Congratulations to Suzan!

Winner of Lend Me Leave, by Barbara Cornthwaite. Lend Me Leave is the second book in her two-part series in which she tells the story of Austen's Emma from Mr. Knightley's point-of-view. A charming, faithful, loving tribute to my favorite Austen hero.

Enjoy, Suzan!

Giveaway! Book 2 - George Knightley, Esquire "Lend Me Leave"

As promised, Barbara Cornthwaite, author of the wonderful George Knightley, Esquire books as offered up her recently published Book 2 in the set, titled Lend Me Leave, as a giveaway.

This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada only--sorry, my international friends. You can enter by leaving a comment, and you get extra entries in the giveaway if you tweet about the giveaway and let me know. Deadline to enter is Tuesday, November 30 at 8 pm MT.

On to the review...

I really enjoyed the completion of the story as told from Mr. Knightley's point-of-view, although I admit I would rather have read book 2 immediately after finishing book 1. Cornthwaite introduces new characters and storylines and it took me a few chapters to sort out and remember who's who and what's what, but once I did, I could settle back and enjoy the story.

Once again, Mr. K's cat, Madam Duvall stole my heart as surely as Emma stole Mr. Knightley's. I also particularly loved the teasing surface and deep affection and respect that characterized the relationship between the Brothers Knightley. I was convinced completely, not that I have ever had a shred of doubt, of Mr. K's ardent love for Emma and Cornthwaite did a wonderful job in portraying his angst and conflicting emotions as he wrestled with her friendship with the unworthy Frank Churchill. My favorite scene? The ball at which he gallantly danced with Harriet, and is rewarded by Emma for his good deed.

George Knightley, Esquire is a wonderful retelling of Emma--faithful, rich in details, loving in its depiction of the quiet workings of Highbury, and interesting in its approach.

Here's my review of Book 1 in the set, Charity Envieth Not.