. . . Refuge at Pine Lake also celebrates family, faith, friendship, and community. Another important focus is the milieu, so I create my Southern setting in minute loving detail. I don’t think you’ll feel like you’ve already read this story a hundred times, and you just might want your own refuge at Pine Lake. There’s a sweet satisfying ending, too. Enjoy!

Thanks again. I appreciate you so much.

—Rose

“I enjoyed the interaction with the children her sister had. Also, there was a dog in the book that adds a lot to the story. Also loved the character Mr. Charlie that goes fish with Matt.”

He dropped onto the bed, intent on crawling back under the covers, when a bump at the door stopped him. Audible sniffing, a benign throaty growl, then the swish-swish-swish of rapid pawing on the door. Sharp barks followed in quick succession, building to an impossible-to-ignore crescendo.


“Ooh, good grief,” he groaned, scrubbing his hands over his face. “She left the dog.”


He squeezed his eyes shut tight, pulled a pillow over his head, and would have ignored the incessant noises had it been possible. Instead, he was drawn into an analysis of the range of emotions he heard in the animal’s barks and moans. They had taken on a decidedly forlorn appeal.

“Refuge at Pine Lake is a great summer vacation or staycation read. While including all of the charm found in small towns in the south, the author tackles some big themes like grief and planning for the future while still listening to God’s direction.”

Nervous energy buzzed in his bones. He pulled out his laptop and plugged it in. But how could he relax with a woman flitting around downstairs?


Matt threw open the drapes to an astounding rush of sky, trees, and water. The blue-green water bordered by tall pines sparkled in the afternoon sun, the environment pristine and bright. The sky was the same blue as the woman’s eyes. And what was that look on her face when he’d told her not to bother with supper? He probably should have thought to curtail the annoyance in his voice.


“Argh,” he grumbled. “I’m not up for this.”

“As the novel progressed, I did warm up a bit more to the characters and was hoping that they get their own happy ending.”

“If you love a good romance, this one is fantastic. It’s a fairly quick read and the perfect one to throw into your purse for your own lakeside relaxation. I loved it, and would certainly recommend it to all.”

Robin sat in her studio drawing cattails in a pond when Callie started barking excitedly. Her subsequent dance by the door let Robin know they had company. Emmy had arrived. She glanced at the time. Just after noon. She began tidying the drafting table, gathering her pencils and returning them to the proper glass canisters, and putting her drawings out of the reach of inquisitive little fingers. After brushing her hands on her apron, she pulled it off, hung it on a hook, and headed downstairs.


The characteristic glee of children playing brought a smile to her face.

“Overall, I loved this wonderfully crafted story with likeable characters and thought it flowed at a nice pace. I genuinely like the authors writing and will read more of her work and for those reasons, I recommend this book.”

“I loved the setting of this story! Refuge at Pine Lake characters visited a local pizzeria, there’s a fish fry, and — of course — scenes around the lake. It’s like summer on paper!”

Three picnic tables stood under the trees at the back edge of the clearing. Robin sat on a bench and watched Callie play. As her mood adjusted to the rhythm of the place, thoughts of Caleb filled her imagination. In only a few more days, she would see him again. His handsome face came to mind. He’d promised to call her as soon as he returned from the fishing tournament.


Butterflies filled her stomach, and sweet anticipation rose within her. Summer vacation had begun.


Oh, wow, she thought with a smile. My future starts now.

“This heartwarming tale is a story of hope, grace healing, faith, overcoming and inspiration. . . . I highly recommend Refuge at Pine Lake for all readers. I believe so many would find it to relatable. I would love to give it one hundred stars if I could.”

The cool breeze carried a hint of pine and the sweet wistful scent of honeysuckle. As he neared the water, ripples lapped against the shore. The boat tied there swayed and bumped ever so slightly against the dock. He stopped and watched the almost imperceptible movement. Then he followed the path Robin had taken.


As if he had checked his past at some invisible door and walked into a mystical place, he looked at the lake and the sky and became an element in the environment. His thoughts, if he had any, were wordless impressions. When he came to a clearing around the peninsula, he sat on a weathered picnic table facing the water and propped his feet on the wooden bench. All around him was the vast expanse of sky and water.

“I really enjoyed this story. The beautiful Southern setting makes a peaceful place to call home. . . . Author Rose Chandler Johnson created wonderful realistic characters that drew me into the story and made me feel like part of the family. . . . I am looking for more books by Rose Chandler Johnson in the future. In the meantime, check out My Fathers House and God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea, also by this same author. I give this book a 5 star rating.”

“I really enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to what comes next in this series. Each of the characters became so alive and easy to relate to as well as working their ways into my heart. Once I started reading this book, I did not want to have to stop reading. I highly recommend this book!”

At four thirty, Caleb rapped on the apartment door, and as soon as he stepped inside, his smile vanquished all her fears. He had that easy grace that came from being an athlete, and a glow from good health and lots of sunshine. His eyes twinkled as he held a bouquet of pink Gerber daisies tied with a wide gingham ribbon.


“Oh, Caleb, they’re beautiful!” Robin reached for the flowers and he reached for her. “How did I get so lucky?” she murmured as he covered her mouth with his.


“That’s my line,” he whispered against her cheek.

Refuge at Pine Lake
By Rose Chandler Johnson
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
March 6th 2019 by Chanson Books

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 tangle for these three, hearts are on the line.

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.
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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.

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