Member Reviews

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.

Was this review helpful?

While the City Sleeps
by Elizabeth Camden
Publisher: Bethany House
Series: Women of Midtown, Book 1
Rated: 5
Obtain: Borrow or buy
Back of the Book: “Amid the hushed city, two hearts must navigate danger and deception, bound by a love that outshines the stars.
Katherine Schneider's life as a dentist in 1913 New York is upended when a patient reveals details of a deadly plot while under the influence of laughing gas. As she is plunged into danger, she seeks help from the dashing Lieutenant Jonathan Birch, a police officer she has long admired from afar.
Jonathan has harbored powerful feelings toward Katherine for years but never acted on them, knowing his dark history is something she could never abide. Now, with her safety on the line, he works alongside her through the nights as they unravel the criminal conspiracy that threatens her . . . even as he keeps his deepest secrets hidden at all costs.”

Impressions: I loved this book. The characters and plot created intrigue and excitement making me want to read more! I appreciated the journey Jonathan and Katherine navigated as they braved their roles and responsibilities and fell in love. This was a clean historical romance.

Quotes: “We all have the freedom to choose what kind of person we want to be, what kind of character to show to the world, and I want to be brave.”

“So-called easy roads can often become very hard.”

“’ Dad brings you flowers every birthday and anniversary without fail.’ ‘Yes, but he never pays for them. Instead of going to a florist like a normal man, he visits whatever church just had a wedding or a funeral, then culls through the leftover flowers to make a bouquet.’”

“‘Katherine Schneier, you need to listen to me. Don’t ever doubt in the darkness what is true in the light. If God is good and trustworthy in the easy times, you need to trust him during the dark nights of the soul as well. Right now, you are being ruled by fear. The voice of doubt whispering in your ear is leading you astray. Jonathan has been drawn to a noble calling, maybe even a godly one. I don’t believe you were put on this earth to interfere with that.’”

“’ God was good, and that meant she could lay all her worries and fears and what-ifs at His door. The world was going to unfold according to His plan, not hers, and that was all right with her.’”

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

Was this review helpful?

Dr. Katherine Schneider loves her job as a dentist in New York City. As a female professional in 1913, she had few options open to her. She found her dream job at Painless Parker’s Dentistry on Times Square and worked the late shift. Dr. Edgar Parker hires dentists who look like the people they serve (both men and women and people of different ethnicities) and keeps his clinics open late to accommodate working people. Katherine’s job allows her to serve others in ways that would never happen at home in Ohio.

And she has no desire to return to Ohio and the town where her fiancé still practiced dentistry. She made a life for herself working, writing a newspaper column, and socializing with fellow residents at the Martha Washington Hotel for Women. Her heart slowly healed, and a certain police officer who walks her home each evening has started to pique her interest.

When a patient under the influence of laughing gas tells a strange tale of characters from books, city icons, and saints, Katherine thinks little of it. But when a strange fire breaks out on the Lorna Doone, Katherine wonders if the tale contains clues to future disasters.

Lieutenant Jonathan Birch wanted to serve on the police force from his earliest years, but he had to take drastic measures to live out his dream. For almost two decades, Jonathan has lived a lie. A lie that enabled him to achieve his dream but one that prevented him from forming close relationships.

When the beautiful dentist, the one pure and bright spot in a dark and dangerous city, shares her suspicions with him about the mysterious fires on the Lorna Doone, Jonathan takes her seriously. A strange group of anarchists claims responsibility for the fires and promises to wreak havoc at other places around the city.

Jonathan will do anything to stop the group, even enlist help from his nemesis, Lieutenant Gallagher. The anarchist group targets Katherine when a newspaper inadvertently reveals her identity. Will Jonathan reveal his secret to save her?

What I Loved About This Book

Cambron weaves a beautiful story of lies, forgiveness, redemption, and looking for the good in people around historical events in New York City around the turn of the last century. You'll love this book if you love history, inspiration, and romance. Readers will relate to Katherine and Jonathan as they process what forgiveness means.

Fans of Roseanne M. White and Amy Lynn Green will love this book.

Was this review helpful?

Why is this book so sad! I cried so many times I lost count. It should not be sad, but the raw emotions and vulnerable moments of the characters felt so real, for a second, it felt like I was them. Elizabeth Camden does an excellent job connecting you with the characters.

I had mixed emotions with Sean Gallagher. He was a character I hated but started feeling bad for. He made things interesting.

Katherine’s character was really hard to like at times. I liked her assertive character in the beginning. But midway into it, I just wanted to get my own dish rag and slap her with it. Also she was having second thoughts, like what! If you don’t like her and want to stop reading, don’t; Jonathan makes up for Katherine. I didn’t agree with Katherine. Lies are bad, but not all lies have a malicious intent.

Jonathan was the best character. This is my second book by Elizabeth Camden, the first was Hearts of Steel. Liam and Jonathan were such good male leads. I am convinced just by these two books that the other books by Elizabeth Camden will draw me in simply by the male leads. They feel so real.

Jonathan didn’t have an easy start in life, but he had left it behind to start new and was living a good life. Let me just say, he deserved better than Katherine. But I love how Jonathan was always there putting up with everything from Katherine and never saying anything. Honestly, he is just *chef’s kiss*

The history in this book was so fascinating, we learned a bit about the dentist world and Italian squad for the cops.

i received an ARC of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. i was not required to give a favorable review.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book! The story easily kept my attention as danger and mystery take unexpected turns. The history was very well written, as is typical for this author, and I learned much about New York City in the early twentieth century. The author’s note at the end was fascinating as she noted that she included some real places and persons in the book! It was also a creative glimpse into night life in New York City, which I had not previously thought much about. I loved Katherine and her sunny optimism; however, it took me a little longer to like Jonathan. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading about their friendship and romance. The story flows so well that it was hard to put down. The story with Katherine and Jonathan ends well in this novel, but there are hints that the next story is about Katherine’s friend Inga and I cannot wait to read the next one in this delightful series! Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

While the City Sleeps by Elizabeth Camden made me want to eat yummy Italian desserts while flipping the pages. There was mystery, crime, romance, and danger to hold my attention, but also tidbits of scrumptious food, Italian family life, and Catholic faith, all of which added variety. The historical setting combined with these details to create a lively story with characters that felt authentic.


Katherine, the lead female character in While the City Sleeps, held a unique occupation - a female dentist working the night shift in New York City. Though I couldn’t identify with Katherine’s night owl tendency, Lieutenant Jonathan Birch of the NYPD certainly did. Katherine and Jonathan matched well in certain aspects and not-so-well in other areas. Both characters had embedded flaws which offered opportunities for personal and relational growth. Though I sometimes wanted them to learn their lessons more quickly, I enjoyed the growth of their relationship and the romance.


While the City Sleeps by Elizabeth Camden commences the Women of Midtown series and I look forward to reading the rest of the novels in this series. Four 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.

Was this review helpful?

Elizabeth Camden. When I see her name, I know I’m going to read the book. Topic doesn’t matter. Time period, I couldn’t care less. Elizabeth Camden has my attention from the first word, and she kept it throughout While the City Sleeps. Camden excels like no other when it comes to historical romance. Katherine Schneider is already a peculiar woman for being a dentist in 1913 New York City. As she works an evening shift, Jonathan Birch walks her home every night to the Martha Washington Hotel. Her life, however, turns upside down with one patient. One patient who spoke what she considered nonsense, but her life spirals into threats, explosions, death, and danger. Jonathan’s the only one she trusts to take her concerns seriously. Jonathan must fight to keep her safe while combatting his growing feelings for her and hiding his past. A past that would quickly kick him out of the police force.

While the City Sleeps by Elizabeth Camden provides the tension necessary for a successful novel. Romantic tension, you got it. A perilous plot, one which could damage innocent lives. A conniving villain. Complicated family histories. I felt like I experienced the mob and other organized crime of the early 1900s. Camden also touched on the general…distrust that existed for certain races, as well. If you were a certain nationality, you were placed in a box that you could not escape. Truth be told, the same could often be said of today. Profiling and prejudices still exist, and whether we want to admit it or not, they affect how we live our lives. This, in particular, resonates with While the City Sleeps. Careers should be based on merit, not on family ties.

I loved Katherine.  She knew what she wanted, and she pursued it, whatever that “it” was.  She listened and acknowledged others’ concerns and comments, but Katherine ultimately made her own choices. Was she perfect? No. Was Jonathan perfect? Also no. They exemplified how relationships are not formed of “perfect” people. Rather, they grew to understand each other. They faced trials both together and apart. I enjoyed watching their relationship change as the book progressed, and Elizabeth Camden did a good job of portraying the ebbs and flows of discovering other people’s hearts.

I can always count on Elizabeth Camden to deliver first-rate historical fiction. Well-researched yet not overwhelming, she writes scenes that every reader of the genre will love. While the City Sleeps by Elizabeth Camden is the perfect beginning for her “Women of Midtown” series.

Was this review helpful?

BOOK REVIEW - While the City Sleeps - Elizabeth Camden - 4.5/5 Stars

THE STORY
I was so down for this series when I first heard about it, a series focusing on the night time workers of New York, yes please! This book split me in half, literally. For the first half, I loved the fascinating setting, Katherine and Jonathan, the pace of the unfolding story and of course the romance. Then the big twist happened in the middle (no spoilers from me other than to say it was partially expected but also surprising) and that's when Katherine went downhill rapidly losing points with me, I guess it just proved she's just human after all but I was so disappointed in her and it detracted a lot from the story for me. Also I found Gallagher a confusing part of the story, didn't really understand his role tbh. Anyway, I digress, it was so interesting and thrilling right to the end to the story and I'm so excited for the rest of the series, I wonder who's story will be next?!?!

THE ROMANCE
Elizabeth Camden always has such good romances in her books! She also has a particular talent for writing irresistible yet stoic gentleman, quiet reserved men that turn out to be just as romantic as the more outgoing gentlemen. Opposites attract/grumpy (or stoic) and sunshine are favourite tropes of mine so I enjoyed Jonathan and Katherine's romance.

THE TRUTHS
Redemption stories are always my favourite as the are the most reflective of our Christian faith. I never grow tired of the reminder that absolutely no one is too far gone for God's forgiveness and redemption! That, with God's help, anyone can turn their life around and start afresh no matter their past or present!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley, Bethany House Publishers and Elizabeth Camden for the opportunity to read an ARC for "While the City Sleeps". This is my honest and unpaid review of the book.
This book was very interesting with the main female character being a dentist, long before many woman were in the profession. I like that author based the workplace off an actual dentist office. This book had a few intriguing twists I wasn't expecting. Overall, the pace was a bit slow for me in some parts, but it was also very descriptive so this may have been why it felt this way. I do have a craving for some Italian food now because some of these descriptions!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for this ARC of While the City Sleeps by Elizabeth Camden. All opinions are my own.

This was my first Elizabeth Camden book, and I really enjoyed it! I’m definitely interested in reading more of her books in the future.

I haven’t read many books set in this time period, but I found the historical setting very well done. The setting seemed realistic, and I felt immersed in the early 1900s New York City scene.

One of the standout aspects of this story was the plot. I found it super interesting, and I liked how the author used different aspects of that time period to really add to the plot. The night workers, bomb squad, and dentist parts of the story were very educational and unique.

I also enjoyed both the mystery and romance aspects to the story. The mystery came together nicely, and the romance was sweet.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction books and interesting plots.

Was this review helpful?

While I haven't read a ton of books by Elizabeth Camden, one of the things that I've really enjoyed from those few books that I have read is her unique characters and settings. They've had unique careers and I found myself learning about a piece of history that I never considered before. This one was no exception. While a police officer and a dentist might not be that unusual of careers... a woman dentist in 1913 certainly was... and they both had the unique aspect of working a night shift in New York City, which added a really interesting element to the story. I've never really considered the history of dentistry at all... but I found the real story behind 'Painless Dentistry', where Katherine was employed to be fascinating... and a little bit hilarious. The author did such a great job of weaving that history with the romance and a great mystery too. The mystery had lots of twists and turns to keep me guessing. I really just found this to be a beautifully told story and one that I very much enjoyed.

If you enjoy Christian historical romance, this is definitely one you'll want to check out for yourself.

** I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

The author blows me away every time I read a book by her. This story with two flawed characters, coming together to solve a mystery is not without mistakes and issues, but the history and science is so good. Get this one!

Was this review helpful?

I never would’ve thought that a book featuring a dentist would end up being one of the best I’ve read in recent memory, but “While the City Sleeps” was absolutely fantastic! It was another informative and highly entertaining historical romance from Elizabeth Camden.

I liked Jonathan and Katherine instantly. Katherine was a sweet and humble dentist. It was interesting to get a peek inside the life of a lady dentist in 1913. I also thought it was cool that Katherine wrote a monthly newspaper article that highlighted and celebrated fellow New Yorkers who kept the city running “while the city sleeps." Jonathan was a bit of a mystery at the beginning. He was polite yet kinda standoffish, and very private about his personal life. He had secrets, and I was so eager to find them out!

I was completely invested in the mystery. It was intriguing and dangerous, and it kept me turning the pages as fast as I could.

I didn’t want this story to end! It was so good! If you’re a fan of historical romances that feature an intriguing mystery, you’ll love this book! I highly, highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

While The City Sleeps is an unputdownable historical saga giving a snapshot of the pulse of night life in New York City during 1913. The sweeping descriptions of night in the city paint a vivid picture of what it would have been like to live there in the early twentieth century.

Katherine Schneider is a dentist by trade, and the writer of a column about the unsung heroes of New York City who keep the city going at night. She is kind, compassionate, brave, and a bit wounded by past experience.

Jonathan Birch is a dedicated policeman with a secret that dogs his every step. Each night as he enjoys the solitude of the city he walks, he stops by at midnight to walk Katherine—a light in the darkness of his life—to her bus stop.

I love the connection that grows between them in their nighttime encounters and his protectiveness when she is threatened after overhearing the details of targets pinpointed to be bombed by a radical group with possible ties to the mafia.

The author’s ability to include small details that enhance the story without bogging it down and make it feel real is a true gift. Jonathan’s rivalry with Sean Gallagher, the feeding and care of an owl and her little ones, the friendships, and even encounters with people in the night make the book a step above your typical historical novel of this period in time.

I loved the way the story flowed and wasn’t filled with fluff but the true essence of the highs and lows all of us walk day by day. This is one for every home library. I recommend it.

I was given a copy courtesy of Bethany House. This is my honest opinion of the book.

Was this review helpful?

#BookReview :WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS by Elizabeth Camden

I have always enjoyed the author’s books and this one was no exception. I read this in one day which is uncommon for me. The cover is beautiful and I can’t wait to see the other covers for this new series. Maybe I just had the time but also because it was captivating. The history about Dr. Edgar Parker and the different stories of people working the night shift were interesting. A notable aspect of the story was that many of the events took place at night.

I like both Katherine and Jonathan. But Jonathan was just so kind, yet a veil of mystery hung over him, beckoning me deeper into the story. I wanted to try the delectable cookies and focaccia that he made. Katherine was brave to help solve the crimes. The romance was predictable but sweet. Jonathan and Katherine went through a lot as a couple including life threatening ones. I appreciated some faith content and how the truth on all sides were brought to light. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Rating: 5 ⭐
Series: The Women of Midtown Book 1
Pub date: 13 Feb 2024

Thank you Bethany House Publishers and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I love the historical details that Elizabeth Camden puts into her story. This one was no different! I thought it was interesting to read about what it might of been like to be a female dentist back in the early 1900's. Then, there is the added suspense of the plot she uncovers while working. This is a wonderful, well written historical read!

Was this review helpful?

Although I'm very much a character-driven reader, I think the plot stole the show for me in this book! I was really drawn in by the mystery/supense and trying to figure out who is out to silence Katherine as well as cause destruction around NYC. Following along with the clues and theories and policework just really hooked me, as did so many interesting historical details (like about dentistry in the early 1900s and the all-female Martha Washington hotel). I did also like the characters, although there were also times I found both of them to be a bit irritating--likely because they were so realistic and sometimes did things that drove me up a wall! (I think their actions totally fit with their characters, so that's not a criticism of the writing; it's just a comment about how they weren't these practically perfect people who always did everything right.) I was glad to see things work out for them in the end.
4 stars.

I read a DRC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

LOVED this book!! I could not put it down. The characters were endearing. The city was brought to life. This is a story I will read again. I was drawn in from the beginning and loved how the entire story unfolded, how their families were brought to light, and all the side stories throughout. This series is going to become a favorite, I can already tell.

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

Was this review helpful?

Wonderful story!

Katherine is a Dentist, in a time where there weren't many women dentists. While she is working on a patient, he is under laughing gas, and he lets some information slip. After a bombing, Katherine realizes her patient had said the name of where the bomb went off. She quickly tells her policeman friend Jonathan and tells him the other names the patient mentioned. Jonathan helps her. Katherine has been admiring Jonathan for 2 years now and he walks her home every night, but he hasn't shown any interest. Now things are changing, but Jonathan is hiding a secret about his past. What will happen when Katherine finds out? And now that Katherine is in danger, can he keep her safe?
I really loved this story! Fantastic writing! I was captivated from the very beginning. I loved Katherine's character! She is so brave, and I love how she was honest and a bit forceful with how she felt about Jonathan. Even though she faced danger, she didn't run from it. Jonathan is great too. He is the hero, even with his past that he had to overcome. If you like historical romances set in 1913, that include mystery, danger and Christian content, this book is for you! I highly recommend While the City Sleeps!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

#WhiletheCitySleeps #NetGalley

The first in a set of books labeled Women of Midtown. Elizabeth Camden has a way of writing that draws the reader in her descriptive writing style flows well with the story.
Katherine comes to New York from Ohio after a failed relationship. She works as a dentist and writes a column for a newspaper titled "While the City Sleeps."" When a bomb scare makes its way into the city, Katherine realizes th at one of her patients spouted off words under a drugged state, that didn'tmake sense. But the words he spoke were some of the places being bombed. Which puts her life in danger.
Jonathan Birch is a police officer who meets Katherine each night as she gets off from work and makes sure she gets safely on the subway. Katherine is frustrated because Jonathan doesn't seem to be interested in her. Jonathan has his own reasons for not pursuing a relationship with Katherine. As the bomber gets more aggressive, life for Katherine gets harder. I can't wait for the next installment of the Women of Midtown.

Was this review helpful?