By Tessa Pulyer Posted on

Inheritance by Nora Roberts #BookReview #Romantasy

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…

  • One-word review: Unputdownable
  • Emojis: 😡🤨🫨
  • Rating: 5 🌟s

My thoughts:

Nora Roberts has returned to the fantasy stories I fell in love with long ago – ones full of mystery, generations of family stories, and a setting that makes me drool. I couldn’t have put Inheritance down if I tried, but why would I have wanted to do that?

I love the main character, Sonya, who knows what she’s good at and isn’t afraid to try something new. Even in the face of realizing her inherited house by the sea is full of ghosts, her confidence and determination are so easy to get behind and relate to. Most ghosts are helpful, but at least one is malevolent and quickly makes herself heard and felt. Still, Sonya’s determination keeps her there and makes her want to know more and solve the mystery that will hopefully bring peace to her new home.

I love the setting. I could just see it through the beautiful descriptions and excellent world-building. The romance feels authentic, but I would expect nothing less from Roberts, who I would consider an expert in book romances. Sonya and Trey complement each other so well, and he’s the perfect mixture of calm and concern as the ghosts make themselves known.  

I hated that Book 1 ended. I could have just kept reading and reading. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to books 2 and 3 in 2024 and 2025!

12 Replies to “Inheritance by Nora Roberts #BookReview #Romantasy”

  3. Teri Polen says:

    I really like the sound of this one, Tessa. Mention ghosts and I’m immediately on board. I’ve never read Roberts, but maybe it’s time to correct that.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. D. Wallace Peach says:

    I had to check out your review for this one, Tessa, since I read a post yesterday about how “romantasy” is hot right now. The blogger was telling writers to jump on board while the trend lasts. “Unputdownable” is a compelling description. I haven’t read any Nora Roberts books yet, (since I’m not a romance reader), but I might give this one a try. Thanks for the recommendation. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tessa Pulyer says:

      Nora Roberts writes romance, romantic suspense, and romantic fantasy as Nora Roberts and I her earliest romantic fantasy (Romantasy) stories came out before 2000 (1989, I think). I look at her as being the writer who made that sub genre popular though I doubt anybody realize that she’s an OG in it. One of her Romantasy series that may appeal to you is Guardians Trilogy Series (it has a mermaid) but one of my favorite is Circle Series. She is the perfect author to look into if you want great examples of romantasy

      Liked by 1 person

      1. D. Wallace Peach says:

        Thanks! I’ll probably give one of them a try (thanks for the recommendations). I do enjoy romance that feels deeply authentic, that’s hard won, and that’s mixed with other genres. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  6. joyweesemoll says:

    I loved this one, too! The only downside is that it is so hard to wait for Book 2.

    Liked by 1 person

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