Katherine Schneider and Jonathan Birch are both night owls. She a dentist and he a NYC cop who both work the night shift. Jonathan, on admiring Katherine from afar, offers to escort her home each night when her shift ends, to which she accepts. But for the first two years he acts his profession when escorting her - a cop who is providing protection detail to a citizen of his city.

Secretly they have both developed feelings for the other but both are prevented from sharing their affections with the other because of their histories: his involving being born into a notorious New York family and she a bruised ego from a broken engagement.

Meanwhile, unwittingly Katherine provides evidence regarding a potential link to a series of bomb attacks. Jonathan is informed and gets engaged in the case. Here is where the story takes off as more of the story involves the mystery surrounding the ongoing threat of bombs planted by the Sons of Chaos, an anarchistic group, who wants to play havoc with the institutions of the famous city.

And with any good romance, there comes a point of rupture, that devastates the couple and the reader. But as the mystery of the bombs continues and Jonathan's role grows, romance may be rekindled.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Camden has a mature writing voice and style that engages her reader such that one happily keeps turning the pages. Her attention to descriptive detail is first rate as we are able to visualise New York's bustling port, the Martha Washington set of apartments (where Katherine lives) and various other landmarks.

I enjoyed both characters, though at times they were frustrating. Katherine is an open book and very stubborn, a little slow to forgive and forget while Jonathan, though often charming, is similarly stubborn and grapples with envy of an old school chum. Camden presents them as vulnerable and authentic characters allowing her readers to love them at times and frustrate them immensely at other times.

Like many such stories, the crime-stuff gets wrapped up a little too easily while the romance powers along. I get that but it leaves a little dissatisfaction for me at the story conclusion.

I'm very fortunate to have received an early ebook copy from Bethany House via Net Galley with no expectation of a positive review.

Elizabeth is a dentist at the turn of the century in New York City. One of her patients starts rattling while under the gas she used to numb the pain. When bombs start going off in New York City, she realizes that her patient was stating where the bombs would be set. Jonathan is a police officer that has been escorting Elizabeth home since she has been working the late shift. She tells Jonathan about her patient and her suspensions. As he looks into it, he is dismayed by what he finds. It could unravel a deep secret he has been hiding. As Elizabeth and Jonathon try to find out who is responsible for the bombs, there are attempts on their lives.

I recommend this book for all mystery lovers.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

I absolutely loved this unique look at the nightlife of New York City in the early 20th century! There were so many perspectives I had never considered before, including what dentistry looked like at that time and how it too was affected by racism and classism of the day. The main characters' stories were riveting, and I could hardly put down this book, I was so engaged in trying to figure out who to trust and what was going to happen. (A lot more bad things happened than I expected which really kept me guessing!) I found the main characters rather unpredictable in the ways they responded - sometimes they were quite gracious and other times a little contentious, and while I got a little frustrated with them sometimes, I also thought it was pretty true to life that we don't always know how people will respond to things, even if we think we know them pretty well. I'm definitely looking forward to more of this series!

Elizabeth Camden has a great writing style and this was a fun book to read. I liked that her characters were flawed. Their claws were in line with the characters past and were natural consequences of living in a broken world with other people (ie trust issues, jealousy etc). I really gravitate to books with real characters. Jonathan and Katharine had to grow and struggle through these flaws and at times made mistakes. The storyline was engaging, although a little predictable, it was still fun! I found the ending a little too quick and a wrap-up a little too tidy. But all in all it was a great read. I wish there was more said about their faith and how this impacted their decisions
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of the book. In exchange I given my honest review.

I swear no one in the world can make me more invested in the interesting roles women play in history. While the City Sleeps is evocatively told and so romantic. Camden remains one of my all time favourite writers.

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 enjoyed the mention of Times Square, the subway, and all of the people who kept the city operating while most people slept. I loved learning about Dr. Edgar "Painless" Parker's sometimes shady efforts to promote dental care, the organization of the American Dental Association in 1913, and the Martha Washington Hotel that remained for women only until 1998.

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.

In While the City Sleeps, Katherine Schneider is working as a dentist in New York City when one of her patients reveals the targets for a deadly plot while under the influence of laughing gas. She turns to Lieutenant Jonathan Birch with this information, and they are pushed together as Katherine’s life is targeted and Jonathan’s secrets that he tried so hard to separate himself from threaten to come to the surface.

I really enjoyed the NYC but from a historical point of view! I thought both Katherine and Jonathan were great characters, and I loved their interactions. Katherine lives in a female only apartment building, so this provided some great interactions with other professional women that Katherine befriended. I thought this book blended a friends to more romance and action really well!

Thank you to Bethany House for a complimentary copy. All thoughts are my own.

While the City Sleeps, by Elizabeth Camden, is an engrossing historical fiction novel made quite memorable by its enticing blend of intrigue, mystery, romance, and surprises. With beautiful writing page after page, this captivating novel is both touching and clever. An integral setting and compelling characters add depth to a story that is very moving and memorable.

Ms. Camden’s writing style is detailed, expressive, immersive and engaging. From the very first pages, Ms. Camden brings to life a real and vibrant New York City in the early twentieth century. The characters in this story are notable as well. As they develop and respond to the situations around them, they grow in their authenticity and relatablity. Their fears, their motivations, and their relationships grow more complex as they face increasingly tense and dangerous situations in pursuit of truth and justice.

Furthermore, in this novel, Ms. Camden thoughtfully explores meaningful thematic combinations of guilt and forgiveness, lies and truth, heartache and hope, and loss and restoration. With an emphasis on the importance of friends and family, this novel also overflows with affirming examples of honor, compassion, perseverance, and redemption.

With dangerous secrets, mysterious motives, and a violent criminal playing prominent roles in the plot, Ms. Camden has crafted a story that is riveting and entertaining. From beginning to end, While the City Sleeps offers a thoroughly satisfying blend of history, romance, faith, and mystery. It is certainly a special novel that I eagerly recommend. 

*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher/author. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

Absolutely adored the well-rounded story, lovable characters, and good mystery element. I felt like I was in 1900s NYC, which is always a telltale sign of how good a historical fiction piece is going to play out. I will stan Katherine + Jonathan forever, specifically their late night walks 😭

Elizabeth’s Camden’s writing completely transports you. This was my first time reading one of her novels and I was HOOKED. Like, stay-up-till-3am-reading hooked. Which is good news for me, because this book is the first in a series featuring the Women of Midtown. Thank you to Elizabeth Camden, NetGalley, and Bethany House Publishers for providing me with the opportunity to read this!

Elizabeth Camden’s stories are always informative, romantic, and exciting, and While the City Sleeps is no exception! I enjoyed the characters and twist and turns of the dramatic plot, set against the backdrop of Mafia Manhattan in the early 20th century. Camden weaves fact and fiction into a heart-racing story that will keep readers on their toes, plus some swoony romance. I’m excited for more in this series! 4/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

While the City Sleeps is an intriguing novel set in New York City towards the end of the Gilded Age. I admired the main characters and enjoyed the mystery plot. The heroine is a dentist, a very unusual vocation for a female in that era. She also writes a newspaper column featuring various jobs people do at night “while the city sleeps.” The hero is a police officer with secret ties to the Italian mob. How their lives and interests intersect makes for a page-turning story with lots of unexpected twists and turns. I enjoyed learning more about what life might have been like in a big city during that era.

This was another winning book by Elizabeth Camden. Whenever I see her name on a new release, I don't hesitate to pick up the book to enjoy!

The author picked a very interesting setting for While the City Sleeps. Steeped in fascinating historical details about the "Painless Parker" dentistry, the nightlife of New York city in 1913, and the beginnings of the city's bomb squad - this story was such a treat to read!

I loved Katherine's spunk and Jonathan's courage. Their relationship unfolds through a wild adventure with a whole lot of danger involving gangs, hitmen, bombs, and...laughing gas (ha!).

A very enjoyable read, and I can't wait for the next book in this new series!


Many thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.

Elizabeth Camden consistently finds the most intriguing tidbits of history to build her stories around, and I am here for it. In While the City Sleeps, 1913 New York bustles with a vibrant hum across the pages – the sights, the sounds, the smells almost tangible as Camden easily immerses her readers into the story. Even back then, the energy of the Midtown setting (including Times Square) was palpable at night. For while most of the city was sleeping, there was still a hive of night shift employees, subway engineers, newspaper people, theater goers (and players), police officers, doctors, nurses… and even dentists still very much awake and working. I was particularly fascinated by the fact that NYC had a Bomb Squad in 1913 (I didn’t realize it dated back that far) and by Edgar ‘Painless’ Parker. I admired his vision for dental clinics open late to appeal to the working class and hiring dentists from all walks of life and nationalities, including women, so every patient would feel comfortable. Granted, he is certainly a colorful character that toes a fine line of ethics in advertising, but I really enjoyed learning about his offices and having Katherine employed there as a dentist. It gave the story – and her character – even more interesting layers and fit the plot perfectly.

Speaking of Katherine, both she and Jonathan are characters that readers will quickly love. Katherine is spunky and independent, and I loved her relationship with her parents and her friendships with the girls at the Martha Washington (a setting I also found fascinating & could picture so vividly thanks to Camden’s descriptions). I absolutely adored the way Jonathan waited for her each night to walk her home, long before they began anything romantic between them. He patiently and gently just shows up for her so often in this story – mouthwatering baked goods at the ready – and this just made him all the more swoonworthy to me. Is he perfect? No. Camden writes some wonderfully flawed heroes, and Jonathan is no exception. He has some rough edges that need to be redeemed, but so does Katherine. And it was a joy to watch them work through these weaknesses together and come out stronger.

Bottom Line: Bomb Squads. The Mafia. The New York Times. The subway. Times Square. No, this isn’t a new episode of Law and Order but rather a compelling historical romance that gives us an ‘owl’s-eye view’ (if you know, you know) of a familiar city over 100 years ago. I loved seeing these institutions as they were back then, via the magic of Elizabeth Camden’s talented storytelling, and found myself amazed at how long they’ve been an active part of New York City life. While the City Sleeps takes these fascinating pockets of history and weaves them into a timeless romance between two vibrant characters who readily claimed a place in my heart. The road to happily-ever-after is certainly not a smooth one for Katherine and Jonathan, but it’s so worth it in the end – and some super-swoony kisses help too! Another richly written tale from the master of progressive-era fiction. I can’t wait to see which woman of Midtown is featured next!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

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.

I received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

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.

I received this book as an early read, Elizabeth Camden is an author that I have wanted to read in the past and this sounded intriguing.
It was great and it didn't disappoint. I enjoyed it and the cover was what drew my interest.

I'm excited for this new series about the women of midtown. It was interesting reading about Katherine working as a dentist and the unusual way the dental office ran. To later learn that the situation was true made it all the more incredible. I've never given much thought to dental practices as they started out.

I liked Jonathan quite a lot. I understood why he did what he did. I felt Katherine was a little extra at times but I appreciated her growth.

The set up for the case to solve was unusual and interesting. I always like seeing how leads in a case are followed to lead to it being solved.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

In 1913 New York, dentist Katherine Schneider's routine as a dentist is disrupted when the effects of laughing gas on a patient reveals a deadly plot. She turns to Lieutenant Jonathan Birch, a man she's admired from afar. A criminal conspiracy is unraveled, and as they work together, Jonathan grapples with the fear of revealing his dark past to the woman he has long harbored feelings for.

This was an enjoyable piece of fiction. I appreciated how the author wove in persons from the time with the fictional characters. Elizabeth Camden always has unique settings for her stories and I love how she includes details that bring the time period to life. This book is no different and I enjoyed the bits of history that were sprinkled through the narrative.

However, I did not completely enjoy the romance. I liked that it had time to build, but I do not enjoy “the liar revealed” or stories that rely on miscommunication to divide the couple. From the start, we know what Jonathan is hiding and we know that it is not going to be good when Katherine finds out. While I understood why Jonathan lied and why Katherine is upset, it made me feel as though they would have been better off apart than together.

Overall, this was fun to read. I would recommend it to readers looking for a clean historical romance.

'While The City Sleeps' is set in 1913 New York City. Katherine is a female dentist which is uncommon for this time. Jonathan, a police officer trying to escape his past, faithfully accompanies Katherine home after her late shifts, always bringing home-baked delicious Italian treats for them to enjoy together. Katherine becomes tangled up in a dangerous police investigation involving an anarchist group called the Sons of Cauos. Jonathan faces the challenge of protecting her while concealing his feelings.

The narrative is full of suspense as the mystery of the radical group behind the city's bombings deepens with each chapter. Elizabeth Camden's descriptions vividly show the ambiance of 1913 New York City.

The tension escalates as Jonathan competes with his colleague Sean Gallagher while navigating their strained professional relationship. Amidst the looming threat of the Italian Mafia, the constantly changing romance between Katherine and Jonathan unfolds with the first kiss which is fulfilling for them and the readers. Theirs was such a realistic romance.

I so loved how the women at the Martha Washington Hotel handled things as a group. Despite the cantankerous landlady, Katherine and her fellow women unite to rescue the darling owls residing near her apartment.

While the City Sleeps is the first book in the new series 'The Women of Midtown', which explores the nightlife of New York City's working class. I look forward to reading the next book in the series which will take place in the years before World War 1. Elizabeth Camden has become an instant-read author for me.

1913 and lower NY City is a colorful time and place. Author, Elizabeth Camden, does a good job opening the doors to ethnic neighborhoods, industrial crime, the nature of families, (birth and otherwise), and the growth and corruption of the city and its management, including the police and politicians.

Blessedly, Camden does the above without political commentary. By far, her narrative comes thru as descriptive or as historical research. It’s what I enjoy about historical fiction; getting to learn about and from those that came before me. There are a few characters that are actual historical figures which Camden details in the back of the book. Take a few minutes to read about them prior to starting the story.

If you’ve ever spent time in lower Manhattan, you’ll recognize some of the locations and streets described. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes having to do with publishing and brief encounters with icons in the business. Also what I found particularly entertaining was the brief scenes including Nona and the Italian family of Lt. Birch. It reminded me so much of my family, minus the Mafia and murder!

Katherine doesn’t spend too much time doing dental work in the story. She seems more interested in being a columnist for the newspaper. The romantic relationship is very slow moving and completely clean; G rated for sure. Unlike most of Camden’s books, the faith element is very subdued; she’s usually more overt. Perhaps this book is being presented as more mainstream.

A good historical fiction story that moves quickly and offers a look at overnight jobs, women breaking into a previously all male vocation, a bit of .Mafia, mystery and real people trying to make a better world for all the real folks, WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS📚