The Mirror by Nora Roberts is book 2 of the lost bride trilogy.

Sonya has settled into her mansion with ease but the fact it is haunted is something she wasn’t expecting. After she passes through a mirror and it shows her the murder of a bride, she begins to see that the house is cursed and only she can break it and let all the dead’s brides move on. The family curse is an old one and one ghost in particular isn’t happy that Sonya is there.

Oohh it was so good! Book 1 was so amazing I couldn’t put it down! Her romance with Trey is beginning to really take off and I love that he understands what is going on with the house and is happy to be there for her.

The supernatural elements to the book are top notch! I love that most of the ghosts love having her there and she is respectful to them. Her friendship with Cleo is lovely and their personalities really balance each other out.

The story built more on Sonya building her business and getting more comfortable in the house and less on the spooky stuff which while entertaining, wasn’t what I wanted! I need more about the house and history and don’t get me wrong, it did give us a lot of stuff to ponder, it still left us on a cliffhanger… thank goodness the next one is the end because my heart cannot take it!

4.5 stars! Brilliant so brilliant.

Thank you @stmartinspress for my gifted ebook and audio!

The Mirror is the second installment in Roberts' Lost Brides series. It picks up immediately where Inheritance left off, but by the end, I don't feel any closer to understanding Hester Dobbs or the rules of the quest Sonya has been put on. The only tension in the narrative relies on her inability to be successful, merely gathering information at this stage, but the stakes are incredibly low since there are no living brides to protect, and the dead ones are long dead. There are also recaps that take place after every single scene where anything interesting happens, immediately slowing the momentum of the story. I might read the next in this series, but at this point I'm just wondering why Hester Dobbs was so determined to haunt this place. It just feels like a lot of work for very little reward on her end.
I listened to the audiobook, and Brittany Pressley's narration is superb as always. Her Cleo was especially fun.
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for this ARC!

This book is Sign of Seven series meet the Dragon Heart Legacy, a little reality, a bit of fantasy and mystery all tied together. Admittedly I did not catch that it was book two in a series, but there are enough details given to catch the reader up to the plot of the first book. The narrator is excellent, making you love the characters you want to love, and hate the characters you're supposed to hate. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

Nora Roberts never lets me down and "The Mirror" was no exception. This audiobook was very entertaining and kept me hooked all day!

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.

I enjoyed this one as much as the first one! I love the characters and it was interesting to learn more about the different brides. I would continue reading this series.

📚 #BOOKREVIEW 📚
The Mirror (The Lost Bride Trilogy, Book 2) by Nora Roberts
⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Pages: 448 / Genre: Ghost Thriller
Audiobook Narrator: Brittany Pressley
Duration: 13 hours 48 minutes
Release Date: November 19, 2024

In Inheritance, the first book in the Lost Bride Trilogy, Sonya MacTavish learns that she’s just inherited a haunted mansion from an uncle she didn’t know existed. Book 1 introduced all the characters in this story and ended with a cliffhanger. In The Mirror, the second book in the trilogy, we pick up where we left off. This book takes us back into the past and we get to see what actually happened to all seven of the lost brides.

As the middle book to a trilogy, I didn’t think this one was as exciting as the first book and it seemed to me the series could just end with this book. I’m not really sure what the third installment will bring. Also, I’m not a fan of historical fiction, so I really didn’t enjoy the storylines about all the past brides.

I listened to the audiobook on this one and Brittany Pressley did a fine job narrating, but I didn’t really care for her southern accent. Overall, this one was a miss for me, but that’s really more based on my personal preferences.

Thank you, Macmillan.Audio and @NetGalley for my gifted copy.

OMG I have waited a whole year for this book and I was not disappointed as a matter of fact I loved it. Plus I got to listen to it thanks to #Netgalley. The way Brittany Pressley read the story made it feel like I was right there in the house with Sonya and Cleo.

This book starts off right where the first one ends. Sonya and Owen go into the mirror to see what is happening and who is at fault for killing another Poole wife on her wedding day. What Sonya sees really has her freaked out and she starts to yell at the evil that haunts the house. Then her and Owen are out of the mirror and freaked out about it but they get a drink and tell Trey and Cleo everything that happened while they were in the mirror.

Then as the story goes on you get to find out more and more about the Poole wives and the untimely death of each women. Then one of the wives tell Sonya that she must find the seven wedding rings that were taken from them and with that clue Sonya is on the hunt for the rings and to put and end to the evil that is trying to overtake her house.

The ending was perfect and I can't wait another year for the third book. I want to find out so many things that have happened. This is a perfect series to read and listen to. Go on out and grab you a copy you will not regret it.

Two hundred years ago a curse was set into motion when Hester Dobbs, a bitter, greedy witch, murdered Astrid Granville the day she wed Collin Poole at the Poole Mansion. After, Hester jumped off the cliffs to her death as she laid a curse on any future Poole bride. Since then, every Poole bride who aspired to wed and live in the manor died tragically on the day of her wedding. Hester stole the ring of every bride since, giving her more power to keep the curse going.

The Mirror picks up where The Inheritance left off, with Sonya MacTavish, the Poole heir, entering The Mirror and reliving the events of the past, witnessing Hester take her revenge on another bride. Hester still haunts the Poole mansion, and Sonya must find a way to break the curse.

The Mirror is the second book in The Lost Bride Trilogy, a series that needs to be read in order. Sonya and her best friend, Cleo, settle into the mansion, making it their own, while enjoying life with Trey and Owen, eating, drinking, painting, working, and getting to know the community. Sounded idyllic and lovely! Not much in the way of plot movement, but it the story was engrossing. Hester continues to haunt and cause trouble, but Sonya is determined to stake her claim on the house and not let her win.

I’m hoping Sonya figures out a plan to defeat the evil witch and I’m eager to see how it all shakes out in the final book!

I alternated between an audio and e-copy and recommend either version. Brittany Pressley performed each character with a distinct voice, some with accents, and delivered with emotion that brought the characters to life! I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.

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 of paranormal fiction!


Narrator Brittany Pressley did an excellent job with all the voices in this audibook!

Here's my breakdown:

Characters - 5/5
Writing - 5/5
Plot - 5/5
Pacing - 5/5
Unputdownability - 5/5
Enjoyment - 5/5
Narration - 5/5
Cover - 4/5
Overall - 39/8= 4 7/8 rounded up to 5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, and Nora Roberts for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. I almost want to say I love this book even more than the first one, but I don't think I do. I just adore that I get more information about the Poole family. This mirror gives us a lot more insight about what Hester Dobbs planned for the family. I love everything about this series. Sonya and Cleo have settled in and are fine with most of the ghosts that reside at the manor. Hester Dobbs needs to go. It is funny how they taunt her. Owen and Trey back the girls up at every step with a house full of dogs and a cat. Yes, we added a cat to the mix.

Both Cleo and Sonya are making waves on the job front. The Ryder presentation is on the horizon and Sonya is trying not to be worried about what By Design will come up with. Cleo finished the Mermaid picture and is taking a sabbatical. The girls are throwing a party. Hester Dobbs is pulling out all the stops to get them to leave, but it seems like the other ghosts of the manor are working on getting them to stay. No worries on that front. The manor is Sonya's and she will not give it up without a fight.

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.

Brittany Pressley did a fantastic job as ever narrating the audiobook.

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.

Wonderful book, wonderful narrator. Brittney Pressley never disappoints. She delivers a story that seems to have a full cast of characters.

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!

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?

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.

These ghosts are a trip! I love the one that plays music when warranted. She comes up with some fitting songs for the situation. But the creepy one….she is a bit of a drama queen…and not a nice one either!

I have read the first book in the series, Inheritance and I loved it. I enjoyed this one as well. But, I think I liked the first one just a tad bit better. It is not necessary that you read these in order.

No one can weave a tale like Nora Roberts! And I love the way the she incorporates the past with the present. Very creative and intriguing.

The narrator, Brittany Pressley, is very distinctive in her voices. There are quite a few characters in this tale with all the ghosts and family. And she had a great voice for each one.

Need a unique ghost story…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

I’ve had the pleasure of reading Nora Roberts’ novels before, and while her stories often leave me with a satisfying yet fantastical impression, they aren't typically my preferred genre. However, when I came across her latest novel on NetGalley, I felt compelled to give it a try.

Since this genre isn’t what I usually read, it took me some time to get into the story and its unique events. Yet, I found myself increasingly drawn in and genuinely enjoyed the experience. The characters were richly developed, and I suspected their relationships would intertwine by the end, which kept me engaged.

A surprising twist involving a mirror portal added an intriguing layer to the plot. I absolutely loved the ending—unexpected and thought-provoking, it left a lasting impression, much like her previous works.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the free advanced copy of "The Mirror" in exchange for my honest review, and thank you, Nora Roberts, for another captivating story!

3.5 ⭐

After finishing Inheritance, I decided to dive into the audiobook of the second book in The Lost Bride Trilogy. While I enjoy the narrator's style, the voices for Chloe, Trey, and Owen initially took some time to get used to. The pacing of the story is slow, focusing heavily on cozy paranormal activities that, at times, feel repetitive. Scenes like Jack playing with the pets, Molly cleaning up after Sonia, and Chloe and her grandmother playing music at every occasion begin to feel almost like filler rather than forward-moving plot points.

A significant portion of the narrative revolves around the characters' planning for a dinner party, which, though detailed, seems to drag on. While this provides some light-hearted moments, it doesn't offer much in terms of advancing the central mystery. In contrast, the glimpses into the past of the brides add intriguing layers to the story, although these moments are far too brief.

The book ends with a cliffhanger, leaving many questions unanswered, which has me eagerly anticipating the third installment. Overall, while the novel has its charm with its cozy atmosphere, I found myself craving more development in the plot and more tension to balance out the slow pace.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.
#TheMirror #NetGalley #MacmillanAudio

Oh! Book #2 did exactly what this reader wanted - fed the fire that started in the first book in the Lost Bride Trilogy! More of Sonya and Cleo, and that wicked witch Hester!!!!

Bring on #3, Please!

*A sincere thank you to Nora Roberts, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*

The Mirror by Nora Roberts
The Lost Bride trilogy, book #2. Thriller, horror. Paranormal with a malevolent ghost. Should be read in series order. Cliffhanger.
Sonya MacTavish has inherited a haunted Victorian house on the coast of Maine. An antique mirror draws Sonya and shows her over and over the death of a bride and the stolen gold rings. Sonya and her housemates need to figure out how to break the curse and get rid of the malicious ghost.

🎧 I alternated reading between an ebook and an audiobook. The narration was done by Brittany Pressley who gives a marvelous performance with distinct voices for the main characters as well as several secondary as well. The difference between Sonya and Cleo alone is staggering and hard to believe it’s just one narrator. Add in the men and ghosts plus tracking emotions and tension, it’s a major acting achievement. I did speed up the playback to 1.5 to more closely match reading and conversation levels.

My main issue with the audiobook verses the ebook is the sheer number of timelines, brides and their stories and keeping track of who’s who. I’m glad I had both formats to help follow along with the brides and ghosts.

I loved all the popular music references. Mostly the music reflected the brides from decades ago but a lot was the preferences of the four main characters staying in the house. Nothing was current, or if it was, I missed the references.

The cat and dog were friends! It was awesome. Plus they were trained to go outside together and take care of business. They also helped to protect the household from the ghosts with warning growls and barking. Distinct personalities!

This book helped in getting to know Sonya and Cleo in depth with families and significant others and made it clear they are keeping the house theirs and are not going to let the ghost drive them away. If they can just figure out how.
It is a cliffhanger as expected.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.