Hello Again by Doris Johnson

Hello Again by DORIS JOHNSON


On the immaculately designed cover of Hello Again by Doris Johnson there are seven words that stand out boldly and assured that catch the readers attention immediately: “Sometimes a second look leads to love…” With that in mind, we know that we’re not about to witness the tired boy-meets-girl, girl-goes-gaga-over-the-guy scenario, but rather a more subtle approach to the contemporary romance novel.

Hello Again begins rather slowly, with gradual crescendos leading to poignant climaxes throughout. In fact I thought - after having read the first chapter - that I would put the book down and let it gather dust on my literary armoire. Johnson starts her novel with an ample amount of back-story which often leaves the reader unamused and wondering whether the $6.99 ($9.99 for Canadians) plus sales tax was actually worth the expenditure. A lot of back-story which, frankly, I could have done without. Perhaps the author thought it best to slowly reel in the reader for the ensuing drama to come. I did not.

But indeed the following chapter makes my hypothesis correct. After having witnessed chapter one’s tedious lull, chapter two shines like the sun bouncing off the water. Here Johnson lets her skill whet the readers’ appetites, letting it splash just a bit, though thoroughly towel worthy. Here is where I realized that this is a novel that is surely worth the read!

[pg. 22]
“Come, live in the world you deserve.”
The sultry voice of the female commentator faded as did the commercial, with the beautiful model gazing up at the man of her dreams basking in his appreciation of the scent of her, as if her skin was the elixir personified.
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At this point we are introduced to the star of the novel, Margo Sterling. Johnson swiftly and very adeptly takes us on the adventure of high-price living and first-rate romance co-starring David Blackshear who had previously become an instant multimillionaire. After winning the New York State Lottery Mr. Blackshear has become a well-known target in his various business dealings and his philanthropy endeavors. So much so in fact that he becomes jaded - suspicious even - of women whom may or may not be attracted to his dollars, rather than the man beyond the money.

Enter Margo Sterling: who incidentally is not unused to being successful in her own right. She blows David off, taking her career frustrations out on the man who is to become her partner. To say that this meeting was love at first slight (pun intended) for David would be an understatement. And this is where Johnson shows us just how bright her authoring ability shines with this story of love lost, meticulous dedication & love found anew.


[pg. 125]
Driving on the Belt toward Queens, David was somber…
Man you’re messing up as bad as Mrs. O’leary’s cow. The great fire of Chicago started by that bovine was nothing compared to the fire in his belly when it came to Margo Sterling…
“Employer, employee, be damned,” he muttered.
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While there are certain adages that briefly come to mind when describing this novel – money talks & bullsh*t walks among others – don’t judge a book by its cover is clearly not one of these. And like the cover of Hello Again – this novel is not lacking in the beauty department. Whether it be the language or the saucy-descriptive love scenes or the shop-talk about cycling and advertising, one can be assured that Hello Again is one classy novel with the sophisticated cover to match.

4 out of 5 Stars - Seductive & Intense!
Reviewed for Mahogany Media of Hudson & Albany NY


Mahogany Media Review