Whew!! What a ride! So many deaths. So much sadness. My heart hurts every time she went through the mirror. November can’t get her fast enough. I know nothing can change the past but that evil needs to be stopped.

Nora Roberts delivers an absolutely astounding follow up to “The Inheritance” in “The Mirror”. It perfectly picks up where the last book leaves off, which I always love when reading series’ or interconnected stand alone books. While this book’s pacing did feel a bit slow at times, it is still an intriguing story to read relating to the supernatural (ghosts) in a non-horror/thriller way. Nora Roberts fans will enjoy this continuation of The Lost Bride Trilogy!

I loved this book but I unfortunately did not have the time to write the review it deserves when I finished.

As the second book in the lost brides trilogy, you don’t need to have read the first one, Inheritance, to follow along. Robert’s does a great job of recapping the plot and characters from the first book, although reading Inheritance first would be a bonus. I enjoyed the fast pace of this story and the interactions between Sonya, Cleo, and the witch Dobos. Clearly some strong vibes and they took her on. Some humor, some romance, some hope that evil will not win out. I love the magical quality of the ghosts who reside in the manor and take care of Sonya and Cleo and show their appreciation for the mutual love of the manor. As Sonya and Cleo take back more ownership of the manor each day, the anger of the witch ramps up. Creative strategy of the mirror being a portal and how all the ghosts are linked to Sonya. I look forward to the conclusion of this story, to see how Sonya and her friends will vanquish Dobbs and retrieve the seven rings. Great story, well written, as always expected by Nora Robert’s. Many thanks to #netgalley, #themirror, #noraroberts for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I have always loved Nora Roberts books and her trilo9ies are classic. The Mirror by Nora Roberts is the 2nd in a series about brides that are killed in a mansion. It does not work well as a stand alone novel due to much of the relationships and background is in the first book The Inheritance and while the author does give background it is confusing and difficult to keep track of everyone. The Mirror is presents a mix of mundane daily routines, interpersonal dynamics, and a lingering mystery involving a cursed past. At its core, the book seems to be more about the small, repetitive details of life than a thrilling narrative. The story follows the protagonist Sonya as she navigates a series of seemingly insignificant events – waking up, letting the cat and dog out, making breakfast, and then repeating the process the next day. Along the way, the book introduces us to various characters and their interactions, like Sonya, Trey, Cleo, and others, but the plot itself struggles to gain momentum.

One of the more frustrating aspects of The Mirror is the lack of clear development in the primary storyline involving the cursed lost brides and the antagonist, Hester Dobbs. Though the book gives glimpses of the dark past and a powerful curse, Hester’s tantrums and behavior fail to create the tension and intrigue one might expect from such a villain. Instead, her actions feel repetitive, and her sinister history is overshadowed by the mundane events of the characters’ lives.

Additionally, the nickname for Sonya, such as "Son" from Cleo, was confusing at first and detracted from the reading experience. I found myself questioning who was being referred to and why the characters couldn’t communicate more clearly. It took awhile to keep it straight and not wonder who's son they were talking about. These small details, while they may have been intended to highlight the relationships between the characters, instead added unnecessary confusion.

What was also disappointing was the sense of urgency or stakes in the book. Hester Dobbs, despite her murderous history, is portrayed as a nuisance rather than a true threat. The repetitive, almost “gibberish” nature of the day-to-day scenes drowns out any suspense, and by the time I expected the mystery to unfold, the tension had already dissipated.

While The Mirror offers a unique portrayal of daily life and the mundane activities that define our routines, it ultimately lacks the excitement and drama that I had hoped for, given the premise. The characters are likable enough, but their interactions never rise to the level of gripping storytelling. If you’re looking for a fast-paced mystery or a story with deeper character development, this may leave you wanting more.

A good suspenseful follow-up of the first book. The story plot continues to grow and draw you in. The characters continue to grow, and the story continues with its twists and turns.

A great suspense and ghost story!

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I loved this book, but my one issue was it was a whole year since I read the first book and it was hard to remember things. I wish I would have went back and re-read the first one.

This is the second book of this trilogy. It continues to follow Sonja as she deals with the witch that haunts her home she inherited. I did not like this one as much as the first book but look forward to the third and final book in this series.

If you are looking for a fun paranormal trilogy with a sprinkling of romance and a whole lotta friendship. This is it! I absolutely LOVE Sonya and Cleo. This story is more than just the paranormal aspect. There is a lot going on in their personal lives and the book follows that, too. I love that we see the characters interacting with each other during such menial day-to-day tasks. I think it really adds to their personalities and makes you feel more involved with each character. Nora Roberts does it in such a way not to make it a boring mind suck though.

Did love this book no, but I did like it. I feel that this book suffers from second book syndrome, which I would not expect from Nora. I loved the first book in this series and was excited to see where it was going to go. I wish we would have had more movement in the lost brides and what needed to be done. There was way too much day to day for me in this one. I liked the development of the relationships.
I will read book 3 as I want to see how this all ends.

his book was too slow paced for me. It's the second book in Nora Robert's latest trilogy, the Lost Bride Trilogy. While the first book was intriguing, i think the second and probably the third books could have been collapsed into one because I felt like not alot happened in this novel.

Overall, 3 stars. I will probably trudge through and finish the trilogy because of my inability to quit in the middle of the series, but I don't know that this is one of Nora Robert's better works. I really really love her old stuff though.

I want to thank St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for my opinions.

Another Classic Nora
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2024
I loved this book and the one before. I have actually read both several times already and can not wait for the next one.

If you love great stories with lots of heart and intrigue, these books are for you. I'm looking forward to how they break the curse..

As the second book in a trilogy, one would expect a filler, but then one would have to remember that this is the Great Nora Roberts! The writer that all others should study. This book is not a filler, it is a wonderful book! It's important to the trilogy as it moves the story along and adds to the whole. Our heroines have accepted and grown to love most of the ghosts in the mansion. But the evil witch is growing stronger and more angry by the minute. Our heroines and heroes are determined to fight the evil and bring harmony to the mansion. They also want to help the brides find peace. But in order to do that they must lift the curse.
Wonderful story and I can't wait for the final installment!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press

I thoroughly enjoyed Inheritance, the first book in this Lost Bride trilogy, and looked forward to this, the second book with some trepidation, knowing that sometimes the second book in a trilogy can feel like the weak link. The first part sets the stage. The third brings the conclusion and hopefully delivers all the promise of the first two. The second can feel like filler - hopefully moving the plot but it can easily be disappointing, even though you go into it knowing there won't be a resolution to all things (whatever the things may be). Happily this one didn't leave me feeling disappointed - and it does move things along. We learn more about Sonya and her tribe (both old friends and family and new friends and a significant other) as they get to know each other. She's growing her free-lancing business, finding her place in her new community, and taking trips through that mirror to learn more about the history of her inherited home and the ghost who wants her gone. I enjoyed this second book, and am very much looking forward to third and final one.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a digital copy for an unbiased review.

"I kind of like the process, like art. The finish is what brings you pride, but you can't have the pride without the process."

Oh Nora, how I worship at your feet! I need book 3 right now, immediately, instantly in my possession. I love the friendship and the family she always brings to the table and never loses in words. I love that this story has family from so many different spots, ghosts and current. There's rich history and so much love and I cannot get enough of it.

The best part about second books is that you get to much fill, and this book had puppies and joy to lift it up. I'm so excited to see how it all concludes, and that's all thanks to book 2.

Of course, Nora Roberts books are always good, and this one is no different. I love the nod to the supernatural, and I especially appreciate that all of the main characters are well-rounded human beings who are capable of communicating with one another - not a lot of angst or characters going off half-cocked due to fabricated "misunderstandings." It makes them more believable, IMHO, and I like to root for two people who are supportive and protective of one another fighting a common enemy, rather than the "enemy" being themselves. if you actually like the angst, though, this book is probably not for you! Every single character, from the main protagonists to the main antagonist to the supporting family, friends, and townspeople, are all reasonable and likeable (well, maybe not the antagonist....) and it's a joy to spend time with them for the duration of the book. I will for sure be reading the rest of this series!

✨ Publication date: November 19, 2024✨

The Mirror is the second book in The Lost Bride Trilogy by Nora Robert’s. This is a paranormal romance series.

The Mirror begins right where The Inheritance left off. Sonya MacTavish has learned so much about the curse that surrounds the large manner she inherited and along with her cousin Owen, are able to step into the past as observers through the mirror.

Sonya is drawn to the mirror on a few occasions using what she learns to piece together the missing parts of her family history.

Together with her cousin, best friend Cleo and new boyfriend Trey, Sonya learns the secrets of the manor and more about the witch who cursed the seven brides.

Sonya is desperate to right the wrongs of the past and needs to find a way to get back the wedding rings the witch has stolen over the course of one hundred years.

As Sonya learns to love again and bring life and laughter back to the manor, the witch has other ideas. Sonya and her friends get caught in a web of past and present while they try and break the curse of the lost brides.

This is a four star read for me! I really enjoyed this book, just not quite as much as the first. This likely could have been a bit shorter as there was some repetition of how the group of four worked things out. I’m still incredibly interested in how this will wrap up and look forward to the final book in the series!

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

#NetGalley #noraroberts #themirror

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am really enjoying this series!!! I think the story is well done and the character development is fantastic. Can’t wait for the next book!

The Mirror is the second installment in Nora Roberts' The Lost Bride Trilogy, and I find this series to be both unique and kind of comical. The story follows Sonya Mactavish, a freelance graphic designer who unexpectedly inherits a haunted manor in Poole Bay, Maine. The catch? The manor is cursed by generations of Poole women, all of whom died on their wedding day, forever becoming "lost brides." With the help of her boyfriend and friends, Sonya is determined to break the curse and uncover the mysteries of the manor.

As much as I wanted to love this book, I’m giving it 3.5 stars. Unfortunately, it didn’t captivate me as much as I’d hoped. The story felt like it had a lot of filler, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged. I didn’t jot down many notes because, honestly, nothing particularly memorable happened. While I’m still invested in the series, I’m hoping the third book brings some much needed progress and excitement to the story. Thank you Netgalley and publishers for the book.

Absolutely love this series - and can’t wait to read the third and final installment! Love the creepy, haunted house and the “found family” easy rapport between our main characters. They are all so very likable that you can’t help but root for them. Seriously counting down the days until the conclusion in this trilogy.