Inheritance (The Lost Bride Trilogy, #1) by Nora Roberts
Series: The Lost Bride Trilogy #1
Published by St. Martin's Press on November 21, 2023
Genres: Paranormal
Pages: 448
Goodreads

FINAL DECISION: INHERITANCE by Nora Roberts is a spellbinding start to the Lost Bride Trilogy. It was impossible for me to put down. It is a supernatural romance and mystery centered around a multi-generational tragedy set in a haunted mansion, well-paced and cleverly written.

THE STORY: Graphic designer Sonya MacTavish’s life takes an unexpected turn when she learns that her late father had a twin brother she never knew about. Her newly discovered uncle, Collin Poole, has left her almost everything he owned, including a majestic Victorian house on the Maine coast. The catch? She must live in the house for at least three years. As Sonya begins to unravel the secrets of her family’s past, she discovers that she has inherited far more than just a house – she has also become the key to solving a centuries-old curse.

OPINION: I was absolutely captivated by this story from beginning to end. Roberts created a rich, atmospheric setting in Lost Bride Manor, and I felt as though I was right there with Sonya, experiencing ghostly happenings and unraveling the mystery alongside her. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, particularly the strong bond of sisterhood between Sonya and her best friend Cleo.

The supernatural elements are woven seamlessly into the plot, adding an extra layer of intrigue and suspense. The ghosts that inhabit Lost Bride Manor are not merely there for scares; they each have distinct personalities and roles to play in the unfolding story. From the helpful spirit who tidies up after Sonya to the malevolent presence on the third floor, these otherworldly characters are just as integral to the tale as their living counterparts.

I also really enjoyed the developing romances in this book — yes, there are more than one. Roberts, as always, is amazing at her craft and after reading some rather unsatisfying books, it was great having such a well-written book to read. The story never drags, despite its length, and the cliffhanger ending left me desperately eager for the next installment. I can’t wait to see what awaits Sonya and her newfound family as they continue to unravel the secrets of the past.

WORTH MENTIONING: The book ends on a cliffhanger, so if you prefer a more conclusive ending, you may want to wait until the following two books in the series are published and read them consecutively.

CONNECTED BOOKS: INHERITANCE is the first book in the Lost Bride Trilogy.

STAR RATING: I give this book an 5 stars.