Set in Canada 1837, this story follows a laundress hiding from her past. As Sara struggles in the workforce, she finds herself in the household of a widowed lawyer, working to help his daughter's education.

Brief thoughts- the book is advertised as an MOC and it's really not because of where it is placed in the story. Should have happened way sooner to get the MOC romance feel.

This was a delightful read full of interesting historical elements and a forbidden romance. Excited to see what this author comes up with next!

3.5 stars

I enjoyed the history in this book, since I didn't know much about the rebellion before picking up the story. I did find Sara to be a little wishy washy when it came to making decisions, which was annoying. I thought it was interesting that the story is in the marriage of convenience genre and yet they didn't get married until towards the end, so it was different than I was expecting. It was still an interesting story, exploring some of the social problems that led to the rebellion and how hard it would have been to travel between classes back then.

💛 The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz

🧺 About This Book:
- Christian Historical Romance
- Canada, 1837
- Marriage of Convenience
- Single Dad
- Found Family
-Published in 2025
-Parents Guide: kisses only, and mild violence

⚖️ My Thoughts:
When I saw this beautiful book cover and title I was immediately drawn to it. Marriage of Convenience also just happens to be one of my favorite book tropes. This was such a good read! If you are in the mood for a slow burn romance, a doting father and a happily ever after you should pick up this book!

This story takes place in 1837 in Canada during a time of political unrest. It reminded me of our own Revolution.
Sara and James have both lost their spouses and James has a 10 year old daughter Evie.
Sara has a troubled past, is estranged from her family and has fallen on hard times. Circumstances bring James and Sara together through Evie, a sweet, precocious and mischievous girl.
I liked watching the romance blossom between James and Sara. They were both strong personalities and had a solid faith among other great qualities.
This was a polished debut novel which showed that the author researched her subjects well.
I enjoyed learning more about Canadian history and look forward to another book by this author.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

Set in the 1800s in Upper Canada, this is a book about the divide of the social classes, love and faith. I was very interested in this title but found it lacking and had a hard time getting half way with it. DNF for me. Not bad writing or plot, just not my cup of tea.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this arc.

“Was it God who’d led her to the love of a little girl and helped her feet find bedrock again?”

I hadn’t read too many sentences before I knew I was in the capable hands of a great storyteller, and so I allowed this new-to-me author to whisk me away to 1837 Toronto, Canada.

I had difficulty setting this book down.

I was wrapped up in a fantastic story featuring a 29-year-old laundress who was down on her luck and a single father who was trying to raise a young lady, while performing his barrister duties and dealing with the rebellion in Upper Canada.

My heart filled with empathy for Sara O’Connor as she tried to make the best of the bad situation. In choosing love, she lost family and finances, and things quickly spiralled downwards. When she comes to the aid of Evangeline Kinney, her life takes a turn for the better. I had equal amounts of empathy for James Kinney as he struggled to find a balance between home and work. The author reminds us that by placing importance on helping others, we not only reveal who we are but also demonstrate our humanity. I loved the thought that we can hold up each other until we are ready to stand on our own.

I’ve taught this period and events in Canadian history for many years, so I appreciated the effort Suntz went to in portraying the tensions of our country’s growing pains. The irony of the current events is not lost on me! I enjoyed going down the Google rabbit hole to learn more about Irish Town and scarletina. Have your tissues ready.

I’ve now added this debut author to my auto-read list!

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

4.5 stars

“You figure God abandoned you, but you know deep down that’s not true. He was there all along, holding you up until you were ready to stand again.“

I love it when I start reading an author’s debut novel and am instantly charmed by the characters and the writing voice. Such was the case with The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz. Besides the characters-who-became-friends and the winsome writing… and the swoony marriage-of-convenience element to the latter part of the plot (more on that in a moment), it also exposed me to a part of North American history that I have never studied before – the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837. It reminded me in many ways of the American Revolution but it had a mix of layers all its own so I am intrigued to learn more about it (and therefore excited that the author is currently writing another story set during this time too).

Sara O’Connor may be hiding in plain sight, her secrets tucked away in her wounded heart, but as far as James Kinney is concerned there is nothing plain about her. I loved how – by being true to who she really is (her genuine kindness and warmth and quiet dignity), qualities that transcend social class – Sara captures his curiosity and then his interest. Oh, he tries to brush it off as mere concern for his daughter’s well-being and education but… this IS a romance, James, so you didn’t fool me any more than Sara could keep her own past hidden. And once he starts acting on his real feelings for Sara….WHEW. The longing! The sparks! The kisses! I’m still fanning over here and not complaining at all. The marriage of convenience James offers doesn’t come into play until nearly the end of the book (still plenty of time for plenty of swoons though, don’t worry), but their chemistry can be felt almost right away and especially after a pivotal plot point involving James’ daughter Evie.

Speaking of Evie… she is such a delightfully precocious and sweet character (even if she does give her dad a few gray hairs with her almost fearless determination). And her newfound friend Henry is equally so. These two children from opposite walks of life made me smile every time they were on the page, and even more so if they shared the scene. They’re about as unlikely a pairing as James and Sara seem to be from all outward appearances, but once you observe their endearing friendship it will clearly feel meant to be. Henry… this young scamp totally stole my heart and took it through a range of emotions. And I would be lying if I said I didn’t get misty-eyed over his pure-hearted earnestness in this story.

Bottom Line: The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz is a charming, thoughtful, and – yes – swoony debut novel that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Suntz’s writing voice and the characters are delightfully engaging, and I could have easily spent a couple hundred more pages immersed in this story without complaint. The mid-1800s Toronto setting with its stirrings of unrest piqued my interest in learning more, and the tender exploration of what it looks like to trust God again after being deeply disappointed in His answers – or perceived lack thereof – encouraged my own bruised heart. James, Sara, Evie, Henry… these new fictional friends of mine were a pleasure to meet on the pages of this novel, and I hope it’s not the last we see of them. There’s also a supporting character that I’d love to see in his own novel. If you love books by Laura Frantz and Julie Klassen, or Jody Hedlund’s Bride Ships series, you need to read The Lawyer and the Laundress too!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

When I finished reading The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz, I found myself wishing that Sara, James, and Evie were real people. These characters came alive amid the turmoil of the 1837 Canada Rebellion, a historical event I was unfamiliar with. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this beautiful story of finding (and refinding) love and family.

My favorite theme in The Lawyer and the Laundress was how God is with us in the hard times, even when he chooses not to rescue from pain and suffering. Sara’s past experiences reflected this and in her present circumstances God felt absent. One quote by Granny stayed with me: “God isn’t only a God of blessings. He’s the Man of Sorrows, too, ye ken. He knows how it feels.” I’m thankful that’s true.

The Lawyer and the Laundress included several other elements I enjoyed. The romance between James and Sara held swoony moments, tension as the relationship evolved, and a bit of mystery due to Sara’s hidden identity. The secondary characters truly enhanced the story and kept the plot moving along. The social structures of the day added adversity for Sara and James to overcome.

I recommend The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz to readers who enjoy historical fiction with tension, secrets, and romance. Five Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

The lawyer and the Laundress is a slow-burn romance that explores the divide between social classes in the 1800s.

The book is set against the backdrop of the 1837 rebellion in Upper Canada over frustrations with colonial rule and the lack of political reform. These tensions come to a head with the book’s climax, but the best bits are the interactions.

James is — by all accounts — a good lawyer and a loving father. But he struggles to keep all the balls in the air. Enter Sara, a laundress that is clearly hiding her past. The interplay between the two of them is strong and is even more enjoyable when children Evie and Henry are in the mix.

The Lawyer and the Laundress is published by Tyndale Fiction, a Christian publisher, and does feature some religious under tones. That said, it’s not heavy handed, making the book accessible for readers who come to it looking for a chaste historical romance.

4.5 Stars

The Lawyer and the Laundress is a compelling read that features a widower seeking help with his daughter, a servant hiding from her past, a court trial, and a marriage of convenience.

Widower James Kinney has a precocious young daughter who has been spending time with Sara O’Connor, a kind servant. At first, James forbids the relationship, but as he becomes more frustrated with the task of raising his daughter, he realizes how helpful Sara has been and proposes a marriage of convenience. In 1837, as political tensions rise in Canada, Sara makes decisions that could save her husband’s life.

A marriage of convenience is one of my favorite romance tropes. This one is complicated on three fronts: James’ daughter needs an education and suffers a health crisis; Sara has a secret past; and amid rising political tension, James faces criminal charges. Through it all, a slow-burn romance brews. Sara must face her past in order to save her husband.

If you are looking for a page-turner, The Lawyer and the Laundress doesn’t disappoint. The compelling and multi-layered plot includes Canadian politics and social conditions in 1837, Sara hiding from her past and then taking risks to protect her husband, a widowed father struggling to meet the needs of his daughter, and growing romantic feelings. It’s unputdownable.

Sara is a remarkable and admirable character. In an effort to distance herself from her wealthy family, she strikes out on her own and works as a servant. Sara befriends many in the community and makes sacrifices to help them. She expertly nurses the sick with homemade remedies and uses her intelligence to help save her husband. Sara is a devoted friend, kind stepmother, and a brave spouse.

Content Consideration: serious illness

If you love 1800s histfic set in Canada, a strong female character, a marriage of convenience, slow-burn (closed-door) romance, and a compelling story sprinkled with a measure of faith, you will want to add The Lawyer and the Laundress to your TBR.

Thanks #NetGalley @TyndaleHouse @AustenProse for a complimentary eARC of #TheLawyerAndTheLaundress upon my request. All opinions are my own

Sara is a genteel laundress who comes across a little motherless girl named Evie. That's when she meets James, Evie's father and the lawyer of the title. If you love secret identity and forced proximity, you're in for a treat. Sara and James are about to be thrust together, and Evie couldn't be happier. Except there's trouble lurking, threatening to reveal Sara's past, a past she'd rather remain in the shadows.

Set in 1830s Toronto, Canada, the story also includes elements of the 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion. I love that we get a time period and location that we don't normally read about. Hooray for the historical part of historical romance.

Historical fiction readers will enjoy this author’s debut book. Set in Toronto Canada during the early 1800’s, the characters are interesting and engaging. I especially enjoyed the children. Faith is woven throughout as Sara struggles with her situation. Attention is brought to the poor Irish immigrants and the horrible conditions they endured. Very enjoyable story. Hard to put down. Highly recommended.

What a wonderful debut novel! The Lawyer and the Laundress is a historical romance set in Canada in 1837. Sara O’Connor is a wash woman who takes a job at an inn. While working, she befriends a young bright girl named Evie who is taking lessons from a strict tutor. After being kicked out of her lessons, Evie finds Sara who begins to teach her French and history. Evie’s father is reproached by the idea of his daughter’s association with a laundress and demands she not bother Sara while at work. When Sara alerts Evie’s father, a wealthy lawyer, of Evie’s mistreatment by her tutor, his icy demeanor begins to melt for this intelligent woman who may be more than meets the eye. Sara is hired on as a governess but her new position may be in jeopardy if her secret past ever comes to light.

I loved this story. There was quite a bit of Canadian history that was written in a way that was interesting. This book is true page-turner. It is sprinkled with Christian Faith, and is a true tale of redemption, forgiveness, and love.

Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This review is voluntary, and all thoughts are my own.

The Lawyer and the Laundress is Christine Hill Suntz debut novel, and it is a beautiful work of art. It can be hard to come across a Canadian historical fiction, and being a Canadian myself it is always a pleasure when I get to read a historical novel based in my home.

The character development is great. I loved seeing the layers behind Sara-widow who has lost so much. Seeing her work through her past to set her present right. She is not just a laundress. James, a widower has a lot to overcome. Trying to be the best single dad possible while unearthing political secrets.

The storyline and setting were a delight. I always appreciate a good story about my home country- Canada. My aunt lives in Holland Landing so when it was mentioned about the rebels living there it gave me a chuckle. I loved the storyline. I was rooting for Sara and James the whole time. Evie was such a sweetheart. She reminds me of my own daughter, trying so hard to pay attention, but sometimes she just needs a little adventure.

The marriage of convenience, slow-burn romance is a sweet low-spice, kisses-only story.

Christine Hill Suntz did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

This is Christine's debut novel with Tyndale and I LOVED it so much y'all! This truly was an AMANDA book!

Tropes and Buzzwords:
- Marriage of Convenience
- Canadian Settings
- Single Dad with a sweet little girl
- Clean Historical Romances
- Faith Threads
- Found Family
- Family Reconciliation

Set in Canada, 1837, we follow our leading lady, Sara O'Connor who is somewhat in hiding from her wealthy father after a sad departure many years ago. After her husband passed away, she's been guarding her heart and working head down as a laundress ever since. Enter widower James Kinney and his daughter, Evie. Evie is the SWEETEST little girl, you fall in love with her from the moment she steps on page. Sara works as a laundress as the school Evie attends and they grow a quick bond together as Sara tries to step in and protect Evie from the leaders of the school less than desirable punishments. James forbids them from being friends for propriety reasons....but Evie gets sick and Sara is called to help save her life. It's at this moment when you start to see James really open up and realize he was wrong about Sara. Scandal ensues....as it usually does ;) and James offers a marriage of convenience to Sara to protect her and help him raise Evie....the story goes on from there.

I just LOVED the writing style Christine had in this story, so engaging and I connected with the characters so well. Sara and James' getting to know each other was so great. I loved the romance specifically and the way Sara fit like a glove into James and Evie's lives. You really get to see them all become a family together and it was inspiring.

I teared up too with some of the faith moments between Sara's granny and her. It was so moving and my favorite quote was "I'm talking about faith. Hope. All those things you pretend you don't need. You figure God abandoned you, but you know deep down that's not true. He was there all along, holding you up until you were ready to stand again." SO RELATABLE for me.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for a complimentary copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

The Lawyer and the Laundress - Christine Hill Suntz - NG review

A sweet love story of forgiveness, second chances and redemption, Suntz's The Lawyer and the Laundress has slight Cinderella overtones to it.

Sara O'Connor, is a laundress and yet not a laundress. Working at the local inn, she mets precocious Evie Kinney quite by chance. Evie is so taken up with her that she tells her widowed lawyer father about Sara. A skeptical James Kinney realises Evie is right, there's something very mysterious about a well educated laundress.

As events transpire, he throws caution to the winds, and hires her as Evie's governess. Around this time, there are rumbles of rebellion against an autocratic colonial goverment. James friend and brother-in-law Andrew is neck deep in it.

As James tries to extricate him, he falls foul of Stephen Osgoode a fellow lawyer who Sara hates and fears.

What's the connection between Osgoode and Sara? Will anything come of the attraction between the lawyer and the laundress, or if they do marry, will society ostracize them? What about the rebels and Andrew's involvement with them? What is the mystery about Sara's past?

A well thought out and penned novel, Christine Suntz's characters grow and evolve as the novel progresses to its ultimate finale. What is that finale? Read it to find out in detail.

I was given an ARC to read, but the opinions expressed are my own.

#TheLawyerAndTheLaundress #ColonialCanadianSociety #ChristianHistoricalFiction #ChristineHillSuntz #Tynedalefiction #TheBookishPilgrim

4 solid stars for a intriguing historical romance set in Canada. Which is interesting because there aren't many Christian fiction books set in Canada.
Upstairs downstairs vibes. Jane Eyre vibes. I was invested and rooting for the couple. Would have loved a second book to follow because I'd love to see the continuation of the story.

Wow! More than 5 stars for this book! I could hardly put the book down and eagerly anticipated what would happen next. The theme of second chances is prevalent throughout the book.

Sara is AMAZING!! She has suffered many hardships but she doesn't let that hold her back. She's a strong worker, compassionate, and dedicated to her family. As her past is slowly revealed, I came to admire her even more. James is a smart lawyer but he's a little uneducated regarding his young daughter. He wants what's best for Evie but it takes Sara's intervention and gentle guidance to open his eyes. Henry is my favorite! He's loyal and trustworthy! I adore his thirst for knowledge.

The parts of the book that spoke the most to me were when Sara and her father reunited. Her suffering and hardships could have been lessened if her father had reached out sooner.

This is the first book that I've read written by this author, but it won't be the last!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I had such a good time with this debut novel by Christine Hill Suntz. The Lawyer and the Laundress, is a historical fiction based in Toronto, Canada in 1837. There we meet James Kinney, barrister, widower and a single father to Evie. Sara O’Connor and her Grandmother live in nearby Irish-town. Sara is the laundress at a local Inn where Evie attends finishing school. Once Evie and Sara meet they develop a strong friendship. That turns out to be a problem as society of this date was quite divided by wealth vs working class.

While this story is primarily a romance it also has a couple of mysteries. Though Sara is currently a laundress she demonstrates confidence and learning that are beyond that station. James’ place in The Upper Canada Rebellion is brought into question by the authorities.

The pacing is fast moving and kept it highly interesting. Historical details and revealing bits about the mysteries swept me along to new parts of the story. I repeatedly found myself smiling at the amusing banter between characters.

I certainly am looking forward to more of her writing and I highly recommend this book to those drawn to the early days of life in the north.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews. Opinions in this review are my own.

Such a beautiful and heartwarming story from a debut author about second chances and being brave enough to stand up for what’s right. I very much enjoyed the historical setting and time period. Up until this book, I hadn’t read one based in Canada or one that dealt with a time of their political unrest and social/economical issues. So that was interesting.

I also enjoyed James and Sara’s stories and their journeys, both separate and together. I sometimes wanted more depth during certain parts of the story, but enjoyed the story nonetheless. And I can’t leave a review without saying I absolutely fell in love with Evie and Henry. I almost feel like I need a second book just about those two and their adventures (hint hint!)

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC and for the opportunity to provide my thoughts about this book.