About the Book:
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 solution: 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.
My Thoughts:When I finished reading The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz, I found myself wishing that Sara, James, and Evie were real people. These characters came alive amid the turmoil of the 1837 Canada Rebellion, a historical event I was unfamiliar with. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this beautiful story of finding (and refinding) love and family.
My favorite theme in The Lawyer and the Laundress was how God is with us in the hard times, even when he chooses not to rescue from pain and suffering. Sara’s past experiences reflected this and in her present circumstances God felt absent. One quote by Granny stayed with me: “God isn’t only a God of blessings. He’s the Man of Sorrows, too, ye ken. He knows how it feels.” I’m thankful that’s true.
The Lawyer and the Laundress included several other elements I enjoyed. The romance between James and Sara held swoony moments, tension as the relationship evolved, and a bit of mystery due to Sara’s hidden identity. The secondary characters truly enhanced the story and kept the plot moving along. The social structures of the day added adversity for Sara and James to overcome.
I recommend The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz to readers who enjoy historical fiction with tension, secrets, and romance. Five Stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
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