Member Reviews
This story continues the mystery of the haunted mansion inherited by Sonya, along with all the ghosts and curses that go along with it. Sonya discovers a mirror in the mansion that is a portal. Her and her friends discover new information about the curse and begin a quest to stop the evil witch from continuing to kill the family’s female descendants when they marry each generation. Can they change the fate of her family, bring peace to her ghostly ancestors, and begin a new peaceful era in the mansion? They’ll certainly try! This story again, was a continuation of a good premise, but I felt it fell short again on action and events, and mostly focused on conversations. For this reason, I could not rate it as high as I anticipated.
Title: The Mirror
Author: Nora Roberts
Page Count: 448
Time Length: 13H 48M
Dates Read: 11/12-11/13
Format: Audiobook
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summary: Sonya falls for the manor and the man. As she learns more about her family she learns what she must do to break the curse.
Review: Slow paced book with less action than the first. Still really liked the main characters and enjoyed the book over all. I can not wait for the final book in the series.
This is the second book in the trilogy and was still a strong entry. We find ourselves back in Maine where Sonya is still trying to break the family curse and free her family home from a malevolent spirit. She's not alone in the battle. She has her best friend, Cleo and a house full of friendly and helpful spirits. In addition, Sonya and Trey, the local attorney are still pursuing their relationship so he's often at the house along with his friend (and her cousin), Owen.
Much of the book is the same with the exception of a little revenge against Sonya's ex fiance, some new discoveries in the manor about the history of the brides and Hester (the evil spirit) and Sonya's father and his brother. This is definitely a solid "middle book" in that it provides a bridge between book one and book three. I expect that the third book will be a whopper and look forward to it.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: I also received an early copy of the audiobook which is always fortunate because I love being able to go back and forth between the written word and audio. It enables me to keep "reading" even when I have other things to do and let's me stay in the story. As before, the narration is solid in this book. 4 1/2 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for these early copies. I voluntarily chose to read and listen to these and review them. The opinions contained within my reviews are my own.
I did not realize this was a series when I requested it. I do think that the series needs to build to fully enjoy the book so my review may be skewed because of that.
I received an ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) of this audiobook from NetGalley & Macmillian Audio.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧
What an incredible story. I am so invested.
Nora gives us all the wonderful makings of a trilogy from the characters to the mystery, you will become invested in and want to know what or how it will all end up. I am completely enthralled by this story and the brides.
Sonya is one of the most likable characters I have read in a long time. She isn’t scared of the mansion or the ghosts that inhabit it. She needs to make it safe for them all even if that means she must go into the mirror.
Just that sentence alone scares me, go into the mirror, nope, no thank you. But not our Sonya she does it because she can’t, not do it. Cleo, Trey and Owen not only give the book a level up, but they also support Sonya, this makes my heart happy.
That ending!! I don’t know how I am going to make it until the next. I need it like NOW! I thought the wait from one to two was hard. This is going to be pure torture.
I said it before, and I will say it again: Brittany Pressley nailed the performance. She gave us all the emotions. The voice of each character just added depth and layers to an already outstanding story. It's a must-listen.
What can I say? This is a typical second book in a trilogy. This book moves the story along, it adds more pieces to the overall puzzle, and it sets it up for the ending book. Does it seem a little repetitive in parts, yes. But it was still such a great story and it makes me want the the last book so much. I really enjoy the characters and how it's about family and love. I want to see how it all ends and what happens to all these characters. It seems like each book in the series comes out in November. So here's hoping that November 2025 comes soon!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC.
I freaking love Brittany Pressley. If she reads it, I will listen. She is perfection.
THAT ENDING!?!?! Really?!?!?! I need book three immediately… I have to wait, don’t I? Tears. Tantrum.
I love this frickin’ series!!!!
I always love Nora Roberts and her books. Her trilogies are some of my favorites. Usually I wait until all the books have published and read them all at once. Since I received an ARC of this book I decided to give it a listen and now I’ll be sitting here waiting until next year for the finale. As in most of her trilogies this is the mid part of the story so there isn’t a lot of action but quite a bit of relationship building between the characters and backstory about the brides.
I can’t wait to see how this trilogy ends.
The Mirror is the second installment in the Lost Brides series, it continues where the first book left off, and again finishes with another cliffhanger. This is a fantastic ghost story with plenty of ghosts, both good and evil, and a gothic-like manor on the Maine coast.
Sonya and her friendship with Cleo are both funny, strong, independent women, they are the heroes of this story. They are incredibly loyal to one another, love good food, and appreciate a fine man. I'd like to be able to play the playlist for this story.
The narrator was also very good. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's press for my copy.
I am loving “The lost brides’ series! The books have been excellent so far. The second installment was on par with the first, with its gothic spookiness and mystery.
I loved to read more about Sonya, Cleo, Trey and Owen. I can’t wait to find out what will happen in the final book!
Several of my library ladies are patiently (well some not so patiently) waiting for this instalment. Then we will sadly have to wait another year for the next one.
The audio version was very well made and the narrator did an excellent job. (She always does. 😉)
the setup…
In the first book, Sonya MacTavish inherits not only the Victorian mansion in Poole’s Bay, Maine but an entire new family she hadn’t known about. And with the house came lots of ghostly guests that gives her a look into her family’s past, only one of them unwanted and dangerous. She also has her best friend Cleo, her cousin Owen and new love Oliver (Trey) as her new tribe. This story opens right where the last one left off…with Sonya and friends about to enter the mysterious mirror that suddenly appeared in the house.
the heart of the story…
The first book is mandatory reading as there’s a continuing story arc that’s rich and fascinating. There’s a malevolent spirit named Hester Dobbs who is the source of the curse placed on the house and she’s determined to get rid of Sonya and her friends. Those scenes are scary and unsettling but the ones that provide them insights into the past and the family and staff that once called the manor home are insightful and highly captivating, especially as some have distinctive personalities.
the narration…
Brittany Pressley shines here with all of the characters, both real and ghostly, who are given wonderful distinction. But it’s the storytelling that’s at center stage and she is absolutely fabulous.
the bottom line…
The mystery of the curse and how to use the mirror to defeat Hester is certainly one of the most important aspects of the story. But in classic Roberts style, the relationship building is just as strong and compelling. The friendship between Sonya and Cleo, who has also moved into the house, is lovely to see and how they recreate themselves with new careers and community is inspiring. Their burgeoning romances with Trey and Owen brings everything full circle, making this a rich experience overall. I’m loving everything about this trilogy and can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.
I have been so eager for this second book in the Lost Bride trilogy. And it's perfect that it's releasing in fall with all of the haunting vibes. This is a series that must be read in order. The set-up for why the house is haunted and what the origins of the curse Sonya needs to break are all in Inheritance. Indeed, the break between books doesn't necessarily come at a point that feels like a wrap up.
This is a paranormal mystery with a side of romance. Sonya works with her friends and love interest to try to break the curse on the Lost Bride Manor she inherited. It features great characters in a group, working together and pairing off. And I also love the ever expanding group of cats and dogs.
I did not find it quite as creepy as I did the first book, mostly because I already knew what to expect in terms of the malevolent ghost. It felt a bit like the quiet time preparing us for the finale of the trilogy.
The audiobook was read by Brittany Pressley. She is one of my all-time favorite narrators. So put her together with Nora Roberts, and of course, I am going to love it. The book is a bit on the longer side, coming in at just under 14 hours.
4.5 stars rounded up
So, as usual, I LOVE Nora Roberts and pretty much...ALL of her books!
This was no exception, but seriously??? How can you leave me hanging like that????
Phenomenal once again!!
Supernatural realms...Looking Glasses... Witches... Deaths of Brides...
This one had me chuckling/LOL so many times while reading, and then, in the next moment...my mouth was hanging open and I was horrified...
Sonya and her bestie (Cleo) have moved into Poole House in Maine. A home that has been in Sonya's family for centuries. But, it seems to be feared...and a bit haunted too... And strangely, Sonya didn’t know anything about this family until recently…
But the friends are brave, and strong, and they will get through this!
But as Sonya keeps waking up night after night with screeching, and cold breezes, and smoke and horrible dreams, she wonders what the heck is actually going on here...
The more she discovers about these brides that have died ON the day or night of their wedding, the more she is convinced that she needs to step in and DO something about it to 'break the curse'...
But how can she possibly do anything??
It's a ghost... or ghosts...right??
This is book #2 in the Lost Bride Trilogy, and I can't wait for the last one to find out what happens!!!
Nora Roberts has definitely done it again!!
5+++ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫💫💫💫💫✨✨✨✨✨ for me!!
Loved the continuation of romance for Sonya, and the beginnings of one for Cleo. Loved the introduction of the extended families into the manor and the storyline. Also loved how Sonya stood up for herself when an ex made a nasty appearance!
And…I just LOVE the cover too!! ❤️
#TheMirror by #NoraRoberts and narrated spectacularly by #BrittanyPressley.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which is due to be released in about a week!
***** LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON NOVEMBER 19, 2024!! *****
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And the story continues with good ghosts and the evil Dobb’s. Who has murdered seven brides, to be the ruling mistress of the manor. She is not happy as the new heir is taking residence in the manor, bringing in more people and pets. Slowly Sonya who inherited the manor, adjusts to the ghosts and via walking through the mirror finds out the true fates of the brides.
I listened to the audio, but also reread parts of the story so not to miss any tidbits. The narrator was fantastic! As this is book 2, it tends to give one lots of details which did drag a little, but it’s also more than just the brides. Not giving any more info …… as with all Nora Roberts books you must read the previous book. Once again ends with a cliffhanger, can’t wait for the release. Thank you for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own. #TheMirror
The Mirror is a suspenseful continuation of The Lost Bride Trilogy. It's set in a manor on the coast of Maine that's haunted by the rage of a jealous witch and her curse that targets a bride in each generation.
In the first book of the trilogy, Inheritance, Sonya inherits the manor from an unknown uncle and begins to learn about its history and ghostly inhabitants. In The Mirror, Sonya - as the next generation of the Poole family - finds a portal to the past that allows her to bear witness to the deaths of the brides on what should have been the happiest days of their lives. She begins to realize that the manor has been waiting for her as the next generation to break the curse and to expel the evil from the manor. Not alone in her quest, she has the help of her very appealing boyfriend Trey, bestie Cleo, and her newly found cousin, Owen.
Roberts does a masterful job of balancing the scary with slices of everyday life, small town experiences, career challenges, and the give and take of this crew's friendship. It's rewarding to see Cleo learning how to cook, Sonya focusing on her business as a freelance artist, and the romance building between Sonya and Trey, as well as between Cleo and Owen. It's also fun to meet the benevolent ghostly residents of the manor.
This is not a standalone.
These characters are some of my favorite!! I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to have whole bodied characters who continue to progress the story on so many different levels, action and emotion. This second book was everything I was longing for when book one ended. It’s set the stage for book three and is constantly keeping me engaged. Incredible writing, the imagery is just out of this world. If only I could have a weekend trip to lost bride manor! Thank your NetGalley and the publishers for access to the audio ARC - the narration is unlike any other and it’s an astounding series !
Excellent mystery, romance and supernatural thriller, A sequel to the previous novel, this book jumps into the ghost driven world of a Maine manor. I love the way NR describes history and family and romance. Her characters seem to come to life. She does have a certain pattern of her plot but I enjoy the story so much I don’t mind it. The romance was sexy and sprinkled around the mystery. I do think NR has a talent for setting the story in a place that sounds like somewhere you can visit. I loved the friendly ghosts and the mystery surrounding the manor. The ghost playing songs was funny. I enjoyed the magical moments and the descriptions of the history. The plot was a little slower this novel but suspenseful and full of surprises.
Ghosts, and witches and romance, oh my!
This was book 2 of the The Lost Bride Trilogy. I enjoyed everything about this book. I loved our heroine Sonja and her wonderful boyfriend Tres. I love Sonja's friend Chloe and and her relationship with Owen. The story of the murdered brides is fascinating. I love the ghosts and the learning about the evil witch. I am so ready for the final book of this trilogy. I can't wait for the battle ahead.
Thank-you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced listener copy. Brittany Presley does an amazing job narrating, and kept me enthralled listening to the audiobook.
I highly recommend the Mirror. If you haven't read Inheritance, start with that book. It's a great ghost story and I really look forward to book 3.
I know Roberts is an author that surprises me book after book after book. I’ve literally read every single book she’s written unless she has other pseudonyms besides JD Robb. I’ve even searched out her very difficult to find Irish Thoroughbred first book, so the fact that this woman can still keep me on the edge of my seat and engaged from start to finish is completely fascinating to me. The Mirror is no different for me. I love how she’s decided to take this paranormal trip in her later In life books. I love the creativity she creates, just the possibilities are endless and she takes us everywhere. Her writing is like smooth poetry I can’t get enough. Honestly I want more of her books the second I close them and I know I’m not the only one like this Nora Roberts/JD Robb is an amazing author that doesn’t stop.
Brittany Pressley is a narrator that I almost search for just for her. I love her voice and the way she just pulls you in no matter what she’s reading. Just like Nora Roberts is poetry. Pressley is like smooth silk upon your ears. They are just in an unbeatable duo and I’m always so excited every time they release a book.
I was excited to read book two of this series, but unfortunately, I am pretty disappointed. This book is 450 pages of filler. It is essentially the same slice-of-life story from book one. I do love the characters, especially the house ghosts, but there are only so many dinners with the four friends that I can take. I don't think I will read book 3.
As always, Brittney Pressley is amazing on audio.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.