The Mirror

In this captivating second installment, it took me a few chapters to settle back into the narrative, but Roberts masterfully weaves in essential details, allowing readers to seamlessly refresh their understanding. This book is a slow burn, gradually intensifying paranormal issues and activities, but the author's focus extends far beyond this aspect, delving into the development of meaningful relationships, community integration, and professional connections. The characters are undoubtedly the highlight of the story, with well-developed and relatable main characters whose interactions are authentic and engaging. The male characters are particularly noteworthy for their kindness and supportiveness, while the female protagonist, Sonya, and show more her best friend are strong and dedicated individuals who share a compelling relationship. Their dynamic as roommates and their ability to balance each other's lives are especially impressive. As the story unfolds, we gain insight into the seven brides and their intriguing backstories, as well as Dobbs' interactions with them. The house helpers are a delightful addition, and the musical references throughout the story are humorous and well-placed. Although I anticipated a conclusive ending, the story culminates in a cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. Roberts has crafted an engaging, magical narrative rich in friendship, romance, and memorable characters, leaving readers inspired and hopeful for the next chapter. With its uplifting themes and captivating storyline, this book is a testament to Roberts' skill in creating an immersive, enchanting world that readers are eager to revisit. show less

When Sonya MacTavish inherits the huge Victorian mansion on the coast of Maine, she has no idea that the house is haunted. The footsteps she hears at night, the doors slamming, the music playing, are not figments of her imagination. In her dreams she sees glimpses of the past. In the present she finds portraits of brides. And when she has visions of an antique mirror, she is drawn to it, sensing it holds dark family secrets.
This was excellent ghost fodder to feed me, the "Ghost Story Junkie"!

Sonya MacTavish inherits a mansion only to discover it to be haunted by ghosts known as "the lost brides". In 1806, Hester Dobbs, a not very nice witch, wanted the mansion and the mansion's owner. Thinking the best way to accomplish this, she kills show more his bride on their wedding night. She then sealed the curse by killing herself. Okay, I thought...not the best way to get what you wanted Hester. The curse did live on throughout the many future generations with the first woman in each generation being killed by the curse on her wedding day. Hester Dobbs has become the poltergeist that controls part of the mansion, while the rest is inhabited by the ghosts of her victims. This was becoming a really full house.

Nora Roberts follows what her readers expect to be the "typical trilogy plot" in this book. Somehow the "forces of good" manage to gather information, and build their forces, but seem to be saving the "final showdown" for the last book in this trilogy. Oh well...there are certainly worse things I could do than to HAVE to read the last book:)

Sonya has managed to build a small group of supporters around her; her cousin, her best friend, and surprise...her lover. Sonya and her four supporters discover not just a mirror...but a magic mirror! One that shows them glimpses from the past, and as a dubious added bonus...as family members, Sonya and her cousin can travel through the mirror. On the other side, they become ghosts and are able to experience the murders of any or all of the brides. A front row seat. Now Sonya and her friends call these "visits" fact-finding missions. They are hoping to use the gathered information to out-smart Dobbs and end the curse. Meanwhile, Dobbs builds her own power, hoping to intimidate and frighten Sonya away.

I have always loved a Roberts book...she is nothing short of a masterful storyteller. She has woven together the tales of Sonya’s ancestors, not only the murdered brides but also desperate survivors who did monstrous things in order to avoid the curse. It’s a fascinating look at the destructive powers of ambition, greed, and weakness, overall: A mesmerizing story revealing how a family was impacted by a curse over the centuries. I think I'll try to talk my library group of seniors into try this sone. show less

Book 2 in The Lost Bride Trilogy. If you loved the characters in Book 1, Inheritance, you'll enjoy the continuation of this romantic haunting in The Mirror.
It does get a bit repetitive (work, art, cooking, furniture moving, pets, romance, haunting, mirror trips, repeat), but I sort of liked being immersed in the daily routines. Comfort read.
And you do find out some more information about the brides and Poole history and someone gets their comeuppance, which was satisfying.
Can't wait to see how this all plays out in the end of the trilogy, The Seven Rings.

The Mirror by Nora Roberts is the second book in The Lost Bride Trilogy. You do need to read The Inheritance before beginning The Mirror. The Mirror picks up where The Inheritance left off. I have been reading Nora Roberts’ book since I was a teenager (I read her first book when I was twelve), and The Mirror felt like it was written by a different individual. The story focuses more on food than it does on the curse and evil entity in the house. I know how to cook a pot roast. I do not need the process described step by step (this is not a cookbook). Sonia and Cleo plan meals, shop for the ingredients, cook meals and desserts, create a garden, work, paint, and plan a party. Of course, they spend time with the gentlemen in their lives, show more Trey and Owen. Let us not forget the pets. The pets need to be fed, let in and out, and bathed (I find it amusing that the cat is named Pyewacket). The story moves at a snail’s pace plus there are repetitive details. If something happens to Sonia, she needs to tell Cleo, and then Owen, and so forth. There is no action (the dogs did more than the people). The plot does not move forward (not a bit in the four hundred and fifty some pages). I know that if I lived in a haunted manor with an evil squatter on the third floor, I would be searching for answers (not planning a party). The story lacked suspense, chemistry, and eeriness (I was never freaked out by the banging doors and such). The Mirror seemed an unnecessary addition to the trilogy (I bet the story could have been told in one book). The writing is out of character for Nora Roberts. It is a shame that the book does not live up to its intriguing premise. I am hoping the action and suspense will appear in the final book of the trilogy (fingers crossed) as well as the long-awaited answers. show less

As the second book in The Lost Bride Trilogy, THE MIRROR by Nora Roberts mostly sets up the finale, as there is not much that happens in it. Sonya makes some discoveries regarding her powers, if that is what they are. We also get to see her ex quite often, with a turn of events that guarantees Sonya has not seen the last of him. The one quirk of THE MIRROR is that it both opens and closes in the middle of action. It's not how Ms. Roberts usually opens or closes her novels, and I appreciate the change-up. Overall, THE MIRROR is a satisfactory second book; it isn't my favorite of hers, but even what I consider to be rather mediocre stories are better than most authors out there these days!

This is the second book in the trilogy.

This story continued Sonya's journey after she inherited an old mansion from an uncle she has never met. Her best friend moved with her and together they tried to revive the place. It didn't matter that there were ghosts around them. Sweet Clover played music. Molly cleaned the house and prepared outfits for both girls. And a little boy played with a dog. Only Hester Dobbs slammed doors and made noises when she was angry.

Sonya contacted her ancestors by passing through mirror that unexpectedly appeared in her path. She saw love between her ancestors, but also death, of the women cursed by Hester Dobbs.

I like this trilogy. The interaction with the ghosts is nicely woven into the story. This book show more is character driven, and in addition to the ghosts, there are other interesting characters, not to mention friendly dogs and a cat.

A very creative story that is worth reading. Full of tension, great characters, friendships, and romances. Little bit a slower burn but definitely a good read and well-presented plot. show less

This series has such great characters, and I love the development of Cleo and Owen's story. I was less impressed by the adoption of their perfect cat who was instantly housetrained, loves dogs, and can ride on a boat. Cat owners everywhere grumble at this fantasy.