I was SO EXCITED for this second book! I got to about 15% in and I felt that we were pretty much rehashing what had happened in the first book. I guess I felt like this was more of a transition book.

We get some romantic progress in this book as well. But I was hoping for more plot progress, alas we didn't really get that in this book.

This definitely was just introducing or reintroducing the brides. We get more background, but absolutely nothing is resolved in this book.

I will be reading the next one to find out what happens.

Loved the book. Can’t wait for the 3rd book. I even got a friend hooked on the series . I like all the characters and how the relationships are developing. It was fun to meet the families and other town folks

Book 2 in the Lost Bride trilogy. Sophie is living in and running her business from the home she inherited. Along with her friend and roommate Cleo, they try to fully discover the curse and defeat it. For me there was a bit too much repetition and think book 1 and 2 could have been combined. I skimmed a lot to get to the end.

I really loved "The Mirror" by Nora Roberts! This is book 2 of her Lost Brides Trilogy. It is a paranormal fiction mystery.

I really think you can enjoy this book as a stand-alone even if you haven't read the first one. The main storyline doesn't conclude in this book, though, so I doubt you'll want to skip the third book.

This book gave me all kinds of happy vibes! Sonya MacTavish has inherited the Poole family manor on the coast of Maine in a small town. Her best friend, Chloe, has moved in with her. Sonya's relationship with Trey is getting stronger. Trey's best friend, Owen, is Sonya's cousin, and he likes Chloe.

The house has many friendly ghosts, like one who plays music on their phones to communicate with them, another who does housekeeping and chooses clothing for them, and a little boy who plays with her dog.

There is one very angry vengeful ghost named Hester Dobbs who wants to be the one and only mistress of the mansion. To that end, she had possibly killed off the new brides over the decades and stolen their wedding rings. Dobbs is a scary ghost!! Sonya discovers she can go through the mirror and back in time to witness some of these events.

This book is so enjoyable because of the author's skill of putting the reader right into the scene with all your senses. There are many relaxing dinners and social times with Sonya and Chloe and their men. There are dogs and a cat, too!

Ms. Roberts' female characters are strong and independent. Her plots are interesting! I highly recommend this book to readers who like paranormal fiction!

Here's my breakdown:

Characters - 5/5
Writing - 5/5
Plot - 5/5
Pacing - 5/5
Unputdownability - 5/5
Enjoyment - 5/5
Cover - 4/5
Overall - 34/7 = 4 6/7 rounded up to 5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Nora Roberts for providing this e-book in exchange for my honest review.

I've been waiting for this installment of 3 book series to come out. The first book ended with a huge cliffhanger. The second also ends with one but not nearly as dramatic as the first. I'm frustrated that I have to wait for the third and final book. I want to read it NOW.

This installment didn't have as many surprises, as the story's basics were already revealed in book 1. What kept this one rolling along for me was the staff of the manor. These ghosts could move into my house and do my chores for me anytime. While the first book was more spooky, this one is like visiting old friends. I like how each previous bride's story is revealed and their portraits are found. And let's not forget the dog house. All dogs should be so lucky to have that masterpiece.

I'll be counting down the days until I can read the final installment.

Thanks to netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc.

A curse has stalked a family for generations

When her personal and professional lives imploded, Sonya MacTavish was stunned to discover that she had inherited a stately home on the coast of Maine. Her father, who had been adopted as a baby, had had a twin brother who was raised by their birth family….this uncle left the manor (and sufficient funds to maintain it) to Sonya with the condition that she live there for one year. Betrayed by her (now ex-) fiancé and left in professional limbo when he made their joint workplace toxic, she moved herself to Maine. She fell in love with the house at first sight, but soon discovered it came with a full complement of ghosts. Most are benign, even friendly, but the ghost of a witch named Hester Dobbs is evil and is determined to be the forever mistress of the manor. She put a curse on the Poole family generations earlier, and has caused the death of a bride from each of seven generations…on their wedding day, no less. Sonya is determined to claim the manor as her own and is learning (mostly) how to put up with her nasty spectral housemate, with the help of her best friend Cleo, her newly discovered cousin Owen, and Trey, the young lawyer whose family has been friends with the Pooles for generations. As Sonya works to develop her fledging solo business and plans a major party to invite the people of Poole’s Bay into the home she is creating, she learns more about the women who have loved and died in Lost Bride Manor and is determined to find justice for them. As Hester continues her particular brand of terrorism, can Sonya and her friends find a way to banish the witch once and for all?
The Mirror is the second in this latest series blending romance and the supernatural from prolific author Nora Roberts, with a third due to follow. Fans of Ms Roberts will recognize many elements common to her writing…the smart, determined and beautiful female protagonist, her equally clever and good looking love interest who both recognizes her capabilities and still wants to fight battles with and/or for her, the loyal friend who is a sister of the heart if not by blood, and the importance of family and heritage. The dialogue features plenty of humor and snark as needed, the characters each have a backstory and are making their mark in the world, and there are beloved pets (here a trio of dogs and the cat who settles right in alongside the canines) to complete the household. A highly entertaining and enjoyable read, sure to be on the TBR list of Nora Roberts’ many fans and for those (very few) readers of romantic suspense who have yet to read her, if you like Linda Howard, Iris Johansen and Kay Hooper then add this to your list as well. Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me early access to The Mirror….I eagerly await the conclusion to this mesmerizing series.

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. Then one night a mirror appears and Sonya glides through it 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.

I didn’t realize that this was book 2 in a trilogy, but Roberts does a good job of recapping the first book so that reading this as a stand-alone was totally fine. I had a hard time keeping all of the characters straight, though, because there are a lot of them, and a few have the same name for some reason.

Sonya is very earnest, in an annoying way. Like, real people don’t talk that way. I think it’s supposed to make her endearing but she just rings false to me. Actually, all of the characters are like that. They have no faults, they’re all super supportive, self-deprecating, and empathetic to a very irritating degree.

But I did enjoy reading about the curse. A witch, Hester Dobbs, who was scorned by one of Sonya’s ancestors, has vowed to take her revenge on all the brides in the family. Every time Sonya has a dream/vision in the mirror, she learns a little bit more about Hester and her motivations and that was the most interesting part of the book for me. The romance portion of this book wasn’t very romance-y. Sonya is already with her boyfriend in this book and he’s kind of an afterthought throughout. I assume book 1 is more about their relationship and how they fell in love.

Overall, I was very bored, and I was more interested in the villain than the main characters. The book ends on a cliffhanger for book 3, but I have no interest in reading it.

Much thanks for Saint Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the eARC of The Mirror in exchange for an honest view. I was very excited to continue The Lost Bride Trilogy by Nora Roberts because I loved Inheritance (book 1) so much.

Rounded up from 3.5 stars. I enjoyed The Mirror, the addition of new animals and ghosts, and I loved seeing Sonya, Trey, Cleo, and Owen make the house theirs. Also, the dream/Mirror sequences were very strong and added a lot for me. Those scenes were among my favorites. I think, though, that the book’s pacing lagged when it focused on many mundane tasks the characters faced related to their jobs without focusing on the central storyline of them/the brides versus Hester Dobbs. I also struggle with dialogue where it’s not clear who’s speaking until a couple of sentences or paragraphs later and found that slowed down my pace quite a bit.

I’m curious to see what a potentially new side plot may be in book three (spiteful ex? Roberts is known for those books too), and I absolutely plan to finish the trilogy. I just would have liked more answers to who is Dobbs and why does she want the manor so badly.

Overall, I would recommend The Mirror. It’s intriguing, carries along some great characters from Book 1, and I really want to read Book 3 now 😊.

Can Nora Roberts write a bad book? It’s just not possible. Book #2 in the “Lost Bride” Trilogy continues the tradition of incredible books by this author. This trilogy is shaping up to be my new favorite by this author.

Book #2 begins precisely where the first book ended. Sonya is settled into her new home with her best friend Cleo and working on her new business. But the house still has more stories to tell.

This is the perfect middle book. We get to know more about the family and friends that are important to our main characters. We also learn more about the house. The house is really my favorite character in this one. There is so much history in this one, and more importantly, more about the lost brides.

I wasn’t sure what I was expecting from the ending of this one, but it was perfect. The stage is now set for the final book, and I cannot wait to read the ending!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to both read and listen to this amazing story! Brittany Pressley does a phenomenal job - as always - narrating this audiobook. The wait is now on for the finale. This one is out now - I highly recommend this one!

The Mirror is a delightful second installment in The Lost Bride trilogy that picks up right where Th Inheritance left off. Filled with romance, adventure, mystery, and magic both light and dark, it’s classic Nora Roberts - incredibly entertaining and well-written.

Thank you Nora Roberts, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

I'm in love with this series. I get so upset with having to wait for the next title to come out, especially since each book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. I love how Roberts has shifted her writing style over the years. I used to read her for the romance, but with this series, I'm reading it for the haunted storyline.

Poole Manor is the fantabulous home to Sonya and Cleo and their two pets Yoda and Pye. It’s all good except for the unwelcome occupant of the Gold room. If they could just figure out how to get rid of her, life would be perfect.
In the second installment of Roberts’ Lost Bride Trilogy we find Sonya and Cleo settling in nicely and establishing themselves in their careers. Roberts does an excellent job of setting the scene and the pacing is spot on. I like the way the stories of the previous occupants is done, their marriages and what happened to them. I like that the two main characters are strong, talented women and their two men are so supportive and are there for them when needed. I like most of the other occupants of the Manor especially Molly and Clover. Clover plays the best music! I don’t much care for the villainess, but have to admit she’s a scary one and look forward to reading how she’s dealt with in the final book. 4.5 stars

The Mirror by Nora Roberts

The Mirror is the second installment of The Lost Bride trilogy. The story continued right where book one left off. We learn more about the history of the manor and the backstories of the seven lost brides in order get a better/thorough understanding of the story/plot. I did enjoy book one more which helped build the mystery and pull the reader in. I appreciated the humorous scenes sprinkled throughout the story that involved the ghosts of the manor.

It was longer than it should have been though (over 400 pages). The author focused a lot of attention on Sonya’s and Cleo’s daily schedule and activities (working out, cooking, work schedule/breaks, figuring out what’s for dinner, taking the dogs out) which slowed the pace of the book. There was also a lot of unnecessary dialogue (fillers) which did not add to the story.

The cliffhanger is nothing like book one which left the reader hanging. It just ended. I will continue onto the third and final book as I am eager to see how everything wraps up. All in all it was a solid read.

3 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Mirror, the second book in Nora Roberts' Lost Bride Trilogy, seamlessly continues the story begun in The Inheritance. Sonya, having inherited a mysterious manor from the family she never knew, delves deeper into a world of newfound family, friendships, community, intrigue, and danger.

Nora Roberts masterfully blends fantasy with an undercurrent of mystery, crafting a rich and immersive world. The story’s themes of connection and self-discovery are complemented by vivid world-building and a sense of darkness that keeps the reader engaged. While the pacing is occasionally slow and some elements feel repetitive, the overall narrative is compelling and satisfying.

I read this book alongside the first in the series, which enhanced my experience and helped me fully appreciate the continuity of the plot. With its intriguing twists and a cliffhanger ending, The Mirror ensures I’ll be eagerly awaiting the final installment.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for providing me with this book!

My goodness, this woman knows how to write a story. When I finished The Inheritance, the first in this series, I literally gasped. The ending instantly made me want this book. I was thrilled to receive a copy and it definitely delivered. We pick right up where the first book left off in a grand, old house on the coast of Maine. I don't want to give too much away but I can say that this book absolutely levels up the vibes in the first book. There is magical realism, found family, adorable pets, strong women, dishy men who support them, and a mystery behind it all. I loved getting lost in its pages and can't wait to see how it all comes together in the next book. There are scenes that made me laugh and ones that broke my heart. I really enjoyed the whole atmosphere of the story and cannot wait to return. This book could probably stand on its own, but it would be much improved if you read the first book to see how everyone came together. I highly recommend you try it out!

Huge thank you to #macmillanauduo #MacAudio2024 #StMartinsPress and @netgalley for an advanced audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.
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Nora Roberts is just ultimate comfort food for me. Book two in The Lost Bride Trilogy didn’t disappoint. The audio was great and I easily lost myself in the story! I can’t wait for book 3!
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Terrific characters but it is important to read The Inheritance first. I think the first book really set the scene for the series and this second book really begins the story. I love the strong bond between Sonya and her best friend Cleo. It also seems that the two guys in their lives have the same strong bond. The resident ghost, Dobbs, is really kicking up a racket but Sonya and Cleo are no longer frightened by her, just determined to get her out of the manor. They have been filling the manor with love, light and music and Dobbs really hates that. The romance between Sonya and Trey and Cleo and Owen is heating up and I am very anxious to read the fina l book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Mirror by Nora Roberts is the second book in The Lost Bride Trilogy. You do need to read The Inheritance before beginning The Mirror. The Mirror picks up where The Inheritance left off. I have been reading Nora Roberts’ book since I was a teenager (I read her first book when I was twelve), and The Mirror felt like it was written by a different individual. The story focuses more on food than it does on the curse and evil entity in the house. I know how to cook a pot roast. I do not need the process described step by step (this is not a cookbook). Sonia and Cleo plan meals, shop for the ingredients, cook meals and desserts, create a garden, work, paint, and plan a party. Of course, they spend time with the gentlemen in their lives, Trey and Owen. Let us not forget the pets. The pets need to be fed, let in and out, and bathed (I find it amusing that the cat is named Pyewacket). The story moves at a snail’s pace plus there are repetitive details. If something happens to Sonia, she needs to tell Cleo, and then Owen, and so forth. There is no action (the dogs did more than the people). The plot does not move forward (not a bit in the four hundred and fifty some pages). I know that if I lived in a haunted manor with an evil squatter on the third floor, I would be searching for answers (not planning a party). The story lacked suspense, chemistry, and eeriness (I was never freaked out by the banging doors and such). The Mirror seemed an unnecessary addition to the trilogy (I bet the story could have been told in one book). The writing is out of character for Nora Roberts. It is a shame that the book does not live up to its intriguing premise. I am hoping the action and suspense will appear in the final book of the trilogy (fingers crossed) as well as the long-awaited answers.

I am loving this new series. All of the characters are likable and I am enjoying the building relationship between each couple. It has been interesting to learn about each bride as they search for the rings to break the curse. Looking forward to the final book!

The Mirror:⁣
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Thank you @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 and @stmartinspress for my gifted copies!⁣
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“Here’s to the staff of Lost Bride Manor. They take loyalty to a whole new level.”⁣
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There are books that you just fall into the story and can truly help you forget where you are. The Lost Bride trilogy by Nora Roberts does that. I’ve fallen in love with this manor and all its occupants. I forget I’m not in Maine, but in hot as hell Georgia. I get so wrapped in Sonya and Cleo, I forget they aren’t real people.⁣
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The audio is once again phenomenal. I will never have a bad thing to say about Brittany Pressley and she knocked this one out of the part just like she did with Inheritance. Absolutely stunning audio. ⁣
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The love I have for all the brides in this story is unreal. I want justice for all of them, but I also want to know their full stories. I loved getting to know them a bit more in this book. The envelope was definitely pushed, and I’m so excited to see what happens in the final installment.⁣
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Out tomorrow, 11/19.⁣
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QOTD: Besides a book (loooool), what are you hoping you’ll find under the tree this Christmas?