ACCOLADES
Literary Reviews
Publishers Weekly:
“Johnson-Hodge has written a captivating sequel that loyal readers and new fans will devour.” — “Some Sunday”
“She has created characters that, despite their flaws, readers will care about…Forecast: Johnson-Hodge’s popularity continues to grow. Audiences will respond favorably to the earthy drama’s she describes…” — “True Lies”
“Johnson-Hodge offers a sassy and often endearing story.” — “Warm Hands”
“Fresh writing and an honest recognizable heroine.” -- “The Real Deal”
Booklist:
“Johnson-Hodge offers a poignant and lyrical tale of dreams lost, dreams deferred, and dreams reborn.” — “True Lies”
“This story is filled with very contemporary situations that some people may be forced to deal and many will want to read about.” — “Butterscotch Blues”
USA Today:
"Johnson-Hodge hits the ground running [when] true love is tested by the brutal facts of AIDS."
— “Butterscotch Blues”
Midwest Book Review:
“A book so memorable it will become a classic in years to come.” —“Red Light Green Light”
Quarterly Black Review:
“Mrs. Johnson-Hodge once again ups the relationship ante with her latest novel. She effectively weaves the complexities of marriage and how they relate to a person’s individual growth…A Journey To Here is a solid work…” — “A Journey To Here”
“Margaret Johnson-Hodge has done a wonderful Job.” — “True Lies”
“This hip, Terry McMillian-esque book will have you reexamining your thoughts about love and romance.” — “The Real Deal”
Amazon.com:
“Johnson-Hodge has written a profound first novel, creating characters that ring with authenticity and interest. This is a very literate, compelling read and highly recommended.” — “The Real Deal”
Romantic Times Magazine:
"Margaret Johnson-Hodge brings a sassy, witty and contemporary edge to [her] novels...add Ms. Johnson-Hodge to your list of auspicious debuts." — "The Real Deal"
Black Issues Book Review:
“Attention grabbing from the start.” — “Butterscotch Blues”
Ebony Magazine:
“An engaging novel…a moving tale.” — “Butterscotch Blues”
“Bestselling writer Margaret Johnson-Hodge delivers a powerful story about love, relationships and the choices people make…” — “This Time”
Essence Magazine:
"A touching story..." — "Butterscotch Blues"
The Romance Reader:
"...an excellent story of love, pride, parenting and second chances. I recommend it!"
— "A New Day"
Affaire de Coeur:
"This book has a wealth of characters with who, every reader can identify. It's funny and sexy and the ending will have you shouting "You go, girl! " --"Warm Hands"
Informed Resources:
"...refreshingly straightforward..." — “The Real Deal”
"..many of us will recognize [our selves] as plainly as the face in the mirror...Johnson-Hodge's smooth writing style catches the eye and engages the mind." — "A New Day"
Under the Covers.com:
“The novel is a testament to the power of love and the strengths of one’s spirit…”
-- "Butterscotch Blues"
“Stop the presses! Margaret Johnson-Hodge does indeed stop the presses with her latest novel…Characters fresh, drawn with empathy, strength and sincerity, drive a slice-of-life plot that reads like a mystery.” — “A New Day”
“A poet, Margaret Johnson-Hodge weaves a subtle lyricism into her novel. Drawing on her strengths, she burnishes the story until it glows with inner warmth and vitality.” — “The Real Deal”
Black Woman Today:
“Margaret Johnson Hodge is a talented writer with easy to catch your stride style that has become trademark in all of her novels to date…[the story] unfolds a deeper story on morality, alcoholism, depressive distress and emotional breakdown.” — “Some Sunday”
Grace Edwards, Author of “No Time to Die”:
“A heart-stopping love story rendered with the skill of a poet.” — “Warm Hands”
Belles and Beaus of Romance:
"This novel explores feelings of...power, humor and great insight...will leave you realizing that love has many colors." — “The Real Deal”
Shades of Romance Magazine:
"...[a] heart-breaking story of friendship and the healing power of love...[it] will surely establish Margaret Johnson-Hodge as a voice to be reckoned with." -- "Butterscotch Blues"
“Johnson-Hodge has written a captivating sequel that loyal readers and new fans will devour.” — “Some Sunday”
“She has created characters that, despite their flaws, readers will care about…Forecast: Johnson-Hodge’s popularity continues to grow. Audiences will respond favorably to the earthy drama’s she describes…” — “True Lies”
“Johnson-Hodge offers a sassy and often endearing story.” — “Warm Hands”
“Fresh writing and an honest recognizable heroine.” -- “The Real Deal”
Booklist:
“Johnson-Hodge offers a poignant and lyrical tale of dreams lost, dreams deferred, and dreams reborn.” — “True Lies”
“This story is filled with very contemporary situations that some people may be forced to deal and many will want to read about.” — “Butterscotch Blues”
USA Today:
"Johnson-Hodge hits the ground running [when] true love is tested by the brutal facts of AIDS."
— “Butterscotch Blues”
Midwest Book Review:
“A book so memorable it will become a classic in years to come.” —“Red Light Green Light”
Quarterly Black Review:
“Mrs. Johnson-Hodge once again ups the relationship ante with her latest novel. She effectively weaves the complexities of marriage and how they relate to a person’s individual growth…A Journey To Here is a solid work…” — “A Journey To Here”
“Margaret Johnson-Hodge has done a wonderful Job.” — “True Lies”
“This hip, Terry McMillian-esque book will have you reexamining your thoughts about love and romance.” — “The Real Deal”
Amazon.com:
“Johnson-Hodge has written a profound first novel, creating characters that ring with authenticity and interest. This is a very literate, compelling read and highly recommended.” — “The Real Deal”
Romantic Times Magazine:
"Margaret Johnson-Hodge brings a sassy, witty and contemporary edge to [her] novels...add Ms. Johnson-Hodge to your list of auspicious debuts." — "The Real Deal"
Black Issues Book Review:
“Attention grabbing from the start.” — “Butterscotch Blues”
Ebony Magazine:
“An engaging novel…a moving tale.” — “Butterscotch Blues”
“Bestselling writer Margaret Johnson-Hodge delivers a powerful story about love, relationships and the choices people make…” — “This Time”
Essence Magazine:
"A touching story..." — "Butterscotch Blues"
The Romance Reader:
"...an excellent story of love, pride, parenting and second chances. I recommend it!"
— "A New Day"
Affaire de Coeur:
"This book has a wealth of characters with who, every reader can identify. It's funny and sexy and the ending will have you shouting "You go, girl! " --"Warm Hands"
Informed Resources:
"...refreshingly straightforward..." — “The Real Deal”
"..many of us will recognize [our selves] as plainly as the face in the mirror...Johnson-Hodge's smooth writing style catches the eye and engages the mind." — "A New Day"
Under the Covers.com:
“The novel is a testament to the power of love and the strengths of one’s spirit…”
-- "Butterscotch Blues"
“Stop the presses! Margaret Johnson-Hodge does indeed stop the presses with her latest novel…Characters fresh, drawn with empathy, strength and sincerity, drive a slice-of-life plot that reads like a mystery.” — “A New Day”
“A poet, Margaret Johnson-Hodge weaves a subtle lyricism into her novel. Drawing on her strengths, she burnishes the story until it glows with inner warmth and vitality.” — “The Real Deal”
Black Woman Today:
“Margaret Johnson Hodge is a talented writer with easy to catch your stride style that has become trademark in all of her novels to date…[the story] unfolds a deeper story on morality, alcoholism, depressive distress and emotional breakdown.” — “Some Sunday”
Grace Edwards, Author of “No Time to Die”:
“A heart-stopping love story rendered with the skill of a poet.” — “Warm Hands”
Belles and Beaus of Romance:
"This novel explores feelings of...power, humor and great insight...will leave you realizing that love has many colors." — “The Real Deal”
Shades of Romance Magazine:
"...[a] heart-breaking story of friendship and the healing power of love...[it] will surely establish Margaret Johnson-Hodge as a voice to be reckoned with." -- "Butterscotch Blues"
Publishing Highlights
“Author of the Year” Nomination – “A Journey to Here”
Publishers Weekly Savvy List of the Season’s Best Reads — “Some Sunday”
Barnes and Nobles Bookstore Recommended Reading – “A Journey to Here”
USA Today: First Chapters – “Butterscotch Blues”
Dallas Morning News Fiction Bestsellers List – “A Journey to Here”
Austin Chronicle Bestsellers List – “Butterscotch Blues
Rocky Mountain News Great Read Selection – “Some Sunday”
Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie Option Consideration – “Some Sunday”
Showtime Cable TV Movie Option Consideration – “A New Day”
The Harvard Review: Short Story Request —Harvard University
University English Course: Required Reading: “Some Sunday”
– Unv. of Wisconsin at Eau Claire English Course
University English Course: Required Reading: “A New Day”
– Unv. of Wisconsin at Eau Claire English Course
“Outstanding Contribution to African-American Literature” – Award
—Queens College of the City of New York
TRR Favorite – “In Search of Tennessee Sunshine”
Black Expressions Book Club Top Choice – “A Journey to Here”
Black Expressions Book Club New and Notable Fiction – “A Journey to Here”
Black Expressions Book Club Sizzling Fiction – “A Journey to Here”
Book of the Month Club — “A Journey to Here”
Black Expressions Book Club – “A Journey to Here”
Quarterly Black Review Fiction Bestsellers List – “A Journey to Here”
Forbes.com — “A Journey to Here”
Urban Voices On Line Top Book List – “A Journey to Here”
Howard University Book Store Recommended Reading – “A Journey to Here”
New Zealand Public Library New Book List – “A Journey to Here”
Southwest Public Libraries New and Notable Fiction – “A Journey to Here”
Columbus Metro Library New and Notable Fiction – “A Journey to Here”
Black Expressions Book Club Bestsellers List – “True Lies”
Black Expressions Book Club Main Selection — “True Lies”
Borders Book Store Recommended Book – “True Lies”
BookRemarks.com Hot Novels List – “True Lies”
Under The Covers.com Highly Recommended – “True Lies”
Tucson-Pima Public Library Star Pick – “True Lies”
Amazon.com Best In Fiction – “Some Sunday”
Black Expressions Book Club Main Selection — “Some Sunday”
Toledo Public Library – Third Most Requested Book – “Some Sunday”
Black Expressions Book Club Main Selection —“Butterscotch Blues”
Doubleday Book Club —“Butterscotch Blues”
The Literary Guild Book Club — “Butterscotch Blues”
Essence Magazine Bestsellers List — “Butterscotch Blues”
Blackboard Bestsellers List — “Butterscotch Blues”
Amazon.com Best In Women’s Fiction — “Butterscotch Blues”
Black Expressions Book Club Book of the Year —“Butterscotch Blues”
Black Expressions Book Club Favorable Fiction (twice) —“Butterscotch Blues”
Black Expressions Book Club Notable Novel —“Butterscotch Blues”
Black Expressions Book Club Unforgettable Novel — “Butterscotch Blues”
Black Expressions Book Club Unforgettable Novel — “Warm Hands”
The Literary Guild — “Warm Hands”
Doubleday Book Club — “Warm Hands”
Mosaic.com Hot Book List — “Warm Hands”
Black Expressions Book Club —“Warm Hands”
Black Expressions Book Club Fiction Favorite (twice) — “Warm Hands”
Emerge Magazine Top Five Fiction List — “A New Day”
Mosaic.com What’s Hot List (five times) — “A New Day”
Black Expressions Book Club — “A New Day”
1998 Reviewers Choice Award —“The Real Deal”
Black Expressions Book Club —“The Real Deal”
Black Expressions Book Club Quick Pick —“The Real Deal”
Publishers Weekly Savvy List of the Season’s Best Reads — “Some Sunday”
Barnes and Nobles Bookstore Recommended Reading – “A Journey to Here”
USA Today: First Chapters – “Butterscotch Blues”
Dallas Morning News Fiction Bestsellers List – “A Journey to Here”
Austin Chronicle Bestsellers List – “Butterscotch Blues
Rocky Mountain News Great Read Selection – “Some Sunday”
Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie Option Consideration – “Some Sunday”
Showtime Cable TV Movie Option Consideration – “A New Day”
The Harvard Review: Short Story Request —Harvard University
University English Course: Required Reading: “Some Sunday”
– Unv. of Wisconsin at Eau Claire English Course
University English Course: Required Reading: “A New Day”
– Unv. of Wisconsin at Eau Claire English Course
“Outstanding Contribution to African-American Literature” – Award
—Queens College of the City of New York
TRR Favorite – “In Search of Tennessee Sunshine”
Black Expressions Book Club Top Choice – “A Journey to Here”
Black Expressions Book Club New and Notable Fiction – “A Journey to Here”
Black Expressions Book Club Sizzling Fiction – “A Journey to Here”
Book of the Month Club — “A Journey to Here”
Black Expressions Book Club – “A Journey to Here”
Quarterly Black Review Fiction Bestsellers List – “A Journey to Here”
Forbes.com — “A Journey to Here”
Urban Voices On Line Top Book List – “A Journey to Here”
Howard University Book Store Recommended Reading – “A Journey to Here”
New Zealand Public Library New Book List – “A Journey to Here”
Southwest Public Libraries New and Notable Fiction – “A Journey to Here”
Columbus Metro Library New and Notable Fiction – “A Journey to Here”
Black Expressions Book Club Bestsellers List – “True Lies”
Black Expressions Book Club Main Selection — “True Lies”
Borders Book Store Recommended Book – “True Lies”
BookRemarks.com Hot Novels List – “True Lies”
Under The Covers.com Highly Recommended – “True Lies”
Tucson-Pima Public Library Star Pick – “True Lies”
Amazon.com Best In Fiction – “Some Sunday”
Black Expressions Book Club Main Selection — “Some Sunday”
Toledo Public Library – Third Most Requested Book – “Some Sunday”
Black Expressions Book Club Main Selection —“Butterscotch Blues”
Doubleday Book Club —“Butterscotch Blues”
The Literary Guild Book Club — “Butterscotch Blues”
Essence Magazine Bestsellers List — “Butterscotch Blues”
Blackboard Bestsellers List — “Butterscotch Blues”
Amazon.com Best In Women’s Fiction — “Butterscotch Blues”
Black Expressions Book Club Book of the Year —“Butterscotch Blues”
Black Expressions Book Club Favorable Fiction (twice) —“Butterscotch Blues”
Black Expressions Book Club Notable Novel —“Butterscotch Blues”
Black Expressions Book Club Unforgettable Novel — “Butterscotch Blues”
Black Expressions Book Club Unforgettable Novel — “Warm Hands”
The Literary Guild — “Warm Hands”
Doubleday Book Club — “Warm Hands”
Mosaic.com Hot Book List — “Warm Hands”
Black Expressions Book Club —“Warm Hands”
Black Expressions Book Club Fiction Favorite (twice) — “Warm Hands”
Emerge Magazine Top Five Fiction List — “A New Day”
Mosaic.com What’s Hot List (five times) — “A New Day”
Black Expressions Book Club — “A New Day”
1998 Reviewers Choice Award —“The Real Deal”
Black Expressions Book Club —“The Real Deal”
Black Expressions Book Club Quick Pick —“The Real Deal”
Special Events
Invited Featured Author: Fall Into Fiction, Alameda, CA – September 2015
Guest Speaker: North Cobb Senior Center – Acworth, GA – July 2013
Featured Author: Imani Book Club – Atlanta, GA – June 2013
One Woman Show: A New York State of Mind: An Evening with Margaret Johnson-Hodge – Atlanta, GA – November 2012
Featured Author: Women Who Love To Read – Charleston, SC – October 2012
Featured Author: Soje Emporium – Lawrenceville, GA – July 2012
Featured Author: Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Bestsellers Event – April 2012
Featured Author: Smyrna Public Library, Smyrna, GA April 2012
Featured Author: Mechanicsville Public Library, Atlanta, GA April 2012
Featured Author: Dekalb Public Library, Atlanta, GA November 2011
Featured Author: Turning Pages Book Club, Oakland, CA April 2010
Featured Author: - Harlem Book Fair- Harlem, New York, July 2009
Invited Featured Author: The California Book Club Summit – San Ramon, CA – February 2009
Featured Author: DA.R.E Literacy Event, Barnes & Nobles, Atlanta, GA August 2005
Featured Author: For Sisters Only, Atlanta, GA August 2005
Featured Guest Speaker: “Relationships and Popular Fiction: A Black Writers Perspective on Today’s Literary Market Place – University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire – November 2003
Honoree and Featured Author: Queens College of the City of NY Alum Reunion – May 2004
Featured Author: National Book Club Conference Summit – Atlanta, Georgia July 2003
Key Note Speaker: Reading and Writing Sisters Affair – Atlanta, Georgia, June, 2003
Featured Author: Amigals Literary Retreat – Fishkill, New York – June 2003
Guest Speaker: Reading and Writing Sisters Affair – June, 2002 – Atlanta, Georgia
Featured Author: Amigals Literary Retreat – Fishkill, New York – June 2002
Featured Author: Women Who Love to Read – Charleston, South Carolina - 2002
Featured Author: “Making the most of Relationships” - Words Escape Me Summit – Birmingham, Alabama, 2002
Featured Author: Women Who Love to Read – Savannah, Georgia – 2001
Featured Author: Women Who Love to Read – Savannah, Georgia 1999
Guest Speaker: North Cobb Senior Center – Acworth, GA – July 2013
Featured Author: Imani Book Club – Atlanta, GA – June 2013
One Woman Show: A New York State of Mind: An Evening with Margaret Johnson-Hodge – Atlanta, GA – November 2012
Featured Author: Women Who Love To Read – Charleston, SC – October 2012
Featured Author: Soje Emporium – Lawrenceville, GA – July 2012
Featured Author: Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Bestsellers Event – April 2012
Featured Author: Smyrna Public Library, Smyrna, GA April 2012
Featured Author: Mechanicsville Public Library, Atlanta, GA April 2012
Featured Author: Dekalb Public Library, Atlanta, GA November 2011
Featured Author: Turning Pages Book Club, Oakland, CA April 2010
Featured Author: - Harlem Book Fair- Harlem, New York, July 2009
Invited Featured Author: The California Book Club Summit – San Ramon, CA – February 2009
Featured Author: DA.R.E Literacy Event, Barnes & Nobles, Atlanta, GA August 2005
Featured Author: For Sisters Only, Atlanta, GA August 2005
Featured Guest Speaker: “Relationships and Popular Fiction: A Black Writers Perspective on Today’s Literary Market Place – University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire – November 2003
Honoree and Featured Author: Queens College of the City of NY Alum Reunion – May 2004
Featured Author: National Book Club Conference Summit – Atlanta, Georgia July 2003
Key Note Speaker: Reading and Writing Sisters Affair – Atlanta, Georgia, June, 2003
Featured Author: Amigals Literary Retreat – Fishkill, New York – June 2003
Guest Speaker: Reading and Writing Sisters Affair – June, 2002 – Atlanta, Georgia
Featured Author: Amigals Literary Retreat – Fishkill, New York – June 2002
Featured Author: Women Who Love to Read – Charleston, South Carolina - 2002
Featured Author: “Making the most of Relationships” - Words Escape Me Summit – Birmingham, Alabama, 2002
Featured Author: Women Who Love to Read – Savannah, Georgia – 2001
Featured Author: Women Who Love to Read – Savannah, Georgia 1999
Writing Workshops
Writing Workshop: Marietta Square, Marietta, GA – October 2016 (click here to receive registration info)
Writing Workshop: Marietta Square, Marietta, GA – Spring 2016
Writing Workshop: A Gathering Place, Marietta Square, Marietta, GA – October 2015
Children’s Writing Workshop: Kennesaw Public Library, Kennesaw, GA – June 2015
Writing Workshop: A Gathering Place, Marietta Square, Marietta, GA – April 2015
Writing Workshop: A Gathering Place, Marietta Square, Marietta, GA – October 2014
Writing Workshop: Georgia Writers Association, KSU, Kennesaw, GA – May 2015
Writing Workshop: South Cobb Public Library, Mableton, GA – April 2014
Writing Workshop: Kennesaw Public Library, Kennesaw, GA – November 2013
Writing Workshop: South Cobb Public Library, Mableton, GA – September 2013
Writing Workshop: Writing Boot Camp – Kennesaw, GA – March 2013
Writing Workshop: Kennesaw Public Library, Kennesaw, GA – November 2012
Children Writing Workshop: Kennesaw Public Library, Kennesaw, GA June, 2012
Writing Workshop: Kennesaw, GA March, 2012
Writing Workshop: Kennesaw Public Library, Kennesaw, Georgia September 2011
Writing Workshop: Kennesaw Public Library, Kennesaw, Georgia April, 2011
Writing Workshop: South Cobb Library, Mableton, GA February 2011
Writing Workshop: Kennesaw, GA. February, 2011
Children Writing Workshop: Sardis MBC, Kennesaw, GA June, 2010
Writing Workshop: Marietta Square, Marietta, GA – Spring 2016
Writing Workshop: A Gathering Place, Marietta Square, Marietta, GA – October 2015
Children’s Writing Workshop: Kennesaw Public Library, Kennesaw, GA – June 2015
Writing Workshop: A Gathering Place, Marietta Square, Marietta, GA – April 2015
Writing Workshop: A Gathering Place, Marietta Square, Marietta, GA – October 2014
Writing Workshop: Georgia Writers Association, KSU, Kennesaw, GA – May 2015
Writing Workshop: South Cobb Public Library, Mableton, GA – April 2014
Writing Workshop: Kennesaw Public Library, Kennesaw, GA – November 2013
Writing Workshop: South Cobb Public Library, Mableton, GA – September 2013
Writing Workshop: Writing Boot Camp – Kennesaw, GA – March 2013
Writing Workshop: Kennesaw Public Library, Kennesaw, GA – November 2012
Children Writing Workshop: Kennesaw Public Library, Kennesaw, GA June, 2012
Writing Workshop: Kennesaw, GA March, 2012
Writing Workshop: Kennesaw Public Library, Kennesaw, Georgia September 2011
Writing Workshop: Kennesaw Public Library, Kennesaw, Georgia April, 2011
Writing Workshop: South Cobb Library, Mableton, GA February 2011
Writing Workshop: Kennesaw, GA. February, 2011
Children Writing Workshop: Sardis MBC, Kennesaw, GA June, 2010