Last March I headed to the spa with Nora and JoAnne, ready for a quiet week of work, painting, puzzles and reading. Always reading.
People ask me regularly if I read Nora’s books while she’s writing them.
No.
Nora writes alone, finishes alone, then sends the manuscript to her editor and agent. I knew this process going in 18 years ago. You don’t meddle with success.
However, over the years, on more than one occasion the publicity team asked me what I thought about quotes from an upcoming book — one I hadn’t read. So I did request to be part of the second tier of readers after the first editing pass.
Readers, I had Inheritance on my Kindle as we drove to the spa.
The week was March-y in that Laurel Highlands way — blustery, calm, sunny, overcast, freezing precip and then sudden dry over the course of a day. We came and went from the suite. I hit the gym, Nora and Jo did their ensuite workouts. We painted flowers in the art studio, did some puzzles. A good, relaxing week.
Then came that fateful day — Saturday, March 11.
A blustery, freezing precip kind of day, one that lent itself to just snuggling in. I’d sampled Inheritance a bit over the week, but this was a dedicated-to-reading kind of afternoon.
There I was, sipping a glass of Veuve, propped up by pillows on the couch, reading away. Time went by at a pleasant clip.
I really liked Sonya and Cleo, the music, the dogs, Trey and Owen, the town…I began to read faster. Then faster. I was gripped with a sense of urgency and when I glanced down at Time Remaining in Book — 20 minutes…14 minutes…6 minutes…the dread set in.
No! Wait! Really????
Yes, my hair looked that good after lying about on a couch.
I finished it.
Then my friends, I slapped my kindle shut with great emphasis and looked directly at the creator and said, “What the fuck????”
With a dazed look, Nora pulled herself up from the depths of her John Sandford novel, shook her head and said, “What?”
“Inheritance ends like that???” I demanded my voice pitching higher with each word.
“Well that was the right place to stop. Leslie liked it.” Then she kind of smiled, pleased with my reaction.
(This meant I had to text WTF to Nora’s editor next. And she, too, was pleased I liked the book.)
Now, dear readers, please keep in mind I’m pretty able to move on after finishing a book or a movie, but this was in the moment.
As a side note, have you ever read the science on reaction? According to Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, author of A Stroke of Insight, “When a person has a reaction to something in their environment, there’s a 90-second chemical process that happens in the body; after that, any remaining emotional response is just the person choosing to stay in that emotional loop.”
A random aside I know, but it explains why I can move along — entertainment wise.
So I stomped around a bit, then remembered four decades of absolute trust in Nora to deliver a wonderful second book, and calmed down. All was good. (I did plan pick up some knitting to deal with the book hangover.)
Except then it hit me: “Do you realize what this will mean in terms of reader response at the end of November???” Delivered in a much higher pitch.
Again my hair looked this good on a lazy Saturday in March. <g>
I needed to stomp it off again. Then settle in — crankily — for the 8.5 months until release day. Remember: I may read things early, but I still have the exact amount of time to wait as you do.
And you all delivered the reactions well. WTF???
But I’m not writing this post to dwell on our shock. That should pass.
Here’s what’s on my mind: in the heat of the moment, everyone seems to have forgotten that since 2016 Nora’s trilogies are published a year apart. We’ll get part 2 (which is titled The Mirror, no descriptions yet) in November 2024.
And the finale in November 2025.
We have to tuck our inner Veruca Salts away and be patient. And once you’ve gone through the 90 seconds of emotional reaction, you’ll see that we’re lucky readers overall.
If you read Nora and JD, there are four new books coming your way in 2024. If you only read Nora, there’s a summer read (the twisty, fascinating Mind Games in May) and The Mirror. Two books in a year is generous, to say the least.
And there are other things you can read/watch starting with Nora’s conversation with Lulu Garcia-Narvarro in the NYT.
In a couple weeks, I’ll share the link to Inheritance’s playlist. (Please note, Nora does NOT listen to music when she writes — the songs were all part of the story.)
The year will pass. And how we choose to fill that year is up to each individual. I’m opting to dance around, read other authors, watch a few movies and be grateful for what’s up ahead.
Laura
I have to say I had the same reaction at the end of Inheritance. I was like NOOOOO there has got to be more (I know there is more but just wanted a little more). I know that Nora will come through but geez a whole year. Needless to say I have been reading Nora since her Silhouette days and I know that I am in for a treat for the next 2 novels.
I laughed when I got to the end of inheritance, she’s got me. the thing is nora has had me since the first book of hers I read. nora is the best, number one author. done reading one of her books the people are in my head and they aren’t ready to leave yet, I can’t start another book right away.
Me too. If something happens and, God forbid, I pass away before the next books —- I’m going to haunt Nora!! Lol
I’m right there with you we’ll have a haunt party.
I’m absolutely in love with the book Inheritance and her characters alive and dead. Great story line and can not wait until the next installment.
I was thrilled with the ending. It wasn’t what I expected and kudos to Nora for that. My other series is Outlander, so a year to wait for the next installment is nothing!
Having to wait a year was annoying. But as an historian. … Wedding dresses weren’t white until after Queen Victoria in 1840. And they weren’t special wear once dresses until after WWII in the US. Yes, I know Mary Stuart wore a white dress at her wedding to the Dauphan of France in 1550’s but it was a flex “look how rich I am” and didnt catch on because white dresses were freaking expensive and hard to clean. And I’m an historian and I can do hours of lecture on this but if you want to know, Wikipedia has it. Nora is usually more careful about historical accuracy so it bugged me.
I’m done now.
Waiting for the next In Death book. In Jan. Right?
In February (in death)…but wow! I know it’s just fiction but interesting on the white dress!
Actually, Random releases 1/23/24 so a couple weeks ahead of the usual February, and I am so very grateful!
I had to laugh, I wasn’t thinking when I started reading this; I was just enjoying Laura’s reaction–then it dawned on me–I’ve not read it yet! Ah well, won’t bother me, I reread books all the time even tho’ I know (and some, can quote!) how they’ll work thru & come out. Makes me think of a certain trilogy a few back where the guy I loved & was looking forward to enjoying for 3 books, died at the end of the 1st! Took a looong time before I could start #2 after it released. Character loyalty?
Which trilogy is that? I don’t recognize that story and I thought I’ve read them all. Thx in advance 🙂
Year One. First in the Chronicles of the One trilogy. ~Laurq
I did the research, but I chose white because it fits the story. It’s consistent. I guess you could call it artistic license in this case. There are seven brides—all in white wedding dresses.
I normally am a stickler for historical accuracy but I didn’t mind the white dresses. We are talking ghosts after all and white is just more ethereal.
Plus the baddie wears black, so direct opposition!
Nora, I adored Clover and her way of communication 💖
They were rich people they could afford white gowns and cleaning them!
Yes, this is true. I think they actually wore black wedding dresses until after the 1890’s if memory serves. I used to work as a tour guide in an 1890’s Victorian mansion in Richmond, Texas at the George Ranch and that is one thing that we pointed out.
Everything about this book was so damn good. Everything.
Fact!!!
As soon as the mirror appeared, I anticipated the ending and still had shivers. Riveting. One of the best, yet.
I had the same reaction!! I love all NR JDR.. she never misses.. literally never.. and every time a new trilogy comes out, I tell myself I am not going to read it until I have all three books .. and every time, I FAIL.
It was amazing.. but yes, WTF.. lol
Same regarding all. And yes, WTF was my response to the end of Inheritance. A little steeper cliff-hanger than usual.
Another Laurie
I finished it last night and had the same wtf response! LOL I read and devour books under both names. It gives me something to look forward to, but boy it’s hard to wait.
Absolutely loved it!! I closed the book and said oh my gosh… a year!!! I can’t wait to find out more about this foursome and the brides. This might be the beginning of my favorite trilogy yet!
Humph! I am not getting any younger!
Agreed. At my age (70), waiting a year for the next instalment causes added anxiety!
Same here!
I’m going to be 67 so totally get where your coming from, lol
Oh absolutely- I had the WTF reaction and the OMG a whole year to wait at my age reaction! I’m not going to wish the year away, but I’m definitely looking forward to the next book.
Loved everything about the book, the characters, the setting, the ghosts and the villain. I took the white dresses to be a sign of their wealth.
My response was Hell yeah! I loved it. She’s right, it was the right spot to end the book. There’s so much that could happen in the next book so I’m looking forward to the journey when it’s released. I’ve got her schedule down pat so I know the wait. Good thing this one is a definite re-read. Nora is an awesome writer and I’m glad to have 4 new ones coming next year. I wish her lots and lots of luck with the last book and all the rest she has planned. I don’t give a shit if I have to wait 2 years for the next… I’ll fucking wait. Lots of love and happiness to you both this holiday season!
Pretty much the same reaction I had. Wow and I’ll have to re-read it before the next one comes out to refresh my memory. Loved it!
I was in the “WTF?” group with you, and don’t envy your job as cranky publicist as you handle all the reactions this week! Good luck!
Exactly my reaction! I responded by going back to the beginning & rereading it! I wasn’t ready to leave Sonya & Cleo yet. Nora has the most amazing mind!
Wtf! Noooo! Another year.!?!?!?
Me as well WTF, i usually try to wait to readthem altogether but not a chance ,so next Novemeber ill read this one again then the second and no doubt will say WTF at the end of that one as well great Book Nora many thanks
This is the reason I only read a trilogy when I have all three books. I hate cliff-hangers. I have hated them since “Who shot JR?”, and still hate them, on TV and in books. I may skim through a book, but I won’t do a thorough read until I have the series.
I’ve been reading so many dull books lately. Inheritance is a plotting delight. Yes waiting for #2 will be horrific, but nobody plots better than Nora. Meanwhile, I’ll reread her other work.
Since COVID I’ve been rereading her works! I think I’ve read Come Sundown and Shelter in Place 4 times!
Same with me, Carla! We could probably recite the dialogue!
Ooooh, I haven’t re-read Shelter in Place for ages! That’s next on the list, thanks!
A WTF cliffhanger … 🥺 We’ve always known she was evil ❤️
But remember….this happened with the Magiks one! Remember the first of that trilogy?!
It ended almost the same way Awakening did (Dragonheart series), so I knew it was coming, and I also knew I’d have to wait a year for the next book. I still said WTF when I got to the end. I had the same reaction because I wasn’t aware of how fast I devoured it and was shocked I’d gotten to the end already. I have other things I can read, but I don’t wait impatiently for release day for any other author but this one.
Yes! This part. I absolutely had the WTF moment AND it felt similar enough to the end of Awakening that I took a deep breath and started counting down the days to November ’24.
In the meantime, I’m re-reading Payback in Death and contemplating a re-read of the entire Dragonheart trilogy to remind myself the wait is ALWAYS worth it.
Yes! Exactly my reaction! It, loved the music choices!
I also had that reaction. I had forgotten it was the first of a trilogy so was stunned at the ending. Thankfully there will be two more books. I loved the whole book but the ending most of all. Way to go Nora and thank you for being so creative. I some times forget the characters are all in Nora’s head and not real people. She makes them come a live on the page.
My exclamation was slightly different She can’t leave it there !
I thoroughly enjoyed Inheritance and hopefully the next one particularly as I’m 84 next week
Happy Birthday!!!🎂
Did not get to finish last night so my WTF moment will be this afternoon. Thank heavens my granddaughter is coming over for dinner. I read everything she writes and she never ever disappoints. However, she does need a new proofreader. Found several mistakes.
“Oh, shit!” was my first thought as Sonya and Owen stepped through. Now I’m on this side of the mirror with Cleo and Trey, waiting to find out what happens. I’ll reread the book in the next few weeks and again next fall so I’m ready for The Mirror, but in the meantime…
I guess I’ll get back to finishing a few quilts and making that little blue cape for my superhero granddaughter!
WTF indeed!! Another masterpiece! Can’t wait til next November!
I started it, loved it, started it again because I wanted to make it last and I know that’s weird but I am who I am. I read the WTF posts and decided then and there that I am picking a cold snowy day and diving in start to finish. But I have to say I loved this blog and your reaction and I bet Nora did too! Happy Holidays
I too had the thought WTF? But I also am a long time Nora Roberts fan and patiently wait for each new book. When it’s a trilogy I will reread the book right before the new one comes out. I love getting pulled into the story. Very grateful she continues to create such amazing stories.
Thank you 🙏
I git my cliff hanger ending in The Awakening so I am not shocked this time, but it was a real shock with the Awakening😂 I listened on Audiobook so was like WTH , why the narrator missing the end so I bought the book just to see if there’s more , it was a long wait for the 2 nd book .
This Inheritance book is so good and I am glad that Owen goes with Sonya to the other side. Just finished listening, now the reading part then re-listening In Death series in preparing for February book . Thank you again Ms Roberts for another great book, another great series .
I agree! WTH!
With other Nora trilogies (or most), I wait until I have all three sitting on my shelf, and then read. I didn’t do that for Inheritance. And jaw-dropping does it for me, too! Yeah, I’ll wait the year in between…cuz I hafta…but I’m gonna be mumbling the entire time. lol Loved it, really.
Yes, I thought…you are killing me!!!!! I need the rest now…lol. I loved the book. Awesome read.
I LOVE that we’re all having the same reaction! Laura, I’m so with you … I was flying thru the book over a quiet Thanksgiving week (yes the days around T-day are quiet in my family since we do our BIG gathering Saturday before so everyone can disburse to their other families guilt-free).
In any case, I looked down on my kindle as I was shutting down Friday night and saw 25% left and thought, “huh, well Sonya and Trey can’t get married until book 3 anyway given the situation with the rings and the ghosts” … then Saturday morning over my tea I watched the % wind down thinking … “uhm… OK?” And when I hit 0% I literally shouted “WTF?!?!” disturbing the cat and no doubt confusing my neighbors. Then immediately texted my sister to discuss, and was foiled there because she DIDN’T have a quiet T-Day week at her in-laws so was nowhere near that moment of critical realization 😍
Suggestion: What about having TTP sell tee-shirts with the cover and WTF? superimposed… tastefully, of course!
In sisterhood and until January,
Julie
I had the same reaction….. WTH IS THAT THE END OF THE BOOK, I even when back thinking i miss some pages or chapters
I am actually listening to it for the third time right now! I loved the ending, after a second of “WTF”! But since I’ve read all of Nora’s trilogies (and free standing books…and all JD Robb) I pretty much know the drill. She always makes me really care about the characters in the first book, and Inheritance is no exception. I absolutely loved the Ace, Duce, Trey reference! Sonya and Cleo are great, too.
Also, I grew up in Maine….the narrator did a great job with the Downeast accent! Especially Sadie!
My friend finished before I did. She messaged me with “Dang that Nora Roberts’. Lol. I had pretty much the same WTF reaction at the end. As I told my friend Nora is worth the wait. Loved the characters and the story. My favorite was Clover and her music choices!
I compensated by sending a copy to my best friend and we’re reading and chatting every few days will she’s reading for the first time. I’ve already marked my 2024 calendar and am counting the days until Random in Death is released. Always a Nora/JD Robb on the horizon to look forward too- God Bless us readers, every one =D
This one was odd for me because I was able to put it down. I’ve never been able to put down one of Nora’s books until I finished! I did get stuck in one spot and had to go back to confirm that Cleo had met Owen previously. Still bothers me. I’ll go back and reread the last trilogy to bide my time 😁
Loved the book and I kind had that reaction but I think of the first book setting up the characters and 2nd getting us to know the characters more and the mystery. Last getting rid of the problem and they live happily ever after.
Nora, thank you for imagination and keeping us coming back.
I love this post! I had the same reaction at the end of the book! And I also threw my phone across the room but I also thought “Man she’s a freaking genius!” I have been a Nora fan for YEARS(we share the same bday!)! I have read almost every book she has written(except for super well harlequins) and I have never once been disappointed. Do I like waiting a year? No but I know it will absolutely be worth it! I can not wait to read more about the Lost Brides!
How does Nora do this? Every book has such amazing characters, and the plot lines grab me every time. It’s no different with Inheritance, it will be a long year!
There ya have it June because I was thinking the very same thing. I don’t have this book yet but by the comments here I will probably get it. Oh and I refuse to die before the finale. lol Although with all my medical issues one can never be certain. Thank you for making me laugh. Merry Christmas everyone.
Imagine yourself as a movie-going kid in the 30s, 40s and early 1950s. Every Saturday there’d be a new Buck Rogers cliffhanger, or one featuring Zorro, Flash Gordon, Dick Tracy or one of a dozen others. Granted the interval was only a week, the cliffhanger was part of the fun.
Heck, people used to wait on the docks for the latest installment of some of Dickens’s novels to arrive. That was in the 1800s.
I want a ghost housekeeping staff.
Me too!!
My first reaction was to try & find the date the next book would come out because I need to know what happens next. I’m standing on the wrong side of the mirror with Cleo & Trey scared & antsy…. What can I say? I’m still reeling almost 24 hours later!
You won’t hear from me. I refuse to read the first till the third comes out. At 63…it would completely piss me off if I died and couldn’t find out how the story ends…. 😂🤣😂🤣💜💜💜
Same here! I’m 68 and I’m now determined to last at least 2 more years! I’d be really pissed if I had to find some way as a ghost to get the ending. 😆
Just for fun, I reread Inheritance and created a Spotify playlist of all the songs or artists mentioned in the book. Some I had to guess at like the Billie Holliday song (no specific title was given) and the Barbara Allen folk song (so many versions). I enjoyed it very much.
“God Bless the Child” would work for Lady Day.
Well, given your reaction, I am definitely waiting to read the book until the trilogy is complete. Reminds me when I finally watched the Star Wars trilogy. A friend of mine worked on Return of the Jedi and I was invited to a special screening. So, before going, I went and watched Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back, which were released prior to the release of Return of the Jedi. At the end of The Empire Strikes Back, I was angry and very glad that I was seeing the resolution very soon. I would have been monumentally upset if I had had to wait three years to find out what happened!!! That is why I now wait for Nora’s third book before reading a trilogy. I truly dislike not knowing what’s going to happen; I am not a patient person when it comes to stories. But I absolutely love Nora’s writing, so waiting three years to read all three books is something I am willing to do for my blood pressure.
I understand the reaction completely, and then asked myself how on earth I’ll wait a year. But I’ve done it every time before. I can do this. I’ve never understood how my mom could wait until a trilogy was complete, now I wish I was more patient.
Either way, any way – loved it! Soooo good!
Exact same reaction! And once I got over my initial irritation I love that Nora is keeping us guessing – so much is instant payoff these days. We watch whole seasons of a tv series in a weekend, you know if the baby is a boy or girl, etc. Time passes quickly as you get older and November 2024 will be here before we know it. Thank you Nora for bringing a bit of unexpected anticipation back into my life!
Laura so glad you shared your WTF. aka are you kidding me. I too saw the page time countdown. While a logical place to stop it’s going to be a long 365 days to part 2. already looking forward to 2025 to read all 3 together
I didn’t have the countdown feeling because I was listening to audio while working. But the WTF happened when I realized that was the end. Also a feeling of “Oh, so that’s where this is going and how it will end up as a trilogy .” And then the “I have to wait a whole year!” moment.
I finished this book two days ago and still find myself thinking about it! It did end perfectly…to make you want the second book! I have loved her trilogy’s and an happy to be in the midst of this one. Thank you Nora!
I lost my weekend to this book and like Laura was looking at the time left and knew it was going to be a painful wait for the next book because by the last hour I knew it was going to be a kickass cliffhanger. I had NO CLUE how amazing it would be. Complete shocker and I LOVE IT. Like everyone else I would live to have book 2 (and 3) all lined up because Nora makes you love these characters. These are people you want to be friends with and get invested in…. so I’ll just reread this a few times between now and November, along with the other new ones coming, probably re-read the Boonsboro ones, along with some other old and not so old favorites. If good things are worth waiting for then amazing things are even more so! This book, all Nora’s books, truly AMAZING!!
Laura, I had the exact same reaction down to the stomping around. I was going to wait until all three books were released, but Tuesday morning I thought I would read the first chapter. I was sucked in. Can’t wait for the next. Thank you Nora. Great read.
You make me laugh and great righteous indignation. So WTF! Thanks for expressing what all are thinking. Heres to 8.5 months, a new JD Robb soon and 2024. Happy holidays!
You make me laugh and with great righteous indignation. So WTF! Thanks for expressing what all are thinking. Heres to 8.5 months, a new JD Robb soon and 2024. Happy holidays!
Same reaction. Thank goodness I read it the day it came out I had Thanksgiving dinner for 12 at my house to deal with lol, so that helped calm my reaction down. I will read it again soon to make sure I didn’t miss anything in my hurry to read it and then again just before the next one comes out. There are very few books that I will reread ever. Nora Robert’s trilogies and the in Death series are the exception and I have reread those many time. Thanks Nora!
I had the same WTF reaction but calmed down because I knew I would read and/or listen to Inheritance a few times while waiting 8.5 months for the second installment. At 81 years of age, it gives me incentive to complete yet another of Nora’s wonderful trilogies. I will at least have two of her JDR’s and one of the great Nora stand-alones to read in between. There will be other authors too but Nora is in a class all her own!
I too had a “what the hell” feeling at the end of it. I’m reading it again, much slower now, and really do like Clovers musical choices. Until next year Ladies…
OMG!!! I had the same reaction. When I looked and it said 20 minutes left in the book. I said No way! Then I finished it and realized that I’m going to have to wait a whole year for the next book? Tears!!! But boy I can’t wait!!
I expected no less! The end of The Wakening was just as jaw dropping! As always great characters, dialogue, intrigue and dogs!
I warned my sister (who has the nasty habit of looking at the ending first) not to bother as her time would be wasted. Frustrating, but not so much that I didn’t begin the book again and listened all the way through again. I hesitate beginning the book for the third time. Just my way of resisting the cliffhanger, but I am weak.
loved this book so much! I read it in 3 days! I have been a little jumpy and doing a lot of “ Back off Hester!”in strange moments!
My WTF came when I texted my friend Andi and asked when book 2 would be released! All caps YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!
Have not started a new book yet- need to calm down!
This is the first ending that has given me goosebumps… and I’ve spent the rest of the day bummed to have nothing else comparable to read (I’m still on the hunt to find another author that pulls me into a story and makes me fall in love with characters as Nora does…)
Brilliantly ending!
I have been reading Nora since I was in 7tg grade at 11/12 and this is the first time I’m truly angry. Had I known ahead of time there was no true ending I wouldn’t have read the book. I’d have bought it for my shelf sure, but I’d have waited to read it til book three was coming out. I do NOT like waiting in between like that. I do the same with many other authors who have switch to this annoying format. It’s just not something I enjoy at all. I’ll be buying book two but probably will wait to read it for at least 8 to 10 months.
Truly wish someone had warned me.
I’ve been doing my trilogies in this format for years now. The books were released a year apart i n the last two trilogies, so that’s basically six years. And each book was written as one part of a larger story.
I’m sorry you’re angry, but this is where the book ended. It’s what worked for me creatively, and I’m not sure how I’m supposed to warn readers.
It says Book 1 right on the cover … always the clue that there will be more. 😆 🤣. If anyone keeps up with you, they’d know it was a trilogy. People got to complain! My fave trilogies are the Dragonheart (where each book featured the same characters) or the Cousins O’Dwyer with each book on a different connected character. I can’t express how much I love your writing.
Honestly, I loved the ending. I didn’t expect it (wow! where’d they go!) and that is the best place to be when you know that the next part will be as good or better. I didn’t think anything could top the last trilogy but my first read of Inheritance has me planning to exercise more and eat less so that I live long enough to read the next two books.
If the words “The Lost Bride Trilogy: Book 1 ” on the cover aren’t clear enough… Longtime reader and fan, especially its it’s Irish or other-worldly. Frankly, the trilogy format (and the rare quartet) are my preferred reads. Letting go of cherished characters after a single book is just too hard!
I have to say first, that I am male. Second, i’ll be 80 in March. Third, the last several of her books have gone faster and faster. Fourth, I’ve been reading NR & JDR for the last ten years. I drive my wife crazy with how many books I read. My WTF moment caused me to reread the last two pages of The Inheritance immediately and then realize that she has most certainly got me hooked. I then started rereading the book immediately! All the way through!! Thank you, Nora!
I hate to wish time go any faster (turned 69 today!), but really? REALLY? Can hardly wait for the next chapter in this excellent (as usual) story.
I’m 80! Now I have to wait 2 years before I know the ending!
I was like argh NORA!!!!!! Now, I have to wait a whole year. So back to the Kindle app on my phone and reread Inheritance again. Only this time more slowly. I tore through it lol. I do this when I get into a book. Someone asked a question the other day long or short chapters in a book? I was like I don’t notice chapters I just flip the page and keep reading. All the way to the end.
Remember the stories that surfaced during the Harry Potter book series? A dying reader would ask Ms Rowling to tell him how it all ended, and she’d visit him on his deathbed? I’m sure Nora would do the same. 😉
I did indeed go WTF? However, I think it was a really brilliant ending. And if I think of it from a marketing strategy it’s even more brilliant. We’re all talking about it and hyping it up. I’ll get over thinking I’d finally gone crazy at some point though!
June, then you can read it over someone’s shoulder–or maybe books are supplied automatically, no having to wait after we’re gone…because yeah, I’m in the same boat! 😉
As a librarian I was lucky enough to be able to download an egalley. Always love Nora’s stories, but this one—the characters! the setting! the ghosts!—really grabbed me, to the point that I read it 3 times before publication date. It’s already on my Christmas list; my son knows what to get me. That cliffhanger ending really blew me away, too, and while the waiting will be hard I will just keep rereading until we get to November 2024.
My response was a bit different. I sat in my chair with my Kindle closed in my arms. My husband asked me if I was alright, I nodded. A minute later he asked again. I looked at him and said “Oh shit”.
Can’t wait to read this book (series)!!!
I had the same reaction when I realized I finished it and how it ended. I am a fast reader, made myself read slow to prolong getting to the end. Before I realized it, I was on the last page. Then immediately I thought, or yelled in my mind, “I have to wait a year to continue it!? So I will probably read it again about a month before the 2nd book comes out and enjoy it all over again, remember something I forgot previously, and have the same reaction again – just won’t have to wait as long.
Thanks for keeping me in suspense
This was my first reaction, too. But it was more of a “wait, I want to continue enjoying this” moment!
I will be patient. What’s the alternative – we wait three years and then the whole trilogy is published? I think not!
Definitely a “what the fuck” moment. I was so pissed. Then so sad. It is going to be a LONG year. I loved this book. Adored the last trilogy too and wanted a fourth in that one. Even when Nora was done, I didn’t want to be. I have in hard copy, every single book she has written. It is still one of the highlights of my life when my wife and I went to Turn The Page and I got to meet Nora and my wife got to meet Charlaine Harris.
Up all night, INVESTED in the adventure, and… ARE YOU F’N’ KIDDIN’ ME??? Woke my husband and the dogs with a few other choice words, followed by a mental well done to the ever stellar Nora for creating another compelling story and delightful cast of characters!
I have the book and it’s still in the box. Omg kills me when I see that box. Going on vacay soon and knew better then to start reading it cause nothing would get packed etc. BUT when I’m back home. Watch out. Love all Nora’s book. Have next book on preorder too
Wish no one said what the ending was. Kinda spoiled it for others.
I’m very upfront that spoilers are allowed on the blog. ~Laura
Nora is my absolute favorite author, but even so … doesn’t anybody else read any *other* authors? I mean, yes, I too would love to be able to read the next installment sooner than a year, but I also have dozens of other books waiting for my attention — I never get to the end of my reading list! That plus a new NR standalone and two new In Deaths next year, plus I will re-read “Inheritance” at least twice before “The Mirror” comes out, means there’s plenty to read in the next year.
I’m honestly puzzled by all the angst over a cliffhanger ending, because (A) It’s not like we didn’t experience a similar thing with “The Awakening” and (B) It’s brilliant both in the writing itself and as a (possibly unintentional) marketing strategy. For all the people saying you “can’t wait” … well, we CAN because we have to!
YASSSS!
Years ago I tried the “wait til all books in a triogy are released” method. It sucked. Every time I passed my Nora bookshelf I heard a whispered “read me now” . I hung on and waited, but the thing is, while I’m reading the trilogy other NR/JDR books were released! It all kind of killed the feeling of anticipation. Read what’s in your hand and learn to enjoy the wait! Sure works for me .
Thank you Laura! Well said. Some of us don’t even know if we’ll be alive a year from now. I love the hell out of each book, 4 times a year. Gratitude is life’s sweetener. And 4 books a f**king year is very very sweet. SO, THANKS NORA. 🙂
I scared my husband when I screamed what the heck! You cant end it like that! You’re really gonna leave us hanging for a year? He laughed at me. It’s gonna be a long year….lol
Have you noticed in the past before there was cable some shows would end on cliffhangers & you had to wait from May until the end of September beginning of October for the next installment. Nora Roberts does what she does best , she writes & crafts an excellent story. I feel sorry for the readers who cannot accept creative license in fiction on a white wedding dress. If I can accept creative license when it comes to Boston , Massachusetts & Maine , it’s fiction. Of course there have been stories true or not of haunted houses in the New England area.
I am halfway through Inheritance. I can wait in anticipation. Thank you to Nora for setting another story in New England. Maine is one of the prettiest states even for those of us who visit from Massachusetts, I can also toss in all the New England states have their uniqueness
Just to add to this , 2 years ago I had a heart attack , I was lucky enough to have been early on the library book list for Becoming, it kept me entertained in the hospital. I ended up with 2 stents. Tomorrow 11/29 is my anniversary, thank you Nora for writing entertaining books , you never know what people are going through, & a book can take you anywhere you want to go. I am fine now, & I feel lucky that I got to finish that series, & start this one , along with reading JDRobb & stand alone books. I am working on keeping my life healthy because as long as you’re still writing books I plan to keep living so I can read them.
I was 58 when I had the attack
I too had the WTF reaction. When I was approaching the 90% point, I realized that there was no way this was going to wrap up. And not much before that thought occurred, I was thinking about who the second and third book couples would be. Then, I remembered how Book 1 of the dragon trilogy ended, and I knew she was going to leave us hanging. Thank you for your positive perspective on THE WAITING time. Here’s mine…I’ll have approximately 4 months left to retirement..lots to look forward to!!! 😊
I too had a WTF moment at the end of Inheritance. **SIGH** but I know the wait will be worth it. In the meantime, I will re-read other Nora / JD series until the next installment. Then I will devour that one too…and re-read the two first installments while waiting for the third….it’s the pattern of a good book reading! Love Nora and all her books.
Same reaction. Loved the book. The relationships of all the characters is wonderful. But I have to say the last chapter was wonderfully written for the build up of the last moment in the book. It really created the WTF reaction we all got. Thank you Nora and Laura for handling everything, so that our favorite author can write her amazing books.
I LOVED the ending. Such a classic cliffhanger! As I started the book, I found myself cataloging a few plot points and character types I felt familiar with from other Nora stories, but at just the point I was starting to get impatient, she took it soaring off to other places, and the ending was just perfect, with a whole world of possibilities! So perfect combination of the things one loves about Nora’s fantasy books and new directions.
Thanks for the link to the interview – lovely and interesting.
I was bummed at the end too, mostly because it’s unlikely that I will be around to read the next book. I wondered before I bought it if I should even read knowing it was unlikely that I would be around to finish the series. However I love her writing and have read her books from the start. I bought her first book because I’m of Irish descent and I loved horses. I will admit that after attending the veterinary technology program at Michigan State University, I wasn’t as much in love after having to work closely on them and getting squashed a couple times by Arabian yearlings there to be gelded. They’re pretty flighty. I have quite a few funny stories about farm animals and how different they are from what they appear to be.
I immediately had to go to the internet to find out if anyone had the same reaction. WTAF. Who is going to take care of Yoda and Jones for the full year before we get to find Sonya and Owen again? My reaction might be lasting a touch longer than 90 seconds…riveting.
I guess we all had the same WTF!! Reaction😂
It’s going to be a very long year waiting for second book. I guess I’ll have to comfort myself and re-read some of my favorites until her next release in January.
I just finished reading this wonderful book. Yes, had the WTF reaction. Not because that was the ending but because of what was going on. I have to agree with Nora. It was a good place to end book one. I used to wait until all three books were released before reading her trilogies. That all changed when Year One was released. I can no longer wait for the others. Worth it every time. Nora, you are my very favorite author. Have been since your first book. I loved Sonya, Cleo, Trey and Owen. All three dogs (hope Cleo gets that cat) and Clover. She’s a kick! So glad Owen went with Sonya. Now I just have to pick which of Nora’s books to re-read next. I have so many to choose from and a dozen of the early JD Robb’s to read to finish my complete re-read of the In Death series. Lucky Me!! Thanks Nora!!
I have Never read a Nora Roberts book that disappointed me. The Trilogies are wonderful and even having to wait on the other books keeps me looking forward to the next release date.
I can read her books again and again. Discovering something new each time. Thanking her for always giving her books and characters a personality trait that her readers can get a vision. Looking forward to the next adventure that will appear.
That was certainly a WTF ending to a great book. Love all the characters (and ghosts) in the book and how they interact with each other. I especially loved Sonya’s reactions and how she handled everything when she found her cheating fiance with her cousin. Also loved how they would all give the evil ghost the proverbial finger. Next November feels a long way away, but I’ll look forward to the two In Death books and Nora’s next book in the mean time. 😁
This is why I wait for all 3 books so I can get them all together read them all together
Absolutely loved this book! Thank you for writing such wonderful books full of magic and joy!
100% perfect. The story. The reaction so many of us had. The consistency of knowing one per year.
I adored this and can’t wait.
In my opinion this ending was PERFECT! I was beginning to suspect the trip through the mirror before I got to the end. I’ve read and loved all of Nora’s trilogies and this one ranks high on the list so far. Congratulations, Nora, on another amazing trilogy beginning!
Loved this book. Reading is a rare treat for me now and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Until it ended. Unfortunately two years is just too long to wait for a full story to end. Nora Roberts is my all time favorite author and I will wait. But it dimmed the enjoyable experience I had reading the book.