 Author: Elizabeth Camden Genre: Historical Romance Series: Women of Midtown #1 Pages: 352 Release Date: February 13, 2024 Publisher: Bethany House 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.
 Reviewer: Joy Hannabass Katherine, a feisty female dentist in 2013 New York, working nights no less, and Jonathan, who changed his schedule to work in the clinic. I knew I was in for an awesome read and a lot of excitement when I saw this stunning book cover, as well as reading a couple of lines on the back of the book. I've read a lot of books set in old NYC, and as always, I enjoyed Elizabeth Camden's view of the city in its vintage years. This book has a lot of information, and you will be glued to it once you start reading it. Katherine Schneider's life starts having challenges as she is at the dentist's office and working at night to give lower-income folks the chance to get affordable dental care. With this, she can witness nighttime activities that she is not so sure about. And then there is Jonathan, who has cared for Katherine for quite some time, but is this the time for them to spark their relationship? I am only touching on a few things in this amazing book. One that you for sure want to read. There are enough intriguing issues, one being a dental patient of Katherine's who talks just a little too much when he is under the laughing gas. What is Katherine going to do with this new information she just got a hold of? Read this book, and you will find many answers and so much more in this book by Elizabeth Camden that you just can't put down. I'm giving this one five stars! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.  Reviewer: Charity Henico This book was an interesting glimpse into the time in New York City in the years before World War 1. It was the time that the Mafia and Marxists ruled the underworld, so to speak. I was intrigued by Katherine's column in the newspaper and wish more time would have been spent talking about that. As someone who worked the night shift for quite a few years, those unknown workers getting recognition was inspiring to me. The story had a slow start, but then when the action picked up, it had my full interest. I wasn't necessarily a part of the story, but I could definitely see it happening as a spectator. Some parts felt a little choppy to me, and without giving spoilers, there were a couple aspects of the story that gave me pause, but I am still totally invested and want to read the next installment of the series when it comes out. I loved learning about Edgar "Painless" Parker, Lieutenant Michael Fiaschetti, and the Martha Washington Hotel. I had never heard of any of them, and this history fascinates me. This is why everyone should read historical fiction! I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. No positive review was required, and all opinions were my own. Reviewer: Juanita Varela Why is this book so sad? I cried so many times that I lost count. It should not be sad, but the raw emotions and vulnerable moments of the characters felt so real that, 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 through it, I just wanted to get my own dishrag 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 that 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 *the chef’s kiss*. The history in this book was so fascinating. I learned a bit about the dentist world and the Italian squad for the cops. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Diana Lea 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. Reviewer: Anna Bottoms 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. Reviewer: Elizabeth Eckmeyer Elizabeth Camden really brought an action-packed story! This was my first time reading this author's writing, and it won't be my last. Katherine and Jonathan have become friends through their love of the city and their love of the night when the city is quiet. The story heats up quickly when Katherine has an interesting patient. Events unfold one after the other to make this story one of intrigue! The story will keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you wondering what will happen next. It is a page-turner. Filled with a little mystery, a little romance, a questioning of letting your past define you, and having the faith to be who you really are! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Conny Withay
“As she is plunged into danger, she seeks help from the dashing Lieutenant Jonathan Birch, a police officer she has long admired from afar,” states the online description of Elizabeth Camden’s novel, While the City Sleeps. Part of the Women of Midtown series, this three-hundred-and-fifty-two-page advanced reader copy targets those who enjoy historical romance involving working the nightshift in the Big Apple. Containing the slang word heck, the topics of physical abuse, injury, and murder may not be appropriate for immature readers. The book ends with a historical note, ten discussion questions, a teaser of another book in the series, the author’s biography, and advertisements. In this series set in the early 1900s in New York City, twenty-eight-year-old Katherine is the only female dentist in the city, working late hours into the night. When she hears rather alarming information from one of her patients and confides in reserved policeman Jonathan, her life is in jeopardy. As the two of them work together to find out who is behind the bombs in the harbor and beyond, they wonder if they can find true love with complete trust. This is a fast-paced story that involves not only the NYPD Italian and Bomb Squads trying to stop the Sons of Chaos from destroying the city, but it also weaves a naïve but educated woman’s fear of being lied to with a protective, compassionate lieutenant who hides his past. I loved learning about the era’s nightlife, the Painless Parker Dentistry, the Martha Washington Hotel, and taking care of owls. Those who do not have a personal relationship with God may not like the Catholic undertones. Others may not care for a story about crime families, aggressive competition between coworkers, being targeted, and bombs. Some may feel the protagonists were stereotypical at times. Although the story contains trusting in the Lord, it missed the opportunity to give the eternal plan of salvation. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence. If you want to know more about working the graveyard shift in New York City in 1913 while there is a bomber on the loose as two wounded individuals find acceptance and grace, this one will keep you up late reading. Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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