Review: INHERITANCE by Nora Roberts

Our resident Nora Roberts addict was so excited to dive into INHERITANCE, the newest paranormal romance from this powerhouse author. Crystal’s review is, as you might expect, full of praise for this new “must read” title.

Author: Nora Roberts
Series: Lost Brides Trilogy (#1)
Release Date: November 21, 2023
Pages: 432
Review Copy: ARC via NetGalley*

Blurb:
Inheritance is the first in The Lost Bride Trilogy by #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts—a tale of tragedies, loves found and lost, and a family haunted for generations.

1806: Astrid Poole sits in her bridal clothes, overwhelmed with happiness. But before her marriage can be consummated, she is murdered, and the circle of gold torn from her finger. Her last words are a promise to Collin never to leave him…

Graphic designer Sonya MacTavish is stunned to learn that her late father had a twin he never knew about—and that her newly discovered uncle, Collin Poole, has left her almost everything he owned, including a majestic Victorian house on the Maine coast, which the will stipulates she must live in it for at least three years. Her engagement recently broken, she sets off to find out why the boys were separated at birth—and why it was all kept secret until a genealogy website brought it to light.

Trey, the young lawyer who greets her at the sprawling clifftop manor, notes Sonya’s unease—and acknowledges that yes, the place is haunted…but just a little. Sure enough, Sonya finds objects moved and music playing out of nowhere. She sees a painting by her father inexplicably hanging in her deceased uncle’s office, and a portrait of a woman named Astrid, whom the lawyer refers to as “the first lost bride.” It’s becoming clear that Sonya has inherited far more than a house. She has inherited a centuries-old curse, and a puzzle to be solved if there is any hope of breaking it…

My Expectations:

Inheritance is book one of the Lost Bride trilogy, a new trilogy by Nora Roberts. Before reading, I did not read the blurb. Due to advertising and title, I gathered that there would be a big house and a bride who tragically died on her wedding day haunting said house.

I go into every Nora Roberts expecting strong female characters with fulfilling friendships and careers. I expect a strong male character who is comfortable with himself to enter the picture and be drawn in by the strong female lead. I expect the romance to be sweet and fun and uncomplicated. Due to this book featuring a ghost bride, I also expected plenty of connections to the past as the ghost’s story unfolded.

What I Loved:

In the opening of the book, we meet bride-to-be Sonya who is about to experience betrayal, but it is clear from the get-go that, in many ways, the betrayal will be a blessing in disguise. She called on those she loved (she was blessed there) and took her life back quite quickly. Just as she is getting a handle on things and adjusting to the changes, a lawyer shows up and informs her that she has a decision to make. Sonya is strong, smart, funny, and driven and every single one of those facets of her personality comes into play as she takes on her inheritance, a haunted manor full of history and mystery.

The haunted manor was scary as heck! A part of me wanted to shout “run far and fast” to Sonya at the first signs of paranormal activity, but she had been through a lot and she deserved what her inheritance was bringing to her – a flourishing career, family and friends, and space (and, yeah, money) to do what she wanted, how she wanted to do it. It made sense that she was standing her ground and staking her claim. In doing so, she opens herself up to the lives of those in the manor who have stories to share with her.

One thing I did love about the manor was the paranormal DJ. As far as paranormal events go, this may be one I could see getting used to… maybe!

Sonya’s inheritance brings her the addition of steady and sweet Trey to her circle of those she can rely on. Trey and her best friend Cleo have an amazing sense of calm, and their presence in her life further helps Sonya stand her ground. They get rattled when it is called for but they often serve as the rock Sonya needs to continue to stick and fight for those who it seems need her help.

The mystery is developing into a quest of sorts I think, and I enjoyed the groundwork book one lays throughout its unfolding as we become acquainted with Lost Bride Manor and its many secrets. The ghosts provide a balance of intrigue and unease – there are certainly more than a few suspenseful moments. I did not see the ending coming and am beyond curious about where book 2 will take us!

What I Didn’t Love:

As usual, there was not a single thing I disliked about this Nora Roberts read. I am so excited for a new trilogy and am more than ok waiting a bit to see where this story takes Sonya and gang.

Three Words I’d Use To Describe This Book To A Friend:

Haunting
Empowering
Enchanting

Final Thoughts/Recommendations:

This book did not fall short of any of my expectations. The female friendships were strong and nearly as intense as the romance. The romance is the supportive and wonderful romance that happens between two people who have made their mistakes and more than recognize a good thing when it is in front of them. The ghosts are haunting and enchanting, and I am fully invested in their story and how Sonya’s inheriting Lost Bride Manor could pan out for them.

The Lost Bride Trilogy promises to be another fabulous trilogy by Nora Roberts!