Thursday, June 13, 2019

Review and Giveaway: Refuge at Pine Lake by Rose Chandler Johnson




About the Book:


Series: Pine Haven
Genre:  Christian, Contemporary
Publisher: Chanson Books
Publication date: March 7, 2019


Robin Lancaster, a twenty-six-year-old former kindergarten teacher, has her summer and her life all figured out. She’s ready to be on her own, writing and illustrating her children’s stories at her family’s beloved lake house. Once there, she intends to rekindle a romance with Caleb Jackson, the area’s top hunting and fishing guide, and bag him for herself.

Complications arise from the start when Robin finds out her mother has rented the lake house to a man they know nothing about.

Matthew McLaughlin, forty-year-old widowed university professor and author from California, shows up at Pine Lake in crisis. A sabbatical might be his only hope to save much more than his career. He needs a place of refuge. Sharing the lake house with a lighthearted young woman and her dog is the last thing on his mind.


Caleb Jackson has his own plans. He’s used to things going his way, but a man staying in Robin’s house presents unforeseen challenges. When paths unavoidably entangle for these three, hearts are on the line.

My Thoughts:

I have read a few books (right in a row) about vacation homes especially next to a body of water. They make for really great beach reads and all of them have had some really great lessons and stories. This one just might be my favorite of that genre. This story is about three people. Robin Lancaster who just wants to go back to her family’s summer home on the lake and illustrate and write her children’s books and pursue the man of her dreams. Mathew McLaughlin, a writer, who is severely depressed and needs peace and quiet and a change of scenery. And Caleb Jackson playboy, sports guy who is going places with his professional career.

I really liked how this story played out from the beginning. What I most enjoyed about this story was the bit of a love triangle that these characters find themselves in. Yep, I like love triangles when they are done well and this one was. The growth of certain of these characters brings them to a place where some big life decisions must be made. Is what they thought they always wanted still what they want or even need? Can dreams change or be altered into a better life and direction then one thought possible?

Mathew’s character growth was my favorite; he was actually my favorite character. He was a bit older and wiser than the others, and lived and survived through some of life’s toughest situations. Without giving anything more away, open this book and be swept away to Pine Lake and into these character’s lives.

This is the second book I have read and my favorite by author Johnson and I look forward to more of her enthralling stories.


I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.


About the Author:


Rose Chandler Johnson is known for her heartwarming, inspirational writing. In addition to works of sweet contemporary fiction, her devotional journal, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments won the Georgia Author of the Year Finalist Award in 2014.

In her novels, Rose brings to life fascinating characters with compelling relationships embracing family, community, and faith. In distinctive southern settings, Rose creates memorable stories that will stir your heart. Readers often say her writing warms the soul as it reaffirms belief in love and wholesome goodness. Don’t be surprised if you sigh with pleasure as you savor the final pages of her stories.

Rose has lived in a suburb of Augusta, GA for thirty plus years. Before retiring from Georgia’s school system, she taught English, French, and ESOL. Currently, she is an English instructor at a community college. In addition to reading and writing, Rose enjoys cooking, sewing, gardening, and spending time with her six children and her beautiful grandchildren.




Giveaway:

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card.


Giveaway ends June 14 at 11:59pm MT.

Enter the giveaway HERE



1 comment:

  1. Thanks so much for the great review on your beautiful blog. I appreciate it so much. It always pleases me when a reader enjoys one of my books.

    ReplyDelete