![](https://netgalley-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/a15cb8542c/images/icons/nav_back_xs.png)
Member Reviews
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar838428-micro.png?1725754572)
Camden always has a way of drawing the reader into a story before they realize they’ve been hooked. In While the City Sleeps, a simple beginning of a female dentist completing her job while a drugged patient rambles is nothing abnormal. However, once Katherine learns the truth of the patient’s ramblings she’s plunged into a dangerous mystery and must rely on a stoic police officer who seems willing to share his time but not his heart. A cast of secondary characters round out the story and bring the city to life.
A Christian thread is woven throughout with characters questioning their role in God’s story and if they are making the right choices for the right reasons. As characteristic of Camden’s books, the romance is light but steadfast.
This book is a perfect start to Camden’s new series–The Women of Midtown–and should captivate readers with its love story, friendship dynamics, bitter rivalries, and heart-pounding intrigue.
![](https://netgalley-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/a15cb8542c/images/profile-micro.png)
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.
![](https://netgalley-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/a15cb8542c/images/profile-micro.png)
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 via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar215991-micro.png?1725754572)
Wow. Keep this with you as you will have a hard time not reading straight through. So very real. 1913 New York City, showcases people who work at night in the city that never sleeps, and keep it running. A theme of starting over and sheltering yourself from past inflicted pain. Excruciating romance that builds. People who are strong and willing to work hard, giving to others. Tense. More than excellent read!
I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#WhileTheCitySleeps #NetGalley #ElizabethCamden #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BethanyHousePublishers #BethanyHouse #ChristianHistoricalFiction
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar308632-micro.png?1725754572)
Elizabeth Camden has penned a book about interesting people and their jobs who work at night in 1910 in New York. It is filled with historical detail and wonderful characters. The heroine is a dentist, which was quite rare during that time. The hero is a cop with a secret past. With suspense, thrills, and, of course, some sweet romance, this book has it!
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar1287169-micro.png?1725754572)
This one had me on the edge of my seat!
The chemistry between Katherine and Jonathan along with the animosity between Jonathan and Gallagher was so palpable.
The characters were detailed and vivid. I could picture Jonathan and Katherine walking in the dark to the subway, the Martha Washington and the dentist office.
The ending was realistic, and with the tension that had been growing between Gallagher and Jonathan I knew something painful had to happen.
I think it would’ve been fun if the recipes from Nonna Giraldi’s kitchen had been included!
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar375904-micro.png?1725754572)
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙨 ♡
•he brings her baked goods
•protective policeman MMC
•nightly moonlit walks
•pining for each other
•independent, career driven FMC
•danger and twists
•secrets
•forgiveness
•mafia vibes
“𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙙𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙤𝙞𝙡.”
I’ve been wanting to read a book by Elizabeth Camden and I’m so glad I finally did! I was immediately hooked by the premise. I love that Katherine was a dentist during this time period. She had such inner strength and determination and was perfect to balance out our secretive but gentle policeman. I loved learning about Johnathon’s backstory! The slow burn and angst between him and Katherine was perfect for this friends to lovers romance.
“𝙐𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩, 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙩𝙝, 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣. 𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙙, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙.”
I really enjoyed learning more about this history of this time period in NYC. I loved the inner workings of the police and the start of the bomb squad. There were times while reading this that my heart was in my throat. The mystery and suspense was so well done! I’m really looking forward to the continuation of this series!
Content: kisses, mild violence
Thank you to Bethany House and Austenprose for a gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.
![](https://netgalley-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/a15cb8542c/images/profile-placeholder-micro.png)
Camden has a lovely writing style, and I got swept up in this mix of historical fiction, mystery, and romance. I enjoyed how rich in historical detail this was and the peek at the early history of the NYC bomb squad. The nighttime setting was unique and atmospheric and added to the suspense.
The story was intriguing and well-plotted, but the excellent character development and growth made the book for me. Katherine works as a dentist at a time when it was unusual for a woman to do so and writes a column about nighttime workers and how they keep the city running around the clock. She was the kind of FMC I love in historical fiction: ahead of her time, intelligent, determined, and endearing. I also really liked Jonathan. He has some things to reconcile, and his character unfolds a bit more slowly across the novel, but you feel like you are genuinely getting to know him. Their slow-burn relationship begins with Jonathan ensuring Katherine gets home safely every night after her shift, and this sweet romance plays well against the danger and tension of the mystery. This was my first book by this author, but it will not be my last, and I look forward to more in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the gifted ARC!
![](https://netgalley-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/a15cb8542c/images/profile-micro.png)
This book was a great read! The history, charm, and happenings of 1913 in New York City were very much brought to life. I was immediately drawn into the story of Jonathan Birch of the NYPD and dentist Katherine Schneider. I also enjoyed the glimpses into the lives of many who work at night to keep the city running.
As Katherine and Jonathan worked to untangle the threads of the deadly plot, I found the storyline to be well-crafted and intriguing, with many unexpected twists. I found danger, intrigue, teamwork, and triumph. Their sleuthing plus a little romance kept me easily engaged.
The characters are well-developed. At first, I thought Katherine was pretty much an open book. But she was shown to be a self-assured, resourceful woman able to make her own decisions and find her way in a world just opening up to professional women. As for Jonathan and his hidden past, each plot twist brought more revelations that just made me love him all the more!
Readers who like romance intertwined with intrigue-filled mystery and historical details will surely love this book. I found myself smiling about the outcome of their adventures days after I had finished the book. I absolutely plan to read more from Elizabeth Camden.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar987568-micro.png?1725754572)
"So-called easy Roads can often become very hard"
Captivating mystery romance with drama, danger, and historical intrigue, Well-written plot, sweet clean romance. NYC 1913 setting.
I enjoyed reading about the vivid descriptions of the city at night and the delicious food. Among the characters, Jonathan stood out for me, as his interesting backstory made him an intriguing character. Katherine, a dentist with a very optimistic attitude, also caught my attention as I enjoyed witnessing her character growth throughout the book.
Elizabeth Camden's books are a must-read if you enjoy Historical Romance novels with mystery and adventure.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for providing me with an eARC.
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar615067-micro.png?1725754572)
I LOVED this book that was a mystery and romance all tied up in the historical setting of New York City in 1913.
The characters in this book are engaging and the plot had my undivided attention. I read this book in two sittings.
The book has a few true to life characters and places which are explained in the Historical Notes at the end of the read.
The main character, Katherine Schneider, is a dentist. As she is treating a patient, he says some things under the influence of laughing gas that Katherine feels may have something to do with recent bombings around town.
She tells this information to police officer, Jonathon Birch, who has been making sure Katherine gets safely to the subway after her late shift.
The police aren’t sure if the bombings are the responsibility of an anarchist or the Italian mob.
As the investigation continues, Katherine’s life is put in danger and Jonathan is hiding big secrets. As the danger escalates, so does the feelings Katherine and Jonathan have for each other.
This read has plenty of action and drama mixed into the mystery and history.
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar708489-micro.png?1725754572)
Elizabeth Camden’s a must read favorite author. I was so excited to read While the City Sleeps, the first book in the Women of Midtown series. I’m happy to say it was absolutely fabulous! I loved the early 1900’s New York setting and the delightful characters that pulled me into the story.
Katherine Schneider’s a dentist from Ohio hoping to make it in New York. She works for a progressive dental clinic that hires dentists to match the diverse clientele of New York City. She works the evening shift and every night for the past two years, a handsome police officer, Jonathan Birch sees her safely home. Though there’s a strong attraction between them, Jonathan hasn’t acted on his feelings in the two years she’s known him.
When a patient Katherine treats divulges information that’s linked to a bombing and may foreshadow future bombings, she confides in Jonathan. This starts the two on a dangerous mission to find out who’s behind the plot to destroy several of New York’s famous landmarks. As they grow closer, Jonathan’s afraid to share a secret he’s been keeping for years that may threaten their relationship and ruin his career. Will he tell Katherine the truth before his secret is exposed?
I loved this story! It was so fun exploring 1913 New York in the evening. In addition to Katherine’s dental practice, she writes an anonymous newspaper column called “While the City Sleeps” which highlights the people who keep New York running overnight. I loved the history included in the story and enjoyed figuring out fact from fiction.
The mystery kept me on the edge of my seat! The suspense ratchets up as they try to identify the suspects and prevent the bombings. I enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery along with Katherine and Jonathan. There were some definite surprises which added an authentic, poignant feel to the story.
I loved Katherine’s and Jonathan’s romance. I loved the treats Jonathan makes for her and his honorable desire to rise above his circumstances. I enjoyed Katherine's personality & willingness to go after what she wanted. Her trust was broken in a previous relationship, so I was on pins a needles wondering how she’d react to Jonathan’s secret. I felt for Jonathan and his understandable need for secrecy.
I also loved the baby owls and the inclusion of real life figures like William Randolph Hurst and “Painless” Parker. I know whenever I pick up a novel by this author, I’ll be treated to fascinating historical tidbits along with a swoon worthy romance. Now I can’t wait for the next book in the series! Highly recommend to historical fiction and romance fans! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher and author. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.
![](https://netgalley-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/a15cb8542c/images/profile-micro.png)
Are you a day or a night person? I am a night person that is forced to live a daytime existence.
Katherine Schneider works as a dentist in 1913 at Painless Parker Dentistry in Times Square, New York City. Her work shift ends at midnight and for the past two years, the dashing Lieutenant Jonathan Birch from the police force has been there to walk her safely to the subway. She lives in the Martha Washington, a hotel with apartments that serves only professional women. Katherine and Jonathan seem to have feelings for each other, but their relationship has not progressed. Jonathan harbors secrets from his past and he is not willing to open up to another.
When one of Katherine’s patients spills secrets while he is under the influence of laughing gas, Katherine soon realizes that the secrets seem to align with bombings that are taking place around the City. With the help of Jonathan, the two investigate the crime. Will they be able to solve it before the criminals silence Katherine forever?
I greatly enjoyed this historical mystery. As soon as I started reading this story, I was riveted and could not put it down.
What I liked about this book:
- Great romantic tension between the two lead characters.
- Riveting history as part of the setting in 1913 New York City.
- Strong female character living an independent life as a professional dentist.
- Strong male lead who must come to terms with his past in order to move on with his future.
- Diverse characters who are professionals that are able to help other people in the City.
- Engaging mystery story that kept me guessing.
- Great historical notes and discussion questions at the end of the novel.
- Also, at the end of the novel, a first glimpse at the next book in this Women of Midtown series. I will be reading it when it comes out in 2025!
I also must add that there was one section of the book that was my very favorite. This is a Christian book. Most Christian books don’t really have any Christian themes in them but are just clean reads. This book has a section in the first part of the novel where Katherine and Jonathan have a great discussion about forgiveness. Here is a snippet of the discussion:
“’I know they’re bad men, but I’d like to think they can be redeemed.’
He slanted her a look, but she kept staring through the window, the outline of her profile as pure and refined as the statues of the saints he saw in church each Sunday. ‘Do you really believe that?’
‘Of course,’ she said automatically. ‘If someone gives themselves over to Christ, all things are possible.’
He smothered a cynical laugh. Her innocence was delightful but a bit naïve. ‘What about Nero? Judas? John Wilkes Booth?’
She shrugged. ‘No person is so lost they can’t be forgiven.’
‘Let me get this straight,’ he said. ‘If John Wilkes Booth, the man who shot Lincoln and derailed the reunification of our nation, managed to choke out an apology on his deathbed, you would say it’s okay. . . . that all is forgiven?’
She lifted her chin. ‘God would. Jesus would.’”
I loved this entire conversation and there is even more to it in the book. It’s a great plot point as Jonathan and his family are not perfect either. I feel like this is the start of him thinking about, can he and his family be forgiven for things they have done in the past? Or does the stain of their sins make it so that he cannot be forgiven and move on with his life?
Overall, While the City Sleeps by Elizabeth Camden was a captivating and engaging historical mystery novel. It is one of my favorite books this year so far.
Book Source: Review copy from author Bethany House Publishing as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour.
Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar488353-micro.png?1725754572)
A wonderful story about 1913 New York and a cast of characters all trying to determine who they are and who they want to be. Katherine and Jonathan were absolutely adorable in their courtship and their development as individuals throughout the story. The bombing investigation was fascinating and I learned a lot of things. I would absolutely read more from this very refreshing author!
![](https://netgalley-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/a15cb8542c/images/profile-placeholder-micro.png)
Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House for access to this arc.
I love the fact that our heroine, Katherine, is a dentist working in a clinic that is forward thinking. The owner has hired a diversified staff, lowered his prices, and keeps the office open until midnight all so that the poor/immigrants of the city have a place they can afford, times that fit their working schedules, and staff who often speak their language.
I can always count on something unique from Camden's books and here it’s a female dentist who works late and a cop who works the night shift. The driving factor behind what threatens Katherine, and so many others in New York City, makes sense given the number of people around the world with similar views and ideas about how to change society. If bombs are what it takes, then bombing is what will be done.
Jonathan is obviously keeping something from Katherine but it turns out he’s got bigger secrets and grudges from his past. He’s escaped from something that has cost him dearly but from which he did want to be free. His lies about it aren’t innocent white ones and he lies to Katherine’s face as well as to his bosses.
Katherine freely admits to Jonathan that she’s an open book and doesn’t hide her emotions. She wants to believe the best in people and thinks that everyone deserves to be heard and maybe get a second chance. This makes Jonathan and some of her friends shake their heads but if she gets fooled a time or two while giving someone the benefit of the doubt, Katherine doesn’t mind.
Of course they’re going to clash eventually about their different viewpoints and over how to deal with the situation Katherine finds herself in. Of course Jonathan’s past is revealed just at the worst time and Katherine, due to something in her past, takes it badly. When faced with how she reacts to one man and not another, Katherine has to do some soul searching. She and Jonathan have an exchange about the difficulties each has overcome and that no one wants to win an “I’ve had it worst” contest. Feelings are hurt and it takes each doing some hard thinking to move through and past their conflicts. These conflicts are where the main religious themes of the book lie.
I enjoyed the everyday view of life in NYC in that day and age. It’s alive, vibrant, and filled with normal working people getting on with their everyday lives. Bonus points that it’s all effortlessly worked into the story and not just there to show off research. I’d love to have read some of Katherine’s newspaper columns about night workers. Double yay that the owlets are fine. I would have rioted otherwise. Just saying. My bet is that the next books in the series will focus on some of Katherine’s friends and fellow residents in the fascinating women’s only apartment building in which she lives. I’m looking forward to them. B
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar728860-micro.png?1725754572)
“Don’t ever doubt in the darkness what is true in the light.”
If you are like me and enjoy a wonderful, clean love story while learning something new about a little-known aspect of history, you might enjoy Elizabeth Camden’s novels.
This is my first introduction to this author, and I love how she masterfully blended these elements into her work. I think what I loved most is that it’s a well-paced novel filled with intelligent characters and real-life history.
While the City Sleeps is the first book in The Women of Midtown series and it’s a fantastic kickoff, highlighting the working-class heroes and heroines who keep New York City operational while everyone else sleeps.
Dr. Katherine Schneider s a rarity in early 20th century New York in that she’s a woman working in dentistry. I loved that despite facing humiliation and setbacks in Ohio before we meet her, she still “fulfilled her improbable dream of becoming a dentist.” It was good for me to think about the positive side of our dreams not coming to fruition. So often we focus on the negative side of the disappointment. In Katherine’s case, it forced her out of her comfort zone and into a rewarding career. I saw so much of myself in Katherine; driven, career-focused, rule follower, people pleaser, and often spouts off before she thinks. It was good for me to see ‘myself’ from a different angle. I wanted to pull her aside and force her to see the big picture and treat Jonathan much more tenderly. It was good to be reminded that we are all in the process of ‘becoming’.
Lieutenant Jonathan Birch won my heart. I think I saw so much of my husband in him; loves to bake, is gentle, Italian, avoids confrontation and is driven to pursue goals. I love how Camden slowly revealed his backstory, keeping so much of who he ‘was’ in the background until we fell in love with who he ‘is’ and who he wants to become.
I enjoyed the examination of the challenges that come when we undergo a transformation and reinvent ourselves. Equally enjoyable was the focus on redemption, loneliness, allegiance, loyalty, the struggle to overcome our past, the need to rise above, the importance of extending grace, empathy, compassion and understanding, the danger of being ruled by fear and listening to the voice of doubt, the value of being part of a team and waiting on God’s timing,
I appreciated learning about ‘the gray lady’, keeping up with the well-plotted and intriguing mystery, and seeing how far society has come in the past 111 years.
I’ve added this author to my auto-read list.
I was gifted this copy by Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
![](https://netgalley-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/a15cb8542c/images/profile-micro.png)
I really loved this story! I’ve read several books by Elizabeth Camden, and I think this is her best one yet!
It was a fabulous blend of romance, drama, danger and intrigue, with a great eye for historical detail. The writing and pacing were excellent, and I couldn’t put it down.
Katherine and Jonathan were such opposites in temperament and background, but they were so perfect for each other, and I adored both of them.
The faith elements were nice, without being too heavy handed or overdone. I loved the themes of forgiveness and new beginnings.
This is the first book in The Women of Midtown Series. After reading the teaser for the second book, I can’t wait for that one!
If you enjoy historical romance fiction, I highly recommend this delightful story!
Thank you to Bethany House publishers, Austenprose PR, and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are completely my own.
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar632781-micro.png?1725754572)
This book grabbed my attention from the first chapter and held it until the very end. Elizabeth Camden has another wonderful novel with "While the City Sleeps". The descriptions of early 1900's New York City were detailed and the mystery and intrigue in this one highlight the mob culture in NYC during that time.
Katherine is one of very few female dentists of this era and works at a clinic that keeps late night hours in order to be accessible to all of New York's working class. A visitor during a late night dental appointment ends up revealing information that she later finds out might be linked to bombs that are going off across the city.
Jonathan is a police officer that has been friendly to Katherine since she started at the clinic. He meets her outside of the clinic to walk her to the subway station so she can get home safely. After Katherine realizes she may have information on the bombings she let's Jonathan know what she heard. Will they be able to work together to catch the bomber before more people are injured or killed?
The detail in this book during this era in NYC was just incredible. She talked about life at the Martha Washington, an all women's residence, various late night jobs available during the time and information about the real life "Painless Parker Dentistry" clinics that operated across the united states. Her story was well written and the characters seemed like real people with their struggles, insecurities and joys in the little things like baby owls in the city.
Thank you to Bethany House publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC. This is an honest review and was in no way influenced by the receipt of this ARC.
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar849009-micro.png?1725754572)
I never read a book in less than a day, and I don't stay up late so I can finish a book. I read this book in less than a day, and I stayed up late (for me) to finish it. I absolutely couldn't put it down.
While the City Sleeps has romance, mystery, and tragedy. Set in 1913, New York City, our female main character, Dr. Katherine Schneider is a dentist working at a clinic that provides accessible care to the working class. Katherine works an afternoon shift ending at midnight. The handsome, but aloof, Lieutenant Jonathan Birch, who works the overnight shift as a New York City Police Officer walks Katherine to her subway station each night, bringing her treats of breads, cookies, and biscotti.
One evening, while working on a patient, who'd she given nitrous oxide to, the patient reveals to her information as part of a dangerous plot to bomb important structures in the city. Now Katherine is in grave danger, and Jonathan will do anything to keep her safe, but what might he lose as a result.
The mystery of the bombings and discovering who was behind them was so captivating. Could there be mafia connections to these bombings or is this the work of an anarchist group? This culminates in a scene towards they end that is absolutely unputdownable, as police, fire, the Harbour Authority, and dock workers are all working frantically together to avert an absolute disaster.
Katherine lived in the Martha Washington Hotel, a women's only apartment for working women. This was a real building, 500 women lived in this building, which was still women's only until 1998. I loved the other night workers from the building that Katherine was friends with. They were great secondary characters.
The romance between Katherine and Jonathan was a slow burn, but eventually, they admitted their feelings for one another, and it was so satisfying. For most of the book, I really liked Katherine's character. She was smart, kind, curious, and optimistic. But, then came the third act breakup initiated by Katherine, and at that point, I was more than a little annoyed with her. But, I loved how when she decided to let him back into her life, Jonathan called her out a little bit for her reaction to the issue causing the break up. I think it made them better moving forward.
Overall, this was just a delightful book. It truly took me on an adventure into the life of New York City after dark. I love this time frame in history, so much is happening, and I find it fascinating to learn about it. A definite must-read for historical fiction fans, especially if you are a fan of historical romance.
Thank you to Bethaney House Publishers for the advanced digital copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar575273-micro.png?1725754572)
4.5 stars
This was a great book! It had a very unique and multifaceted plot line that kept me interested throughout. The characters were endearing and I liked the emphasis placed on those who work the night shifts when everyone else is sleeping.