The retelling of the tragedy that led to the events depicted in the book was told in an honest and needed manner. I truly enjoyed and appreciated the storytelling that took place in this story. I’d highly recommend this book to any and everyone.

Rounded up from 2.5. I have been in my historical fiction bag for a minute but unfortunately this fell flat for me. I just didn’t connect with the sisters at all and I wished there was more information around the Tulsa Massacre. I was happy to get an arc but after reading Queen Sugar and Harlem Rhapsody this was a little weaker.

The author has done a wonderful job of researching this tragic time and made me truly feel like I was there during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The story and characters were brought to life in this fast paced novel by an author that truly loves telling us stories that matter. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

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.

The story flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****

This fictional book talks about the Tulsa Oklahoma race massacre and the aftermath it had on the community. It follows two sisters and how they navigated life after. It also talks about how hard it was to rebuild the community, but how the spirit of the community could never be broken.

The narrator brought this book to life. I don’t think the impact would have been as significant if I had read it on my own. She helps you feel the emotions and angry and pain without taking anything away from the book.

I thouroughly enjoyed listening to The Filling Station. It was an insightful read that illuminated the interiorities of those who experienced and survived the Tulsa Race Massacre. As I read the novel I was immersed in Black culture and assumed responses to the event based in knowledge of Black social and visual culture. It was apparent that the novel was well researched from the metatextual elements that further shaped the narrative.

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.

Vanessa Miller’s latest novel, The Filling Station is historical fiction that tells the story of two sisters who survived the massacre and how they try to pick up the pieces of their lives left in the rubble. The novel is based on real events and includes a real family, the Threaats, who provided a safe haven for survivors. Older sister Margaret and young sister Evelyn are taken in by the family who owns the only local gas station friendly to Black customers.

Rebuilding after tragedy
When you think about a tragedy or disaster, often the attention is focused on the destruction, but not the rebuilding. The Filling Station focuses not just on the rebuilding of the Greenwood district, but the rebuilding of the sisters’ spirits. One thing that always haunted me about the tragedy is that high school graduation was literally the next day. But by dawn on June 1, Greenwood and been burned and firebombed beyond recognition. Younger sister Evelyn represents the youth that would have graduated.

Margaret, having graduated college and preparing for a teaching position, takes on the responsibility of caretaker for her sister and the legacy of her family. She participates in Greenwood’s rebuilding and feels tied to resurrecting it. Evelyn, whose childhood was effectively ripped from her hands, wants nothing to do with Greenwood or the memories that horrible night holds. She wants to leave for fashion school, but can not now that their fortunes are uncertain.

Faith & Anger
Margaret grapples with her faith in God throughout the book. She asks the question, how could God have allowed this to happen? Elijah, the farmhand that befriends and helps her, provides a foil to Margaret’s anger towards God.

This was a layered book that explores life after experiencing tragedy and trauma. Through each sister, you see how different people react and approach life after experiencing tragedy. Margaret overworks herself, worries and questions her faith. Evie rebels and tries to find her way, but fails several times. The specter of racist violence haunts the girls as they fear something similar happening again. One wants to stand and defend while the other wants to leave and start over. But throughout, their community holds them up as they learn to stand again.

Sibling Relationships
The relationship between the sisters is as interesting as their choices and ways of dealing with the trauma. I appreciate that the book focuses on the recovery and how they rebuild their lives. Where they have to dig in and show grit, there is also grace to soothe them. The dynamic between older and younger; homebody vs wanderer creates interesting situations that both have to deal with. The symbolism of their arriving at a gas station when they felt like they couldn’t take one more step, essentially running on an empty tank, is powerful. The idea of the girls needing to be physically and spiritually filled up before they went out on their own was intriguing.

Audiobook
For the last part of The Filling Station I had access to the audiobook. I would definitely recommend! The narrator captures each sister’s voice distinctly and also provides nuances to other characters like Elijah, Tommy and Mr. Allen.

I look forward to reading more of Vanessa Miller’s books! If you are looking for historical fiction about Black experiences that also integrates the Christian faith, then definitely check out her books.

Read it, NOW! That’s the post!!

While Evie and Margaret are fictional characters, the Tulsa Race Massacre is NOT!! Historical fiction is my preferred genre, second to nonfiction, and this story does not disappoint. This book tells the story of the Tulsa Massacre through the lives, loves, relationships, experiences and thoughts of two sisters who are very much immersed in and proud of their community of Greenwood.

Vanessa Miller’s writing made me feel present in the middle of this story! I experienced these events along with Evie and Margaret. And I loved that we were able to see the characters experience joy throughout it all, even as both sisters struggled through and processed their trauma and wrestled with their faith. And ooooooh how much do I love Elijah!!

It’s really outstanding to read about something so painful and heavy and yet find that the story was crippling. There was joy and hope and restoration not only of the town but of dreams. And the bonus is that Vanessa shares her research with us for those of us that want to learn more, on her website.

I completed this story as an immersive read using the audiobook ARC and the e-ARC. I’ve never done that before and it was an awesome experience, I really enjoyed the narrator!

5 stars hands down, 10 out of 10!!

Thank you @thomasnelson and @netgalley for both the audio and ebook arc!! 🥰 #TheFillingStation #BlackStoriesMatter

4.5 stars

Vanessa Miller tackles a brutal chapter of American history with honesty and heart in The Filling Station. Sisters Margaret and Evelyn flee the devastating Tulsa Race Massacre, finding refuge at the Threatt Filling Station along Route 66. Miller shines a necessary spotlight on Greenwood, Oklahoma, and its violent destruction, a tragic event overlooked by many history books.

Margaret, practical and cautious, struggles with shattered faith. Evelyn dreams of escape and a brighter future. Both women feel vividly real, their flaws and strength equally believable. Miller carefully shows how trauma shapes them differently, making their journey toward healing messy but meaningful.

Some plot points land predictably, yet strong character development keeps the pages turning. Historical quotes woven throughout add depth and authenticity. Faith is central to the story, raising tough questions like why terrible things happen and how grace survives tragedy. Even when Margaret and Evelyn make questionable choices, readers understand their pain and resilience.

Miller’s thoughtful storytelling honors the Tulsa victims by refusing to gloss over their suffering or sacrifice. Despite minor shortcomings, The Filling Station is heartfelt historical fiction, capturing humanity’s ability to rise again.

** Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for complimentary review copies. Opinions are my own.

This was such an important story to be told. The Tulsa Race Massacre isn’t highlighted enough in history and historical fiction but has been more in the forefront of our understanding lately. Learning about it through the eyes of Margaret and Evelyn made it that much more personal and touching. This is a book I would encourage everyone to read.

Vanessa Miller has taken such a creative approach to her fiction retelling of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Although initially difficult reading, I could not turn away from Margaret and Evelyn's story. The contrasts between the sisters couldn't have been more realistic as they grieved their loss together and separately in different ways. My heart ached for all that was stolen and those who were murdered. I was inspired and hopeful as Margaret found her purpose in the quest for justice and appreciated the ending for Evelyn as well. The romance with Elijah was beautiful.

Miller's use of her source material as chapter headings was genius.

I listed to the audio book version. Angel Pean's narration was perfect.

I’ve read news articles and history book chapters about the Tulsa Massacre, but I had never experienced a historical novel set in Greenwood during that time. I’m so glad I picked up this thoughtfully researched and beautifully written book.

Told through the dual POVs of sisters Margaret and Evelyn Justice, the story follows Margaret, a recent college graduate, and Evelyn, a high school senior. Because of their ages, the book leans more toward new adult/young adult fiction. The author does an incredible job capturing the devastation, anger, and even small moments of joy that the residents of Greenwood experienced.

The audiobook narrator was absolutely phenomenal and made the story even more immersive.

A powerful and emotional read that will stay with me for a long time.

#TheFillingStation #NetGalley

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Special thanks to @hearourvoicestours & @tnzfiction for my gifted copy and to @thomasnelson for my gifted ALC‼️

The Filling Station follows two sisters Margaret and Evelyn Justice both with future plans in fashion and the other in teaching. When the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre occurs the sisters suffer from a devastating loss as well as the entire Black community of Greenwood. 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.

The narrative was so captivating yet unsettling the way Miller explored the struggles faced by the community of Greenwood. After destroying everything they worked hard for the community did not let it break them, they didn’t give up, and they refused to leave. Many people would’ve packed up and never looked back but to remain and rebuild was the truest definition of standing on business.

Miller flawlessly portrayed Margaret and Evelyn’s devastating reality and their commitment to survive. Margaret was a very strong character who often questioned God a lot only to marry a man of faith. I loved Elijah for her and the fact he experienced just as much hardship and still stood strong. What they did to his grandmother was unimaginable. I think Evelyn’s character might’ve made me grow a few grey hairs the way that girl had me stressed. The Threatt family was everything those girls and that community needed.

Overall, this book was AMAZING Vanessa Miller does not disappoint. There is so much depth and authenticity in the character development and tension within their personal encounters if I didn’t know it was fiction I’d believe every word. The book was a perfect blend of history, drama, and life-altering decisions that make this story both fascinating and emotionally gripping.

I love this story. Vanessa Miller wrote this very well! The narrator here is amazing!! I love her voice and how she carries the story with personality.

LOVE LOVE LOVE Angel Pean! I love how she brought this book to life for me even more. I read this book previously when I received the Arc last year but to immersive read this book again made me love this powerful story even more. I definitely recommend this audio.

This was a very interesting read. I didn’t know anything about g about the Tulsa massacre and to hear it in this way was deeply moving. The narrator’s voice was so soothing and easy to listen to. The story itself was heartbreaking and eye opening. Well worth the read

I have a love/hate relationship with historical fiction. I absolutely love history and crave knowledge of the past, so why is there any hate involved? When you read historical fiction--especially well-written historical fiction--you are not just learning about history, you are living it through those who not only witnessed it, but are experiencing the full force of the tragedies that you are learning about.
That said, The Filling Station, gave me all the feelings of the Tulsa Rate Riots and their aftermath in all the worst ways. So well-written, so much tragedy, so much resilience, so much respect. Once again I was reminded of what horrible things this nation I live in has done to its own people and I am determined not to accept any excuses or allowances for anything similar to continue.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #ZondervanFictionAudio for an audio arc in exchange for my honest review.

The Tulsa Race Massacre was something I had heard about, but had not learned a lot about. When I saw this book become available in audio, I knew I was going to have to listen to it. This is historical fiction around how the Tulsa Race Massacre in Greenwood, Oklahoma affected sisters Margaret and Evelyn. It also showed how Black people have been forced to be resilient to relentless hate. It shows both sisters being strong women and fighting for themselves. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Mercer for an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.