The Haunting on Palm Court: An Isle of Palms Suspense

Isle of Palms Suspense #1

by Stephanie Edwards

After Blake Nelson catches her abusive fiancé, Parker, with another woman, she seeks serenity at her late grandmother’s beach cottage. He follows Blake to the island and attempts to kill her, but instead, he dies in an accident while fleeing the police. His malevolent spirit returns to the cottage to finish what he started.

The haunting intensifies when Blake reconnects with her first love, Clint. Will Blake discover how to banish Parker before it’s too late?

Genres: Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Thriller, Horror

251 pages, Paperback

Published August 3, 2020

About the author

Stephanie Edwards has been writing professionally since she landed her first newspaper column at the age of 13. Her love for the Lowcountry, the Atlantic Ocean and a good ghost story inspired her to write her first book. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, Ron, and their adorable dog, Shadow.

Reviews

[Renae Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an eArc from Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.

I found this a fascinating read about a woman's desire to leave behind a toxic relationship, but due to supernatural forces that proves almost impossible. I was captivating by the heroine's strong will to overcome her various obstacles and barriers to finding happiness.

This novel is a fresh, new take on the abusive relationship trope due to its supernatural twist that was exciting to read. I recommend this novel for anyone looking for a journey of a woman's second chance at happiness that has many other fun elements sprinkled throughout.

*** I received an eArc of this novel in return for an honest review.***

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has a very interesting premise and potential in a story. I am not sure what would be needed to make this a 5 star for me but there was something more I wanted... I can't quite put my finger on it. Don't get me wrong... this is a good story.

The book had well written female characters, nice spooky moments, a little romance and more. I would recommend this book.

I recieved an ARC through BookSirens for a honest review.

[Aida ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

free copy provided by netgalley

2.5 stars.
i really thought i'd like this one. mystery, drama, supernatural elements, family secrets, it sounded like a great mix of elements. however, i was wrong.
the main thing that bothered me was the pacing. a lot of the things in the synopsis happened in the first few chapters and so rushed, in the 'this happened, then this and this' style which made it difficult to engage in the story and care about the characters, specially since we never got to know them. it also dragged in parts that weren't all that relevant or important, and it was filled with details that we didn't even need. by the end, the resolution felt very meh, since i wasn't invested at all in the story.
because the writing style was very simple, it was a fast read, i'll give it that.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book, but sadly, I just could not. Edwards came up with such an interesting premise, but the details that only barely skimmed the surface did not live up to the potential this story had. The story line was redundant and flat. There is a sequel coming out in 2021, so maybe some of the details will be explored further in the next book. Ultimately, this book would be ideal for individuals who want to dip their toe into the supernatural genre without getting too spooked.

Thankyou to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial and the author, Stephanie Edwards, for the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of The Haunting of Palm Court in exchange for an honest review.

[Rajiv · Rating 4 out of 5]

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I love to read a good ghost story and this book was very good in that manner. It reminded me of the Fear Street novels by RL Stine, but targeted for adult readers.

Blake is a very interesting character, but I loved the supporting characters even more. Nancy is adorable and just loved how she stays by Blake’s side. Also, Willow and the ‘mysterious’ kids add very well to the story. Moreover, I also loved the appearance that Grandma makes to help Blake during tough times. Clint was nice, but felt clichéd and did not stand out in anyway.

Moreover, the author makes the story very interesting with scares and thrills. Parker is truly a psychotic and unpredictable spirit, and you don’t know how he is going to react. As the story progresses, it was interesting to see the levels he goes through to torture Blake. On a side note, I also liked the small details the author put in, like making Brittany use sign language to communicate. Even these small details make such characters memorable in the story.

However, there were a few scenes that felt unnecessary. As Dr. Remington mentions how he sees Blake and Clint repeatedly in the hospital, the situations also felt repetitious. Parker constantly haunts Blake, and Clint keeps vowing revenge. At times, the plot felt like it was going in circles. Also, some of the scenes were a bit confusing. For instance, how did the ghost manage to put his blood stains to scare Blake? It would have been nice these minor things were cleared.

But apart from that, this was very entertaining. Overall, I really liked the theme of the novel and found it to be a good read.

[Kelly Stone Cramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a story that has heart, charm, and mystery, this is a good one. It's a deceiving story in that it's light and sweet, but its spooky side gave me the chills. I read this book on my kindle with the lights off before going to bed and its creep factor kept me reading because I wanted to keep finding out how the story was going to unfold. I really adored the main characters who were all sweet and strong. And I loved to hate the Parker character. Oh, how his spirit really made me mad. The author did a good job of having such a devious character get under my skin. It made me root for Blake even more to triumph in the face of danger and heartache. I loved the southern charm of this book too. It had great description of hospitable food, landmarks and seascapes. It really brought my closer to the story. I also loved the ending of this book. I won't spoil it for you, but know it's a good one. I hope the author expands upon this as a series with her characters. I'd love to read more.

[Dawnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake finds her partner cheating on her. She escapes to her grandmothers cottage. He follows her there and gets killed by the police. The ghost of the past come back. This was a good romantic suspense. I loved the mystery and magical realism. I enjoyed it.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte Review
Hudson Valley NY

[Rachel Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super easy to follow with the characters and their storylines. Very captivating story with all kinds of twists and turns. You will fall in love with some of the characters! Being from Knoxville, I enjoyed already knowing some of the landmarks and features that the author chose to write about! I can’t wait for the second book to be released.

[LeeAnn Large · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything! It has mystery, romance, great characters, wonderful settings and it made me jump a few times! I highly recommend this amazing book.

[Alexa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reads almost like a cozy novel. It's very simplistic in the style and format of the book. There can be a trigger for narcissistic relationships, abuse and violence. This book has humor, turmoil, ghost, and the meaning of friendship and love. All of which make it a great premise but it falls short of an excellent read. It is an extremely quick read with short chapters. It does feel sometimes that it's all over the place and the author skips too quickly from one thing to the next with no real exploration of letting the story develop. Overall it's a good read it just feels a bit rushed to me. It comes out on September 1st of 2020.



Blake leaves her fiancé Parket after finding out he's cheating on her and goes to her grandmother Julia's cottage on the Isle of Palms. She finds herself in the beginning trying to defend her husband's actions but soon realized how bad he really is. Nancy, her grandmother's best friend, and Nancy's grandson Clint who is a police officer help Blake try to overcome all she's been through and finds herself getting closer to Clint who's she's dated in the past. Blake finds herself having weird happenings that she's begins to learn how to handle her spiritual gift. She becomes haunted by Parker after he dies in an accident. Will Blake and Clint figure out how to rid themselves of his presence?

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

‘The Haunting on Palm Court‘ is an intriguing Paranormal Romantic Suspense story that begins the ‘Isle of Palms Suspense‘ series. Most of what you’d want to know before picking up this story can be found in the Cover Description… and because it’s a mystery/suspense I’m going to be extremely vague on details that you should discover for yourself as you read this story with so many angles tucked in it.

One thing I can be very clear about – Parker is a slimy, vindictive, abusive jerk – alive or dead. His evil intentions will make your skin crawl.

‘The Haunting on Palm Court‘ is a good story, one that kept my attention focused on figuring out how they could keep everyone safe and get rid of the danger that Parker brings. The secondary characters added to the feeling of the paranormal as well as a strong support system for Blake. Any more details than that I believe the reader needs to experience firsthand. There is another story set in this series to be released in 2021. I’m not certain at this point if I’ll continue the series at that time.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Nicola Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you believe in ghosts? Blake returns to a cottage her Granny used to live in after going through heartache from her fiancé Parker. Instantly you’re left intrigued to understand why and how Blake can see spirits. Three chapters in your faced with instant drama and the thriller creeps throughout your whole body. You begin feeling every tense moment spiral up your spine to the point it gives you goosebumps.

The unexpected romance sweeps you off your feet, you almost feel like you’re reading, floating in the clouds, waiting for your knight in shining armour to pull you back down to reality.

If you’ve never eaten shrimp this book will make you want to try it.

The short chapters make it such a great read, without giving too much away you will find any opportunity to pick it up and continue to read. Especially as soon as the hauntings take place. The twists are so captivating and unexpected. The heart breaking moments will make you cry.

[Becky Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying I have never read any paranormal books but absolutely loved this one! Blake Nelson is engaged to Parker who is way to controlling to me. Blake had decided she was going to pin Parker down one night to set the wedding date instead she caught him in front of the fireplace naked with her boss! I loved that she took a picture of them then smashed the window before taking off. She flees to her late grandmother cottage in South Carolina to figure out her next step. There are so many twists and turns that you just want to keep reading. I loved how the author describes the scenes, foods and stores of that area. It felt like I had been right there forever.
Unfortunately, Parker doesn’t want Blake to have anyone else so he stalks her until his accident? Oh no it doesn’t stop there he comes back and haunts her. Parker is one evil person and he vows to kill the people closest to Blake so she will want to die to be with him! Again, the author did a great job of letting you see how strong of a woman Blake is. I adored Blake’s grandmother’s best friend Nancy. She was so good for Blake in many, many ways. No more spoilers for you! You need to run and grab a copy of this book and make sure yours doors are locked.
Thank you to BookSirens for an ARC for an honest review.

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Haunting on Palm Court. I was captivated from beginning to end. I definitely recommend this book. It's a great suspense with all of the ups and downs and a great plot with an equally wonderful romance.

I couldn't put it down. I loved the unpredictability, the mystery, the humor, the romance and everything in between.

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this from a local Tennessee bookstore while on vacation. I love picking up work from local authors. Ghosts and hauntings are on the agenda for Blake. Beautiful descriptions of Charleston, Savannah, and the environs.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an eARC of The Haunting on Palm Court by Stephanie Edwards from BooksGoSocial and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
5 stars for this southern charm! This book is a fun, paranormal romance. With strong characters and an intriguing storyline, it makes for quite the page-turner! I highly recommend this book!

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake returns to Palm Isle after catching her fiance with another woman.. She reconnects with her old love Clint, But strange things are happening to Blake and the people she loves. It turns out that her ex, who has died is out to get her. Can Blake find a way to get rid of her ex's ghost and find happiness on the island. Great read with some twists and turns

[Christy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intriguing book from a new author, Stephanie Edwards. If you like romance and the low country, ghosts and fun characters you will enjoy this book. When Blake discovers her wealthy, handsome fiancee' in bed with her boss she heads for the sanctuary of her childhood home in Isle of Palms, South Carolina. Her grandmothers cottage provides her with access to Nancy her grandmothers friend and confidante. Blake begins to discover the depths of her power to see and communicate with the dead, renews an old romance and starts a new business in this new book packed with action. The author provides the reader with a variety of characters both living and dead and set in a beautiful retreat on the Isle. Ms. Edwards makes the scenic area come to life and the sights, sounds, and smells are inviting. The characters are a delightful blend of "normal" and "psychic" and one in particular wants to ruin this great new life for Blake. This book made me want to visit Isle of Palms, spend some time on the ocean and sample the restaurants and low country food. I understand this is the first of a trilogy and I look forward to returning to the Isle of Palms for another adventure from this new author. This book is scheduled for publication in September 1, 2020 and is available for preorder.
Thanks to #NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book, #TheHauntingonPalm Court

[The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Haunting on Palm Court by Stephanie Edwards combines a great deal of interesting plot points. There is some supernatural touches, some great female characters, and even a bit of romance. The story has such an intriguing premise that will draw a lot of readers in!

Blake has escaped to her family home in Isle of Palm after catching her fiancee cheating. She has history here-a boy she dated through high school who is now a man and a cop, her quirky grandmother, Julia, and Julia's BFF Nancy. There is a great small town vibe that I enjoyed.

I liked the supernatural aspect. Blake sees ghosts; she doesn't think much of it anymore because it's just part of who she is. But now, her life is in danger. The suspense is really great in this aspect. I also enjoyed her grandmother's teachings as revealed in the book. I think the story has potential; the writing style felt a bit staccato to me. The word choice was simple and more tell than show. Perhaps this is just my personal style; other readers might totally disagree. I also felt the story was underdeveloped. The potential was there, but it fell a tad short for me. It's not a bad read at all; I think it had more potential.

The Haunting on Palm Court blends a ghost story with a generational drama and a sweet second chance romance to create pleasurable read! Its fairly short, so you could finish this on a weekend binge!

 

  POV: 3rd
  Tears: no
  Trope: ghosts, second chance romance
  Triggers: Blake's Fiancee is abusive and nearly kills her
  Series/Standalone: stand alone
  Cliffhanger: no
  HEA: yes

The Haunting of Hillwood Farm by Kathryn Knight, a non RH version of The Veil Diaries by BL Brunnemer...then you will probably like The Haunting on Palm Court!

 

The Haunting on Palm Court

See full review on The Book Disciple

[Andrea Pendleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It is a definite page turner. This is the type of book that you need to grab a glass of wine, a nice throw and a hiding spot because you aren’t going to want to put this down! This is a fun, suspenseful read entangled into a dance of romance and fright! I look forward to her next book. Enjoy!!

[Christa Colaizzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Special thank you to NetGalley and Stephanie Edwards for a digital review copy.
As usual, I picked up The Haunting on Palm Court without reading any plot summaries or reviews. I had no expectations, but loved the book cover. The story sucked me in immediately. The main character, Blake, has such a relatable charm with a wonderful personality that really shines through Edward’s writing. This is definitely not one of my typical reads; romance and paranormal thrillers aren’t at the forefront of my TBR piles, but I found that while reading this one, I couldn’t put it down. This book contains so much -- eeriness, romance, heartbreak -- all roped into a beautiful story. The pacing of this book was a little fast, although a little more than a year passes during its course, so I believe it worked well in this circumstance. I truly enjoyed reading this book, and whenever I had to walk away from it, I kept looking forward to going back and finishing.

[teresa pogue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little story with ghosts, mystery, a dog and a little love. This isn't the scariest book out there but it does leave you wondering when and if they are ever going to be rid of Parker. And how much damage is he going to do before he leaves? I won this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie Edwards' book, "The Haunting on Palm Court," held a tone of suspense from the first chapter. The reading is easy, the writing is clean with few grammatical or punctuation errors, the characters are believable, and any woman who has had experience with an abusive partner will feel a kinship with the main character, Blake, as she strives to get away from Parker and make a new life for herself. I especially liked Nancy, Blake's late grandmother's friend, a feisty lady who helps Blake. The paranormal aspect was both intriguing and frightening as Blake tries to find a way to stop the hauntings from her dead former fiance, Parker, and protect herself and the people she loves from his otherworldly rage. You can't help but cheer her on as you wonder what new hell Parker is going to try to put her through. I enjoyed reading the book and would definitely recommend it.

[Roberta (Always Behind) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake has been engaged to Parker for about two years. She has decided she wants to move forward and set the wedding date. Instead of making wedding plans, Blake gets the shock of her life when she actually sees Parker cheating on her with her boss Sharon. It's too much and Blake runs for the place where she has been happiest in her life, her now late grandmother's home on the Isle of Palms, South Carolina. There she is comforted by her grandmother's longtime friend Nancy. Her high school boyfriend Clint is now in law enforcement, so there is a feeling of security. Things don't stay calm for long and Blake fears for her life as Parker becomes a threat.

As the title implies. The Haunting on Palm Court is first and foremost a ghost story with both scary creepiness and some love. The isolated location in an old area adds to the atmosphere. Blake is a strong, intelligent woman and the author plays up her strengths, but also shows the vulnerable side that struggles to free herself and those she loves from the evil spirit who just doesn't want to go away.

I really loved the character of Clint. He may be a tough man in a rough job, but underneath it all he is kind and loving.

I have never been to the Isle of Palms. I have seen it from a tour boat when I visited Charleston a few years ago. I thought to myself that it's too bad Blake couldn't go to the Sherwin Williams paint store in Charleston to get a gallon of Haint Blue to get rid of her relentless ghost, but then there wouldn't be this fun book to read.

Author Stephanie Edwards will be coming out with another Palm Court novel in the future. I look forward to reading it and spending time in that setting again.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lia Ballentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Haunting on Palm Court is a fantastic read, packed with thrills, chills, and romance! The characters are really well developed, and I love that the author has given each one incredible depth. I loved rooting for Blake and seeing her grow stronger and stronger as she fights to protect herself and her family from Parker. And I loved HATING Parker! He is one evil guy! I also was completely drawn into the setting for the story. The author did a remarkable job of showcasing the unique landscape and culture of the South Carolina coast through beautiful descriptions of the area, the people, and even the food. I highly recommend this book, and I can't wait to read more from Stephanie Edwards!

[Rachael Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Haunting of Palm Court makes you feel proud of Blake for letting the past go...but then the past comes right back to haunt her. It is spooky, it gives me chills and it is romantic when it comes to rekindling old flames. Definitely a must read!!

[Jessica Higdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of Blake Nelson, a young professional, triumphing over the manipulation and abuse from her fiancé Parker will cause you to physically thrust your fist in the air. The author is able to neatly package the story of a strong female journeying through emotional turmoil without losing the charm of the south. These southern family ties run deep, even past the grave. The readers are also treated to a sweet redemption romance for Blake by the end of the story. I highly recommend this book for anyone that’s heading to the beach or in need of an endearing story to escape the burden of everyday life.

[Starr Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Haunting on Palm Court is a perfect ghost story, weaving together super scary and very sweet. Since it's a blend of everyday happenings, with some turning out fine and some going sideways, it left me guessing. The scariest parts had me turning my night light on… makes a girl jumpy reading this on a kindle at midnight with the lights off. Overall a great book!

[Tishia Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down. This suspenseful thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you like the paranormal and little romance this book covers that well. I am definitely a fan. i can't wait for more!!!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a page turner! I have the next two books in the series now, I’m ready! Loved the characters! Thanks Stephanie for writing an excellent story!