Inheritance by Nora Roberts

*** Review ***

Nora Roberts has once again captivated readers with her latest offering, Inheritance, the first installment in The Lost Bride Trilogy. This new book is an intriguing blend of gothic mansion mystery, paranormal romance, and historical suspense that Roberts masterfully weaves into her narrative. So, sit back, and let’s explore the world of Inheritance.

Inheritance takes us on a spellbinding journey through time, beginning in 1806 with the tragic tale of Astrid Poole, a bride-to-be whose life is brutally cut short on her wedding day. Her murder sets the stage for a centuries-old curse that lingers on, haunting the Poole family for generations.

Fast forward to the present, where we meet Sonya McTavish, a talented graphic designer and a bride-to-be herself. Sonya’s life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers her fiancé’s infidelity, leading her to reevaluate her future. As she navigates the stormy waters of heartbreak and career upheaval, fate intervenes once more. She learns of her father’s secret twin brother, Collin Poole, and the vast inheritance he has left for her, including a majestic Victorian mansion nestled on the Maine coast.

Roberts excels at crafting relatable and resilient heroines, and Sonya is no exception. Readers will find themselves rooting for her as she faces life’s curveballs head-on. With the support of her best friend Cleo and the enigmatic lawyer Trey, Sonya embarks on a journey filled with mystery, intrigue, and undeniable attraction.

The sprawling clifftop manor, a character in its own right, adds a palpable sense of atmosphere to the story. Roberts’s vivid descriptions bring the house to life, from objects moving mysteriously to haunting melodies that seem to emanate from thin air. As Sonya explores her new inheritance, she discovers a portrait of Astrid, the ill-fated bride from 1806, further deepening the enigma surrounding the mansion.

One of the strengths of Inheritance lies in its well-crafted characters. Sonya is a tough and reliable protagonist, and her dynamic with Trey, the charming lawyer with his own secrets, is engaging. While their budding romance holds promise, some readers may yearn for a more gradual development of their relationship. The transition from friendship to intimacy feels somewhat abrupt, leaving room for deeper emotional connection to be explored.

Additionally, the chemistry between Sonya and Trey could have been further developed, adding layers to their attraction. As a reader, I found myself craving a more nuanced exploration of their feelings and a deeper dive into the complexities of their blossoming relationship.

Moreover, the book’s ending left me both exhilarated and frustrated. Roberts delivers a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that leaves readers hanging on the precipice of anticipation. While this tactic keeps us eagerly awaiting the next installment, it also feels like a sudden jolt, akin to crashing into a brick wall at full speed. The abruptness of the ending leaves a lingering sense of incompleteness, reminding us that we’ll have to wait patiently for the sequel to unravel the story’s mysteries.

One aspect of Inheritance that took some adjustment for me was the shift from first-person to third-person point of view. As someone accustomed to the intimacy of first-person narratives, the transition initially left me feeling slightly disconnected from the characters. It occasionally led to moments of confusion, as I had to reorient myself to identify the speaker in dialogue scenes. However, this is a matter of personal preference, and readers who are more accustomed to third-person storytelling may not encounter this issue.

In conclusion, Inheritance by Nora Roberts offers readers a tantalizing blend of gothic mansion mystery, paranormal romance, and historical suspense. While the underdeveloped romance and abrupt ending may leave some yearning for more, the story’s captivating premise and well-crafted characters keep us engaged throughout. With its haunting atmosphere and centuries-old curse, this book sets the stage for an enticing trilogy that promises to deliver even more thrills and revelations in the books to come.

As I eagerly await the next installment, I can’t help but applaud Nora Roberts for her ability to keep us enthralled with her storytelling. Inheritance is a promising start to a trilogy that holds the potential to become a beloved addition to her extensive body of work. Whether you’re a fan of paranormal mysteries, gothic romance, or historical suspense, this book offers a tantalizing blend of genres that is well worth the read. So, dive into the mysterious world of Inheritance and prepare to be enchanted by the secrets it holds.