Inheritance by Nora Roberts is the first book in The Lost Bride Trilogy. Before going any further, I will say, if you don't like cliffhangers, then you might want to wait until the whole trilogy is published so you can read them one after another. Sonya MacTavish is shocked to find out that her late father had a twin he never knew about, and that this uncle, Collin Poole has recently died and left her almost everything, including a large Victorian Mansion on the Maine coast. In order to keep the home, she has to live there for three years. As a graphic artist, she can work from home, so she heads off to find out more about her father's newly found family. When she arrives she meets, Trey, a man who was like a son to her uncle. He tells her all about "the first lost bride" and the supposed curse on the house and family. As Sonya stays in the house, she realizes that she is sharing it with many ghosts, and that she has inherited the family curse. Can she and Trey solve the puzzle to rid the house and family of the curse?

I don't read a lot of paranormal, but this is Nora Roberts and I do enjoy her writing and stories. This was a gripping story, that I very much enjoyed. My one niggle with her books is the length and this was another long one. Could some of it been cut, maybe, but I enjoyed meeting the various characters, including the ghosts, and learning about the family history. There is some chills with one of the ghosts being evil and like a poltergeist. The others provide humor and made me smile. The house is definitely a wonderful setting and almost another character in the story. The secondary characters of Chloe, her best friend, her new boyfriend Trey and new cousin Owen all play important roles in the story and in Sonya's new life. I look forward to seeing them again and how they help her to solve the mystery. I need to know what is going to happen next, and am anticipating the next book in the series, The Mirror. I did a read/listen with Inheritance, although more listen than read, narrated by one of my favourites Brittany Pressley. She gives each character their own voice, so it is easy to identify who is speaking. Her expression and tone add much to the story and my enjoyment of it. A story that I enjoyed and recommend.

This is my first ever Nora Roberts book (yes I’m very late to the party) but I saw this for download on Netgalley and it sounded super interesting so I requested a copy (which was listed in audiobook format). Imagine my surprise when I actually got approved for it. I’m not much of a romance reader (but am trying to broaden my horizens) and I thought the addition of the haunted house/curse plot line would make this more up my alley.

I’m glad I found this because I really liked it. Sonya is such a well written character. I like how big of a part of the story her job was. A lot of the times in romance the profession of the FMC is mentioned in passing and then never plays into the story again but that wasn’t the case here. I loved all of the side characters, especially the best friend of the FMC. I like how open everyone was about the fact that the house is indeed haunted. I loved the time skipping part of the story where you got to go back and see what had happened to previous residents of the house. It greatly fleshed out the backstory without being infodumpy. And I liked how the story didn’t play into a lot of the standard haunted house tropes that it could have.

My main complaint is that the book tended to be a bit repetitive. There were multiple points where a scene would happen and then the person who it happened to would recount it beat by beat to the person they’re telling about the situation so you he to read the same thing at least twice. That tapered off toward the end of the book but it was annoying when it happened. And on a lighter note, that cliffhanger is brutal. I need to know what happens after so bad and now I have to wait for the next book how rude (jk).

I read this via audiobook and I liked it/recommend it that way the narrator did a fantastic job with the audio.

Overall I greatly enjoyed this book. Recommend for suspense/romance readers and I can’t wait to get my hand on the next book in the series.

Pros:

We hit the Nora Roberts classics that people love. A woman starting life over. A woman starting her own business and thriving in it. Best friends supporting each other etc. they are well done and if they’re what you’re looking for you’ll likely be thrilled.

I think adding in the exploration of family history might really get people into genealogy.

Cons:

Nora Roberts writes in predictable patterns. In recent years she has changed the pattern from having a couple per book to more of an assemble cast situation. While that is nice in some ways for the found family aspect it does mean less resolution between the books.

This does not feel unique but like stealing the best parts of past series (ghosts from Jewels of Ireland and Inn Boonsboro, quest from the Key trilogy, brides from the bride quartet). There isn’t enough new for this to be fully captivating if you’ve read and loved the others.

"Inheritance" by Nora Roberts is a captivating read, weaving together mystery, romance, and family drama seamlessly. Roberts skillfully crafts characters that feel real and relatable, drawing readers into their world effortlessly. The intricate plot keeps you guessing until the very end, making it a satisfying page-turner. Overall, Inheritance earns three stars for its engaging storytelling and memorable characters.

I want to express my gratitude to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book. The narration truly enhanced the spooky atmosphere and added an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. As someone who's delving into Nora Roberts' work for the first time, I now understand why she's renowned in the literary world. Her unique plot and exceptional writing style have made her an author I'll definitely be purchasing from in the future. From the very beginning, the opening chapter grabbed my attention and set the tone for an engaging read.

Sonya's inheritance of her late uncle's house came with an unexpected twist—a curse and a multitude of ghosts. What struck me was the diverse roles these spirits played, from musical accompaniments to household chores. The interaction between Sonya and the musical ghost added an intriguing element to the story. I particularly enjoyed how certain chapters delved into the past, providing insights into the characters' histories, especially the brides' tragic tales. The way Sonya witnessed these scenes unfold before her eyes was both eerie and captivating.

Discovering that this is part of a duology left me eager for the next installment, "The Mirror." While all the characters were compelling in their own right, Cleo's character stood out to me, especially her distinct style of speaking that was brought to life through the audio narration. Her laid-back, supportive demeanor added depth to the narrative. And of course, the addition of Yoda the dog was a charming touch.

In summary, this was a fantastic read, and I highly recommend experiencing it through audio format if possible.

"Inheritance" is a captivating mystery novel that intertwines the past and present, linking the murder of Astrid Poole in 1806 to the modern-day discovery of family secrets. Sonya MacTavish inherits her late uncle's estate, embarking on a journey to uncover the mysteries of her lineage and the centuries-old curse that haunts her family. Ghostly encounters and eerie happenings in the Victorian mansion on the Maine coast add suspense to Sonya's quest to secure her future by confronting the past. "Inheritance" combines elements of romance, suspense, and historical intrigue, making it a compelling read for fans of supernatural mysteries.

Here's a perfect beach read! Especially if you are at a haunted resort. . .a Hotel California (East Coast style)! Nora Roberts is beckoning with this rompy read, complete with ghosts, 7 brides each with a tragedy, and one very mad, cursing witch. On the coast, in a mansion, with $$ to spare and a bunch of couples coupling up. Oh, and some cute canines.

Who can resist? Not me, surprisingly. Have been an anti-romancer, but maybe Ms. Roberts has turned my heart. I know I'm very eager for the next book in the series, promised for November 2024. I'll be the blue-faced woman waiting with bated breath. . . .

*A sincere thank you to Nora Roberts, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #Inheritance #NetGalley 52:44

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

I've tried Nora Roberts books in the past and didn't really get into them so was hesitant on reading this one but I am glad I did! The characters were pretty enjoyable and well rounded, the pacing was decent and I enjoyed the paranormal aspect. I would continue to read this series! The narrator did a good job as well.

I am now a Nora Roberts fan because of this book. Her writing demonstrated beautiful character development that made me feel am immediate connection. It was nice to see Trey and Sonya slowly get to know and fall for each other but my favor character is Cleo. The plot moves at a wonderful pace, I just couldn’t stop reading. The ending cliffhanger is the best one to date. I can’t wait until the second book is released.

Oh my gosh, this book is nothing like I expected! It was so engaging and was a fantastic romantic mystery that included ghosts, mostly funny ones. I thought the mystery part itself was particularly well-written. And it has a magical theme, which worked so well. It was unputdownable! There was Manor House in Maine, and there were seven lost brides and their sorrow was conveyed uniquely. And, as is pretty typical of a lot of Nora Roberts’ books, there was family included in the plot as well as twins. I love it when I find a book so engaging and that I truly am invested in, but that doesn’t happen all the time.

And the characters were just so loveable or at least likeable. There was enough bantering and hilarious moments that were laugh aloud moments, keeping me interested in the humor as well. I loved Jack and I also liked Sonya a lot. But I saw something in all characters to like.

The narrator for this book was amazing. I loved listening to the audio version and would most definitely pick this narrator to listen to again!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced audio copy and ebook copy.

Sonya MacTavish has discovered that her late father had a twin brother whom he never knew about. Her uncle Collin, who recently passed away, left her almost everything he owned, including a manor on the coast of Maine. But there's a condition: she must live in the manor for at least three years. With her engagement called off and her job redundant, Sonya, a graphic designer who can work from anywhere, decides to move to the coast.

When Sonya arrives at the clifftop manor, she meets Trey Doyle, a young lawyer. Trey tells her that the place is haunted, which makes her uncomfortable. Trey's father and Collin were best friends, so Trey spent a lot of time in the house while growing up.

Strange things happen in the manor—objects move, music plays, fires roar in the hearths—all without Sonya doing anything. Can she break the curse and bring peace to the lost brides?

I really enjoyed this book and will definitely recommend it to others. As a long-time reader of Nora Roberts, I have read many of her trilogies and can't wait for the next part of this one.

What the what?? This left me completely hanging & needing the next book in #TheLostBrideTrilogy!

I’m not generally a fantasy fan, but I really enjoyed this one. The incredible #NoraRoberts created such a wonderful story with incredible characters that are enjoyable!
I’m really excited for the next two books! This is a well-done first book.

@BritPressley was such a fantastic narrator and I loved the note Roberts read to share what inspired this trilogy with personal history that led to the stories.

Thank you, Nora Roberts, Macmillan Audio, stmartinspress & netgalley for my audiobook! All opinions are my own.

This first in this new trilogy was so so good. I did not want to put it down. I loved the story of the Lost Brides. Im always in for a haunted house story. Sonya inherits a house but she has inherited more than that. She has inherited an old curse too. She has to solve the puzzle to break the curse. I cannot wait to see what happens next. The narrations was just fabulous! Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I was so excited for this book. I went through a Nora Roberts phase a while back and haven’t read one of her books in years so I was really looking forward to this. A story about a haunted family and house is right up my alley but unfortunately this book didn’t hook me how I wanted it to.

The book didn’t flow well and felt choppy. There were too many ghost brides thrown in and it made it difficult to follow along. Some of those stories could have been saved for later on in the series. Overall it felt slow and I started losing interest in the story.

This is my first Nora Roberts book and I don’t think it will be my last. Filled with mystery, suspense and intriguing characters, it goes quite quickly. I became invested in the story of Sonya and her inherited haunted mansion. I didn’t know what might happen next but I wouldn’t have wanted to get locked in any of those rooms! And of course the narration by Brittany Pressley was spot on, keeping me engaged throughout. Definitely recommend this audiobook.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and the author for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook for my honest review.

1806: Astrid Poole sits in her bridal clothes, overwhelmed with happiness. But before her marriage can be consummated, she is murdered, and the circle of gold torn from her finger. Her last words are a promise to Collin never to leave him…

Graphic designer Sonya MacTavish is stunned to learn that her late father had a twin he never knew about—and that her newly discovered uncle, Collin Poole, has left her almost everything he owned, including a majestic Victorian house on the Maine coast, which the will stipulates she must live in for at least three years. Her engagement recently broken, she sets off to find out why the boys were separated at birth—and why it was all kept secret until a genealogy website brought it to light.

Trey, the young lawyer who greets her at the sprawling clifftop manor, notes Sonya’s unease—and acknowledges that yes, the place is haunted…but just a little. Sure enough, Sonya finds 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…

Thank you Nora Roberts , Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for this ALC in exchange for my honest review!

I will admit, when I first started this audiobook I didn’t know how I was going to feel about it. The pacing was a little slow and I had a harder time getting into it. However, around the 40-50% mark I instantly became hooked. The pace picked up and the mystery of the story really pulled me in. This book is part of a series and there was a good chunk of background info that needed to be set up, so just keep that in mind. The book leaves off on a decent sized cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens next. While I did enjoy the narrator for this audiobook and think they were a great for the FMC, I think this audiobook would have been great with a full cast of narrators.

I enjoyed this story by Nora Roberts. The characters were fun, and I enjoyed the relationships that developed throughout the story. It didn't grab my attention as much as other books by Nora Roberts, but I still think she's a great writer and look forward to reading more of her work. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me a copy of this audiobook, in return for an honest review.

This was quintessential Nora Roberts. It held the perfect blend of romance, suspense, mystery, and in this case paranormal!

I did find that there were some sections in the middle that lagged a bit, but I solved that problem by speeding up the audio a touch.

The cliffhanger at the end left me anxiously awating the next installment!

I love a good ghost story and this was a fun one! Several ghosts reside at Lost Bride Manor in Maine. Most seem ok...there's even one who is sweet and makes Sonya's bed each morning and puts away the dishes. However, there is also one who is not so sweet and can be downright scary!

I always enjoy Nora Robert’s books but I think this is my new favorite! I loved the setting in Maine near the water, the amazing house, Sonya’s friend Cleo and hunky Trey Doyle. The narrator, Brittany Pressley, is one of my favorites and did a wonderful job. I can’t wait for the next one in this new series!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audio book. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 21 November 2023

I could not believe the way this ended! I was ready for more and then suddenly, DONE! I cannot wait for the next book in the series. This is part ghost story, part mystery, part romance, it has everything.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.