Book Review: Dear Mr. Knightley

Samantha Moore is a writer. When she gets a grant to go to journalism school, it isn't the type of writing that she has in mind, but she doesn't have many other options. The one requirement for her to get the grant is that she keep the grantor updated with frequent letters addressed to "Mr. Knightley." He rarely replies and mostly through his secretary. The story follows her as she goes through school, makes friends, falls in love, and mostly works through her past to move on with her future.

The format of this book is a little different - most of it is in actual letter form. (Something you are familiar with if you've ever read the classic "Daddy Long-Legs.") It started off a bit slow for me, and I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it, but after the first 5 pages or so, it really started drawing me in. It's a deeper book than what I thought it would be - not as light and fluffy because "Sam" has some serious issues to work through. But I rooted for her through the book and sincerely enjoyed it. There are some fun moments, as well. I loved all the literary references! A really enjoyable book to curl up with on a cool winter evening!

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Thank you to Booksneeze for the review copy. My opinions are my own. 

Book Review: The Dawn of Christmas

I don't know about you, but I enjoy reading Christmas books at Christmas time! I don't get as many read in recent years as I used to... the season just keeps getting busier and busier! The Dawn of Christmas was a nice short book to enjoy for a Christmas-y story. Sadie has been burned once in love and she has difficulty trusting another man again. She finds Levi in a field after his horse threw him and helps him get the care he needs. They become good friends, and use their friendship as a way to keep their respective families from hounding them about marriage. But of course this isn't how things stay... but that would be giving it away!

The Dawn of Christmas is linked to Cindy Woodsmall's other books that I have read. (and probably some I have missed.) But you can follow the story whether you have read her other books or not. I like the characters in this book and the way they develop. It is a short work of fiction, so the development has to come at a rather fast pace. Overall a fun, but not considerably deep holiday read.