Inheritance was one of my favorite books of 2023, and it ended on a major cliffhanger. So when I was offered an advance digital copy of The Mirror, which was quite possibly my most anticipated read of 2024, I couldn’t hit the download button fast enough. And I loved every single page. There’s not a single thing I would change about The Mirror, except for the fact that I have to wait over a year to see how the story ends.

Thankfully, our story picks up exactly where Inheritance left off. Because of that, there’s not a ton I can say about the plot. What I can do is offer a brief synopsis of Inheritance. Our main character, Sonja, is watching her life unravel. Right after we meet her, she finds her fiancé in bed with one of her bridesmaids—who also happens to be her cousin. From there, she has to deal with throwing him out, cancelling the wedding, and drama at her job, as both she and the ex-fiancé work for the same graphic design firm. In the wake of all of this, an additional piece of drama completely upends her life. It turns out her deceased father was a twin, and that the uncle she never knew has left her Lost Bride Manor, a massive mansion on the coast. She takes a chance and moves in, only to find that the house isn’t empty. It’s insanely haunted. Most of the ghosts are helpful and friendly, but there’s one that will stop at nothing to drive Sonja away. There’s a mystery to solve, a romance to be had, and some truly fantastic friendships to be found within the book, as well.

There’s not a ton of forward momentum to the plot in The Mirror, but I didn’t care. It was never, ever boring. Nora weaves a spell in her portrayal of the everyday; even the mundane is magical in her hands. This is one of the best examples of a slice-of-life story I’ve read in recent years. It gives us a ton of character development in Sonja, as well as in her best friend Cleo, who I absolutely adore; Trey, Sonja’s love interest on of the steadiest, sweetest men in Nora’s vast back catalogue of romantic leads; and Owen, Trey’s best friend and Sonja’s cousin she didn’t know about until moving to the Manor. I love every single member of this inner circle of the cast with all my heart. They’re just a wonderful group, and I love the many bonds between them. (Also, can I just say that Cleo, Owen, and Cleo’s grandma are some of the most naturally, effortlessly sexy characters I’ve encountered in any book?) Then there are the other two main groups of characters: the pets, who all somehow resemble their humans in personality; and the ghosts, who are an eclectic and by-and-large charming bunch, with one glaring exception.

I’m not a big crier as I read, but I had to put this book down multiple times because I couldn’t see the words. Sometimes the tears were from sorrow, shared with one of the characters. But more, they were from sheer sweetness, from scenes that made my heart ache in the best of ways. Nora has a way of bringing out the emotions in me, and I’m not sure she’s ever exemplified that more than in the last 10% of this book.

Let’s talk about the bookends of the story: the prologue and the final chapter. Nora’s prologues are always exceptional. They plunge us into the tone and atmosphere of the story to come, but they’re also different stylistically than the rest of the book. This one in particular was musical, moody, darkly whimsical. I was instantly transported and drawn in. And then there’s the last chapter. That ending, man. What is up with Nora’s endings in recent years?! They leave you desperate for the next book. Which is all well and good when you actually have the next book in hand. But when you have to wait a year? It’s torture! But it’s torture of the best kind. It guarantees that I’ll be thinking about this book for months to come, and will be reading the last installment as soon as I can get my hands on it.

One of my dreams when I first started reviewing books in 2016 was to, someday, be able to read Nora Roberts books before they were published. It seemed like such a lofty goal to me, but she’s one of my absolute favorite authors, a favorite I share with my mom, my grandma, and my brother. If I could get anything out of reviewing books, that’s what I hoped for. Lo and behold, my dream has become reality. Every time I get one of her books early, it feels like the best Christmas ever. I’m so thankful to have gotten to read The Mirror early, and am even more thankful that I loved it so much. Nora Roberts is a master of her craft, and I can’t wait to see how she brings this story to a close in 2025!

Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for an ARC of The Mirror.

Book 2 in The Lost Bride Trilogy, we pick up right where we left off with Sonya and Owen going through the mirror. The step back in time to watch the unfortunate death of one of the brides.

Sonya continues to learn more about the "lost brides" of the Manor along with more history about the Manor. Hester Dobbs continues her antics as Sonya and Cleo prepare The Event, an open house at the Manor.

I felt book 2 was a little on the slow side but we learn more about the history of the brides and the manor. I'm looking forward to book 3!

A stunning continuation of Roberts' current paranormal trilogy.

I am usually not a fan of cliffhanger books, but I have been reading Nora Roberts for over 20 years, so I am willing to go along for whatever ride she wants to take me on. The Inheritance is the first book in this trilogy and it absolutely has to be read first. Sonya, Cleo, Trey and Owen continue to find a way to break the curse of Lost Bride Manor and free its inhabitants. The year-long wait between books is certainly nail-biting, but this one was so worth the wait.

I was very pleased to see that this book didn't suffer from second-book syndrome. There was plenty of action and suspense and every word was essential to the story. As always, Roberts' character and relationship development was at the heart of the story and made you feel like the characters were real. I cannot wait for the conclusion next year.

The Inheritance got me into some Nora Roberts books. The Mirror did not disappoint, a great slow burn novel. A good continuance of Sonya & The Lost Bride Manor story, so much great interaction between the characters and the manor. Can't wait for the 3rd book.


When Sonya MacTavish inherits the huge Victorian mansion on the coast of Maine, she has no idea that the house is haunted. The footsteps she hears at night, the doors slamming, the music playing, are not figments of her imagination. In her dreams she sees glimpses of the past. In the present she finds portraits of brides. And when she has visions of an antique mirror, she is drawn to it, sensing it holds dark family secrets.

Then one night the mirror appears and Sonya glides through this looking glass, into the past—and sees a bride murdered on her wedding day, the circle of gold torn from her finger. It is a scene that will play out again and again—a centuries-old curse that must be broken—and a puzzle she must solve if there is any hope of breaking the curse.

The Mirror by Nora Roberts continues a story... but still leaves you wanting more...

Not Roberts best work, it seems as though this was written with another author. The storyline felt juvenille for her skill level.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This picks up immediately where the first book ends. I’m so glad I was able to get an ARC after that cliffhanger in the first book. It had me at edge of my seat.

I really loved this book. I enjoyed the continuation of finding out more about the history of the brides, her family, and the curse. There was also a continuation of the romance, and of course more tantrums from Dobbs.

It was great getting to see all the main characters interacting and growing into a close knit unit. I loved the growth or the friendships and the romance. The guys were both so protective and always willing to help out which I loved. I’m glad we saw more of Owen. It was good to see how growing relationship with Sonya as family but also his interactions with Cleo.

It’s been nice to see both Sonya and Cleo grow and find themselves. They’re such strong, brave, independent women. I also loved the seen with Sonya and her ex, and meeting Cleo’s Grand-Mère. I just loved her.

I absolutely can’t wait for the third book!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sonja MacTavish unexpectedly inherits a house in Maine. It's the perfect place to recover from a bad break up, discover her surprise family history and build her new business. Except the house it haunted. Very, very, haunted.

The Mirror is the second installment of Robert's Lost Bride Trilogy and picks up where the first book ended. We find Sonja grappling with the mystery of the lost brides and the creepy poltergiest who wants to control the Manor, while expanding her new business and building new relationships. Except Sonja must now contend with a strange mirror the draws her into the past.

Overall this was an enjoyable read. The Mirror is filled with likeable characters who feel like friends you know. The setting is charming, the mystery engaging, the romance heart-warming and the story has just the right amount of spookiness to make it fun. However the story meanders quite a bit and the overall plot doesn't seem to advance very much. The days in Poole's Bay seem a little repetitive -- get up, walk the dogs, drink coffee, listen to tunes played by the ghost, make dinner with burgeoning culinary skills, listen to doors being slammed -- rinse and repeat.

Despite this, the novel is an enjoyable with a fun premise. Nora Roberts always delivers a dependable reading experience and her fans are sure to love The Mirror. Recommended for Nora Roberts fans and readers who like contemporary fiction with a slice of mystery and romance. 3.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced readers copy of this novel.

This book was no where as intriguing as the 1st, Inheritance. Some series use the first book as world building. This one seems to have put the important stuff in the first book and this one feels like filler between the 1st and 3rd. Not much happens except romance and a lot of eating. I'm very disappointed, as I greatly enjoyed Inheritance.

I was so excited to receive early access to this second installment in the Lost Bride Trilogy. The only problem now is waiting for the third and final installment! Not being one for what I consider "romance" books, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this series. However, after seeing it recommended over and over I decided to give it a try, and I'm certainly glad I did. Yes there is romance but it's not the main focus of the books. If you enjoy spooky happenings and some romance, I bet you'll love this book. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing early access to The Mirror.

Absolutely love anything Nora Roberts and this new series is no exception! I look forward to the third one to see everything come together!

Love this series. It has such a great variety of characters, including the ghosts. The plot is intriguing, and slowly coming together. While I did like the first book better, this one was a must read. Can't wait to the third book.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I love Nora Roberts' trilogies. I now have to wait another year for the finale. Her trilogies are not like her stand alone books. She usually writes about the supernatural. If you don't like that sort of book, then this one isn't for you. I do enjoy them and Nora Roberts does them well. She writes strong women and supportive men. This one throws a few friendly ghosts and one not so friendly witch. It's a recipe for a good book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Nora Roberts and St Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I very much enjoyed the first Lost Bride trilogy book last November so I was excited to receive the second in the series. Nora does it once again! I am usually not a big fantasy reader but have always loved Nora’s novels!
I enjoyed learning more about the lost brides specifically Clover since she is always present with her wonderful dj-ing skills. She brings such a lightness and humor that helps Sonya and Cleo deal with some of the darkness from Dobbs. I love the relationship between Sonya and Cleo, they are more like soul sisters than best friends. It was interesting to see more of the familial relationships as well. Overall, I enjoyed this book so much! I can’t wait for the final book in the trilogy next year.

Book two in The Lost Bride Trilogy follows the very successful Roberts formula. Sonya and Cleo hunker down in the Poole mansion- refusing to be chased out by the malevolent witch. They are joined by two hunky friends who of course are falling for the two women. Add in some decorating, gardening, cute pets and paranormal activity - and it was a very enjoyable hammock read.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC - my opinions are my own.

I loved this book. I was SO invested at the end of book one but had no idea where the story would go for book two. Yikes! I know I wouldn’t have the fortitude to be Sonya and her friends.

To me, book two weaves the back story about Sonya’s and (her new-found cousin) Owen’s family and maybe why she inherited the mansion. It was fascinating. The villain in this story is so very wicked and I can’t keep my heart from breaking for all the mayhem caused. Where book one laid out the story and the characters, book two, to me, delves into all the relatives affected by this villain. Sonya just goes full steam ahead, confidently trying to unravel the mysteries surrounding her and her...let’s call them a posse! Trey is the perfect partner to Sonya – strong, loyal, loving – and willing to bite his tongue and watch Sonya handle her destiny. Cousin Own is a hoot! He is firmly in the “Sonya Corner”. And Cleo, Sonya’s best friend. She is a take no prisoners kinda friend but would lay her life on the line for Sonya...and now Sonya’s “posse”.

I can’t wait for book three – utterly enthralled with the story and this “family” of characters.

I enjoyed the first book in this trilogy a lot.

This one, not so much. It felt like a very long re-telling of book one. A lot of talking about it. A lot.
It happened, and we had to rehash it with every other character. And one at a time.

I just couldn't get past that.

NetGalley/ St. Martin's Press November 19, 2024

Before reading this book, I went back to Inheritance and read that first.
This current book, moves so slow. Slower then molasses in December with a cold snap.

I really thought that the author would have focused more on finding the mirror. Doing something with the mirror, hence the name of the book. But it wasn't like that.

It was more oh we are going to have a party, talk about the party ad nausem, oh we need caterers for the party, now we need a garden.

And in between some of these things was more ghosts.

I don't think that this series will ever end, not with the pace this author is going.

I am going to give up on the series, too much fluff, not enough substance.

I received an ARC of the Mirror from NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!

So when I clicked the request I didn’t pay attention that it was book two so I went and purchased book one and I’m glad I did because even with the repetition and rehashing, I probably wouldn’t really know what was going on so book one is a must (Inheritance:The Lost Bride Trilogy).

The description provided is exactly it:

“1806: Astrid Poole sits in her bridal clothes, overwhelmed with happiness. But before her marriage can be consummated, she is murdered, and the circle of gold torn from her finger. Her last words are a promise to Collin never to leave him…

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.

Trey, the young lawyer who greets her at the sprawling clifftop manor, notes Sonya’s unease—and acknowledges that yes, the place is haunted…but just a little. Sure enough, Sonya finds objects moved and music playing out of nowhere. She sees a painting by her father inexplicably hanging in her deceased uncle’s office, and a portrait of a woman named Astrid, whom the lawyer refers to as “the first lost bride.” It’s becoming clear that Sonya has inherited far more than a house. She has inherited a centuries-old curse, and a puzzle to be solved if there is any hope of breaking it…”


I was hooked by book one so was extremely hopeful book two would deliver and get me closer to solving the mystery of the seven brides and breaking the curse of that hag Dobbs, It did not.

Book two for the majority kept repeating itself and not really providing anything different from book one. It was just a long description of things that were not that important and honestly this should not have been a trilogy.

If a book is good I usually finish in a day, max three depending on size, but this one took me over a week. I usually DNF a book like this but book one had so much promise and I really hoped something big would happen at the end of book two, but woe is me and it was not a good cliffhanger for book two.

I really like the promise of the story and pray book three will make up for book two and restore my faith!!!

Loved reading the mesmerizing and amazing second book in the series. Sonya and her best friend Cleo, are determined to try to stop the evil curse, continue to combat Dobbs with the help of the other spirits in the mansion, and decide to plan a huge party along with Sonya's boyfriend, Trey, and her cousin, Owen. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series by the phenomenal author, Nora Roberts.

Amazing! Every part of this story is so believable to me. It was a little whimsical, but believable! The friendships, romance and small town vibes were spot on. Finally a little romance that wasn’t in your face and all too real. This is simply Nora Roberts. I don’t even read the back of her books, because I know I’m going to like it, and I loved it. It is a series book and a cliffhanger, but don’t let that sway you if you’re not a fan, because you don’t want to miss out. Love!!