Dear Mr. Knightley

A Novel

by Katherine Reay

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Pub Date Nov 12 2013 | Archive Date Nov 30 2014

Thomas Nelson--FICTION | Thomas Nelson

Description

Samantha's only friends were characters in books, but her real life takes an extraordinary turn when a mysterious "Mr. Knightley" offers her a full journalism scholarship—on the condition that she write to him regularly. Will their long-distance friendship unlock her heart?

Sam is, to say the least, bookish. An English major of the highest order, her diet has always been Austen, Dickens, and Shakespeare. The problem is that both her prose and conversation tend to be more Elizabeth Bennet than Samantha Moore.

But life for the twenty-three-year-old orphan is about to get stranger than fiction. An anonymous, Dickensian benefactor calling himself Mr. Knightley offers to put Sam through Northwestern University’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism. There is only one catch: Sam must write frequent letters to the mysterious donor, detailing her progress.

Sam’s letters to Mr. Knightley become increasingly confessional as she begins to share everything from her painful childhood memories to her growing feelings for eligible novelist Alex Powell. While Alex draws Sam into a world of warmth and literature that feels like it’s straight out of a book, old secrets are drawn to light. And as Sam learns to love and trust Alex and herself, she learns once again how quickly trust can be broken.

Reminding us all that our own true character is not meant to be hidden, Katherine Reay’s debut novel follows a young woman’s journey as she sheds her protective persona and embraces the person she was meant to become.

Praise for Dear Mr. Knightley:

“Katherine Reay’s Dear Mr. Knightley kept me up until 2:00 a.m.; I simply couldn’t put it down.”—Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author of Once Upon a Tower

“Sprinkled with classic literary references and filled with poignant characterizations, Katherine Reay’s modern retelling of Jean Webster’s Daddy-Long-Legs is both reverently crafted and delightfully surprising.”—Lauren Ann Nattress, Austenprose.com

“Katherine Reay’s touching debut novel made me cry in all the right places. For joy.”—Laurie Viera Rigler, author of Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict

Sweet, stand-alone contemporary romance
Includes discussion questions for book clubs, a Q&A with the author, and Sam’s reading list

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9781401689681
PRICE	$17.99 (USD)

Additional Information

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Featured Reviews

Tina C, Reviewer

I absolutely loved this book! I couldn't put it down. I literally read it in a day and finished it at 2am, and I'm a mom of four little ones who tries not to do that anymore! The characters are so real and complex, and it's not only the main characters that are this way as it is in so many other books. The supporting characters in this book are what make it one of the best books I've read in a long time. I highly recommend this book. I've already purchased a copy for myself and given away two copies!

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Meagan M, Reviewer

Dear Mr. Knightley A Novel By Katherine Reay

How many of us hide away from life within the pages of a book? Well, in Samantha Moore's case life is literally passing her by as she tries to project the characteristics that she most admires from her favorite characters. Unfortunately, Austenisms just don't play well when one is trying to connect with those who don't take classic literature quite so seriously.

When Sam is offered a grant to pay her way through college, she has one obligation. She must write frequent letters to her mysterious and secretive benefactor - who goes by the name of George Knightley. But Sam is not to expect any response in return. This opportunity is more than Sam could have ever hoped for - a chance to reveal the hurts and fears buried deep within her soul - hurts that have separated her from what she most needs - love!

As new worlds open to her, Sam begins the slow path towards healing. But something could set her back if she lets down her guard. Is she willing to risk everything to claim her dream?

Sam Moore is someone I enjoyed getting to know and her taste in books is a fun mix of classics and classic rewrites. For me my book to get lost in for years was Lucy Maude Montgomery's Emily of New Moon trilogy and I freely admit that I projected the characters onto the people in my own life when I was at some low points. But unlike Sam I could discern the difference between my literary world and the real world.

This is a story of growth and triumph. It is a journey of discovery of one's true self. Austen fans are sure to love this book! Looking forward to see what Katherine Ream writes next as this book was an enchanting and thoughtfully written masterpiece dealing with the human soul.

I was provided a copy of this book by BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.