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Athena's Piano
AND ALL THAT JAZZ
Combat veteran, surgeon, and musician, Tony Marco has everything except a soulmate to share his life. When he’s bewitched by the piano formerly owned by Athena Cruz, an extraordinary jazz musician from the 1920s, he finds himself transported back to her world.
Athena is a stunning, talented woman who’s in mortal danger. Falling hard for her, Tony sets out to free her from the possessive and evil jazz club owner who covets her. He’ll stop at nothing to destroy those who oppose him, especially Tony, who has captured Athena’s heart.
If Tony and Athena are able to escape her maniacal boss, they might find the future holds more for them than they can imagine.
Combat veteran, surgeon, and musician, Tony Marco has everything except a soulmate to share his life. When he’s bewitched by the piano formerly owned by Athena Cruz, an extraordinary jazz musician from the 1920s, he finds himself transported back to her world.
Athena is a stunning, talented woman who’s in mortal danger. Falling hard for her, Tony sets out to free her from the possessive and evil jazz club owner who covets her. He’ll stop at nothing to destroy those who oppose him, especially Tony, who has captured Athena’s heart.
If Tony and Athena are able to escape her maniacal boss, they might find the future holds more for them than they can imagine.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2021
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Allen Johnson
4 books2 followersMy education is grounded on a BA in language/literature, an MA in communications, and PhD in counseling psychology.
My passions are diverse. In my lifetime I've been a pilot, scuba diver, and mountain climber. These days, my hobbies are more relaxed: cycling, jazz vocals and piano, photography, and, of course, writing.
To date, I've written seven fiction and non-fiction books. The most recent is "Athena's Piano," a magical romantic thriller.
Other novels include:
"The Awakening"
"Spike, Benny, and Boone."
My non-fiction books include:
"This Side of Crazy"
"Pardon My French"
"The Power Within"
My passions are diverse. In my lifetime I've been a pilot, scuba diver, and mountain climber. These days, my hobbies are more relaxed: cycling, jazz vocals and piano, photography, and, of course, writing.
To date, I've written seven fiction and non-fiction books. The most recent is "Athena's Piano," a magical romantic thriller.
Other novels include:
"The Awakening"
"Spike, Benny, and Boone."
My non-fiction books include:
"This Side of Crazy"
"Pardon My French"
"The Power Within"
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 8, 2021
I’ve always loved stories of time travel, particularly when they’re love stories. From The Lake House to The Time Traveler’s Wife, the idea of a love affair bridging the years has many layers of metaphor to yield, if the author plays it right.
Allen Johnson’s story of lovers linked through a player piano, between the 1920s and modern day is both ingenious and original. Antony (Tony) Marco is the present-day lover. A skilful surgeon who lacks any skill when it comes to the day-to-day matter of finding a partner. Athena Cruz is a black musician from 1924 Harlem who acquires a player piano at the start of the novel. It’s this instrument that links the two across the boundaries of time.
In a love story you’ve got to love the lovers and also believe that they too are in love. Johnson draws strong word pictures of all his characters, but particularly the leads. There’s a simplicity to the description which is deceiving. He leaves enough space for the reader to paint in the richness of the characters for themselves – and to fall in love with them.
Tony’s naïveté is entirely credible. By contrast, Athena’s strength and command of a situation is reassuring to find in a 2021 novel. From the opening chapters of the book we want this coupling to work. But Johnson throws many detours and heart stopping moments along the way to keep you guessing and still rooting for them all the way to the end.
What’s deeply satisfying in an historical novel is when the author has done their homework. And this is very evident in Athena’s Piano. Johnson uses his research to enrich the story, not show off his cleverness. The result is a satisfying, heart-warming read.
David C Dawson
Author of: A Death in Bloomsbury
Allen Johnson’s story of lovers linked through a player piano, between the 1920s and modern day is both ingenious and original. Antony (Tony) Marco is the present-day lover. A skilful surgeon who lacks any skill when it comes to the day-to-day matter of finding a partner. Athena Cruz is a black musician from 1924 Harlem who acquires a player piano at the start of the novel. It’s this instrument that links the two across the boundaries of time.
In a love story you’ve got to love the lovers and also believe that they too are in love. Johnson draws strong word pictures of all his characters, but particularly the leads. There’s a simplicity to the description which is deceiving. He leaves enough space for the reader to paint in the richness of the characters for themselves – and to fall in love with them.
Tony’s naïveté is entirely credible. By contrast, Athena’s strength and command of a situation is reassuring to find in a 2021 novel. From the opening chapters of the book we want this coupling to work. But Johnson throws many detours and heart stopping moments along the way to keep you guessing and still rooting for them all the way to the end.
What’s deeply satisfying in an historical novel is when the author has done their homework. And this is very evident in Athena’s Piano. Johnson uses his research to enrich the story, not show off his cleverness. The result is a satisfying, heart-warming read.
David C Dawson
Author of: A Death in Bloomsbury
October 5, 2021
All reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
Allen Johnson gives us romance, suspense, and the unexplained, and he does it masterfully, not so much with words on a page but rather painting the scenes in our minds. The descriptions are so rich and detailed, reading this story was like watching a movie in my head. Tony and Athena are living in different centuries, but they’re brought together by an inexplicable force.
Johnson weaves a story of vivid scenes and rich history, interspersed with musical and literary references to bring their story to life. It’s a beautiful tale of love and magic that will keep you guessing until the very end.
September 11, 2024
In general, I enjoy time travel. This one was a bit odd, but I'm not sorry I spent the time reading it.
October 4, 2021
Allen Johnson has written a fantastic novel that captured my heart in this delightful story of boundless love. Set on Swing Street in 1924 Harlem, you will saturate your senses in the scent, taste, and sounds of hot jazz. But fasten your seatbelts, because not everything is a picnic. There's danger lurking just around the corner. And our hero and heroine have to beware. But in the end, I'm betting the novel will touch your heart. It definitely touched mine.
If you're not yet convinced, please check out this one-minute trailer: https://youtu.be/XLp9PHwkkaY
If you're not yet convinced, please check out this one-minute trailer: https://youtu.be/XLp9PHwkkaY
September 27, 2021
Allen Johnson has always been one to acknowledge the masters, whether in art, cinema, music or fiction, and in Athena’s Piano, his third novel, he crafts a fast-paced page-turner teeming with tributes. Romance, time travel, and jazz are his themes and vehicles, interwoven on a backdrop of New York City now and in 1924. A magical player piano whisks the hero, Tony Marco back in time to one of the glory days of jazz where, with the author’s fond wink to Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris, Marco encounters the likes of Coleman Hawkins, Fletcher Henderson, Louis Armstrong, Langston Hughes and most importantly, the lovely, talented diva Athena Cruz, the love of his dreams. But danger and violence stalk the lovers and provide for an adrenaline-soaked ride as they race to evade a dastardly villain who will stop at nothing to thwart their passion. Lovers of romance and Pretty Woman will find much to enjoy here as will those who take pleasure in the shimmering intricacies of traditional jazz. This smooth and accomplished novel delivers pleasure, suspense, and satisfaction from start to finish.
September 21, 2021
With vividly painted settings, you will find yourself transported to 1920’s Harlem. There you will be immersed in the culture surrounding the nightclubs of the time, specifically venues reminiscent of The Cotton Club. From Langston Hughes and Louis Armstrong to a young Eleanora Fagan who would become the great Billie Holiday, Allen Johnson weaves rich history and memorable influential figures, into a landscape so vibrant, you will feel the thrum of the upright bass.
In Athena’s Piano, Athena and Tony are destined to be together in a love story that pushes the boundaries of time aside. Each goes about daily life in a different decade, and we come to know them first apart in their own eras. When Johnson finally brings them together in their first meeting it’s absolutely magical.
A nightclub owner with an unhealthy attraction to Athena, overshadowed only by his possessive, entitled nature, poses a threat to our happily ever after. Like a bad penny, the man keeps coming back, relentless in his quest to make the songstress his. If he can’t have her, then he will ensure Tony can’t either.
Athena’s Piano tackles the plight of class and race in its accurate depiction of life and love in the 1920s. Nostalgic and at times amusing, Johnson provides a rewarding conclusion to his readers. This is an engaging story of romance, music, culture, and triumph that will keep you hooked right to the last page.
Jennifer Peer, Author of The Last Bloom
In Athena’s Piano, Athena and Tony are destined to be together in a love story that pushes the boundaries of time aside. Each goes about daily life in a different decade, and we come to know them first apart in their own eras. When Johnson finally brings them together in their first meeting it’s absolutely magical.
A nightclub owner with an unhealthy attraction to Athena, overshadowed only by his possessive, entitled nature, poses a threat to our happily ever after. Like a bad penny, the man keeps coming back, relentless in his quest to make the songstress his. If he can’t have her, then he will ensure Tony can’t either.
Athena’s Piano tackles the plight of class and race in its accurate depiction of life and love in the 1920s. Nostalgic and at times amusing, Johnson provides a rewarding conclusion to his readers. This is an engaging story of romance, music, culture, and triumph that will keep you hooked right to the last page.
Jennifer Peer, Author of The Last Bloom
October 3, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed Allen Johnson’s engrossing novel, Athena’s Piano. This fast, fun read is a unique blend of sci-fi action and music. Dr. Johnson artfully mixes his deep love and knowledge of music with a fascinating time-travel plot.
September 30, 2021
Allen Johnson’s fourth novel successfully weaves science fiction, romance, humor, intrigue and contemporary jazz together into a delightful package of page-turning fiction. Pick it up and enjoy the ride! M.D.Navalinski, Author of The Mañana Method
September 27, 2021
Allen Johnson's delicious command of language will draw you into his latest novel, Athena’s Piano. Are you ready to take a remarkable journey back to 1924? Utilizing Allen's love and knowledge of music, he has crafted a sci-fi mystery that will make it difficult to put this book down. Grab your imagination and come along on this fast-paced adventure!
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September 24, 2021Tony Marco knows something is lacking in his otherwise successful, twenty-first century life. Athena Cruz is extremely talented, but unwilling to settle for the small, twentieth century life into which she was born. Their mutual love of music crosses the boundaries of time via Athena’s player piano. When they meet, there is no doubt of their love. There is also no doubt about the intentions of a man bent on destroying them both.
Do long-distance romances, and these two lovers, survive?
I really enjoyed this enchanting, well-researched story."
Do long-distance romances, and these two lovers, survive?
I really enjoyed this enchanting, well-researched story."
September 23, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed every twist and turn in this marvelously written novel! A suspenseful love story that kept me on my toes to the end. I was delighted how the detailed descriptions of places and things, past and present, made it seem like a movie in my head. Nicely done!!!
September 22, 2021
Allen Johnson has hit it out of the park with this masterpiece! Intrigue, romance, and suspense as this sci-fi thriller twists into the historical jazz world of the 1920s. His neological writing style soars in this best seller to be. A great read.
November 4, 2021
Allen Johnson writes a timeless story of new meeting old, and old meeting new. With his fine writing skills, he fills his story with magic and invokes the atmosphere of days long passed and forgotten. The story of Athena and Tony is one that will not be forgotten easily, and his words conjure up images of a bygone age with ease and reminiscence for those people who may remember what life was like back then.
It’s no easy task shifting a story from present, to past, and back to present, but Allen manages this time travel seamlessly. This mesmerising love story touches on history, human emotion, regret, and passion. There are twists and turns galore and through it all, we have a strong woman who knows what she wants and will do whatever she can to obtain it. It’s refreshing to see a heroine of this nature.
The book is well researched and evocative of the times gone by. When 1924 collides with 2021, the circumstances are believable and in his drive to bring two eras to life, Allen manages marvellously.
Highly recommended as a love story, a thriller and a book teaching us that sometimes, no matter what the year, humanity remains the same in the search for love.
It’s no easy task shifting a story from present, to past, and back to present, but Allen manages this time travel seamlessly. This mesmerising love story touches on history, human emotion, regret, and passion. There are twists and turns galore and through it all, we have a strong woman who knows what she wants and will do whatever she can to obtain it. It’s refreshing to see a heroine of this nature.
The book is well researched and evocative of the times gone by. When 1924 collides with 2021, the circumstances are believable and in his drive to bring two eras to life, Allen manages marvellously.
Highly recommended as a love story, a thriller and a book teaching us that sometimes, no matter what the year, humanity remains the same in the search for love.
October 10, 2021
4.5 stars!
I LOVE Time Travel romances! So naturally, I HAD to get my hands on this book. That said, I was wary of how a male author would write a romance. Well, Allen Johnson did a fantastic job. He did a spectacular job in painting the heroine, Athena, a singer and piano player from the Roaring Twenties, as a vivid and likable character. It did take a minute for me to grow on Tony, a surgeon in modern times, who women constantly threw themselves at. But as I got to know him, and his passion for music and an impending sense of destiny in finding his true love, I was cheering when he went back in time. The first meeting of Tony and Athena was delightful, and the insta-love WORKED. The author's knowledge and love of music shone from the pages of this story. We also get to meet a great cast of supporting characters and some scary villains. There are a couple of tear-jerker moments, and I think the author did a good job with the historical and interracial aspects of the story.
I will definitely be checking out more of Allan's work in the future.
I LOVE Time Travel romances! So naturally, I HAD to get my hands on this book. That said, I was wary of how a male author would write a romance. Well, Allen Johnson did a fantastic job. He did a spectacular job in painting the heroine, Athena, a singer and piano player from the Roaring Twenties, as a vivid and likable character. It did take a minute for me to grow on Tony, a surgeon in modern times, who women constantly threw themselves at. But as I got to know him, and his passion for music and an impending sense of destiny in finding his true love, I was cheering when he went back in time. The first meeting of Tony and Athena was delightful, and the insta-love WORKED. The author's knowledge and love of music shone from the pages of this story. We also get to meet a great cast of supporting characters and some scary villains. There are a couple of tear-jerker moments, and I think the author did a good job with the historical and interracial aspects of the story.
I will definitely be checking out more of Allan's work in the future.
October 6, 2021
What a beautiful piece! The diversity and strong personalities of the female characters is definitely inspiring. It’s so encouraging to imagine those strong, independent, free-spirited women of the early 1900s fighting against and breaking the limitations that society imposed to them, doing what it takes while fulfilling their dreams and opening the road to the freedom and choices we have now. Yes, this is a love story, but there’s so much more to it. Allen’s detailed descriptions allow you to envision the scenes in your head and enjoy the multicultural, conflicted, vibrant atmosphere and ambiance of the era, without forgetting the dark side and cruelty and injustices that were so common. You won’t escape wondering and appreciating how 100 years of innovations have changed our lives for good and bad. There is a little of everything here: family love, friendship, passion, romance, and action. An innocent and refreshing take on love 100 years apart.
November 22, 2021
Hypnagogia according to the writer and the dictionary is a transitional state of consciousness that rest between being awake and asleep. The male lead Tony experiences this when he first hear the emotional playing of Athena’s version of “It had to Be You” on an upright Reproducing Steinway Pianola, the haunting visuals grab hold of him and won’t let go. He can see her in her time period of 1924 Harlem while he lives in 2019 Greenwich Village. A like that the story gives us time to get to know the main characters in their respective worlds before their lives become intertwined. There is drama, suspense, danger, magic and love in this story. A bite your nails, who they survive to get their HEA before its too late.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2021
It’s been a few days since I finished Allen Johnson’s magical novel. I absolutely loved it. I kept thinking about the story and characters for days while cooking, harvesting my garden, and making preserves.Johnson’s action scenes were thrilling. I truly felt as if I were right there in the center of the fury.
It’s a great story with such profound knowledge and celebration of jazz, not to mention a thrilling love story that will stay with me for a very long time.
I hope Johnson’s book sells a million copies. I also hope Tony and Athena have a long and happy life together—one they can share with their grandchildren who are sure to have their own incredible adventures.
It’s a great story with such profound knowledge and celebration of jazz, not to mention a thrilling love story that will stay with me for a very long time.
I hope Johnson’s book sells a million copies. I also hope Tony and Athena have a long and happy life together—one they can share with their grandchildren who are sure to have their own incredible adventures.
October 11, 2021
I am a sucker for a good time travel story. I’m also a lover of jazz and the roaring twenties! This book hooked me from the start. The characters, the settings, and their love that connected them over nearly a century. I’ve long believed that love knew not the bounds of race, color, or creed. After reading Athena’s piano I can add the space time continuum to that list.
This story has everything drama, action, adventure, romance, suspense, and a happily ever after that had me swooning.
This story has everything drama, action, adventure, romance, suspense, and a happily ever after that had me swooning.
November 2, 2021
Beautiful story and writing. Funny how a quick trip to the 1920s can feel like a much needed escape while also making you appreciate the present and how far we've come in a hundred years. I loved Tony and Athena and their story together.
October 21, 2021
There are so many ways to tell a love story. Allen Johnson chose a delightful and intriguing mixture of culture, history and music to tell his.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews