This was a breathtaking journey through the intersecting lives of three young black women in pre-Civil War Philadelphia. This gripping debut novel is a compelling exploration of freedom, identity, and the relentless pursuit of liberty in a city divided by history and turmoil.

Set against the backdrop of Philadelphia in 1837, the novel introduces us to Charlotte, a former enslaved housemaid who has escaped the horrors of White Oaks plantation in the south. Her quest for freedom takes an unexpected turn as she finds herself hidden away, living as a servant alongside her white-passing father. Their lives hang by a thread, constantly threatened by the looming presence of slave catchers who could shatter their newfound freedom.

As Charlotte’s world unfolds, she forms an unlikely bond with Nell, a courageous abolitionist from one of Philadelphia’s most affluent black families. It’s through this connection that we witness the emergence of a vision for a brighter future. However, their dreams are shattered when Evie, Charlotte’s friend from the White Oaks plantation, resurfaces in their lives, brought to Philadelphia by the plantation mistress and desperate for escape.

The heart of the novel lies in the unbreakable bond between these three women. Lattimore masterfully crafts characters who are vastly different in circumstances yet united by their unwavering determination to fight for one another. In a city engulfed by race riots and attacks on abolitionists, their journey becomes a gripping tale of sacrifice, resilience, and the profound strength that comes from standing together in the face of adversity.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for my honest review!

Set before the Civil War, this is the story of three young women whose lives converge in Philadelphia. Charlotte and her father were lucky to escape life on a plantation and have made a fresh start up north. Nell and her family belong to the influential class of black families in Philadelphia. And then there’s Evie…who was left behind when Charlotte made her escape. Pure coincidence that her new owner decides to come to the city along with her house slave. She and Charlotte reunite purely by chance one day. Feeling tremendous guilt for leaving Evie behind, she’s determined to help her escape her life as a slave. And she enlists Nell’s help. A great story for anyone who enjoys historical fiction!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Company for an advanced copy of All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore. This novel powerfully brings to light the resilience and determination of women who emerged from slavery but still faced the challenges of discrimination. It was well written and brought to life the trials faced by individuals who fought for their freedom.

All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore is a great 19th century historical fiction that I really enjoyed.

I thought this was a great novel in that it presented three different women, from three different walks of life/situations living near Philadelphia, PA in the 1830s. Reading this novel from three different points of view and having the author weave these threads together to bring out one story, one narrative, really brings the story to another level. I was pulled in from the very beginning, but it really only got better and better as it went onward.

I highly recommend for anyone that is interested in American History, women’s history, and history involving abolitionists and those fighting for the right for freedom and equity.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/2/24.

I’m so confused! Lol. I received this ARC and I’m so happy and honored that I was chosen. But I never requested it. It seems like a great novel but I could only get about a chapter into it. Not because I didn’t like it, but because I only really read thrillers.

1837 Philadelphia, the city of "brotherly love." Except for the fact that Philadelphia was a divided city and the love was neither "brotherly" nor benevolent! The city was made up of a large population of blacks...those who were elite and wealthy, those who were abolitionists, and those who were refugees...runaways from Southern plantations. Within this group we have Nell who comes from a Black wealthy family; Charlotte a runaway from White Oaks Plantation with her white-passing father while she plays his servant hiding their identities from slave catchers; Evie, also from White Oaks Plantation with her plantation mistress. Within the city we find race riots and attacks on abolitionists. With Evie longing for freedom and Charlotte and Nell trying to rescue her, the journey of these 3 women plays out. What are their chances? Will they themselves with their efforts to help Evie cost them their freedom as well?

This book is told from the POV of the three main protagonists. Never really having the freedom they were promised, they are forever looking over their shoulders. Danger, in the form of slavecatchers are ready to take them back South. Never able to freely talk even among themselves, their words can bring more harm than good. Who do you trust, even amongst the Black society? Charlotte's father and Nell's family turn their heads the other way. Staying within the boundary of the Black community, they are segregated as freedom and equality are only words, but not deeds. All this while the white community is trying to keep Black men from voting along with the distress of race riots. Philadelphia, with the Liberty Bell and all that America stands for, is a divided city, where only words speak louder than action. This city is the epitome of the United States in 1837. Yet, if you think about it, how far have we really gotten? Right now, there are Black mothers who worry for their sons, never knowing if they'll come back home when they leave in the morning. This is 2023, and they call that "freedom"

This was an excellent book, well researched and certainly well told. It gives "food for thought!" Highly recommended. To be reviewed on Good Reads.

My thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for granting my wish in exchange for an honest review.