The Lawyer and the Laundress + Giveaway

Lawyer James Kinney isn’t looking for love, and laundress Sara O’Connor doesn’t want to be found. When their paths cross in a British colony on the brink of rebellion, a marriage of convenience may be their best hope of survival.

Canada, 1837. Widower James Kinney knows his precocious daughter, Evie, needs more than his lessons on law and logic, but Toronto offers few options. Classes with the neighbor children seem ideal until James discovers Evie is secretly spending her time with Sara O’Connor, a kind and mysteriously educated servant. For propriety’s sake, James forbids their friendship. But then Evie falls victim to the illness ravaging the city, and James must call upon Sara’s medical knowledge and her special bond with Evie to save his daughter’s life.

When Sara’s presence in his household threatens scandal, however, James offers an unexpected become his wife, in name only, and help him raise Evie to be a proper young lady.

If Sara can ignore the sparks she feels when they’re together, his logical proposal could keep her secret secure forever. But soon, the forces of rebellion unravel their tidy arrangement. When James is accused of treason, Sara must find the courage to face a past that could save her husband’s life.

Clean and wholesome, marriage-of-convenience historical romanceFilled with love, faith, and adventure. Inspirational historical fiction that’s perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Laura Frantz, and Tamera AlexanderIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

My Review:

Woohoo! I’ve just discovered a new author to add to my favourites list and I’m getting in on her career right at the start. Fantastic debut that delivers an emotional, heart-tugging, adventurous historical romance that gave me all the feels…and then some.

And it’s set in Toronto, written by a Canadian author! That fills me with all kinds of patriotic bookish glee! The author has captured the historic atmosphere while delivering a piece of Canada’s past with intriguing detail. Love the glorious time travel feeling I get when a book invites me to completely immerse myself in the reading experience and Suntz’s storytelling did just that.

Plus — marriage of convenience! Eeeeppp!!! A much loved trope and this one plays out to perfection. Love the build up to that point. Sara’s desperate circumstances raised my ire and kept me wanting to purse whomp a certain innkeeper. Gah!

A host of secondary characters add even more emotional depth to this engaging story. Granny with her pragmatic words of wisdom and unshakeable faith, little Evie’s exuberant, inquisitive joie de vi-vre, young Henry forced to grow up much too fast – all added their unique charm and became fast fictional friends.

And what would a good story be without a villain or two? Add in, a bit of intrigue and buried secrets to make our hero and heroine really work for their happily ever after and, voila, the result is a captivating romance that’s impossible to put down.

I really enjoyed listening to the audio edition of The Lawyer and the Laundress narrated by Cassandra Campbell. She’s one of my favourite voice performers and she did justice to Sara, James and company. Would highly recommend the audio edition of this book if you have a discerning ear like I do. 🙂

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – ebook

Canada – ebook or audible — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Lawyer and the Laundress,  leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 30 2025