This is the second book in The Lost Bride Trilogy by Nora Roberts. When I read the first book, [book:Inheritance|65213377], I remember being quite upset that I was going to have to wait a year or more for the second book. I was really into the story and didn't want to wait for the rest.

Description:
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.

Then one night the mirror appears and Sonya glides through this looking glass, into the past—and sees a bride murdered on her wedding day, the circle of gold torn from her finger. It is a scene that will play out again and again—a centuries-old curse that must be broken—and a puzzle she must solve if there is any hope of breaking the curse.

My Thoughts:
This one started off a little slow and it took me awhile to remember what had happened in the first book. Things got going a little further in and I was once again totally immersed in the story. I love the characters Sonya MacTavish and her friend, Cleo. They make a good team and have each other's back. Their families and friends are great characters too. The house they live in, though beautiful, is eerie with the various ghosts at play and the awful witch who cursed the brides. I just want everything to work out for Sonya, but looks like once again I have to wait for the next book to find out. Sometimes I think I should wait until all the books are out in a series before I start reading them so I don't lose the plot before the next one is released. I'll never learn - I always want to jump in. Nora Roberts is a great author and has spun some amazing stories. I am loving this one!

Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy.

I'm REALLY enjoying this trilogy .... and devoured it as I'm known to when it comes to NR ♡

⇢ If you haven’t read a NR book yet, but would love to give it a go. And if you love reading something fitting for autumn you need to read this trilogy. It has everything Nora Roberts is famous for. Great writing, wonderful down to earth characters and the most wonderful female friendships. And the storyline is the opposite of boring…..

SO GOOD!!!

The Mirror is a seamless continuation of The Inheritance and it kept me glued to the pages from the very beginning.

I really love this story. The friendships between the characters are heartwarming. The love story is beautifully paced, and is growing with each book. And the spookiness is just the perfect amount of chilling and mysterious.

I wish I had the third book already in my hands…… next year can’t come soon enough.

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.

This is book 2 of The Lost Bride Trilogy and I cannot wait for book 3 to come out next year. Sonya and Cleo are settling in nicely at the manor in Maine that she had inherited from a previously unknown uncle. They have learned to coexist with the friendly and one not at all friendly ghosts. Sonya and Trey are getting closer and Owen is intrigued by Cleo. I would have just sat and read this if I had not had too much real life going on in the last week. If you love Nora Robert’s fantasy leaning series, you will definitely enjoy this one.

Nora Roberts has once again proven her mastery in storytelling with The Mirror, a captivating blend of romance, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. The way she seamlessly weaves these elements together will keep you intrigued and turning the pages, eager to uncover the next twist in the plot.

Top 5 Reasons to Read The Mirror:
1. Ghosts: The detailed history and background of the ghosts add depth and mystery, keeping you hooked from start to finish. Each ghost has a story that intertwines with the present, making the supernatural elements feel grounded and compelling.
2. New Romance: The book's budding romance is beautifully crafted, with relatable and endearing characters. The chemistry between the pair is palpable, making their journey together a joy to read.
3. A New Pet: Introducing a new pet adds a delightful touch to the story. This furry companion brings warmth and charm, providing moments of fun and heartwarming interactions.
4. A Party to End All Parties: The grand party scene is a book highlight, filled with drama, revelations, and unforgettable moments. It's a pivotal event that brings all the characters together and sets the stage for the story's climax.
5. Engaging Plot: The plot is intricately woven, with twists and turns that keep you guessing. Roberts masterfully balances the elements of romance, mystery, and the supernatural, creating a thrilling and emotionally satisfying narrative.

Why I Loved It:
I loved The Mirror because it had so much to sink my teeth into. The rich background on the ghosts provided a fascinating layer of mystery, while the new romance added a heartwarming touch. Adding a new pet brought a delightful charm to the story, and the party scene was spectacular. Nora Roberts has a way of creating worlds and characters that feel real and relatable, and The Mirror is no exception. It's a book I couldn't put down, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating read.

With its centuries-old mansion by the sea, a mirror that becomes a portal into the past, and a haunting presence bent on murder, the mystery and suspense practically drip off the page of Nora Roberts’ latest novel! The characters are richly drawn and the heart-pounding plot is perfectly paced, proving yet again that Roberts is a master storyteller.

The Mirror is the second book in the trilogy, so be sure to read Inheritance (book 1) first. This book—like the first—ends on a cliffhanger as the main character Sonya MacTavish vows to find a way to break the curse of Lost Bride Manor. Now, I just have to wait for book three!

*Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Book 2 in the trilogy. Signature Nora Robert’s writing and magical/witchy style. Slow at the beginning as I had to remember the story and characters from book 1, but it really picked up from there. Looking forward to the conclusion and book 3. Many thanks to St. Martin’s publishing and Netgalley for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

There’s something about diving into a Nora Roberts book that is just like coming home. I picked up The Mirror after waiting anxiously for it for months and felt like I was with friends. I even wanted to go back and read book one just to remind myself of the feelings with the last book Plus, this one jumps right in to the last words from previous book no time lost there.

I absolutely love Sonya and Cleo! Their friendship is so wonderful! And Owen just makes me want to hug him every time he’s on the page. I mean sure, I like Trey, he’s a keeper but there’s something about Owen that makes him feel like family. Getting to meet more of their families and this Maine community were such a good balance of the suspense. It kept The Mirror real and helped me to become even more attached.

The only downside to The Mirror is that it’s the middle of a three-book series being released annually. The beginning jumps right in the midst of a scene where the last book, The Inheritance, ended and ends in the midst of a scene. Talk about cliffhangers! Still, knowing this, I’ve waited very impatiently since the last book (I’ve had both the kindle and hardcovers on pre-order since the day they were available) and will be waiting impatiently for the next book… which will be on pre-order the day it’s available. Yes, this is a must-read!

If you’re looking for a book that will stay with you and have you eagerly anticipating every word, The Mirror is the book for you. The Lost Bride Trilogy is a true page-turner that’s going to stay on my trophy… I’m sorry, bookshelf. But do yourself a favor, like I did, and be sure to buy multiple formats – you’re going to always want this one handy to re-read!

And can I just say… I really do need Molly and Clover!

The Mirror picks up right where The Inheritance left off. Sonya MacTavish is running her company called Visual Arts and enjoying it. Sonya and her friend Cleopatra Faberes are going to have a big event at Poole Manor. Sonya is learning more about The Brides through dreams and mirror walking by herself or with Owen Poole. Trey Doyle wants to protect Sonya but knows that is not always possible. Hester Dobbs is more evil than previously thought of. What will Sonya and company learn next? Find out in The Mirror.

I would like to thank St. Martin's Press for this ARC via Netgalley.

This book was amazing the characters were so beautiful and believeable. The story line was incredible. Can't wait until the second book.comes.out

Magical Realism

Book #2 of The Lost Bride Trilogy.

Don't get me wrong, this was a good read and an integral part of this trilogy - but not a lot happens.

The spirit on the 3rd floor of the house causes more mayhem. Sonja and Cleo get more involved in the local community. Their relationships with Trey and Owen get deeper. There is a lot of eating and drinking and interactions with the ghosts, but otherwise there isn't a lot going on. It's just filler, which is just disappointing. Make the series a duology if you don't have enough content or edit the 2nd book down - it doesn't need to be that long.

I'm still invested in the series and will read the 3rd book. Depending on what happens in the third installment of the series, you could probably almost skip this book completely. I never say that, but this was just blah.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this novel.

I just love this series, could be because Maine is one of my favorite places. But the manor, the ghosts, and all of the other characters are just wonderful and so endaering!

The Mirror
Nora Roberts
November 19, 2024

Hester Dobbs resides in the Poole Manor. The old home is a beautiful estate passed on to members of the Astrid Grandville Poole family. It was built in 1794 near the village of Poole’s Bay. It was known as the home to 7 brides, each dying at or close to their wedding day. Now Sonya MacTavish has inherited the massive estate. Her Uncle Collin has left her the estate and all his legacy. His twin brother was Sonya’s father. She has left her job in Boston to comply with the stipulation that she live in the property for three years. Upon her move she met several members of the Poole family. She is overwhelmed to meet the young attorney, Trey, who is quite taken with her.
The Mirror will be published on November 19, 2024 by Macmillan. This is the 2nd of the Lost Bride series by Nora Roberts. It follows in the direct path of The Inheritance, a novel that would benefit readers to devour first. The Mirror takes us more into the Poole family and the historical figures that haunt the manor. Ms. Dobbs did not belong to the family tree. It was only in her wicked ways did she believe the estate should be hers. The chronicle is a window to the Poole past and the MacTavish future. Typical of Robert’s outstanding writing the story is excellent but a word to the wise, it is a marathon of a read. Take note of the details, it makes Sonya’s diary more interesting. Do not miss The Mirror, and enjoy!

This might be most appreciated by those who read and enjoyed Inheritance, which tells the back story as it were of Sonya's inheritance of a mansion. A mansion which has paranormal activity. This sees a continuation of the story and it's clearly a middle book with things to wrap up in the third. Thanks to netgalley for the aRC. Roberts has a way with this sort of tale and her fans will be pleased.

This book picks up with Sonya and the gang in a stunning mansion setting, and while the storyline itself was enjoyable, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was just a bit too similar to the first book. There was some progression, but it felt minimal, more like a small step forward rather than a leap.

The characters themselves didn’t evolve much, which was a bit of a letdown. The only real development I saw was in their relationships with each other, which was nice but not quite enough to satisfy. I’m really hoping the final book will bring everything together and give us some big, exciting character growth. Fingers crossed for a strong finish!

I would like to express my deep gratitude to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for their generosity in allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Mirror was just as mesmerizing if not more so than Inheritance. This second installment of the seven brides trilogy was amazing. Nora Roberts seems to get better and better . I cannot wait for the final installment of this trilogy!! The ghosts, the characters I’ve loved them all. This part of the story brings about an antique mirror which holds keys to the lost brides. Very impatiently waiting for book 3!!

I’m giving this book 4 ½ stars. Book 2 picks up with Sonya living in the manor with her best friend, Cleo. They have both been getting to know Sonya’s relatives, becoming a part of the community, dealing daily with ghosts, and making changes to the manor. Sonya finds herself drawn to an old mirror that she can walk through. Once on the other side, she gets glimpses of the various brides from family’s past who lived in the manor as well as how they were murdered. She gets glimpses of a few other unsettling events as well.

While I love Nora’s books and the storyline of The Mirror, I don't enjoy the cliffhangers.

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

As I delved into "The Mirror," the eagerly anticipated sequel in The Lost Bride Trilogy, I found myself instantly transported back to the eerie world I'd left behind a year ago. The seamless continuation of the story made it feel as if no time had passed at all.

I'd almost forgotten the delicious thrill of the haunted house element that permeated this series. The moment I cracked open the book, that familiar sense of unease and excitement washed over me. The promise of unraveling more about the lost brides' mysteries was what initially drew me in, and I wasn't disappointed. I was treated to a rich tapestry of the brides' stories, each one adding depth to the overarching narrative.

While the story had its strengths, I couldn't help but feel that at times, it dragged its feet. Some scenes, like our fearless protagonist's pizza dinners with friends, felt a bit superfluous. Don't get me wrong — I adore our main character. Her courage in the face of living in a haunted mansion is admirable, and I found myself relating to her determination not to give in to fear. However, after 419 pages, I was hoping to see more progress in her quest to break the curse.

One bright spot amidst the ghostly encounters was the growing attraction between Owen and Cleo. Their budding romance added a lovely layer to the story, providing a counterpoint to the main plot's intensity.

I must give a shout-out to Brittany Presley's narration in the audiobook version. Her ability to bring each character to life with distinct voices was nothing short of magical. It added an extra dimension to my experience, enhancing the vivid imagery already present in the writing.

While "The Mirror" didn't quite capture my heart the way the first book did, it still held its own charms. The blend of paranormal elements and romantic subplots kept me engaged, even if the pacing sometimes tested my patience. As the second installment in the trilogy, it's done its job of stoking my curiosity. I find myself wondering how all these ghostly threads will finally come together in the conclusion and I'm eager to see how this haunting tale will ultimately unfold.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley, for the free books for review.

We are back at the Lost Bride Manor and the new owner Sonya MacTavish has passed into the mirror with her cousin. Her BFF Cleo is now living with her at the manor and Trey is Sonya's boyfriend stays a lot. Owen the cousin has been spending time at the manor also and is smitten with Cleo.
Sonya is going thru the mirror into the past and dreaming of the past. As she puts the pieces together to be able to rid the manor of Hester Dobbs the resident evil ghost. They are going to bring life back to the manor with happiness and give Hester a really hard time.
I loved the first book and the second does not disappoint and I can't wait for the final book in this series.

Since I did not read the first book in this series, I had a hard time getting into this book and all the characters. For me, it was a slow burn and with all the ghost talk, I just don't think this book was for me. Looking forward to more Nora Roberts books as I usually love them!