All We Were Promised
Author Ashton Lattimore
(This review is from an ARC sent to me by NetGalley)
The novel tales place in Pre-Civil War Philadelphia, in 1837. After Charlotte escaped from the crumbling White Oaks plantation down South, she thought freedom would be different from her enslavement but she is locked away by her father who passes off as a white man, hiding their identities from slavecatchers. The other two main protagonists are Nell an abolitionist from one of Philadelphia’s wealthiest Black families and Evie, Charlotte’s friend from White Oaks, who has been brought to the city by the plantation mistress, and she’s desperate to escape. The city of Philadelphia is beset by race riots and attacks on abolitionists, Nell and Charlotte soon discover that fighting for Evie’s freedom may cost them their own.
“Philadelphia witnessed a series of anti-abolition and anti-Black riots in the 1830s and 1840s that cast a long shadow over racial politics in the city. The infamous burning of Pennsylvania Hall (a newly built abolitionist meeting place) in May 1838 reminded activists that seemingly tolerant Philadelphia supported a violent brand of anti-abolitionism.” (Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia)
Although this is a work of Historical Fiction the suspenseful plot that the author conveys and the tenseness and hopelessness of the slaves portrayed, seeking their freedom in a city that represented liberty leading up to the Civil War.

Historical fiction at its best. All We Were Promised is set in Philadelphia before the Civil War and follows the lives of three young Black women. Charlotte and her father have begun a new life after fleeing slavery in Maryland. She has befriended Nell, the daughter of a wealthy, prominent Black family. Evie, a slave who has been brought to the city by her mistress, is surprised to catch a glimpse of Charlotte in a local market. Nell and Charlotte's work with an abolitionist group takes a brutally personal turn as they struggle to achieve freedom for Evie. Both harrowing and heartwarming, this book brings history to life.

Set in pre-Civil War Philadelphia, this novel shares the stories and paths of three young Black women risking everything for freedom and the kind of life they rightfully deserved to live.

Charlotte is an escaped housemaid who plays a servant to her white-passing father as they both try to hide their identities while creating new ones. But Charlotte didn’t expect freedom from being enslaved to turn out the way it had. Living under the rules of her father, she is just as enslaved now as she was back in White Oaks.

Longing to break away from her current situation, Charlotte befriends Nell, an abolitionist from one of the wealthiest families in Philadelphia. As she begins to envision a new life for herself and the prospects of a future where she truly feels “free,” she runs into her old friend Evie, who needs help in leaving her current plantation mistress.

Both Nell and Charlotte devise a plan to help Evie become free, but as with anything risky, it comes with a cost. Secrets may be released in the open, old hostilities may arise, and lives may be in danger. But with freedom at stake, the risk is worth taking.

I truly loved this novel, and the strong female characters portrayed. While heartbreaking, it opened my eyes to the tragedy and horrific way human beings were treated. With each turning of the page, I would hold my breath as each character risked their well-being to fight for justice that should have been theirs to begin with.

The setting was accurate to the era, and the characters were flawlessly written. I only wish I could have read on. This novel could have easily been a thousand pages.

Overall, it is a beautiful and thought-provoking read. I highly recommend it.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

"All We Were Promised" takes a look back on a often overlooked period in history, setting the stage in Philadelphia leading up to the American Civil War when political tensions are high and slavery is at the forefront of the country. Told from rotating perspectives, we follow two strong black protagonists as they navigate their lives in 1837: Charlotte, a young woman living disguised as her father's maid after they escaped from a plantation in the South and Nell, the daughter of one of the most prominent black families in the city who champions some of the early abolitionist policies during the time. After the two meet following an unexpected encounter and their friendship grows, Nell encourages Charlotte to join her group of female abolitionists. When Charlotte finds Evie in Philadelphia, her friend and companion from the White Oaks Plantation she grew up on, the two band together to try and help Evie escape - but are forced to risk much more than they thought.

I went into this novel blind, especially as this is the debut novel of Ashton Lattimore, but thoroughly enjoyed this work of historical fiction! She did a great job with providing the context for the setting, especially as not a lot of novels focus on the lead up to the Civil War and the complex social and political intricacies for a place like Philadelphia, where slavery was still in practice in tandem with a number of wealthy, influential black individuals and families who also resided there. I also appreciated how well crafted the protagonists were, and how their friendship and characters evolved and strengthened over the course of the story. While there were some moments that pacing felt slower, the transitioning among viewpoints felt smooth and I loved the adventure towards the end!

Very much a recommended read for when the novel is published in April 2024!

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