My Thoughts:
A 23 year old orphan, an anonymous benefactor and a hidden past. A life tucked safely within the pages of books. Dear Mr. Knightley, written by Katherine Reay, is a modern day story that fantastically unfolds through the art of letter writing. "George Knightley" is willing and able to provide the full tuition to Northwestern for Samantha Moore and all that is required of her are letters detailing her progress. Simple enough, right? Perhaps at first. As the story moves along, though, we are given the privilege of seeing into Samantha's heart, mind and dreams. We soon discover that distancing herself from people is a form of self-preservation. In the pages of Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice and Emma, Samantha feels safe.
Dear Mr. Knightley is a gem of a story. Samantha Moore is an enigma to all who know her and I couldn't stop reading until I discovered what her back story was. What was she so afraid of?? Why did she appear so emotionally shut down? Reading her letters revealed parts of Samantha that the world just couldn't reach- love and pain that were locked deeply inside her. Watching her metamorphosis was painful and lovely at the same time. Beautifully written. I also enjoyed all the supporting characters, particularly Kyle (14 year old orphan with his own troubled past), Father John (believed in Samantha when no one else did), and Professor and Mrs. Muir- they were my favorites.:) Dear Mr. Knightley is a book that would be enjoyed by Austen and Bronte fans- and also those that don't gravitate toward that particular genre of book. I fall into the second category and was swept away by this modern day Jane Eyre.
About the book: Samantha Moore has always hidden behind the words of others-namely her favorite characters in literature. Now, she will learn to write her own story-by giving that story to a complete stranger.
Growing up orphaned and alone, Sam found her best friends in the works of Austen, Dickens, and the Brontë sisters. The problem is that she now relates to others more comfortably as Elizabeth Bennet and Jane Eyre than as herself.
Sometimes we lose ourselves in the things we care about most.
But life for this twenty-three-year-old is about to get stranger than fiction, when an anonymous benefactor (calling himself "Mr. Knightley") offers to put Sam through the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. There is only one catch: Sam must write frequent letters to the mysterious donor, detailing her progress.
As Sam's program and peers force her to confront her past, she finds safety in her increasingly personal letters to Mr. Knightley. And when Sam meets eligible, best-selling novelist Alex Powell, those letters unfold a story of love and literature that feels as if it's pulled from her favorite books. But when secrets come to light, Sam is --- once again --- made painfully aware of how easily trust can be broken.
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:
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!
Thank you so much for such a lovely review. And, I agree, Kyle was one of my favorites as well. I also adored Professor Muir. Thanks again... KBR
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