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.

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.