In this engaging episode, we’re joined by debut author and high school teacher Christine Hill Suntz, who shares the beautiful story behind her first historical Christian romance, The Lawyer and the Laundress. Set in 1837 Toronto during the Upper Canada Rebellion, this romance is steeped in rich historical context, faith-driven themes, and powerful character arcs. Christine opens up about her path to becoming a published author at 47, her life on a hobby farm filled with goats, and how her passion for languages and justice flows right into the pages of her novel. We talk about her heroine Sarah—who’s not quite what she seems—and James, the idealistic widowed lawyer with a heart for peace. Get ready for secret identities, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a sweet marriage of convenience twist you won’t want to miss!
Listen to the episode here.
Meet Christine Hill Suntz
Christine knew she wanted to write the day she finished Anne of Green Gables and she’s been lost in her imagination ever since. Winner of the ACFW 2022 Genesis contest for Historical Romance, she also won the 2021 West Coast Christian Writers Golden Goldie Best-in-Conference award. She lives in Ontario on a hobby farm with her family and a herd of entitled goats. When she’s not writing, she teaches high school French and tries out historical recipes on her (mostly) willing family. Follow her for more adventures in 19th-century life.
Visit Christine's Website
Follow Christine
Bible Verse for Encouragement
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance."— Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 (NKJV)
Christine Hill Suntz's New Book: The Lawyer and the Laundress
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 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.
Includes discussion questions for book clubs
Clean and wholesome, marriage-of-convenience historical romance
Filled with love, faith, and adventure
Inspirational historical fiction that’s perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Laura Frantz, and Tamera Alexander
💞 Tropes in The Lawyer and the Laundress
Enemies to Lovers
Marriage of Convenience
Secret Identity
Single Dad / Widower Hero
Class Difference / Upstairs-Downstairs
Found Family
Strong Heroine & Noble Hero
Get your copy today!
Amazon
Tyndale
Get updates on our themed book giveaways
Enter the most current book giveaway on ChristianRomancePodcast.com and sign up for our email list.
Kelly’s Personal Update
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you!