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White Oak Lake #1

The Lure of White Oak Lake

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The small town of White Oak Lake, Louisiana, is home to a group of colorful characters, three of whom take their Cupid duties seriously. Their pet project is Jaclyn Wyatt, a single mother who, in their opinion, needs a little help in the romance department. Jaclyn doesn’t agree, but the trio secretly springs into action when a newcomer arrives.

Morgan Chassion retreated to White Oak Lake to mentally and emotionally recover from losing her father, being dumped by her girlfriend and the final insult, losing her job. The past few months have not been kind and solace is what she needs, but complication is what she gets.

Love’s potion is being brewed in White Oak Lake. The recipe is simple, two lonely hearts, a little time, and a dash of vulnerability. Add a little heat and the potion is complete.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 26, 2013

47 people are currently reading
416 people want to read

About the author

Robin Alexander

51 books814 followers
Born in 1965, Robin Alexander grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she still resides. An avid reader of Lesbian fiction, Robin decided to take the leap and try her hand at writing. It didn't take long for her favorite hobby to become a full-time author.
Since her heritage is Scottish and Irish and she’s allergic to seafood, she’s considered an honorary Cajun. When she’s not writing, she’s exploring her state with the top off her Jeep in search of the small towns on the water that inspire her.
Robin is awkward, sometimes shy, loaded with anxieties, accident prone, dangerous with power tools, and has been known to make idiotic decisions. She has been fortunate enough to turn her shortcomings into the hilarious characters you’ll find in her novels and short stories. Her passion is writing funny tales about falling in love, being imperfect and reveling in friendship.
Robin is convinced she has the best job in the world, and she’s extremely grateful for her fans who support her and enable her to do what she loves.

Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

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5 stars
565 (49%)
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413 (36%)
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136 (12%)
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13 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
Profile Image for Diane Wallace.
1,448 reviews169 followers
June 15, 2017
Great read! Enjoyable,funny,good chemistry,well defined and developed cast of characters...recommend to all because it's good and there's even a sequel!
Profile Image for Gaby LezReviewBooks.
735 reviews542 followers
December 26, 2021
Review of The Lure of White Oak Lake by Robin Alexander, narrated by Lori Prince
Robin Alexander is slowly but surely releasing her back catalogue in audio format, most of them with Lori Prince as narrator. Robin Alexander’s quirky sense of humour and Lori Prince’s comedic timing is a perfect match. So if you are looking for a sweet romance with eccentric characters, this is a great choice.

After Morgan Chassion loses her job and her girlfriend, she decides to move to the cabin she inherited in White Oak Lake, Lousianna. The town’s quirky inhabitants conspire to match her to the only lesbian in town, Jaclyn Wyatt. But Morgan is in town temporarily and isn’t interested in love, is she?

This is book one in the White Oak Series. I imagine that Ms. Alexander is planning to release book two, The Magic of White Oak Lake, in audio too. Book one is a typical Robin Alexander’s story with ridiculously funny situations. This author has a very distinct style so if you have read any of her books you know what type of story to expect.

Small towns are a great background for Ms. Alexander’s stories in which everyone is meddling in everyone else’s business. The cast of secondary characters is nuts and you should expect lots of absurd scenes. I personally thought that there were too many crazy situations but I’m not currently in the best mindset for this type of humour. The romance is sweet with very low angst. Having said that, Morgan is dealing with a lot of loss in her life and her journey of transformation is a good contrast to the humour-filled story.

Lori Prince did a great job with the narration, her comedy skills are absolutely brilliant but she also performs the emotional parts really well. If you are looking for a laugh-out-loud audiobook with a side of romance, this one is for you. 4 stars.

Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins

Available in Scribd
Profile Image for emily.
897 reviews164 followers
December 15, 2021
I ended up enjoying this quite a bit and I’m pleasantly surprised. This is the first book that I’ve finished by Robin Alexander, but it’s the second one that I’ve tried. I gave up on listening to the audiobook for Temporary Girl months ago because of all these transphobic comments that kept coming up from the characters. (Constantly talking about each other’s genitalia, queer women being very “ew penis” and gay men being very “ew vagina” like… so much. They were all in their damn forties for gods sake and they did not shut up about it and it got old very fast). So I had not bothered to pick up another title by this author despite loving Lori Prince as a narrator and knowing she’s done a few of these titles. I’m really glad that I gave her another try, because this was a totally different experience. (Despite one comment that felt very offhandedly slut shamey to a teenage girl that rubbed me very much the wrong way, but was in the middle of an otherwise good conversation in the plot).

I’m not trying to harp on negative stuff though, because this was a lot of fun. The cast of characters in the town were charming and quirky enough that they felt lovable and not annoying. Betsy and Clarice in particular were my favorites. I loved that Austin actually felt like a fourteen year old boy, and he was utterly lovable and really reminded me of my younger cousin, insane height and appetite and all. Both MCs were fleshed out and their dynamic was lovely. Despite this covering a span of a few months, the progression of their relationship from neighbors, to friends, to something more, to something solid was great pacing, at least for me. I’m glad that I ended up enjoying this and I’m definitely going to give some of the other titles a try now.
Profile Image for Sapphic Reads.
228 reviews376 followers
October 30, 2024
3.5

This is a sweet, low-angst, and funny love story centered around Morgan and Jaclyn. While it didn’t quite capture me like The Summer of Our Discontent (one of my Robin Alexander favorites), it still brings that cozy, humorous charm Alexander is known for. If you’re in the mood for a light friends-to-lovers, toaster oven romance without the drama, this one’s a perfect pick.
Profile Image for Lexxi Kitty.
2,060 reviews476 followers
July 20, 2016
This is my fifth Alexander book that I have read. Second one this year. Actually, for that matter, second one today, since I technically finished the prior book somewhere around 2 am this morning. The previous three books were read in August (1 book), and February (2 books) of 2014. 2 years is a long time between books.

Of the five books I’ve read by Alexander, I would slot this one in as my second favorite, behind ‘Dear Me’. Mostly because, while both were quite good books, this one seemed to have a lot less humor than ‘Dear Me’. If it was actually literally possible to laugh my ass off, I’d no longer have an ass, after reading ‘Dear Me’. This book? Made me giggle here and there but there was no risk of bodily harm.

So, I do not really wish to write a massive review. A woman loses three things right in a row over a few months – her father (died), girlfriend (left her), job (she was cut lose by a somewhat incompetent manager). A lot of time was spent, before the book opened, with Morgan Chassion, the woman who lost these three things, searching for a new job. Without any luck. So, eventually, she heads out from Atlanta to inspect this cabin that her father left her in his will. A cabin next to a lake in White Oak Lake, Louisiana.

Meanwhile, Jaclyn Wyatt is living her life as a single mother, in a rather supportive little community (not including her asshole parents) and running her own store – a bait shop named the same as the title of this book.

To a certain extent, Morgan and Austin (Austen? I forget now), hooked up long before Morgan and Jaclyn did. And no, this isn’t a book in which the reader watches someone go through several people before finally landing on ‘the right one’. No, Austin is Jaclyn’s 14 year old son.

But then, that’s the kind of relationship Jaclyn and Morgan have – slow with bursts. But I do not wish to go too far down this road so I’ll just move on.

I had one specific issue that never really got clarified for me (until I wrote this review). At the beginning of the book, everyone (okay, this happened twice) kept calling Morgan Chassion, to her face, a coon. Weirdly the people using this word were quite happy and friendly people. But still. They used this word. So, for the longest time, I thought Morgan Chassion was black.

I’m sure this will turn out to be a situation where I’m just dumb or something. Like when I got confused over the use of the word ‘merde’ in another book.

Morgan’s face colored. “that’s really very kind of you, but I’m allergic to seafood.”

“Well, I never seen it, a coon ass that can’t eat shrimp. Chassion, that’s a Cajun name, but you ain’t got much of an accent.”


Chassion, dat’s coon ass, yeah. Where ya people from, cher?”


Crap. It is a merde type situation. I noticed when I realized every time (the two times) that it is used, it is used in the same way. Attached to ass. Coon ass. And I’m sure the context of the second occasion the phrase was used should have clued me in. But, yeah, I’m dumb.

Coon-ass is used to reference a person of Cajun ethnicity. Many consider the term an insult, but others consider it a compliment or badge of honor


I knew, though, without going too far that Morgan was white. Because in a conversation with a woman in Atlanta, that woman says something along the way of ‘your white ass’ or something like that.

Well. Glad I decided to write something, heh. I now know what that coon ass stuff was about. So, long and short (too late), Morgan Chassion is of Cajun ethnicity but has spent most of her life in Atlanta.

So, the humor (not all of it) was provided in the form of three witches (sorry, I was suddenly flashing back to Shakespeare’s Macbeth), to three older women who are . . . eccentric (two more than a third). The three old women drink potions so that they can help Jaclyn find a nice woman to mate with. Also, two of the three, like running around naked. One of them being 70+ and the other being 60+.

There were no pets in this book for the two main leads, though a group of four cats ‘patrolled’ Morgan’s cabin for rodents – though the cats ‘belonged’ to her neighbor. Only one of the four is actually meet, though, briefly.

Another thing even more shocking occurred – no one vomited. There were at least two occasions when people were described as being a state that was on the edge of vomiting, and/or being ‘puke-y’. But no actual vomiting. Strange, I know.

Right, so, I enjoyed this book.

July 20 2016
Profile Image for Nicole.
35 reviews
April 24, 2019
I'm always in awe of how much I love Robin's books. I've read a few to this day and I've not yet been disappointed. I can't wait to delve into more White Oak Lake.
I'm just drawn to the crazy and meddlesome characters that always accompanies the beautiful love stories that blossoms between the two mains and their families. Humour, love and shenanigans, a book that's made my Easter readings even sweeter.
Profile Image for AnnMaree Of Oz.
1,510 reviews131 followers
June 10, 2020
Just a feel good off the wall goofball story. With romance and love at it's core. A host of crazy small town characters with hearts of gold.

Just a fun time.

“This is where you really want to be—surrounded by nutcases slinging flour and pissing on things?”

Absolutely.
Profile Image for TheAvidReader.
98 reviews
October 31, 2019
Absolutely love Robin Alexander. She balanced romance with comedy, feel good moments and more comedy. Loved the family dynamics in this one. Where the neighbors are your true family and the old bitties make life, life. The whole thing it's just a chocolate croissant... warm! Hug it
Profile Image for Tinything.
245 reviews
July 25, 2017
Well.. such a great humourous funny story.

I like everyone in this book. Even though it is such a small town but everyone is helping each other, support each other and also meddling as well (in a good way). Meddie and her binoculars.. LOL, she is such a spy and funny and of course including Ida, Betsy and Clarice.

Idk but i feel like Morgan's best friend was kinda such a bi***. I know that she worried about her best friend, try to give advices and such. But at least she should support what Morgan decision is, believe in what she choose. Well that lead to what i like best about this book. That is the decision that Morgan made about the job offered. She is so resolute and clear on what she wanted and where she want to live and who she love and believe in Jaclyn. She doesnt have uncertainty or second thought about it at all.
Profile Image for Lexxi Kitty.
2,060 reviews476 followers
February 7, 2025
My first reread of this book, roughly 9 years after I first read it.

This is one of those wherein I recalled liking the book, but didn't actually recall the plot. I mean, it's been 9 years. So it was kind of like finding a new Robin Alexander book to read. Which is great, since their last new book appeared way back in 2019. They currently sit at or near the top of my favorite author list and my favorite author to reread list.

Loved the characters, plot, story-line. There were certain moments when "conflict" points could have occurred, but didn't. And, frankly, I liked that they talked instead of allowed those points become pointless moments of conflict. Though I'm sure some would feel the book was too smooth, conflict-less, drama/angsty-less. eh, I don't want to be reading angst/drama right now, so I'm good with this smoothness.

Rating: 5
February 6 2025
Profile Image for Carly.
166 reviews
August 9, 2018
Not my favourite book by Robin Alexander. The characters in this one hit an all time crazy. The romance was sweet but not page turning heat and chemistry. It was just nice I suppose. Not one I'd read again.
Profile Image for LJ.
90 reviews
May 4, 2021
Perfect mood lifter, laugh out loud moments with a bunch of crazy people :)
Profile Image for Ellie.
8 reviews6 followers
October 11, 2016
It was very fun and amusing to read this book! Will read again some time soon
Profile Image for Abigail.
282 reviews22 followers
July 11, 2023
4.5 out of 5 stars "The Lure of White Oak Lake" by Robin Alexander offers everything that fans of her work have come to expect and enjoy. With its quirky and humorous characters, this book provides a generous dose of laughter that is synonymous with Alexander's storytelling.

One of the standout features of Alexander's writing is her descriptive prowess, which transports me into the world she creates. In "The Lure of White Oak Lake," the location itself becomes an enchanting character, making me yearn to retire someday to this captivating small town. Alexander's ability to paint vivid scenes and immerse readers in the atmosphere is once again showcased in this novel.

Of course, a Robin Alexander novel wouldn't be complete without the presence of compelling romance and sizzling chemistry. The interactions between the characters are positively fascinating, with dynamic relationships that keep me engrossed and eager to see what unfolds next. The author's skill in crafting captivating character dynamics shines through—adding depth and richness to the story.

"The Lure of White Oak Lake" is a delightful addition to Robin Alexander's repertoire. With its signature blend of humor, descriptive charm, and engaging romantic elements, this book is sure to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Also, prepare to be swept away by the terrific tandem of Robin Alexander and Lori Prince.

I am truly excited to dive into the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Jem.
408 reviews304 followers
May 10, 2013
Nice, enjoyable read. I loved all the quirky supporting characters who populate this novel, and all their respective misadventures. No angst here. Even one of the lead character's involvement in the town's biggest scandal was treated in a light-hearted manner. I truly wonder though, if same sex relationships are really that open and acceptable in a small town such as White Oak.

Profile Image for Lindsay.
10 reviews
May 6, 2013
Great book. Unique, sweet characters. A charming place that I would love to spend some time. One of my favorite things about the characters in the book is that they were typical people. They weren't billionaires jet-setting across the world. I don't want to divulge about the story so I will stop there. I do have to say that this author is so dependable on delivering the goods. I don't have to stress about spending my hard earned money on her books because they are so consistently good. Two thumbs up!
Profile Image for Aunt Missa.
300 reviews29 followers
September 23, 2025
Another low angst banger from Robin Alexander. I hate that she is retired, but luckily for me, there’s still plenty to still read. White Oak is another quirky Louisiana town filled with busy bodies who know everyone else’s business. Jaclyn is a local to her core, raising her nephew as her son and running a bait store. Her whole life is there and she stays super busy to avoid loneliness. Morgan blows into town with a broken heart, a lost job, and grieving her father’s passing.

Enter the ladies of the town who literally start brewing trouble, potions, and schemes to get Morgan and Jaclyn together, whether they want it or not. They want it and are so sweet building their new family together. Austin, Jaclyn’s son is a huge catalyst and he’s just adorable.

Sweet, low angst, and a little spicier than Robin’s other novels.
Profile Image for Maria.
47 reviews
September 10, 2017
One of the few books i really like of Robin Alexander. I get that she is a good writer, one of the best in mixing the right amount of fun and love. This one I enjoyed the most, i don't really know why but it felt more usual i guess? idk it was just good prose and charming characters.
Great read.
Profile Image for C. Mack.
Author 2 books20 followers
September 27, 2016
An amusing, well written story that, like all of RA's books, will have you chuckling at the querky characters and sighing at the sweet romance.
Profile Image for chaos.
122 reviews
February 2, 2022
wholesome and sweet instalove rural small town story with side characters who were (to me) more complex, zany, and intriguing than the two mains.
Profile Image for mili.
384 reviews14 followers
January 26, 2022
7/10

This is the best robin alexander book ive read honestly

the characters are hilarious and cute and u just gotta love the kid

but i still think i wouldnt enjoy this book if i were actually reading it - it would be a weak three star max

so

in conclusion

10/10 audio

lori prince really does make everything feel better

she’s at the top when it comes to narrators and this isnt the first time something like this happened (me ending up liking the book that i would usually put in the dnf shelf if i tried reading the ebook)

honestly i definitely recommend the audiobook!

ps tf is that cover
Profile Image for Stefanie.
19 reviews
January 23, 2014
This was so cute, funny and endearing. It make me smile and laugh out loud. I love the quirky and hilarious people and the relationships that developed were heart-warming. I will definitely look at other books by this author.
Profile Image for Kaye.
4,339 reviews71 followers
March 11, 2022
Continuing through Robin Alexander via audio books with Lori Prince as the narrator. Another feel good, romance with crazy side characters. Morgan Chassion moves to the small town of White Oak Lake, LA. Her father left her his fishing cabin and she goes there after losing her job and girlfriend in Atlanta. The town is one where everyone knows your business. And some of the local ladies are willing to even drink strange potions if Morgan might become a possible connection to local town favorite Jaclyn Wyatt. Jaclyn runs the local grocery store and bait shop and she is the single mother to 14 year old Austin.

I don’t think I remember the author having children be part of the relationship in other books but Austin is a great addition. He and Morgan become fast friends and together work on a project for a local lake race. This allows time for Jaclyn and Morgan to get to know each other better. Austin does slowdown the heat factor but they eventually get there. It is all good southern fun.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
828 reviews14 followers
August 19, 2025
Finally a funny ff book with likeable characters, something actually happening (not just day-to-day minutiae) and great narration.

Clearly I've been looking in the wring places up to now.

Robin Alexander has a new fan and I'm a convert to the narration of Lori Prince!
Profile Image for J H.
526 reviews12 followers
May 24, 2022
A very charming romance story

SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: romantic comedy, bet or dare, favorite trope; UNICORN: more than 2 POVs (possibly other categories)

It's been close to 8 or 9 years since I originally read this book, and I had forgotten how much I enjoyed everything about the book. That is one zany town!

To me, this was about two MCs and the rest of the town. It's not always good to be the token LGBTQIA person in a town, but White Oak loves their lesbian. Unfortunately for her, they meddle in her life by trying to find her a perfect partner. Luckily, the new lesbian in town seems like a worthy candidate, especially according the busybody town "hens." Romance and hilarity, two endearing MCs, and a very colorful ensemble of characters made for a fantastic read.
Profile Image for Alicia.
34 reviews
December 6, 2021
I’ve only just discovered Robin Alexander and have devoured all of her books! I was so excited when this came out as an audiobook!

Robin Alexander writes such great stories with some really great laughs mixed in! She is by far becoming one of my favorite authors.

The characters in this story are great, the story is very sweet, and the neighbors are crazy!!

If you love small town romances this is for you.

Lori Prince narrating is always awesome!

Profile Image for Linda.
232 reviews10 followers
February 17, 2022
I am a sucker for humor and Robin Alexander is a grand master of downhome family laughs. And romance. Under all the quirky characters down on the lake is a sweet, sweet romance. Things that go on here at White Oak Lake includes fire ants, old ladies with more pot that I know the law allows down there, homemade boat regatta, moonshine, ticky tacky parents, and lesbians falling for each other. This gets a hilarious 7 out of 5 from me. I do recommend you give this book a try
Profile Image for Maja Misic.
Author 1 book1 follower
October 31, 2016
This is my single favourite Robin Alexander book. I have read most of her opus, but this one stood up among them and has a special place in my heart.
Beautiful story, rich caracters, loud-laughing-in-the-middle-of-the-night-and-waking-up-my-partner kind of humor entangled in picturesque southern surroundings.
Profile Image for 3DKing.
274 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2025
Another funny romance by Robin Alexander with a boat-load of quirky side-characters. The end came a little bit rushed and some threads seem to left unresolved. Otherwise this is pretty drama-free, feel-good. :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews

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