While the City Sleeps - (The Women of Midtown) by Elizabeth Camden (Paperback)

Looking for a history lesson, a swoon-worthy romance, and a faith message, all in one book? Mystery, history, and romance shine in While the City Sleeps, an intriguing look at nightlife in 1913 New York City. Katherine Schneider is a female dentist who works the night shift in a dental clinic and Jonathan Birch is the young police lieutenant who makes sure that she has safe travels during those overnight hours. Katherine considers him a friend but it's obvious that Jonathan's feelings run deeper! Why doesn't he feel free to confess his love? While the City Sleeps is an exciting peek at the Big Apple in 1913! The Mafia is rampant, bomb squads are needed, and there's so much activity during those night hours! I'm always excited to see that Elizabeth Camden has a new book and believe me, I haven't been disappointed! I recommend While the City Sleeps and I look forward to the next book in this Women of Midtown series. I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

An interesting historical novel set in 1913 New York City. The author does an excellent job of describing what it would have been like for a women forging her way in the big city as a dentist. She weaves a unique love story between two characters with elements of mystery and intrigue. Jonathan's history and secrets brought a fascinating plot twist to the story. His calm, strong and steady personality along with his love for baking made me love his character. The story line is very unique and unlike anything else I have ever read. The author is very colorful and descriptive with her writing and it was interesting to read what crime may have looked like during the early 1900's. There is some faith element woven into the story although some of the characters used the sign of the cross and absolution was given by priests at one point in the story.

Dentist Katherine Schneider stumbles upon a dangerous bomb plot while working the night shift, can she and Policeman Jonathan Birch get to the bottom of the plot before more people get hurt? A riveting adventure with a strong heroine, and a admirable hero with a secret past. I loved the ladies at the Martha Washington and the friendship between the group of working women. Katherine is a capable woman, who also longs for more than friendship with the kind and considerate Jonathan. Jonathan is very thoughtful, caring, and intentional with his choices and actions. I could understand and respect why he made the choices that he did, and I admired his determination to make the bomb squad. Rich with history, I loved how Ms. Camden brought the nighttime of New York to life, showing the hardworking men and women laboring while everyone else sleeps. As well as how she showed the solid relationship between Katherine's parents. Overall, a well written adventure, with a full cast of characters, mystery, relationship building and themes of family and faith. Highly enjoyable! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book had me staying up way past my bedtime to finish it! Elizabeth Camden has once again woven a spellbinding tale with her signature blend of historical accuracy, intricate characters, and a touch of romance. In her novels, including "The Spice King" and "A Dangerous Legacy," Camden transports readers to a bygone era, effortlessly combining meticulous research with a compelling narrative; “While the City Sleeps” is no exception! Camden's strength lies in her ability to bring historical settings to life, immersing readers in the rich details of the time period. Her characters are vividly drawn, each with their own quirks and complexities, making them feel remarkably real. Whether it's the headstrong heroin, Katherine, breaking societal norms, or the enigmatic hero, Jonathan, grappling with personal demons, Camden's characters are relatable and endearing. The author's meticulous research is evident in the seamless integration of historical elements into the storyline. Camden doesn't just create a romantic backdrop; she explores the societal issues and technological advancements of the time, adding layers of depth to her narratives. This attention to detail educates readers and enriches the overall reading experience. In summary, Elizabeth Camden continues to be a master storyteller. Her ability to seamlessly blend history, romance, and compelling characters creates an engaging and enlightening reading experience. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction or simply enjoy a well-crafted love story, Elizabeth Camden's “While the City Sleeps” will prove to be a delightful journey into the past.

What an amazing start to what promises to be a fantastic series set in New York in the early 20th century! I couldn’t put it down! Katherine Schneider has fled Ohio, nursing a broken heart, to the bustling city of New York to work as a dentist. Her life is turned upside down when one of her patients reveals what turns out to be details of a deadly criminal plot. Lieutenant Jonathan Birch has harbored feelings for Katherine for a few years now. But he must content himself with their daily companionship while walking her from work to her home in the middle of the night. If she knew about his past, she would reject him immediately. But when she turns to him with mysterious clues to a tremendous criminal complot, and soon becomes a target herself, he must do everything in his power, not only to protect his country and people, but to keep safe the woman he’s been falling in love with but will never be able to have. I’ve always loved Elizabeth Camden’s books because of her impeccable historical research and detail, her intriguing plots, and her deep, inspiring and compelling characters. This book was no exception! Actually, I think it’s one of my new favorites! The setting and historical time is so vivid that I felt transported to that place and era. The way she describes everything is so realistic and detailed. I’m always amazed at how much she knows about American and Universal history. The plot is a complete page turner, with mystery, intrigue and constant deadly danger. Jonathan’s work as a police officer and his connection to the Bomb Squad is so interesting and made the story captivating! The relation of the case with the Italian Mafia was intriguing as well. Having lived in Italy for some years made it even more appealing for me! The characters were amazing! I oved how different Katherine and Jonathan were! A total opposites-attract trope! Katherine was bright, open, optimistic, and naïve, always seeing the bright side to people and circumstances. Jonathan, having lived a rough and complex childhood, is accustomed to mistrust, being reserved and calculating. They both have a huge and kind heart, and are willing to do anything to help others. I loved the way they told each other some thought-provoking truths that made them deepen into the motive of their actions. Jonathan was so courageous, and the way he needed to prove himself touched me. I liked what he learns after a long rivalry with one of his colleagues. We are all imperfect and have own faults and mistakes, but we all deserve a chance to be believed in, and we all have a good -even if more hidden- side to be discovered and appreciated. Jonathan and Katherine’s romance was so sweet and endearing that I completely melted. I fell completely in love with both characters, and loved their interactions and dialogues. Many things to be learnt from their personal journeys. All in all, a wonderful and deeply inspiring novel that I vividly recommend. The way the characters lived their faith was humbling and inspiring too! And I loved the friendship between the women who lived at the Martha Washington hotel! They always had each other’s backs! Can’t wait for Inga’s story to come out! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

“As she is plunged into danger, she seeks help from the dashing Lieutenant Jonathan Birch, a police officer she has long admired from afar,” states the online description of Elizabeth Camden’s novel, While the City Sleeps. ~ What ~ Part of the Women of Midtown series, this three-hundred-and-fifty-two-page advanced reader copy targets those who enjoy historical romance involving working the nightshift in the Big Apple. Containing the slang word heck, the topics of physical abuse, injury, and murder may not be appropriate for immature readers. The book ends with a historical note, ten discussion questions, a teaser of another book in the series, the author’s biography, and advertisements. In this series set in the early 1900s in New York City, twenty-eight-year-old Katherine is the only female dentist in the city, working late hours into the night. When she hears rather alarming information from one of her patients and confides in reserved Policeman Jonathan, her life is in jeopardy. As the two of them work together to find out who is behind the bombs in the harbor and beyond, they wonder if they can find true love with complete trust. ~ Why ~ This is a fast-paced story that involves not only the NYPD Italian and Bomb Squads trying to stop the Sons of Chaos from destroying the city, but it also weaves a naïve but educated woman’s fear of being lied to with a protective, compassionate lieutenant who hides his past. I loved learning about the era’s nightlife, the Painless Parker Dentistry, Martha Washington Hotel, and taking care of owls. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not have a personal relationship with God may not like the Catholic undertones. Others may not care for a story about crime families, aggressive competition between coworkers, being targeted, and bombs. Some may feel the protagonists were stereotypical at times. ~ Wish ~ Although the story contains trusting in the Lord, it missed the opportunity to give the eternal plan of salvation. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence. ~ Want ~ If you want to know more about working the graveyard shift in New York City in 1913 while there is a bomber on the loose as two wounded individuals find acceptance and grace, this one will keep you up late reading. Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review. Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars

A fascinating story, I enjoyed every page of While the City Sleeps. Author Elizabeth Camden is a must read for me. I love her historical fiction, mystery, and romance, and this first book in a new series delivers all that and more! While the City Sleeps is the first book in the new series The Women of Midtown, and explores the nightlife of New York City's working class. We meet Katherine Schneider, in 1913, a female dentist working the late shift at the Painless Parker Dentistry near Times Square in NYC. She is befriended by local police officer Jonathan Birch who works the night shift and has been escorting her from work to her subway station for quite some time. Katherine wants to get to know Jonathon more during their nightly walk to the subway, but he is very tight-lipped and says nothing of his background or personal life. Their lives are thrown into chaos when she realizes she overheard the ramblings of patient under the influence of nitrous oxide. At first Katherine chalks it up to incoherent ramblings, and soon it becomes apparent that it is a list of possible bomb targets. We meet William Randolph Hearst when she goes with Officer Birch to the newspaper to have a sketch drawn of her patient. What ensues is working against the clock to find out who is involved in these plots, and to protect Katherine; and Officer Birch's past comes back to haunt him. I enjoyed learning about Dr. Edgar Parker and his forward thinking and practical ideas. "Their office had dentists who were fluent in German, Russian, and Chinese. Dr. Parker also hired Black and female dentists. By hiring dentists who looked like the diverse population of New York City, at least one obstacle that made people reluctant to see a dentist had been removed." He also kept his clinic open during unconventional hours to accommodate working people, and he charged less than other dentists to help the poor afford going to the dentist. "Traditional dentists branded Dr. Edgar Parker a menace to the dignity of the profession." Due to all these reasons, and the fact that he "started his career as a vaudeville tooth-puller." I highly recommend this historical fiction with a dash of romance by master storyteller Elizabeth Camden. I could not stop turning pages! The characters are endearing, and the history of that era comes alive under her talented pen. Thank you to the author, publisher, and net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Elizabeth Camden writes fascinating historical fiction that blossoms from an obscure fact or event in history. This new series focuses on women working in Midtown Manhattan and I absolutely loved visiting 1913 NYC. Walking in Katherine's shoes was particularly eye-opening, given that she is a woman dentist in the heart of NYC during the Gilded Age. Her tenacity, optimism, struggles, and triumphs made her a memorable heroine. Jonathan, with his shadowed past and commitment to justice, was a remarkable hero; he made me believe in our law enforcement and its dedication all over again. There was a nice bit of mystery and intrigue underneath the history and romance and the plot blended these components well. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will definitely love this book. Elizabeth Camden will sweep you into the bustling metropolis of NYC and keep you glued there until the very end of the book. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.