Book Review: The Seven Rings (The Lost Bride Trilogy, #3) by Nora Roberts
When I first picked up The Seven Rings, the final installment in Nora Roberts’ Lost Bride Trilogy, I was filled with excitement and curiosity. Having journeyed through the haunted halls of Lost Bride Manor alongside Sonya MacTavish, I felt an almost personal connection to the estate and its secrets. As a fan of Sisters of Fate and all things supernatural, I was eager to see how Roberts would weave a conclusion to a saga rich with familial ties, dark spirits, and the enduring power of love.
Set against the beautiful yet eerie backdrop of Pooles Bay, Maine, The Seven Rings continues Sonya’s quest to uncover the truths hidden within her inherited, haunted manor—once home to seven tragic brides who fell victim to the vengeful spirit Hester Dobbs. Each layer of history revealed more about the brides and the curse that binds their restless spirits to the manor, compelling me to keep turning the pages—and, in my case, listening to the audio version as well. Pairing the e-book with its audio counterpart was a game-changer; Brittany Pressley’s performance added so much depth, beautifully capturing the characters’ joys, fears, and heartbreaks. Listening at a leisurely 1.05 speed, I felt each emotion wash over me, elevating the experience like an intricately layered melody.
The pacing of The Seven Rings oscillated between thrilling suspense and gentle moments of intimacy, crafting a familiar rhythm characteristic of Roberts’ style. These quieter interludes—where Sonya navigates daily routines and relationships—may have slowed the action at times, but they also deepened my connection to the characters and their histories. I found myself particularly fond of the dynamic between Sonya, her cousin Owen, and their partners, Cleo and Trey. Their shared determination to confront Hester while unraveling the past became the heart of this emotional tale, threading through moments of light and laughter, punctuated by escalating tension.
However, I did feel that parts of the narrative could have used some tightening. Occasionally, Roberts’ focus on the minutiae of character routines—like the adorable ghost housekeeper Molly arranging outfits or the whimsical musical interludes set by ghostly Clover—distracted from the central plot. While delightful and charming, these aspects sometimes pulled me away from the urgency of the curse Sonya faced.
Nevertheless, the climax was a crescendo of adrenaline, and I found it almost impossible to set the book down, devouring it over two sittings. The blending of past and present as Sonya and her companions worked to understand and ultimately break Hester’s curse was masterfully done. The themes of love conquering darkness and the bonds of chosen family resonate deeply, reminding us that strength often lies in the connections we forge.
In the end, The Seven Rings is not just a ghost story; it’s an emotional tapestry woven with threads of perseverance, compassion, and the ever-powerful ties of family. For those who adore Roberts or are drawn to tales of love and lore, this book is a fitting conclusion that encapsulates everything we adore about her storytelling—complete with an epilogue that wraps the narrative with a beautiful, comforting bow.
If you’re seeking a supernatural journey filled with heart, haunted histories, and a satisfying resolution, look no further. This trilogy is one that lingers long after the last page has turned, a perfect companion for quiet evenings or chilly afternoons with a cup of tea. Happy reading!
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