GoodreadsDear Mr. Knightley is a contemporary epistolary novel with a delightful dash of Jane Austen.
Samantha Moore survived years of darkness in the foster care system by hiding behind her favorite characters in literature, even adopting their very words. Her fictional friends give her an identity, albeit a borrowed one. But most importantly, they protect her from revealing her true self and encountering more pain.
After college, Samantha receives an extraordinary opportunity. The anonymous “Mr. Knightley” offers her a full scholarship to earn her graduate degree at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. The sole condition is that Sam write to Mr. Knightley regularly to keep him apprised of her progress.
As Sam’s true identity begins to reveal itself through her letters, her heart begins to soften to those around her—a damaged teenager and fellow inhabitant of Grace House, her classmates at Medill, and, most powerfully, successful novelist Alex Powell. But just as Sam finally begins to trust, she learns that Alex has secrets of his own—secrets that, for better or for worse, make it impossible for Sam to hide behind either her characters or her letters.
My Thoughts
Reay wrote a truly whimsical novel that is unique in all in its own. Why do I think that?
The reasons being:
1. The novel's female lead is in college (master's program). As a college student myself I am always looking for Christian fiction set in some sort of college aspect.
2. The romance takes place through letters first. You have to read to find out.
3. The female lead is also not a strong Christian and she goes through the self-doubt of God probably doesn't care about her. It's refreshing I feel to read books of Christians and or people figuring God out to wrestle with these tough circumstances. It's never easy but it is common. Personally, I have came to like when it's conveyed in novels.
4. The main character is a runner and forms her first genuine friendship through running. I thought that was unique and a nice touch!
I just love the way this book was written. The voice was real, honest, and hilarious. I loved Sam to be honest. At times I felt I knew Sam all to well. I related with her on so many levels. Being a bookaholic I feel at times I would rather read a book than converse with people! Ha! All truth being set aside Sam is just a overall strong character. Being in the foster care with numerous families has taken a toll on her with people relationships. But through the love of God being shown through the many people being put into her life she is able to overcome her limitations.
The romance in this book is not in your face. Which I still liked. Alex and Sam together I thought were like peanut butter and jelly. They complemented each other so well. Both loving books and would have quote-offs. Some people might think that is so-so but my book lover's heart melted. These two were well developed and not just your cookie-cutter girl meets boy, boy meets girl, happy ending. No. They had issues. You could tell. Yet, they were able to be hones with one another.
As I said before I loved, loved, loved, loved, the way this book was written. I loved all the characters. Even the side characters. There was not one 1-sided character. The writing was so splendid that I felt like I was actually there with Sam as she was having coffee with Alex in Barnes and Noble, or when she was running during the Chicago Marathon (by the way I knew how she felt being that I just recently finished my first half-marathon, half or full having the word marathon guarantees some pain).
This book blew me away! It was something I never expected!
If you want a book that could spice up your Christian romance drought. Try this book out. I would seriously even recommend this book to people who aren't Christians. It's seriously that diverse. It's spectacular and I know during winter break I will most likely reread the book out of this book!
I already feel that Katherine Reay is the type of author that will make us impatiently wait and yearn to the next novel! I know I already am!
As you can tell this is a special book to me! Ha! What is a special book to you? For Sam is was anything Jane Austin!
Rating: 5 out 5 bookshelves
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.
For His Kingdom,
Taylor Reid
Taylor Reid
Taylor, Thanks so much for such a lovely review. I'm delighted you loved Sam's story and all the people surrounding her. They all became very real to me while creating them -- I'm glad that came across on the page. All the best...Katherine
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