I listened to the audiobook version of the story via NetGalley. This book is narrated by the very talented Brittany Pressley. The narrator voiced all the voices in the story.
Book 2 picked up exactly where 1 ended.
A continuance of book 1 of The Lost Bride Trilogy. The manor is continuing to be haunted by Dobbs. Seven Brides and seven rings. Nora Roberts takes you through the mirror to experience the death of each Bride.
I anxiously waited for book 2 of the trilogy. It did not disappoint! I cannot wait for the final book in the series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a bit of mystery, spookiness, and romance.
I hope they adapt this series into a movie

Nora gets away with murder. Nora gets away with lots of things emerging writers are told they should never, ever do.mWhy cut her the slack? With what she did in this trilogy, she deseves to be served up for conduct unbecoming an author.

I opened this audio book in what I thought was one or two chapters into the book. I stopped. Checked it was the first chapter and replayed it to continue ahead.

There was no 'first chapter'. It began in the middle of a scene's 'action'. So much so that after listening to the first chapter I closed the book and used an Audible credit to buy the first book in the trilogy. That first book ended in the middle of the scene where this book opened. Yeah, you heard me right.

Listening to book one and two in the trilogy I will break it down by the performance first:

One female nararrator does all the voices, including an insulting Lousiana insult for the 'bestie' character Cleo. It was cloying and ran from tolerable to grating.

The nararrator's male characters were unremarkable. This book would have been more enjoyable for me to get the ebook and use Kindle's Text to Speech. I give it about a 3 for performances.

After reading two of the three books in the trilogy I would say Nora used 7 brides so she could fluff up enough words for 3 books. These ghosts are tedious once you meet the villain. Nora could have presented dramatic tension with one or two dead brides at the most.

Three quarters through this book you are told that there are not only the 7 bride ghosts, but the a host of ghosts who are fairly pedestrian. One chooses the women's clothing, one plays contemporary music to reflect their opinion of current circumstances, one chops wood and lays fires, one plays ball with the dog. At the end of book 2, none of the ancillary ghosts are shown to have dramatic gravitas, they are simply tertiary characters to flesh out the story.

It's fairly insulting to women to continue the cheating ex fiance story line this far. Once Sonia is in the Poole Mansion, it's just grating to have a cheating ex fiance in the story. If the cheater is this far, I'll bet he will do something stupid in book three.

I have read Nora Roberts before. It never seemed this syrupy. Sonia and Cleo as 'besties' requires two men to be written into the story so both get men.

This is not horror, it's a vindictive ghost story. at this point, I am even considering that this is a mechanically manipulated home meant to scare away Sonia so someone else inherits the vast estate and wealth.

Am I going to be reading book three? No. I had to pay for book one to understand book two.

Mid book two Nora gives the MC's POV for one long sentence that explains how Sonia left her fiance and ended here.

I do not recommend this book.

Nora Roberts has a long and beloved tradition of writing elaborate, detailed trilogies that follow families through their endeavors to coexist with magical powers determined to intimidate and control them. Her latest series, "The Lost Bride Trilogy," started with 2023's INHERITANCE and continues in THE MIRROR. Sonya loves the mansion she inherited from her uncle, and she and her best friend Cleo are determined to enjoy their treasure despite the annoying presence of a bitter, vengeful ghost who's caused the deaths of several generations of young brides. On the plus side, their are spirits who clean up, garden, serve as wardrobe coordinators, and even DJ, providing spot-on musical selections for every mood and event. (I'm pretty sure that with all that help, I'd be tolerant of a murderous ghost as well!) Both Sonya and Cleo have found pleasing young men to assist and court them, and they share their home with well-behaved, lovable pets--common to so many of Ms. Roberts's books. The last book is still a year out, and while I'm pretty sure I know that good will vanquish evil and love with triumph, I'm eager to learn how Sonya, Trey, Cleo, and Owen defeat the evil, jealous poltergeist and make her recurring nightly suicidal death dive permanent. I'm giving this four stars instead of five because the story could easily have been told in two volumes, max.

Thank you @stmartinspress @netgalley for my gifted digital copy, and @macmillan.audio for my audiobook copy. My thoughts are my own.

This book continues the story of Sonya MacTavish, who inherits a beautiful mansion on the coast of Maine, only to discover that there is a deadly ghost story attached to the house that involves seven brides, murdered over time, and their missing wedding rings.

Sonya falls in love with the mansion and sets about restoring it to its former glory. In the first book, 𝙄𝙣𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚, Sonya meets and begins falling in love with Trey, a local lawyer. Her best friend, Cleo, a free-spirited artist moves in with her. Sonya is determined that no ghost will keep her from enjoying her home, and when an antique mirror suddenly appears, Sonya feels led to step through it!

While the first book contains more suspense and ghostly visits, the second book concentrates more on Sonya and Cleo as they focus on making the old mansion a home. I enjoyed the descriptions of the home, and the strong sense of family, friendship, and love that is built into the story. Though there are ghostly visions, no real progress is made toward finding the missing rings. The second book, like the first, ends with a cliffhanger. I recommend that you read the first book, before enjoying the second book.

I checked out both the audio and digital versions and equally enjoyed both. Brittany Pressley, one of my favorite narrators does an amazing job telling the story!

I also want to note that I should have reread INHERITANCE before starting book 2, so before Book 3 comes out (I’m guessing in another year), I plan to reread books 1 & 2.

I did not realize this was book 2 in a series but that did not hinder my enjoyment of this book. This story brings haunting, love , girl power, and family drama all together in a nicely wrapped tale. There were times were I wanted more of a horror story and was meet with a love story but not enough that made me give up on it. The ending of the book is a bit abrupt but makes you want the next book right away so that hook worked well. Can't wait for the next one and I will go back and read the first.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ 3.75 Stars ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

Sonya has inherited a mansion in Maine that is haunted with the ghosts of brides who have died in the house on their wedding day. Sonya is trying to break the curse set upon the house in order to free the spirits.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ First, I want to say that Brittany Pressley - what. Omg she did such an amazing job narrating -she carried much of this book for me!

The story picks up right where the first book left off and I was effortlessly pulled right back into this world. Nora Roberts does an exceptional job at world building and creating such realistic and well-rounded characters!

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ I did feel like this one moved a little slower in terms of pacing. I was also hoping to get more information regarding the plot, but this installment didn't move along much in terms of the main storyline, so I was a little disappointed with that.

This is a great series to pick up during the autumn months, if you're looking for something spooky but not actually scary with a haunted mansion and ghosts - spirits and magic.


˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Book 1 review ˚ ༘✶ ⋆｡˚ ⁀➷ Inheritance Review


Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillian audio for the advanced audio copy - all thoughts are my own. ✨🔮
⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

Narrator Brittany Pressley did a lot of heavy lifting for this book. So many uncommon dialects/accents, and she flowed so seamlessly from one to the next. Hopefully she’ll have more to work with for the third book in the trilogy - the substance in this second book was the epitome of filler, unfortunately. If I had to hear about one more meal prep or movie night… ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the narration, ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for content.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy.

This is the 2nd book in the Lost Bride trilogy. The first book 𝙄𝙣𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 was one of my top books of last year so I jumped at the chance to start this one.

Sonya has inherited a mansion in Maine that is haunted with the ghosts of brides who have died in the house on their wedding day. Sonya is trying to break the curse set upon the house in order to free the spirits.

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
I have mixed thoughts about this book. I found it to being an engaging read overall and I enjoyed the use of the mirror to get to know more of the past generations of Poole family members and their back stories. I also love the friendship between Sonya and Cleo – both strong women not afraid to speak their minds.

However, this was a slower paced book compared to the first, and I was somewhat disappointed that the main storyline involving the cursed brides and the antagonist, Hester Dobbs did not really move forward. Dobbs is such a polarizing character but she was very repetitive in her behavior and I was looking for more from this character. There was also a lot of detail given about mundane activities such as cooking dinner and what each character was working on. The book could have definitely been paired down to make a more concise read.

Despite this not being the strongest book, I do plan to continue the series as Robert’s is a trusted author for me and I look forward to how it will all come together!

Book two in the lost bride trilogy is no disappointment! It's back to the Poole Mansion to see how Sonya is doing with all the ghosts! The good witches are back as is the wicked one. Sonya must figure out how to get the 7 rings back to stop the lost bride curse. I can't wait for the last book. The narrator did an excellent job, as I really enjoyed all the voices

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿
𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗮 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀
𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼
November 19, 2024

I honestly loved the first book in this trilogy and was so excited to get the audiobook for this next installment in the trilogy. Narrated beautifully as always by the amazing Brittany Pressley.

Although I enjoyed being back in the Manor with the terrorizing spirit of Hester Dobbs and the brides, I feel like this book was more about character building, relationships and mundane details as filler rather than progression of the story. It lacked some sort of event to build the story up.

Despite my grievances, I still enjoyed the book and, overall, was quite engaging. The same spirits are still haunting the Manor as Sonya and Cleo work to break the curse, holding them there. My favorite ghostly character is still Clover,who communicates through music and always has the perfect song in the moment. I can't wait for the final book to release next year.

thanks to Netgally and Macmillian Audio for my copy. My review is voluntary.

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The Mirror picks up where Inheritance left off (with a cliffhanger). Readers will want to read Inheritance first.

Sonya and her best friend Cleo live in a remarkable cliffside home in Maine. The same spirits encountered in the first book continue to haunt them as they try to solve the mystery of what’s keeping the spirits in the confines of the home. They’d like to free them but that’s easier said than done.

As in any Nora Roberts book I’ve read there are primary female characters who are the epitome of girl power and the men who gravitate to them – enjoyable and not at all eye roll-inducing. I liked the secondary spirit characters most of whom made me laugh as they displayed their unique and helpful gifts. I look forward to seeing them all again in the next book.

Narrator:

Brittany Pressley (one of my go-to narrators) did a great job voicing the story. I had no problem distinguishing the various characters which is important because there were so many.

This book was weird. I mean it's fantasy but some was super far-fetched. Anyway, I also hated the ending. It wasn't a cliff hanger...it was just a hard stop.

I loved the second installment of this series as much as the first. Even though it’s a ghost book, it’s very cozy. I want to live her life, and be part of her friend group, and town. There’s some action but nothing high stakes. If your dream is to run away & inherit a mansion on the coast, this series is for you!

Another Nora Robert's page turner (or binge listen for my fellow audiobook hounds)! If you love a good mix of romance, thriller, and ghost story (complete with an adorable cast of pets) this trilogy is for you. Also, for listeners, excellent narrator able to cover the cast of characters and bring the right shifts in tone along the way. The only challenge is having to wait for book three to come out....!

This book starts where the last book ends off so it lines up perfectly. If you’re looking for a slow burn plot with a lot of mystery in a haunted mansion, this book is for you. And especially during the ‘ber months.

Sonya is still having dreams and visions, through the mirror, of all the past brides who have been killed. And she now knows she has to get the 7 rings that were stolen from the 7 brides to break the curse on the mansion.

I wish we would’ve gotten more of how she’s going to steal the rings back to break the curse and it’s why I docked it a few stars. It seemed the audio was dragging on a bit and the same thing was just happening repeatedly.

I am a bit suspicious of some of the family members she has come in contact with and I keep wondering if they know something that can help Sonya break this curse. I did like that her and Trey made their relationship more formal and Clio and Owen finally got together.

This was a good second book and I hope book three wraps it up nicely.

Nora Roberts continues to weave her enchanting tales in "The Mirror," the second installment of The Lost Bride Trilogy. Picking up right where the cliffhanger of "Inheritance" left off, this audiobook is a must-listen for anyone who enjoyed the first book. If you haven't read "Inheritance," I highly recommend doing so before diving into this sequel, as the story builds directly on the events and character developments from the first installment.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of the audiobook. The experience was truly enhanced by the exceptional narration of Brittany Pressley. She embodies the character of Sonya MacTavish perfectly, bringing her to life with a voice that captures both her strength and vulnerability. Pressley also excels in her portrayal of Cleo, adding depth and nuance to the character that makes her relatable and engaging. Her narration beautifully conveys the friendship between Sonya and Cleo, allowing listeners to feel the bond and camaraderie that exists between them.

While the narration for the male characters was adequate, I personally prefer a male narrator for those roles. However, this is merely a matter of personal taste and does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the audiobook. Pressley's performance is strong enough to keep listeners captivated throughout the story.

Overall, "The Mirror" is a compelling continuation of Roberts' saga, filled with intrigue, emotion, and rich character development. With Brittany Pressley's narration elevating the experience, this audiobook is a delightful addition to any listener's collection. I can't wait to see where the story goes next in the final installment of the trilogy!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I’m loving this trilogy! I requested this on a whim only to realize that it’s the second installment in a trilogy, so I made sure to read the first book (“Inheritance”) first. So, these books definitely need to read in order! With a mansion full of friendly spirits, and one very unfriendly spirit, Sonja and her friends are on the path towards finding the rings to end the curse. It’s more a light fantasy with a hint of romance and its is 🔥. Soooo good!

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This is the second book in the series. I have not read the first one. It took a bit to figure out what was going on.

Sonya inherits a mansion in Maine and soon discovers it’s haunted. Most of the ghosts are non threatening and some even helpful. Then there is the evil witch who kills brides generationally and steals their wedding rings. Sonya finds the ancient mirror and can see the previous brides. She and her friends try to stop the evil curse from continuing. No real resolution. Not thrilled with this ending.

I listened to the audiobook version provided by NetGalley.

Name of Book: The Mirror
Series: Long Lost Bride #2
Author: Nora Roberts
Genre: Mystery, Gothic Paranormal, Romantic Suspense, Women’s Fiction
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Brittany Pressley
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Pub Date: November 19, 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 448


When I read "The Inheritance" - Book #1 in this trilogy I knew I wanting to read more.
This story starts by resolving the cliffhanger we were left with at the end of the first book. The romance continues with Cleo and Owen taking the next step in their relationship.

Although there is a lot of retelling of what happened in “Inheritance”. I loved visualizing the mansion with its ocean view as well as the two story library.

There is more info on the seven brides and their backstories- character development in Sonja, as well as in her best friend Cleo,
As mentioned this story is second in the trilogy. It has been my experience in reading several trilogies that the second in the series is nothing special it almost is a tease making us readers more anxious for Book #3.
However I love audiobook performer Brittany Pressley as her voice makes any story more enjoyable.

But yes I am looking forward to Book #3

Want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Day scheduled for November 19, 2024.

Ugh!!!!! How am I going to be able to wait for the next one!!
Excellent trilogy so far!
I love all of the characters, including the animals!
That cat!!
Highly recommend!!
Brittany Pressley does an excellent job narrating!