The Innkeeper's Last Secret

Edisto Beach #2

by Sage Parker

Emily Costell's husband is dead, and the beachside inn he left her is falling apart.

Buried in debt with nowhere else to turn, she does something she swore she'd never she calls her sister Hannah. They haven't spoken in over a decade. But Hannah shows up anyway, and together the sisters begin restoring the crumbling inn on Edisto Beach, one outdated room at a time.

Then Emily discovers a locked journal among Henry's belongings. Before she can find the key, a woman arrives on her doorstep with two daughters and a marriage certificate.

Henry had another wife. Another family. A whole life Emily never knew existed...


The Innkeeper's Last Secret is a story of sisterhood, secrets, and second chances on the Carolina coast.
Book 2 of 4 in the series. Scroll up to read now!

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 24, 2026

Reviews

[Susan]

Emily Costell's husband is dead, and the beachside inn he left her is falling apart.

Buried in debt with nowhere else to turn, she does something she swore she'd never do: she calls her sister Hannah. They haven't spoken in over a decade. But Hannah shows up anyway, and together the sisters begin restoring the crumbling inn on Edisto Beach, one outdated room at a time.

Then Emily discovers a locked journal among Henry's belongings. Before she can find the key, a woman arrives on her doorstep with two daughters and a marriage certificate.

Henry had another wife. Another family. A whole life Emily never knew existed...

This small-town second-chance starting over women's fiction beach romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building on the Carolina Coast, where the sunrises and sunsets are majestically painted across the sky in vibrant hues, and characters who are resilient, dealing with love/loss, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the innkeeper's last secret, chaos/drama, an affair that resulted in a secret family, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth that will leave readers needing Kleenex/Puffs to wipe away the tears that are threatening to spill down their cheeks, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the innkeeper's last secret and a small-town second-chance starting over beach women's fiction romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly entertaining, intriguing, emotional, and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra]

Emily can't help herself from falling in love with Miles Pierce, the handyman that now has shares in her Inn. They spend time together and Emily has tried not to fall for him. He is ten years older than her, it really isn't that much older when you compare it to her late husband Henry who was 30 years older. Henry's first wife has been hanging around the Inn bothering Emily and rubbing it in that she will lose the Inn to her. The lawyers are sorting it out. Miles keeps telling her that she won't lose anything Emily and Sarah were called to a meeting in Charleston where the lawyers are. Miles calls Emily and he meets her there, they have dinner and go dancing and come back home early the next morning. Holly another Inn owner, who has wanted to buy the Inn from Emily since the day she arrived, comes to see Emily and drop a bomb as she gets back from town. Holly tells Emily that Miles gets an involuntary discharge from the service. He is a criminal of sorts with a record. Emily can't breathe and is just sick. She decided to get Henry's journal open and find out exactly what other secrets he is keeping from her. I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stox4story]

More Comes out in the Open

What a wicked web we weave when we first set out to deceive. Poor Emily, it seems she’s the last to know much of anything as more is exposed.

It would seem Emily has something for older men. She’s falling for Miles Pierce, her handyman, who is 10 years older. Her deceased husband, Henry, was 30 years older. And now, she’s finding out there just may be more to Miles than she knew.

Then there’s Henry’s first wife. What is she up to, what is her end game? And now Emily's estranged father’s health becomes an issue. Speaking of her father, does he know any of Henry's secrets? Remember he and Henry were friends.

How much more can Emily put on her plate? Maybe it’s time for her to force open that locked journal and see just what else Henry kept from her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[June Patterson]

Emily faints due to the shock she received at the end of book 1, hits her head on the reception counter and gets a concussion. All this due to a secret her dead husband has hidden from her for over a decade. This secret is a tough one to handle, but she is blessed to have the support of her sister Hannah, her dear friend and helper Bea, and her handyman friend Miles. But, how do they resolve the problems that have been thrust upon them as a result of the secret? Emily feels like her life is being turned upside down and that she is surrounded by lies and secrets. We will soon see if there are more secrets to come, and if so, what kind of problems they will cause.
This author definitely know how to keep you anxious to read her next book !!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Baby Girl]

Too much going on

Wow, there is so much to unpack in this book. There are so many stories that I can not keep my head straight. You have all these characters with so much potential, yet they are not very good at putting the puzzle pieces together. Why on earth would Emily believe the one person who is trying to steal her Inn from under her over Mile's? Better yet, why doesn't Emily herself ask Miles to tell her the truth. I am heartbroken for Emily and her strained relationship with her parents. That is hard! These adults need to learn how to have honest conversations and stop believing those who are willing to lie, cheat, and sabotage a great friendship. So much going on and so much to unpack. Book three should be interesting. I can not wait to hear Mile's side of the story.

[Nancy]

I cannot wait for the next book in this series. Emily was on a path to getting answers to exactly what was going on in her ownership of the Inn that she was left by her late husband. But at every turn of the page the questions are getting more intense. This book has left me with so many twists and turns that seem to get more complicated the further I read. What a fabulous series Sage Parker—thank you for a story that has my attention.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmela Dimattia]

This series is absolutely fabulous with lots of drama and many many secrets slowly being exposed. I wonder what Henry was really doing and how many more lies and secrets are going to come out. Poor Emily just when she thought things were going well it seems that there is always someone out to spoil for happiness and possible future. I cannot wait for the next book and hope upon hope that we start getting some answers. Loving this so far.

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Vicki Stephens]

The Innkeeper's Last Secret, Book 2, is a mysterious and emotional roller coaster for Emily as Henry, her deceased husband, apparently had a first wife and marriage before her. His first wife is making ownership claims for the Inn, but Hannah and Miles support her as attorneys are consulted to settle the situation. Emily decides it is important to open Henry's journal. Emotions run strong as more secrets, lies, and truths are disclosed. The series will continue in Book 3.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elaine]

Instalment number two where things are simmering between Emily and Miles along with many issues that are brought about by Emily’s dead husband’s first wife. At the end, Emily takes decisive action to open something to see what light it might shine on the whole unhappy situation…a cliffhanger again!!!

Enjoyed seeing Emily slowly unfurl but burying her head in the sand rather than asking the important questions is very frustrating!!!

Received this as an Advanced Reader Copy from Booksprout and this is my own opinion given voluntarily.

[Debdutch]

“The Innkeeper’s Last Secret” by Sage Parker

-An emotional, drama-filled installment that leaves you eager to see what truths the next book will uncover. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Emily’s growing feelings for Miles are tender and complicated, especially with secrets circling the inn. Between legal battles, family strain, and shocking revelations, the tension never lets up.

[Becky]

The drama & mystery continues. Wife of deceased husband knocks on the door. Emily has coffee spilt on her and then hires said man Miles to help get the inn updated. Hannah(her younger sister) is trying to get the family back together from being estranged for 10 years. What’s in Henry’s journal. If Emily can get it open will it give her some answers?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barb Graham]

Emily lost her husband, is drowning in debt and now her husband's "other wife" shows up with her kids. She is trying to get the inn from her and drags Emily to lawyers. Meanwhile, Emily hears some news about Miles that throws her for a loop. The questions keep coming and getting bigger. I can't wait to see what happens. I received an advanced reader copy of this book via Booksprout, and this is my honest review.

[Dianne Hall]

Tense moments!

Tense moments as Emily deals with Sarah who appears to be spinning tales of deceit.  What is the truth and who is the rightful owner of the inn?  More tension as Emily deals with her father. Happily, a touch of romance as Emily and Miles grow closer.  Book 2 of 6 leaves me wanting to read the rest of the series.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team.  I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton]

This Carolina coast series has it all! All Emily has at the moment is a rundown inn, too many secrets, another family from her deceased husband, loss and grief and so much drama, it's heartbreaking. What an interesting and gripping story, can't put it down! Love the writing and great characters. So much to uncover in the coming books and I'm ready for wherever the story takes us, this is just so good!.

[Rhonda]

The hunt for the truth with so many secrets and family dynamics makes for very interesting reading. The sisters need to find out what is in the journal and more information about the second family. Each page takes you closer to finding out the secrets and the journey is sometimes very difficult and makes for you to keep turning the pages. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Louise]

I enjoyed the first two books in this series, the characters were believable….but I didn’t like that neither of the books resolved unanswered questions. My only option was to buy the next book…. Did once hoping that there would be resolution, but there wasn’t! Won’t continue with the series.
I’ve enjoyed other series that don’t leave you hanging, forcing you to buy the next book, but follow families to other adventures…..

[PW]

Emily is blindsided when her late husband’s unfathomable secrets are standing at her door. Just WOW 😮! How Emily reacts is extremely important and impressive. This series is now on a trajectory that could go in soooo many directions. What more was her husband hiding??? Why???.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne]

This is book #2 in the Edisto Beach series by Sage Parker.

I love all the drama! Emily is dealing with the surprise family of her late husband and the ownership of inn. She’s falling for Miles, but does he have secrets? I can’t wait for the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda]

Everyone is lying to her. Or so it seems to her. Her father's health is at stake and he doesn't want to have anything to do with her. Can she resolve the problems that she has?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins]

And, the drama continues and grows deeper.
Was Miles married before? What else is he hiding?
Emily doesn't think she can repeat another mess like her first marriage.
What was happening?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suze82]

even worse
Poor Emily, I keep wondering how many more low blows she will have to face and how she is supposed to trust anybody, even those who seem to offer support. I wouldn´t want to be in her situation and I can´t wait to read what happens next, hoping the outcome will be in Emily´s favour.

[B E]

Emily is dealing with her late husband’s other family, who want everything for themselves. She is also starting to fall for Miles, what is he hiding.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon Rudolph]

Good continuation of book 1

Wow!! There sure are a lot of secrets going on in this little town! Everyone knows everything but no one wants to find out the truth! Really enjoying this series. Each book is a quick read.

[Jodi Bennett]

Emily, along with Hannah, Bea and Miles are working hard on the Inn and starting to see some progress. Emily is starting to fall for Miles but will his secrets keep them apart?

[Julie's Reviews]

What can I say about book 2? It continues where we left off. Still enjoying the bond between the sisters as well as the mystery. Can't wait to see what happens in book 3.

[Sally Robinson]

Love reading these books. Would rather they be one and not short stories though.

[Kenneth Rae]

If only stop berating herself

The first book was great. This one is filling pages with the same old same old what if.
It makes me skip pages to get to the end.

[Arabella Santana]

Wow Emily gets a surprise on this book, now it's a matter to find out if everything is a lie or there is some truth to what is being said.

[Kim Goss]

Book 2

Another good book by this author.
This is. Quick and good read.
Look forward to more books by this author.

[Kim Goss]

Ok book