Skip to main content

Member Reviews

The Mirror picks up where the first book left off and plunges you right into the story. An old Victorian house on the coast of Maine, evil spirits, an ancient curse, and great characters make this a book you won't want to put down.

Was this review helpful?

Love this series. Book 2 did not disappoint. It picks up right where book one ended and carried the story well enough for book three. The story did progress quite slowly and at some parts, repetitive. But it helped to carry the character development and navigate the curse to a more fuller and deeper level. Can’t wait for book three!!!

Was this review helpful?

THE MIRROR is the second book in the Lost Brides trilogy. It begins within moments after the events of THE INHERITANCE. Sonya MacTavish has inherited Lost Brides Manor on the coast of Maine. She has also inherited the many ghosts who inhabit the house and the curse that has taken the lives of seven previous brides over the centuries.

Worst of all, Sonya has inherited an evil witch who has caused the deaths and left a curse in place. It is up to Sonya to break the curse if she can. She isn't alone. She has her best friend Cleo, her new boyfriend Trey, and Trey's best friend Owen who happens to be Sonya's cousin and Cleo's love interest.

This story concerns learning more about the curse and trying to defeat it and the evil witch by filling the house with happy memories. To that end, Sonya and Cleo determine to hold an open house for the town and call on their new friend Bree to organize it all. Both women are also busy with their own work too. Sonya is growing her design business by securing local clients and also trying to capture a large client that she worked with in her previous job. It happens that she is competing with her cheating ex for that new account. And Cleo is busy with her illustrating and fine art.

The story is filled with great relationships. Sonya and Cleo are quickly building a new circle of friends. And they are finding acceptance by Trey's family and Owen's too. I like the cute pets who have parts to play in this one from Sonya's new puppy Yoda to Cleo's new cat and Trey and Owen's dogs too.

The story was filled with great spooky elements as the witch - Hester Dobbs - tries all sorts of things to get Sonya and Cleo to leave the house. The appearing and disappearing mirror which transports Sonya, sometimes with Owen, to the past where she witnesses the deaths of the earlier brides adds another creepy element. Less creepy but still spooky is the bride who is Sonya's biological grandmother who responds to situations through various musical selections.

I chose to reread THE INHERITANCE before I began this one and found that it helped me get into the rhythm of this story and fill in the parts I had forgotten. I wouldn't suggest reading this one without having read THE INHERITANCE since the events so closely follow those of the first book. And the lack of resolution of the main storyline means this one ends on a cliffhanger as did the first book.

Was this review helpful?

The second in the Lost Brides Trilogy starts where the first finished.
This is an amazing story of love with multiple weddings performed in Lost Brides Manor that explain the home’s name. Seven brides married, and very shortly after died under very frightening circumstances. We met Dobbs, the evil entity that occupies the house in the first book, she is still disrupting life in the second.
We have our usual cast of characters, Sonya the graphic designer who inherited the house. Cleo, her best friend/like sister who is an artist. Trey, a lawyer and frequent visitor to the house as a child, and Sonya’s lover. Owen, Sonya’s cousin who is very attracted to Cleo, he is a contractor.
Little by little the house ghosts have become family, of course except Dobbs. Ms. Robert’s always includes the most wonderful pets in her stories, and we have three dogs, and a cat who are very much part of the family.
Her characters are wonderful, with plenty of romance, suspense and things that go bump in the night. I can’t wait for the third book!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this wonderful story. This my own personal review.

Was this review helpful?

THE MIRROR is the second book in Author Nora Roberts The Lost Bride trilogy, picking up immediately after the cliffhanger ending of the first book INHERITANCE. By nature, a trilogy has an overall story arc that spans three books, and while the author does a fantastic job easing readers back into the storyline, I recommend reading book one before venturing into THE MIRROR.

Sonya MacTavish settles into daily life with best friend Cleo in the haunted Victorian mansion she inherited from her deceased uncle. As time passes, the women welcome and adjust to the daily activities of the friendly ghosts of brides who died tragically in the mansion on their wedding day at the hand of the evil entity holding court in the gold room - Hester Dobbs. While Hester's actions are disturbing, Sonya and Cleo, joined by companions Trey and Owen, manage to remain defiant in the face of her frequent temper tantrums complete with the slamming of doors, loud noises and flying objects. When a magic mirror Sonya has dreamed of appears before her, she's drawn to pass through it time and again, finding herself decades in the past witnessing firsthand the happiest day of each bride's life before it ended in heartbreaking tragedy at the murderous hands of Hester who claimed each of the seven brides' wedding rings. As the story progresses, readers learn more about the unique history of each bride and groom, their families, their secrets and how they interacted with the antagonist Hester who vowed to be the only lady of the manor. Readers also see the relationships between the main characters evolve in the present as they bond in friendship and love, together vowing to recover the seven stolen rings and banish the evil spirit from the mansion. Hester has other ideas.

THE MIRROR is an atmospheric story, highlighting Roberts extraordinary abilities at world-building with descriptive prose that lures readers into scenes via sight, smell, sound and touch. The author maintains a balance of regular, small-town life and the mystical aspects of this story while ramping up the action with elements of mystery and suspense. The story unfolds through past/present chapters as Sonya slips back and forth through the mirror allowing readers to witness the history of families as it occurred over several centuries while raising the stakes for the challenge facing the group in the present. The slower pace in the first half allows time for characters to develop personal and community relationships while interspersing escalating paranormal episodes throughout to steadily increase the tone of malice and danger in a race to the final scene that explodes off the page. Per Roberts signature style, the women are strong, devoted and fiercely independent, and the men are smart, talented and supportive. Together, they emit positive energy bringing light and love to the mansion as they form a formidable team but is it enough to defeat a centuries old evil entity out for revenge?

Author Nora Roberts is an expert at detailed, vivid world-building, often drawing on ancient family history and incorporating it into suspenseful storylines with strong characters. The power of love, family, friends and good over evil are frequent themes. The Lost Bride trilogy is a prime example of her skillful blending of fantasy, romance and suspense in such a setting with characters readers will develop relationships with. THE MIRROR is an intense, atmospheric, heartwarming yet creepy tale that's perfect for those who love stories that stretch their imagination. Highly recommended to fans of fantasy, romance, mystery and suspense with a touch of the paranormal.

Was this review helpful?

Another fabulous trilogy in the works from Roberts. Her ability to weave some many ideas together in to a gripping story that grows and bonds the reader to the characters is incredible.

The continuing story of Sonya and the 'haunted house' brings deeper relationships, strength to stand up to the past, personal and professional growth for both Sonya and Cleo. Sonya gets to know more of the family and more secrets are revealed.

I will always read every book Roberts writes and recommend them to friends!

Was this review helpful?

OH this book! I loved reading Inheritance and have been waiting for this one. The cliffhanger we were left in was crazy, but this one picked up right where book one left off. The ghosts are all out and about with Sonya, Cleo, Trey and Owen. They continue to live their lives while Dobbs runs wild and the three o'clock hour continues to be a pull and a reminder for Sonya. The relationships grow between Sonya and Trey while Cleo try and figure out what theirs will be. Sonya and Owen spending more cousin time together and see the house differently than Cleo and Trey because the are blood Poole's, the pull for them to see and understand the past is real. Dobbs, she continues to rant and show her anger in new ways. She hopes to scare them all into leaving the manor. All the while, Sonya keeps looking into the lost brides and how they died. Clover who is my all time favorite as her knows her tunes and uses music so very well, and she is opening up to Sonya more and more showing her more and more of her history. Sonya has met many of the brides, sees how they die and is on a mission to find all of their rings they lost on their wedding day to Dobbs. The real question is who is she, how did she become the black widow of the manor and why? Sonya has put together some more of the pieces, but this story is far from over.

Brilliantly written and I cannot wait until the next installment of this series!

Was this review helpful?

I gave this book 3.5 to 3.75 stars. This book was a little difficult for me in holding my interest. I was completely in love with the first book of the trilogy and was so excited to start the second one but I was hoping for a little bit more of a reveal into the storyline instead of just a filler with this book. I feel like as a reader I was just allowed to meader around the property of the house without really getting anymore depth to the story of the brides and Sonya's tie to them and the witch. I'm invested enough in the story to definitely read the last book of the trilogy. I was just a little disappointed that we didn't get more from the second book. I know Nora Roberts will give us a great ending to this trilogy! Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Nora Roberts, and NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy this book.

Was this review helpful?

*3.75*Stars…The Mirror is focused more on the present day activities of Sonja and Cleo and the growing relationships between Sonya and Trey and Cleo and Owen. The paranormal hauntings of the witch, Hester Dobbs continue, however with no big surprises.
Unfortunately, this book was at a slower pace and not as interesting as ‘The Inheritance,’ the first book, in this series.
However, because I am a fan of Nora Roberts, I look forward to the next book, where I imagine we will finally learn how the wicked witch meets her demise.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Publishing Group for the early copy. This review is based on my personal opinion.

Was this review helpful?

I have been anxiously waiting to read book two in The Lost Bride Trilogy by Nora Roberts and when I had the opportunity to read and listen to it, I jumped at the chance. Narrated by Brittany Pressley, I was quickly captivated by the characters, story and journey right from the start. We pick up where we left off in Inheritance. Sonya, Trey, Cleo and Owen are investigating the past and current residents of the Victorian mansion she inherited. We learn more history of the house, the family, other residents and Hester Dobbs and her curse.

Sonya and Cleo are settling into the house as they befriend the, let’s say friendly presences in the house, while Hester Dobbs continues to terrorize them. I loved watching Trey and Sonya’s relationship continue to develop and see them grow as a couple. Additionally, the chemistry between Cloe and Owen has been brewing stronger every day. I love how strong and determined Sonya is. She wants to stop Hester and bring peace to her past family. Cleo is the best friend of friends and is Sonya’s ride or die and I love that about them. And Trey is so supportive, understanding and protective. And now we also have Owen who is protective and kind. This foursome are amazing characters and I just loved them and their journey in this story.

We learn so much about the friends, the couples and the other residents of the house. I do not want to spoiler the story, but some of the residents are just the best and comforting to the foursome. I am loving this trilogy so much and am so excited for the final book. This is a must-read and/or listen and I highly recommend it!

Happy reading!

Was this review helpful?

I love Nora’s trilogies. This book was a little tougher for me. It felt like a lot of filler with a little bit more story.
I like the overarching story but would have preferred this to be focused on Owen & Chloe. Their relationship moving forward was just mentioned but I needed more.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The second book in the Lost Bride Trilogy opens exactly where the first (Inheritance) ended. I did find this book moved a bit more slowly than the first; clues about the curse are slower in coming, however it's still a great story. I'm very excited to find out how this trilogy will end!

Was this review helpful?

The first book hooked me and I flew through the pages of this sequel! The characters themselves are interesting enough-Sonya's personal growth and really settling into her home. Then add in the increasingly complex history of the house itself and it's former inhabitants and I couldn't stop reading! I really enjoyed how this book dove even further into the past and we really get to learn more about all of the brides. I'm anxiously anticipating the next book! This book had everything for me: multiple timelines, romance, humor, ghosts!

Was this review helpful?

I love the Lost Brides book and cannot wait for the next one!! Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

This book was sadly very disappointing, especially for an author of Nora Roberts' caliber.
I had such high hopes for the story but it fell far short of my expectations, especially since I'd expected it to be so much better than the first but it wasn't.
The story dragged on too much on the mundane, everyday activities of the main characters that added very little value. The supernatural elements were so few and sprinkled throughout the story as if like an afterthought rather than the main meat of the matter. Even the romance was understated and left me in disbelief that Nora Roberts wrote this.
The story had so little impact and missed the rich and deep, meaningful writing that is Nora Roberts' signature style. For example, the Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy was so rich and I would have thought this story would be just as rich.
It left me feeling very unhappy and I also felt cheated, because this story had so much potential.
I might still read the third book, just to see the conclusion but at this point, I am becoming very discouraged in trying out the new Nora Roberts' releases.

Was this review helpful?

Such a beautifully written book. This is book two in the Lost Bride Trilogy. While her first book was spectacular, I enjoyed this one as well. It was a bit heavier on the ghost storyline as opposed to the romance storyline, which was surprising to me. Still enjoyed!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, all opinions are my own

Was this review helpful?

We needed this book and the deeper dive into the main characters relationships and connections. As a middle book it moved slower and was definitely the bridge between the start and the finish. I loved the background and history and all of the family in this story. I am so excited for the villain to get what's coming to her and to read what's next.

Was this review helpful?

The secret book in the lost bride series. A excellent book and can’t wait to read the next book. Due to an illness I was unable to compete book in a timely manner but finally did .

When Sonya MacTavish inherits a sprawling Victorian mansion on the windswept coast of Maine, she has no idea the house harbors restless spirits. The creaking footsteps, slamming doors, and eerie music that echo through the night are far from her imagination. In her dreams, she glimpses fragments of the past, while the present reveals strange portraits of brides. But it is the visions of an antique mirror that captivate her, a mirror she senses holds the key to dark family secrets.

One fateful night, the mirror manifests before her, and Sonya steps through its glass, slipping into the past. There, she witnesses a bride brutally murdered on her wedding day, her golden ring ripped from her hand—a scene destined to repeat itself under the weight of an ancient curse. To free the bride and end the haunting cycle, Sonya must unravel the mystery before time runs out.

Was this review helpful?

Glad that I got to read this early. So many people recommended this future trilogy. This was almost as good as the first book. Can't wait to read the last book, because this is really dragging along. ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

Was this review helpful?

Picking up exactly where The Inheritance left off, The Mirror immediately brings the reader back to the mystical world of the main character. You are once again experiencing the mystery, angst and determination felt by Sonya.

The book builds upon the various personal relationships, friendships and romance as well as the convergence of real and mystical worlds. The characters develop stronger ties, more curiosity and mental strength to continue with Sonya on the journey to resolve the mysteries of the Lost Brides.

While there was some, perhaps overdone development also of daily routines and other unnecessary ‘fluff’, it didn’t distract from the major storyline enough to have a negative impact on the overall novel.

As most of Nora Roberts’ transitional Book Twos in a series, the plot was furthered along and sets the reader up for an anxious wait for Book Three and the conclusion of the journey.

As a reader who is not a ‘believer’ of hauntings etc., the mix of playful hauntings along with the depth of the antagonist haunting drew me in quickly and has kept my interest throughout the two books. I look forward to Book Three.

Was this review helpful?