It’s hard to believe this is Katherine Reay’s debut novel.
Written as if she’s penned stories for a lifetime, Dear Mr. Knightley delights as
it reveals a young woman’s journey into adulthood.
Through letters to her benefactor, Samantha is required to
detail her life as she works through a graduate program at Medill School of
Journalism. Along the way, Sam meets an array of quirky and interesting
characters. I wanted to visit with the Muirs, a kind, older couple and have
lunch with handsome, charming Alex Powell. Along with the fascinating characters,
the honesty that pours on the pages from Samantha’s life pulls the reader in. Katherine writes with humor, reality, sadness
and triumph. If you love Jane Austen, Elizabeth Bennet, or Jane Eyre, you’ll
enjoy this delightful modern tale.
Anyone who enjoys a tale of growing up and finding love will
lose themselves in Dear Mr. Knightley. You may even wish you had a Mr.
Knightley of your own.