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.

The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz

Genre/Categories/Setting: Historical Fiction, (1837) Historical Romance, Marriage of Convenience, (Toronto) Canada

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My Summary:

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

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.

My Thoughts:

Marriage of Convenience

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.

Page-turning

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.

Admirable Character

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

Recommending The Lawyer and the Laundress:

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.

My Rating: 4.5

More Information Here

Meet the Author of The Lawyer and the Laundress, Christine Hill Suntz

Christine Hill Suntz knew she wanted to write novels the day she finished Anne of Green Gables, and she’s been lost in her imagination ever since. Her love of language led her to study French and German and pursue a graduate degree in Comparative Literature before finding a home teaching high school French. Her work has won numerous prizes, including the 2022 ACFW Genesis competition.

Christine lives in Ontario on a hobby farm with her family, a flock of chickens, one attack rooster, and a herd of entitled goats. When she’s not writing or teaching, she enjoys trying out historical recipes on her (mostly) willing family.

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QOTD:

Do you enjoy a marriage of convenience trope?

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