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A review by callienicole
Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay
4.0
I wasn't sure what I would think of this book when I first started it, since most of the book is written in the form of letters from the main character, Samantha Moore, to her anonymous benefactor, "Mr. Knightly". I quickly got caught up in the characters though and actually really enjoyed the letter format. Sam is able to go to journalism school because of a grant through the foundation of a "Mr. Knightly" - but in exchange for the scholarship she must write him letters while she attends school. We are given an inside look to Sam's emotions as she realizes that she retreats into her books to protect herself from difficult situations, often quoting her favorite characters (including many from Austen's books) to shield her feelings.
The character growth in this book was expertly written - gradual enough to be believable and endearing. This book is from a Christian publisher, and while I wouldn't necessarily characterize this as Christian fiction, there are several Christian characters and by the end of the book you get the feeling that Sam is on the path that will eventually lead her to realize how much her Heavenly Father loves her.
The only reason this book gets 4.5 stars instead of 5 from me is because of a couple lines about Sam seeing joy in those around her and wishing it for herself. She finds that elusive joy in the end, but through a romantic relationship. I would have loved this book better if she had found her joy in a relationship with Jesus, because His is the only joy that truly lasts because He is the only One who never lets us down.
Still, this book was just delightful, and even more so if you are familiar with Jane Austen's books. The ending was very satisfying and left me warm and fuzzy. I definitely recommend it!
The character growth in this book was expertly written - gradual enough to be believable and endearing. This book is from a Christian publisher, and while I wouldn't necessarily characterize this as Christian fiction, there are several Christian characters and by the end of the book you get the feeling that Sam is on the path that will eventually lead her to realize how much her Heavenly Father loves her.
The only reason this book gets 4.5 stars instead of 5 from me is because of a couple lines about Sam seeing joy in those around her and wishing it for herself. She finds that elusive joy in the end, but through a romantic relationship. I would have loved this book better if she had found her joy in a relationship with Jesus, because His is the only joy that truly lasts because He is the only One who never lets us down.
Still, this book was just delightful, and even more so if you are familiar with Jane Austen's books. The ending was very satisfying and left me warm and fuzzy. I definitely recommend it!