Working Mommy Journal

Dear Mr. Knightley is the debut novel from Katherine Reay. Dear Mr. Knightley follows the story of Samantha Moore, a young woman who has a hard and difficult life. She grew up in an abusive home and was orphaned at a young age. She was sent from one foster home to another. She hid her pain in her love of reading, especially the works of Austen, Dickens and the Bronte sisters. She developed such a close connection to these books that she begins to relate herself and those around her to those characters. She is given an incredible opportunity to apply to a journalist program at a prestige school where she is accepted. Her benefactor, Mr. Knightley, would pay for the the schooling as long as she writes frequent letters to him. The story takes a twist when she meets Alex Powell and falls in love.

Dear Mr. Knightley is written in the format of letters – almost as if it is Samantha’s personal diary as we follow her journey of self discovery. We are able to witness her most personal feelings and feel each moment with her. I felt like I was part of the novel and at times I just wanted to be able to reach out to her and hug her. Her story is a story that many of us can relate to or have met someone in these same shoes. We have all dealt with betrayal of trust in some form and it has left scars on our hearts. Learning to trust and allowing someone into our lives is so difficult especially when we have been hurt before. Throughout the novel you wanted to just reach out to Samantha and guide her, to tell her to trust her heart and let people in. This was the first novel I have read in over a year that has actually moved me to the point of tears. It was such an emotional story of pain, love, trust and hope.

You can find more information and purchase the book here. If you would like to find more reviews on this book you can do so here.

Debut author Katherine Reay is celebrating the release of her delightful novel, Dear Mr. Knightley with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway, a fun Favourite 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.