"All We Were Promised" takes readers on a journey through the tumultuous landscape of Philadelphia in 1837, where slavery still reverberated despite the promis of liberty. Charlotte, the resilient protagonist, grapples with the complexities of freedom as she navigates a city fraught with danger and deception.

The novel explores themes of identity, belonging and the relentless pursuit of freedom in a society rife with prejudice and oppression. Charlotte's struggle to reconcile her newfound freedom with the constraints of her past is difficult, as she grapples with the ghosts of her former life while forging a new path forward.

The reader sees a world teetering on the brink of change, where alliances are forged and broken amidst the chaos of race riots and abolitionists. The friendships she forms, particularly with Nell, a fellow seeker of justice, and Evie, a reminder of the bonds forged in adversity are both heartwarming and heart- wrenching.

Ashton Lattimore attention to detail leads us to opulent homes in Philadelpha's elite to the squalid alleys where danger lurks at every turn. The setting is brought to life and serves as a backdrop to Charotte's quest for freedom and autonomy. The book is a tale of resilience, courage, and the enduing power of friendship in the face of adversity. This is a good book that will resonate long after the final page is turned.

I would like to thank NetGalley for an advance copy of "All We Were Promised." #NetGalley #AllWeWerePromised #AshtonLattimore

An interesting topic that has been under-represented in writing.

Well written by a promising author. I will try to write a more in-depth review at a later time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. #sponsored

I enjoyed the writing style and the pacing was perfect. The characters were interesting and memorable. I really enjoyed this and I would recommend this! Special Thank you to Ashton Latimore, Random House and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is the story of three women in 1837 Philadelphia - a free black woman from the cream of free black society, an escaped slave posing as a servant of her father who is passing as a white carpenter, and a slave girl brought north by her owner and desperate to escape.
This is as much a story of abolition and the city of Philadelphia as of the three women, because their fates all lie with the results of very mixed motives and principles warring with each other. The strong movement for Abolition was often met by violence and race riots, and made being black - free or slave - very dangerous.
The story takes a while to develop, and seems slower than it should be for such riveting subject matter, but eventually picks up and takes off. The characters are engaging, well-developed and distinctive, and are the main force that drive the narrative. While I felt immersed in the Philadelphia of the period, I didn't feel so much so with the people. I felt I was looking through modern eyes, not people of the period. It was good, but a little disappointing.

All We Were Promised is a historical fiction novel set in Philadelphia 1837 (before the Civill War). Charlotte and her father, James, escape slavery in the South and start a new life. where they are free Charlotte becomes heavily involved in the abolitionist movement in Philadelphia where she befriends Nell. But, when someone from their past appears in the city, their security is threatened.

What a beautifully crafted and unique story! I loved the fierce female leads and always appreciate learning something about our history that I did not previously know (for example - how slave owners would send the enslaved blacks back and forth across lines in order to avoid letting them become free - called the "loop hole" rule). It accurately depicts how, even in the North life was dangerous for Blacks. This is what I would call "historical fiction light" as it isn't too heavy or graphic but still an important story for people to read.

This debut author’s foray into a less-examined period in historical novels is not to be missed. “All We Were Promised” is set in late 1830s Philadelphia and features three strong black women in various stages along the slave-to-free continuum. Nell, who has always been free, is from one of Philadelphia’s black elite families. Charlotte escaped several years ago from a rundown Maryland plantation. Her father, a skilled craftsman, is “passing” but nevertheless treats his darker-skinned daughter as his house maid in furtherance of his ruse. And Evie, a slave from the same plantation as Charlotte, is on an extended visit to Philadelphia as lady’s maid to her master’s widow.

Charlotte and Evie discover one another in the marketplace. Evie seeks Charlotte’s aid in helping her escape before her mistress returns south. Charlotte, who met Nell at a literary group, enlists her assistance in arranging safe houses for Evie. The young women encounter various obstacles in carrying out their plan, not the least of which is a growing backlash against abolitionist activities, culminating in the burning of Pennsylvania Hall a few days after it opened.

New to me was the portrayal of some within the antislavery movement who preferred to stick with relatively tame activities. Nell had friends who were content to host lectures and fundraising events, but wanted nothing to do with actually assisting a fugitive slave: “direct action isn’t our place … we’re working to change the law, not break it” was their rationale.

Nell must decide whether she will be active or passive within the abolition movement. Charlotte must decide what to do about her role as her father’s servant, and Evie must weigh the risk of running away. Tension builds as each woman makes life-changing decisions. I look forward to future novels from this captivating author.

All We Were Promised was about three different black women in 1830s Philly. Evie still in bondage, Charlotte (Carrie) a runaway slave, and Nelle born free into a prominent wealthy black family. It was interesting reading about the different dynamics of passing as white, the struggles that black people had to go through even though they were free and rich in the north, or just trying to exist. I would read more from this author in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lattimore’s debut exudes originality in its characters, plot situations, and especially in its well-chosen setting of 1830s Philadelphia, “the self-proclaimed cradle of liberty,” a landmark American city whose grand ideals of freedom and brotherly love fall short for its Black residents. The opening scene makes plain this philosophical struggle. As Charlotte Walker and Nell Gardner attend a speech by prominent abolitionist Robert Purvis in Washington Square Park, white men’s resentment agitates a violent mob.

The young women’s worlds rarely intersect; their friendship is an exception. Nell’s family are well-to-do Black elites who have been free for generations, while Charlotte had escaped a Maryland plantation with her father four years earlier, a fact she keeps hidden. Charlotte is forced to serve as housemaid to her ambitious father while he passes for white and establishes an upscale woodworking business. Charlotte gradually opens Nell’s eyes to the hypocritical limitations of the Philadelphia Female Antislavery Society that Nell belongs to, since it hesitates to take action to help runaway slaves, even as these needs become immediate. Charlotte had left her younger friend Evie behind when she fled Maryland, and when Evie arrives in Philadelphia with her enslaver, the self-absorbed Missus Kate, Charlotte risks having her cover blown.

The viewpoint nimbly switches among the three lead characters, and pre-Civil War Philadelphia arises fully formed on the page with its diverse residential neighborhoods, public spaces, and a moral edifice whose structure is continually tested. The storyline keeps readers guessing on how everyone’s relationships will evolve under the weight of secrets: not just the women’s friendships, but also Nell’s potential romance with a family friend and Charlotte’s strained bond with her father/boss, who refuses to acknowledge their past. A few too-modern word choices stand out (“slow-walked”), but this is an altogether absorbing, thought-provoking story.

Reviewed for the Historical Novels Review, May 2024

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

This was a wonderfully rich debut novel about free Black people living in Philadelphia and their work to continue to help others be free.

The characters were engaging and struggling to help the greater good while finding some trouble along the way. They are trying not to be hurt by the protestors outside of their meeting places.

There are several instances of people pretending to be who they are not. The color of their skin doesn't stop them from trying to better themselves.

Charlotte is playing housemaid to her father, James, who is passing to make a better life for him and his daughter. James took Charlotte away from their plantation after learning of a plan to sell her off to pay debts after the Master passed. They are ripped from their remaining family including Evie who doesn't understand what has happened to them. She only knows that they were gone in the middle of the night never to return. Evie spots her by chance in the market and sets major danger in motion.

Charlotte works with her friends Nell and Alex to make a plan to help Evie get away from their previous mistress who is pretending to be someone else.

They are all in the same house at the same time because of a party invitation that James hosts.

This was a very well done different perspective of slaves living as free people and others trying to get to freedom with their help.

I look froward to other books by this author.

All We Were Promised follows three women in post-Civil War Philadelphia: Charlotte, Nell and Evie. Each woman represents a different category of being Black at that time. Nell's family is wealthy and she has a comfortable lifestyle. She is not content with the world and wishes to bring around the change the country deserves. Charlotte and her father escaped a few years from slavery in Maryland, Charlotte's father has used his skills as a wood craftsman to create a business and reputation for himself. But he has Charlotte employed as a housemaid which Charlotte struggles with. Charlotte sneaks out of the house to meet Nell and try to change things but has to hide that basically she is still in service. Evie is brought to Philadelphia by the widow of the plantation where Charlotte and her father escaped from. The widow will not free Evie and Evie feels trapped especially when she finds herself in a place where escape seems possible. All We Were Promised is set in the very tumultuous time after the Civil War where slaveowners do not want to change their ways. Charlotte, Nell and Evie face the sometimes dangerous challenges to effect change and make things better. All We Were Promised drew me in instantly as I wanted to find out the outcome of the three brave women amidst the chaotic events. I loved all three of these characters and many of the ancillary characters as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read the ARC of All We Were Promised.

All We Were Promised written by Ashton Lattimore is a 19th Century historical fiction that takes place in Philadelphia PA pre-civil war era. I was intrigued by this book because I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia and am a history teacher. The book revolves around four women’s lives, slavery, and the abolitionist movement. The book centers around Charlotte who was born into slavery but escapes with her father. Her father is mistaken as a white man during their escape and decides to live his life as a white man with his daughter being his black maid. Charlotte meets a well-off black abolitionist named Nell and begins attending meetings and getting ready for the grand opening of an abolitionist Hall. I never heard about the burning of the “Temple of Free Discussion” in 1838, so this really interested me.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well written and the plot moved at a fast pace. I loved the historical elements and learned a lot both during the reading of this book and afterward through my research. I gave this book a solid 4 stars and would recommend it to anyone interested in historical fiction. I want to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.

All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore is a tense, intriguing, and heartfelt story of pre- Civil War Philadelphia and the lives of three Black women whose lives become entangled in hope, fear, and friendship. Charlotte escaped White Oaks plantation with her father, leaving behind dear friends in order to gain their own freedom. Charlotte’s father passes as a white woodworker and becomes a respected businessman. But he forces Charlotte to adopt the role of servant in his house in order to keep her safe.
Charlotte chafes as this and rebels by sneaking out and striking up a friendship with Nell, a woman born and raised in Philadelphia, never having known the life of a slave or servant as her family is one of the wealthiest Black families in the city. Nell is becoming an abolitionist, working to raise funds and interest in the cause. Nell introduces Charlotte to Black society, not realizing the truth of Charlotte’s past. A past that shows up unexpectedly in the person of Evie, a slave from White Oaks who is brought to town by the widow of the plantation. Evie hopes to escape while in Philadelphia, and enlists Charlotte and Nell’s help. While the city boils over into riots and chaos, the three women must come to terms with deception, broken trust, and painful truths in order to survive.

Lattimore does a wonderful job of weaving the three women’s stories together and creating a narrative that maintains the urgency and tension of 1830s Philadelphia throughout the novel. Illustrating the dichotomy of the experiences of Black families in the States pre-Civil War, Lattimore helps one realizes how precarious the line between slavery and freedom truly was. The characters were developed, but I felt that at times they were a bit one note- especially Charlotte’s father. His was not a small role in the outcome of the story, yet you barely get a feel of who he was. And the end seemed a little too neat. Ultimately though, the story was too interesting and the urgency too real for me to put the book down. I have not read much about this time period in US history and now I want to learn/ read more. I definitely recommend All We Were Promised and it earns a 4/5 rating. Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC as I offer this honest review.

This book was just as much of an education as a great novel. The novel takes place in Philadelphia in the mid-1800's where there existed a quite affluent and educated black society Pennsylvania being a free state.. Some, particularly women, were active in assisting escaped and former slaves. Charlotte and her father, James are runaway slaves who settle quite nicely in Philadelphia. James has fair skin and passes himself off as a white businessman pretending Charlottes is his housemaid. Charlotte befriends Nell (unbeknownst to her father) whose affluent black family has never been slaves and doesn't want much to do with the abolitionist cause. Nell defies her parents by becoming active in the abolitionist movement.

Kate, the daughter of James and Charlotte's former owner arrives in Philadelphia with Charlotte's replacement, Evie. Kate is also living a lie to keep her wealthy fiancé who plans to take her and Evie down South to his cotton plantation where he'll become wealthier off the backs of many slaves.

The story revolves around Nell and Charlotte, though from. many different backgrounds, who became active in various local abolitionist groups. Eventually, they meet up with Evie who seeks their assistance in escaping Kate's grasp. We watch how Evie runs and hides in Charlotte's bedroom awaiting transport to the North. At the same time James, out to impress his wealthy business associates, hosts a dinner where Kate and her fiancé show up to recognize her family's escaped slaves - James and Charlotte. Read the book to see what happens!

This story was inspired by the abolitionist riots in Philadelphia during 1837. In fact, some of the characters in the book are based on real people. My favorite character, Hetty Reckless, was one of those historical characters. I loved how the author wrote the story in the alternating perspectives of Nell, an elite society black woman, Charlotte, a runaway slave now free woman, and Evie, a current slave. It made the story more interesting and well-balanced. The plot had several twists and turns that kept it intriguing. If you are looking for a historical fiction not set in the WWII era, this is a great book to read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Three black women in 1837 Philadelphia, all searching to better themselves, Charlotte, an escaped slave with her father as he passes for white, Nell a society lady and Evie a childhood friend of Charlotte who desperately is trying to be free. Ashton Lattimore weaves a very realistic story of freedom and the anti-slavery movement in her debut novel. A fascinating read through the lives of these black women during a very dangerous time in supposedly free Philadelphia. I highly recommend this book for those who like independent women and historical fiction.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

This story unfolds in 1830s Philadelphia and is based on historical events and real people. Philadelphia is a sharply divided city relative to issues of slavery. There are whites, free blacks, and slaves that are brought into the city by their southern owners who travel for business. They can be kept as slaves for six months before the owners must leave Philadelphia or their slaves will be freed.

We follow an escaped slave and his daughter, Charlotte. He can pass as white, but his darker daughter has to act as his servant. Nell, a free black woman from a wealthy family, is fighting to abolish slavery and help escapees go further north to real freedom. As Charlotte begins to secretly work with Nell, she recognizes Evie, her friend from the White Oaks Plantation. When Charlotte and her father escaped, Evie had to take over all of Charlotte's duties. They plan to help Evie get her freedom.

The reader learns about the historic Philadelphia Hall, a magnificent building constructed by blacks where they could meet and discuss issues with whites who are trying to help the cause. Unfortunately, not all whites in Philadelphia agree with this lofty ambition and riots ensue.

For those of you looking for a historical fiction novel that does not revolve around World War II, this is it! All We Were Promised is an engaging debut following the lives of three young black women in 1830’s Philadelphia. Nell, a freeborn from a prominent black family spends her days talking about freeing the slaves, Charlotte, an escaped slave, spends her days working as a housekeeper while looking over her shoulder, and Evie, a slave, spends her day taking care of a heartless mistress and dreaming of being free. I could not love this book anymore. The writing was amazing and the character growth and development was outstanding. This is easily my favorite historical fiction novel of the year.

It's 1837 in Philadelphia, and after four years in the city, Charlotte's father James is finally establishing himself as a renowned businessman. The only catch is that Charlotte and James are runaway slaves from Maryland, and while James is passing as white, Charlotte has been stuck in the role of his black housemaid, unable to pursue the activism and education she longs for for fear of exposing her father's secrets. But when their former mistress arrives in town with one of their close friends still enslaved, Charlotte realizes that she must act to help free her friend and walk a tightrope to avoid getting herself or her father captured.

This book does a good job of highlighting the frustratingly slow abolitionist movement and the slaver-friendly laws in "free" states (for example, you could bring your slaves with you and keep them enslaved, as long as you didn't stay more than 6 months) in the years leading up to the Civil War. However, there were elements of the story that just felt a bit too unbelievable (particularly near the end), which took me out of the story. A better book on a similar topic is "James" by Percival Everett.

Set in Philadelphia in 1837, All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore is told from the points of view of 3 different, yet similar, women.

Nell is raised a free black woman in Philadelphia. She thinks she can relate to the slave experience. She empathizes with black enslaved people, but she really has no idea.

Charlotte is James housemaid. James is a fair skinned man who is making a name in Philadelphia society. But they are connected on a much deeper level.

Evie is the slave girl visiting Philadelphia with her owner, Kate.

The lives of these three will converge and they’ll never be the same.

I was fascinated by all the facets of life in Philadelphia for black people in 1837. As these three women’s stories are told, we also get a glimpse of the society surrounding everyone as they navigate freedom, enslavement, and all the in-between.

This book was very good. If you want to learn something new about US history, check this one out.

Thank you to @netgalley and #ballentinebooks for the e-copy of #allwewerepromised . This book published April 2, 2024.

Despite being a slow build, it was evident there was a lot of research put into this book. I learned a lot. I was unsure in the beginning because it really was a slow burn, but the payoff was worth it.