Doris Johnson

Precious Heart won the 2001 Emma Award for Favorite Book With Controversial Conflicts (organ donation).


Diamond returned Steven’s kisses with a hunger that was released from the depths of her soul. Unleashed was the passion she had bridled so long ago. Hidden only until it could be given unashamedly to the one she truly loved. And she knew that she was in the arms of that man.

“Diamond, can I love you?” Steven whispered against her mouth.

“Yes, God, yes,” Diamond breathed. Her body and her mind seemed to suddenly dance in such a fit of rejoicing that she had to suppress a giddy giggle.

“Diamond,” he muttered, stealing one more kiss from her swollen lips. “Not here,” he said huskily. He fixed her bra and pulled her blouse closed, buttoning it slowly, all the time, nuzzling her neck and pecking her face with tiny kisses. When his lips touched her eyes, he was surprised. Her lashes were wet with tears. Frowning he said, “What’s wrong?” How had he hurt her? he wondered. Surely, she could understand that anyone could burst in on them. “Diamond, what’s wrong?” he repeated softly.

Catching her breath, and smoothing her clothes, Diamond sat and pulled Steven down with her. She held his hand tightly as she sought to regain her composure. He had been right to stop them because she had been perfectly willing to have him take her right here on the sofa. Her body ached to release the love that was still pent up inside her. Her tongue darted out to taste him on her swollen lips. Feeling his worried gaze, Diamond brushed a hand to his cheek.

Steven watched her inner struggle. He caught her hand and kissed the slender fingers, then waited.

“Steven. I do want to make love with you, but... it wouldn’t be right.”

“Right?” Steven frowned. “It certainly feels right to me,” he said huskily, wondering what was coming.

“To me too.” Diamond whispered. “Lord knows it does. But you would hate me and I’d hate myself to let something happen between us and then, just leave.” She hesitated. “I’m... I’m glad you stopped us.” Her voice was filled with misery.

“Leave?” Steven looked up in stupefaction.


Review excerpt:

"Doris Johnson has written an interesting story about love, betrayal, pride, family secrets and second chances. It is a compelling tale that looks at the issue of organ donation from several perspectives. Beyond the medical, ethical and emotional issues, the most fascinating aspect of Johnson’s story dealt with transference of aspects of the donor’s personality to the recipient. The story is informative without being pedantic."