Garden in the South Battery

by Kathryn Wharton

Garden in the South Battery is the first novel of a trilogy with the main character named Abigail, a 40-something interior designer, who moves to start a new life with her college age daughter, Anna, now living in Charleston, S.C.

Abigail fulfills her lifelong dream of buying a historic home on the infamous Charleston Battery. Yankees - Abigail and Anna skate their way through living in the South by sipping sweet tea and finding they may have a spirit hanging about in the new home. Through trials and tribulations, they deduce that moving to Charleston and being Southern entails more than just buying a piece of real estate.

Garden in the South Battery is a semi-autobiographical account of a young girl who grew up a dreamer and a storyteller, she evolves into a woman, who moves to one of the most magical towns in the South.

Kathryn Wharton ~ is an author whose extensive travel shines through her novels-transporting the reader to Southern towns including Charleston, S.C. and over the pond to England. Her stories combine Kathryn’s interior design experience, love of historic architecture and mystery. A mother of two daughters Kathryn spins tales of Motherhood sending them lovingly off into the world.

Genres: Romance

233 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 8, 2019

About the author

Kathryn Wharton is an author, interior designer and storyteller. Her extensive travel shines through her novels — transporting readers to Southern towns including Charleston, S.C. and over the pond to England. Her stories combine Kathryn's interior design experience, love of historic architecture, and mystery. In her books, spirits appear from nowhere, and secrets are revealed.

A mother of two daughters Kathryn spins tales of Motherhood sending them lovingly off into the world.

When asked what genre her books would fall in, she answers saying, "mystery with a little bit of history," laughing then continues, "though most Chic Grit," as she likes to call her books, is found in women's fiction. You will also see her books in historical fiction, and mystery.

Kathryn Wharton's latest trilogy takes her main character Abigail, romping through life, raising a college-age daughter while remodeling historic plantation homes, and an English manor house. All while trying to keep ghouls at bay. Her stories include a fun cast of characters including her best friend Holly, British carpenter Derek, and love interests she finds along the way.

Reviews

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun and quick read. I looked forward to this hook because of my love for Charleston. Way too many editing errors to be a smooth experience

A nice combination of interior design experience, love of historic architecture and mystery.

Finally, the story did not satisfy with the ending. I realize that it is part of a series but each book should always stand on its own--this one wobbles at the end.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review

I liked the story itself, but like several of the other reviewers found the misspelled, grammatical and punctuation errors distracting. Also there was a lot of repetition. Abigail and Anna had a great relationship, and I liked how Anna matured as the story unfolded. But I was really disappointed that the Tom thread ended abruptly, with no solution. I do want to read the next book, hopefully some questions will be answered.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Kathryn, what a wonderful read! I love books set in Charleston (I myself live in Beaufort, SC) and it was wonderful "visiting" some of my favorite places! The storyline was perfect, the characters were well fleshed out and I love the bond between mother and daughter! I'm so excited to read the next book - England! Now there, I've never been - but I'm an Anglophile!!! I totally recommend this book!

[kathleen smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely story.

The story was quite good, however the multitude of spelling and grammatical errors made reading particularly difficult. I will continue to finish the series but hope the errors are at a minimum.

[Cindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book, at least the Kindle edition, is so full of punctuation errors and fragmented sentences that it was difficult reading at times. Also not sure why the author sometimes used UK spellings for words when the story takes place in the US and used capitalization incorrectly. I don't think I'll be buying another book from this author.

[Sally Droster · Rating 2 out of 5]

Difficult reading

I was so distracted by incorrect words, misspellings, lack of editing that I truly could not recommend this book to anyone else. Unbelievable.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read! And a charming 'cozy' mystery story set in Charleston, SC, a place in which it's obvious the author is very familiar — filled with likable characters in a breath of a mystery and with the uniqueness of Charleston style.

The story reminded me of a mix of writing ideas from several authors including Karen White's Tradd Street series, Laura Child's Tea Shop Mysteries and Kristy Woodson Harvey's Peachtree Bluff series, although clearly, it was a story unique to its interior design loving author.

There was one passage of the book that stuck out that spoke to the history of the Civil War and the enslaved people living the scars that were left for them. For a moment I thought the story would reach a different level moving beyond the 'cozy' style mystery, but in the end, it remained a 'cozy.'

There were a few things I felt could have been done better. Editing could have been better and eliminating the repetition would have made for a better read. I had hoped for a different conclusion to this story, but perhaps it will find itself in the next book. The author's website shows there are three books in the series.

I think I'll read the next book to see if the story continues and fills in some of the missing pieces. Plus I'd like to know how this author's writing progresses.

I would recommend this e-Book to anyone interested in the south or Charleston in particular. Anyone who likes a cozy mystery and ghosts, old homes and a dash of romance.

[Marion Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because it just stopped. It needed to wrap up, but it didn't. I didn't find another book following this one. I hope the author continues her story.

[Susan Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

I really liked the setting of this novel. It made me feel as if I was actually living in the beautiful city of Charleston. Adding a ghost to the plot was perfect for this setting.
I recommend this read!

[Judith Whaley]

Easy read

I liked the story as I love the city of Charleston. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed by the author’s misspelled words and her consistent use of “your” instead of you’re. It appears the book was edited poorly.

[Elizabeth A Hopkins · Rating 1 out of 5]

Here an editor

This is one of the most poorly written and edited books I have read. The spelling and grammar were awful as if no one looked at the book before publication. And the long winded repeated repetitions were tedious.

[Tracey Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would like to preface my review that I am super supportive of anyone writing a novel (as I have not)! I checked to see about the publishing company (Transcendent Publishing) and it is a self-publishing entity (and that's ok), but I am not sure that the editing options are available.

That being said, here goes... I enjoyed the premise of the book, as I like the almost any story that has some spirits/ghosts/ghouls and takes place in Charleston. I was very distracted by the typos and grammatical errors. If it had gone through an editing process it would have definitely read better. I came across quotes (") that were in the wrong places (most frequent distraction) and typos and wrong tenses. I am not sure if the author had a reading group that reviewed the book and provided feedback, but it may have helped. Also, in some chapters there were massive changes in place and time with no lead in. I have read some books that use a symbol or something to clearly show that there is a change in time, locations, etc.

There was a lot of repetitive description - about her daughter and her age and why she was they way she was and the description of Miss Emma's house. And we understand the particular restaurants she like... again and again.

The main character (Abigail Smithwick) came across as pretentious. This author clearly loves England (and that's fine), but stick to American spellings (she used "shoppe" instead of "shop"). I got very tired of the references to the "Morning Room" and I started mourning that I was reading the book. At one point the Morning Room was level with the kitchen and then when her friend visits - it's two steps down from the kitchen.

The daughter (Anna) was a self-absorbed young adult - but maybe that was how she was supposed to be written, so I will leave it at that.

Derek was a bit creepy and I could understand why Anna did not like him. To see he is being carried over to the next book concerns me.

The relationship with Tom did not have a clear ending... it just was.

Also the disappearance of the pirate fell flat. The reader definitely had to make assumptions about why he finally went away. There was no dramatic exit of the ghost - that would have made for great reading!!

What did the owners of the plantation think of their remodel so far???

I don't know if it was the goal to write a specific number of pages, but this story could have been written in about 100 straight-forward pages. The over use of description was also tiresome.

I am not sure if I would consider reading the next book when it comes out around Labor Day unless the author addresses the editing, at a minimum. I would be happy to take a crack at editing for her. I want all authors to be successful!!! And I do like stories that continue.

To the author (Kathryn Wharton) - keep plugging away and use the reviews to make each book better than the one before!!

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love stories about the south, antiquing, decorating, old houses and history - this had it all! This wasnt perfect, but it was a damn good start, I’m puzzled as to why it was left unfinished for over a year?? It’s obviously meant for a series, so where’s the next installment? The characters, the setting, the subject captured me enough that I would have moved on to #2 immediately to find out what comes next. There aren’t enough books like this - the author has a great way of describing neat old stuff - describing Charleston to those, like myself, who have never been there well enough that I can even vaguely picture it is amazing! I would encourage this author, based on that alone - to keep on writing!! I’d love to see more of this authors work! If you ever get the book on the great English countryside done, please alert me!

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful Story of bringing in history as well asLooking to the future of C of C graduates.

I always love a good story regarding Charleston’s history and architecture of the older homes around the battery.
Loved how she incorporated the Grande Dames and her maid who is more like a best friend. In the book you could see how the main character had gone through twists and turns in her life to only be stronger and find her SELF. The daughter in her own way discovered her strength and passion for art and design.
I grew up in Charleston and had a great respect for my grandmother and aunt the taught me many things about being a true southern lady. As for College I attended C of C and MUSC.
Hated that I left Charleston but books like Kathryn Wharton wrote bring memories flooding back.

[Peggy · Rating 1 out of 5]

terrible writing

I found the flow of the work seriously impacted by repetition, incomplete sentences and fragments, run on sentences, and improper use of words such as your for you’re and wears for ware. I lost track of how many times the author shared where she was born, lived in Florida, loves England, and vacationed in Charleston. So many facets were brought in that really did not add to the plot. It was never established that she needed or missed Michael. Why even introduce him. He fainting and loss of memory just didn’t work. The memories in the barn didn’t add to the plot. When the doll was found, I thought maybe it would tie back to Laverne, nope, just another detail left dangling. The pathos of the speech of Laverne and Miss Emma was distracting and not well done. All in all, a very disappointing read

[Deanna De La Pasqua · Rating 1 out of 5]

I loved visiting Charleston and I enjoyed the description of the city, reminding me of the areas of visited. But from there, the book was very disappointing. As mentioned in other reviews, the editing was poor with bad grammar, punctuation and run-on sentences. The story was scattered and jumped from topic to topic without coming to resolution. Words seemed overused, particularly beloved: beloved tea towels, beloved china, really? That's a term that is used in obituaries. In terms of the character, for someone who is supposed to be strong and finding her new life, she approaches everything with trepidation. And, the character's narration made her appear even more scattered and unbalanced. And the pirate? Just plain silly.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunted Charleston

I really enjoyed this book. Even though I have never been to Charleston SC, the vividness of the author’s description gave me a clear picture of the area. It piqued my curiosity so that I took a walk with Google Earth around The Battery, the bridge connecting Mount Pleasant and Charleston and even some named streets within the city.

The only reason I didn’t give this book a 5-Star rating is because of the multitude of grammatical issues. I thought maybe it’s the way the author speaks, but there are so many errors that it was distracting. Too bad because this was a lovely book.

[Jeanne Chepko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haunted house in Charleston

I really wanted to love this book. It has great characters with interesting interactions and relationships, wonderful descriptions of Charleston, fun history and architectural discussions and of course a ghost.
Unfortunately, the book didn’t seem to have an observant editor. Poor grammar, repetitive sentences and story lines that seemed to go all over the place took away from the book. Hence, the 3 stars.
Of course, I wanted so much more in an ending. Maybe we are destined for a follow up story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions in this review are my own.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd love to give it 5 stars, because I liked the premise and the characters, but it's either the editing (and to be fair, it was on Kindle and I know editing can get wonky) or maybe the authors way of telling the story that made it lag a bit? I know it's the 1st of a trilogy, and it was obvious the author is setting up the 2nd book to take place in 'jolly old England,' but it didn't leave me wanting more, as a good book series should, and so I am not sure I will take the next journey with Abigail.

[Bobby G. Hundley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have no idea why I read this book to the end. The author has some potential but this book should have never been published in condition I read. Surely it was not the final edition. Words were left out or used improperly. This occurred throughout until I wanted to count the number of times. This author wrote as if English was not her first language. If that is the case then there is some excuse but, was there no editor? Please send the next one to me and I will edit it before it is distributed to the public.

[Janet Ankiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

For lovers of Charleston and all its history and elegance, Wharton spins the tale of Abigail as she begins life in a new home in a new
town. Replete with detailed description of the artistry kept alive in this Southern city, architecture, fine china, fabrics, and gardens all contribute to the novel's gracious atmosphere. The various characters play second fiddle to unique homes, cemetaries, restaurants, pirates and heritage of an earlier American history. The reader can almost survive the saccharin characters and Abigail's self absorption.

[Rhonda Bateman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The spelling and grammar errors were overwhelming and distracting. This writer could benefit from a good editor. There were incomplete and utterly indecipherable sentences that were totally incomprehensible. There was a great deal of repetition of dialogue between the same two characters and while the story line and characters were good we are left with no answers at the end of the book. It was as if we were led to cheer for certain characters, hoping for a union, and our hopes were left to fizzle out with no resolution.

[Pamela Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book except for the ending which left too many unanswered questions. Is there a sequel or is it just setting up for one? Otherwise the insider type look at Charleston was interesting as well as her relationship with her daughter. I've visited Charleston but not England so some of those references seemed out of place but it was worth reading. I had more reading time than usual because of the virus and read it between other projects.

[Sherry Bledsoe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't waste your time

Don't waste your money or your time. The Author 's bio says she is a Interior Designer and so is the main character. I felt the Author was using her own life experiences as her reference material and what a over inflated who it is. The story was pointless and it felt like I was reading a rather poorly written and lengthy tourist guide pamphlet. The Author may very well be an excellent designer but what she is NOT is a writer.

[Linda Cunningham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a good story and I enjoyed that about it. BUT, this ebook edition seriously needed a proofreader! There were so many mistakes in the punctuation, and many other mistakes, that I almost couldn’t read it. The publisher or editor, or whoever is responsible for proofreading, needs to go back through from start to finish. Way too distracting . What happened to Tom? I know the idea at the end is to make the reader want to read the next book, but the ending was too abrupt.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this Book was indeed a Surprise.

I too have traveled a bit and built a home in foreign lands. I love how Ms. Wharton brought this aspect of moving and starting over, that turmoil, that surprises, the questions and Surprises. Motherhood of a daughter finding herself, the release and tight hold, caught very accurately in this writing. Now I will go across the pond with her…..Book 2 in my hands………

[Marta Ratliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book about ghosts living among live people

I enjoyed Gardens In The South Battery! I loved reading about the history of Charleston. Along with a mother, daughter relationship, and the mystery of a ghost that shared their house with them. This book has so many colorful characters, and I loved all of them. This is a fun book along with some heartaches. I hope Kathryn continues this book with another one. I'd love to read more about these characters!

[Janet M Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story

I enjoyed reading about Charleston and the surrounding area. This book left me disappointed with so many subplots left hanging. This book is about a woman who relocates to Charleston to be with her college aged daughter. She is the main character and the person that faces the perils of her new life. Yet, the last chapter focuses on her daughter and that chapter seems a forced ending for the book.

[Sandra Ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little of everything!

If you enjoy a little southern charm, history, mystery, new beginnings, and of course a good pirate story, you’ll enjoy “Garden in the South Battery!” Ms. Wharton was a new author for me, and while not quite as polished as some, her story telling carried me along and kept me turning pages. Give it a try! Definitely glad I did!

[Susan Weintrob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charleston mystery-romance

The setting of Charleston is perfect for this story, with its history and charm. Living here makes me know most of the places included. The ghosts, the architecture and the modern lives are intertwined in an engaging way. More editing was required to correct the many grammatical mistakes in the novel.