This was an awesome story! I finished it in one day - I loved the characters and the way that Suntz introduced each of them to the story as well as to each other. James Kinney is a lawyer in Canada in 1837. He is also a widow with a young daughter that is raising on his own. He has allowed his daughter to have more freedom than most parents of the time. He is encouraged to send his daughter, Evie, to a governess hired by a neighbor for her daughters. Evie struggles with the other children and governess as they are strict and bully her. She is befriended by the laundress, Sara O'Connor, at the Inn where she goes for her instructions. Sara is very good with Evie - she speaks up for her and stands up to the governess on her behalf to stop the bullying. James and Sara's paths keep crossing and eventually, they team up to provide the love and support that Evie needs. There is more to Sara than she wants James and Evie to know and she tries very hard to protect them from outside forces that are working to destroy them. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with love and mystery combined.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a super sweet closed door romance full of swoon worthy chemistry. I enjoyed it so much! I will definitely be looking to read more from this author. I loved every minor characters. However, I do feel like I didn’t really understand the political elements of the plot since the story is based in Canada but it was easy to understand for the sake of the plot. The Christian elements were very subtle and didn’t feel preachy or cliche like some Christian romances can be. Thank you, Tyndale House for letting me read this ARC!

Wow! I can’t remember the last time I stayed up late to finish a book, but this one had me hooked. I just couldn’t put it down! It wasn’t your typical high-stakes, action-packed thriller, but it had a unique kind of suspense and mystery that kept me captivated until the very end.

I enjoyed spending time with the characters so much that I ended up reading the book twice—and I can easily see myself picking it up for a third time in the future.

One of the things I loved most was how the author subtly wove faith into the story. It wasn’t overly preachy or forced; instead, it was more about showing rather than telling, which made the characters’ transformations feel natural and heartfelt.

If I had to point out one thing, it would be that James’ insecurities didn’t feel fully resolved. I wish there had been a stronger sense of closure in that area. And Andrew? He’s such an intriguing character—I’d love to see a sequel featuring him!

If you’re looking for an intelligent, character-driven story with suspense, mystery, and a clean, wholesome romance, I highly recommend this book. You won’t regret it!

THE LAWYER AND THE LAUNDRESS by CHRISTINE HILL SUNTZ is a beautifully written historical romance novel with unforgettable characters and an exciting and suspenseful story which takes place in Toronto in 1837. There is also a strong Christian message of hope in a Heavenly Father who is always with us, especaly in difficult times. As Granny, the healer and midwife of Irish Town says to Sara,, who has suffered so much in her life, “God isn’t only a God of blessings He’s the Man of Sorrows, too, ye ken. He knows how it feels”, and “There’s a time to mourn and a time to rejoice, says so right in the Scriptures. Mayhap your time of mourning is done. Might be time to live again.” …..
There are rumours of rebellion against England and the Tories, thereis betrayal, abject poverty and excess. Sara O’Connor, the laundress at the Cooper Inn, has never been able to keep her mouth shut, and when she sees how the delightful Evie Kinney is treated by the Cooper girls and their governess, she speaks out and loses her job. She is not Evie’s only friend at the Cooper Inn, there is also the loyal and friendly stable hand, Henry……
James Kinney is a lawyer who is widowed and does not know how to bring up his deightfully intelligent daughter to be a lady. After Sara’s nursing saved Evie’s life, he employs her as governess. There is something unusual about the beautiful laundress. Both James and Sara have secrets……
Of course there is a villain who puts them all in danger!……
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I cannot recommend this enjoyable and inspirational read highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction book. It had the perfect amount of drama, history, and romance. I found myself very engaged in the storyline.

Sara has been disinherited by her family for running away with a stable boy. After her husband dies she is left to fend for herself in the poorest of areas in Toronto. While washing laundry for an innkeeper, she meets young Evie, the daughter of a well respected lawyer. They have an instant bond and Sara’s well bred upbringing shines through despite her current position and dirty clothes. She becomes Evie’s governess and then the spark between her and Evie’s father, James develops. Will Sara be able to trust James with her true identity?
Thank you to netgally and Tyndale for the early copy

This was my first book by Christine Hill Suntz and I think...I'm hooked. I'm about to go on a rampage reading everything she's every written...

I loved the characters. I also love myself some good intrigue, which was plentiful in this book. I also enjoy seeing some unique history played out, and I don't think I have frequently had Canadian history in a book I enjoy.

Sara and James and Evie and Henry were a wonderful set of characters to follow, and the ending was very satisfying. Some books are great the whole way through and then the end just doesn't hit right, but not this book!

Overall, five stars and I'm looking forward to more books by Christine!

I received a complimentary copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.