The Ladies Hall

by Vanessa Miller

Three courageous women realize it will take their hearts, their minds, their friendship, and their education to make a mark on the world in the fight for equality.

Oberlin College, 1884. Mary Church Terrell, Anna J. Cooper, and Ida Gibbs are used to standing out in a crowd. They're well known for their vocal stances on civil rights and women's suffrage. In fact, the Black women learned to debate at Oberlin College as they challenged the very belief systems that built the school, initially by becoming the first women to register for the men's four-year bachelor's degree, and later by demanding that they be recognized as American citizens with equal rights despite the color of their skin.

But before they met one another, their worlds were completely unalike. Wealth and prominence allowed Mary endless privileges, while poverty pressured Anna into servitude. It isn't until the women meet and forge a lifelong bond that they realize the power of their differences.

At Oberlin, the friends face classism, sexism, and racism, but they are determined to blossom and let the world see them for who they are . . . beyond all the labels.

From USA TODAY bestselling author Vanessa Miller comes her next highly anticipated novel about strong Black women in pivotal moments in history.

Genres: Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction, African American

384 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication August 11, 2026

About the author

Vanessa 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

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Reviews

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written novel blends fiction with the real histories of Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, and Ida Gibbs Hunt—three extraordinary women whose lives helped shape opportunities for future generations. Set beginning in 1880, during a period of profound change for Colored Americans, the story immediately captured my heart with its poignancy and depth.
Mary Church grows up in privilege as the daughter of a wealthy Black businessman, even attending a presidential inauguration with her father. Anna, a widowed schoolteacher, carries a far more complicated past, likely the daughter of her mother’s former enslaver. Though their backgrounds differ, both women arrive at Oberlin College with a shared passion for education and a fierce determination to create a better world for women of color.
Oberlin’s policies may have welcomed both white and Black students, but the reality on campus—and in the surrounding community—was far more complicated. Bias, exclusion, and constant scrutiny shadow Mary and Anna’s every step. Yet their strength, resilience, and unwavering belief in their own worth shine through. Their friendship becomes a force that not only sustains them but ultimately leaves a legacy that echoes far beyond their own lifetimes.
The author’s meticulous historical research brings this era vividly to life. At times, it felt as though I had stepped back into the late 19th century, witnessing firsthand the courage and determination required simply to claim an education, a voice, and a future.
This is a story that lingered with me long after I turned the final page—moving, inspiring, and deeply human.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Church Terrell. Anna J. Cooper. Ida Gibbs. I'll be honest, these are three women whose names I don't recall having heard prior to reading this book. But as Black women who attended Oberlin College in the 1880s, their story is certainly a fascinating one filled with courage and perseverance... and one that I was intrigued to learn more about. The author did such a great job of bringing us to that place and time and making us truly feel for these characters and the struggles they endured. The research was clearly done very well, and I loved reading in the author's note to learn about which parts of their stories happened and where some creative liberties were taken. If you love historical fiction and the real-life stories of strong women, this is certainly one you'll want to check out.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read was very well researched by the author. Three women, I had never heard of them previously, but got to know them quite well through the research done here. Be sure to read the author's notes.
Breaking ground in the early 1880's three women embark on their college careers, by entering Oberlin College, and being the first.
We see first hand the challenges these women face, and the outcome of their tenacity to achieve what others are determined they don't.
There is a lot of historical fiction here, and I enjoyed the fact that it is based on fact.
We get to have relationships with Mary, Anna and Ida, and loved the epilogue.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a wonderful and inspirational book! The author did an excellent job portraying the issue of the philosophy that guided Oberlin College in regards to allowing black and white students to learn together.

The characters are written brilliantly! Each of them grew in so many ways as the book progressed. At times it seemed as if Mary, Anna and Ida were going to give up but they never did. They valiantly fought for their rights and blazed a trail that is memorable in history!

I was provided a complimentary ARC copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly appreciate NetGalley for exposing me to this magnificent book. It details the true lives of three Black women who attended Obelin College in the late 1800s. Their struggle becomes ours as we follow them through racism and misogyny. As time goes on, we celebrate their many accomplishments as women who are Black. The author, Vanessa Miller, does explain the few liberties she took in writing the book related to the timeline primarily, but there is sourced evidence that these women were foremothers of a much larger movement. This would be a wonderful book club addition - and hopefully a movie!!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an impressive novel I knew nothing about these three ladies an fact my knowledge of American history is sparse but this book was very enlightening.
The things that happened were awful the ways that people were treated were terrible and what is frightening to me is that in certain ways things are not much different now.
The fights that these three ladies went through along with many others to have their rights acknowledged is amazing and they need never to be forgotten
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson fiction for my arc copy

[Tuscania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley & Thomas Nelson publication for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. This is a story (based on true events) about 3 black women who in 1837 are amongst the first women to be allowed to not only attend Oberlin college but also with white students. There is a lot of tension between the black & white students. Mary happens to be rich, Ida middle class & Anna poor. They experience a lot of turmoil as they strive to have equal opportunities and do accomplish a lot with their hard work. If you like reading historical fiction I recommend that you read this book.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was an easy read, very straightforward and informative.,I was glad to read the author’s notes afterwards to affirm that for the most part the events portrayed actually occurred.

This book tells the account of 3 brilliant black women who attended Oberlin College post slavery at a time it tried to be color sensitive. Of course they experienced plenty of racism but happily they persevered.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[LaCricia A'ngelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a privilege it is to read a story about women with such amazing accomplishments. If it weren’t for authors like Vanessa Miller the works of these women Mary Church Terrell, Ida Hunt Gibbs, and Anna Julia Cooper would be lost to some of us. This book was both educational and inspiring.

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a thought provoking book. thank you to netgalley.com for letting me read this e arc

[Donna Yliniemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the historical fiction of two pioneering Black women who fought for equal write for both their race and gender. It was engaging and well written and included the faith of the women.

[Emaleigh Nichelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well that was something. I’ll return later with my thoughts.