Nora Roberts returns with The Mirror, the eagerly anticipated second book in The Lost Bride trilogy, following the success of Inheritance. This atmospheric paranormal romance weaves together past and present, love and revenge, in a masterful tapestry of supernatural suspense set against the backdrop of a haunted Victorian manor on the Maine coast.
The Story
When Sonya MacTavish takes ownership of Lost Bride Manor, she inherits more than just a magnificent historic home – she steps into a centuries-old curse that has claimed the lives of seven brides. Working alongside her best friend Cleo, her newfound cousin Owen, and the charming lawyer Trey Doyle, Sonya must unravel the dark history of the manor and break the curse before it claims another victim.
The story’s central supernatural element revolves around an ornate mirror that serves as a portal to the past, allowing Sonya to witness the tragic deaths of previous brides. Each journey through the mirror reveals another piece of the puzzle surrounding Hester Dobbs, the vengeful witch whose curse has haunted the manor since 1806.
Writing Style & Narrative Strengths
Roberts demonstrates her mastery of the paranormal romance genre with rich, atmospheric prose that brings Lost Bride Manor vividly to life. Her description of the Maine coastal setting is particularly evocative, from the crash of waves against the cliffs to the moody weather that mirrors the supernatural tension.
The alternating timeline structure, while complex, is handled with skill. Roberts seamlessly weaves together past and present, creating a layered narrative that keeps readers engaged while gradually revealing the manor’s dark history.
Character Development
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its character development:
- Sonya MacTavish: A compelling protagonist whose growth from uncertain heir to confident manor mistress feels authentic and earned
- Cleo Fabares: The perfect counterpoint to Sonya, bringing warmth, humor, and steadfast loyalty to the story
- Trey Doyle: A well-rounded love interest whose practicality balances Sonya’s creative nature
- Owen Poole: Adds depth to the family dynamics while developing his own engaging subplot with Cleo
Romance and Relationships
The romantic elements are skillfully integrated into the supernatural plot. The relationship between Sonya and Trey develops naturally, while the secondary romance between Cleo and Owen provides a delightful parallel storyline. Roberts excels at showing how these relationships strengthen the characters’ ability to face the supernatural challenges before them.
Supernatural Elements
The paranormal aspects of the story are particularly well-crafted. Roberts creates a believable supernatural framework that includes:
- Time travel through the mirror
- Ghostly manifestations
- A complex curse involving seven wedding rings
- Various spirits, both benevolent and malevolent
The mix of friendly and threatening supernatural elements adds depth to the haunted house trope.
Areas for Improvement
While The Mirror is a strong addition to Nora Roberts’ bibliography, there are some elements that could have been stronger:
- The pacing occasionally slows during the middle sections
- Some of the historical sequences feel rushed compared to the contemporary storyline
- The villain’s motivations, while explained, could have been more nuanced
- Certain supporting characters deserve more development
Impact and Themes
Roberts explores several compelling themes throughout the novel:
- The power of chosen family versus blood ties
- The importance of facing fears and standing one’s ground
- How the past influences the present
- The strength found in love and friendship
Comparison to Other Works
While The Mirror follows in the tradition of Nora Roberts’ other paranormal works like the Sign of Seven trilogy and the Three Sisters Island trilogy, it brings fresh elements to her supernatural repertoire. The time-travel aspect particularly recalls her In Death series (written as J.D. Robb), though used here to different effect.
Final Verdict
Despite minor pacing issues, it successfully combines romance, supernatural elements, and family drama into an engaging narrative that will satisfy both longtime Roberts fans and newcomers to her work.
What to Expect in Book Three
The novel sets up several intriguing plot threads for the trilogy’s conclusion, including:
- The quest for the remaining rings
- The final confrontation with Hester Dobbs
- Resolution of the curse
- The upcoming manor event that could change everything
Recommendation
The Mirror by Nora Roberts is highly recommended for readers who enjoy:
- Paranormal romance with historical elements
- Ghost stories with depth
- Complex family dynamics
- Strong female friendships
- Maine coastal settings
The book works best when read as part of the trilogy, but Roberts provides enough context that it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.
Reading Experience
Plan to set aside dedicated reading time – this isn’t a book to rush through. The intricate plot and atmospheric writing deserve savoring, and the supernatural elements make it perfect for long evening reading sessions.
Roberts has crafted another winning combination of romance, supernatural suspense, and family drama that will leave readers eager for the trilogy’s conclusion.