Elizabeth Camden has launched what looks to be another fine series of historic novels, Women of Midtown, with this intriguing novel. Set in 1913, it involves a young female dentist who accidentally becomes involved as a witness to a bombing plot. Bomb start going off at landmarks, and in ships and it baffles the police at first as to whether it's the work of anarchists or a Mafia protection racket. Katherine has been involved in a very mild and chaste flirtation with a beat cop who escorts her to the subway after her night shifts, and her involvement brings them closer together, but he is hiding secrets.

The background, as we expect with a Camden novel, is unusual and fascinating. Katherine's eccentric employer "Painless Parker", showman and dentist extraordinaire, was a real person. The all-female Martha Washington Hotel where Katherine lives was real. The "Italian Squad", an all-Italian unit of the NYPD formed to fight organized crime was real.

My only quibble with the book is that the relationship between Katherine and Jonathan followed a fairly predictable path. Boy meets girl. They fall in love. He has a secret. It comes out. She rejects him. They find a way back together. Still, it was enjoyable, and the path to redemption was a bit more complex and believable than most. I definitely recommend this story and look forward to the next book, which follows the fortunes of Katherine's friend Inga.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Camden never shies away from flawed heroes and heroines who learn the hard way. In her latest story, Jonathan discovers deceit comes with a price. Katherine learns courage and grace go hand in hand.

The plot swept me along and the surprise ending was very well done!

I found the Gallagher storyline and what might have been especially poignant.

Excited to read the rest in this new series!

This is a phenomenal read.
The darkness in a city usually has us thinking about the evil parts of criminals, crime, and fear. But what about those who keep these city running during the night hours?
I love the look at New York City, years ago, from the perspective of the night watch. People can be morning people or night owls and that is helpful to any community.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

Thank you to AustenProse and Bethany House Publishers for my advanced electronic copy via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

Katherine Schneider is living the life she wants as a dentist in 1913 New York City. She works the evening and night shift in a clinic doing its best to help the working class find relief, when she happens to hear some sensitive information from a patient under the influence of laughing gas. When deadly explosions begin to rock the city, she and her handsome friend, police Lieutenant Jonathan Birch, are thrown into a dangerous chase that threatens not only to unearth his dark past but also their very lives. Can they and the rest of New York's finest uncover the conspiracy in time?

I found Katherine Schneider to be an admirable, likable protagonist. Her multi-faceted life as a strong woman in New York City pre-World War I (a dentist and a journalist both!) was a good vehicle for descriptions of life at that time. Camden's writing is clear and engaging. I never really felt that the romantic aspect of the story was one I could root for--he was too distrusting in a toxically masculine way, admiring her for her purity from afar and needing too much control--but honestly, I think that had more to do with me as a modern reader than anything else. I think Katherine and Jonathan's respective personalities and gender roles were likely highly appropriate and normal for the period. The Christianity that Katherine believes in isn't a preachy one, and I appreciated how she lived her faith realistically. The plot they work to unravel is very interesting, and I really enjoyed the descriptions of the various jobs of the period: dentistry, police (including a newly formed bomb squad), and various other careers. I also loved seeing New York through the eyes of those whose professions require them to work at night--a refreshing and unique perspective.

A strong and engaging story by an accomplished author. The mystery/suspense is well-designed and executed, and the relationship between the main characters is compelling if somewhat distant (I was always aware I was reading a story, rather than being consumed by the story itself).

The historical setting was interesting: I learned a lot without being conscious of being told about the time and place. This was my first experience reading a book by Ms. Camden - I appreciated the non-offensive language and relationship details and the generally strong family and ethical values, which are apparently hallmarks of her writing.

It is the element of immediacy that kept me from judging this a 5-star read. When I am aware of the act of reading a book, as opposed to being deep within the story itself and unconscious of the author telling me a tale, then I consider that authenticity another characteristic of a well-written book.

I do recommend this for enthusiasts of historical fiction, of romance that is strong yet "clean," and I appreciate NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read and share this coming release with my friends and patrons. Publication scheduled for Feb 13, 2024.

Calling fans of Sarah Sundin and Rachel Scott McDaniel! This historical novel has danger, mystery, suspense, redemption, and so much fascinating history. Not to mention, well-timed wit. Plus, a charming romance. SO GOOD!

Heroine Katherine Schneider, a dentist in New York City, is smart, brave (sometimes to a fault), a bit sassy, and carrying around burdens from her past.

Swoony hero Lieutenant Jonathan Birch has caught Katherine’s eye and you’ll have to read the book to find out what dark secrets from his past motivate him to keep his infatuation with Katherine from becoming anything more.

The side characters are awesome. So fabulously developed.

Both characters are taken on a beautiful and meaningful journey to redemption and forgiveness in While the City Sleeps. You’ll be on the edge of your seat, sometimes laughing out loud, and left exasperated with stubborn characters … and just as the tension mounts, no less.

5 stars for this page-turner of a book!

Don’t forget to read the author’s notes at the end for fun historical tidbits.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

It took me a little bit to get into the story, mainly the difficulty was the fact it opens up in a dental office, the main character is a dentist working on a patient who has never been to the dentist before. (I’m not a fan of going to the dentists’ office but I do go!) I pressed through my anxiety. I’m glad I did.

Katherine Schneider, the primary character, is a female dentist employed by "Painless" Parker, is a woman ahead of her time in the field of dentistry. She loves what she does and where she lives. She is compelled to share important information with the police after overhearing a dangerous plot to harm the city she loves. Katherine reaches out to police officer, Jonathan Birch first because she has feelings for him and feels safe in sharing with him. They’ve developed a friendship over the last two years as Jonthan has walked her to the metro every night. The friendship between Katherine and Jonathan takes an unexpected turn, following a terrifying incident that fills the community with fear.

Jonathan was reluctant to get close to Katherine because, as it turns out, he had a past that no one knew about. Finding the bomber would require him to face his past. This story explores the joys and sorrows associated with family, friendship, in addition to the grief and loss of loved ones.

This is the first book in a brand-new series called The Women of Midtown. I’m excited about this new series. This makes for a fascinating, intriguing read filled with mystery, and a sweet romance. It works for book club too. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher, and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

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.

Historical fiction readers will love this story, the start the Women of Midtown series. Loved learning about Painless Parker and his quest in dentistry, the Italian Mafia and the Martha Washington hotel. The mystery around Jonathan, along with the information Katherine had heard took readers throughout New York's underground. Looking forward to the next book. Highly recommended!

While the City Sleeps is set in 1913 New York City. Katherine is a dentist who works at night. Policeman Jonathan Birch is always there when she finishes her night, ready to walk her home. She doesn’t understand why since he’s never asked her out.

Jonathan is a man with a past that could ruin his future and any chance of a romance with Katherine, even though he’s loved her for two years.

Katherine has a patient who says some strange things under nitrous oxide. She thinks nothing of it until first a fire and then a bombing make horrible sense. She tells Jonathan of her suspicions; the police get involved, and there are more bombings and loss of life.

Katherine becomes a target after the newspaper gives away who the police’s informant was. Jonathan will do anything to keep her safe. They love each other but Jonathan’s past will come back to haunt them. Katherine has to learn to forgive before their romance can blossom.

I only wish there had been more Christian content; I would’ve liked to have seen Katherine leaning more on Jesus, basing everything on what He wanted for her and witnessing more to Jonathan. But overall it’s a good read. 4 stars.

Ironically but not surprisingly, this book kept me up late into the night and is one of my absolute new favorites from Elizabeth Camden.

Katherine enjoys working the night shift as a dentist, especially being escorted home every night for the last two years by Jonathan Birch, a handsome policeman on the night shift. When Katherine realizes she may have overheard a patient giving clues to a recent bombing in the city, she knows just who to go to for help.

Jonathan cares deeply for Katherine but because of secrets in his past, he knows their nighttime walks are all that can ever be between them. When Katherine's life is in danger after she becomes a witness to a deadly plot against the city, Jonathan races to find the culprit before tragedy strikes.

As the sparks grow between them, Jonathan is determined to keep Katherine safe and his secrets hidden but facing his past may be the key to saving the woman he loves, even if it means she can never be his.

What to expect:
1913 NYC setting
Dual POV
Friends to lovers
Hidden crush
Vivid historical details
Suspenseful scenes
The owls
The baked goods (I need some biscotti!)
The plot twists
The first kiss!!!
The mystery
Themes of forgiveness

What an absolutely beautiful romantic adventure! From the sweeping historical details and endearing characters to the epic romance and the breathless race against the clock, this book drew me in from the very beginning and took me on an unforgettable historical journey.

Elizabeth Camden teaches history through story and I always come away from her books fascinated by what I have learned.

This book had such a great balance between the personal and emotional struggles and the action and mystery plot; it all tied together and was so beautifully done! I truly cannot say enough good things about this one and wish I could give it more than 5 stars. Highly recommend to any fan of historical romance!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

Elizabeth Camden –While City Sleeps
Elizabeth Camden blends actual people and locations with her imagination to create an exciting historical (1913) mystery with romance mixed together with murder. This story connects a female dentist with an Italian NY city Police Lieutenant. Can clues to a series of murders possibly be linked to a patient who blabs when Katherine sedates him with nitrous oxide? Katherine becomes in danger of losing both her job and her life, while her friendship with Lieutenant Birch is also surrounded by mystery. She wants to uncover the background of this this NYPD officer. He wants to have his background remain elusive.
Thanks to Bethany House for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this this Unique Historical Mystery/Romance. It will be available February 13th.
#ElizabethCamden, #NetGalley, #Bethany House, #WhileTheCitySleeps

I really enjoyed this story, and the theme of family resonates throughout, from Jonathan to Katherine and even Gallagher.

We see the love of a family, and the pain of being a member of a notorious one, to having people who are always there for you.

This story is set in the early 1900's in NYC, and Katherine is a dentist, a bit unheard of, but she loves her work. Then we have Jonathan, a policeman and a man running from his past, they meet late at night when Katherine gets out of work, and he sees a woman in need.

This is a sweet romance story, that kinda blows up, but we are there when the pieces are being picked up.

There is danger, and senseless loss of life, and then we page turn for answers!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS is the first novel in the Women of Midtown series by ELIZABETH CAMDEN. It is a most enjoyable read and I cannot wait for the next one! The characters and their emotions are beautifully portrayed and so is life in New York City in the early 20th century, especially the lives of those who work the night time shifts like Lieutenany Jonathan Birch, who keeps the city safe at night, amd Dr Katherine Schneider, who is a qualified dentist and finishes work at Parker’s Painless Dentistry at midnight,……
The story starts in 1913 with Jonathan walking Katherine home through Times Square to her rooms at the Martha Washington Hotel, bringing her gifts of delicious Italan treats. For Jonathan his whole life is the police fotce, but he hides a secret which could cost him his job and the beautiful Katherine, with whom he is desperately in love…..
With bombs going off at various strategic places, Katherine’s life is endangered when the newspaper runs with information she has brought to the police that a patient let slip when under the effects of laughing gas…..
We come across people like Katherine who has a loving and supportive family and tends to see the nest in everyone, as opposed to Jonathan and Sean Gallagher, who come from sad and violent family backgrounds. …
I cannot recommend this novel highly enough for the great story, unforgettable characters, and subtle Christian message.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Elizabeth Camden is one of my top 5 authors. I will read anything, even if I don't know the title or synopsis. Say "hey this is an Elizabeth Camden" and I'm good. So when I heard that there was a new Elizabeth Camden--I didn't need to know anything else. LOL.

While the City Sleeps is the first book in the new series The Women of Midtown. This book explores the nightlife of New York City's working class. The title comes from the name of the article that the lead character Katherine writes for a paper in town. She interviews people who work various jobs as a nightshift to give them a face and celebrate their work. She herself is a rarity--a certified college graduated female dentist who works a nightshift at a NYC dental clinic.

The story's plot really centers around the things that happen in the first chapter when Katherine administers laughing gas to her patient and he starts singing songs about weird topics and saying strange names. Dismissing it as effects of the drug--she later rethinks this assessment when months later one of the things mentioned was a shift that was set on fire by a bomb. Then a second bomb goes off at a location with another name the man mentions...

This brings in now a working relationship between police officer JOnathan Birch and Katherine. Jonathan Birch has secrets that no one can know for they will ruin his career and possible bring danger to his life. And because of that, no matter how much he desires, he cannot pursue the beautiful lady dentist. But he can sure make it his business to take her seriously with her news.

The rest of the book works through the mystery of who the bombers are...and also whether or not Katherine and Jonathan will ever have a life together when she stumbles upon his secrets and lies. There is also an element of having to not let fear control you life.

This is a Christian historical fiction, but there is little to none faith elements in it. no big "come to Jesus moment" no scriptures. it's just more historical fiction than CHRISTIAN historical fiction. I really wish that those who write for Christian fiction actually made sure that element was OBVIOUS in their books. Otherwise, what's the point? It's just clean fiction.

4 Stars. I hope Inga's story is next with it shifting to WW1!

*I was given a complimentary copy of the ARC from the publisher and NetGAlley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.

Can Katherine and Jonathan work together to keep their city safe? Will secrets bring them together or lead them further away from each other?

Once again Elizabeth Camden has given her readers a story that is filled with history, intrigue and yes, romance. Her writing is so descriptive that you feel as if you are right there with the characters. Can’t wait to read the next book of The Women of Midtown series to see what happens next.

Thank you to the Bethany House and NetGalley for allowing me to read another story from the wonderful author.

1913. A Philadelphia Dental College graduate, Dr. Katherine Schneider works nights at Painless Parker Dentistry in Manhattan. Lieutenant Jonathan Birch of the 15th Precinct is a mystery to Katherine. The lieutenant always faithfully waits to walk Katherine to the subway station at midnight, but after 2 years, she still knows very little about him. Jonathan has a secret that could cause his career in the police force to cease. Neither of them could anticipate that a patient's rambling while under the sedative of nitrous oxide would reveal information pertinent to an ongoing police investigation.

I loved this historical mystery/romance. The character of Katherine is a woman you'd like to know personally and professionally. She has many friends at the Martha Washington Hotel, is committed to helping individuals using her dentistry knowledge, skills, and experience, and has created an interesting moonlighting position. The complexity of the investigation is a seamless blend of the author's creativity with the history of dentistry, the NYPD, and the Martha Washington Hotel. Although animals were not permitted within the hotel, the women in residence in this story were resilient in helping one mother and her little ones who could claim it home, too, tickling the heartstrings. Other heartstrings are being tickled, too, so make sure to add the title to your #tbr.

A "Historical Note" and "Questions for Discussion" are available at the end of the novel.

Reviewer's Note: It was a wonderful surprise to discover this novel after recently learning about the Martha Washington Hotel, a predecessor to "The Barbizon: The Hotel That Set Women Free" by Paulina Bren.

Thank you to Elizabeth Camden, Bethany House, LibraryThing via NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.

While the City Sleeps
by Elizabeth Camden
Pub Date: FEb.13, 2024
Bethany
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I have read most of Camdens books and she is an excellent writer.
This is another fantastic debut of a new series and I cannot wait to read more.
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.
I definitely recommend!

This book had me hooked from the first chapter, and the rest of the book kept me enthralled throughout the rest of the story. This book is set in 1914, New York City. Katherine is a dentist and works for an innovative clinic owner who is trying to make dentistry affordable and accesible to the working class. She learns about a plan to terrorize the city when one of her patients is under the influence of laughing gas. She confides in what she learns to her friend, Lietenant Birch, who has been escorting her home for 2 years when she walks home after midnight.

To both of their surprise, they become even more entwined in the search for the attackers, and both of them have to face their growing love for each other, and the danger that lurks ahead.

"She'd had enough. No more waiting. No more being polite and ladylike. 'Don't you understand? I want you to tell me that you'd be devastated if I left, and you'll pull out all the stops so I can stay in New York. I want you to find the bad guys and make it safe for me to be here, because for whatever insane reason, I actually care about you, Lieutenant Birch."

Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and a positive review was not required.

I liked the premise of the story and felt that the main characters were unique in that you don't see many books that have female dentists as the main character. I also liked the rivalry between the hero and one of the side characters in the book and the resolution that came from that.

As a whole, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it on. My only nitpicky comment is that the heroine was a little hypocritical which annoyed me a little. However, none of us are perfect - it just took me out of the story wondering why something was okay for her to do but not him (Vague to not give spoilers).

I receive complimentary books for various sources including, Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.