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.

Its 1837 setting in Toronto, Canada, appealed to me. James Kinney tries his best to take care of his daughter after the death of his wife. There was a lot to learn, though, about his daughter becoming a lady. This was beyond his capabilities. He has enrolled Evie in this finishing school, where she meets Sara Oconner, the laundress at the school. Evie requests her assistance in studying French. Not only does she learn French from Sara, but she also gains the confidence and courage she needs to continue going to that school.

After learning of his daughter's mistreatment at school, Mr. Kinny searches for different ways to teach her. Evie urges her father to appoint Sara O'Connor to be her governess. When her father has to travel out of town for work, he agrees.

Everything goes well until he discovers that there will be a crisis in his household. What should he do? Make Sarah his ceremonial wife. Will she agree to be his wife in name only? He hoped so. He was unable to contain his own excitement. He had to remind himself that it was important to have Sara O'Connor educate his daughter.

Sara would love to enter a marriage of convenience, so she’d still be able to tutor Evie and continue her friendship with James. But once James finds out her secret, he’ll hate her. What to do?

This is a fun marriage-of-convenience historical novel with the right mix of love, faith, and adventure. If you are a fan of Julie Klassen, Laura Frantz, and Tamara Alexandra, you’ll love this novel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I enjoyed this book and felt that the pacing really flowed from one event to the other. The character development of the main characters felt natural, and I had a good sense of their story lines by the end of the book. The side characters felt a little underwhelming at times and slightly stilted. Overall, I enjoyed reading about the time of the rebellion in Canada which is not often written about.



Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

A wonderful historical tale set in 1837 Toronto, Canada. Reaching across cultural barriers, the main characters are bound together for their mutual benefit in a time of political turmoil.
This story captured my attention from the beginning and held my interest throughout with the developing romance, historical events, and increasing peril. The plight of Sara, little Evie and stoic James developed into a lovely tale of redemption, friendship, and grace. Loved the side characters of Granny and Henry also who added so much to the story.
An impressive debut novel and satisfying read overall. Recommend!
5 stars

This was the best book I've read all month. The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz is an addictive story. I was reading three books at the same time and this is the one I wanted to get back to again and again. Suntz had me rooting for the eclectic group of characters from the very beginning. Sara, James, Evie, Henry, Granny, I loved them all!

The plot was really interesting and paced well. The intrigue was attention grabbing, the romance sweet, and the children endearing. I cannot say enough good things about this one.

I received an arc copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own.

I got completely wrapped up in this book, especially in its “Jane Eyre” feeling of employer-with-governess romance and the hinted-at foreboding secret that could tear Sara and James apart forever. Initially disliking the other, James Kinney and Sara O'Connor cross paths through Sara's interactions with James' daughter Evie, who takes lessons where Sara in employed as a washerwoman. Several turns of events bring them together, such as when the barrister seeks the aid of the laundress to help care for his little girl through a bout of what would likely be termed today scarlet fever; Sara relies on the teachings of her grandmother-in-law as a healer using herbal remedies, and Evie improves.

I really enjoyed seeing the political environment of 1837 Toronto territory as a side-plot and how James' views of his role in Canada's future shifts as his attachment to Sara grows, offering him different perspectives. Sara learns to renew her relationship with God, having felt completely abandoned at the death of her first husband, and opens herself up to love again, first Evie then James. The epilogue gives a perfect bow on this present of a story to wrap up the loose ends and show the reconciliation of a family, as well as adding a plot point or two that firmly establishes the future of the Kinneys.

Thanks to Tyndale House and Netgalley for an ARC of this book. A sweet story about a widowed lawyer with a daughter to raise and a laundress with a past she keeps hidden. Set in an interesting time of Canadian history and unrest. God brings these two together and the ending is very satisfying. I highly recommend.

This was a lovely read. She is working as a laundress far from her wealthy upbringing. He is a lawyer raising his daughter on his own. God brings them together and together they must face a villain trying to pull them apart.

I loved this book! I admired both main characters, Sara and James, in this dual-POV historical romance: they both have great strengths and room for growth through the story. Henry, Evie, and Granny are so likeable as well. The plot is engaging and I appreciated the setting; I don’t think I’ve read much about the Canadian colony in the mid-19th century. Thanks to its wonderful writing, tenderly-drawn characters, and message of hope amid hardship, I didn’t want to put this book down!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale for the free eARC! I post this review with my honest opinions. This review is cross-posted on Goodreads, and will be posted on Instagram and Amazon within one week of the book’s publication date.

Content notes: serious illness, death (of a child, spouse, and parent) mentioned, bleeding mentioned, laudanam mentioned, corporal punishment: a child’s hand is hit off-page as corporal punishment and a servant is slapped; mention of a character being shot and another killed. As the description makes clear, this is about (late in the book) a marriage of convenience between a governess and her employer, but the power dynamics didn’t feel icky.

The Lawyer and the Laundress is a Canadian historical complete with an abundance of political unrest and personal struggles, as they existed in the Bristish colony of Toronto in 1837.

Sara O'Conner, the laundress, is a victim of the rules of the class system. Her choices lead to a hard ten years. She accepts her lot in life while "hoping against hope" for a better future. James Kinney, a widowed barrister, works for the elite but over time his eyes are opened to the plight of the immigrants. As they meet it becomes obvious all is not as it seems. There's a good bit of anxiety causing angst throughout. I did enjoy the twists and turns and how the author wove them seamlessly into the plot.

Granny brought the trust in God to the story, and it was very touching and inspirational. Everyone needs a Granny in their life. Evie and Henry were great for lightening up the heaviness of the story. In fact, indominable little Evie, too smart for her own good, was my favorite character, with her self-appointed protector and streetwise stableboy Henry a close second.

As a side note, The Lawyer and the Laundress is billed in the summary as a "marriage of convenience" story which is what initially drew me to it. However, that particular aspect of the story doesn't happen until well into the last portion of the book.

Christine Hill Suntz sobering narrative will enlighten readers concerning this time period when Canada was first being settled. Suntz in a fantastic writer and I believe this is her debut book. I recommend The Lawyer and the Laundress to readers who value history through well told fiction. I appreciate Tyndale Fiction, via NetGalley, making a copy available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

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, reputed to be the roughest neighborhood in the area. 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.

Lovely read 📚. This was a light read for me, and I enjoyed myself .


Thank you, Christine Hill Suntz and NetGalley, for the ARC, and I enjoyed myself

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.