Posted on Goodreads - 11/5/2024

Nora Roberts has created a story that speaks to the power of friendship, family, and not giving in to grief and fear. This book has a large cast of characters, and I love that each character has their own personality and the main characters respect and include themselves in the lives of the manor ghosts. This is the second book in the trilogy, and I am excited to see where the story leads in the third book. I was given the opportunity to listen to the audio book through NetGalley, and the narrator did an amazing job going between characters and voices. Definitely one of the best audio books I've listened to recently.

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.

The second volume of Nora Roberts latest trilogy brings us further into the world of the Lost Bride. Sonya and her friends continue exploring the stories of the brides in the haunted house she has inherited from her family. As her relationship with Trey grows into love Sonya becomes increasing vulnerable as the next Lost Bride. Can't wait for the third and final installment.

The Mirror is the second book in the Lost Bride Trilogy. Sonya MacTavish inherited a massive Victorian mansion on the coast of Maine after an uncle, who she never knew existed, dies. She never expected to learn that the house was haunted upon moving in. In the second book of this trilogy series, Sonia dreams of her family’s past and their untimely demises along with some good times. She continues to locate and collect portraits of Poole brides. She begins to feel pulled toward an antique mirror that comes and goes as it pleases. Sonya and her cousin, Owen, are able to walk through the mirror and witness the experiences of their family firsthand. Hester Dobbs is an evil witch who has cursed the Poole family and causes the death of the bride and if that’s not enough, she steals their wedding ring. Sonya must stop this curse and find the lost seven rings, otherwise, this curse will continue, and will she be next?
This story is well-balanced between present time and jumps back into previous Poole history. It is also well-balanced between haunted house and romance. It’s the perfect combination for my reading wants. The descriptions of the characters, their environment, and the experiences is well done and allows the reader to feel immersed in the story with the characters. I really enjoy Clover and Molly’s characters. Who wouldn’t love a 1970’s hippie who communicates to you through songs or a lost bride who cleans up after you and picks out your outfits?
I listened to this book via audiobook. Brittany Pressley was the narrator. Her reading was very clear, and she had good pacing. It was clear to the reader when there were changes in chapters and timelines. Her voices and inflections for each character were well developed and easily identified between characters.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook and to provide my honest feedback.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and McMillian Audio for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Once again, Roberts writes a book that draws you in.

What I love about The Mirror is the fact we continue the journey first started in Inheritance. We delve further into the past through the mirror to gain glimpses of the past - finally seeing the other brides, their endings, and even the endings of male family members as well. You finally feel up to speed on the history of the family and the home. You also continue to see how Sonya continues to adapt to the home and to the community. We have two budding romances that make you feel that the next book may have a happy ending for both couples living in the same mansion. I appreciated getting to see the mansion opened to the public and the ghosts being able to take part in the moment. A reminder to the main ghost that Sonya and family plan to fight for what is right and to end her negative reign over the family and home. Roberts continues to develop the characters in order for you to fully emotionally invest in them and their journeys, triumphs, failures, lives, and deaths.

The only qualm I have with the book is the pacing. Yes, we are given more information about the past thanks to the mirror; however, there aren’t enough moments, or perhaps not the right moments, to maintain the tension. We lose the threat of the curse considering she’s collected all seven rings and yet when you get to that reveal, you don’t feel the threat she poses anymore. This is especially after most of her threats and scares are minor parlor tricks. The only time you feel slightly unnerved is when Trey continues to watch her plunge to her death every night. Otherwise, we forget that there is a real threat to people’s lives. Although, you have to wonder - is there really a threat and what is it? That the ghosts are forever stuck and no one can live in the house? The book loses the momentum it had, which means book three will have a lot of work to do to pick up where the cliffhanger left off.

Thoroughly enjoyed book 2 in the Lost Bride Trilogy. It picks up right where book 1, The Inheritance, left off. I enjoyed learning more about the Poole family history and continuing with Sonya's story along with her relationship with Trey.

I absolutely love Brittany Pressley's narration! She really one of my favorites and always makes a book even better to listen to!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 19 November 2024

Another winner for Nora Roberts.. A lot of the storyline felt repetitive from previous books. I'm not as fond of these characters as I have been with past series characters.

The Mirror audiobook picks up seamlessly from where Nora Roberts' The Inheritance left off, with Sonya and her dashing cousin, Owen, stepping through the mystical mirror together. Because it starts right at this juncture, having read (or listened to) the first book is almost essential. Knowing that The Mirror is the second book in the Lost Bride trilogy also prepares the listener for a cliffhanger ending, leading up to the final showdown in book three.

Narrated by Brittany Pressley, this audiobook shines. Pressley's skill in differentiating the characters brings them vividly to life—her portrayals of Sonya, Cleo, Trey, Owen, and even the ghostly residents of Poole Manor add a layer of richness and depth to the story that truly enhances the listening experience.

While The Mirror takes a slower pace than the first installment, it does so purposefully, delving deeply into the tragic history of the brides and the evolving relationships between Cleo and Owen, Sonya and Trey, and, most importantly, Sonya and Cleo. Rather than a romance, this book leans into its ghost story elements, which feels like a refreshing shift. The tales of the doomed brides are haunting and heartbreaking, yet they carry a glimmer of hope in the enduring power of true love.

Knowing that the third novel will bring about Hester’s downfall has me eagerly anticipating its release. Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy—listening to this was a true treat!

Trilogies are weird. Specifically the second book. Sometimes it is my favorite (Hunger Games), sometimes it isn't. This one goes into the isn't column. I enjoyed Inheritance far more. This was more a continuation of it (more so than your typical second book in a trilogy). I just don't feel that the story moved forward all that much.

Now, this is Nora Roberts and I love her writing. I very much enjoyed the book. But my expectations were insanely high, so this fell short. That is really a me thing though.

Brittany Pressley does a great job narrating, as she always does.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

I tried to like this book. It was just very juvenile and not interesting. I love Nora Roberts too but this series didn't do it for me.

I love Nora Roberts and have read just about all of her books but this is the first time that I have read one as an audio book. I really enjoyed the narrator! She did a great job with the voices so I could picture each character as someone different. It was fun to continue this saga about the Lost Brides. The book was a good mix of supernatural occurrences, friendship and love stories, but I was really shocked at the ending. I knew there would be a 3rd book but I thought it was just too much of a hard stop. I actually yelled out loud, "That's it?!" Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read this book early. I will now have a long wait to see how it ends.

While some questions are answered, it doesn't feel like anything actually got resolved in this book. This may have been the point, as I know there is another book coming, but a lack of resolution left the book without an ending. In my opinion, it will not stand alone well. It didn't end with a cliffhanger....it just ended.

The Mirror is a blend of romance and supernatural mystery, set against the moody backdrop of a Victorian mansion on the coast of Maine. Sonya’s journey through the eerie mirror and into her family’s haunted history was atmospheric and intriguing. Roberts paints a vivid picture of the mansion's secrets and the curse tied to its past brides. However, the plot sometimes felt repetitive, with certain moments dragging. While the story holds suspense and charm, it didn’t quite reach the level of closure I was hoping for.

Thank you Nora Roberts, MacMillan Audio, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

Fun and enticing first read of Nora roberts weirdly will have to try more of her books not what I expected in a really surprising way love when that happens

it's the perfect Nora cheesiness. Way too descriptive and quite repetitive. I can only read her books by audio.

"The Mirror," The Lost Bride Trilogy, Book 2 by Nora Roberts -- audio book, Narrated by Brittany Pressley:
Slipping into the audio book of "The Mirror," book 2 of the Lost Bride Trilogy, was a delight for the senses.

When you sit down to read a Nora Roberts thriller, it's like cozying up with besties and a bottle of fine wine. A decades-long Roberts fan, I find this trilogy a return to her roots, a la the "In the Garden" series.

Each character is engaging, and as real and familiar as the ghosts are surreal and spooky. This sequel continues the story into one woman's journey to discover the family and her history while solving a centuries old mystery to save them all.

After reading Book One, "The Inheritance," a page-turning fervor, this audio book is ideal for those long winter nights when you want to curl up with a craft.

Thank you Net-Galley for allowing me the opportunity to listen to this book before its release.
I feel like the Narrator did a great job with her reading of this book it was easy to listen to and I think she was able to put enough differences in each of the Character's Dialogs that it was not hard to follow or know who was speaking and when.

I unfortunately am very conflicted about how I feel about this book. I have been a long-time reader and fan of all Nora Roberts Trilogies but this 2nd book really suffered from 2nd book syndrome full of filler and extended character events without progressing the main storyline or plot in any real way. We do get history of a few more of the Lost Brides and Dobbs but it just felt very forced together to fill in the gaps so that the finale won't be too long. I do love watching the characters grow and the atmosphere of the Manor but I do wish we would have got just a little more versatility in the action so that it didn't feel so much like rinse and repeat from every "event" from the first book. I will pick up the 3rd book since I know we will get all the action and final answers to all the questions we have left.

I love a good audio book. This was no exception. I really enjoyed everything about this book. It was a great middle book for what is turning out to be a great trilogy.

The Mirror is the second book in The Lost Bride Trilogy. We pick up where the last book left off on a cliffhanger. Sonya is working to live her life and create a successfully one woman graphic design firm while also uncovering the stories of the seven Poole brides who have died over the centuries. There is a curse that must be broken and Sonya is hopefully going to be the one to do it. As she uncovers the truths behind each death she starts piecing together the puzzle, but will she be able to figure out how to break the curse before it’s too late?

I have been waiting all year for this second book in this trilogy. After the cliffhanger that the first book left us on I couldn’t wait to read this one and see how things played out. So many things were answered in this book, but there are even more questions to still be resolved. I really enjoy the case of characters in this book and love following along with them as this trilogy unfolds. I love the ghost aspect of this book and how everything ties back to the curse. I can’t wait to see how the finale plays out and will be impatiently waiting for it to come out. If you are looking for an intriguing and captivating series about a haunted house and the curse that needs to be broken look no farther! This series needs to be read in order to make sense of it, so start with the first book!

Sonya inherited a beautiful mansion in Main. The only catch? It's haunted by 7 brides. The story follows Sonya and her friends and family as she begins to use a mirror that allows her to see into the past where Hester Dobbs, possibly a witch, played a part in the death of 7 brides and stole their rings. The story is engaging and leaves you wanting to continue the trilogy. The audiobook production was well done, and the narrator did a very good job conveying all of the emotions of the book.

I really enjoyed getting caught up with Sonya, Cleo, Owen and Trey. The continuation of the story from The Inheritance kept me engaged, Hester Dobbs is trying to win the manor but Sonya is determined to get rid of her so she can enjoy her house, I loved when Sonya inadvertently brings down jerky Brandon all while winning a big job. The other ghosts are also very enjoyable: Jack, Clover, and Molly add so much to the story. Clover’s playlist is amazing. I especially liked the scene where Cleo & Sonya are working on the mural for Anna & Seth’s nursery and the inaugural voyage of Cleo’s boat. The story was great and I’m so looking forward to the final book in the trilogy.

Thanks to NetGalley, MacMillan Audio & St. Martin’s Press for a copy of this audiobook.