Welcome to Litsy!

I saw this book in the new release section at my library and couldn‘t leave it on the shelf. I couldn‘t put it down as it was a fast paced and scary read. When the all too familiar face of a slave owning mistress appears in Philadelphia with a young enslaved woman, other newly freed Black women in the city must band together to not only free her, but to stop the mistress from dragging them back to her plantation in the South. Direct action⬇️

This is the author‘s debut novel. The book is organized from the perspectives of all three young women. Aspects of historical fiction, such as the abolitionist movement in Philadelphia, are mixed within the ficitional tale. At times, the book felt if it was longer than necessary. However, I learned things I had not known before. So, overall, I recommend it. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6327698340

While this was a good story, it didn‘t move fast enough for me at times. I read a lot of historical fiction. This book just seemed more “historical” to me. It just didn‘t pull me in the way many other books do. That being said, I did find it to be well written. I did learn a lot about the role that the city of Philadelphia played in abolition. There were many things I didn‘t know before I read this book.

I‘m impressed this was a debut novel. The writing was great! The three main characters had distinct voices and personalities. This is a difficult, but important time to read about and I liked hearing from three different perspectives. I‘m excited to see what the author produces next.

#52bookclub24 #publishedin2024

This is very good historical fiction and I encourage anyone to read the author‘s note prior to reading the story. There is so much research of 1938 Philadelphia and the note helps you appreciate the genuine circumstances her fictional characters navigated.

All We Were Promised

This is such a beautifully written story. Yes it's filled with lots of sadness and angst. It has a lot in it that might make you feel uncomfortable. It might even teach you something. It has all the things that I love in a good historical novel. It's emotional. Heartwarming in many ways. The way these women stood together to fight for one of them, and for each other.

Full review: https://tinyurl.com/3c46wufh

Set in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Pre-Civil War

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

FUL REVIEW: https://tinyurl.com/bdhb6whr

@ashtonlattimore
#ballantinebooks

4/4

I suggest adding it to your TBR now!! 😊

Set in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Pre-Civil War

Did I see Charlotte in the market?

Is that really Evie?

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