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.

⚖️ Love was courage. Love was risk. Why hadn’t he seen that before now?⚖️

Hidden identity, brewing rebellion, faith, vengeful “enemy”, family, and sparks! This is definitely a wonderful debut novel.

Sara is loving and humble yet spirited. She’s hiding from her past and trying to survive. Her relationship with Granny was sweet. I enjoyed Granny’s encouragement and Sara rediscovering her faith. I LOVED Sara’s friendship with little Evie. Evie and Henry are a delight, they kind of make the story. 😍 James is intelligent and determined, yet struggles with his past. His growth in his opinions and how he could best use his talents was wonderful. I found the circumstances that got James drawn into the rebellion very interesting. The mystery and danger a perfect addition to the story. I loved James’ devotion to Evie. The sparks between Sara and James were fantastic.

A few more quotes:
“I’m not talking about him, though if you both weren’t so stubborn . . . but that’s another story. 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 was ready to stand again.”

“She talked you around, did she? I assume that means you’ve come to appreciate my choice of a bride?” “That daughter of yours had something to do with it, too. When those two join forces, you’d best give in straight away and cut your losses.”

This ARC was provided by the author through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

Christine Hill Suntz's debut novel, The Lawyer and the Laundress, is a joy to read. Set in Canada in 1837 colonial days, the novel tells a story of loss, love, faith and the struggles to find happiness in a time of turmoil. Sara and James' lives intersect and affect change in the lives of the other characters in the novel.
I especially enjoyed the quick flow of the story lines and Suntz's way with words. She writes clearly and with finesse. Suntz creates emotional connections with the reader through the thoughtful and dynamic storylines of the characters. Evie, Henry, Granny and Andrew are well developed, and I cared about each of them. Each one had a complete purpose in the story.
Loss and love are ever present in our lives. Reading novels like The Lawyer and the Laundress remind us of the hope that we all share.

4.5/5*- I really enjoyed this lovely story of second chances amongst the unrest in 1837, Canada. Christine Hill Suntz is a NTM Canadian author whom I will definitely read again.

This well-written novel had all of the elements of a good, 1800s historical romance- duty, reputation, family quarrels, hardship, and rebellion, to name a few. Not to mention the noteable characters-
-a swoony hero (the lawyer)
-a strong but downtrodden heroine (the laundress)
-an evil, conniving bad guy who had gotten away with a lot
-a little girl who loves her father and Ivanhoe
-a mischievous, redheaded, street urchin named Henry

If you like Christian historical fiction, I would strongly suggest you mark this book “Want to Read” and add it to your TBR.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

This debut novel is a remarkable achievement. The author's writing is polished, and I would have thought they had been publishing for years. The author's future in the literary world is certainly bright, as this book is exceptional. I found the story captivating and couldn't put it down. The historical aspects of Toronto during that time were fascinating, as they were unfamiliar to me. The marriage of convenience trope is a favorite of mine, and the characters have become dear to me. I especially loved the children, Evie and Henry, and the epilogue was a perfect ending. The novel's happily-ever-after conclusion was a delightful bonus. *I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this review is my honest opinion.

Be still my heart… The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz is an absolute delight! Set against the richly detailed backdrop of 1837 Toronto, this Christian historical fiction swept me away with its tender story, endearing characters, and timeless message of hope.

Sara’s journey—from riches to rags, with only her ailing grandmother for support—had me hooked from the first page. The charming young lawyer with a motherless daughter, a down-on-his-luck stable boy, and whispers of rebellion all add layers of intrigue. Though the story follows a familiar formula, it’s told with such grace, warmth, and creativity that it feels entirely fresh.

Faith, love, and courage shine through every page. I adored the gentle nods to Ivanhoe and the way the author wove historical detail into a deeply personal story. Easily my favorite read this year—and that’s out of 65 books!

Thank you, NetGalley and Tyndale, for the ARC.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of Christine Hill Suntz’s debut novel, The Lawyer and the Laundress.

As soon as I read the first chapter, I was hooked. I found myself stealing away from my own family to discover the status of lonely Sara and the possible relationships she would form with the other lovable characters.

Suntz paced the plot well. Every chapter leads into a new development, all the while revealing—little by little—the intentions and past histories of the characters.

I love how Suntz splashed archaic words into descriptions, as if the reader is truly stepping into 1837 Canada. She used words like mulish, wherewithal, mews, morass, pelisses, and lawn—words I don’t encounter in my everyday life, but loved seeing them in the context of this story, placed during a rebellious era in Canada. Her description of games they would have played, the way laundry would have been done, and characteristic foods they would have eaten all added to her rich description and how all historical fiction should feel—like it could have happened!

With strong descriptions, each character bloomed with distinct personalities. Suntz does a great job of holding the tension between lawyer James and laundress Sara, all the while bringing them closer physically and hinting at romance. And while there are so many other minor characters to love, I especially liked the minor characters of the stableboy Henry and housekeeper Mrs. Hobbes. Henry’s enthusiasm and ways of popping up out of the blue, along with Mrs. Hobbes’ protective insights pushed the plot along.

The characters were the true gems of this story!

All in all, I recommend The Lawyer and the Laundress. 5 stars plus! And I look forward to reading whatever Christine Hill Suntz writes next!

Having never really read a novel about unrest in Canada in the 1800s, I wasn't sure what to expect from The Lawyer and the Laundress. I was pleasantly surprised. While I felt like the romance was a little too much at some points, I enjoyed the character development in James and Sara. Suntz does a good job of giving enough backstory that you want to root for them.

My favorite part about this novel are the secondary characters. Henry and Evie are the perfect complement to James and Sara. They are intelligent, thoughtful, sensible, and funny. At points, they seem smarter because of their common sense. I wanted to continue reading to see what their characters did.

There is an element of faith, but it isn't super showy. I might have wished for a little more in the way of Sara relying on her heavenly father after she leaves her earthly one.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for this complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.

The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz is a nicely written Christian historical story taking place in Canada in 1837. This story spotlights how hard Sara worked to provide inadequate housing and food for her elderly relative and herself. While working as a laundress, she became acquainted with Evie, a young student and her father. The student develops strong feelings toward Sara. When the young girl finds out Sara is without work, she convinces her father, James, to hire her as her teacher and care giver.

I found this story interesting in that gives a look into the lives of the underprivileged people, how they lived and worked and the people they worked for. I enjoyed the relationship between Sara, the young stable boy and Evie. It is very inspirational in how the young boy watched out for Sara and Evie. This story has so much to enjoy. It has depth with the differences between how Sara and James lived. It shows the devotion and dedication the lower class have for each other and how they look out for each other and help as they can. The story also has mystery about Sara and her previous years and mystery surrounding the people she was around at that time. This is a great story that grabbed my attention and held it to the very end.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

What a wonderful, poignant debut by author, Christine Hill Suntz—set during a time of great turbulent, political unrest in colonial Toronto, Canada. I was immediately drawn in by the plight of the laundress, Sara O'Connor, and her captivating friend, poor-little-rich girl, Evie Kinney.

It's not as though widower and lawyer James Kinney doesn't dearly love his daughter, Evie, but he needs help raising her to be a proper young lady. Sara seems the perfect choice to become Evie's governess, but a beautiful laundress with a deep secret? Out come the scandalous gossipmongers! And danger.

Although I found this to be a fairly predictable read and pretty much knew how it was all going to play out, I absolutely loved the characters—with the exception of a few malicious ones! I'm not the brightest bulb in the pack when it comes to history so I found myself skimming over a lot of it. However, with plenty of romantic tension, faith, and a tender, heartwarming conclusion—I feel this author is one for readers to keep an eye on. I am definitely looking forward to reading more of her work!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Tyndale House and was not required to write a positive review.*

I was hooked from the start.

Marriage of convenience, mystery, redemption, suspense, child characters that made me laugh out loud, fantastic history, and a love story you can’t help but cheer for … could this book have any more of my favourite things in a novel? So unique and fresh, I had a hard time putting it down.

I loved the Toronto 1837 setting, with widow/widower main characters, an intelligent and daring hero and brave, survival-spirited heroine. I cannot wait for more from Christine Hill Suntz.

Fans of Rachel Scott McDaniel, Sarah Sundin, Elizabeth Camden … this is a must read!!

Thank you to Tyndale and the author for my complimentary copy! All opinions in this review are my own.