I thoroughly enjoyed All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore. The writing is solid and the plot is well developed. I liked how the story was told from three different perspectives from three very different characters and their unique story lines. Each of the women had their own journey and character arc that was intriguing and real. It was clear that a lot of research went into developing the architecture of the setting of the story. I felt like I traveled back in time and every detail was exceptionally put together and believable. There were several points in the story where I couldn't put the book down and had to keep turning pages to see how things would turn out. It kept me engaged and invested the whole time. The content also made me angry and sad at how things were (and still are) in this country when it comes to race and socioeconomic status. I thought the author did a fantastic job sharing an ugly part of history while showcasing the women who made an impact for change. Well done!

3.5 Philadelphia historical fiction

I liked that this one had a different time period than a lot of the historical fiction that I read. Set in Philadelphia in 1837, this one centers on three different women.

There’s Nell, part of a prominent Black family in Philadelphia. She’s involved in the abolition movement but wants to do more than talk about helping. And we have Charlotte, who’s keeping a big secret—she’s actually a runaway slave. She becomes friends with Nell. Finally, we have Evie, a slave from the same plantation as Charlotte. She’s in Philadelphia with Kate, Charlotte’s plantation mistress.

Even though Pennsylvania is a free state, there is still a lot of resistance to the abolitionist movement. I did enjoy reading about the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society and their dedication to building a place to meet, Philadelphia Hall, and, sadly, the riots that followed the abolition conference there.

As Nell and Charlotte plot to help Evie escape from her life of slavery, the stakes get higher, and danger looms.

I liked the historical elements in this one. However, I wished I had connected more with the characters to become invested in them.

All We Were Promised centers around three Black women in pre-Civil War Philadelphia, during the construction of the Pennsylvania Hall. The three women represent different societal roles for the time: Nell, a member of high society in the Black community; Charlotte, a runaway working as a housemaid; and Evie, an enslaved woman seeking freedom.

I loved the historical insight and research put into this book. The protagonists mingle with various historical figures, such as Hetty Reckless and Robert Purvis, and organizations, such as the Philadelphia Vigilant Association and the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society. Minute details such as street names and neighborhoods are a testament to the author’s thorough and comprehensive research into 1830s Philadelphia. It was clear a lot of time and effort were spent making sure the story was as historically accurate as possible, and I learned a great deal. Be sure to read the author’s note at the end for even more information!

I particularly loved Charlotte’s development over the course of the book. She begins the story quiet and resigned, scared to take risks. However, as she interacts with society, she finds her voice and confidence, and becomes a force to be reckoned with. She cares for her loved ones deeply and will do whatever it takes to ensure their safety and well-being. I believe Charlotte will serve as a role model to many young women who read this story.

My main criticism is that the storyline moves slowly for a large portion of the book. The story doesn’t really pick up until the reader is almost 3/4 of the way through, and it was difficult for me to stay focused at times. I found the dialogue could be a bit repetitive as well, particularly the phrase, “That’s all well and good.” I feel that the choice to use an omniscient narrator left almost nothing for the reader to discover and made me feel like an outsider looking from above rather than a part of the action.

Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy character-driven stories in a historical context. I was intrigued by the character descriptions and central conflict, but the writing style was not for me. I do feel that many will enjoy this book, however, and my criticisms are a matter of personal preference for the most part. Thank you Ballantine Books, NetGalley, and author Ashton Lattimore for the advanced copy.

Based in pre-Civil War Philadelphia, where a thriving free Black population coexisted within a city promoting the abolitionist cause while slavery was ever present and anti-Black racial resentment ran high. This story is told from the viewpoint of three women - Charlotte (aka Carrie), Nell, Evie - whose lives intersect during this volatile time. Each character offers a unique view into this time: Nell, as free well-educated Black woman; Charlotte, as both a free Black woman and fugitive slave; Evie, as an enslaved nonresident. Following the story through the experiences of each of these women keeps the pace flowing quickly and weaves the storyline together well. I couldn’t wait to get to the next chapter!
A story of lies, deception, courage and true friendship - All We Were Promised gives us a glimpse into the women and men who risked it all for freedom during this critical period of American history.
With thanks to Random House via NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC #AllWeWerePromised #NetGalley

Unfortunately, my students are too young to read this material. But this would be an excellent read for older students. The possibilities are endless of where this could go as far as lessons. There were so many historical real life people in places mentioned that could be looked up for a social studies lesson. There is endless material that could be used for writing essays in English. Students could come up with their own abolitionist, newspapers, etc. they could write about the different points of view from the story. I know many schools no longer have trades but if they do or have the time and some other class, I could even see this book being used to incorporate woodworking and creating pieces out of wood. Finally, if you are an educator from Philadelphia, this book would be a great gateway for a field trip to places around the city. this was entertaining it was quick and kept me on the edge of my seat.

All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore

Philadelphia, 1837 Three woman, three backgrounds, all three come together for change. Nell is from one of Philadelphia's wealthiest Black families, living a mostly charmed life but wanting to help those who are suffering from slavery and oppression. Charlotte lives as a servant for her successful white passing father, both having escaped slavery and now living under assumed names. Evie had to take Charlotte's place in her owner's household and she knows there is no future for her except constant labor and birthing of babies that will be taken away from her.

Charlotte is bitter that her father is happily living his new life while thinking nothing of keeping her bound to him as his servant. Meeting Nell opens her eyes to possibilities in this city, opportunities to really live free while helping others to escape the bonds of slavery. Evie, a friend and fellow slave, who was like a little sister, who she left behind when she fled with her father, is constantly on Charlotte's mind, a guilt she can't shed.

Yet, by helping others, becoming more present in this bustling city that allows owners to keep slaves despite also allowing some Blacks to live freely, means Charlotte risks being noticed by the ever present slave hunters. She can't tell anyone about her past, she can't risk being taken back to the plantation, and she is bitter that her father thinks the life she has now, as his lowly servant, should be enough for her.

This is a city that is teeming with racial violence even as Blacks make inroads towards freeing more Blacks. While the book focuses on these three young woman, in the background are some of the real life Black woman, fighting for the freedom of others and for lasting equality for all. Even at the book's end, the battle is far from over, especially knowing the history ahead of them. I'd love to read more about the older women mentioned in this story so I've been researching their names and accomplishments. I appreciate getting to see this glimpse in time and a better understanding of the fight for freedom at all levels of Philadelphia's Black society.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for this ARC.

It's 1837, Philadelphia. After Charlotte and her father escaped the southern plantation where they lived as slaves, life was supposed to improve for the young woman. But her light-skinned father has reinvented himself as a white furniture maker and Charlotte is left to serve as his housemaid. She sneaks out and meets Nell, a member of the city's affluent Black society. Her new friend introduces Charlotte to her group of women's abolitionists. Excited to become involved in such an important cause, Charlotte has to hide her identity as although she is now free, she lives in fear of being discovered by bounty hunters as a runaway slave. In the marketplace, she sees Evie from afar, one of the slaves she left behind when she escaped and someone as close to her as a sister. Can Charlotte and Nell help save Evie? And if Charlotte is discovered, will she risk being enslaved again?

Author Ashton Lattimore's All We Were Promised delves into the pre-Civil War period in a city that was supposed to be the place that offered the greatest freedom for free-born Black men and women as well as newly freed slaves. Although Philadelphia was filled with strong abolitionist organizing, there were also large anti-Black riots and protests. While a book of fiction, there are several historical figures featured alongside the three women who band together in this compelling book. The author did an excellent job researching the story making the characters feel very authentic. It's an impressive debut.

This compelling historical fiction swept me off my feet! Anchored by the lives of three young Black women—Nell, a Philadelphia native who's always known freedom; Charlotte, who bravely escaped slavery; and Evie, still enslaved but yearning for freedom—Ashton Lattimore masterfully intertwines their narratives. Through their eyes, we witness the early efforts of the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society, the Philadelphia Vigilant Association, and the erection of Freedom Hall. Lattimore skillfully captures the palpable fear among free Blacks and freed slaves of being forcibly returned to bondage, painting a vivid picture of their daily realities. The characters are incredibly lifelike, drawing readers deep into their pain, battles, and victories. Historical figures from the anti-slavery movement are seamlessly woven into the story, enhancing its authenticity. Lattimore's debut is nothing short of remarkable, richly deserving of a read—don't skip the author's notes at the end for a deeper dive into the real history behind this unforgettable tale.

This book takes place in pre-civil war Philadelphia. A fascinating look at how slavery existed in the north and the secrets and power that those secrets held for the enslavers and enslaved and the fear that often controlled them. This is the first novel by this author. I look forward to reading more. I was provided an electronic copy of the book for my honest review. Highly recommended.

In 1937 Philadephia, hiding escaped slaves is a dangerous activity. Nell, a free young Black woman, tries to help Charlotte and Evie gain their freedom at considerable risk to herself. Charlotte. oddly enough, acts as a maid to her white-passing father. Evie, on the other hand, will shortly go back to the deep South with no change of fining freedom any time soon once she gets back there.

This trio of strong Black women bravely faces adversity in this spellbinding, page-turning read.

I need to stop trying to explore beyond my normal areas with ARCs if only because I feel like it takes me forever to get to them and I have little to offer. This was fine but I don’t read a ton of historical fiction and shouldn’t be acting like I do.

Gripping and powerful historical fiction by a debut author. Highly recommend!

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A very interesting plot and characters, but overall it was a little to angst-y and long for me. Three young African American women in Philadelphia in 1837: Nell, a free-born Philadelphian of means involved in Abolitionist causes; Charlotte, an escaped slave who posses as her father's housemaid whil he passes as white; and Evie, an enslaved girl who is brought North to assist her mistress, from whom Charlotte escaped 4 years ago. As the three communicate clandestinely and try to coordinate Evie's escape, the city prepares for and the Abolitionist Convention scheduled to celebrate the creation of the opening of Philadelphia Hall, built to support the abolition of slavery. At times, there are too many side plots involving Nell's engagement, Charlotte's relationship with Evie and with her father, and Evie's efforts to thwart her mistresses marriage, etc, that do advance the overall plot but at the expense of the reader keeping track of it all. Worthwhile read, but could have used some streamlining in the editing process.

Charlotte, Nell, and Evie are three young black women in Philadelphia, 1837.
They are caught up in the uncertainty of a supposedly free, pre civil war state.
They come from different scenarios… Nell is from a wealthy established family.. Charlotte had run north with her father from a southern plantation .. Evie, still being held as a slave.
They are brought together during this time of a crossroad of slavery and independence … and it comes to an urgent escape plan to set Evie free.
It’s a great debut!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing-Ballantine for the ARC!

I loved this book - it gave me a fresh perspective on Philadelphia and northern cities before the Civil War. I never realized what it would be like to live free among escaped slaves.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published April 2, 2024.

This historical fiction takes us back to Philadelphia in 1837. The three main characters are Nell, hey buddy, abolitionist from one of Philadelphia wealthiest families, Charlotte, who has fled slavery, but is living a lie, and Evie, who is left behind and continues to be a slave. The friendship and determination amongst these three young women is inspiring and beautiful.

I think this is the first book. I’ve read set in this time and I did learn quite a few things about slavery and the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slave Society.

Kudos to the author for a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced during this time. It’s a fantastic debut novel. It was interesting to find out in the authors note that the entire book was based upon a lyric from the musical Les Mis.

This was a great historical fiction novel. I learned a lot about Philadelphia during slavery and the laws that were used at the time.

I enjoyed this story immensely. Nell and Charlotte are great characters. They had strength, resilience, and determination that was so amazing.

The scenes were so well written that I was literally there in my mind and could see and smell things that were going on.

Alex was another great character. The character development was so amazing I could see each character as if they were standing in front of me.

I was so impressed with this book I can’t give it high enough praise.

I was given an advanced reader copy of this book from Met Galley and Random House Publising - Ballantine.

All We Were Promised takes place in Philadelphia before the Civil War. It is told from viewpoint of three different black women. I learned a lot about Philadelphia in that time period. It was very well researched and interesting! Put this on TBR list!

Thank you to Bet Galley and Ballantine Books for giving me an advance copy to read and review.

Set in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Pre-Civil War

Did I see Charlotte in the market?

Is that really Evie?

Both Charlotte and Evie had been slaves at the same plantation in a Southern state.

Charlotte escaped with her father, and they now live freely in Philadelphia but are hiding a secret.

Charlotte’s father, a business owner who can pass as a white man, and Charlotte playing his housekeeper live freely hoping their secret will be kept.

It seems as if Charlotte’s father cares only about himself, his business, and his success. I felt sorry for Charlotte and the restrictions her father kept on her.

Evie came to Philadelphia with Katie her mistress, but she desperately wants to be free and not go back to the South with Katie after she marries.

Evie seemed disgusted with everything and abandoned by Charlotte, and I felt bad for her too.

Charlotte becomes friends with Nell, a well-to-do black woman who is trying to help Charlotte get Evie out of Philadelphia, but when Charlotte disappears from Nell's life, she becomes worried.

Can Charlotte and her new friend Nell help Evie now that Charlotte has disappeared? If they do find a way to help Evie, will it compromise their lives?

An excellent, well-researched but heartbreaking historical fiction read with endearing characters you will connect with and tension that will have your heart pounding when evil characters come on the scene. 5/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.