Wow! I'm absolutely floored. My first time hearing about this incident and I'm very saddened by the events in this story.
Margaret is the bravest person I know. Strong, hopeful, determination those are words that I will used to describe her.
I didn't like Evelyn so much. So selfish and self centered. Spoiled even. But I understand how this event can affect people in different ways. Evelyn was proof of that.
I'm truly amazed at how humans can be so cruel to each other. As this book states
We are made in God's image. To Him, we are all important. I was so angry and upset at the beginning of this story.
Why would God allow this to happen? I even wonder that myself.
This is a good history lesson for everyone. I loved the story because it shows that there are good people still around and that hope is never lost.
It's a hard story to read but it will make you stop and think. I even looked it up on Google. It's based on true events. Events should never have happened.
Sad that such tragic events happen to draw people to work together.
I did find myself rooting for the people of Greenwood. They continued to make me proud of them. I enjoyed in getting to know this wonderful community of Greenwood.
5 stars from me for the well written and researched story that still leaves me thinking about this terrible tragedy.
I highly recommend and please have a box of tissues beside you. You will cry.
My thanks for a copy of this wonderful book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

O-M-G! Vanessa Miller has done it again. This story was well written and the author shares so much history of the Tulsa Race Massacre. In the story, you have one sister who wants to preserve their father’s legacy and another who has big dreams. The sisters face many obstacles, but the teachings from their father and the Threatt family help them endure. The story of the Filling Station is very informative and will have you experiencing so many emotions and you can definitely relate to each character. This story was so enlightening that I had to stop reading and look up some of the history that was shared. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author. Well done! "I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller is a beautifully written love letter to the memory of the people of Greenwood who suffered great persecution and devastation during the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921.

This book follows two sisters, Margaret and Evelyn as they live and learn the true meaning of resilience, restoration and refuge after suffering great loss during the Tulsa Race Massacre. I don’t want to say more because the joy and anguish of watching these characters unfold and the journey they take can only be felt by reading it for yourself.

I couldn’t put this book down because I loved all of the deep rooted characters, and I needed to see how love would overcome hatred and beauty would come from the ashes.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for an advanced reader e-book to honestly read and review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Vanessa Miller does it again!!! This book was amazing!! The Tulsa massacre is a part of American history, not just black history. This country wants to erase what happened and the details. Why no one helped these people?? The firefighters, policemen, or other human beings. This is a point of view of a family that not only went thru it but got thru it. The verifiable details in this book, will have you going to google as you read…(cause I did lol) cause it’s unreal that this happened, that the city and state let this happened and everyone got away with it. Thank you Vanessa for schooling me yet again!

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****

My first experience with a book by Vanessa Miller was The American Queen. that was a book of intense uncomfortable raw scenarios that led to intense emotions. That book made me FEEL. Made me angry at the experiences and injustices of the characters. I wrote so many quotes from that book.

When I saw this new release from Vanessa Miller, I suspected (After seeing the topic) that it was going to be the same. So I waited until I was ready for the journey the book was going to take me on.

If you have never read or seen anything about Tulsa Massacre (aka Tulsa Race Riots), this book will drop you in the middle of it. LITERALLY. you will be running for your life with Evie and Margaret. You will be seeing the devil in the boys with the riles. You will be HORRIFIED that such an event is shuffled under the rug for our history. That's why we MUST experience it so we NEVER forget what man is capable of.

This book is a journey of faith for Margaret. She's always believed in God. But when EVERYTHING is taken from her and she's forced to deal with the utter hatred and evil that men are capable of...how can there be a God? How could He claim to love His children yet allow such hatred and evil to happen to them? She wrestles with that age old question of how can a good God allow such evil happen to His faithful children.

The characters in this book make mistakes in their lives. Mistakes with consequences. And it's presented matter of fact, not glorified.

The author allows us to wrestle in the spiritual journey of Margaret and the disillusionment of Evie. And she does it very very well.

While I didn't cry like I did in the first book, this one made me FEEL big things. And that's why I have to give it 5 stars.

Triggers: This book shows brutality and evil that the black citizens of Tulsa experienced the night of May 31, 1921. It's brutal. It's raw. It's uncomfortable.

*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this to review. All opinions are 100% my own.

"The Filling Station" is a Christian historical set in 1921 in Oklahoma and continued for several years after the Tulsa Race Massacre. While well-written, it's not an easy story to read. The point-of-view characters, Margaret and Evelyn, go through the massacre and struggled through the aftermath of rebuilding, when it seemed like no one wanted to help or give them justice. For most of the story, Margaret was full of anger and bitterness while Evelyn just wanted to forget the trauma they'd experienced and seemed determined to self-destruct. Margaret was determined to make things right herself because she didn't believe that God cared or would do so. It's not really until the last 10% of the story that things started to turn around for them.

The main characters were complex and likable, and I cared about what happened to them. They felt like real people. The vivid historical details brought the time and place alive in my imagination without slowing the pacing. Margaret and Evelyn questioned why a good God would allow such injustice and evil to happen. There were no sex scenes. There was no written bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this well-written historical novel.

I saw a quote once that "history tells us what happened, historical fiction tells us how it felt". That saying was certainly true in this book about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, as told through the eyes of two fictional sisters. The author convincing portrays the horror, anger and grief experienced by those that had their lives upended. I was especially saddened and angered to hear about the response from those leading the relief efforts. Overall, an excellent look at a very painful chapter in our country's history.

This is the deeply disturbing history we often shove under our country’s proverbial rug—which has grown so that it rivals Mt. Everest.

To read how the city thrived and then was decimated by hatred was difficult, but it was far more important that I stare it down. Make myself see the pain. In doing so, I saw hope and the determination to rise again.

I highly recommend this book. Know that it has disturbing scenes of senseless violence because that’s what racism causes, but stick with it. Witness the hurt and pain of another and be part of the change.

You better believe this Okie was so excited to get her hands on an ARC copy of The Filling Station.

First and foremost, the history of Greenwood in Tulsa is one of the most devastating and often ignored pieces of US history. When I saw this novel was set in 1921 and during the massacre, I knew ARC or not, I’d be reading this one.

Now for the novel itself - this is such a wonderful example of historical fiction and a tale of perseverance. Our story begins May 31, 1921 with the residents of Greenwood just living their life. The Justice family is full of hope for the future as the youngest sibling is about to graduate HS while her older sister just graduated college and will be coming home to teach. The world is theirs for the taking. And then tragedy strikes.

As the events of May 31st into June 1st transpire, Evie and Margret flee their home and hope that everything will be ok and they’ll be reunited with their father. However, luck is not on their side. We follow the sisters as they struggle to deal with not only the destruction of their home and community but of their spirit. Each sister deals with the devastation in their own way. They are blessed though by landing at The Filling Station owned by the Threatt family. The Threatts take them in and under their wings while they not only begin to rebuild their home but also as they begin to heal the emotional wounds.

The depiction not only of the night of the massacre but the weeks, months and even years following are crafted in such a way that you really get a sense of the community throughout that time.

The entire novel is such a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and ultimately a story about love. Love for family, community and faith in God.

Such a powerful story! The strength and resilience of the people of Greenwood is remarkable, in fact, beyond words.

The author has the ability to tell the horror of the story but also reflect on the struggles and the strength of the characters in the story.

The honesty of Margaret and her questioning her faith was expressed well throughout the story. I loved how Elijah encourages her in her faith but doesn't shove it down here throat.

The Treatt family was great as they were the hands and feet of Jesus to Margaret and Evelyn.

The tragedy and heroism will stay with me for quite some time.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

What a powerful historical fiction novel centering around a horrible event that should be much more well known than it is. Heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time this feels like a book that should be required reading. The story of Margaret and Evelyn will stick with me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller is a poignant and heart-wrenching historical novel that brings to light the untold stories of the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921. Focusing on two sisters, Evelyn and Margaret Justice, this book paints a powerful picture of their lives before and after the tragedy that tore apart their community.

The story begins with the promising future of the Justice sisters—Evelyn about to graduate from high school and Margaret having just completed her college education. However, in the blink of an eye, their world is shattered as the Greenwood district is burned to the ground. Through Miller’s vivid and compassionate storytelling, we are thrust into the trauma, loss, and emotional devastation experienced by the survivors.

What stands out in this novel is the raw portrayal of the psychological toll that such an atrocity takes on individuals. Miller does an incredible job of depicting PTSD and the ways in which trauma affects the characters differently. Evelyn struggles with self-destruction while Margaret wrestles with her faith in God and the cruelty they’ve endured. As they search for healing, they find refuge and compassion at The Filling Station, owned by the Threatt family. The Threatts become their sanctuary, offering them hope and a chance to rebuild both physically and emotionally.

Miller’s attention to historical accuracy is apparent throughout the novel, especially with the inclusion of real quotes from the era that start each chapter. The story is not just about the massacre but the resilience and determination of those who lived through it. The novel also delves into themes of faith, community, and the fight for justice, making it not only a compelling read but also an important one for understanding a pivotal moment in American history.

While the story is difficult to read at times due to its intense subject matter, the characters’ strength and perseverance are truly inspiring. It is a testament to the human spirit and the power of unity in the face of unspeakable loss.

I highly recommend The Filling Station to anyone looking for a thought-provoking, well-researched historical novel. It’s a difficult read but one that will stay with you long after the final page. Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

What a heart-wrenching story that needs to be told. I had never heard of the Tulsa Massacre before picking up Vanessa Miller's book. Having read some of her books before, I knew that it would be hard to read, but necessary. Starting each chapter with a direct quote from the court case that was just decided (shocking fact), the Red Cross, or survivors sets the tone for the novel.

Miller does a great job with the various view-points by having characters that go off the hinges (Evelyn), struggle with faith (Margaret), and see how God is still faithful (Elijah). She treats PTSD delicately. Her characters' journeys are realistic, which makes it all the more moving and heartbreaking.

I think this novel should be read by everyone because it is part of past racial tensions that needs to be known.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Vanessa Miller once again delivers a captivating and heartfelt story in The Filling Station. True to her signature style, she drew my in from the very first page, weaving themes of faith, redemption, and second chances.

This book is a must read!

The Filling Station is a deeply tragic yet captivating story that immerses you in the painful aftermath of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The journey of sisters Margaret and Evelyn Justice is both eye-opening and heartbreaking, offering a glimpse into the strength and perseverance of Black communities in the face of one of America’s most horrific racial injustices. Their transition from the thriving Greenwood District to a harsh struggle for survival is both powerful and necessary, shedding light on a history often left untold.
What resonated with me the most was the sisters’ resilience—despite the overwhelming loss and the challenges they face, they find strength in one another and in their faith. The emotional depth of their story, set against such an oppressive backdrop, makes this a difficult but essential read. The bond between Margaret and Evelyn is both moving and inspiring, showing how even in the darkest times, community and hope can rise. This book not only pays tribute to the lives lost but also highlights the strength and determination needed to rebuild and reclaim a future.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The is a story of horror, legacy, love , and faith. A story of two sister and how the move forward after a traumatic event that. The Tulsa Massacre. This is wriitten in such a way that you can see each scene playing out like a movie. The character 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.

How do you prepare for the truths, the horror, the utter demolition of businesses and homes, and the unrepentant massacre of innocent people? Admittedly, as a fan of Vanessa Miller’s writing, I knew “The Filling Station” would be about the 1921 Black Wall Street Massacre. Yet, I wasn’t ready.

Vanessa Miller fluidly takes readers from the bliss of celebrations to the abyss of chaos. The tornado of fear that ripped through the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, when the white mob charged into town was so palpable, my heartbeat accelerated. The imagery, dialogue and sounds traveled from words on the page through time to knock on the windows of disbelief, sorrow, and anger. The facts of the heinous crimes of the massacre have been historically shielded, but Miller took an audacious leap to brave through the embers to show the resiliency and humanity that survived the torches.

Miller developed two characters, 22-year-old Margaret and her 18-year-old sister, Evelyn Justice. Their father, Henry Justice, invested in the segregated and prosperous community, as well as his daughters’ futures. In the “The Filling Station,” the author ingeniously portrayed how this factual business was a safe haven for Black travelers. Notably, it also served as a refuge and place of healing for residents who fled Greenwood.

Fierce racism that snatched the liberty and life of a young Black man, boiled over into terrorism sanctioned by government officials at multiple levels. The aftermath of May 31 to June 1, 1921 left more than rubble and the stench of death. It left two presumed orphans with questions. “If God is real, where was He?” “Why was He letting the white perpetrators get away with it?” As a recent college graduate, Margaret’s ire is raw and gnaws at the foundation of Christian faith.

Vanessa Miller’s rigorous research delivers a novel that reminds us that the real race riot was undergirded by human stories. Some were complex. Some were romantic. Others represented the best of a people who still dared to dream. Ultimately, “The Filling Station” is a phenomenal testament that honors the founders, survivors, and descendants of the historic Black Wall Street.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Thomas Nelson, for providing this book for review consideration via @NetGalley.

Author Vanessa Miller was able to take a very emotionally charged topic and difficult to due to being about the Tulsa Massacre. The author's writing style did not disappoint. The characters were well developed and the religious tone was relatable. The resilience The Filling Station did not disappoint. This is a must read.

Wow, what a powerful and emotional read this was. I'll be honest, before picking up this book, I don't recall having ever heard of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. While this story may be a work of fiction, the author did a great job of sharing the true history of this horrible event through these two sisters' experience. I cannot say that it was a particularly enjoyable read due to the subject matter, but it was beautifully written and a story that I think absolutely needs to be told today when racism is sadly still such an issue. Despite the difficulty, this story was also such a testament to the resilience and strength of this community that had to rebuild from the ground up. There was also a beautiful message of faith and love, all working together to create this beautiful story that I will not be forgetting anything soon. If you enjoy Christian historical fiction, this is one you absolutely won't want to miss.

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

This tragic true story about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The story is told through the eyes of two sisters Margaret and Evelyn. Seeing their beloved community of Greenwood destroyed. The two sisters and others seek haven at the filling station, where blacks are safe from Jim Crow laws in America—located on Route 66 the filling station owned by the Threatts. Both sisters knew that they couldn't stay at the filling station forever. Both girls encourage others and fight to rebuild their beloved Greenwood community, a once thriving city for blacks. This story is about Hope, Courage, and Faith. Vanessa Miller is a great storyteller and this book needs to be in the schools. Thank you, NetGalley for letting me review this book.

The Bond of Love.


There are times when you hear about a subject matter and are not sure if you want to or need to know more about it. The Tulsa Massacre of the 20s was one of those times. I knew very little about it, and it was good not knowing. Thank you, Vanessa Miller, for giving me a story that opened my eyes.
Faith, love, siblings' rivalry, PTSD, and racism were the driving forces in this story. Family love was the bond that kept all the ugliness at bay. The historical points of view show us that, as a people, we can handle it all.
I would recommend all middle and high school students read this book.

Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson, for the ARC of "The Filling Station." Above is my honest review of this wonderful story.

Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
This is the story of two sisters, Margaret and Evelyn Justice, who lived through the Tulsa Race Massacre that occurred in 1921. Even though the sisters are fictional, the Massacre really happened. Margaret and Evelyn were both getting ready for major events in their lives-one ready to start a teaching job and the other to attend Design School. Then this catastrophic event occurred-their whole neighborhood was destroyed, and people were killed. They managed to flee and escape to a filling station, where they were taken care of. The book was very well-written, and it made me feel what the sisters and the neighborhood members are going through (in a small way). It is hard to imagine people could do this-it was just horrific! I was so glad to see the sisters did not give up. Even though they had lost everything, they eventually started to rebuild their home and heal their hearts. An exceptional read! Highly recommend!

Vanessa Miller delivers a powerful, character-driven story that blends Black history, faith, and resilience. Set in the 1960s, The Filling Station follows Hale and Lillian as they fight to keep their family-run gas station alive while navigating racial tensions and the lasting trauma of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Their business becomes more than just a gas station—it’s a symbol of survival and empowerment.

Miller doesn’t just tell a story; she honors our history—from the generational impact of Tulsa to the ongoing fight for Black economic independence. If you love Black historical fiction that’s deeply moving and rich with history, this is a must-read.