Hello all, and welcome to “Sam is a full year behind on her reviews.” I am actually extra excited to review Inheritance by Nora Roberts, for a couple of reasons. First, I am an absolute Nora devotee, especially her fantasy-related books. Prior to this book, I had felt like her quality was dipping a little, but this one blew me away. Second, I spent my birthday last year at the fabulous Inn Boonsboro, which is not only owned by Nora, but is also the setting for four of her books. It was everything I could imagine. Sumptuous suites with heated floors and massive tubs, charcuterie and wine every day, a fully stocked library with Irish whisky and a balcony overlooking the town. I recommend it for everyone, not just Nora fans. And last but not least, the unintended consequence of being late with my reviews is that I am actively reading book 2 now and this is a great refresher as I take in the new story. So without further ado, thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for this opportunity!

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From the Publisher:

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…

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What I loved:

• The Setting and Ambiance. Give me cliffs and dramatic mansions, whipping woods and angry seas. Nora Roberts is the queen of the New England description, which is wild given her firmly inland Maryland roots. Our main character Sonya has moved into this beautifully upkept Victorian on the cliffs of Maine, and you can visualize every room. And of course – it is haunted. Perfection. The brides that haunt the house give a playfully eerie feel, while the evil witch that placed the curse brings the spooky factor. I love dueling ghost vibes. Between the New England setting and the perfectly described ghostly encounters, Inheritance delivers on all fronts as a modern gothic.
• The Premise. Roberts frequently writes about multi-generation curses, and this was no exception. The witch that cursed the Poole family has vowed to take seven rings from seven brides (very Ariana Grande) through their deaths. The witch that cursed the brides is also trapped in the house until her curse is fulfilled. Sonya MacTavish, as one of the last living heirs to the Poole family, has been tasked by the ghost brides to break the curse and release their souls, defeating the witch. Sonya is just an ordinary person with some really great friends, and it almost feels refreshing to have a normal person and not a “chosen one” be the savior.

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What Didn’t Work As Well:

• The (Lack of) Smut. While Nora Roberts is not peak smut, her prior books all had a certain level of carnality to them, even if the scenes were frequently closed door. Inheritance switches gears a bit and focuses more on Sonya’s personal growth, her and her bestie’s friendship, and only hints at the relationship she builds with the hot lawyer next door. Don’t get me wrong, I love a strong character arc for our heroine. However, a little of Nora’s typical heat and romance would have been great.

Other than the above and some stilted dialogue, I absolutely loved Inheritance and can’t think of much bad to comment on. Another wonderful Nora!

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Conclusion:

I cannot recommend Inheritance enough for people that like a hint of gothic with a modern twist. Nora Roberts really brought it with this book, and I am in love with book two and only just started. Five waves from me! Pick up your copy here (now in paperback!)