Joshua Turner lost one of his legs during the Civil War. His tragic accident, however, only deepened his resolve to succeed and realize his grand dreams for New York. Joshua's life changes when he meets Mollie Brannigan, the niece of notorious brothel owner, Eileen Brannigan. Josh's and Mollie's paths cross when Mollie's aunt sends her to work at Macy's department store as Mollie Popandropolos. Eileen hopes Mollie's new name and respectable job will give her an opportunity to find a husband. Resigned to being an old maid, Mollie is flattered when Josh begins to show romantic interest in her. Although Mollie fears she will lose Josh's affection when he learns her true identity, Josh's charm and genuine warmth make it impossible for Mollie to resist him for long.

Josh and Mollie become a true love match. With Mollie by his side, Josh envisions a new way for the people of New York to live -- in apartments. Josh dreams of providing the middle class who cannot afford New York's rising costs in real estate an alternative to tenement living. The construction of the apartments Josh sees as the new way for New Yorkers to live depends on the making of steel. Although Josh acquires the ability to make steel, he must find a way to convince the people of New York to take up residence in his new buildings. Josh and Mollie work together to realize Josh's dream , which will revolutionize the way the people of New York live. But just when Josh begins to sell his dream to the people of New York, he must deal with unexpected obstacles and battle dangerous enemies.

Anyone interested in American history, especially New York history, will lose themselves in this epic novel. History buffs will love the way Beverly Swerling brings to life nineteenth-century New York. CITY OF PROMISE: A NOVEL OF NEW YORK'S GILDED AGE takes readers into New York mansions, slums, and then places readers in the midst of New York's revolutions in technology. Thomas Edison even makes an appearance in the novel! The author also brings to life the rise of gangs and the financial crisis which plagued the city in the nineteenth century. Josh and Mollie's complex relationship is just as compelling as Josh's dreams for New York. Raised by the madame of a brothel, Mollie is a strong-willed and independent woman who refuses to take a backseat to her husband's ambitions. This is a novel you just want to curl up with and read for hours.