The Lawyer and the Laundress is an exquisitely written historical fiction novel written by Christine Hill Suntz set in Canada. In the midst of a world swept up with war, the struggle to build a free world, rebellion, and illness emerges a group of characters so well developed that they appear to be separated from the reader by an intangible veil which if crossed correctly could allow the reader to step right through the text and into a new world created exclusively by the author.

It is difficult to say whether the main character of this novel is the beautiful Sara O'Connor or the young Evangeline Kinney. Sara is no more than 29- years of age and dwelling with her "Granny" in a tiny home in Irish Town, She has learned to support herself by taking requests from the local townspeople who need her services as a laundress. When Young Evangeline ("Evie") comes to her home to hide from the cruelty of her teachers, Sarah protests that she should not be running away from school. However, perhaps only the protests of Henry, a stable boy employed at a nearby estate, convinces Sara just how needy Evie is for a mother figure and how deplorable the conditions at this school actually are.

By the time Evie's father discovers that his daughter has been sneaking off he removes her from the school altogether and forbids her from having any further contact with Sara or anyone else in Irish Town. However, when Evie contracts a case of Scarlatina, her father sends for Sara who is known for being able to turn illnesses of this sort completely around and help patients quickly recover. Evie's father, James, hires Sarah as his daughter's governess and Sara and Evie quickly form an inseparable bond. The three quickly discover that even though they all find themselves completely alone in the world, they are connected by having more in common than they ever could have predicted.

The Lawyer and the Laundress is a delightful narrative that will have readers thoroughly engrossed and entertained. The dialogue between characters is perhaps one of the best written by any modern author. A thorough scan of the text will quickly have readers feeling as if they truly stepped through time into an elaborately created world.

I'm always a little hesitant when reading a new to me author, but this book was a complete surprise. This historical novel based in Canada is sure to keep you turning the pages. I don't normally read marriage of convenience books, but I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters in this book. There was somewhat of a little mystery that added some suspense, but it wasn't hard to figure out what was going on. My favorite characters are the little girl and her friend. After reading this book, I will be looking into other books by this author.

I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley and was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The sweetest characters about a time period I knew nothing about. I had never heard of the Upper Canada Rebellion-not even sure what Upper Canada referred to. This novel started off telling the story of Sara a laundress who is mistreated-it has some Ever After vibes with the laundry scenes iykyk. There's the most endearing little street boy Henry and a wealthy daughter Evie who is attending lessons (picture Felicity Merriman with Annabelle) with a strict teacher. Evie is the daughter of a lawyer. The character's develop deeply and we get to experience the changes in their life along with them. Hill does a great job weaving in the emotions Sara feels as she struggles to make a living and face her past. Because I had nothing to compare the story to I also found myself thinking of Les Mis. There are many references to Ivanhoe, but I'm not familiar with that book, but fans will probably enjoy it.
It's a fantastic debut novel and I can't wait to read more!

(Just because I pass books onto teens I will say I'll be saving this one to pass on to adults just because there is a smidge of physical activity that I thought beautiful and tastefully done but it might be too much for a teenager.)

This is not a cookie cutter romance book! I needed to take a break from mainstream romance because it was getting too repetitive, and this was just what I needed to remind me that fresh ideas are still possible in the genre.

The book centers on Sara, a young widow who fell in her social standing when she first married. In Canada in the late 1830s, Sara works as a laundress and befriends a girl on the grounds of her employer, and lots of events happen from there – political rebellion, a revelation of secret identity, family estrangement, and love. The plot really was a page-turner!

While I loved the main characters, Henry, a secondary character, really stole my heart.
Highly recommend.

An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Good historical romance set during the Canadian rebellions in 1837/1938. I feel this book would be better understood with a good grasp of Canadian history, with which I'm unfamiliar.

This book pulled me into the story right from the start! I loved getting to know both the characters of Sara and James, and could feel their emotions. I also really enjoyed learning more about Canada’s history, which, as a Canadian, I feel like I unfortunately don’t know much about.

Christine also has a really nice way of weaving in a touch of faith to the story, which feels very sincere and adds the right amount of depth.

This was such an excellent read, one that really captured my attention and left me wanting more in the best way! Thanks to Christine and Tyndall for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

An engaging histficrom set during turbulent times in 1837 Toronto. I had not heard of the Upper Canadian Rebellion before and found the era gripping. I was also taken by the clean Christian romance between a widowed lawyer and a laundress who becomes his daughter's governess. Historical romance fans will love this story, as I did!

The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz is a delightful historical fiction novel that readers will find hard to put down.

Set in Toronto in 1837, we meet Sara O’Connor, a laundress with a secret. She meets Evie, the daughter of James Kinney, and the young girl becomes quite attached to her. Often running away from her classes just to be with her.

James Kinney, for his part, can’t understand what it is about Sara that sets her apart from other servants. She seems well-educated and yet lives in the impoverished Irish Town. When Evie runs away to find Sara (after she loses her job), she ends up getting very sick and James turns to Sara for help in saving his daughter. The relationship that develops was sweet, and I enjoyed this blooming romance (with secrets) very much.

I have never read a novel by Ms. Suntz before and I was very impressed. In fact, I could not put this book down and read it in one day. I loved the faith element and Sara’s growing trust in the Lord. I also enjoyed that this was set in Toronto, where I grew up. The rebellion by William Lyon Mackenzie was a part of my Canadian history that I was completely unaware of, so it was neat to read about it. This rebellion, along with the added mystery of who was framing James for treason, kept this book moving.

If you enjoy historical fiction with a sweet marriage of convenience trope, you will love The Lawyer and the Laundress. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers through NetGalley for my honest review.

When you can't stop reading, yet don't want a novel to end, you know you've found an amazing story! When I first heard about this book a few months ago, I was happy to see it is set in my country of Canada AND written by a Canadian author. I was intrigued and kept thinking about it. So I didn't hesitate to take up the opportunity to read an advance copy.

From the first chapter, I suspected this would be a 5-star read and that feeling never left me. I don't often have that feeling from the start but it turned out to be right on target. I immediately liked Sara, the female main character. She is spirited yet so gracious and loving. Mr. James Kinney is a mixed bag but his growth in the story is admirable. He has a significant growth arc in so many ways that I grew to admire him. Sara's Granny is such a woman of faith and selflessness. The children within the novel, Evie Kinney and Henry the stable boy, are both such delights. There are other fascinating characters within the story as well.

Sara's story is touching. She's an incredible heroine. The riches to rags storyline is captivating. We learn her background, as well as James,' in chunks throughout the novel. The time period setting of 1837 with the Tories, the rebels, etc. was very interesting. Frankly, I found it ironic that Canada isn't much different in many respects today. Some have loyalty to the Crown and others want complete independence.

One of my favourite scenes within this novel are when Sara (& sometimes Henry) are learning. It is such a gift and the love and attention given causes them both to thrive. The scene with the piano and the gift is particularly beautiful.

Though I'm not typically a fan of marriages of convenience, this one made sense. And, of course, knowing there are sparks and an attraction of mind and body doesn't hurt! You can't help but want them together as a couple.

This is a phenomenal debut for Christine Hill Suntz and I will be reading whatever she writes next without hesitation. I felt such immense reader contentment reading this book.

>>> Huge thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and Net Galley for an advanced reader copy. A positive view was not required. My honest review is in my words alone.

4.5/5⭐
I finished this book in two sittings in one day.
I love a good romance. When it's historical-and something I'm not familiar with-that's even better! So a romance that takes place in 1830s Canada? This book had my full attention!
Throughout the book I rooted for Sara. I wanted to know more about her (because clearly there were several skeletons in her closet) but even though I knew there was secrets, I wanted to stay in her corner.
However, the same went for James.
The love for his daughter bounced off the pages. With the time being 1837, I knew expectations for the time would get in the way-like James realizing that his daughter couldn't just stay home and learn about court cases. She needed to have proper schooling-aka, being a lady. But James didn't hold tight to society's expectations of the time-he knew that his daughter needed not only the opportunity to be a kid, but to be herself. Even if James was punishing Evie, I knew he was doing it because, HELLO, a nine year old shouldn't be running around town to a dangerous part of town ALONE.
I never felt like the romance was forced. I was afraid that there'd be that "insta-love" that would lead to Sara becoming the governess while they both hid their love for the other. I appreciated that it was a gradual infatuation-while still that "there's something different about this person" after just meeting. Because-HELLO-I'm still reading a book romance.
What I assume is supposed to be a big SHOCKER amazingly did shock me. THAT is why I loved the book-because so many books set things up to be predictable. Which takes the enjoyment about of reading the book.
I chose 4.5 stars because, while I LOVED the book, there were a few moments that were just a tad cheesy or moments where Evie, James' daughter, came across as older than the age she was (8? maybe 9?). A few times I had to remind myself that Evie was his daughter just because of the way she acted. HOWEVER, I also remind myself now that kids WERE different in the 1830's, so I need to be careful with those expectations.
All in all, I recommend this book!

This is a Christian romance set in 1837 in Canada. James struggled to raise his daughter properly while trying to keep his law partner out of trouble. He's joined the rebels who want to violently overthrow the oppressive government. James feels it's still possible to create needed change legally. Sarah was disowned by her rich father when she married a poor man. Now a widow, she does laundry for an inn where James's daughter is getting tutored along with the owner's daughters by a strict, harsh woman.

James was initially prejudiced against Sarah because of her obviously lowly station, but he recognized that she had manners and education far above that of most common laborers. Plus she built his daughter up and supported her against bullying. As James and Sara spent time together, they grew to respect and care for each other. The marriage proposal didn't come until nearly the end, and it forced both of them to face the problems in their past relationships. The characters were engaging, well-developed, complex people who acted realistically. The bad guy was subtly manipulative, and it took courage from Sarah and James's daughter to expose his lies.

Sarah struggled with why God didn't heal her sick husband and allowed her so many sorrows. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this excellent historical romance.

I enjoyed getting to know these characters and was rooting for them to find love and belonging. I quickly became invested in Sara and Evie and the situations they were dealing with. Some hard moments are detailed with child disciple. It did take me a while to connect with James but as his attitude changed over the course of the story the more he grew on me. I loved how he stuck up for those around him and fought for what he believed was right no matter the pressure from others. I really enjoyed the two children, Evie had opinions and wasn't afraid to express them and was brave enough to confront some of adults around her. Henry was a street smart child who seemed to be around just when he was needed, I loved him. In addition to the personal situations of the characters there is also a political thread to the story with fighting for land rights being a main topic. This story encompasses a marriage of convenience, distinctions between classes, fighting for justice, reconciliation of family, and found family.

“But the God of all grace, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
Victoria is the new queen. Toronto is on the brink of rebellion. The lawyer wants no part of it. And the laundress is not all she appears to be.
From the main characters to the antagonist and everyone in between, they all felt very real to me. Told with highly developed characters and detailed descriptions, the plot was easy to follow and picture in my mind. The pages flew by, the last coming before I was ready. I felt totally immersed in 1837 Toronto, hearing the bells ring, seeing the rebellion, smelling the stench of the harbor, mourning great loss, and feeling even greater love. From the squalor of Irish Town to the finest estate in the city, this was a unique setting for historical fiction and I loved every minute of it while also learning a great deal about this piece of Canadian history.
Set in a spirited time and place with vibrant characters, this captivating story will not leave you even long after the last page. I definitely want to read more from this author.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from Tyndale House Publishers through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this read, the author did such a great job of keeping my attention, so good!
The setting 1837 Toronto, and a time of unrest, those that come for a better life, and things are right back to square zero.
Sara and James are from two different worlds, or are they, she when they meet is the laundress, and he is a lawyer. What draws them together, James' darling daughter Evie, and then Henry. I loved these children!
Of course, things don't go smoothly, and then things really go awry, but then comes healing.
I really enjoyed the epilogue, and I would have enjoyed continuing on in their lives!
I received this book through Net Galley and Tyndale House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.

A time of social unrest in Canada, secrets, hidden identities, betrayals, loss of family, and romance. What more could Christine Hill Suntz have included in "The Lawyer and the Laundress"?

In Ecclesiastes 3 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Granny knew Sara's future was going to change. And, indeed, it did change when she met Evie and her father James.

A restoration of faith and trust in God's timing are underlying themes in this easy-to-read romance.

Releases June 10th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

When James Kinney finds Sara O’Connor in his home caring for his sick daughter, he gets much more than he bargained for. I had a hard time putting this book down and ended up finishing it one day (nothing else was accomplished besides coffee). As a Canadian, I love that this takes place in Toronto, Canada 1837 during a time we learned about in History class.
James' daughter Evie captured my heart and made me smile at her many antics. but when she becomes ill it is Sara that arrives to help nurse her back to health. Unfortunately Sara’s presence in his household threatens scandal so James comes up with an unexpected solution: become his wife, in name only, and help him raise Evie to be a proper young lady. Can this proposal work? Can they keep their secrets? Can they find the courage needed to overcome a rebellion? So many questions arise throughout the book that keep you wanting more. It is certainly one of my top reads in 2025!

I greatly enjoyed this book. It was well written, the characters were well developed. I enjoyed how the book played out & the ending.

I have always enjoyed stories where people get married without being in love & fall in love. Perhaps partly because that's how it was/is in my own long-term marriage, although I had enjoyed it from a young age. This story didn't disappoint.

The book is very clean, and God honoring, which I appreciate. It kept me coming back for more & I wanted to know how it played out. It didn't disappoint!

(I received this book as an ARC read. All opinions are my own.)

WOW! This book totally blew me away! From the very first page, I was hooked. The slow-burn romance between James and Sara? PERFECT. A somewhat forbidden love story that kept me eagerly turning pages, while also tugging at my heartstrings. The side characters, Henry and Granny, added so much charm and warmth, and I found myself smiling every time they appeared. And Evie? She stole my heart, page after page. Watching her grow was one of the best parts of the book.

The romance? Scandalous in the best way. James hires Sara as a governess in his home, but soon their relationship shifts in a way neither of them saw coming. When things get complicated, James offers Sara a marriage of convenience to keep up appearances. And that’s when the sparks really start flying! But they are determined to stick to the plan, a convenient marriage, nothing more... but is that even possible for them? Add in a secret identity and a rebellion unfolding at the same time, the risks are mounting around them, which had me hooked from start to finish.

I couldn't stop reading!!! I stayed up way too late to finish it and then set an alarm to make sure I could keep going before starting my day. Honestly, I need this book in print right now!

What to expect:
⚖️ Beautiful faith themes woven in: prayers, verses, & healing
⚖️ Forbidden romance that’ll give you all the feels
⚖️ Slow burn romance with all the tension
⚖️ Marriage of convenience
⚖️ Adorable younger characters (Henry & Evie)
⚖️ Secrets, hidden identity, that can risk everything

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

3.5 Stars

Finally! Another Canadian historical for the inspirational market.

I loved the fact this story was set during the Upper Canada rebellion of 1837, in Toronto (when the population was less than 10,000 people). It served as a wonderful backdrop for James and Sara’s story.

James Kinney is a solid hero – a widower who treasures his only daughter, and is focused on his law practice in Toronto. He makes some errors in choices, but to his credit, he thinks it is the for his daughter’s best.

Sara O’Connor is a likeable heroine, even though she carries a secret through much of the story. There's a nice twist in the reveal that will delight readers.

The characters are well-developed and readers will either really like them or dislike them. It’s easy to imagine the small section of Toronto with the author’s descriptions and the story clips along at a nice pace.

I quite enjoyed this historical novel and look forward to reading more from this author.

I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Rating: 4.5 rounded up to 5

This is a wonderful debut novel that’s difficult to put down! The story sweeps you along with superb characters, and you want to know what happens next.

Main Characters: Sara’s strength is always present, even when she doesn’t see it, and her gentle heart is beautifully shown. James is a good man and a great father. Together, their chemistry is nearly palpable, making this story a sigh-worthy experience.

Side Characters: Henry and Evie are fantastic! I don’t know if this story is a stand-alone or the start of a series, but it would be lovely to jump forward ten years or so and see more of their characters.

Storytelling:
From the opening chapter, Sara’s character kept my interest. The hints to the secret she’s hiding are quite revealing — to the point that the revelation feels more like a confirmation — but this element adds to the depth of her character. In a way, I’m reminded of the book of Esther.

The bond between Sara and Evie is so sweet and heartwarming. I adored all the family moments.

This novel has a beautiful, read-it-at-least-twice epilogue. The story feels complete, but there are threads that could be developed into stories if this book is not a stand-alone.

Content:
- Slow burn
- Marriage of Convenience
- Fade to black between a married couple
- Swoon-worthy MMC
- Gentle but strong FMC
- Adorable younger characters
- Faith themes

Sensitive Content:
- Brief mention of c*rporal p*nishment (not on page and not by main characters)
- D*ath of a loved one
- Parental loss

Internally, the FMC briefly asks her d*ceased mother for help. Although I understand the context of that moment, I would have preferred that she prayed instead.

Overall, this story was a joy to read! I loved it, and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to read it.

*Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for providing a complimentary ARC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.