The pacing of this book didn’t work for me and, maybe relatedly, I didn’t like all the twists and turns at the end. Mostly, I found the characters too shallow to get invested in. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ARC.

This story of three Black women in 1830s Philadelphia — one enslaved, one who ran from slavery to build a new life, and one born free in a wealthy family — starts at a simmer and boils over into unforgettable drama, danger, and daring acts of defiance. Ashton Lattimore brings a complicated moment in history to life through the eyes of her vivacious characters. I love this book immensely and can't wait to see what Lattimore writes next.

Thank you to Net Galley, Ballantine Books and Ashton Lattimore for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of All We Were Promised. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction novel filled with interesting characters and a fast paced storyline.
From the author's note this story tells the history of Philadelphia's Black community filled with activism, political engagement and diversity.
It shows the ingenuity of the Black women and men who helped shape Philadelphia and the abolitionist movement during the Pre-Civil War period.
I especially enjoyed the characters, Charlotte and James. I found their story to be heart breaking, clever and engaging. I was on the edge of my seat many times worried about what would happen next. I did not know much about Pre- Civil War history. Many events that happened then are still happening today. We really need to learn from history and improve all lives. This book will be in my thoughts for a long time and I enjoyed every minute of reading it.

Nell, born a free black person into a wealthy family in Philadelphia, befriends Charlotte, a housemaid. Nell doesn't know that Charlotte is a formerly enslaved woman who ran away from a Maryland plantation with her father. Her father is light enough to pass as white, and Charlotte is introduced as his housemaid. Nell, Charlotte, and their families must examine exactly how far they will go to support abolition when Charlotte's former owner comes to town. She brings with her Evie, her current housemaid and Charlotte's formerly dearest friend. Evie wants the freedom that Charlotte has. Charlotte's dad wants to run before their former owner can send slave catchers after them. How far will Charlotte and Nell go to help Evie, and who will they risk getting into trouble?
All We Were Promised is a story about what happens to the enslaved, formerly enslaved, and free blacks above the Mason-Dixon line. So many narratives lead readers to believe that if the enslaved can make it to the "North," then life will be free and easy. This important novel shows that life is still risky, with plenty of prejudices and white people who don't support abolition. In a time of rioting mobs, the families involved must decide how much they are willing to risk by putting their beliefs into action.

Book description: A housemaid with a dangerous family secret conspires with a wealthy young abolitionist to help an enslaved girl escape, in volatile pre-Civil War Philadelphia.

Set in the turbulent backdrop of the pre-Civil War era, this novel introduces us to Charlotte, a former slave carving out a new existence in Philadelphia alongside her white-passing father. Their bid for a fresh start comes with complex rules—Charlotte must disguise herself as the housemaid, not the daughter of the household. This charade takes a twist when she befriends Nell, a girl from an affluent Black family. Together, they not only cultivate a deep friendship but also immerse themselves in the women's anti-slavery movement.

The narrative unfolds through the eyes of three women: Nell, Charlotte, and Evie—a slave who finds herself in the free state of Pennsylvania when her mistress brings her north. Evie's past intertwines with Charlotte's—they share a history on the same plantation Charlotte fled from, and now, Evie is desperate for her own freedom.

I learned about laws and their impact on the slaves through the character’s lives. Lattimore creates a rich tapestry of intrigue, hope, and the relentless quest for freedom. The sacrifices these friends make for one another are both moving and memorable! I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

All We Were Promised is expected to be published April 2, 2024.

My thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and NetGalley for this ARC.
#AllWeWerePromised #NetGalley

It's 1837. A formerly enslaved woman, Charlotte, befriends an abolitionist, Nell, and the two set out to help a friend of Charlotte's escape her plantation to freedom in the North. This is a taut, well-crafted novel. I really enjoyed it.

This is the story of three young, black women in Philadelphia in the 1830s. Charlotte is a runaway slave living as her passing father's hired domestic servant. Nell is an upper-class woman involved in the abolition movement. Evie is a slave tending to her owner, who also owned Charlotte before she ran. When Charlotte finds Evie in the city, she convinces Nell to help her free Evie. This book loks not only at the racial divide in Philidelphia, but also the class divide within the black community, I apprecieted the emotions that Evie has toward Charlotte, who she had once considered a sister.

Omg this book was everything I didn't know I needed. The author articulated the story with facts, details and a vision. This book was very well written. My apologies, thank you Netgalley for the gifted copy! I really enjoyed this book!

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC of this novel. I am sure it will be one of my favorites this year. Ms. Lattimore crafts a story around three young Black women in Philadelphia, one born free, one a runaway slave and one still a slave, and weaves in all the moral and legal contradictions in the north in the 1830s on the topic of slavery. The slippery slope that all Black people lived on and the hard won success that a few Black families managed to create are explored, as well as the debates among abolitionists about what kind of help was "appropriate" to give. The social lives of free Black girls are contrasted with the violence, claustrophia, and just plain ennui of slavery. Interesting plot points are the intersection of racism and misogyny, evident in the relationship between James and her daughter, and the moral toll of "passing." I cannot believe that the story of Philadelphia Hall, also woven into the plot, is not taught in schools. What an amazing debut by this author.

I adored reading All We Were Promised. I found it to be a beautifully written piece of historical fiction. Five stars.

I had high hopes for this one and it just didn't live up to my expectations. It ran very slow and I found that I didn't feel connected to any of the characters.

This is a historical novel about three black women in 1830s Philadelphia: Nell, an abolitionist, Charlotte, a runaway slave and Evie, an enslaved women. Their paths collide through the abolitionist movement. The story centers on the abomination of slavery and the risks both Nell and Charlotte take to help Evie escape her enslavers. The book is well researched and written. The one change I would make would be to introduce the escape earlier in the story. Overall, a good book about the early abolition movement in Philadelphia.

A novel of historical fiction finely executed with plenty of historical facts that will send you seeking to verify the events in the novel. It’s always gratifying to learn actual factual matters have indeed taken place but you were unaware until coming across a great piece of work, fiction no less, that enlightens and broadens your knowledge base while doing it wrapped inside an engaging story teeming with intrigue.

The takeaway for me was the obvious research that went into the crafting of this tale, and the important dialogue we get from and between three women on different rungs of the social ladder. The themes of action vs. support, sacrifice vs. unity, truth vs. deceit. It’s all there, and though the novel starts slowly it builds to a crescendo and along the way your heart will quicken with anticipation and expectation. How will it all shake out in the end? Thank you to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for an DRC! Novel drops in April. Kudos on your debut Ms. Lattimore.

All We Were Promised is a well written, well researched story of three women from very different situations and experiences brought together by a goal of helping others combat and escape slavery. The information about the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society was both interesting and frustrating. This book is educational, interesting and timely. Thanks #NetGalley #RandomHouse #BallantineBooks #AshtonLattimore

Set in pre Civil War Philadelphia, All We Were Promised tells the story of three black women from different backgrounds. Charlotte is a runaway s,Ave looking to assimilate herself into Philadelphia's high society while also concealing her enslaved past. Nell is a free born young black woman from a prominent family with dreams of abolishing slavery. Evie is an enslave woman with dreams of escaping her overbearing mistress much like her friend did years ago. When circumstances entwine each of their luves together, they learn there there is a fine line of separation between them.

This book is a fascinating read. It examines classism and racism in the northern US during a time when much focus was on the south. It is obvious that the author did a great deal of research to ensure the story was told from a realistic perspective. While it took some time to get to the plot, once there I was captivated until the end.

Thank you to NetGalley. I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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A very eye-opening story about how a progressive city like Philadelphia dealt with abolition in the early part of the 19th century. The primary characters are free, wealthy Black families and runaway slaves. Each discovers that everything they thought they understood about the other is woefully little; how each views abolition is so telling. Great characters and a story worth reading.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC to read and review.

All We Were Promised made me think deeply about slavery and its after effects. Ashton Lattimore brought to light an unprecedented story of the Black experience in pre-Civil War Philadelphia. By using three women main characters - one born into freedom, one escaped from enslavement, and one currently enslaved, she gave voice to the appalling circumstances and dangers of the time. This book has stayed with me. I will be recommending this to historical fiction fans and book clubs. There is so much t9 discuss.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

In 1830's Philadelphia, Charlotte an escaped slave still feels like a slave as she serves her white-passing father and they both fear their past being discovered. Nell, a member of one of Philadephia's most wealthy black families is becoming an active abolitionist. Becoming friends, Charlotte and Nell find themselves working together to save Nell, a slave to the family that also enslaved Charlotte who has been brought to Philadelphia by her mistress. Telling the story of these three women brings history to life.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books for the copy of All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore. This is a great debut, and the historical aspect is revelatory. It was startling to read how people used to talk about buying and selling people so casually, and parts of this book were really hard to read. If you’re looking for an emotional, touching read about the struggle for freedom with well-written characters and a compelling story, go get this book!

Historical fiction featuring strong Black characters in Philadelphia.
For me, this was somewhat of an eye opener to what life was like during this time period. I found the details of daily life to be fascinating and the behavior of those in power to be horrifying. The characters and the setting both come to life nicely and create a solid picture in the reader's imagination, so I think the author did an excellent job or writing this book. I will look forward to reading more from her.
I don't think anyone could go wrong picking up this book to read. It has all the requisite elements to keep the reader alert and engaged.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. I enjoyed both the story and the history.