This was a very well written look into a time period and city that I did not have much knowledge of. Charlotte’s, Nell’s, and Evie’s stories showcased three different experiences during the mid 19th century. For a debut novel this was wonderful. I learned a lot and want to know more.

Nell, a free Black woman in the Philadelphia 1840s, has been working with women’s groups to further the cause but is impatient with the “all talk and no action” ways of her fellow members. Charlotte is a runaway slave brought to Philadelphia by her father. Lucky for him, he can pass for white and enjoy all the freedoms of the city, but his solution for Charlotte, who is darker-hued, is to make her his housekeeper, basically keeping her at home out of sight. A southern household slave, Evie, has been brought along on a trip north by a mistress she loathes and plans to use the opportunity to run away.

As these women meet and begin to help each other we learn about the life of Blacks at that time. The struggle for freedom had to continue, even in a city where Blacks were legally free. They needed to be extra careful, always mindful that many around them would use any opportunity to undo whatever gains they had made. For example, Charlotte’s father, a gifted furniture maker, knew very well that his livelihood depended upon him being able to convince the world he was white. These stories need to be told, and this one helps fill in some of the historical blanks.

"All We Were Promised" by Ashton Lattimore is a captivating historical novel that weaves together the lives of three remarkable women, each with a unique perspective and a shared purpose. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous year 1837 in the heart of Philadelphia, the story revolves around the intersecting fates of Evie, a slave; Charlotte, a fugitive; and Nell, a freeborn wealthy black woman. Lattimore masterfully transports readers to a time when Philadelphia was a fervent hub of the abolitionist movement, and Pennsylvania Hall stood as a symbol of free discussion and the epicenter of the fight against slavery.

In 1837, Philadelphia was a city simmering with tension and change. It was a place where black citizens of all socioeconomic backgrounds coexisted, setting the stage for a rich tapestry of characters and experiences in the novel. The complexities of the era are palpable in Lattimore's storytelling, providing readers with a vivid and immersive historical experience.

Evie and Charlotte, two young women who had grown up as close as sisters on a Maryland plantation, were separated when Charlotte's father, James, decided to escape to Philadelphia, living incognito as a white man. Charlotte, now living and working in James's household, yearns to reunite with Evie and grant her freedom. The emotional turmoil of abandonment, anger, and fear weighs heavily on Evie's heart as she grapples with why Charlotte left and why her family wasn't included in James's escape.

To achieve her goal of freeing Evie, Charlotte seeks help from Nell, a privileged daughter of a wealthy black family deeply involved in various abolitionist organizations, including the Female Antislavery Society and the Wheatley Literary Association. Unbeknownst to Nell, Charlotte possesses a profound and intimate knowledge of the horrors of slavery. Their partnership to secure Evie's freedom leads them down a path that tests the limits of their resources, both legal and not, all while the city's abolitionists and anti-abolitionists clash at the historic Pennsylvania Hall.

The novel delves into the legal intricacies of the time, such as Pennsylvania's gradual abolition of slavery in 1780, a groundbreaking but imperfect law that provided freedom to the grandchildren of enslaved individuals. It also explores the six-month rule, which allowed slaves to gain their freedom if they resided in Pennsylvania for a specific duration, a rule that slaveowners used as a loophole to perpetuate the horrors of enslavement.

Ashton Lattimore's "All We Were Promised" is a compelling tale that explores the bonds of sisterhood, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring struggle for freedom and justice. With a keen eye for historical detail and a cast of strong, well-drawn characters, the novel immerses readers in a tumultuous era of American history. It is a beautifully written and thought-provoking narrative that sheds light on the relentless fight against slavery, making it a must-read for those who appreciate historical fiction with depth and heart.

The story of Margaret Fuller comes alive in Allison Pataki’s marvelous novel. Surrounded by literati including Emerson, Thoreau, Alcott and Hawthorne, with whom a deep interest in transcendentalism. Margaret became their equal in many ways. Thanks to the tutelage of these men she found her own voice. Allison Pataki has deftly woven Margaret’s story, bringing this remarkable woman out of obscurity and into her rightful place in history. Included within is her early involvement in women’s rights, numerous opportunities given. Margaret even made time to engage in a love affair with an Italian nobleman. Her life was cut short at 40 but it was an extraordinary life. I would recommend this book to readers of historical fiction, biography, and women’s history.

This incredible book captivated me right from chapter one!

This novel brings forward the tough topics of racism and slavery. Like one of my very favorite reads, The Help by Kathryn Stockett, the subject matter truly comes to life in a painfully realistic way. These novels are teachable moments. We all know of the history of slavery in the US, but how often do we really sit and let the reality of it ALL sink in. How often do we TRULY let our hearts break and feel for what the Blacks had to endure? Novels like these move my heart in a very emotional way, but also make me so very grateful for being able to live in a time and place where I can see past someone’s skin color and acknowledge them as humans…nothing more, nothing less. Our hearts all beat the same.

This story follows Charlotte, Nell and Evie. In 1837, Charlotte and her father flee slavery at White Oaks plantation down South in hopes of gaining freedom in Philadelphia. Charlotte’s hope for a new and improved life quickly falls short. Her light-skinned father decides to take on a new identity passing as a white man to protect his secret and profit further in this new life he’s striving for. This leaves his very own daughter pretending to be his house servant and must refer to her father as Mr. Vaughn for their secrets to be kept.

Charlotte is lost and lonely until she winds up befriending Nell, a member of the Women’s Antislavery Society. Nell was born free and is a part of an upper-class Black family. They become close, but Nell is completely unaware of the truth in Charlotte’s past. Things become quite complicated when Charlotte unexpectedly runs into Evie at the local market one day. Evie is still in slavery at White Oaks plantation and had felt abandoned and confused by Charlotte’s disappearing act. Evie is desperate to become free and with the help of Charlotte and Nell both, a plan is put into place to aid in her escape. You will fall in love with these three women as you’re taken along their dangerous journey to freedom and equality.

Someone call Reese and Jenna! This novel deserves a big-name book club backing of some sort. And thank you to Ashton Lattimore for writing this without the use of any vulgar language. You have no idea how appreciated that is. I will recommend this book to many.

I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley. It focuses on 3 different young Black women in Philadelphia as the mix of slaves and free black people overlaps and makes us all think about the thin line that existed. The characters were well-fashioned and felt real. An inspiring, sometimes emotional and sometimes frustrating book as abolitionists tried to slowly make change.

This is the story of three young women whose lives intersect in Philadelphia just before the Civil War. Charlotte and her father were fortunate to leave life on a plantation and make a new start up north. Nell and her family are members of Philadelphia's powerful black familial elite. And then there's Evie, who was left behind when Charlotte fled. It's pure coincidence that her new owner decides to visit the city with her house slave. She and Charlotte reunite by happenstance one day. She feels terrible for abandoning Evie and is determined to help her escape her existence as a slave. And she enlists the assistance of Nell. A fantastic narrative for everyone who appreciates historical fiction!

Set in pre-Civil War Philadelphia we meet Nell, a daughter from one of the city’s most prominent Black families, Charlotte, a runaway slave, and Evie, who came from the same plantation as Charlotte and is still enslaved. The story is told with alternating chapters from the points of view of each of the three. Through their stories it becomes clear that the “city of brotherly love” is anything but for those with dark skin. Centered around the abolitionist movement and resulting race riots in Philadelphia, this is a well-researched story bringing to light a part of history I was unfamiliar with. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a beautifully written exploration of the lives of three women in 1830's Philadelphia: Charlotte, who escaped slavery from a plantation in the South, Nell, an intellectual and socialite from one of the city's wealthiest Black families, and Evie, Charlotte's childhood friend who still belongs to her former mistress. The author had clearly done an incredible amount of research, and made the world of that time period come vividly to life. I was sucked in immediately, and was especially invested in Charlotte and Evie's storylines.

Thank you to Netgalley for this advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

After escaping White Oaks Plantation, Charlotte and her father have arrived in Philadelphia in 1837. Hoping for a bit of brotherly love and liberty, Charlotte is very disappointed to find out that Philadelphia is a city divided.

She is just a different kind of prisoner. A maid to her father who is able to “pass”. Desperate to be free. When she meets Nell, she has hope.

Nell comes from an old and wealthy family. Nell is becoming an abolitionist. Wealthy and free means she can freely advocate for her beliefs and for the first time, Charlotte has hope. For a bit.

But when another girl from her past arrives with her mistress, the ladies are going to help her escape. But in this city, this could cost them their lives, as race riots break out and those fighting for freedom and justice may end up worse than before.

Three women intent on changing the world they live in. This was a beautiful and heartbreaking story.

Netgalley/ RHPG/BALLENTINE April 02, 2024

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I was excited to read this book but after getting a little over 10 percent in, I realized that it was not for me. I am not the right reader for this book, but that does not mean this is a bad book at all. I think the author is talented and has an amazing career ahead. I think the right reader will really enjoy this book and resonate with both the characters and the story. I am interested to see what the author does next.

A well-researched debut novel. The author spent a lot of time researching her topic before writing and it shows. This is the story of three African American women who were in "free" Philadelphia, before the civil war, still living in the shadows if they wanted to stay under the radar to maintain that freedom. Always looking over, their shoulder, always wary, trying to do nothing to call attention to themselves, until the day when they have to decide to help another women who is enslaved, risking their own freedom if they do. The author portrayed the time period well. and did a good job of bringing to light a very important period of our history. Thanks Ne Galley for this ARC!

This debut novel by author Ashton Lattimore is exquisite. It tells the story of three black women in pre-Civil War era Philadelphia. The chapters are told in the name of one of the three women; Charlotte, a runaway slave and her father from Maryland who escaped to Philadelphia four years prior; Nell, a free black young women who is active in the abolitionist movement; and Evie, a young slave from the same plantation as Charlotte, who finds herself in Philadelphia with her Missus, who previously “owned” Charlotte.

These women put their lives at risk to help one another navigate the treacherous life of a Black person in a so called free State. They show how the women and men of that time shaped the abolitionist movement by not only keeping themselves free but helping those that find themselves in the State become free at last.

These characters will stay with me for quite some time. Thank you NetGally, Random House and author Ashton Lattimore for the opportunity to read this wonderful book for my honest review.

I love historical fiction. I’m so happy I was able to read an ARC of this book. It was an incredible book.

I liked that readers get the three different characters’ perspectives. I loved how diverse the cast of characters were, especially the main three characters. I really liked so many characters in this book, not just the main characters. I also liked the growth of the main characters throughout the story.

I was so engaged in this story. Towards the end of the book, I could not put it down and I had to know how it ends. Additionally, I learned a great deal of history from this story. I never knew about the PFASS or the sojourner law.

I hope the author writes more books in this genre. I’d be so excited to read more of her work.

All We Were promised by Ashton Lattimore explores the stories of three Black women in 1830s Philadelphia. It was fascinating, heartbreaking, and triumphant. I am in awe of the author's talent and of these women who are representative of real women in our country's history. Highly recommend!

I liked this one told from a different perspective of the civil war and follows three black women and their trials and tribulations during this tumultuous time in history. It was an informative and engaging read
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review book

4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 because it's rare that a secondary character in a book made me want a standalone as much as Darcel's story did in this one.

The story jumps between the viewpoints of the three main characters and does so flawlessly. In the majority of the scenes, I could completely visualize them and felt what the characters were going through, with the exception being some of Evie's chapters, which, for some reason, felt slightly less fleshed out than Charlotte's or Nell's.

Again, however, the standout secondary character was Darcel. I really could feel the ice breaking between Darcel and Charlotte and, while he played such a small role, his guidance was so pivotal to Charlotte's growth in the book.

I'd highly recommend this to any fan of historical fiction.

“All We Were Promised” follows the lives of three Black women from vastly different backgrounds in 1837-1838 Philadelphia. Nell is the daughter of a prominent free Black family who have been in Philadelphia for generations. Nell volunteers for Anti-slavery organizations, raising funds and drafting petitions. She realizes that these actions are not enough after meeting Charlotte, who voices her discontent with the inactivity of the groups that Nell has brought Charlotte to meet. Charlotte is a runaway slave who escaped her Maryland plantation with her father, James, who now passes as white and is a prominent businessman using his skills as a cabinetmaker. He treats Charlotte as his house servant, concealing her identity as his daughter. Charlotte keeps this aspect of her history from Nell, not wanting her to look at Charlotte as a charity case.

Evie is visiting Philadelphia with her “mistress”, Kate, from the plantation in Maryland where Charlotte and James escaped. Evie encounters Charlotte by chance at a market in Philadelphia. Charlotte feels guilt and fear after seeing Evie: guilt for having abandoned Evie and her family when Charlotte and James escaped and fear that Evie will bring down the world Charlotte has carefully constructed. Evie plays on this guilt by enlisting Charlotte’s aid in helping Evie escape from Kate.

The book offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these three women, who over the course of the novel learn to trust and understand each others’ different perspectives on slavery. Nell fights slavery without truly understanding what it is to live as a slave; Charlotte fears being discovered and returned to that life, and Evie is currently suffering as a slave and is desperate to gain her freedom. The novel is well-researched both in terms of history and the laws regarding emancipation in Pennsylvania, and the characters are fully drawn.

While the first and last thirds of the book kept my interest—(the first third because it introduced each character and the last third for the dramatic and tense denouement), the middle third tended to drag a bit as it went into the minutia of the characters’ everyday lives. While this detailed examination did bring the characters to life, it felt a bit drawn out at times.

That being said, I’m glad I read the book as it shed a light on an important aspect of American History of which I knew very little before reading this novel. I recommend this book to those who like historical fiction with well-drawn characters, and who want to learn more about slavery in the United States and the early attempts at abolition.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This novel is a breathtaking exploration of freedom, identity, and the relentless pursuit of liberty in pre-Civil War Philadelphia, where three young black women's intersecting lives take center stage.

In 1837 Philadelphia, we meet Charlotte, a former enslaved housemaid who escapes the horrors of White Oaks plantation in the south, only to live in secret as a servant alongside her white-passing father. Their newfound freedom is constantly threatened by looming slave catchers.

Charlotte forges an unexpected bond with Nell, a courageous abolitionist from an affluent black family, sparking a vision for a brighter future. However, their dreams are shattered when Evie, a friend from White Oaks, arrives in Philadelphia, brought by the plantation mistress and desperate to escape.

At its core, the novel portrays the unbreakable bond between these three women, united by their unwavering determination. In a city marred by race riots and attacks on abolitionists, their journey becomes a gripping tale of sacrifice, resilience, and the profound strength that arises from standing together in the face of adversity.

I love reading books before, during and after the Civil War era, especially ones that hold me captive by how well written it is. It definitely gave me an insight as to the trials and tribulations people faced during this time. Ashton Lattimore is a new to me author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.