Katherine Reay's Blog, page 8
September 21, 2014
Tackle Your TBR Give-Away! And the Winner Is . . . .
Thank you to everyone who participated in my Give-Away!
I hadn’t hosted one before and was delighted by everyone’s discussion and suggestions. I wrote down all the book titles – and it’s quite a list.
But first… The Winner is Frances Cavallo. I will send you a copy of Dear Mr. Knightley and the advanced reader copy of Lizzy & Jane. I hope you love both!
And now… I’ve made a list for us. Below you will find a list of every book listed in the give-away comments that was mentioned more than once. I figured if a book struck more than one of us as a “great read” then we should share it.
They are listed in no particular order:
With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden
Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz
Jane Austen’s First Love by Syrie James
Tried and True by Mary Connealy
The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton
A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert
The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron
The Palace of Darkness by Tracy Higley
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Harvest of Rubies by Tessa Afshar
Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer
A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears
Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke
Cinder by Marissa Meyers
Thank you so much for participating and sharing your love for all things bookish.
And thank you, Tressa ( www.wishfulendings.com) for bringing us together for the “Tackle Your TBR Read-a-Thon.” It was a wonderful event…. I loved every page.
Happy Reading, All!
September 16, 2014
Tackle Your TBR Give-Away
For the past week and half, I’ve been following Tressa’s blog, www.wishfulendings.com and joining her Tackle Your TBR Read-A-Thon.
It’s been such fun connecting with other readers, finding out what they’re reading and getting through the pile on my bedside table.
Right now I’m reading Syrie James’s Jane Austen’s First Love and it’s wonderful. Young Jane tells us of her first love and she does it with such humor, perception, vivid description and innocence that I’m enchanted… I’m early in the tale so I’ll have to keep you posted…
So now to the point of this post – I want to celebrate getting through our TBR piles by want to add to it!
From today until Saturday 11pm CST, I’m running a give-away for a 2 Book Gift: A copy of Dear Mr. Knightley and a copy of the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of Lizzy & Jane, which will release on 10/28/14.
To enter the Give-Away, please leave a comment below telling me the greatest surprise/find/delight from your TBR reading. The goal here to share the bookish- love and grow those TBR piles right back up again.
Thanks so much for visiting and for leaving a comment!
September 8, 2014
The Ubiquitous TBR (To Be Read) Pile
So what are you reading these days?
I have just joined with a wonderful blog’s event “Read your TBR Pile” for the next two weeks — and I hope the prospect of daily updates gets me through my pile a bit.
Here it is . . . And that’s not all of it, but I thought if I took a picture of the full pile I’d intimidate myself.
Let me know what you’re reading . . . You can head over to www.wishfulendings.com to see the event. And on September 17th, I will host a give-away here for a couple copies of Dear Mr. Knightley and ARCs of Lizzy & Jane.
Now I must figure out how to use Rafflecopter . . . .
See you on the 17th!
August 25, 2014
MIA
It’s shocking how long I’ve been away from this blog. Never intentional — but moving, kids, dogs, chaos, writing, training for a marathon . . . What else can I list?
What about you? Was summer restful and relaxing? Iced Tea on the hammock? Or more like mine — a whirling dervish of activity?
School starts today and, of course, we were running late so I lost the opportunity for that 1st day picture. But that does mean a schedule will fall into place . . .
And more communication!
Let me know how your summer went and plans for fall. Lizzy & Jane releases October 28th and Victoria(n), my next novel as titled in my head, is due October 1st.
And, happy happy, Lizzy & Jane received a Starred review from Publisher’s Weekly! I’ve attached the review below as it summarizes the story far better than I could. Hope you enjoy it!
Lizzy & Jane
Katherine Reay. Thomas Nelson, $15.99 trade paper (336p)
ISBN 978-1-4016-8973-5
In a rich feast for the senses—both literary and culinary—Reay’s (Dear Mr. Knightley) sophomore novel introduces two estranged sisters who rediscover the meaning of family 15 years after their mother succumbed to cancer. Master chef Elizabeth, or Lizzy, has lost her touch at work and finds her New York restaurant slipping out of her control. Needing time off, she journeys back home—to sit in the oncology ward with her sister, Jane, who is now fighting breast cancer. The stressful circumstances force them back into a real relationship, an uncomfortable reunion in which they confront their past and contemplate their uncertain futures. Jane Austen books and delicious foods remind them of surprising and comforting truths imparted to them by mother. Jane’s husband and children, her fellow chemotherapy patients, and her colleague Nick play important roles in helping Lizzy find the source for the peace she desperately craves. Reay treats readers to a banquet of flavors, aromas, and textures that foodies will appreciate, and clever references to literature add nuances sure to delight bibliophiles. The relatable, very real characters, however, are what will keep readers clamoring for more from this talented author. Agency: Alive Communications. (Oct.)
August 6, 2014
Dear Mr. Knightley On Sale
Kindle has got DMK on sale for $2.99. Just found out myself. Enjoy!
http://www.amazon.com/Dear-Mr-Knightl...
July 16, 2014
The training begins!
Last spring, my sister and I decided to throw caution to the wind and sign up for the 2014 New York City Marathon together. We had run the New York City Half Marathon together in March, so why not go big? This will be my second marathon, Elizabeth’s first, and we are shooting for my Boston Marathon qualifying time: 3:55!
16 weeks out from race day, training has begun! While a small part of me thinks adding a marathon to an already packed fall schedule is a little crazy, aren’t the best ideas often a little crazy? As my daughter has said, “That’s what makes us great!”
So Week 1 is underway and we are having a blast! My husband is coaching us, mapping out long-runs and speed-drills with the perfect amount of encouragement to make us believe that finishing 26.2 miles in Central Park is not only possible, but is well within our reach! Though the bulk of our training will occur in different spots — she will train in Massachusetts and I in Chicago – we know that we are training together, whether it be adding that last crucial mile to a long run or killing the final 800-meter repeat!
Will any of you be running alongside us November 2nd?
July 11, 2014
“Dear Mr. Knightley” eBook is currently discounted –just in time for the beach!
Dear Reader,
I hope your summer is off to a relaxing and wonderful start!
To kick off your summer reading, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com are currently offering the eBook version of Dear Mr. Knightley for $3.99. Please pass along this great offer to friends and family — this discounted price will be available through July 28. And . . . . The first chapter of Lizzy & Jane has now been added to the back of the eBooks! Very exciting!
I am spending the summer Up North (as they say in northern Michigan) and if you are in the area, please join me for two upcoming book signings!
Tomorrow, July 12, I will be at Saturn Booksellers in Gaylord, Michigan (133 West Main Street) from 11:30 – 1:30 for a “sit-and-sign”. Here is a recent article from Petoskey News describing the event. Please stop by at anytime during the event, I would love to meet you!
On August 5, I will be at Between the Covers in Harbor Springs, Michigan to meet readers and sign copies of Dear Mr. Knightley. This is one of my favorite bookstores and they have recently moved to a beautiful new location at 106 East Main Street, just down the street from the lovely town library that smells like fudge! This is where I do most of my summer writing. Books and fudge? A match made in heaven!
The ARC for Lizzy & Jane arrived! In the upcoming weeks, I will post some sneak peeks . . . . stay tuned!
Dear Mr. Knightley On Sale
Dear Mr. Knightley is on Kindle and Nook right now for only $3.99. I have no idea how long it will last, but so delighted it exists at all. :)
June 28, 2014
“Dear Mr. Knightley” is the 2014 Inspy Awards Winner for Debut Novel!
Dear Reader,
I am so thrilled to announce that Dear Mr. Knightley has won the 2014 Inspy Award for Debut Novel! Thank you all for your support and enthusiasm, for that is what has carried DMK over the past year. Here is a short blurb from the Inspy Awards website describing DMK:
Katherine Reay’s contemporary epistolary, Dear Mr. Knightley is one of the most brilliant character studies to come about in literature in years.
Sometimes you are given a gift that everyone assures you will be delightful but you aren’t entirely sure the contents will be to your liking. This is a book where the hype holds up. All the references to classical literature – from Great Expectations to Austen to Narnia, could have made the novel seem detached, but Reay uses them with such talent and creativity, you understand the characters on a deeper level because of them and because Dear Mr. Knightley’s heroine was less “figment” and much more, real. Above all, those qualities are this debut’s crowning glory – it’s more than just an expert piece of fiction. Not only is Dear Mr. Knightley the perfect debut, it’s a must read for any lover of classics, particularly Jane Austen.
Here are the other 2014 Inspy Award Winners — each of which is a perfect summer reading choice!
Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense:
Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter is the quintessential definition of Christian Romantic Fiction. The writing style is in a word lovely, with perfect pacing and wonderful descriptions. Barefoot Summer played like a movie in our heads. Denise created characters with flaws and very real emotions that kept us invested in their story and engaged with each new scene. Not just with the main characters, but the other plot lines as well. While the other four novels were great reads this one climbed it’s way to the top. Barefoot Summer truly is the perfect Summer read, and for many more Summers to come.
General Fiction:
The field of nominees for the General Fiction category had some of the best books we have read this year, making this year’s selection
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process difficult indeed. After a lot of in depth discussion, we are awarding the Inspy toWings of Glass by Gina Holmes. A moving account of a woman’s struggle with self in the face of spousal abuse, this novel will touch your heart and soul. Powerfully personal, beautifully written, with highly relatable characters, Gina Holmes’ novel presents a message of love and hope that Jesus always offered to everyone He met.
Historical Romance:
A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund is an exceptional piece of Christian fiction based upon real events. The rich historical and cultural setting are characters in their own right, making the story come to life. The characters portray authentic growth as the story progresses, as well as an undeniable romantic tension present throughout, encouraging the reader to keep turning the pages. This beautiful story weaves in themes of trust, redemption, and the importance of having a relationship grounded in God, while emphasizing the importance of hope, forgiveness, and sacrificial love. Jody Hedlund is a skilled writer and her work displays the best of historical romance, both entertaining and speaking to the heart.
Literature for Young Adult:
Captives was a compelling and thought-provoking novel. Jill Williamson’s writing style, vivid imagery and intriguing plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. Captives also has insightful commentary on society. There was a large variety of characters with the light of the believers clearly contrasting the darkness and depravity of the society around them.Captives beautifully illustrates the bigger picture and how important it is to stand up for your beliefs. Thought-provoking and page-turning, Captives was not only far more than your typical YA dystopian story, but definitely one of the top YA novels of 2013.
Mystery/Thriller:
The King is suspense at its best and challenges readers to really think – what is our definition of a hero? The author weaves a thread of faith throughout the novel that infused the story with hope, reminding us Whoultimately holds control and provides meaning when the journey becomes rough; captivating plots, intriguing characters, and twists at every turn immerse the reader deep into the tale. These characters: Patrick, Lien-hua, and Tessa held our heart and made us cheer for them. The writing was superb; this is definitely an author who knows how to write suspense while also endearing his readers to his characters. The story does not let you go. The King is a thought provoking read as much as it was a page turner…one to definitely be read with the light on!
Speculative Fiction:
Anomaly by Krista McGee featured fully developed characters exploring a world of both tragedy and hope. Details were revealed as they were needed, never intruding or halting the narrative but flowing alongside it. The protagonist Thalli is a heroine who learns to love without being defined it, combining creativity and logical reasoning, and able to eventually make her own choices while remaining compassionate to the needs of others. No easy answers are offered to the challenges she and the other characters face; instead, Thalli’s growing relationship with God gave her the ability to see past her fear and make choices not based on her own needs but those of others. The stark, first-person prose captured exactly what a young teen thrust in such situations might feel, neither drowning in the emotion nor ignoring it, but letting the reader truly live through another’s eyes.
Congratulations to the winners and all the nominated authors!
INSPY Awards
Please head to the website http://inspys.com and check out all the titles. They are great reads!
I'm so honored DMK is part of this group. Thanks!
