Member Reviews

The Mirror is the continuation of the Lost Bride Trilogy and picks right up where the last story ended. In this story, Sonya and Cleo acclimate to their new lifestyle in a house haunted by a variety of ghosts and try to figure out how to free the house of Hester Dobbs with the help of Trey and Owen.

While I enjoyed the second book in this trilogy, I feel like it did very little to advance the main storyline. There was a lot of focus on the daily lives of our characters and the meals they share with each other. I did enjoy watching Sonya and Trey grow closer and begin to define their relationship while Cleo and Owen began their own flirtation. In between the growth of these relationships and the beginning of new friendships, we learn more about the lost brides and how they were murdered. I found their history intriguing and I am invested in this trilogy. The Mirror sets up for what I’m sure will be a gripping conclusion to this haunting trilogy and I am looking forward to see how it all ends.

Was this review helpful?

Ms. Roberts continues to pull one into the story with intriguing characters and strong plot lines. Can’t wait for the last of the series

Was this review helpful?

Reading The Lost Bride Trilogy has been like a spicy hallmark movie of a haunted house. The characters feel like people I want to hang out with. I can't stop reading even when the characters we are just making tonight's dinner with company or working through the to do list for their new independent job. A relaxing read with some spicy & scary fun tossed in!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Nora Roberts for allowing me to review this wonderful book. Nora Roberts has been my favorite author for so long and I am always excited to read her new novels. I was highly anticipating this book after reading the first in this trilogy last year. The first book left off on quite the cliff hanger so I was excited to get back into this world. This book did not disappoint! I loved the continuation of the story and am now very excited to read the final book in this trilogy. I can’t wait to find out how it all ends! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, romance, and mysteries. This series is such a fun ride! Thank you again for allowing me to review this fantastic book!

Was this review helpful?

The Mirror is the gripping second installment in Nora Roberts' The Lost Bride trilogy, picking up right where the first book, Inheritance, left off. While Roberts smoothly reacquaints readers with the story, I strongly recommend reading Inheritance first to appreciate the unfolding drama fully. Roberts weaves an atmospheric tale, immersing readers through richly detailed scenes that engage all the senses. She skillfully balances the town's day-to-day life with the supernatural, blending elements of mystery and suspense as Sonya’s trips through the mirror reveal the mansion’s tragic history across generations. The slow buildup in the book's first half allows relationships and character development to deepen. At the same time, the paranormal episodes heighten the sense of foreboding and danger, building up to a powerful climax. True to Roberts' style, the female characters are fierce and independent. At the same time, the men are supportive and resourceful, creating a solid team dedicated to bringing light and love to the haunted mansion. But is their bond strong enough to face a centuries-old evil?

Was this review helpful?

The Mirror, the second book in The Lost Bride Trilogy by Nora Roberts, is a captivating blend of chills and thrills. This paranormal romantic suspense tale not only keep me on the edge of my seat but also beautifully highlights the significance of family, friends, and love. Roberts, a masterful storyteller, weaves a quiet yet mesmerizing narrative that left me spellbound.

Was this review helpful?

Paranormal Steamy Romantic Suspense in which a graphic designer inherits a haunted Victorian manor and with a lawyer's help works to unravel old secrets in order to break a centuries-old curse.

5/5 stars: This is the second entry in Roberts's Lost Bride Trilogy series which is a Paranormal Steamy Romantic Suspense that takes place in Maine and follows a graphic designer inherits a haunted Victorian manor from an unknown uncle and works with her lawyer lover, her best friend and her cousin to unravel long held secrets about her father's family's past tragedies in order to break a centuries-old curse. The paranormal elements are mid-level on the woo-woo scale: ghosts doing ghostly things, dreams/visions of the past, an ancient curse and a time-slip mirror. The suspense is masterfully crafted and will leave you on the edge of your seat. With plenty of wit and humor, Roberts's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. While mainly in Sonya's POV, there are chapters in Sonya's ancestor's POVs that add so much to story. Sonya's a tough woman who takes everything that happens with aplomb and I loved seeing her relationship with Trey blooming. And I really like all the secondary characters canine, feline and human and both living and ghostly. Especially, her cousin Owen and her best friend Cleo and their budding romance. The romance has plenty of flirty, swoony banter and the OPS scenes are incredibly sexy and deliciously sensual. Roberts touches on some sensitive topics, so take care and check the CWs. This shouldn't be read as a stand-alone, it's a continuation of book one, Inheritance, so be sure to pick it up first. Roberts is an all-time favorite author, so I'm biased but this is an absolutely great read, highly recommend!

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to @netgalley, @norarobertsauthor and @stmartinspress for allowing me to read and review this book
Book two of three in the Lost Bride Trilogy, is another win for Nora Roberts! A ghost story and love story in one, this is an unusual twist on a ghost story.
I loved both of the first two books and can’t wait for book three!!
As always, well written, well researched and a joy to read!! Highly recommend!

Was this review helpful?

This book continues from where The Inheritance left off. An antique mirror that suddenly appears and disappears is a portal into the past for Sonya, the new owner of the Poole Manor, and Owen, another Poole descendant. Going through the portal gives them a new prospective of the lives and deaths of the Poole ancestors, especially those who were victims of Hester Dobbs treachery. A spectre from a time two hundred years in the past, Hester Dobbs is set on expelling the new residents of the manor, the manor she has claimed as her own. But she isn’t the only spirit who haunts the manor. All of her victims do too, as does anyone else who died at the manor. In contrast to Hester’s evil, all others who haunt the manor are spirits who wish no harm to the new residents, Sonya and Cleo. In fact the spirits take on many tasks to be of service, like housecleaning and personal wardrobe consultant, and to show their goodwill. As Sonya and Cleo get more comfortable at the manor, Hester’s malevolence grows. The mirror continues to give Sonya views of the past and hopefully clues on how to take back the rings from the lost brides and vanquish Hester Dobbs. It is the classic struggle of good versus evil.

While this book includes the evolving relationships between two couples, they are not the only focus of this book. Connections are a big part of this book. The connections between friends who are more like siblings, between friends who become lovers, and between the new residents of the manor and the community in which they now reside. The connections between the past and the present or ancestors and descendants are also important to this multilayered and complex book that both thrills and enthralls. Sonya and Cleo have both found the manor to be a home where they can flourish, both personally and professionally, and its spirits are both a comfort and a challenge. With Trey and Owen in their lives now and, hopefully, in the future, these two women are not going anywhere. Together, the four of them and their furry companions, make a formidable team against Hester’s evil machinations. This book ends on another thrilling cliffhanger which leaves me eagerly awaiting the conclusion of this trilogy.

Both The Inheritance and The Mirror are enthralling and well worth reading. Neither book is a standalone and they should be read in order. The story concludes in the next book.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Net-Galley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book before release.

I unfortunately am very conflicted about how I feel about this book. I have been a long-time reader and fan of all Nora Roberts Trilogies but this 2nd book really suffered from 2nd book syndrome full of filler and extended character events without progressing the main storyline or plot in any real way. We do get history of a few more of the Lost Brides and Dobbs but it just felt very forced together to fill in the gaps so that the finale won't be too long. I do love watching the characters grow and the atmosphere of the Manor but I do wish we would have got just a little more versatility in the action so that it didn't feel so much like rinse and repeat from every "event" from the first book. I will pick up the 3rd book since I know we will get al the action and final answers to all the questions we have left.

Was this review helpful?

The Mirror by Nora Roberts is book two in the Lost Bride Manor Trilogy. This story picks up where Inheritance leaves off, with Sonya and Owen traveling back in time through a mirror that only opens for those from the Poole family line. The ghosts of the manor continue to aid Sonya in unraveling the past. Clover really shines in this one with her DJ skills. The song choices are superb.

Sonya and Cleo are thriving in Poole’s Bay, both professionally and personally. Sonya and Trey grow even closer, and sparks fly between Cleo and Owen. These relationships create a deep investment in these characters outside the mystery of the manor. Sonya is also forced to confront her recent past and she absolutely dazzles. Cleo adopts an adorable cat to add to the family. Pye fits in perfectly with Yoda, Mookie and Jones.

The group continues to go up against the dark witch spirit of Hester Dobbs and manages to come out on top every time. The Event they hold with the town and their families is a joyful slap in the face. Her ruin cannot come fast enough.

This book is everything I love about a Nora Roberts story. I am very excited for the finale.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Nora Roberts wastes no time resolving the cliffhanger eager readers were left with at the close of Inheritance, the first book in the Lost Bride Trilogy. The narrative picks up just as Sonja and her cousin, Owen, step through the mysterious mirror that transports those of the Poole family lineage through time to witness the dark, sealed fates of seven generations of brides. In a way, I was thrilled to be right back in the moment--and I definitely could have used a character refresher. The canvas is huge, and a family tree illustration or listing would have been useful.

Back to the story.

The Mirror takes readers and the four main characters--Sonja, Owen, Trey, and Cleo--on a journey to see the dark, sad endings of more brides. The evil spirit of Hester Dobbs lives among them in the mansion, feeding on fear and grief. She has doomed generations of brides, driven by jealousy and madness. What should be their happiest days turn into their last for any woman marrying into the Poole family in Maine. After their deaths, Hester takes their wedding rings, the objects somehow strengthening her vicious curse.

As the second book in the trilogy, it's clear Nora Roberts is giving readers all the back stories, clues, and keys to solve the mystery of Lost Bride Manor. She also sets up her characters, readying Sonja to battle Hester with the help of her friends.

The Mirror delivers what fans of Nora Roberts love: family, friendship, love, and strong female characters that drive compelling storylines. Roberts pushes the plot to a pounding pulse point, ending the second installment with a frighteningly searing image.

I always appreciate Nora Roberts' ability to avoid the curse of obscurity or banality that many trilogy "book twos" suffer with. I can't wait to see how the series wraps up!

Was this review helpful?

In The Mirror, the second book of The Lost Bride Trilogy, Nora Roberts captivates readers with a haunting tale that blends mystery, fantasy, and a centuries-old curse. When Sonya MacTavish inherits a sprawling Victorian mansion along Maine's rugged coast, she hopes for a fresh start. But what she finds instead is a house steeped in dark history, one that comes alive with eerie footsteps, slamming doors, and faint music echoing through empty halls. Sonya’s nights are soon filled with strange dreams that pull her into the past, where she sees visions of long-forgotten brides—each connected to her family's legacy.

One night, a mysterious mirror she’s glimpsed only in dreams finally appears. Drawn to it, Sonya steps through and is transported to a tragic scene from the past, witnessing a bride's violent end on her wedding day. As she uncovers the house's disturbing secrets, Sonya realizes this murder is not an isolated event but part of a curse repeating through generations—a curse she is bound to confront if she hopes to break it.

Roberts’ expert storytelling shines in The Mirror, as she crafts a vivid, suspenseful world that will keep readers on edge. Sonya’s journey is one of resilience and bravery, marked by her determination to piece together her family’s dark history and end the cycle of tragedy. With its blend of romance, ghostly visions, and a puzzle that spans centuries, The Mirror is a perfect choice for fans of atmospheric, character-driven fantasy. Roberts keeps the tension high, and readers will be swept up in Sonya’s gripping adventure to rewrite the destiny of her haunted inheritance.

Was this review helpful?

The Mirror is the second book in The Lost Bride Trilogy. We pick up where the last book left off on a cliffhanger. Sonya is working to live her life and create a successfully one woman graphic design firm while also uncovering the stories of the seven Poole brides who have died over the centuries. There is a curse that must be broken and Sonya is hopefully going to be the one to do it. As she uncovers the truths behind each death she starts piecing together the puzzle, but will she be able to figure out how to break the curse before it’s too late?

I have been waiting all year for this second book in this trilogy. After the cliffhanger that the first book left us on I couldn’t wait to read this one and see how things played out. So many things were answered in this book, but there are even more questions to still be resolved. I really enjoy the case of characters in this book and love following along with them as this trilogy unfolds. I love the ghost aspect of this book and how everything ties back to the curse. I can’t wait to see how the finale plays out and will be impatiently waiting for it to come out. If you are looking for an intriguing and captivating series about a haunted house and the curse that needs to be broken look no farther! This series needs to be read in order to make sense of it, so start with the first book!

Was this review helpful?

The Mirror is a testament to Nora Roberts’ skill as a storyteller. The novel’s blend of romance, mystery, and supernatural elements creates a unique and memorable reading experience. The themes of love and redemption resonate deeply, leaving a lasting impression on readers.

I would highly recommend The Mirror to fans of romance and mystery genres. Nora Roberts’ masterful storytelling and well-developed characters make this book a must-read. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Roberts or new to her work, The Mirror is sure to captivate and entertain.

Was this review helpful?

THE MIRROR, second in the LOST BRIDE trilogy, is wonderful! I got caught up with the characters I met in INHERITANCE, and was pleased that the story line picked up where it left off. I love the quirky spirits that live in Sonya's house and their interaction with the living. I don't want to give anything away, because this story is so good, you deserve to read all the details yourself. My only complaint about this book, is that it is another year before we get the conclusion. I can't wait to see how Nora weaves the remainder of the story line.

Was this review helpful?

I love Nora Roberts books but this one was just ok for me. The Inheritance was so good so maybe it was just hard to enjoy this one as mooch. Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed getting caught up with Sonya, Cleo, Owen and Trey. The continuation of the story from The Inheritance kept me engaged, Hester Dobbs is trying to win the manor but Sonya is determined to get rid of her so she can enjoy her house, I loved when Sonya inadvertently brings down jerky Brandon all while winning a big job. The other ghosts are also very enjoyable: Jack, Clover, and Molly add so much to the story. Clover’s playlist is amazing. I especially liked the scene where Cleo & Sonya are working on the mural for Anna & Seth’s nursery and the inaugural voyage of Cleo’s boat. The story was great and I’m so looking forward to the final book in the trilogy.

Thanks to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for a copy of this book..

Was this review helpful?

After reading the first installment of the Lost Bride series, "Inheritance," I was eager to follow Sonya and Trey's narrative. Unexpectedly, my interest waned repeatedly as I progressed through the book. It took an embarrassing amount of time to finish; each night, I managed only a few minutes of reading before sleep became the preferable option.

I'm reluctant to disclose the actual duration it took to complete the book, but let's just say it was lengthy. It might have been influenced by the high I experienced from reading Roberts' "Mind Games," which was a solid five-star experience for me.

I extend my gratitude to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the electronic advance review copy. The opinions expressed herein are genuinely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Sonya MacTavish is going on with life trying to figure out a way remove the dark spirit Hester Dobbs from her house as well as accepting the nice spirits in her house. Her visual arts business is flourishing....she even won an account over her ex! Sonya and her roommate Cleo Fabares are even planning a huge open house party and plan to invite all their family, friends and local townspeople.

At the end of the last book, Sonya and her cousin Owen Poole learned some new information that may help them with Hester Dobbs. Sonya's boyfriend, Oliver Doyle III a.k.a. Trey feels nervous with her and Cleo living alone in the house especially during the night when strange things keep happening so he ends up sleeping over most nights along with Owen.

As days go by Sonya, Trey, Cleo and Owen keep finding out new information. New portraits of the dead Poole brides keep popping up as well as a mirror. Whenever the mirror appears Sonya is drawn to go through the glass. Each time Sonya goes through she learns something new about one of the seven brides. But one thing that is constant every time is that Hester Dobbs takes the bride's wedding ring. Now Sonya realizes that in order to break the Poole bride curse, she must find all seven rings of the dead Poole brides.

This story was an enjoyable continuation of the first book. You do need to read book one first. It was interesting learning about each of the brides, while at the same time everyday life was happening. I cannot wait to see how the fearless foursome are going to take down Hester Dobbs. It's going to be crazy!

Was this review helpful?