Hit Reply    by Rocki St. Claire Order:  USA  Can Downtown Press, 2004 (2004) Paperback      Reviewed by Kim Atchue-Cusella Stephanie Walker has been a stay-at-home mom since her first child was born. While she loves her role, she is a career woman at heart and takes a job consulting with her old firm. She struggles to keep her marriage together, her mommy duties in check and her consulting work up to date. With her husband rarely home, Stephanie finds herself talking online to a man who has been attracted to her for years. Amber Fleece is Stephanie's former co-worker and best friend. She is a woman who knows what she wants in her career and goes after it. Stephanie talks a lonely Amber into e-mailing her old high school flame to reconnect with him. This brings a new set of complications for Amber to deal with. Julie Desmond is a motherly woman who is newly divorced. Amber hires her as her assistant, due to her caring attitude. Julie is grateful for the chance that Amber gave her and the two become fast friends. Julie emails her old boyfriend and looks to Amber for advice. Amber thrives on Julie's mothering. Rocki St. Claire’s writing style (incorporating e-mails and IM's) is spellbinding. The characters come to life within the dialogue. Mutual friends connect them all. The storyline pulls you in and makes you feel involved in these women's lives. I had a hard time putting the book down. When the last page is read the characters stay with you. I can't recommend the novel highly enough. The humorous situations, real life circumstances, and everyday happenings make it a very enjoyable read. Hit Reply, in a refreshing new style of writing, has made its way onto my keeper shelf. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Contemporary books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews