Blog Tour & Review: “Walking on Hidden Wings” by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Walking on Hidden Wings by Rachel Scott McDaniel hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I’m sharing a review today followed by info for the tour-wide giveaway. Be sure to enter before you go!

Title: Walking on Hidden Wings: A Novel of the Roaring Twenties
Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: April 23, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Geneva Ashcroft Hayes’s marriage to a newspaper mogul might have been arranged, but the New York socialite is devastated when her husband’s plane crashes a few short months after their nuptials. When the authorities suspect murder, Geneva sets out on a wild mission to find his killer–and to prove it wasn’t her!

When mysterious notes surface pointing to Geneva’s guilt in his death, they only strengthen her resolve. She has little to go on except for a detective friend’s cryptic list of locations connected to her dead spouse. When the friend also disappears, she trades her sparkling gowns for coveralls and pilot goggles.

Armed with a new name and career as a wingwalker and barnstormer, she travels from town to town in hopes of unearthing clues and locating her missing friend. But Geneva discovers that her past may not belong to her . . . what she once believed as truth may be nothing more than lies and deception.

“A tangled web, a sleuthing adventure, a rekindled romance . . . Walking on Hidden Wings has it all.” –Rachel Fordham, author of The Letter Tree

“Fans of intelligent mysteries, butterfly-inducing romance, and the Roaring Twenties, prepare yourselves–Walking on Hidden Wings will sweep you away to the skies! McDaniel’s lyrical prose is a delight, and readers will be fascinated by the daring beginnings of aviation. A true gem.” –Joanna Barker, author of A Heart Worth Stealing

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub

An automatic “favorites list” addition, Walking on Hidden Wings exhibits everything I love about the inspy/historical romance genre and the marriage of convenience trope. What begins as an engaging mystery soon transforms into an adventurous, high-stakes romance — and the high stakes come in the form of a missing friend, an aviation accident (or is it sabotage?), and the subterfuge of a 1920s social ladder.

Author Rachel McDaniel has a prose-like style that fills the story with wonder in its details: in the flying stunts, sisterly devotion, a heroine out of her comfort zone in the country, a protective and empowering hero, and a thrilling romance. Speaking of romance, the narrative has smartly penned flashback chapters amidst “current” angsty tension that tell the origins of the romance and marriage of convenience situation Geneva navigated. This brings life-altering secrets and themes of reconciliation and hope to the forefront. Most impressive in this story framing and narrative is how every single detail of the characters’ lives matters and satisfyingly comes full circle.

Fans of ultra-romantic historical marriages of convenience like Rachel McMillan’s The London Restoration or books by Mimi Matthews should give Walking on Hidden Wings a space on their TBRs.

Thank you to the publisher and Just Read Tours for the review copy. This is my honest opinion. I also purchased a final copy of the ebook for my collection.

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. She currently enjoys life in Ohio with her husband and two kids.

Connect with Rachel by visiting rachelmcdaniel.net to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of the book plus book-related extras!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 1, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 8, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Click HERE to Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Book Review: “Rocky Road” by Becky Wade

Welcome to my review of Rocky Road by Becky Wade, the second in her “Sons of Scandal” series following the Camden family in New England.

Review of book 1, Memory Lane

FBI Agent Jude Camden handles every aspect of his job with by-the-book professionalism. There’s no reason why his latest assignment—which calls for him to pose as the boyfriend of perfumer Gemma Clare—should be any different.

Except Gemma is different. She’s creative, bold, and feisty. And as soon as she meets Jude, she wants to loosen him up, wrinkle his perfect shirts, and test every ounce of his towering self-control.

The FBI has an iron-clad rule against romances between those working together on operations. Jude’s never met a rule he didn’t respect. But adhering to this one is going to be tough because, as time goes by, he finds Gemma more and more irresistible.

Buckle up! It’s going to be a rocky road.

Escape to Maine for this swoon-worthy “fake romance”! Banter, humor, perfume, and a mystery from the past intertwine in this sweet Sons of Scandal love story.

*A Note from Becky: For a list of sensitive topics in Becky’s novels, visit BeckyWade.com and click the link you’ll find at the top of the “My Books” page.

Goodreads | Amazon

Rocky Road by Becky Wade takes readers on another romantic journey with hints of intrigue alongside the second Camden son, Jude. The story uses tropes in a fantastic way, with fake dating, forced proximity, and a tiny bit of opposites attract with Gemma’s sunshine-y and effervescent personality in contrast with Jude’s serious, always-tidy demeanor. AND, it has a hilarious meet cute for the record books!

Author Becky Wade tackles tricky family dynamics and believably complex, world-we-live-in situations. I admire that Wade is not afraid to handle some heavier topics on occasion, like fidelity, trust, and risk in this series. Some of this depth absolutely sparkles with the rare POV chapters from Jude’s mother, Fiona, and her ongoing role as mother, sister, and friend.

The romance has fantastic tension, skillfully portrayed by Becky, especially in the (finally) first kiss scene. The romance is enough of a slow burn that the reader is absolutely rooting for a *them* and for Gemma to ruffle Jude’s composure. And she does! She has a tendency to knock Jude’s world off-kilter every time they are together, though Gemma doesn’t always perceive it because Jude’s such a good guy hero and has great internal depths. When it finally manifests with a little outward mussiness for Jude, it is quite an adorable moment. I also LOVE how their relationship progresses and how there is **tiny spoiler** no 3rd act breakup **end spoiler**. Their mutual affinity for poetry (Jude!) and chocolate (Jude and Gemma) sets up some fun scenes and banter, too.

I always enjoy learning more about the world around me through story. In this case, Rocky Road reveals facets of the perfume industry and what a normal-ish day job with the FBI entails. I’m looking forward to the enigmatic, humorous Max Camden and his story in the next novel.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Book Review: “London Tides” by Carla Laureano

The MacDonald family trilogy. 9 years ago I read book 1, Five Days in Skye. 9 years ago London Tides came out. I finished it over the weekend! Ya’ll! How have I waited so long to read Ian and Grace’s story?! Many of my thanks in finally deciding to read it go the Carla Laureano’s Facebook reader group and her thoughtful moderation of a group readalong this month.

London Tides is a story that will certainly stick with me. I am eager for the conclusion of this family’s tale with Under Scottish Stars, though I’m going to wait a bit for it in hopes that we will do another Facebook group read of it.

Irish photojournalist Grace Brennan travels the world’s war zones documenting the helpless and forgotten. After the death of her friend and colleague, Grace is shaken.

She returns to London hoping to rekindle the spark with the only man she ever loved—Scottish businessman Ian MacDonald. But he gave up his championship rowing career and dreams of Olympic gold years ago for Grace . . . only for her to choose photography over him. Will life’s tides bring them back together . . . or tear them apart for good this time?

Goodreads | Amazon

London Tides is a brilliant second chance romance from Carla Laureano with authentic characters. While book 1 (Five Days in Skye) balances a flirty instalove story with lightheartedness and serious tones, book 2 delves into depths of longing, pain, and romantic chemistry that sparks off the page.

I appreciate Ian and Grace’s depth, history, and life experiences so much. In particular, I appreciate Laureano’s portrayal of the raw, emotional arc of Grace’s story with serious elements like grief, trauma, and self-worth. The plot is artful, daring, and refreshingly candid throughout. The romantic storyline is direct, surprising, and wonderfully adventurous at different turns. And so much my catnip with Ian and his high emotional intelligence, let-me-understand-and-shoulder-your-cares-because-I-want-to hero status.

I also heart that Grace is a photographer (albeit in a super serious, war zone way) because I relate somewhat to her perspective and really love how this informs her outlook on life. Likewise, Ian’s commitment to rowing (yay for learning new things through books!) is also symbolic of his steadiness of character, even as his association with the sport has already transitioned from Olympic participation to a local, routine level.

I LOVE the following quote from Grace which sums up her outlook and passion for photography:

This is why I love photography. . . Look at it. This moment will never happen again. All these people, together in one place. Change a single thing and it wouldn’t be this moment. Wait five minutes and everything is different. But a photo—it’s the only way you can stop time. It’s proof of a moment you can never get back.

chapter 11

These personal attributes of Ian and Grace combine with some fantastic food-centric, tourist-y experiences to make this an armchair adventure of a story, albeit a serious one. A key portion unfolds in Scotland, too, as we revisit the territory of book 1 (Jamie and Andrea!!!!) with Ian and Grace, learn more of Ian’s familial history, and catch up with already beloved characters.

Cover Reveal: “A Lady of Conscience” by Mimi Matthews

I’m ecstatic to be part of the cover reveal for an upcoming Mimi Matthews novel, A Lady of Conscience, the 5th book in her acclaimed Somerset Stories series. The book releases July 30, 2024, and you can preorder now! Check out the details below for the plot synopsis and preorder details.

Visit Mimi’s website for more info & all the preorder links!

About the Book

A Victorian bluestocking with a passion for lost causes attracts the unwilling attention of a frost-hearted viscount during her tumultuous debut season in Bath in USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews’s fifth book in her acclaimed Somerset Stories series.

West Country beauty Hannah Heywood may be quiet with fashionable strangers, but when it comes to animals in need, she has no trouble finding her voice. Newly arrived in Bath for her very first season, all she desires is to find one like-minded gentleman. A man of warmth and compassion, as sensitive to animals as he is to people. But if such a man exists, he dare not approach her. Not with the tall, blond, and menacing Viscount St. Clare standing in the way.

James Beresford, Viscount St. Clare has often been described as a sentient block of ice. A man so cold and dispassionate, he would never suit a young lady of Hannah’s disposition. And she would certainly never suit him. Focused on repairing his family’s infamous reputation, James requires a diamond of the first water. The daughter of a duke or a marquess, at least, not a simple country girl with a passion for four-legged creatures.

And yet, there’s something about conscience-driven young Hannah that draws James, first to Bath, and then into one increasingly hare-brained scheme after another. She confounds him at every turn, subverting his expectations and threatening to do what no lady has succeeded in doing before—thawing his ice-cold heart.

THE COVER

What do you think? Personally, I love the soft pink colors and the details — like the pearl necklace and Hannah’s freckles.

Check out my thoughts on the other books in this series, all of which can be read as standalones but form a lovely bigger story when read in sequence:

The Work of Art | Gentleman Jim | Return to Satterthwaite Court | Appointment in Bath

Top Ten Tuesday: 11 Pink Books

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl!

Today’s topic is a freebie! I decided to go with a simple list of books that share a common cover color: pink. I noticed three of these when they were stacked next to each other in my Kindle library, and the list grew from there.

Of these books, three are from my TBR (The Valet’s Secret, My Phony Valentine, and Practice Makes Perfect). And, I’m currently listening to Sisters of Fortune by Anna Lee Huber on audio.

11 Pink Books

The Lily of Ludgate Hill by Mimi Matthews

Sisters of Fortune by Anna Lee Huber

The Thorn Keeper by Pepper Basham | review

The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall | review

The Valet’s Secret by Josi S. Kilpack

The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrel | review

Authentically, Izzy by Pepper Basham

Rocky Road by Becky Wade | review coming later this week!

Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner | review

My Phony Valentine by Courtney Walsh

Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams

What did you pick for a TTT topic this week? Have you read any of these stories? Which one from my TBR should I read next? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Audiobook Review: “The Berlin Letters” by Katherine Reay

Thanks for stopping by! I’m talking today about an author and novel I’ve been telling my face to face friends about even before I finished reading it: The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay.

Bestselling author Katherine Reay returns with an unforgettable tale of the Cold War and a CIA code breaker who risks everything to free her father from an East German prison.

From the time she was a young girl, Luisa Voekler has loved solving puzzles and cracking codes. Brilliant and logical, she’s a natural to quickly climb the career ladder at the CIA. But while her coworkers have moved on to thrilling Cold War assignments—especially in the exhilarating era of the late 1980s—Luisa’s work remains stuck in the past decoding messages from World War II.

Journalist Haris Voekler grew up a proud East Berliner. But as his eyes open to the realities of postwar East Germany, he realizes that the Soviet promises of a better future are not coming to fruition. After the Berlin Wall goes up, Haris finds himself separated from his young daughter and all alone after his wife dies. There’s only one way to reach his family—by sending coded letters to his father-in-law who lives on the other side of the Iron Curtain.

When Luisa Voekler discovers a secret cache of letters written by the father she has long presumed dead, she learns the truth about her grandfather’s work, her father’s identity, and why she has never progressed in her career. With little more than a rudimentary plan and hope, she journeys to Berlin and risks everything to free her father and get him out of East Berlin alive.

As Luisa and Haris take turns telling their stories, events speed toward one of the twentieth century’s most dramatic moments—the fall of the Berlin Wall and that night’s promise of freedom, truth, and reconciliation for those who have lived, for twenty-eight years, behind the bleak shadow of the Iron Curtain’s most iconic symbol.

Goodreads | Amazon

The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay is an intriguing look at history through a unique generational perspective of the Berlin Wall — from both behind it for its duration and as seen from a Western perspective near its end in the 1980s. It is a story of family, reconciliation, and of truths surviving impossible circumstances.

Reay has done a fabulous job with historical detail and accuracy, as evidenced by the gripping narratives of Luisa and Haris and supported by her informative author’s note. The elements of freedom and life in the U.S. contrast with the determined and steadfast survival of those living in danger behind the wall. This juxtaposition combines with unfolding family secrets in Luisa’s life connected to ongoing CIA activities to pull the reader into a memorable story experience. For me, this book raises questions and curiosity about those who lived closely to these events and survived the atrocious conformity of communism.

I especially enjoyed the audiobook production and the emotions the narrators lent to the story, enriching the experience with German accents and inflections.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the audiobook copy. This is my honest review.

Series Thoughts: The Droseran Saga by Ronie Kendig

I want to share my obsesssion love for The Droseran Saga by Ronie Kendig, a space opera series! I’m adding a few brief thoughts on each book. PLEASE note that mild spoilers exist in reading the synopsis for each book, so if book 1 sounds intriguing to you, I think you should start there. Trust me, you will love Marco & company! (Titles below linked to Goodreads for more book info)

As I have mentioned before, sci-fi is not usually my go-to genre for reading. I DO love a good sci-fi movie, though, and am firmly in the Star Wars fan camp (sorry not sorry, Trekkies). Since I have enjoyed Ronie Kendig’s military-adjacent action novels before, trying her foray into a space opera saga was an easy decision. However, it took me wayyyyyy too long to pick up book 1, even though it was sitting prettily on my shelf since its debut. Last year, I determined I would start reading The Droseran Saga via the audiobook versions, and I’m a changed reader today because I did.

Side note: The audiobook productions for books 1-3 are a-mazingly impressive. Narrated by Adam Gold (what a voice — a pleasure to hear), the whole audio experience is an impressive exposition thanks to his many character voices and effects. Book 4 isn’t available as an audiobook, so I resorted to old fashioned reading for the series conclusion.

Starting with Brand of Light, it was tough to put these books down (or hit “pause”) when I needed to because I just wanted to know what would happen next!? This entire series is impressive with its overarching themes and symbolism which can be seen as an allegorical look at faith, God’s sovereignty and plan, and a battle of good vs evil. That takes place on multiple planets and has a few aliens, too. Ha.

In homage to the series, I have created a whole Pinterest board for its aesthetic…. you can see a little of it paired with each cover below, too.

Book 1: Brand of Light

Brand of Light Aesthetic. Images courtesy of Pinterest.

Brand of Light was an engaging story with mind-blowing concepts (hello, Marco and his “gift”) from the very start. I realized the rest of the series would be epic! I had a few ideas of what could be ahead for Marco and Kersei, but in true Kendig style, twists and surprises were in store with a ton of action, and a little hope for romance.

Another character who stole my attention and heart in Brand of Light was Tigo Dekken. I just ❤ him! While the main focus of the whole series was Marco and his path of honor and purpose, Tigo was an important main character to root for and *enjoy* as he learned a lot about himself and his funny and surprising team along the way.

Kersei was a key character, too, as her story throughout was about growth and coming into her own identity. She became a better person over the course of these stories because of her experiences, even her heartaches and losses.

Book 2: Dawn of Vengeance

Dawn of Vengeance Aesthetic. Images courtesy of Pinterest.

The second book, Dawn of Vengeance went in a direction wholly unexpected that I enjoyed SO much. It introduced new characters in the world and became a little introspective at times, especially concerning Marco’s story. Isaura, too, was a new central character and quite easy to love + root for with her compassion and light.

Dawn of Vengeance brings Ixion Mavridis, skilled warrior and right-hand man to Marco, to a key role starting with this book. I enjoyed the tough truths he always shared and the often-gruff way he had with words. Yet, beneath all of his toughness and bravado, his heart and loyalty were fierce and true.

Book 3: Shadow of Honor

Shadow of Honor Aesthetic. Images courtesy of Pinterest.

Shadow of Honor brought a new level of obsession for me and this series. Haha. Through all of it, I was continually impressed with the world-building and the aplomb with which the cast of characters was explored. The whole is exemplary of how Kendig skillfully depicts ensemble casts and a few switches of POV without ever losing story momentum. This book, in particular, made me root for and want the change (dare I say redemption) of a certain person, who shall remain nameless because #spoilers.

There were many things to love about this one: The twists! The soul-deep connection between Marco and his love! Eija! The Ladies (especially some surprises where they were concerned IYKYK). The bigger picture and themes of honor, redemption, and even an impressive conversation serving as a metaphor for faith, free will, and the role of purpose and choice in our lives.

Book 4: War of Torment

War of Torment Aesthetic. Images courtesy of Pinterest.

War of Torment is the culmination of quite the epic storyline! It delivers 1,000% with dynamic themes of redemption, purpose, faith, and good vs evil with supernatural elements. On top of this, there are threads of friendship, romance, loyalty, and twists — especially some big reveals in this final book. War of Torment had me in tears more than once, and feeling all the triumphs and losses alongside these characters who became beloved over the story experience.

Bottom line: If you are remotely interested in reading a space opera saga or a sci-fi story with almost medieval elements, I highly recommend you give this series a shot!

Book Review and Content Guide: “Once Persuaded, Twice Shy” by Melodie Edwards

Welcome to my review for Once Persuaded, Twice Shy: A Modern Reimagining of Persuasion by Melodie Edwards which just released this week! It’s a new twist on the Jane Austen classic, and Melodie’s sophomore novel after last year’s retelling of another classic, Jane & Edward (a spin on Jane Eyre).

I’m including a content guide at the end of my review with my blog audience in mind (inspy readers, specifically), noting this is a general market book with some mature content, detailed below. The context of my review focuses on the story merits and the content is something I consider separately.

This modern reimagining of Persuasion is full of witty banter, romantic angst, and compelling characters as it captures the heart of the classic Jane Austen novel.

When Anne Elliott broke up with Ben Wentworth, it seemed like the right thing to do . . . but now, eight years later, she’s not so sure.

In her scenic hometown of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Anne is comfortable focusing on her successful filling her late mother’s shoes as town councilor and executive director of her theater company. She certainly keeps busy as the all-around wrangler of eccentric locals, self-centered family members, elaborate festivals, and the occasional attacking goose. But the more she tries to convince herself that her life is fine as is, the more it all feels like a show—and not nearly as good as the ones put on by her theater company. She’s the always responsible Anne, always taken for granted and cleaning up after other people, and the memories of happier times with Ben Wentworth still haunt her.

So when the nearby Kellynch Winery is bought by Ben’s aunt and uncle, Anne’s world is set ablaze as her old flame crashes back into her life—and it’s clear he hasn’t forgiven her for breaking his heart. A joint project between the winery and Anne’s theater forces both Ben and Anne to confront their complicated history, and as they spend more time together, Anne can’t help but wonder if there might be hope for their future after all.

Goodreads | Amazon

Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards is a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s classic Persuasion, which happens to be my favorite Austen novel. It smartly retains the pillars of Austen’s material, wit, and themes while taking a different, modern slant on certain elements which serves to draw attention to different aspects of the characters. I particularly loved the autumnal, small-town Canadian setting that serves as a colorful character in itself, along with its resident menacing Goose.

One thing that comes across strongly is Anne’s growth and assertion of her independence in stages after Ben Wentworth comes back into her life. And, Wentworth’s pining and heartbreak is closely explored through moments and a few key scenes where he vocally shares his POV. While the story is completely from Anne’s POV, tiny details and moments of care serve to make Wentworth’s true affections *finally* known. I appreciate how the details of this story really make the deeper themes and dynamics shine, like Anne finding freedom and a new sense of self symbolized in her shopping for new shoes.

The romance is a slow burn as expected from Anne and Wentworth’s shared history which is revealed along the way. Wentworth 2.0, as I will call him, demonstrates his care of Anne with such wonderful, swoony gestures (like a heater! and quietly offering a car ride! and an oversized hoodie!). Like the classic novel, Anne’s family is atrocious, the Fairchilds (modern day Crofts) are endearing and charming, and the supporting cast (Anne’s friends) are –often hilariously– sources of wisdom.

Once Persuaded, Twice Shy retains all the pining and longing, with memories of an intimate rapport between Anne and Ben, that makes their finding a way back to each other sweeter. And like its inspiration material, Anne and Ben are better for each other thanks to the years between and the heartbreaks and growth both have experienced.

Content guide: the book does have closed door love scene, but it is handled in text as a tasteful lead up to the door closing (kissing and just a little more are hinted at before it fades to black). There is a medium amount of explicit language throughout, including some use of the f-word and a few instances of pairing God’s name with a swear word.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Just for fun: One of my most popular posts here on the blog is a collection of my fav quotes from Persuasion. If you have made your way here because of your love for Jane Austen, I’ll add a link if you’d like to read them. Favorite Quotes from Persuasion by Jane Austen

Blog Tour & Review: “Embers in the London Sky” by Sarah Sundin

Thanks for stopping to read my review of Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin, her new WWII historical romance. I had the opportunity to read an ebook copy AND I snagged an audiobook version, which I also greatly enjoyed.

As the German army invades the Netherlands in 1940, Aleida van der Zee Martens escapes to London to wait out the Occupation. Separated from her three-year-old son, Theo, in the process, the young widow desperately searches for her little boy even as she works for an agency responsible for evacuating children to the countryside.

When German bombs set London ablaze, BBC radio correspondent Hugh Collingwood reports on the Blitz, eager to boost morale while walking the fine line between truth and censorship. But the Germans are not the only ones Londoners have to fear as a series of murders flame up amid the ashes.

The deaths hit close to home for Hugh, and Aleida needs his help to locate her missing son. As they work together, they grow closer and closer, both to each other and the answers they seek. But with bombs falling and continued killings, they may be running out of time.

Goodreads | Amazon

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin offers a unique perspective on WWII homefront happenings as Aleida Martens, a Dutch refugee, and Hugh Collingwood, a BBC reporter unite in friendship. Their match soon grows into attraction and more as their personal lives and careers complicate their connection — as does a series of murders of people acquainted with them both.

I particularly enjoyed the element of radio broadcasting technology and a glimpse of how live broadcasting worked in this era through Hugh’s observant eyes. His attractive caramel voice (!! that was a cute descriptor) lends gravitas to many causes, including those of immigrant refugees, a point where Aleida’s life intersects. Her story of searching for her son and bravely finding a new life path in London incites both empathy and a sense of bravery.

A mystery plot creates urgency in the story’s momentum, as does the continued threat of German air raids and personal obstacles of both Hugh and Aleida. These combined with small details to love like Lennox the (grumpy) cat, quite the romantic train moment, and a grand romantic gesture, all make for a story highlighting persistence, restoration, and faith during a real-life historical period.

Thank you to the publisher for the digital review copy. I voluntarily purchased an audiobook copy. This is my honest review.

Review: “While the City Sleeps” by Elizabeth Camden

I’m sharing a review for While the City Sleeps, a new release (this week!) from author Elizabeth Camden. This is a historical romance that starts a new “Women of Midtown” series set in early 1900s NYC.

Katherine Schneider’s workaday 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. And throughout it all, Jonathan fears what will happen should Katherine ever learn his deepest secrets.

Join award-winning author Elizabeth Camden for a sweeping and romantic adventure of dangerous secrets and wounded hearts fighting to overcome the darkness while the rest of the city sleeps.

Goodreads | Amazon

Author Elizabeth Camden always writes fascinating heroes and heroines, and While the City Sleeps is her latest vibrant take on fictional characters with a sprinkle of real-life history. The New York City setting comes to life in the tale, as well, acting as a main character all its own with its interesting night life and unexpected personalities.

Secrets and potential crimes wind through this story of romance. The intrigue and reveals keep the pace flowing nicely as the reader meets and falls in love with the match between Katherine and Jonathan. While their acquaintance is already established off-page as the story begins, events in their lives thrust them beyond a tentative interaction to a mutual reliance on city knowledge and social connections. I especially love the details Camden incorporates to make an already complex situation feel like real life.

Romance is at the heart of the story, even as dangerous situations draw in emotions, sacrifice, and questions of loyalty. Jonathan is a Paul Newman-ish hero (at least that’s how I see him!) who has secrets of his own (like mad baking skills), a connection to an Italian community, a dry sense of humor, and absolute conviction to protect the innocent and stand for honor. Katherine is fully his match — when it comes to their relationship, I love how she is assertive in a way he isn’t and how their dynamic explores some believable realities of relationships right down to disagreements and some tough subjects.

I particularly empathize with the way Katherine approaches life: she’s spunky, determined, and brave. One tiny moment I noted that ticked all the romance boxes for me was when Jonathan had a cerebral attraction to Katherine’s handwriting. It speaks of their connection and their mutual respect for each other.

If you have enjoyed Elizabeth Camden’s stories in the past, this is a good place to get back into her writing as it is the promising start to a new series. I’d also recommend this book for fans of Jocelyn Green and Rachel Fordham.

Thank you to the publisher for the digital review copy. This is my honest review.