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The Filling Station
Two sisters. One unassuming haven. Endless opportunities for grace.
Sisters Margaret and Evelyn Justice have grown up in the prosperous Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma--also known as Black Wall Street. In Greenwood, the Justice sisters had it all--movie theaters and entertainment venues, beauty shops and clothing stores, high-profile businesses like law offices, medical clinics, and banks. While Evelyn aspires to head off to the East Coast to study fashion design, recent college grad Margaret plans to settle in Greenwood, teaching at the local high school and eventually raising a family.
Then the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre upends everything they know and brings them unspeakable loss. Left with nothing but each other, the sisters flee along what would eventually become iconic Route 66 and stumble upon the Threatt Filling Station, a safe haven and the only place where they can find a shred of hope in oppressive Jim Crow America. At the filling station, they are able to process their pain, fill up their souls, and find strength as they wrestle with a faith in God that has left them feeling abandoned.
But they eventually realize that they can't hide out at the filling station when Greenwood needs to be rebuilt. The search for their father and their former life may not give them easy answers, but it can propel them--and their community--to a place where their voices are stronger . . . strong enough to build a future that honors the legacy of those who were lost.
Sisters Margaret and Evelyn Justice have grown up in the prosperous Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma--also known as Black Wall Street. In Greenwood, the Justice sisters had it all--movie theaters and entertainment venues, beauty shops and clothing stores, high-profile businesses like law offices, medical clinics, and banks. While Evelyn aspires to head off to the East Coast to study fashion design, recent college grad Margaret plans to settle in Greenwood, teaching at the local high school and eventually raising a family.
Then the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre upends everything they know and brings them unspeakable loss. Left with nothing but each other, the sisters flee along what would eventually become iconic Route 66 and stumble upon the Threatt Filling Station, a safe haven and the only place where they can find a shred of hope in oppressive Jim Crow America. At the filling station, they are able to process their pain, fill up their souls, and find strength as they wrestle with a faith in God that has left them feeling abandoned.
But they eventually realize that they can't hide out at the filling station when Greenwood needs to be rebuilt. The search for their father and their former life may not give them easy answers, but it can propel them--and their community--to a place where their voices are stronger . . . strong enough to build a future that honors the legacy of those who were lost.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2025
190 people are currently reading
10629 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Miller
100 books793 followersVanessa Miller is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, playwright, and motivational speaker. She started writing as a child, spending countless hours either reading or writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels. Vanessa’s creative endeavors took on new meaning in1994 when she became a Christian. Since then, her writing has been centered on themes of redemption, often focusing on characters facing multi-dimensional struggles.
Vanessa’s novels have received rave reviews, with several appearing on Essence Magazine’s Bestseller’s List. Miller’s work has receiving numerous awards, including “Best Christian Fiction Mahogany Award” and the “Red Rose Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction.” Miller graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication. She is an ordained minister in her church, explaining, “God has called me to minister to readers and to help them rediscover their place with the Lord.”
· Essence Bestsellers’ List March 2008; May 2008 (Former Rain)
· Essence Bestsellers’ List September 2008 (Rain Storm)
· Black Expressions Book Club Alternate Selection 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
· #1 Ebook for fiction on Amazon.com November 2010 (Long Time Coming)
· #1 on BCNN/BCBC Bestsellers’ List November 2010 (Long Time Coming)
She has worked with numerous publishers: Urban Christian, Kimani Romance, Abingdon Press and Whitaker House. She is currently working on Something Good with Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins) which releases in March 2022.
In 2016, Vanessa launched the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat in an effort to bring readers and authors of Christian fiction together in an environment that’s all about Faith, Fun & Fellowship. To learn more about Vanessa, please visit her website: www.vanessamiller.com. If you would like to know more about the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat that is currently held in Charlotte, NC during the last week in October you can visit: http://www.christianbookloversretreat...
Vanessa lives in North Carolina with her husband and family. She graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication.
Most of Vanessa’s published novels depict characters that are lost and in need of redemption. The books have received countless favorable reviews.
“. . . Heartwarming, drama-packed and tender in just the right places.”—Romantic Times Book Review.
“Recommended for readers of redemption stories.” –Library Journal.
www.vanessamiller.com
Don’t forget to join my mailing list:
http://www.vanessamiller.com/events-j...
Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Vanes...
Join me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorvanes...
Join me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/vanessamiller01
Website: www.vanessamiller.com
Vanessa’s novels have received rave reviews, with several appearing on Essence Magazine’s Bestseller’s List. Miller’s work has receiving numerous awards, including “Best Christian Fiction Mahogany Award” and the “Red Rose Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction.” Miller graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication. She is an ordained minister in her church, explaining, “God has called me to minister to readers and to help them rediscover their place with the Lord.”
· Essence Bestsellers’ List March 2008; May 2008 (Former Rain)
· Essence Bestsellers’ List September 2008 (Rain Storm)
· Black Expressions Book Club Alternate Selection 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
· #1 Ebook for fiction on Amazon.com November 2010 (Long Time Coming)
· #1 on BCNN/BCBC Bestsellers’ List November 2010 (Long Time Coming)
She has worked with numerous publishers: Urban Christian, Kimani Romance, Abingdon Press and Whitaker House. She is currently working on Something Good with Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins) which releases in March 2022.
In 2016, Vanessa launched the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat in an effort to bring readers and authors of Christian fiction together in an environment that’s all about Faith, Fun & Fellowship. To learn more about Vanessa, please visit her website: www.vanessamiller.com. If you would like to know more about the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat that is currently held in Charlotte, NC during the last week in October you can visit: http://www.christianbookloversretreat...
Vanessa lives in North Carolina with her husband and family. She graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication.
Most of Vanessa’s published novels depict characters that are lost and in need of redemption. The books have received countless favorable reviews.
“. . . Heartwarming, drama-packed and tender in just the right places.”—Romantic Times Book Review.
“Recommended for readers of redemption stories.” –Library Journal.
www.vanessamiller.com
Don’t forget to join my mailing list:
http://www.vanessamiller.com/events-j...
Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Vanes...
Join me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorvanes...
Join me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/vanessamiller01
Website: www.vanessamiller.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 378 reviews
January 9, 2025
The Filling Station is an emotionally charged historical fiction about the burning of Greenwood, Oklahoma in 1921.
Evelyn and Margaret Justice are young women on the verge of beginning their adult lives. Evelyn is one day away from her high school graduation and Margaret has just graduated from college.
I was aware of the facts of the destruction. But Miller made me feel the experience. She does a wonderful job of making the trauma and PTSD real. They were at the mercy of the white mob, given that many in the police were involved in the destruction. Afterwards, they were the ones blamed and treated like criminals.
The book is mainly about what happened to the community after the destruction and the fight to rebuild and not get pushed out.
The two sisters are fully fleshed out characters. I felt their frustration, depression and anger. Margaret wrestling with the loss of her faith was so real and poignant. But I also was awed by their courage and resilience. It was also wonderful to learn that the Threatts were real people and just as good as this book makes them out to be.
Miller starts each chapter with a real quote from the time which works well to provide more context.
There is a strong religious component to the story. Miller uses Margaret to ask a lot of the questions about God in the vein of why do bad things happen to good people.
The book is well researched and truly took me to the time and place.
This should be required reading, yet I’m sure instead there will be states that ban this book.
My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an advance copy of this book.
Evelyn and Margaret Justice are young women on the verge of beginning their adult lives. Evelyn is one day away from her high school graduation and Margaret has just graduated from college.
I was aware of the facts of the destruction. But Miller made me feel the experience. She does a wonderful job of making the trauma and PTSD real. They were at the mercy of the white mob, given that many in the police were involved in the destruction. Afterwards, they were the ones blamed and treated like criminals.
The book is mainly about what happened to the community after the destruction and the fight to rebuild and not get pushed out.
The two sisters are fully fleshed out characters. I felt their frustration, depression and anger. Margaret wrestling with the loss of her faith was so real and poignant. But I also was awed by their courage and resilience. It was also wonderful to learn that the Threatts were real people and just as good as this book makes them out to be.
Miller starts each chapter with a real quote from the time which works well to provide more context.
There is a strong religious component to the story. Miller uses Margaret to ask a lot of the questions about God in the vein of why do bad things happen to good people.
The book is well researched and truly took me to the time and place.
This should be required reading, yet I’m sure instead there will be states that ban this book.
My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an advance copy of this book.
March 29, 2025
Henry Justice is a grocery store owner in the Greenwood District, Tulsa, Oklahoma and he has two daughters Evelyn who’s about to finish high school and Margaret a college graduate and she's applied to be a teacher. When a group of white men enter “Little Africa” and the situation quickly gets out of control, they set fire to houses and businesses and hundreds of innocent people are threatened, and try to flee.
Margaret and Evelyn manage to escape and they assume their father went to check his shop and have no idea what happened to him. The sisters stumble upon The Filling Station owned by Fred and Alberta Threatt and here they find a safe place to stay, and Margaret worries about her dad and elderly neighbour and she assumes there will be help and answers to her many questions, an insurance payout and a fair inquiry and more.
The narrative is about what the sisters experienced, during and after the attack and the toll it took on them physically, emotionally, financially, and psychologically and especially Evelyn the youngest who didn't always make the right choices and how Margaret had to be strong for her siblings sake and she loses her faith in God.
I received a copy of The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review. A historical fiction story based on true facts about the Tulsa Race Massacre in the Greenwood District, Oklahoma which took place over two days and from the 31st of May to the 1st of June 1921.
It’s very obvious while reading the book the author has done extensive research into the tragedy, and it’s a tale about the resilience, determination and perseverance and struggles of the victims and survivors, and hate and racism and the way some white people thought and treated those of colour at the time and were they made accountable and punished for their inhumane actions.
I really admired Margaret and her neighbour Pearl characters, the Threatt’s and Elijah Porter and five stars for this faith based book and I’m keen to read other novels by Vanessa Miller and I highly recommend.
Margaret and Evelyn manage to escape and they assume their father went to check his shop and have no idea what happened to him. The sisters stumble upon The Filling Station owned by Fred and Alberta Threatt and here they find a safe place to stay, and Margaret worries about her dad and elderly neighbour and she assumes there will be help and answers to her many questions, an insurance payout and a fair inquiry and more.
The narrative is about what the sisters experienced, during and after the attack and the toll it took on them physically, emotionally, financially, and psychologically and especially Evelyn the youngest who didn't always make the right choices and how Margaret had to be strong for her siblings sake and she loses her faith in God.
I received a copy of The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review. A historical fiction story based on true facts about the Tulsa Race Massacre in the Greenwood District, Oklahoma which took place over two days and from the 31st of May to the 1st of June 1921.
It’s very obvious while reading the book the author has done extensive research into the tragedy, and it’s a tale about the resilience, determination and perseverance and struggles of the victims and survivors, and hate and racism and the way some white people thought and treated those of colour at the time and were they made accountable and punished for their inhumane actions.
I really admired Margaret and her neighbour Pearl characters, the Threatt’s and Elijah Porter and five stars for this faith based book and I’m keen to read other novels by Vanessa Miller and I highly recommend.
June 26, 2025
The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller it was an inspiring and heartwarming story about hope, faith, and second chances. The characters felt real, and I loved how the book showed that even in the hardest times, people can come together and heal. It was an easy read but still very meaningful. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a Historical Fiction novel the ends in hope….
March 9, 2025
THE FILLING STATION by Vanessa Miller
Angela Pean does a terrific reading of this book, as well as, her reading in Vanessa Miller’s previous book, The American Queen
Where was the justice system when hateful humans destroyed the lives and community of the black residents of Greenwood District?
This is a fictional account of actual events that occurred in Oklahoma between 1921 and 1926. Margaret and her sister, Evelyn, learn how to navigate life after the Tulsa race massacre along with others from the decimated Greenwood District. Threatt Filling Station became the safe haven and place of compassion that Margaret and Evelyn needed to recharge and gather the strength in rebuilding their lives.
This is a beautifully told story of a resilient group of people who would not be destroyed in another dark time of our American history. A powerful story of continuing to rise in the face of adversity. A story of survival, faith, strength, redemption, and a never-give-up attitude. This is my second read by this skilled writer and look forward to what she does next.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the audiobook of The Filling Station. Pub Date: March 11, 2025.
Angela Pean does a terrific reading of this book, as well as, her reading in Vanessa Miller’s previous book, The American Queen
Where was the justice system when hateful humans destroyed the lives and community of the black residents of Greenwood District?
This is a fictional account of actual events that occurred in Oklahoma between 1921 and 1926. Margaret and her sister, Evelyn, learn how to navigate life after the Tulsa race massacre along with others from the decimated Greenwood District. Threatt Filling Station became the safe haven and place of compassion that Margaret and Evelyn needed to recharge and gather the strength in rebuilding their lives.
This is a beautifully told story of a resilient group of people who would not be destroyed in another dark time of our American history. A powerful story of continuing to rise in the face of adversity. A story of survival, faith, strength, redemption, and a never-give-up attitude. This is my second read by this skilled writer and look forward to what she does next.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the audiobook of The Filling Station. Pub Date: March 11, 2025.
April 30, 2025
This was just okay. I would recommend this to someone dipping their toes into historical fiction. I didn’t feel the depth, atmosphere, and emotions I love to feel with historical fiction. This leans into “telling” the reader, instead of “showing.”
I didn’t connect with Evelyn and Margaret as our FMC’s. They’re around 18 and 21 at the start of the novel, but read younger for the majority of the book in my opinion.
I liked the epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter. This was very easy to read. The chapters were short.
This heavily leans into Christian fiction, which can impact others reading experience, so I wanted to be sure I included that note.
I didn’t connect with Evelyn and Margaret as our FMC’s. They’re around 18 and 21 at the start of the novel, but read younger for the majority of the book in my opinion.
I liked the epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter. This was very easy to read. The chapters were short.
This heavily leans into Christian fiction, which can impact others reading experience, so I wanted to be sure I included that note.
June 23, 2025
3.5
I always enjoy Vanessa Millers writing. She writes history in a way that’s palatable for someone just getting into historical fiction while still being true to the realities of the time. This was no different.
Evelyn worked my nerves. Margaret’s perseverance was inspiring and I was obsessed with Elijah from the moment he showed up on page.
This leans heavy into Christianity. Idk how I missed the Christian fiction tag but I certainly did not mind.
I always enjoy Vanessa Millers writing. She writes history in a way that’s palatable for someone just getting into historical fiction while still being true to the realities of the time. This was no different.
Evelyn worked my nerves. Margaret’s perseverance was inspiring and I was obsessed with Elijah from the moment he showed up on page.
This leans heavy into Christianity. Idk how I missed the Christian fiction tag but I certainly did not mind.
March 11, 2025
THE FILLING STATION by Vanessa Miller
Thank you so much @thomasnelson & @zondervan for my gifted copies 💕
In The Filling Station, Vanessa Miller delivers a powerful, heart-wrenching story of resilience, sisterhood, and hope in the aftermath of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The story follows sisters Margaret and Evelyn Justice as they seek refuge at the real-life Threatt Filling Station along Route 66.
With well-developed characters, and rich, immersive storytelling, Miller masterfully highlights the strength of the Black community in the face of adversity.
A timely, important, and emotionally charged fictionalized account of a real piece of US history. A must read for historical fiction lovers.
🎧 Angel Pean’s narration adds an extra layer of depth and emotion. Her voice truly brings these characters to life!
📌 Available today!
Thank you so much @thomasnelson & @zondervan for my gifted copies 💕
In The Filling Station, Vanessa Miller delivers a powerful, heart-wrenching story of resilience, sisterhood, and hope in the aftermath of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The story follows sisters Margaret and Evelyn Justice as they seek refuge at the real-life Threatt Filling Station along Route 66.
With well-developed characters, and rich, immersive storytelling, Miller masterfully highlights the strength of the Black community in the face of adversity.
A timely, important, and emotionally charged fictionalized account of a real piece of US history. A must read for historical fiction lovers.
🎧 Angel Pean’s narration adds an extra layer of depth and emotion. Her voice truly brings these characters to life!
📌 Available today!
March 31, 2025
This is beautifully and respectfully handled given that this is based on real people and real events in US history. I think Vanessa Miller has a true gift for breathing life into historical characters and situations.
This follows the Justice sisters, Evelyn and Margaret, who are the daughters of Henry Justice, a grocer in Tulsa. The action begins almost immediately, and the escape from the white mob is horrifying to endure with the sisters. The sisters are separated from their father and manage to find their way to a safe harbor at The Filling Station owned by Fred & Alberta Threatt. Their escape is only part of the story, which I appreciate. I'm most familiar with the terrorism that destroyed Tulsa, I've seen it re-enacted on television shows such as Watchmen & Lovecraft Country both on HBO if memory serves. The horror described in the novel hits harder than the TV visuals. Both shows mentioned are excellent and worth a watch.
What I loved about this novel was its coverage of and focus on the aftermath or the massacre. How the survivors were impacted by this horror and how that informed their lives. This explores those survivors that returned and those who did not. This covers the long arm of CPTSD and how some managed to move on. Not all did move on, and that's important to note.
This covers history actively being erased by the current US administration, and it's important to have fiction to expand on facts. I don't fool myself into believing that fiction won't be influenced by the current fascist agenda of the US government.
The Christian themes felt heavy, and I wasn't interested in the characters' struggles with her faith. I'm not a Christian, and while I love this author's storytelling style, I find her focus on Christianity heavy and largely uninteresting in a story of this nature. Too much focus on and exploration of Christian faith for me.
I preordered this on audiobook based on my love of the author's previous novel, The American Queen. My NetGalley player was glitchy, probably because this review was due weeks ago when I was too sick to keep up with my review due dates. I listened to the copy I purchased, so I would not need to delay this review further. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of historical fiction, Black history, US history, and readers of Christian fiction.
The narrator of this audiobook is Angel Pean. Angel is a narrator I'm familiar with, have high expectations of, and generally offers narration I deeply enjoy. This novel was no exception. This covers a disturbing incident in US history, and I find that audiobooks can help blunt the horrors a bit in a novel like this. Angel's narration brought these characters and this historical episode to life.
Thank you to Vanessa Miller, Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
This follows the Justice sisters, Evelyn and Margaret, who are the daughters of Henry Justice, a grocer in Tulsa. The action begins almost immediately, and the escape from the white mob is horrifying to endure with the sisters. The sisters are separated from their father and manage to find their way to a safe harbor at The Filling Station owned by Fred & Alberta Threatt. Their escape is only part of the story, which I appreciate. I'm most familiar with the terrorism that destroyed Tulsa, I've seen it re-enacted on television shows such as Watchmen & Lovecraft Country both on HBO if memory serves. The horror described in the novel hits harder than the TV visuals. Both shows mentioned are excellent and worth a watch.
What I loved about this novel was its coverage of and focus on the aftermath or the massacre. How the survivors were impacted by this horror and how that informed their lives. This explores those survivors that returned and those who did not. This covers the long arm of CPTSD and how some managed to move on. Not all did move on, and that's important to note.
This covers history actively being erased by the current US administration, and it's important to have fiction to expand on facts. I don't fool myself into believing that fiction won't be influenced by the current fascist agenda of the US government.
The Christian themes felt heavy, and I wasn't interested in the characters' struggles with her faith. I'm not a Christian, and while I love this author's storytelling style, I find her focus on Christianity heavy and largely uninteresting in a story of this nature. Too much focus on and exploration of Christian faith for me.
I preordered this on audiobook based on my love of the author's previous novel, The American Queen. My NetGalley player was glitchy, probably because this review was due weeks ago when I was too sick to keep up with my review due dates. I listened to the copy I purchased, so I would not need to delay this review further. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of historical fiction, Black history, US history, and readers of Christian fiction.
The narrator of this audiobook is Angel Pean. Angel is a narrator I'm familiar with, have high expectations of, and generally offers narration I deeply enjoy. This novel was no exception. This covers a disturbing incident in US history, and I find that audiobooks can help blunt the horrors a bit in a novel like this. Angel's narration brought these characters and this historical episode to life.
Thank you to Vanessa Miller, Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
May 10, 2025
Another day, another historical event I had to learn about through a book instead of in school...
The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller is historical fiction based on the events of the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921. It features sisters Margaret and Evelyn Justice, who grew up in the Greenwood district (aka Black Wall Street) in Tulsa, OK. Their lives are suddenly upended when white men set fire to their house (among many others), and they have to run out of town to survive. They come upon the Threatt Filling Station, which acts as a safe haven for them as they try to piece their lives together in the aftermath of devastation.
Wow. This book was heavy, raw, emotional, heartbreaking, yet endearing all at once. It showcases how a community can come together after an unspeakable tragedy. Vanessa Miller fleshes out both of the main characters very well. She has you empathizing with Evelyn's struggles and marveling at Margaret's grit and determination. I appreciated the author's note at the end about the historical events and the characters. A historical fiction novel has done a good job when I'm eager to learn more about the events.
Angel Pean narrates the audiobook. She does a beautiful job. You can really feel the hurt and emotion in her voice as she describes the horrific events. Angel Pean has nuance for each character, which brings them to life in The Filling Station. I'd love to listen to other books she narrates.
Recommended for historical fiction lovers.
Thank you to NetGalley & Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the ALC.
The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller is historical fiction based on the events of the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921. It features sisters Margaret and Evelyn Justice, who grew up in the Greenwood district (aka Black Wall Street) in Tulsa, OK. Their lives are suddenly upended when white men set fire to their house (among many others), and they have to run out of town to survive. They come upon the Threatt Filling Station, which acts as a safe haven for them as they try to piece their lives together in the aftermath of devastation.
Wow. This book was heavy, raw, emotional, heartbreaking, yet endearing all at once. It showcases how a community can come together after an unspeakable tragedy. Vanessa Miller fleshes out both of the main characters very well. She has you empathizing with Evelyn's struggles and marveling at Margaret's grit and determination. I appreciated the author's note at the end about the historical events and the characters. A historical fiction novel has done a good job when I'm eager to learn more about the events.
Angel Pean narrates the audiobook. She does a beautiful job. You can really feel the hurt and emotion in her voice as she describes the horrific events. Angel Pean has nuance for each character, which brings them to life in The Filling Station. I'd love to listen to other books she narrates.
Recommended for historical fiction lovers.
Thank you to NetGalley & Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the ALC.
December 10, 2024
Thank you Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.
This was a very difficult book to read due to the subject matter. Although the Tulsa Massacre is a well known moment in history, Author Vanessa Miller brought it to the forefront with a reminder of the heartache and devastation that was felt by the community of Greenwood over 100 years ago.
I’m appreciative of the author for also showing the resilience of the survivors and their willingness to build again.
Prior to reading this book I had never heard of the Threatt family and their importance to blacks in Oklahoma during such a pivotal time in history.
In the end I’m glad I made the choice to push past the hurt and read this book all the way through.
This was a very difficult book to read due to the subject matter. Although the Tulsa Massacre is a well known moment in history, Author Vanessa Miller brought it to the forefront with a reminder of the heartache and devastation that was felt by the community of Greenwood over 100 years ago.
I’m appreciative of the author for also showing the resilience of the survivors and their willingness to build again.
Prior to reading this book I had never heard of the Threatt family and their importance to blacks in Oklahoma during such a pivotal time in history.
In the end I’m glad I made the choice to push past the hurt and read this book all the way through.
March 20, 2025
4.25⭐️ “The Filling Station"
"Why do they hate us so? What have we ever done to them?' The quote is a question that has never left our culture as Black Americans. It's a question I am sure our grandparents, great grandparents, etc didn't want us to continue to ask in 2025.
The 1921 Tulsa Massacre. Vanessa Miller's words put me in the middle of Greenwood with Margaret and Evelyn on that horrific night. The smell of the smoke. The birds in the sky (bombs), the fear, and death. Why? Black businesses, movie theaters, law offices, grocery stores, gas stations, banks, hair salons, boutiques, etc. We had it all. The white people didn't want us in their establishments so we built our own, away from them, and it was still a problem. WHY?
Margaret and Evelyn had to flee their homes like many people that night and ended up at the Threatt filling station, a Black-owned filling station along Route 66 where we could seek refuge from racism and the threats of lynching in sundown towns, and Jim Crow laws.
For me, there is an overall theme of 'being home" in this book. Margaret longed to get back to Greenwood and rebuild their life, while Evelyn had no desire to go back and relive that night. Their home here in America made them enemies because of the color of their skin. Margaret's home in her faith in God was wavering, shaken, and sometimes destroyed because of the turmoil they were going through.
I wish we got to see more of Margaret's work with the Negro Business League and it was nice recognizing names I'm familiar with being from NC and VA.
🤎The story of Tulsa is so important and I really enjoyed this book and I hope you all enjoy it as well and take away some new information and pass it on because we cannot lose our history and stories.
"Why do they hate us so? What have we ever done to them?' The quote is a question that has never left our culture as Black Americans. It's a question I am sure our grandparents, great grandparents, etc didn't want us to continue to ask in 2025.
The 1921 Tulsa Massacre. Vanessa Miller's words put me in the middle of Greenwood with Margaret and Evelyn on that horrific night. The smell of the smoke. The birds in the sky (bombs), the fear, and death. Why? Black businesses, movie theaters, law offices, grocery stores, gas stations, banks, hair salons, boutiques, etc. We had it all. The white people didn't want us in their establishments so we built our own, away from them, and it was still a problem. WHY?
Margaret and Evelyn had to flee their homes like many people that night and ended up at the Threatt filling station, a Black-owned filling station along Route 66 where we could seek refuge from racism and the threats of lynching in sundown towns, and Jim Crow laws.
For me, there is an overall theme of 'being home" in this book. Margaret longed to get back to Greenwood and rebuild their life, while Evelyn had no desire to go back and relive that night. Their home here in America made them enemies because of the color of their skin. Margaret's home in her faith in God was wavering, shaken, and sometimes destroyed because of the turmoil they were going through.
I wish we got to see more of Margaret's work with the Negro Business League and it was nice recognizing names I'm familiar with being from NC and VA.
🤎The story of Tulsa is so important and I really enjoyed this book and I hope you all enjoy it as well and take away some new information and pass it on because we cannot lose our history and stories.
April 22, 2025
Loved this story! The audiobook was done well and I was pulled into the story. I can tell the author did her due diligence in researching the events mentioned throughout the story. I loved the sisterhood between Evelyn and Margaret, but hands down my favorite character was Elijah. 💕
March 14, 2025
I’ll be back later with my thoughts…
The Filling Station is written in such a way where you can see the chaos and feel the fear.
The is a story of horror, legacy,grief, love,and faith. A story of two sisters and how they survive and move forward after a traumatic event that changed their lives forever. The Tulsa Massacre. This is written in such a way that you can see each scene playing out like a movie. The characters are well developed. If you like a historical fiction and one that focus’ on community , legacy, and not erasing history then I recommend this book.
I’ll be back with later with more thoughts…
The Filling Station is written in such a way where you can see the chaos and feel the fear.
The is a story of horror, legacy,grief, love,and faith. A story of two sisters and how they survive and move forward after a traumatic event that changed their lives forever. The Tulsa Massacre. This is written in such a way that you can see each scene playing out like a movie. The characters are well developed. If you like a historical fiction and one that focus’ on community , legacy, and not erasing history then I recommend this book.
I’ll be back with later with more thoughts…
December 14, 2025
1921-1926 Tulsa, Oklahoma
This novel about the Tulsa Race Massacre which occurred in a section of Tulsa called Greenwood. It's not only about the tragic event itself, but also the aftermath and recovery for the survivors. Going from a thriving community to one in ruins was traumatic. The author does a great job of sharing the different ways to cope as well as some of the heroes in the area.
The fictional storyline about sister Margaret and Evelyn was compelling.
This novel about the Tulsa Race Massacre which occurred in a section of Tulsa called Greenwood. It's not only about the tragic event itself, but also the aftermath and recovery for the survivors. Going from a thriving community to one in ruins was traumatic. The author does a great job of sharing the different ways to cope as well as some of the heroes in the area.
The fictional storyline about sister Margaret and Evelyn was compelling.
April 12, 2025
DNF’s at 19%.
In about 2016, I read a YA book about the Tulsa Race Massacre that I absolutely loved. Since then, I’ve been impatiently waiting for an adult telling. When I saw The Filling Station, I was so excited!
It does not live up to expectations. The massacre happens in the first 50 pages— before I have time to care about the characters.
Secondly, the characters are both too mature and too naive for their ages.
Thirdly, the didactic inclusion of God is too much. It seems like every other page, Jesus/God/church is mentioned.
It’s a great concept of a story with poor execution.
In about 2016, I read a YA book about the Tulsa Race Massacre that I absolutely loved. Since then, I’ve been impatiently waiting for an adult telling. When I saw The Filling Station, I was so excited!
It does not live up to expectations. The massacre happens in the first 50 pages— before I have time to care about the characters.
Secondly, the characters are both too mature and too naive for their ages.
Thirdly, the didactic inclusion of God is too much. It seems like every other page, Jesus/God/church is mentioned.
It’s a great concept of a story with poor execution.
July 22, 2025
During Jim Crow America, sisters Margaret and Evelyn are forever changed after their home, livelihood, and town are destroyed by racists during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. After losing so much, will they have the strength to return to Greenwood, aka Black Wall Street, and rebuild?
"The town that had once been a beacon of light had been dimmed by the fires of hate."
"War had been declared on Greenwood, just as if they were Germans. African Americans had been labeled the enemy. Death and destruction had rent them asunder, and Margaret was undone... unsafe in the country of her birth because of the hue of her skin."
Since I'd never heard about this horrific part of US history, I appreciated learning about it. I was also fascinated by the Threatt Filling Station, the only safe place for Black American drivers to refuel along Route 66. I was disgusted and appalled by how the residents of this community were treated. For instance, many of them were held in concentration camps and even when the Red Cross came to help them rebuild, they noted that “the Negro is a servant class, so they must work for any relief they receive.” What?!? Was this a requirement when other citizens needed help? In addition, city officials tried to thwart the rebuild by enacting a new fire ordinance stating that new buildings must be constructed with bricks rather than less expensive wood.
"When I read [the Bible], I'm fueling my spirit and my soul so I can get through the day, the week, the month. Some days are harder than others, but my filling station gives me the fuel I need to get to the other side of trouble."
Trigger Warning:
3.5 stars
Location: Tulsa (Greenwood), Oklahoma
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
"The town that had once been a beacon of light had been dimmed by the fires of hate."
"War had been declared on Greenwood, just as if they were Germans. African Americans had been labeled the enemy. Death and destruction had rent them asunder, and Margaret was undone... unsafe in the country of her birth because of the hue of her skin."
Since I'd never heard about this horrific part of US history, I appreciated learning about it. I was also fascinated by the Threatt Filling Station, the only safe place for Black American drivers to refuel along Route 66. I was disgusted and appalled by how the residents of this community were treated. For instance, many of them were held in concentration camps and even when the Red Cross came to help them rebuild, they noted that “the Negro is a servant class, so they must work for any relief they receive.” What?!? Was this a requirement when other citizens needed help? In addition, city officials tried to thwart the rebuild by enacting a new fire ordinance stating that new buildings must be constructed with bricks rather than less expensive wood.
"When I read [the Bible], I'm fueling my spirit and my soul so I can get through the day, the week, the month. Some days are harder than others, but my filling station gives me the fuel I need to get to the other side of trouble."
Trigger Warning:
3.5 stars
Location: Tulsa (Greenwood), Oklahoma
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
June 23, 2025
Love reading about a historical fiction event I didn’t learn about in school. Full review is up on http://instagram.com/chelseahudsonreads
July 10, 2025
This one started out slow but once the story picked up I got more into it. I hate all that they went through there were some horrible people in this book 📕
May 5, 2025
Vanessa Miller has become a favorite that I can count on for a winning and insightful story that makes me feel uplifted and connected to my roots!
“The Filling Station” is a powerful ((Christian-based)) story of suffering & triumph, heartache & resilience—but above all, hope. In 1921, Greenwood, Oklahoma—a thriving Black neighborhood—was devastated by one of the most horrific acts of evil & racial violence.
Though the destruction was catastrophic and many lives were tragically lost, the survivors demonstrated extraordinary courage and resourcefulness. Against overwhelming odds, they rose to rebuild their community, embodying a spirit that could not be extinguished.
Margaret and Evelyn are sisters who suffered the loss of their father and home in the fires. We are with them as they realize danger has struck, watching their beloved community go up in flames. But, we are also with them in the grueling months after where they grieve their losses and attempt the uncertain task of moving forward.
The author masterfully drew me into the sisters’ experience, making me feel their rage, despair, and the depth of their suffering. It left me feeling hollowed out—I could truly feel the pain of their losses. I had to take several breaks while reading; the weight of their reality was hard to bear.
I love that the author sprinkled in some goodness. There was love, community and a place to seek refuge. The Filling Station provided a safe escape for all to come and refuel, rest up and revitalize. It’s a place where the sisters received support from strangers; it’s where they learned how prayer can get you on the other side of your worst day.
Elijah was my favorite character. Although I saw more of myself in Margret (losing faith because of their circumstances), it was great to have his faith. The inclusion of voices from real survivors & historical articles deeply moved me. It grounded the story in truth and made the experience feel even more powerful.
This was a remarkable read. I’m deeply grateful for authors who continue to bring Black stories to the forefront, honoring voices that have too often been overlooked. Highly recommend!
“𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐲? 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?”
“𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝’𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝟔𝟎 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰… 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧”
“The Filling Station” is a powerful ((Christian-based)) story of suffering & triumph, heartache & resilience—but above all, hope. In 1921, Greenwood, Oklahoma—a thriving Black neighborhood—was devastated by one of the most horrific acts of evil & racial violence.
Though the destruction was catastrophic and many lives were tragically lost, the survivors demonstrated extraordinary courage and resourcefulness. Against overwhelming odds, they rose to rebuild their community, embodying a spirit that could not be extinguished.
Margaret and Evelyn are sisters who suffered the loss of their father and home in the fires. We are with them as they realize danger has struck, watching their beloved community go up in flames. But, we are also with them in the grueling months after where they grieve their losses and attempt the uncertain task of moving forward.
The author masterfully drew me into the sisters’ experience, making me feel their rage, despair, and the depth of their suffering. It left me feeling hollowed out—I could truly feel the pain of their losses. I had to take several breaks while reading; the weight of their reality was hard to bear.
I love that the author sprinkled in some goodness. There was love, community and a place to seek refuge. The Filling Station provided a safe escape for all to come and refuel, rest up and revitalize. It’s a place where the sisters received support from strangers; it’s where they learned how prayer can get you on the other side of your worst day.
Elijah was my favorite character. Although I saw more of myself in Margret (losing faith because of their circumstances), it was great to have his faith. The inclusion of voices from real survivors & historical articles deeply moved me. It grounded the story in truth and made the experience feel even more powerful.
This was a remarkable read. I’m deeply grateful for authors who continue to bring Black stories to the forefront, honoring voices that have too often been overlooked. Highly recommend!
“𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐲? 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?”
“𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝’𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝟔𝟎 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰… 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧”
March 26, 2025
Margaret and Evelyn Justice live comfortable lives in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1921. Their father runs a store, and though they miss their dead mother, they are fairly content. Margaret aims to eventually teach then marry, and live in Greenwood, while younger, high school-aged Evelyn wants to study fashion design. She currently designs her own clothes, and is quite talented.
Then, one night, everything in their lives is upended by violence and tragedy. Whites rampage and begin attacking Greenwood and its residents, destroying everything they can and injuring and killing many, while police do nothing.
Their father rushed off to defend the district, while Margaret and Evelyn barely escape, walking along Route 66 until they come across the Threatt Filling Station, a place where Blacks can safely stop while travelling.
The sisters are taken in by the Threatt family, and are given a place to rest and recover. There is no word about their father, and many others, so the sisters grieve for not just themselves, but the horrors visited upon everyone they know.
Margaret heads back to Greenwood once it's safe, and decides she will rebuild, as Whites are swooping in to take land that isn't claimed. With the help of a kind young farmer, Margaret begins salvaging what she can in Greenwood. Evelyn stays and works at the filling station, but finds herself not coping well at all, and takes up with a boy Margaret does not approve of. The sisters must find some way to sort out their lives, and not lose each other in the process.
Author Vanessa Miller focuses on the aftermath of the Tulsa Race Riot, and the grief and anger of people, but also on the resilience, support and love that enabled people to rebuild their lives.
The sisters came alive as they struggled with the many setbacks; I appreciated how Miller had Margaret close herself off and turn her back on her faith in anger, while Evelyn could not find her footing, and falls into trouble to cope with her grief and disappointments. And though they seemed to not understand what the other was going through, they still ultimately came back together.
It's a powerful story, and Miller's use of real quotes at the start of each chapter powerfully grounds the story, and also highlights the deep research the author did to make this story come alive and have such a strong sense of time and place. (To also know that the Threatts were real and such good people was great.)
This book was wonderful; I went between both the prose and the audio and found Angel Pean beautifully brought the sisters to life in all their myriad emotions, and made me care also for the other characters.
Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
Then, one night, everything in their lives is upended by violence and tragedy. Whites rampage and begin attacking Greenwood and its residents, destroying everything they can and injuring and killing many, while police do nothing.
Their father rushed off to defend the district, while Margaret and Evelyn barely escape, walking along Route 66 until they come across the Threatt Filling Station, a place where Blacks can safely stop while travelling.
The sisters are taken in by the Threatt family, and are given a place to rest and recover. There is no word about their father, and many others, so the sisters grieve for not just themselves, but the horrors visited upon everyone they know.
Margaret heads back to Greenwood once it's safe, and decides she will rebuild, as Whites are swooping in to take land that isn't claimed. With the help of a kind young farmer, Margaret begins salvaging what she can in Greenwood. Evelyn stays and works at the filling station, but finds herself not coping well at all, and takes up with a boy Margaret does not approve of. The sisters must find some way to sort out their lives, and not lose each other in the process.
Author Vanessa Miller focuses on the aftermath of the Tulsa Race Riot, and the grief and anger of people, but also on the resilience, support and love that enabled people to rebuild their lives.
The sisters came alive as they struggled with the many setbacks; I appreciated how Miller had Margaret close herself off and turn her back on her faith in anger, while Evelyn could not find her footing, and falls into trouble to cope with her grief and disappointments. And though they seemed to not understand what the other was going through, they still ultimately came back together.
It's a powerful story, and Miller's use of real quotes at the start of each chapter powerfully grounds the story, and also highlights the deep research the author did to make this story come alive and have such a strong sense of time and place. (To also know that the Threatts were real and such good people was great.)
This book was wonderful; I went between both the prose and the audio and found Angel Pean beautifully brought the sisters to life in all their myriad emotions, and made me care also for the other characters.
Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
February 28, 2025
After recently finishing Miller's The American Queen, I was eager to get my hands on her latest historical fiction book based on real events. This time the story features two sisters living in the African American town of "Dreamland" in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Set in the aftermath of the 1921 Tulsa race riots, this is a moving look at the resilience of a community of African Americans determined to rebuild despite great obstacles. There's some romance, lots of loss and grief and at its core this is a hopeful, education read that was great on audio narrated by Angela Pean. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review. It was a great book to read during Black History Month.
CW: unwanted pregnancy, depression, alcohol abuse, infertility
CW: unwanted pregnancy, depression, alcohol abuse, infertility
September 28, 2025
This was a great story! It was extremely engaging and painted an well-done portrayal of the devastating events that occurred in Greenwood. It is clear that Vanessa Miller really did her research when writing this story. Though fictional, these two sister really had to build their life from the ground up and they both faced so many hurdles. It was never going to be an easy getting back on track, but they do it anyway. Though it wasn't heartwarming considering that they shouldn't have had to experience this devastating event in the first place, it still felt impactful. I really wanted to see these girls move forward for the better.
I love the incorporation of really the real people mentioned in these story. I love how although this book was fictional it also felt like a history lesson. I appreciate the resources to learn even more about the subjects as well.
I love the incorporation of really the real people mentioned in these story. I love how although this book was fictional it also felt like a history lesson. I appreciate the resources to learn even more about the subjects as well.
May 26, 2025
“No one paid the price for the evil done to Black bodies”
It's hard to fathom the immense pain and devastation that struck Greenwood, Oklahoma, on the early morning of June 1, 1921. For Margaret and Evelyn Justice, this tragic moment would forever alter the course of their lives in ways they could never have anticipated. The weight of such an experience is something no one should have to bear.
This is my second book by Vanessa Miller, and while I enjoyed both, this one is my favorite. She does an exceptional job of creating an environment in which you feel like a part of the story. It evoked a wide range of emotions in me, from anger to sadness, and I found myself teary-eyed at several points. This book tells not only a story of trauma but also showcases the resilience of the people of Greenwood. Kudos to Ms. Miller! This book is a masterpiece!
It's hard to fathom the immense pain and devastation that struck Greenwood, Oklahoma, on the early morning of June 1, 1921. For Margaret and Evelyn Justice, this tragic moment would forever alter the course of their lives in ways they could never have anticipated. The weight of such an experience is something no one should have to bear.
This is my second book by Vanessa Miller, and while I enjoyed both, this one is my favorite. She does an exceptional job of creating an environment in which you feel like a part of the story. It evoked a wide range of emotions in me, from anger to sadness, and I found myself teary-eyed at several points. This book tells not only a story of trauma but also showcases the resilience of the people of Greenwood. Kudos to Ms. Miller! This book is a masterpiece!
April 4, 2025
This book was so good! I loved the story and learned so much about the Tulsa Race Massacre and Black Wall Street. I felt so many emotions and hope to visit Tulsa one day. This was well researched and I appreciate all the intricate details given in this account of the occurrences of the events leading to the destruction and aftermath.
November 12, 2025
This def lives up to all the hype 👏🏽👏🏽
December 9, 2025
A beautifully written historical fiction novel based on real life events and narrated by Angel Pean. You couldn’t ask for more as a fan of historical fiction.
March 25, 2025
I got an ARC of this book through a GoodReads giveaway, and I am so grateful!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about the Tulsa Race Massacre, which is largely unspoken about in history books. The characters were lovable, complex, and flawed.
Margaret and her sister, Evelyn, have to rebuild their lives after a tragedy, and each takes a different path. Two very different girls but they both acted relatably in how they responded to this magnificent tragedy due to nothing other than their race. This made me want to read more about the Massacre, and visit where Greenwood was. Excellent book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about the Tulsa Race Massacre, which is largely unspoken about in history books. The characters were lovable, complex, and flawed.
Margaret and her sister, Evelyn, have to rebuild their lives after a tragedy, and each takes a different path. Two very different girls but they both acted relatably in how they responded to this magnificent tragedy due to nothing other than their race. This made me want to read more about the Massacre, and visit where Greenwood was. Excellent book!
April 9, 2025
This is another phenomenal read from Vanessa Miller, at this point anytime Vanessa publishes a historical fiction its an auto buy for me. This was a well researched book that told a story of two fictional characters, sisters Margaret and Evelyn Justice set during the 1921 Tulsa Race massacre. This was the first book I have read surrounding this event and while I have read many articles and watched a documentary or two this book made me feel this massacre in a different way. There are three words that come to mind when I think about what this book meant to me...sisterhood, community, and resilience! Sisterhood because all Evelyn and Margaret had left were each other after losing everything else during the riots and no matter what they were determined to be there for one another. Margaret worked hard to protect and take care for Evie, even though at times she got in the way of Evie’s happiness it was always out of love and fear of losing the only person she had left. Evie on the other hand was not going to let her sister sacrifice everything for her. Community because after every one lost everything the community came together to help rebuild. The Threatt filling station served the Greenwood community by being a safe haven for some of the residence. Of course we can’t have a historical fiction like this without resilience. The people suffered so much loss during this horrific massacre but like my people have been doing for so many years they didn’t wallow in what happened to them they got back up stronger than they were before. Books like this not only clearly illustrate the injustice and inhuman way Black people have been treated in this country but also why we stand tall proud to be Black. If historical fiction is your jam add this to your TBR.
February 2, 2025
What happened in Tulsa is awful and yet the story told in this book fails to shed light on the atrocities. It uses the so-called race riots as a mere backdrop. There is barely any background given as to event leading up to the riots. There's barely any explanation of everything that happened during the riots. The story pretty much drops us into the lives of two girls who have no idea what's happening and run away. From there, the events of the fictional sisters' lives are told as the town rebuilds. Aside from some name dropping, their lives have nothing to do with anything. Each chapter has an epigraph which would have been a great framework for a story that was more present in the events of the day but the epigraphs mostly have nothing to do with what happens in each chapter. It's really unfortunate. Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for a free copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
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