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

 I received this book from Litfuse Publicity Group for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own!


Book Description:

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.
     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, 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.
As Sam’s dark memory mingles with that of eligible novelist Alex Powell, her letters to Mr. Knightley become increasingly confessional. 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, Reay’s debut novel follows one young woman’s journey as she sheds her protective persona and embraces the person she was meant to become.


My Thoughts:

Dear Mr. Knightley is the debut novel of Katherine Reay and it is a winner! Sam Moore has had a very hard life that left her orphaned and without anyone but the characters in her books, especially the characters in Jane Austen's books. Sam finds her confidence in the pages of these books. An anonymous benefactor giving himself the name Mr. Knightly (from one of Austen's books) gives Sam the opportunity to attend Medgill School of Journalism at Northwestern University with the understanding that she must write letters to Mr. Knightly on a consistent basis to give updates on her progress.  Sam finds these letters to be therapeutic, opening up to "Mr. Knightly" about her life.  Sam accidentally bumps into Alex Powell, an author, and a friendship starts. From Alex Sam meets a family that take her in and treat her as one of their own.  

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this novel.  As those who read my blog know, I am a big fan of reading debut novels and when I saw Dear Mr. Knightly I was drawn to it. I have not really read Jane Austen but know of her novels.  I couldn't put this novel down. Written in letter format, it's unique and really stands out.  I found myself completely submerged in this novel. Katherine Reay writes with authority on Jane Austen, the Foster Care System, writing, and Chicago. The characters are fantastic and real. I loved Sam and Alex. The relationships in this book are complex and real.  I found myself laughing and crying throughout this novel. This novel really touched me and I am very thankful I had the opportunity to read it. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction and Jane Austen. I cannot wait to read more from Katherine Reay, she is on my fave author list!
 I give this novel 4.5 stars!  Please Check out the contest below!

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) 

Two ways to win! Enter today by clicking one of the icons below or participating in the Pinterest contest (see banner below)—or BOTH! 

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.

So grab your copy of  Dear Mr. Knightley and join Katherine on the evening of December 3rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

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!