Book Review
The Mirror by Nora Roberts
Lost Bride Series
1st Book - The Inheritance

Tropes
🏠Lost Bride Manor- living breathing heart, hearth and home
👻Paranormal - ghosts of loyal servants, brides, Pooles
💀Curse of Poole Bloodlines
✅ Found family
✅ Adoption
✅ Romance
✅ small town, oceanviews
✅ inheritance

Characters
Hester Dobbs- bitch witch
Sonya- career in marketing, graphic artist, recently dumped her asshat ex, inherited a manor
Trey- lawyer in the family firm,
Owen- cousin, ship builder,
Cleo- BFF, artist, believes in paranormal , from New Orleans
Poole family - Seven brides, Clarice, Collin
Doyle family
Bree- event Goddess
👻Clover resident DJ- love how she captures moments with music
👻Molly- maid and fashion consultant
👻Jerome and Eleanor- gardener
👻Jack- dog sitter and trainer

🐾Pets- represented like people they each have distinctive personalities and are well taken care of, they can see the manors Spirits
🐕Mookie is Trey’s
🦮Jones is Owen’s, he has an eye patch
🐶Yoda- Sonya’s recent rescue
🐱Pye - Cleo’s recent rescue

Thoughts
✅ I am absolutely in love with this house and the people and spirits that live in it.
✅ The constant references to food, wine, daily routines like workouts and movies
Make this book and its characters relatable
✅ This Garden - I can envision the rainbow of blooms and fairy lights, a Positive force to spread light where shadow beckons
✅ Who doesnt want a turret library
✅ the friendship and camaraderie between these 4 MCs feels soo warm and natural, I feel like I am the 5th wheel listening in on their life
✅ The Mirror- magical mystical catalyst - each time it appears I know more of the story will be revealed
✅ ends on a cliff hanger (same as the first one), I am dying to know the whole story and cant wait for the conclusion

Overall
Bingeable escape reading at its finest- the time I spent between the covers flew past

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for my digital ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.

This is the 2nd book in Nora Roberts' Lost Bride Trilogy. The excitement begins right away in this latest installment. Sonya and her friend Cleo, live in a haunted mansion in a small town on coastal Maine. The house has both friendly and not friendly ghosts who visit daily. Some do chores, some play music, and one is a witch, who in her past has cursed all 7 brides who got married there, by death. The witch doesn't like to see happiness, which is exactly what Sonya and Cleo are bringing to the manor. Lots of love, romance, mystery, a magic mirror to the past and family relationships through the book. They all work so perfectly together! As in the first, this book ends on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait! I'll be sad when the finale is here.
Thank you to NetGalley and St,Martin's Press for this advanced copy for me to review.

I started this and realized I need to read the first book, entirely my bad! I’m going to read that and come back, but from what I read, the style is so good, and I’m very excited!

The Mirror is the 2nd installment in Nora Robert’s new The Lost Bride Trilogy. This series includes a touch of paranormal with a witch, death and darkness! After reading The Inheritance, I was so excited to get the chance to read this book and to revisit with all the characters and spend more time at The Manor. The story takes place in Poole’s Bay which is located in Maine right along the beautiful and scenic ocean. What I love about this series is that it takes place in the here and now but because of the curse that has been put on all the seven brides by Hester Dobbs, you get a look back at what it was like all those years ago. Sonya and her best friend Cleo, who are now living at the manor are 2 very strong, brave and talented women. Although there is romance involved, what I enjoyed most was how the author displayed such strength and courage in these 2 women and how they sought to make things right for Sonya’s deceased ancestors. Reading about the spirits that are still living at the manor brings humor at times, especially when it comes to Clover and her music, and there’s playfulness with Jack but the creepy evilness that comes from the 3rd floor Gold Room where Hester Dobbs resides is what gives the story the WOW factor! I’d like to thank Kejana Ayala, Marketing Coordinator at St. Martin’s Publishing Group for sending me the widget and invite to read and NetGalley for the arc. I love this series and will be recommending it to all my reading friends. I’m giving this book a 5 star rating and cannot wait to read the next to learn what exactly happens at the manor and what the future holds for Sonya and her friends!

The second novel in a trilogy, The Mirror, picked up where the first one left off and just continued on with the action right away. As Sonya gradually discovers more about the brides' past, she also learns what must be done to lift the curse. She is not alone in her search; her gorgeous boyfriend Trey, best friend Cleo, and her recently discovered cousin Owen are all on her side.

The bond that develops between Sonya and Cleo is my favorite aspect of the story. I adore their teasing and mutual support—both of them are strong, independent women. I also loved seeing a little more of the characters' families in this book because all of the characters are so real.

Roberts skillfully maintains a balance between moments of regular life and small-town experiences and the spooky atmosphere. Her descriptions of the manor are so thorough that you can easily picture it. She also captures the reader's attention with her classic blend of romance and mystical elements. I adored everything about the book's ghosts and paranormal elements. I especially loved the ghost Clover and the appropriate music she plays for each time.

If you enjoy romance and fantasy with a hint of the paranormal, I heartily recommend this novel. I personally can't wait for the final book in this trilogy because I've been so drawn into the story.

A great follow up to the first. This one took a bit more of a serious approach compared to the first, in my opinion. The one thing I loved about the first was the drastic change in tones. One minute I was giggling and shaking my head while reading about their interactions and the next I found myself creeped out and wondering what’s going on. I fear this one didn’t quite feel the same to me. That being said it was still a fun read and update to Sonya’s life.

Nora cannot miss with her writing. The way she builds a story and world is effortless and creative and captivating. Even if the story was bad, it would still be amazingly written and that’s how I feel about the sequel to Inheritance. I strongly believe the third will redeem itself though and I can’t wait for it!

Thanks so much NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC.

I was so excited to read this and it did not disappoint. This started right as the first one left off and just kept going full steam ahead with the action and uncovering more of the history of what happened to the brides and what Sonya needs to do to break the curse. In this part the author added the relationship between Sonya’s best friend Cleo and her cousin Owen which are the only other POVs that we get in this series. While it is a departure for Nora Roberts to not have a new couple each novel that is the main POV I really enjoy the dynamics between the couples and that for the this and the last book it will be focused on the four of them to help Sonya break the curse. It was so good to read more information about the ghosts that are inhabiting the mansion and catch a glimpse of them now. Dobbs who is the witch they are trying to defeat is ramping up the activity and I can’t wait to see how they solve this. This was a fun fast read with the perfect amount of spooky and I can’t wait until the third book.

Thanks to St. Martins Press and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

The Mirror is the second book in a trilogy and like The Inheritance it ends on a cliff hanger. We learn more about the house, brides and ghosts in this book. I can't wait for the final book in this series.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my review copy of this book.

As always, Nora Roberts never misses. I know going into reading something by her, that I am going to enjoy myself. I have never not loved something she's written. It's crazy for me, to only see 2 people, in a series. Usually each book is from a different characters POV, but this time, it's just two couples and they all get a little bit of time per book. I like it. I'm sad i've already finished this, as it doesn't come out until December, which means #3 won't be out until next year sometime. I will wait, but I will be sad about it.

Sonya MacTavish inherits Lost Bride Manor in Maine when an uncle she did not know dies. She learns her father was one of a set of twins, one of whom the family kept and the other given up for adoption. She moves to Maine, along with her best friend, Cleo, and they begin a new life together. Sonya works in graphic design and Cleo is an illustrator. They also have a houseful of ghosts, most of whom are very happy to have the house occupied again, but one who is a witch and has cursed the house and all the brides who are married there. Seven brides has died on their wedding day in the manor. Sonya and Cleo, along with Owen Poole, Sonya's cousin and Trey Doyle, are determined to find the seven wedding rings and end the curse hanging over Lost Bride Manor. I always enjoy Roberts' books. Her characters are entertaining and witty and she knows how to write romance. Highly recommended.

The Mirror by Nora Roberts is the second book of three in the "Lost Bride Trilogy", and in true sequel fashion, readers need to read book one first before picking this one up. The Mirror, begins immediately after The Inheritance and continues to follow our four main characters, Sonya, Cleo, Trey and Owen as they adjust to living in a historic mansion past down through the generations. One that just happens to hold many spirits as well.

Honestly, this novel is only so/so in my opinion. It is exactly what is should be- a bridge to continue the full story from start to finish. I think the plot moved at a glacial speed, but the readers do have the chance to full appreciate the quirks of these two couples. I would also consider this novel mostly sci-fi, with a dash of romance. Roberts is very heavy handed on the occult theme with this novel, but it is more mysterious versus spooky.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to read and review this novel.

I absolutely loved the Inheritance. I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second in the series. This one is good, but not as good as the first in the series. I enjoyed learning more about the lost brides and what happened to them, but it felt too mired down by Sonya's day to day life and activities. Her job duties where described a lot in book one and I didn't think I needed all the details in this book. I am very invested in how her pitch goes against her ex, but don't really get excited to read about all of her other projects. When we weren't focused on her work I was really into the story. Luckily it had enough other stuff outside of the work area that still had me enjoying the book and easily able to recommend it. I love the interaction between the lost brides and all of the friends, it is so much fun. I can't wait to see how they defeat Dobbs. I will be counting down until the final book comes out.

Final Score - 4.5 Stars!

This book picks up immediately after where The Inheritance ends, and I have to admit, it took me some time to get thru it because I didn't want to miss a clue. Things are starting to heat up at Lost Bride Manor. The resident mad witch upstairs is not happy that Sonya & Cleo have claimed "her house" for themselves, nor is she happy about the many vistors coming in/out. The walk-thru time mirror appears more often as well and new painting of the Lost Brides as well. And each time Sonya steps thru the mirror, new revelations are learned about how the curse & mad witch came to reside in the manor.

Now, I had theories about how this all came about - sadly, it looks like they've been shot down, but I still need to know more! Where are the last two paintings? How can defeat the mad witch and steal back the Seven Bride rings? What is it about the Pooles that caused this mad witch to become fixated on them? So many questions left open to be answered, but I guess we have to wait for the third book for all to be revealed.

Great characters and world building and the romance (while present in this book) took a backseat really to the mystery that still surrounds Sonya and the Poole family. I highly recommend this book if you love fantasy mixed with a bit of paranormal and romance. I can't wait for the EPIC conclusion!

I was so excited to start this one right after book 1, as it leaves you on a big cliffhanger. But, while I love the overarching story and characters, The Mirror felt like The Inheritance all over again with just a few different scenes. Much the same goes on in book 2. There are chapters that I couldn't stop reading, while others drug on. I think this is a fantastic idea of a story that maybe didn't need a trilogy. I will, however, read the last installment as I need to know what happens. And The Mirror also ends on a cliffhanger, so waiting for book 3 will be no fun! Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced e-copy.

I loved this book and I'm already anticipating the end of this trilogy. The story takes place very soon after the ending of book 1, and it would be important to read The Inheritance first.

My favorite part of the story is the friendship between Sonya and Cleo. They are both strong, independent women, and I love their banter and their support of each other. And I love the ghosts - well, at least most of them. I also like the love interests, and that besides supporting the women, they give the women room to grow.

The Mirror is the second book in the Lost Bride trilogy. I held on to this book because I knew once I read it, I would have a long wait for the sequel. And it was something to look forward to.
Nora Roberts is a gifted storyteller and she doesn’t disappoint with The Mirror.
Sonya inherited an old mansion full of ghosts and a curse. She falls in love with the manor and embraces living there. She needs to break the curse for her future happiness.
The characters in the book are well drawn and you want to know what happens next. I love that it is a suspense, a mystery and a romance all in one book/series.
Can’t wait for the finale!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book - I was thrilled to get the offer.

I devoured this book in two days while on the beach in Maine so.....real life perspecitive! It was everything I hoped it would be and more! I loved the story within the story. The visions/dreams of historical events was a cool way to tell the backstory. I adore Sonya and Trey's relationship and I was happy that Cleo and Owen formed their own relationship. The four together have an amazing synergy. I love all the ghost and supernatural things in the book. It's fun to imagine what life would be like in a haunted house - especially with ghosts that help with the chores! The evil that is Hester is well thought out and creepy!

I love the setting, the characters, the storyline, and the small town vibe. I can't wait to read the next book!

This book two picks up right where book one left off! This book is a storytellers dream. We learn more about our main players. Sonya really learns a lot about herself, her Dad and the home she has acquired, and all who come with it. She interacts with her cousins, her clients, and the community she is sure is where she's supposed to be. She also comes to understand that it is on her to figure out how to eliminate the one evil fly in the ointment. By learning the history of the Seven Brides, by seeing and feeling their losses she gathers strength, clues and the team that she is going to need to recover the rings and end Hester's hold on all she's come to love. This is a setup for an epic battle, and I can't wait! Thanks to #Netgally, #StMartinsPress, and the author for a chance to read! #Mirror #NoraRoberts #LostBridesTrilogy #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. I have always liked Nora Roberts series like this one - but I am struggling with it feeling so much like a middle book or a #2. Lots of exposition and slow reveals regarding how to fight the enemy, Dobbs, and the secrets of the house. I appreciate the romances but they also seem a little convenient. I will still finish out the series though. Like all book #2, it has a cliffhanger. But, I will still look forward to learning the other brides stories and seeing how this will conclude.

After reading and enjoying The Inheritance, I was excited when offered the chance to read The Mirror. The cliffhanger from the first book added to my excitement to get started. Unfortunately, the second book in the series disappointed. The storyline from this second book in the series felt very rinse and repeat. Same set of activities by the characters on different days. Little progress with the plot and minimal character development or additional world building. It also felt like the book was all dialogue. Definitely not the quality of writing I am used to for this author. I found it very difficult to finish. Based on this experience, I will not pick up the 3rd book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.