The past is definitely not dead and gone!!


Graphic designed Sonya MacTavish is forging a new path in her career after a broken engagement with a supportive mother and her best friend. But being the sole beneficiary of her unknown uncle’s estate sure throws her into a world of the unknown tarnished with a legacy of death and mystery.

Now it’s left to her and her new found love interest, the young lawyer Trey, Cleo and Owen, to get to the bottom of the murders that have plagued her ancestors. Sonya has to keep an open mind and follow the clues her friendly ghosts seem lay out, to a realm that may give her answers and put an end to the curse that has plagued her family for generations.

Remember, this is a trilogy and we have to wait for Sonya and Owen to bring back each other to the present. Trey and Cleo will have the wait of a lifetime!

Any story by Nora Roberts is always topnotch with narration, plot and incorporating intense research. With her unlimited imagination, Nora weaves another trilogy of mystique and romance.

Received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Inheritance begins Nora Roberts’ newest trilogy, The Lost Brides, with such a stunning introduction to this world that I was captured before the first page was finished. Weaving a plot through the events of the past brides of this family and the present, this story slowly builds as Sonya makes her own discoveries and begins to believe that the mansion in Maine that she’s inherited may truly be haunted… and cursed! That cliffhanger ending was completely unexpected, but it came at just the right ending to this first novel in the series (trilogy). I don’t consider saying cliffhanger to be a spoiler; many reviews have already revealed that fact. And although I usually steer clear of these types of endings before the series is complete, it works for this world. The Lost Brides appears to be a continuous storyline that will take two couples through friendship, attraction, and danger as they all search for answers to ending the curse.

I, personally, believe it’s best for the reader’s experience to go into Inheritance straight from the book cover blurb. This is a journey of lives being upended, and torn apart, with new discoveries that will rock some people’s worlds. So my review will not be about the storyline but my reaction to this captivating new world.

I loved watching Sonya’s reactions as she went from bride to tossing out a first-class lying, deceiving, manipulative jerk. Her rage is so cold it burns and fits perfectly with her personality, as we will discover. I also had quite a few chuckles and smiles as Sonya tried to logic away the moved items, the sudden music, or the closing doors throughout the mansion as she began her time in this new world. The attraction between Sonya and Trey has always churned beneath the surface but is acknowledged with looks and thoughts about each other. When they finally take the risk, it is explosive, and I loved every moment of that romance sparking alive on the page. I wish everyone had a best friend like Cleo. Closer than blood, bound by shared experiences and finding that person who gets them no matter what. What a friendship! We see Cleo and Owen’s (Trey’s cousin and best friend) relationship begin with bartering, friendship, and hints of, maybe, more that might develop over time. But Inheritance is mainly Sonya’s and Trey’s story. So anything else will be shown to us in time.

There is one nasty, powerful, evil witch in this story. One with some amazing powers, but she will meet her match in Sonya and her friends. Who will ultimately win in the end… well, only the conclusion of this series will tell us that, but I have my suspicions.

Overall, Inheritance is one of those stories where the reader is pulled slowly into a new world through the characters’ actions and the consequences of others’ actions as well. It is riveting, it pulled me in and had me wanting more at each turn. I loved the way the story played out, some hints at things to come, some revelations about the past, and as the tensions ratchet up, you can feel the difference in intensity as we enter a new phase of this ongoing journey. I absolutely loved the spirits we meet here (aside from her royal witchiness), and the loyal (and frisky) dogs/pups we meet are as much a vital part of this story as the humans and, yes, the ghosts.

I loved Inheritance. It’s probably my favorite starter novel yet of all of the Nora Roberts books I’ve enjoyed over the years. I cannot wait to be able to return to this world and discover what comes next. But that will happen in time.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house (St. Martin’s Press) for their trust. I chose to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.* I also purchased my own copy for my Nora Roberts collection.

First, can I get some ghosts that clean and do laundry? I'd even deal with a bad ghost to get that deal!

I really enjoyed Nora Roberts blend of past and present as Sonya learns about her newfound heritage and the tragedies that befell them. The ghosts in the house are all murdered wives, which began in 1806. Each ghost has their own personality and as you learned about them through Sonya's family research you can begin to see which ghost they are and their personality.

Of course all is not perfect, there is a sinister ghost, determined to keep the murders going. I definitely found a few of the incidents with her to be creepy and was glad I wasn't reading this before bed!

Sonya's isn't a pushover and I appreciated that she was not going to let anything scare her out of her house. She has an amazing and supportive best friend and mother. Her love interest Trey is a complete delight, he's all in for everything happening in the house and here to support what Sonya needs (even if it terrifies him).

I was not expecting the major cliffhanger. I've read NR"s trilogies before and while they don't wrap things up in a bow, they aren't usually this level of cliff hanger. I cannot wait for the next book!

Wellll shoooot!!! I don't like spooky, I don't like MAJOR cliffhangers, and I don't like series!!! And yet, I really enjoyed this book! What just happened???!!!

This was my first Nora Roberts book, thanks to St. Martin's Press ! I am so grateful to them because, honestly, I would never have chosen this book for myself, aside from this gorgeous cover, and here I am with nothing but positive feedback (aside from a little open door romance I could've done without🙈).

Nora Roberts has such a way with words, such a knack for breathing life into her characters, and such a gift for building anticipation! Yes, please💯!!!

It's the classic unexpected inheritance from an unknown relative trope, but I was here for it! Sonya, fresh from a break-up with her fiancé is ready for a new start, and boy, does she get one! In fact, she gets much more than she bargained for!

I'm not sure how Ms. Roberts pulled off the super spooky mood with the sweet and charming vibes, but man, it worked. And I truly loved Maine as a setting! We stayed in haunted hotel by the ocean in Maine (unbeknownst to me, until something spooky happened), so I was very invested in this story!

The cliffhanger was a bit jolting! I thought that surely the publisher sent me any unfinished copy, tbh😩!

And now I must wait for over a year for the sequel???!!! Oh Lordy mercy😱!

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Publication date: November 21, 2023

Inheritance is the first book in the Lost Bride series by Nora Roberts and I am on edge waiting for the next instalment! I have read many Nora Roberts over the years and this is one of my favourites!

Sonya MacTavish is dealt quite a few life changing blows in a sort period of time. After walking in on her fiancé having sec with her cousin weeks before her wedding, she kicks him out. They also work together so after he continues to harass her st work she quits her job and right after that a lawyer knocks on her door.

Sonya discovers her father who passed away when she was a child had a twin brother. They were separated at birth and never knew each other. Sonya’s uncle has left his estate home, money and a share in the family business in his will. The terms say she has to stay in the house for three years and then everything becomes hers.

As Sonya gets settled in she begins to learn more about her family history and the seven brides that died on their wedding day. Sonya also discovers the house is haunted, not just by the lost brides but by the witch accused of killing them over more than a hundred year history.

Can Sonya break the curse that surrounds the old manor and the brides within? This is a fantastic historical story that weaves in lifetime friendships, love and ghosts. The end of this book is left on a cliff hanger and I’m desperate to learn the rest of Sonya’s story! This is a 5 star for me.

#NetGalley #noraroberts #inheritance

Sonya has a bad breakup and because her ex is so vindictive she decides to quit her job. She finds out her father had a twin brother he never knew existed who left her most of his estate which includes a haunted manor in Maine. The perfect spot to set up her new business venture. I was really enjoying this. I loved hearing the details about the house and the ghosty stuff was either deliciously creepy or just plain sweet how some of the spirits were taking care of her. She invites her best friend, Cleo, to come live with her as there is enough room for each to set up a studio and work at their jobs as a graphic designer and illustrator. I loved their friendship but sometimes the dialogue felt kind of forced and things fell into place too conveniently. It was an easy read and kept my attention but then the ending really turned me off. There are those endings that leave some questions unanswered and you look forward to the next book but this ending went beyond that. I turned the page expecting more and nothing there but to wait for book 2 which will probably do the same leading into book 3. I always feel when an author does that they don't have enough confidence that the world they built is good enough that you will want to come back for more. In this case I'll probably read the next books if I still remember what happened and I still care and definitely not until the series is done.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a digital copy.

I'm a fan of Nora Roberts mystery and thriller novels so I was intrigued with the idea of reading a sci-fi /fantasy novel from her. That was a mistake.

The novel started out well enough and the paranormal events didn't bother me at first. But after a while, the ghost business started to get annoying. Especially when the pop music is suddenly being played through Sonya's (the main character) iPad and to which the music was to match the mood or situation Sonya was in. i.e. Pretty Woman being played after Sonya dons an outfit that made her look stunning. And the pop up music scenes kept repeating itself without an end in sight. It was cute at first, but then it just got too repetitive and "old."

I can't imagine how the narrative could be stretched out into a trilogy. And I don't intend to find out. A one star DNF at 54%

I received a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

5 stars

This book was wow! I loved the characters and the plot. Not too much romance, not too much fantasy. Just the right amount of both. Hate that it ended on a cliffhanger. Hope the next one comes out sooner rather later. Great job Nora!

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sonya MacTavish is at a low point after finding her fiance cheating on her with her cousin and then having to quit a job she loves because of him when she gets a very shocking surprise. Her dad had a twin who owned a gorgeous mansion, and he left her it and everything inside it in his will. The kind lawyer who tells her this also tells her the only stipulation is that she has to live in it for three years. Seems easy, until the ghosts that make it their home and the evil spirit of a witch that's cursed the family start making appearances. At least there's the very cute and kindhearted son of the lawyer is there to offer support. There's also a sassy friend who won't let the ghosts phase her and some very good doggies all ready to offer Sonya some much-needed backup.
It's a city girl moves to a small town to heal and finds love story with some very Gothic elements that add an interesting twist to make it stand out. We get flashbacks to the Lost Brides on their wedding and/or death days, adding ever more heart to the plot and making Sonya's quest to not let the evil spirit take over the house even more empathetic.
Nora Roberts is an excellent writer who can make any story incredibly engaging. However, this one feels like it could have maybe been told in fewer pages. I couldn't tell you what I'd remove because it all flows beautifully, but it also feels like it's the book that never ends... which is fitting because it ends with quite a cliffhanger. Even with the issues I had with it, I'm hooked and plan to pick up the next book as soon as it comes out. I need to know what happens with the Poole brides.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the riveting read!

“You will never have him,” she says. “Die a bride, and know he’ll come to me. He will come to me, or by your blood on my tongue, bride after bride will join you in death.”

And the curse begins. It will be up to Sonya MacTavish, a graphic designer who inherited the manor from her unknown uncle, Collin Poole, to solve the mystery and lift the curse.

Sonya had a bad breakup with a huge douche bag, and I love what her best friend, Cleo had to say:

“What do you want me to do?…Tell me what you want, and it’s done. Murder? Decapitation? Castration?”

I think we could all use a best friend like that. LOL

Sonya had been thinking about branching out on her own and now was the time. Would the ghosts of the manor be a help or a hindrance. Most of them are on her side, but there is always one, isn’t there? I would love to have some help around the house, and Sonya has her very own ghostly maid. She leaves her bedroom and comes back, the bed is made. She leaves the kitchen a mess, comes back and it is cleaned up. Forget to charge your phone, they have you covered. Even ghosts want a purpose.

Those around Sonya accept the ghosts, but Sonya hesitates.

The point of view flashes past to present and back again. We get all of their histories, ghosts and humans, and Sonya will need all the help she can get to break the curse. We have a combination of modern and gothic.

This light and fun mystery is full of surprises and I loved each and every one. The characters quickly won me over, ghosts and human alike…even the dogs have a place of honor. Cold pizza, I love it too, even for breakfast. Little things that I can relate to on a personal level add that little bit extra that I love so much. I had plenty of smiles to go along with the creepy.

The mirror…made me think of Charmed and Grimm. TV shows make it easy for me to visualize the action as it is happening.

NO NO NO a cliffhanger. So wrong!!!!! But I couldn’t put it down and I HAVE TO HAVE the next one, and the next one. I knew it was a trilogy going in and the story would not be told in one book, but when I came to the end, I wasn’t expecting it. That is how involved I was in the story. I foresee good things for the next two books and I can hardly wait to visit the manor again.

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Nora Roberts weaves her magic in the first book of The Lost Bride Trilogy, "Inheritance." I found myself captivated by the blend of past and present within the enchanting and haunted estate that serves as the backdrop for this intriguing story.

As the protagonist, Sonya's, journey unfolded, I was drawn into her exploration of newfound family ties and the rich history that surrounds them, particularly the curse and legend of the lost brides. The narrative is complex with a multitude of characters, both living and spectral. The sheer number of characters sometimes prompted a desire for a family tree to aid in keeping track, especially as the intricate plot unfolded.

Within the mysteries, a blossoming romance between Sonya and Trey added a delightful layer to the overarching narrative. Yet, it was the ghostly inhabitants of the mansion, particularly the endearing Jack, Molly, and Clover, who stole the spotlight for me, providing moments of warmth and levity. This is needed to balance the presence of the malevolent ghost, Hester Dobbs. She is a bone-chilling presence who heightens the suspense.

The quartet dynamic formed by Sonya, her best friend Chloe, her love interest Trey, and cousin Owen created a supportive network united in unraveling the secrets of the past. I appreciated the inclusion of Sonya and Chloe's daily routines and creative work lives, a welcome layer of normalcy amidst the supernatural challenges posed by Hester's curse on the Poole family. These details added depth to the characters, making them feel more relatable and interesting.

The book ended with a dramatic cliffhanger, making me eager for the next part of the story. I wish I didn't have to wait an entire year for the next installment. I'll definitely be picking up the next book as soon as it comes out.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book.

This book is a great start to a new series. It was a wonderful read that holds your attention from the first page until the last. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have been reading Nora Roberts for many, many years and I have had my favorite series. This just may be another favorite of hers. The first book in the Lost Bride series has many interesting tropes. A haunted manor that Sonya inherits from an uncle she never knew, finds while living in the house that there is a story about the Lost Brides. She meets the family lawyer’s son and starts a friendship/relationship with him, and she convinces her best friend to move in with her. I thought this was such an intriguing storyline and I really can’t wait for the next book. As much as I hate cliffhangers and rarely read them, Nora Roberts is such a gifted writer that I look forward to her stories. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is only my second Nora Roberts book, but it encompasses everything that I've come to love about them: a novel that manages to be both character- and plot-driven, with exceptional story development and a warm and cozy feeling, along with a page-turning storyline that kept me wanting more. And that ending.... ! I need to know what happens next and can't wait for the next book in the trilogy! Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance digital copy.

This story will captivate readers with a spellbinding blend of historical fiction, romance, and the supernatural. The story begins in 1806, with Astrid Poole's tragic wedding day, setting the stage for a family haunted by curses and lost love. Sonya MacTavish inherits a Victorian mansion, becoming central in unraveling family secrets and a centuries-old curse. The characters, especially Sonya and her friends Cleo, Trey, and Owen, add depth to the plot. Although the romance unfolds abruptly, and some plot developments seem too convenient, the overall experience is addictive. The cliffhanger ending left me eagerly anticipating the next installment. Overall, this is a captivating and atmospheric journey into a world of mystery and romance that I couldn't put down.

Sonya has just caught her fiancé cheating on her with her cousin. Needless to say, this did not go over well. But, because her fiancé is not a very nice man, Sonya has quit her job as a graphic designer. She has decided to do freelance work. So, when a strange man comes to her door and informs her that her uncle, which she has no idea existed, has died and left her an old manor on the coast of Maine, Sonya decides fate has stepped in to give her a change of scenery. Little does Sonya know, this house has a few residents already living there.

Y’all know I love Nora Roberts! I have been so excited to read this book. Even if it wasn’t a 5 star read…I thoroughly enjoyed it! The only reason for the 4 star review is that the story is a bit long and could have been shortened by quite a few pages. Just my opinion. But, as usual, Roberts has an amazing array of characters! And y’all! I want to live in this house, even with all the ghosts. (Y’all know I love ghosts stories!)

The narrator, Brittany Pressley, is a true joy to listen to! I have listened to quite a few books that she has narrated and I have enjoyed almost every one!

Need a good ghost story with great characters and an amazing setting…. THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

This book reminds me why I fell in love with Nora Roberts books so many years ago. She is a master at crafting a tale with characters you become invested in. This first in a brand new trilogy took me on a journey. Sonya is the type of female main character with strength and depth that readers root for. And the entire cast of characters draws you in. I loved Trey. Cleo and Owen were just as intriguing. There's humor, mystery, sweet romance, so many emotions, and a supernatural element that keeps your pulse racing. I couldn't put this one down. The next book can't come soon enough. I'm completely sucked in!

What do you do when you inherit a Gothic manor from a relative you never knew existed? An inheritance (pun intended) which comes wrapped up in your own version of The Conjuring and bow-tied with an age-old curse. Why, of course you have to go live there!

The best thing about this story, in my opinion, were the strong female characters. I liked Sonya a lot, her mom was amazing and I just plain loved Cleo. I enjoyed the main love interest a lot and I couldn’t resist the gruffy cousin. I loved the dogs. I liked the plot-line but I didn’t much care for the slow pacing with the mundane, which made the writing less impactful at times, dragging the story and making it unnecessarily long. But I was glad to see that the author’s writing style lined up to its deepness in some scenes, especially the friendship & family connections.

The supernatural element was done well, keeping me interested in unearthing the mystery behind it all. The romance felt a bit understated — I wanted more sparks, more intense moments. The events leading up to the ending lacked that tension necessary for climactic scenes but the ending itself was intriguing. Overall, as a longstanding fan of Nora Roberts, I expected more intensity but I did like this story and I would definitely like to know the conclusion of this trilogy.

In this first book of The Lost Bride Trilogy, graphic designer Sonya MacTavish gets the shock of her life when a man turns up on her doorstep claiming to be the attorney for her late uncle. Not only did she not know her father even had a brother, but also, that they were twins, separated at birth. According to the will, her uncle left her his majestic Victorian house on the Maine coast, which the will stipulated she must live in it for at least three years.. Because Sonya had just broken off her engagement with her fiancé, she was ready for a fresh start. Upon arrival, Trey, the young lawyer who greets her at the manor admits that the place is haunted. Sonya doesn't believe in ghosts, but almost immediately begins to find 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…

This is more romance and fantasy than it is spooky. at least so far. For the most part, the ghosts are either playful or helpful, although there is one malevolent spirit that is haunting the clifftop manor. I loved the two rescue dogs who have become "besties",, as well as Sonya's own human bestie, Cleo. Everyone needs a Cleo in their corner! I am hoping that this book was more of the world-building portion of the trilogy, and then since it ended on a cliffhanger, the next book will be where it really starts getting either scarier and/or more exciting. Overall, it was a good start to the trilogy and I am looking forward to seeing where we go from here.

I was given the opportunity to read this book as an advanced reader copy by Netgalley and the author. This is outside my normal genre, but the ability to read a book by THE Nora Roberts before it comes out? I HAD to!

Unfortunately life got ahead of me and I am a day late in finishing this, but I was so hooked… it didn’t matter! This book truly has a little bit of everything and is completely original. I love the wit of the main character, Sonya, and her best friend, Cleo!

I’m really excited this is a trilogy and I look forward to the next two in this trio!