Prefacing this with: my apologies in advance for being a giant Debby Downer, but I am beyond frustrated with this trilogy so it's rant o'clock.

I do not understand how I am now 2 books into this trilogy and still nothing of note has happened. The first book thoroughly bored me the entire way through. I mean, it SHOULD be something I love. Romantasy, with an animal companion, and not-horror ghosts. That is most everything I love in one book. But I was LITERALLY falling asleep all the way through book 1 (and I mean genuinely. I am not the sort of person that can fall asleep on a whim--that book may as well have been a sleeping pill though). That said, at the end of book 1, something finally happened and it ended on a huge cliffhanger and I was like alright, maybe books 2 and 3 will be where all the action are.

Unfortunately, I was incredibly incorrect. I feel like this book served no purpose. Nothing of note happened. Nothing was resolved. It was just more of the same bland storyline from book 1, and then left you waiting for book 3. It was almost 500 pages. How are there no answers or any new interesting plotpoints for 450+ pages??? At this point, I have lost whatever care I had left, so I guess whatever the conclusion is in book 3, I'll never know. 🤦🏼‍♀️

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3 stars.

This is the second book in the Lost Bride trilogy. It picks up exactly where the last book leaves you. And I enjoyed the characters and the story. It just left me wanting a bit more development in the plot.

I can’t wait to see how this trilogy ends, but I feel like this book had a serious case of middle book syndrome.

Also. I think I’m genuinely more invested in Cleo and Owen than Sonya and Trey, so I wish we had more scenes of just them.

It’s still got good elements, just let me wanting a bit more!

Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Mirror by Nora Roberts
This was a 2.5 star.

Thank you Netgalley for this arc! I was excited to read it having been waiting to find out what was going to happen next at Lost Bride.

This story resumes where the last one ends. The first half was enjoyable as we get more creepy encounters with our resident evil ghost as well as glimpses of the past that allow us to learn more about the inhabitants of this haunted home.

Sadly, it begins to get a bit slow and redundant. I didn't feel like much happened to really add to the movement of the story. I feel like I could have DNF'd and still would be fine for the next book.

I will still read the next book because I want to see how they beat this crazy ghost and give the murdered brides some peace.

Troupes: romantic suspense
Spice 1/5
Plot 4/5
Pace 2/5
Character Personality 3.5/5
Character Growth 3.5/5
Writing Style 3/5
World Building 5/5

After reading "The Inheritance" with its cliffhanger ending, I eagerly awaited the second book in the Lost Brides Trilogy. Book Two, "The Mirror," takes up exactly where the first book ended. It's largely a plot about good fighting evil. Sonya McTavish, related through her father to the Poole family, and her friends, Cleo, Trey, and Owen, spend most of this book trying to come up with a strategy to defeat the witch, Hester Dobbs. She put a spell on all the Poole family brides, causing them to die on their wedding day. Then Hester collects their wedding rings. In order to stop this curse, Sonya must steal the seven rings from Hester the witch.

Sonya is aided in her life at Poole Manor by ghosts of the past, both staff and former inhabitants. She frequently crosses through a mirror and sees the past world of the various Poole brides. She's particularly drawn to Astrid Poole. The portraits of the former Poole brides mysteriously appear every so often. These magical elements make the story intriguing.

Occasionally, I felt like this middle volume of the trilogy was a bit repetitive and didn't make much progress toward coming up with a plan to defeat Hester. However, the characters are interesting and draw me into the story, and the romance angle is done beautifully. I'll await the third book to see the inevitable ending. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for letting me read this book for an honest review.

When Sonya MacTavish was told she inherited a grand estate from an uncle she never even heard of, she was mystified but also curious. As she settles in at the estate and finds a new life in this tiny Maine town, Sonya finds a centuries old curse that has haunted her family and it's up to her as well as her friends to figure out the mystery of the Lost Brides before it ends in blood, danger and more. But when she dreams of a mirror that comes true in the daylight hours, Sonya knows she needs to follow her instincts if she is to find all the lost brides and end the curse that has haunted her family for ages.



My Review:

When I finished book 1 in this exciting new trilogy by Nora Roberts, The Inheritance, I found myself captivated by characters and a storyline that drew me in by chapter two and kept me glued to the pages for hours until the very last page was read and done. THE MIRROR continues where book one left off and the readers continue alongside Sonya, her love, Trey and friends and new found family as they try to figure out what happened to the Lost Brides and how to beat a witch who is determined to take what she wants regardless of who dies in the end. What got to me in book two was how seamless it continues right where book one left off and Segway into something that if I am honest, made me even more excited to continue Sonya, Trey and friends stories here. So much twists and turns that made me gasp in delight, thrills and more as I continued reading immediately after I finished The Inheritance.

THE MIRROR is one book that is as good if not more so than book one, The Inheritance. Ms. Roberts delivers another stand out book in her second book in The Lost Brides Trilogy and I for one can not recommend this trilogy enough. I'm always excited to see what this author can come up with her trilogies and I'm not disappointed at all every single time.

If you haven't read The Inheritance, than I highly recommend you start there as book two, THE MIRROR continues immediately after that book ends. If you love romantic suspense, found family, small town charm and more then I urge you to grab this trilogy immediately as this is an author who knows how to weave a story around her readers and now I am eager to see how this all ends in book three (coming in 2025).

This reviewer has read dozens of books by the prolific and talented writer Nora Roberts, including her titles as JD Robb. It's been several years since I read one of her releases, and was happy to return with The Mirror. This fantasy novel is jam-packed with characters and chatty dialogue and paced at breakneck speed.

Many thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book to read and review. *NetGalley Top Reviewer*

The Mirror by Nora Roberts is book 2 of The Lost Bride Trilogy. This tale picks up right where book 1 ended. Sonya and Cleo have made The Lost Bride Manor their home on the beautiful seaside in Maine. The manor house comes complete with ghosts of past inhabitants and serving staff. It’s an ideal place to live and work, save for the squatter on the 3rd floor. Her phantom presence is evil and threatens to destroy any happiness. But Sonya and Cleo refuse to back down. They are determined to find a way to break the curse and rid the manor of her evil presence. Nora Roberts is a masterful story teller who weaves together a fascinating tale of family secrets, friendship, mystery and love. It is an exceptionally well written, deliciously creepy tale!

Thank you Net Galley for an advanced copy. Since this is the second in a trilogy I went back and read Inheritance first. Although I really enjoyed the first book, this one was slightly long winded. I get it - there are ghosts. Some are good, some are bad. Just got very repetitive. I am the first to admit that this is not my usual genre so maybe it is just me? Also, please - Cutie is the pet name? No strong woman striking out make a name for herself wants to be called Cutie!!

Thank you St Martin’s Press and Netgalley for an ARC of The Mirror in exchange for my honest opinion.

Nora Roberts is an amazing author. This second book in the trilogy was as good, if not better, than the first. When Sonya inherits a house from an uncle that she didn’t know existed, she is introduced to the many spirits lurking in the house. All good, except for a witch. The witch responsible for all of the brides who had been murdered. She must, with the help of her friends, end the curse and destroy the witch. A mirror, which only appears at night, is a window to the deaths of all of the brides. She stands by, helplessly, watching them all die. Her and her friends refuse to give in to fear.

I will be waiting on pins and needles for the final book to be available to find out how this story ends.

Sonya MacTavish unexpectedly inherits a large Victorian mansion in Maine, only to discover it is haunted. Through dreams and visions, Sonya uncovers glimpses of the mansion's dark past, including portraits of brides and an antique mirror with sinister family secrets. This is the second book in the series, following the events of “”The Inheritance”. The book follows the same characters and continues right after the prior book.

I am a huge fan of Nora Roberts, but this trilogy may be one of my favorites. The characters are so human and likeable, the pets are adorable and the ghosts have very distinct personalities. Add a spooky mansion and I’m in heaven. Can’t wait to read the next one!!

In "The Mirror" by Nora Roberts, I was captivated by the intricate blend of mystery, romance, and the supernatural. As Sonya MacTavish embarks on a journey to uncover her family's secrets, I found myself drawn into the suspenseful and eerie atmosphere of the Victorian house in Maine. The way Roberts intricately weaves together the past and present, linking Sonya's story to the tragic fate of Astrid Poole, was both haunting and compelling.

The character development throughout the book was rich and engaging, particularly Sonya's growth as she confronts the challenges presented by her newfound inheritance. The hint of romance between Sonya and Trey added an extra layer of depth to the story without overpowering the main plotline.

Overall, "The Mirror" is a captivating page-turner that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Nora Roberts' storytelling prowess shines through in this novel, making it a must-read for fans of mystery and supernatural fiction. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a blend of suspense, romance, and a touch of the paranormal.

A ghostly groundhogs day, this takes our main character into the past to witness a wicked curse. A bride murdered on her wedding day, to be relived forever, unless she can break it.

The second part of The Lost Bride Trilogy is here! The Mirror is every bit as exciting as The Inheritance. Nora Roberts always delivers suspense, romance and mystery in layers that allow the reader to absorb the nuances of each relationship. I love that so much! The glimpse of Sonya's work life, friendships, dinners and pets was especially meaningful to me.

The Mirror opens where The Inheritance ended, Sonya, Cleo, Trey and Owen are expanding their friendships and assimilating into the community. The ghosts and the evil presence that called down the curse are making their presence know---the ghosts are helpful but the witch is out for trouble.

I could not wait for Sonya to go through the Mirror--it was suspenseful and exciting in equal measure. When the book debuts, I will get an audiobook copy, as it will be a wait for the third and final conclusion to the trilogy.

Thank you to #Net Galley and #St. Martin's Press #Nora Roberts Team for giving me an opportunity to read this eARC in consideration of a review.
#TheMirror #NetGalley #TheLostBridesTrilogy #Haunted #Ghosts

The Mirror is a perfect blend of suspense, mystery, friendship, romance, and personal reflection, growth, and power.

While I often, reread earlier books before starting the next in a series, I decided to start Nora Roberts' "The Mirror" without doing so. The Mirror jumps quite literally right into the story with very little preamble or scene setting to the first book, so you are immersed immediately.

Book 2 of the Lost Bride Trilogy continues the story of Sonya MacTavish, the woman who inherited Lost Bride Manor, a beautiful mansion with a tragic past. Sonya has adapted to the footsteps at night, the doors slamming, and the music playing. (I love Sonya's ghostly grandmother who communicates through the music she plays.) The titular mirror pulls Sonya into the past where she gets glimpses of the tragic players and the curse that needs to be broken.

As always, Nora Roberts has devised a wonderful plot with rich characters. Sonya, her best friend Cleo, her newfound cousin Owen, and where-can-i-find-one-just-like-him love interest Trey are a great combination, if not just a little too perfect. The portrayal of history is done so well, bringing the past to life and pulling the story together.

My only criticism is that there are phrases that are repeated from other Roberts/Robb books that somehow made them seem trite. There's alot of "standing", like "she was there, in the manor, to live, to work, and to stand up for seven women who’d come before her", "standing on their own," "changed my stand on that", standing in, standing up, standing for.

I enjoyed this book very much and am looking forward to the 3rd. There was so much history and story progression in The Mirror that was so well done including the filling in of the stories of the brides and tying together family history, Nora Roberts may have ruined any realistic relationship goals for me, but I enjoy the dynamic between each of the friends and romances. I also loved the scene with Sonya's ex and the professional power play.

Overall, a fantastic middle book of a trilogy that continues a strong setup from book 1 and prepares for a thrilling finish.

Thank you to Nora Roberts' team, St Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

The Mirror grabs you and doesn't let go. The characters are intriguing and likeable, alive and in the past. Friendship, Family, it's all there without being sappy. I did laugh at a couple things and cried in another. I am ready for the final book, I can not wait!

I received a free copy of, The Mirror, by Nora Roberts, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book two in the, Lost Bride Trilogy. Sonya MacTavish inherited a haunted house, that pulls her right in. This book is pretty deep, more then your typical haunted house stories. I enjoyed this book.

In the second book The Mirror, in the Lost Bride Trilogy by Nora Roberts, you are instantaneously drawn back into the fight between good and evil that resides within The Manor, a two-hundred-plus-year-old familial home of the cursed Poole family in Poole’s Bay, Maine. Sonya (Poole), Cleo, Trey, and Owen (Poole) continue to peel back the generational layers of family history in the hopes of breaking the curse placed by a delusional and evil witch.

With the perfect amount of backstory from the first book of the trilogy to keep the reader engaged and the pages rapidly turning, you're immediately drawn back into the fight to bring peace to the tortured souls inhabiting The Manor. With Ms Roberts’ trademark rapid-fire dialog and banter, characters who are easy to relate to, and a fast-paced story the reader’s mind’s eye quickly captures the evil that has brought so much sorrow to generations of brides and their grooms. The story’s ending has left me anxiously awaiting the concluding story of the trilogy and the breaking of the curse that has besieged The Manor and the Poole family brides.

This ARC book was complimentary…provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Nora Roberts writes an excellent romance novel. As far as her trilogies go, this was a strange middle section, without much development. I am excited to read the final installment but I wish these trilogies were released together, especially when they are such a strong continuation.

Be sure to read the first one first, and I would recommend ensuring they are read close to one another.

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC!

The novel follows a pattern familiar with Nora Roberts and does not disappoint. This is part two in a series, it kind of took me a few chapters to get back in the groove of the story. Roberts does a great job blending in important details so you can refresh as you go. Literally taking off where Inheritance left off this provides more details on the seven brides and a bit of romance with the main characters. Sonya and her best friend Cleo are living in the Poole Manor and trying to make it their own. Ghosts that play with the animals. One that cleans up after them. And one that plays music for them. The wicked one is trying her best to run them off. Sonya is finding more portraits of the brides and gets pulled into the mirror. Trey and Owen spend more time with the girls and help out. The Big Event is getting close and the women are excited about opening the house to the community. It’s a relatively fast and easy read, and truly, I can’t wait for the final installment to find out how it all ends.My only complaint was that the ending felt abrupt.
Thank you, St. Martin's Press, Netgalley and the author for the opportunity.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I reread The Inheritance before starting this so the thread through the first two books of this trilogy would be fresh and as always, Roberts delivers. A haunted manor, a nasty ghost who kills brides through the generations, and the current generation who we know will be able to finally break the curse. As I read a new “Nora” book, I always wait for that hook with the characters and story-building when I’ve fallen into their world and lives. With Sonya, Cleo, Trey, and Owen - it doesn’t take long to see them come together and as each new attempt of Hester’s to push them out, the suspense builds — but why I always keep reading is knowing that the world and balance in life will come back to a happy ending. So I look forward to #3 and how they are finally able to have Hester conquered. The extra bonus in this trilogy are the pets — they play a starring role in each and I love when the characters’ love for their pets is part of the story development. That and the heart-warming house ghosts and it’s a must read for all Nora fans!