“What immediately distinguishes Johnson-Hodge’s work is her choice of protagonist. Ru Harrison, at sixty-two, offers a refreshing perspective in contemporary fiction. As someone of the same age, I found myself connecting deeply with her character—a woman who loves October (my birth month as well), who finds solace in jazz played on vinyl, and who carries the weight of a love that never quite became what it promised to be. Johnson-Hodge’s prose has a comfortable, conversational quality that draws readers into intimate spaces.
Her attention to the small details—the vinyl jazz, the specific square footage of Ru’s home, the precise duration of the relationship (“two years one month and some days”)—creates a lived-in authenticity. These aren’t broad strokes but carefully observed lives.”
–D. Bennett - Donna's Book Addiction
Her attention to the small details—the vinyl jazz, the specific square footage of Ru’s home, the precise duration of the relationship (“two years one month and some days”)—creates a lived-in authenticity. These aren’t broad strokes but carefully observed lives.”
–D. Bennett - Donna's Book Addiction
“National Best-selling Author Margaret Johnson-Hodge has released her latest novel titled: OCTOBER a true-to-life drama about a family torn apart during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Set in Brooklyn, NY, October takes readers on the all too familiar and painful journey of life in 2020 when the world shuts down as a growing global pandemic changes the social dynamic of families, friends, and faith.
A MUST READ! *****5 of 5 Star”
–YAMS REVIEW!
“Margaret Johnson-Hodge is a master storyteller. “October” is a great story of family and the realities of surviving the pandemic. This is an honest read about love, strength, and togetherness.” –B. Glaze
“October” by Margaret Johnson-Hodge offers a deeply intimate and personal look into Ru’s life, revealing moments that feel honest, tender, and quietly profound. The story unfolds at a gentle pace, allowing space for reflection and emotional depth,...this unhurried rhythm suits the book’s contemplative nature. I would especially recommend this book to women, especially Gen Xers and Boomers, who may see echoes of their own experiences in Ru’s journey.” –D. Chan
“The characters are relatable, and experiencing the lock down through their individual perspectives brought back the emotions and realities of that time. Margaret Johnson-Hodge’s storytelling is remarkable. Her vivid writing makes it easy to picture each scene as I read along.”
–M. Coleman
“Every page is compelling and thought provoked. I have been a fan of Margaret Johnson Hodge since I read “Butterscotch Blues.” Just like her many other novels, “October” did not disappoint.”
–D. Butler
“As someone who loves autumn, the title October was perfect. It fits the tone of the book so well—reflective, quiet, and a little bittersweet. I really appreciated the quiet honesty of it. Ru feels incredibly real—thoughtful, reflective, a little guarded, and deeply human. I love how you let her interior life lead the story. Nothing feels rushed or forced, which made the emotions land harder.” –J. Adams
“Everyone in this work is so relatable and real. No fluff for far-fetched behavior, just real humans…”
–L. Alleyne
“October” is the perfect title, because as soon as I started the first chapter, it felt like wrapping yourself up in a blanket and that’s just what I did! The descriptive perspective of Ru made you feel like you were in the scene with her. For me, the entirety of this novel was so relatable...” –N. Jackson
“The reading is easy. It flows. The story of El is me, though I'm not a doctor or story is similar...The read is excellent. I can relate to the characters.” –B. Perry
“October” is a piercing novel about four sisters in the pandemic.. Love is dangerous, grief is private, and family refuses to quarantine. [It] explores how one virus can fracture, or finally bind sisters who have spent a lifetime circling around one another with unfinished conversations.”
–M. Dingle
“I love the way the author explains the seasons and brings you to October. I could smell the leaves rustling as I was reading sitting in my office...the characters really were written very well. I am not shocked as this is the type of author that pulls you in magnetically.” –N. Powell
“I felt an uncanny connection to the story line, almost as if you had a glimpse into my own life. The portrayal of Ru's family dynamics struck a chord with me, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Additionally, the authenticity of the characters, their use of colloquial language, and the relatable anecdotes further drew me into the narrative.” –T. Summers
“I love this! The characters are so well developed and the background on each is so clear and concise!”
–R. Downey
“I like the sisters and the bond that they share. It is realistic...the cover is beautiful.”
–S. Moore
“I felt like the opening to "October" was relatable and painted the perfect picture. As always, you never rush into the beginning with twists and turns, instead opting for setting the foundation of the story.”
–L. Graham
“Great read! October displayed all the emotions that we all feel at one time or another in our lives. Laughter, tears and uncertainty. I can definitely relate to Ru and El’s situations. So glad that October showed a strong family support system.” –S. Barrow
“Deep. Real. Captivating. 'October' is very entertaining. I did not want to put it down. The descriptions and details are so clear that I feel like I am sitting in each scene.”
–T. Cooper
“I love that the characters are "seasoned" and we get to navigate their relationship which is refreshing and a great perspective to explore.” –L. Prescott
“As usual, the characters are endearing and relatable. Descriptions on point. I can "see" everything as it unfolds. The way you expressed the feelings we all experienced during the pandemic really draws the reader into the story.” –C. Slaughter
“This felt real, like the life many people lived in 2020, down to the quarantine of El. I appreciated the introduction of the characters, you get a good feel of how each person was earlier in their lives as siblings and you built on that gently...” –K. Bell
“October was such an entertaining and soulful reminder of life not too long ago.”
–T. Manning
“It was a good read.” –D. Thomas
A MUST READ! *****5 of 5 Star”
–YAMS REVIEW!
“Margaret Johnson-Hodge is a master storyteller. “October” is a great story of family and the realities of surviving the pandemic. This is an honest read about love, strength, and togetherness.” –B. Glaze
“October” by Margaret Johnson-Hodge offers a deeply intimate and personal look into Ru’s life, revealing moments that feel honest, tender, and quietly profound. The story unfolds at a gentle pace, allowing space for reflection and emotional depth,...this unhurried rhythm suits the book’s contemplative nature. I would especially recommend this book to women, especially Gen Xers and Boomers, who may see echoes of their own experiences in Ru’s journey.” –D. Chan
“The characters are relatable, and experiencing the lock down through their individual perspectives brought back the emotions and realities of that time. Margaret Johnson-Hodge’s storytelling is remarkable. Her vivid writing makes it easy to picture each scene as I read along.”
–M. Coleman
“Every page is compelling and thought provoked. I have been a fan of Margaret Johnson Hodge since I read “Butterscotch Blues.” Just like her many other novels, “October” did not disappoint.”
–D. Butler
“As someone who loves autumn, the title October was perfect. It fits the tone of the book so well—reflective, quiet, and a little bittersweet. I really appreciated the quiet honesty of it. Ru feels incredibly real—thoughtful, reflective, a little guarded, and deeply human. I love how you let her interior life lead the story. Nothing feels rushed or forced, which made the emotions land harder.” –J. Adams
“Everyone in this work is so relatable and real. No fluff for far-fetched behavior, just real humans…”
–L. Alleyne
“October” is the perfect title, because as soon as I started the first chapter, it felt like wrapping yourself up in a blanket and that’s just what I did! The descriptive perspective of Ru made you feel like you were in the scene with her. For me, the entirety of this novel was so relatable...” –N. Jackson
“The reading is easy. It flows. The story of El is me, though I'm not a doctor or story is similar...The read is excellent. I can relate to the characters.” –B. Perry
“October” is a piercing novel about four sisters in the pandemic.. Love is dangerous, grief is private, and family refuses to quarantine. [It] explores how one virus can fracture, or finally bind sisters who have spent a lifetime circling around one another with unfinished conversations.”
–M. Dingle
“I love the way the author explains the seasons and brings you to October. I could smell the leaves rustling as I was reading sitting in my office...the characters really were written very well. I am not shocked as this is the type of author that pulls you in magnetically.” –N. Powell
“I felt an uncanny connection to the story line, almost as if you had a glimpse into my own life. The portrayal of Ru's family dynamics struck a chord with me, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Additionally, the authenticity of the characters, their use of colloquial language, and the relatable anecdotes further drew me into the narrative.” –T. Summers
“I love this! The characters are so well developed and the background on each is so clear and concise!”
–R. Downey
“I like the sisters and the bond that they share. It is realistic...the cover is beautiful.”
–S. Moore
“I felt like the opening to "October" was relatable and painted the perfect picture. As always, you never rush into the beginning with twists and turns, instead opting for setting the foundation of the story.”
–L. Graham
“Great read! October displayed all the emotions that we all feel at one time or another in our lives. Laughter, tears and uncertainty. I can definitely relate to Ru and El’s situations. So glad that October showed a strong family support system.” –S. Barrow
“Deep. Real. Captivating. 'October' is very entertaining. I did not want to put it down. The descriptions and details are so clear that I feel like I am sitting in each scene.”
–T. Cooper
“I love that the characters are "seasoned" and we get to navigate their relationship which is refreshing and a great perspective to explore.” –L. Prescott
“As usual, the characters are endearing and relatable. Descriptions on point. I can "see" everything as it unfolds. The way you expressed the feelings we all experienced during the pandemic really draws the reader into the story.” –C. Slaughter
“This felt real, like the life many people lived in 2020, down to the quarantine of El. I appreciated the introduction of the characters, you get a good feel of how each person was earlier in their lives as siblings and you built on that gently...” –K. Bell
“October was such an entertaining and soulful reminder of life not too long ago.”
–T. Manning
“It was a good read.” –D. Thomas
Join the group of readers who are loving "October" and order your copy today!
List Price $27.00
Website discount: $21.00 (Free shipping and signed copy)
List Price $27.00
Website discount: $21.00 (Free shipping and signed copy)