If y'all know anything about me, you know that I absolutely love Nora Roberts and her alter-ego J.D. Robb. I've read every single book of hers that I could get my hands on and I normally read the new books the day that they're released. So, to get the opportunity to review one of her books prior to its release is HUGE!
Inheritance opens in the year 1806 in Poole's Bay, Maine with Astrid Poole, the first of the 7 lost brides, moments from the end of her life at the hand of Hester Dobbs, a jealous rival for her new husband's affection. We later learn that one bride from every generation dies in some tragic way.
The main character, Sonya MacTavish, a graphic designer in Boston, planning her own over-the-top wedding to her fiancé and coworker, Brandon. However, after a strange series of events and a visit from a lawyer and a family friend of her uncle that she hadn't know existed, Sonya finds herself the owner of a awe-inspiring, albeit haunted, castle on the Maine coast.
I think that the author laid a very good foundation for this trilogy and, unlike Roberts' other trilogies, I feel as if the "real story" that will bring all 3 books together doesn't really begin until the end of this particular book and this isn't a bad thing. The character development is very good and the main dramatis personae are all very likeable. Cleo, Sonya's BFF is the friend that you want to have by your side through thick and thin. Both Sonya and Cleo are very strong women, but they also appreciate a man with muscles to do the heavy lifting. Trey, the son of the lawyer, who came to visit Sonya, is strong, loyal, and an all-around good man. Trey's friend, Owen, is equally likeable. I can relate to each of the main players and it's only near the last quarter of the book when we are really introduced to the person, who, I think, will be the the Book #2 main focus.
It's not just the brides whom we learn about in Inheritance. We learn about other former residents of the manor house, like the housekeeper and a boy who likes to play ball with Sonya's dog, Yoda. While most of the formerly-living residents at Lost Bride Manor are friendly and even helpful, there is one who is dead-set against Sonya staying.
The people of Poole's Bay are welcoming and inviting to the newcomers Sonya and Cleo, which makes the reader yearn for the days that life was easier and people were friendlier.
Inheritance, book #1 of The Lost Bride Trilogy, is a paranormal, fantasy, romance. It definitely doesn't stand alone and readers will have to read all three books to get to the resolution. Regular readers of Roberts' books know that she has some really good trilogies in this same vein. I could have easily sat down and read this book in one sitting because it pulled me in from the beginning.
Inheritance: The Lost Bride Trilogy #1 is available for preorder ahead of it's November 21, 2023 release. Click on the graphic below to get your copy delivered on release day because this is one book (trilogy) that you will not want to miss.
I received this book from St. Martin's Press for free in exchange for an honest review. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.