. This series are so good! I can’t wait to see how it ends! Perfect for a not so scary Halloween read. Sometimes sequels fall in the dreaded -notasgoodasfirst- hole. Is not a bad thing it’s just we need that background to learn more where the story is going. Definilety slower paced but liked learning about he other brides.

This was a great story! I thought that the characters were very engaging. The story was so clever. I just loved reading it, I couldn't put it down!

I will always be a fan of Nora’s but especially of her PNR. They always hit the spot. The Lost Bride Trilogy has the most wonderful of characters and the most charming setting! I love the strong friendships and sense of community.

More and more of the mystery of the Poole brides is being unraveled as Sonya and Owen are traveling into the mirror, viewing the past deaths of each bride. Sonya is given a new clue about the rings and Hester’s escapades grow darker and more dangerous.

I don’t want to spoil anything but this series is one that I think every fan should read!

My thanks to St. Martin's Press for this gifted copy!

Nora Roberts has a way of crafting deep, compelling personalities that keep you invested. 💜 This installment started off slowly for me, and unfortunately, it never fully picked up the pace. However, the characters absolutely stole my heart! Even though this one wasn’t my favorite, I’m still eager to see how the story concludes in book three!

Thank you, NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Nora Roberts, for the ARC!

As a lifelong (okay, since I was 16, I wasn’t reading Nora as a toddler 😂), this series might be my favorite of hers. Because old houses and romance and murderous ghosts? SIGN ME UP. I will always be in awe of how the author structures her books to give us more and more tension as the series progresses. Though I can’t say I’m thrilled about the cliffhanger…
I can’t wait for book 3!

I received an advance copy from the publisher, all opinions are my own, and a review was not required.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan for this advanced reader’s copy.

This is the second book in the Lost Bride trilogy and it picked right up where book 1 ended. It had been a while since I read book 1 and I would have appreciated a little refresher, maybe a prologue or something.

There are a number of things I like about Nora Roberts’ writing, but my favorite is the way she writes her characters. Everyone has a unique voice and personality and all her characters are multidimensional, and that is definitely true about the characters in The Mirror.

I enjoyed the pace and revelations of this book. I was disappointed, but not surprised, that it ends in another cliffhanger. Of course I look forward to the last of the trilogy.

Nora Roberts’ The Mirror is the second installment in the Lost Bride Trilogy, continuing the haunting narrative that intertwines romance, mystery, and the supernatural. Set against the backdrop of a Victorian mansion on the Maine coast, the novel delves deeper into the enigmatic history of the Poole family and the spectral brides who met tragic fates within its walls.

Sonya MacTavish, having inherited the sprawling Victorian estate known as Lost Bride Manor, becomes increasingly entangled in its dark past. The mansion is haunted by the spirits of brides who were murdered on their wedding days, victims of a centuries-old curse. Sonya’s discovery of an antique mirror serves as a portal to the past, allowing her to witness the tragic events that befell these women. Determined to break the cycle, Sonya embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the curse, all while navigating her own personal challenges and burgeoning relationships.

The Mirror is a continuation of the Lost Bride Trilogy, showcasing Nora Roberts’ talent for weaving together romance, mystery, and the supernatural. I am eagerly anticipating the trilogy’s conclusion!

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of The Mirror. #NetGalley #TheMirror #NoraRoberts

I loved this book. So far the series has grabbed me. Sonya has inherited a large manor from an Uncle she did not know she had. The continues the story from "The Inheritance". Seven brides have died in this manor on their wedding day. It seems Sonya may be the only person who can rectify this wrong. An evil witch cursed the brides and the manor. Her presence is still in the home. Her spirit is not the only ghost their, all the brides and others who died there are still around. Many of them have made themselves know by laying out clothes, cleaning up, playing music, etc. At times, Sonya walks through a mirror and sees what really happened to the people who used to live there. She must return the stolen wedding rings in order to break the curse. The ghosts help as do her friends, Cleo, Trey, and her cousin Owen. Sonya is still learning so there is no resolution, but bit by bit she and her friends gain more understanding into each of the brides as well as the witch.

This was very engrossing. Great story-telling. The plot is unique with the curse and the brides. The writing style is easy to read and I like all the characters except the obvious, the witch!

Dear The Mirror,
You were not a good story, or a bad story. You just fell into the typical second book in a trilogy trap. You were a connection between the beginning and the end of the story arc. The story did move forward, but you were somewhat flat and repetitive, without much momentum. I am glad that I read you, and I will be finishing the List Bride Trilogy, you were a bit "meh" for me.

Thank you St. Martins Press for the early copy in exchange for an honest review. Short review as this was probably 2.5 stars for me.

Old manors and ghosts, tell me more - this is how I felt when I got the book from the Read Now section. I will admit I got it without knowing it was the second in a trilogy.

Something I did enjoy was the relationship between characters, especially the friendship between Sonya and Cloe. The wakes in the middle of the night were interesting. The anticipation of what would happen each time made me feel slightly anxious.

In general, I didn't mind The Mirror; however, I found it to be somewhat repetitive. Throughout the book, the mention of each bride's passing, how it happened, and all of the everyday routines between characters became a bit boring and slowed down the story.

As mentioned, 2.5 stars for me but I will round up to 3 for NetGalley/GoodReads.

The writing in this is beautiful but I am left feeling very confused at 50% in. I’m not convinced I understand. For right now this is a DNFFN. (Did not finish for now.)

Overall the writing is beautifully done but the story isn’t working for me.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in return for an honest review.

In The Mirror we continue to follow Sonya’s journey at the manor and trying to help the brides. The story continues to flow beautifully and you pick up right where you were left. I love seeing all the happy with all the sad and cannot wait to see how the story ends. Sonya and Cleo’s friendship is magical and I love seeing the love interests develop more. Definitely recommend this series!

It’s incredible how Nora Roberts can craft a gothic story involving a murderous ghost witch yet somehow make the novel a relaxing read! “The Mirror” is the second installment in the Lost Bride trilogy, and as the middle book faces challenges. The mystery has already been introduced in the first book but it cannot be resolved until the last book. What instead happens is The Mirror becomes a device to further unfurl all the mysteries of the Poole family, which our protagonist Sonya must uncover. I really liked the whole cast of characters especially the core four: Sonya, Cleo, Trey, and Owen. Not to mention all their pets! Another way this book was enjoyable was how Sonya’s routines were detailed. Her work played a big part in her life and it is written as a daily routine of productivity balanced with a rich personal life. That was relaxing to read and made a good contrast to the more fantastical elements of the story. I am really looking forward to the last book but I found “The Mirror” incredibly satisfying on its own.

Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.
I've been a huge Nora Roberts fan for years. This story was a bit boring and just could not get into it.
I'm sad to say that I skimmed through some chapters and then gave up.

The Mirror was a strong follow-up to Inheritance where we get more backstory and information about the murdered brides. One thing I really love about Nora's books (and that was really well done in this book) is the character and relationship development. She really does the work to make sure her characters come through ~just so~. Sonya and Cleo's friendship continues to shine and the burgeoning relationships with the male main characters are so well done. I can't wait for the next installment and to see how this trilogy will be wrapped up!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Mirror
By: Nora Roberts
Publisher: St Martin’s Press
Pub Date: 11/19/2024

The Mirror is the second book in the Lost Bride series. It picks up right where we left off in book one with Sonya at her newly inherited very HAUNTED mansion in Maine. As Sonya and her bff Cleo continue to settle in they get along great with the ghosts who take their duties very seriously. All expect the one ghost who has murdered all 7 of the brides that died in the Manson. She’s very unhappy and spends a great deal of time trying to scare the girls away. They need to find a way to get rid of her for good.
This was so compelling kept me going till it was over. Can’t wait for book 3 to come out in November.
#lostbride #noraroberts #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #netgalley #booksofinstagram #netgalleyreader #netgalleyarc #netgalleyreviewer #bookworm #bookish #bookaddict #bookreviewer #bibliophile #ireadromance #instabooks #booknerd #arcopies #romancereads #advancereaderscopy #booklover