Plus a chance to win a Kindle Fire HDX!

“If a book is well written, I always find it too short.”—Jane Austen

Dear Mr. Knightley written by debut author Katherine Reay is “completely, perfectly, incandescently” well written. From cover to cover the only critique I can come up with is that, in the words of Miss Austen herself, Dear Mr. Knightley was “too short”. I did not want it to end. Just as Sam finds herself relating to and living as the characters in her favorite books, so I found myself not knowing where I ended and Sam began. I loved, loved, LOVED this book. Not only will it be going on my “keeper” shelf, but I expect to need a backup copy as the one I have now will soon wear out from rereading it over and over again.

Samantha Moore, aka “Sam”, is none too pleased when the stipulation of receiving a grad school grant not only requires that she pursue journalism rather than literature, but also that she write letters to her mysterious benefactor; a man who refers to himself as George Knightley. At first her letters are guarded, but then an easiness begins to grow. Sam can pour her heart and soul out to Mr. Knightley without fear of ever being hurt or rejected. She knows nothing of him and he rarely even responds to her gushes and rants. In a way, Sam’s letters to Mr. Knightley are like the books she hides behind. The letters are safe. The letters protect her. Will she ever let her guard down and step out from the shadow of her Austen characters? Can she risk letting others see the person she really is, tainted past an all?

What I LOVED…

Dear Mr. Knightley is witty, engaging, and overall enchanting. It is one of those books you won’t put down, even if it’s two in the morning. I honestly can’t remember the last time I sat and just read for a whole day. Normally I set aside an hour before bedtime to read, but Dear Mr. Knightley kept me on the couch from breakfast until dinner. There’s not one thing I didn’t love about this book. I loved the Jane Austen references and I loved watching Sam transform and evolve.

I am so like Sam in many ways and I felt connected with her. I could see her world around me as I read, feel her pain and heartache. I loved how vulnerable she became in her letters to Mr. Knightley and I kept wondering if she would ever let her guard down, particularly with Alex Powell. I didn’t feel like the book was a “romance”, but more of a “coming of age, self-discovery” book with romance as an added treat. The book was more about Sam than it was about Alex and Sam, and I liked that. It sent the message that a girl doesn’t need a guy to know who she is. She needs to figure that out on her own. The guy can come later, just as Alex did not appear in Sam’s life until almost halfway through the book.

I also enjoyed the subtle message of faith in Dear Mr. Knightley, as well as the letter format in which it is written. I will even go so far as to say that Dear Mr. Knightley is the best book I’ve read this year. Well done, Katherine Reay. Your debut is one that both encouraged and inspired me as a hopeful novelist myself. Your descriptions and well rounded, realistic characters charmed and entertained me. Thanks!

Recommendation…

Jane Austen fans, Dear Mr. Knightley is for you. Even if you’ve never read a Jane Austen novel you will still enjoy this book. I have only ever seen the movies before reading Dear Mr. Knightley. I fell in love with Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennett and Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma Woodhouse. I adored You’ve Got Mail and Sense and Sensibility. I’ve always admired Jane Autsen’s stories through watching the films, but reading Dear Mr. Knightley is what finally inspired me to purchase my very first Jane Austen novel. I picked up Pride and Prejudice at the bookstore last week and I can’t wait to read it. Dear Mr. Knightley also includes a reading group guide, Q & A with the author, and Sam’s reading list, making it the perfect choice for your book club this winter.

About the Author…

Katherine Reay has enjoyed a life-long affair with the works of Jane Austen and her contemporaries. After earning degrees in history and marketing from Northwestern University, she worked as a marketer for Proctor & Gamble and Sears before returning to school to earn her MTS. Her works have been published in “Focus on the Family” and the “Upper Room.” Katherine currently lives with her husband and three children in Seattle. Dear Mr. Knightley is her first novel.

*Author bio provided by LitFuse Publicity Group

You can learn more about Katherine Reay by visiting her website at www.katherinereay.com or by connecting with her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay | Favorite Austen Moments KINDLE HDX Giveaway, Pinterest Contest and Facebook Party!

Debut author Katherine Reay is celebrating the release of her delightful novel, Dear Mr. Knightley, with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway, a fun Favorite Austen Moments Pinterest contest, and an Austen-themed Facebook Party.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay
• Handmade Austen-themed items (scarf, mug, bracelet, and necklace)

But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 3rd. Winner will be announced at the “Dear Mr. Knightley” Austen-themed Facebook Author Chat Party on the 3rd. Join Katherine (and Austen fans) for an evening of book chat, prizes, and an exclusive look at Katherine’s next book.

Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST. Hope to see you on the 3rd!

 

Disclosure:

I received a copy of Dear Mr. Knightley from LitFuse Publicity Group. I was not asked to write a positive review. All views and opinions expressed are solely and completely my own. I received no compensation other than a print copy of the book featured in this post, which is mine to keep or gift as I choose. This post also contains affiliate links. To learn more, please read my full policy.

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