This is the second book in The Lost Bride trilogy. You definitely need to start with the first, but it isn’t necessary as Nora Roberts, gives you great detail in the backstory throughout this novel. After inheriting a cursed mansion Sonya is joined by with her longtime best friend Cleo, her cousin Owen, and Trey, a third generation lawyer for the family. Together they must help Sonya solve the mystery behind the death’s, and the mysterious mirror that is at the center of it all. This is a slow burn romance for sure. If I was to change anything, I wish the story had more focus on the curses, rather then the relationships of her friends and tow folk. But this style of writing is very true to Nora. When it comes to the atmosphere you really feel the surrounding the location being in Maine. From the weather, the water, the tide, and the mist from the sea. The scenery around this old historical mansion and the description of the garden and the flowers in the beds. And we can’t forget the creepy old mansion with the slamming doors, music playing, and wood creaking. I especially enjoyed all the ghost that came with the past of this relic old mansion. Their personalities and what they brought to the storyline was exceptional. The Unfortunately, left on a huge cliffhanger that I will be anxious for this third novel in this trilogy to come out.

I love these characters but was left wanting more for the plot progression and more character development in their relationships. It felt like reading more of the same with regard to the main plot line - not really learning anything new in this book. Overall I enjoyed the book and want to finish out the series, but it’s likely not going to be at the top of my TBR.

I was approved to receive an ALC and these are my honest opinions.

Book 2 continued the story right where book 1 left off. Sonia and Cleo have now discovered more of the lost bride's paintings, the evil witch spirit is getting angrier and causing more violent outbursts and they've even walked between the past and the present through an enchanted mirror in hopes of finding clues. The more information they uncover, the closer they get to solving the mystery and breaking the curse.

I'm absolutely loving how "real" this story feels, with all the mundane every day life (and even work) details, the cooking and eating and drinking aspects, the friendships and relationships developing, etc. If you've ever lived in a haunted house you could relate to some of the ghostly antics happening. And if not, it's described in such a way that you could visualize it as if you were there yourself.

Nora Roberts certainly has me under her spell with this trilogy as I am now so invested in this adventure and can't wait to find out how it all concludes.

In the Lost Bride Trilogy Sonya MacTavish inherits a family mansion that is haunted by the the lost brides, women cursed by the evil witch Hester Dobbs and are cursed to die tragically on their wedding day. The Mirror, book 2, picks up right where book 1, The Inheritance leaves off. Sonya discovers a magical mirror that acts as a doorway to the past, allowing her to watch and bear witness to the past brides' deaths and to find clues that needed to break the centuries-old curse. Character relationships become more developed and you really become invested in the storyline just a bit of the way through. The ending will leave you counting down to Book 3. An excellent read for fantasy and mystery lovers. Nora Roberts fans will not be disappointed.

The Mirror by Nora Roberts is book 2 of The Lost Bride Trillogy. I have read several books by this author and have never been disappointed.

This book continues to follow Sonya’s battle to find out how to get the brides’ wedding rings away from the ghost witch that has them. Sonya has some close encounters with the witch but always comes out ahead and is finding some clues along the way.

It left me with a cliff hanger so I had to find the next book in the trilogy. Hopefully, Sonya will finaly figure it all out and her boyfriend will propose to her.

I want to thank NetGalley, author Nora Roberts, and publisher St. Martin’s Press for this Audi advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

3.75 Audiobook. Thank you to NetGalley and McMillan Audio for this ARC copy. This is the 2nd book of the trilogy. All the characters are the same and very likable except for Dobbs. That narration is good too.

Have you ever struggled with finishing a book too quickly while wanting to know the ending? That is how I felt while listening to the audiobook version of Nora Roberts' The Mirror, the second book in the Lost Bride trilogy. I have read and enjoyed the hardcover version I own. Still, there is something incredibly immersive about the audiobook that makes me want to ignore my real-life responsibilities to keep listening. I'm obsessed with this mystery and am anxiously awaiting the final chapter in this tale. If you appreciate the charm of sweet romance intertwined with intricately woven mysteries, you’re bound to fall in love with this series. I wholeheartedly recommend it!

Thank you to Netgalley, Author Nora Roberts, Narrator Brittany Pressley,
and publisher Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook and give feedback.

The Mirror picks up where Inheritance left off. As Sonya discovers more about the brides' past and their death stories, she also learns what must be done to lift the curse, and she’s even more determined to break the “Lost Bride Manor Curse”. Thankfully she’s not alone in her quest to release the brides and dispatch the deadly evil witch. Her boyfriend Trey, BFF Cleo, and her recently discovered cousin Owen are all in!!

I love the bond between Sonya and her bestie Cleo they’re both strong, independent, and brave women. I loved seeing a more of the characters' supportive families and the developing relationship between Cleo & Sonya’s cousin Owen. I especially loved my favorite ghost Clover (who is Sonya’s paternal grandmother) and the music she plays for certain scenes and situations is brilliant perfection! All-in-all a great read and addition to the series!

*Fantastic narrator!

I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley as an audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and were not affected by the free copy.

When we left off, Sonya and Owen stepped through the mirror and into the past. Now it's time to see what happened to each of the brides on the day Dobbs killed them.

The cozy vibes have continued. For such a murderous ghost, she didn't really do all that much until the last page. We once again spend the entire book watching Sonya (and now Cleo) work, cook, drink Cokes, and flirt with their love interests. I personally enjoyed that, but I am in my cozy era currently. If you are reading this for action and thrills, you will probably be disappointed.

I love Clover so much, she might actually be my favorite character. I found a playlist on Spotify of every song she uses to communicate and cannot wait to listen to it. Molly seems like a sweetheart and Jack is adorable. I do wish we got to know more of the ghosts, since we are constantly told this place is super haunted, especially getting to know the other brides. I get that Clover was super into music so that's why she communicates through technology, but Joanna died even more recently, so it should stand to reason that she would also speak with her niece. Alas, it was not to be.

Once again, there's little in the way of character development, everyone is already perfect. However, I especially enjoyed the character regression of Brandon, it felt very much like a narcissistic spiral to me and he deserved every second of it.

We finally see Dobbs do something other than slam doors and make the walls bleed at the end of the book and just in time for a cliffhanger. I will absolutely be reading the third book.

This was not quite what I expected.
Most of the book was very repetitive and monotonous. The plot took a while to progress.
While there was more that I learned about the brides, it felt as though it took too long to get there. I would have really liked to have seen maybe more background on the brides. Maybe more noise or just MORE from Hester. For such a vengeful spirit she really didn't do much beyond slamming doors and oozing her bedroom walls. If anything this whole book felt like fluff. The repetitive routine of Sonya and Cleo. Cooking, planning, drinking cokes, working and feeding pets.....repeat.
Although I did find myself indulging in a soda while reading because of Sonya. This felt like a comfy filler to keep fans holding out for book number three.
To be fair, it worked. I still very much want to pick up book three as soon as it comes out! I want to spend more time in the manor. More time with characters I can't stop thinking about. Even if all they're doing is working in their study or painting on a canvas.

What I did like though was the cozy atmosphere Lost Bride Manor still carried in this book. The comfort of the familiar ghosts like Clover and her music. Jack playing with the dog. Not to mention the way Trey and Sonya's relationship steadily evolved. Also who doesn't appreciate more time with Cleo and her new bo?

Brittany Pressley did a solid job as all the characters. It was very easy to distinguish who was talking when, and not just because the book said so. I enjoy hearing her portrayal of Cleo the most. Bringing that accent to life and switching to, what sounds like, an American male pov can't be easy. She did a great job! I look forward to hearing more books with her narration.

Overall I would say a solid 3.5 star. If you have any interest in this trilogy I recommend reading book one and either finding book two in the library or Libby.

Don’t hate me, but this one wasn’t my favorite. The Mirror picks up right where we left off at the manor on the coast of Maine. After that intense cliffhanger in Book 1, I was ready for something big to happen, but instead the story just sort of stalled. We go through more backstory and we visit more dead people, but no action of note. Even at 450 pages, it just felt like an extension of Book 1 rather than a book that moved the plot forward.

The atmosphere is still great, the manor is as detailed and moody as ever, and the budding romances are cute, but nothing really happens there either. No closure, no real progress. If you’re really into artists, Maine and old family history, you might enjoy the depth, but for me it was too long without enough payoff. I honestly don’t know if I’ll pick up Book 3 if it’s more of the same.

What does work really well is the audiobook. Narrator Brittany Pressley is excellent and keeps the story engaging even when the pacing slows. She’s the reason I stuck with it.

Three stars. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest feedback.

Nora Roberts continues to deliver a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and the supernatural in The Mirror. This second installment of the Lost Bride Trilogy takes Sonya MacTavish—and listeners—deeper into the secrets of her inherited Victorian mansion on the Maine coast. What begins with unsettling footsteps, slammed doors, and dreamlike visions soon pulls Sonya through a haunted mirror, into a centuries-old curse that has claimed brides for generations. The puzzle she faces is both chilling and compelling, keeping the suspense alive while never losing sight of the heart at the center of the story.

I absolutely love this series. The combination of a charming small-town setting, a haunted house full of secrets, and a sweet love story makes this book feel like a mental vacation—an escapist read in the best way. Sonya is likable and relatable, and the supporting cast of characters only adds to the warmth and richness of the world. The layers of family history and hidden inheritance give the story that nostalgic, Gothic edge I always enjoy.

Brittany Presley’s narration is excellent—she captures the eerie atmosphere as well as the tenderness between characters, making the listening experience immersive and hard to pause.

✨ Haunted mansion ✔️
✨ Small-town charm ✔️
✨ Generational secrets ✔️
✨ Romance with heart ✔️

This is the kind of series that reminds me why I love Nora Roberts’ storytelling. It feels cozy and suspenseful at the same time, with characters I genuinely want to spend more time with. I can’t wait for the next installment.

This is book two in The Lost Bride Trilogy, which has been such an incredible journey and I can't recommend it enough (although you might want to wait until all three are available to binge read it!)

A haunted mansion, murdered brides, and an epic curse will lure you into this story. I love a book that keeps me guessing while throwing twists in along the way. I enjoyed it the most in audio format, as it helps you immerse yourself into the drama.

Another intriguing book in the trilogy! I enjoyed this second book and getting more about the history of manor, ghosts, etc. What didn’t work for me in this one was the pacing. There were chapters where we spent every day with the protagonists and the we would skip ahead by a month for no reason. I’m still interested in continuing the trilogy but this was about 100 pages too long.

Nora Roberts is amazing with this new novel! I loved all the voices and tones used in this audio book. Great series for anyone looking for a thriller

#netgalley #lostbridetrilogy

I strongly recommend reading this trilogy in order; otherwise book 2 may be a bit confusing. Book 1 was great and left me wanting more, but it also makes the events of book 2 make a lot more sense.

I enjoyed how the past-tense residents of the manor got a lot more aggressive in this one, and how the living just sorta took it all as ‘normal’. A little built-in comedy / just made it fun.


This is the sort of read where answers only read to more questions … and then the intrigue never stopped, as the house? Or its residents, however you look at it, showed its history. So intriguing, so fun.

Mysteries everywhere.
Ghosts / spirits.
A haunted manor.
Legal battles, on the side.
Circle of friends / found family.
Lovable pets.
Trips into the mirrors… (IYK,YK.)
Slice-of-life vibes.

Overall:
Gripping.
Like book 1, absolutely left me needing the next book.


🎧 Audio
Great, good narration and smooth overall sound quality!

Nora Roberts has a knack for creating characters and settings that I want to spend time savouring. She creates a fully fleshed out world that appeals to all of my senses, and characters who have the depth of people you know almost as well as your own friends and family.

For a moment, let's put aside the crazy murderous witch who's been killing members of the Poole family for years... Who wouldn't want to hang out in a gorgeous Victorian mansion by the sea, surrounded by lush gardens and woods? A mansion haunted by friendly ghosts who play music, pick out your clothes for you with amazing taste, wash the dishes, help look after your pets, and literally keep the home fires burning.

Who wouldn't want to be friends with talented artists Sonya and Cleo, with their almost too-good-to-be-true hot boyfriends, loving families, and successful careers? I'm there! I want to be part of this action as they learn to cook and garden and put down roots in a charming small town.

If you're a person who enjoys the journey, like I do, you'll probably like following these characters around throughout every moment of their days and seeing what they get up to. However, if you're more of a destination person, you might feel a bit bogged down by detail and impatient to see more action towards vanquishing the murderous witch we set aside previously.

In this second book of the trilogy, we meet several more Poole family members, both living and dead, and relive some of the best and worst moments of their lives. We discover a few more portraits of the lost brides. And we wait eagerly to find out how Sonya's going to take back the seven rings and finally break the curse...in the final book.

I'm looking forward to it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for a complimentary copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Brittany Pressley did an excellent job narrating this story!

Fantastic Series. I read this when it first released actually, via Audible. I am hooked on the series and cannot wait for the next book to be released. The plot of the book keeps the reader interested beyond the romance going on in the book. I've always been a fan of Nora Roberts, and this series does not disappoint.

Content Guide:
🤬Regular use of foul language including strong language.
🌶️Two open-door scenes. Sex references. References to infidelity.
🗡️Some mild supernatural violence. Brief descriptions of murders and one suicide.
🍺 Regular alcohol use. Brief tobacco use. No drugs.
TW: Murder, infidelity, domestic abuse, suicide.

3.5/5 Stars

After reading book one, The Inheritance, I was looking forward to this book to learn more about what happens inside the mirror! I was expecting the supernatural elements to intensify quite a bit. However, what I got was a lot more of the same day-to-day events from the first book, with a few more short trips into the mirror. It felt too long. I would have liked less of the day-to-day and more of the supernatural. We learned more about some side characters, which I appreciated, but I wanted more development from the main characters. Also, the big event toward the end felt anti-climactic.
Sonya is very likeable and I admire her compassion, courage, optimism, and determination. I would like to learn more about where those traits come from. Cleo is the supportive bff everyone wants for a roomie. Trey and Owen are the supportive and unproblematic romantic interests. I enjoyed the conflict with the witchy ghost, and learning more about her dark past. I would read the next book to learn how that plays out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I wasn’t one hundred percent sure that this would be my thing or not, but I loved it so much. I don’t typically read a lot of books that fall into this area, but I really enjoy this author’s work. Had I realized how impatient I would be for the next book, I might have forced myself to wait until they were all out. It’s spooky without being scary. I can’t do scary. I absolutely recommend it, and I’m so ready for the next one.