The Light on Halsey Street
by Vanessa Miller
Narrated by Je Nie Fleming
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Sep 05 2023 | Archive Date Oct 06 2023
HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction
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Description
Two girls’ lives are irrevocably intertwined the summer of 1985 in the streets of Brooklyn, New York, and neither will ever be the same in this coming-of-age story that spans decades.
In the summer of 1985, Lisa Whitaker is a church kid headed to college on a scholarship while her best friend, Dana, is floundering in the wake of her mother’s latest eviction. Though Lisa tries to help, their paths diverge. Fifteen years later, Lisa has a beautiful family and is stepping into her dream job as the director for a social services organization. Everything is going right—until her future is snatched away by identity theft. Her life begins to unravel, and Lisa wants nothing more than to see the woman responsible pay for her crimes.
When she was a teenager, Dana Jones always felt alone in this world. Her mother was addicted to drugs, her boyfriend was entering a life of crime, and it seemed Dana, too, was heading down the wrong path. The only bright light was her friendship with Lisa. Now, in the new millennium, Dana finally gives herself permission to dream—to believe she is stepping into better days. But when the betrayal of their friendship comes to light, it will take a lifetime to forgive the destruction that youthful summer in Bed-Stuy set in motion.
In this latest story from beloved author Vanessa Miller, two girls from the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, find that their paths have been woven together by the love of community and a friendship that is tested by time, betrayal, and unforgiveness.
Advance Praise
"Friendship and the power of community are the shining stars of this novel, which doesn’t shy away from tough issues but also offers a hefty dose of hope and humor. Read-alikes include Lean on Me by Pat Simmons and No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert."—Library Journal
"The Light on Halsey Street is an emotional story that takes you on an up close and personal journey across the decades with two friends. The plot is woven with friendship, forgiveness, and faith. An unforgettable read from cover to cover by Vanessa Miller."—Tia McCollors, bestselling author
"Vanessa Miller’s The Light on Halsey Street is women’s fiction at its finest. Riveting and redemptive, The Light on Halsey Street vividly transports us back to 1980s Brooklyn with an unforgettable cast of characters and leaves you with the firm belief that light can truly never be extinguished by darkness."—Joy Callaway, international bestselling author of All the Pretty Places
"Vanessa Miller set The Light on Halsey Street in Bedford-Stuyvesant, New York, but she takes readers on a decades-long exploration of the heart. In her coming-of-age story, two women learn about the impact of bitterness and resentment and the power of love to heal and restore what was lost. Readers will find it hard to put this novel down, and they’ll hold on to these life lessons long after they turn the last page. Well done!"—Robin W. Pearson, Christy Award-winning author
"Vanessa Miller delivers a poignant story of friendship and betrayal, bringing Lisa and Dana full circle, with an uplifting ending that proves there is power in prayer.”—Lacey Baker, USA TODAY bestselling author
"Vanessa Miller’s latest, The Light on Halsey Street, reawakened memories of my own growing up in the neighborhood of Bedford Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, which is a testament to her skill as a weaver of words. The Light on Halsey Street is not only a story of times gone by but the resiliency of friendship, family, and faith. This redemptive story of two friends, Lisa and Dana, poignantly demonstrates that we need not be a product of our circumstances and that the power to change is within all of us. Miller has created a timeless tale that will resonate long after the last word is read."—Donna Hill, author of Confessions in B-Flat and I Am Ayah: The Way Home
"Vanessa Miller serves a heartfelt and fulfilling, Brooklyn, New York, literary buffet in this 1980s coming-of-age journey through friendships and hardships, all nourished by 'The Light on Halsey Street.'"—Pat G’Orge-Walker, Essence and national bestselling author and creator of the Sister Betty Christian comedy series
Available Editions
| EDITION | Audiobook, Unabridged |
| ISBN | 9780840710000 |
| PRICE | |
| DURATION | 8 Hours, 54 Minutes, 43 Seconds |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Just Read V, Reviewer
I loved this book! A story of the redemption of two friends Dana and Lisa. Wow i really appreciated the history of how she wrote about BedStuy Brooklyn and the all of the culture that came with it. This book was written so well and really captured the essence of friendship. I also love how God was the cornerstone of this book! 5 out 5! A must read! #thelightonhalseystreet #netgalley
Reviewer 315318
The Light on Halsey Street is reminiscent of books written by authors such Gloria Naylor and screenwriters like Spike Lee. The book sets the stage in Brooklyn NYC with two teenage girls Lisa and Dana. Their friendship is unlikely but works. Lisa comes from a strong Christian family. Her parents are stable role models, and she strives to make them proud. Getting into college is one of the ways she accomplishes this. Meanwhile, Dana’s family life is the polar opposite. Her mother has a substance abuse problems, which leads to the family receiving an eviction no. Lisa has memories of her mother before the addiction took hold. A time where she felt safe. Now she no longer feels secure and finds herself in a vulnerable situation. She doesn’t work, is not college bound and has been forced to grow up quickly. When her boyfriend offers her the opportunity to make some quick money as a “ look out” she agrees with reservation.. The heist goes wrong leaving her boyfriend died and her serving four years in prison.
The novel chronicles how these two unlikely friends navigate life, family and later their relationship with God. The author allows us glimpses into issues surrounding poverty, self esteem and self worth, identity, purpose and strength. We witness the full life cycle of a friendship. There’s a refreshing look at Christian values and its influence on love, forgiveness and faith.
This is an amazing read that avid readers will not soon forget. You will walk away changed for the better.
#TheLightonHalseyStreet #NetGalley
Donna W, Educator
The light on Halsey Street by Vanessa Miller was one of the most provocative stories about love, redemption, forgiveness, family, trauma, and friendship.
This book is the story about two best friends who chose different paths. Lisa was raised in a two parent Christian home, was groomed and prepared for a fantastic future, while Dana's entire life was ladened with disappointments, struggle, and adversity. Dana lived a life filled with many consistent but unpredictable changes, that stemmed from the decisions made by her mother. At the age of 18, fresh out of high school Dana fell for the wrong guy, while trying to navigating through one pending eviction after the next. Dana's Mom could not seem to stay clean from her drug use. Dana always felt empty, but was thankful for her friendship with Lisa. Dana's
Lisa and her parents were active in church, she could always be found serving God, and doing her best to help others. She prayed for her friend Dana, asking that God would put a good man in her life considering Derrick, the criminal, was no good. Dana was searching for love and everything she never had growing up. Lisa had an almost perfect life, a good husband, good job, and a daughter. She served in the community, prayed for people and hoped her friend would eventually turn her life around.
This story is a good book with an overarching theme of redemption and love. When adversities, bad decisions, addictions, poverty, and crime separate a friendship is it possible that two friends can regain, rebuild their friendhship after so much has been taken, lost, and interrupted.
**My breathing stopped when I reached the end...I was not ready**
This is one of my favorite Vanessa Miller's novels. The author does such a great job developing characters. With each emotion displayed by Dana and Lisa the reader connects with the characters at every junction of their individual and collective journeys. This is a must read!!! Thank you Netgalley Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Audio, and Vanessa Miller for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
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