Historical Romance Book Review: While the City Sleeps

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About the Book

Title: While the City Sleeps 

Series: The Women of Midtown, Book 1 

Author: Elizabeth Camden 

Genre: Historical Romance 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Release Date: February 13, 2024 

Click here to purchase a copy of this novel.

 

Publisher's Book Description

“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.”

 

My Review

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


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


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


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


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

 

About the Author: Elizabeth Camden

“Elizabeth Camden is a research librarian at a small college in central Florida. Her novels have won the coveted RITA and Christy Awards. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband near Orlando, Florida.” --Biography from elizabethcamden.com.

Click here to visit Elizabeth Camden's website.

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