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.

"The Filling Station" by Vanessa Miller is a very powerful book set during the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1924. There is some very difficult historical detail portrayed in this novel based on the real life events. The Threatt Filling Station, one of the real life parts of the story was one of the only safe gas stations along Route 66 for Black Americans during this time. The sisters Evelyn and Margaret brought to life the emotions and difficulties survivors of the massacre dealt with. This was not an easy story to read but I couldn't put it down and read it all in one evening because the story is very compelling.

This book is a very heavy and difficult to read book in many parts, but also an important book to learn more about this dark part of American history. The events of the night of the massacre, PTSD for survivors, the rebuilding challenges that were faced and so many other things brought up in the story make us understand better the realities of what happened in Tulsa back in 1924.

The author did her research and used real life people along with her characters. Miller is an incredible storyteller and this is my second historical fiction read by her (The American Queen was the other). She does an excellent job with these sensitive parts of Black American History to help people understand what happened. She also leaves the reader with the hope that can only be found in perseverance through tragedy and a strong faith in God to bring them through these challenges.

This is a Christian faith-filled story and the author does a great job of walking the reader through what many people struggle with when it comes to faith - "How can a great God let such bad things happen? " Anyone reading this should be prepared for these strong faith themes which enhance the story immensely in my eyes. I loved seeing those bits of hope woven into the story, because without hope, I don't think the people of Greenwood could have ever built their part of the city back together with all of the challenges they faced.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I had barely started this book when it gripped me. And, not just in a good way but a compelling way. This is a historical novel of an actual incident in 1921 where white people burned down a Black town, Greenwood, just outside of Tulsa Oklahoma. It was horrific. Over a thousand homes and businesses were destroyed. Countless deaths. Totally horrifying!

Tulsa Race Massacre | The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture

Two of the victims of this senseless destruction were two teenage sisters, Evelyn and Margaret. They lost their father and his business (a grocery store) along with their home. A kindly family just outside of town gave them shelter and kindness.

We follow the two young ladies as they suffer through the aftermath with their grief, despair and what we now know as PTSD. It was heartbreaking, my heart went out to these two along with the other victims who struggled with the loss of so many friends, family and everything they possessed. The description of the event may be a trigger for some readers. It is quite detailed.

I had never heard of this horrible event. I'm shocked that the this was buried in history until recent years.

The survivors of the Massacre were strong and resilient. The was rebuilt, house by house, business by business. Evelyn and Margaret had their issues but remained loyal to each other. It was heartwarming to watch them become stronger than they ever imagined they could be.

The Afterword by the author is important to read. She explains her research, including a visit to the town. She also explains how some of the characters came to be. Kudos to Ms. Miller for all the research and hard work to recreate this historic event that memorializes and pays tribute to a town and its people.

It wasn't planned but I am glad that I read it during Black History Month. This book truly opened my eyes.

Thank you to NetGalley for the Advance Readers Copy.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Books for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I first heard about the Tulsa Race Massacre some years ago while watching a documentary featuring Henry Louis Gates, who talked to a survivor. It started because a young Black man rode an elevator with a white woman, and she told someone he had touched her backside. That got the white men in a lather and the Black community of Greenwood, a suburb of Tulsa, had no chance.

The Filling Station tells the story of Margaret and Evelyn, two sisters who react differently to what they experienced. When their home was burned to the ground and when they found out that their father was shot in the back, the young women suddenly find themselves with nothing. They find compassion at a filling station on Route 66 run by the Threatt family, who were a beacon of light to many Blacks who suffered at the hands of white men.

Vanessa Miller does an excellent job showing how Margaret and Evelyn behave before, during and after the massacre. She treats the ladies’ PTSD sensitively and does a good job of moving the story forward while they try to get back on their feet. Miller shows how strong and proud the young women are, in fact, almost all the characters are given some grace for what they went through.

This is the type of historical fiction that I love to read: it’s based on a true story, it creates a narrative that makes the book hard to put down, and after the story concludes, the author includes other resources for further reading about a topic. These types of stories need to be brought to the forefront and talked about more, because we never learned about this, nor the Wilmington massacre of 1898, while we were in school. It’s important to bring more books like this to light so things like this don’t happen again.

The way this author told this story was outstanding. I couldn’t stop reading the story of Evelyn and Margaret and what they endured during the fallout of the Tulsa riot. This story definitely gave me mixed emotions from sadness all the way to anger with how these sisters cope with the destruction of their town. Then to hear of the Filling Station that was used as a safe haven for the victims of the riot was an eye opener and then to know it still stands 👏🏿.

This was my first experience with Vanessa Miller’s writing, and it felt like she was **personally telling me this story. I’ve read both fiction and nonfiction books about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, but none have felt as **personal and immersive** as this.

✨ We open with a bang! ✨ The story begins with a lush, vibrant look into the Greenwood District, a thriving Black utopia. We meet sisters Margaret and Evelyn, preparing for Evelyn’s high school graduation (I absolutely loved the scene at the hairdresser—it was such a great touch!). While Evelyn is practicing with her classmates, Margaret is spending time with their father at the famed Dreamland Theater.

But the celebration is short-lived. Rumblings of a white protest begin to spread through Greenwood, and soon, we’re thrust into the terrifying whirlwind of the massacre. The fear Margaret and Evelyn experience—from the burning of their home to the brutal loss of their neighbors and loved ones—is gut-wrenching. Their only hope for escape comes through the kindness and bravery of their own community, who lead them to a filling station that becomes their refuge.

From there, we witness two powerful journeys as Margaret and Evelyn fight to rebuild their lives and seek justice for Greenwood.

💜 Let’s talk romance! I’m usually not a big romance reader, but the love story in this book was excellent! It was a slow burn, and there were moments when I wanted to shake Margaret because of her stubbornness—but that made it all the more rewarding.

What I appreciated most was the depth of research that went into this book. Every aspect—the testimonies, the cover-ups, the resilience of Greenwood’s residents—felt raw, real, and deeply affecting.

📚 Pick this one up if you:
✅ Want to learn about erased African American history
✅ Love rooting for the underdogs
✅ Enjoy books that grab your attention from page one and never let go

I can’t wait to read more from Vanessa Miller!

🙏🏾 Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

It is unfortunate that books like The Filling Station have to be written, but I am thankful that Vanessa Miller put the time, effort, and care needed to bring this story to life. The Filling Station is a moving glimpse into the aftermath of the Tulsa Race Massacre.

The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller is amazing and so well written! It follows sisters Margaret and Evelyn as they learn to navigate life after the Tulsa Race Massacre.

This book will have you feeling so many emotions because of the horrific attack on the Greenwood community. I loved seeing the community come together to rebuild itself not letting the many obstacles they faced get in get in their way.

I definitely recommend you check out The Filling Station!

Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the ARC!

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

On the night of May 31, 1921 Margaret Justice heads to a movie with her father at the Dreamland. Her sister Evelyn is at graduation practice at Booker T. Washington High School, before heading to design school in New York City. That night the Justice’s family is changed forever. Margaret and Evelyn escape Greenwood and find refuge at the Threatt Filling Station (on what would become Route 66) and try to find ways to carry on after surviving the Tulsa Race Massacre. They debate to go back and try to rebuild Greenwood.

I couldn’t put down “The Filling Station”. I felt panic and anger and also love of community. This is a fantastic book to introduce yourself to the Tulsa Race Massacre if you have not heard of it. I am so glad that Vanessa Miller wrote such a gripping book that takes place during the massacre.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC. #TheFillingStation #NetGalley

I think the more Vanessa writes HF books, the better she gets!! This was amazing! I love that I learned while reading and this should be read by all!! I loved the characters she created and hurt for them while they mourned. I loved Elijah and his strong faith— it was so refreshing!

Clearly 2025 is the year of Black Historical Fiction because these authors have been putting out nothing but heat with more to come! The Filling Station followed sisters Margaret and Evelyn as they dealt with the devastating effects of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. The greenwood neigboread was a Black Mecca filled with thriving Black owned businesses. Residents of the neighborhood created their own slice of heaven where they were able to live freely and in peace without having to worry about discrimination. All of that changed when an angry White mob descended upon the town and burned businesses, homes, and killed and seriously injured many. After escaping unharmed Margaret and Evelyn found solace at The Filling Station. They were taken in by the Threatt family whilst dealing with the loss of the only life they had ever known. This story is a very important read as we saw the disproportionate treatment of Black people during a disaster. Insurance wouldn’t pay and a grand jury refused to indict the mob who caused the massacre.

It’s also a story of resilience, faith, and fighting for your rights. Margaret and Evelyn faced many uphill battles and even when they were both of the verge of giving up, they still pushed through. I enjoyed all of the side characters who contributed to the story and how they also helped the girls. This story will bring out the emotions definitely but the grace of God shined upon these residents and their will to survive and prosper helped them to rebuild their thriving community once more. Add this one to you list if you haven’t! Happy reading!

I started The Filling Station and could not put it down. PUT IT IN YOUR FACE.

This book grabbed me from page one and didn't let go until the end. The story of sisters Margaret and Evelyn Justice surviving the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 hit me right in the feels. Miller does an outstanding job bringing this painful chapter of history to life. I felt like I was right there with the sisters as they fled their burning neighborhood and found refuge at the Threatt Filling Station. The fear, grief, and determination jumped off the page and smacked me in the face.
What struck me most was how Miller doesn't sugarcoat the brutality and injustice, but she also shows the strength and resilience of the Greenwood community without making it feel like a history lecture.
The audio version deserves special praise. The narrator's performance was spot on, giving each character a distinct personality and handling the emotional scenes perfectly.
I've enjoyed Vanessa Miller's work before, but this novel takes her storytelling to a new level. Her research shines through in every detail, from the vibrant pre-massacre Greenwood to the painful process of rebuilding. I'm already looking forward to her next historical fiction release.

If you want a powerful story that teaches history while touching your heart, The Filling Station is a must-read. It's a painful reminder of our past but also shows how people pick themselves up and rebuild when everything is taken away.

Filling Station by @authorvanessamiller was an easy 5 ⭐️ read! This book is about more than the erasure of Black Wall Street. This book is about learning to keep the faith in your God when all else is lost. It’s about grief and how dealing with it is a challenge to everyone but it’s still too important to ignore. It’s about allowing yourself to trust again once you’ve lost faith in the world. This book has earned every single star!

I don’t believe these are words to truly express how much I just could not put this story down. I absolutely enjoyed the journey that Miller worked soo hard to put together for us. This story was raw, perfect and just what we need to teach students about the terrible Tulsa Massacre and how much the business district in Greenwood that they destroyed. I felt like I was watching this on a big screen. The writing was perfect and the research completed was phenomenal. Completing this novel, you can honestly see that this was well thought and written with her heart. I was introduced to Vanessa Miller through the Woman Evolve book club and have made it a requirement to purchase her other novels. I thought the American Queen was my favorite, no, I think The Filling Station is my favorite as well as my favorite read of the year so far.
My heart will forever keep Evie and Margaret near and their stories as the world deserves to hear about the painful past we’ve endured that has shaped Black History.
Thanks NetGalley & Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to read this novel as an Advance Reader Copy.

Thank you to Net Galley for this advanced copy of the "The Filling Station." The content was difficult to process at times, but Vanessa Miller does a beautiful job of showing the resilience and tenacity of survivors. This historical fiction was an eye-opener for sure. I am grateful that I embarked upon this learning opportunity. I'd rate this novel as high as possible. I am forever changed by this book.

Thank you to @hearourvoicestours , @tnzfiction , and @authorvanessamiller for the beautiful gifted box and book.

📖This is my second novel by this author, and it's clear that she is truly skilled at bringing life to historical stories. This novel centers the race massacre that occurred in 1921, Tulsa. We follow two sisters as their beautiful and prosperous lives are upended, and all the dreams and aspirations of their townspeople are violently destroyed.

This book took me on an emotional journey. I was captivated from the very beginning to the end by the characters and the events they endured. I was moved to tears by the gut-wrenching reality that even though some of these characters were fictional, the basis of this story were real-life events and situations. There was pain, heartache, anger, grief, despair, sorrow, and so much love contained within these pages. I can't fathom the kind of fortitude the real-life residents of this town had to possess to even want to continue, much less the strength and ability to rebuild after such brutality.

There is another part of this story that centers on the relationship with God, love, and sisterhood that truly resonated. The questions some of the characters have are very relatable and are things I've even asked myself. I loved the two sisters and equally related to the elder more responsible Magarate as well as the younger Evie, just trying to figure things out. Elijah, the man that he is, has found a place in my heart. If you haven't read this novel yet, please go add it to your tbr!

Hey, hey, my favorites 😁

Filling Station by Vanessa Miller

Publication Date: 3/11/25 #happyreleaseday
⭐ Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

A huge thank you to @hearourvoicestours and Vanessa Miller for the gifted copy! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read and review this inspiring novel. @TNZFiction

Vanessa Miller’s Filling Station is a powerful and uplifting story that beautifully captures faith, resilience, and the transformative power of second chances. From the very first page, I was drawn into the lives of the characters, each carrying their own burdens yet finding hope in the most unexpected places. Miller’s storytelling is both heartfelt and engaging, weaving a narrative that reminds us how faith and perseverance can guide us through life’s toughest challenges.

I truly enjoyed this book—it was inspiring, emotionally rich, and had just the right balance of realism and redemption. If you’re looking for a novel that speaks to the soul while delivering a compelling story, Filling Station is a must-read!

The Filling Station is an emotionally charged story set in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We watch as the Justice sisters endure the horrific events of the Tulsa Race Massacre and the aftermath in this historical fiction novel. The Justice sisters are fictional but there are many historical facts that make up the meat of this story. We know that The Tulsa Race Massacre is a true event and it up ended the lives of many that just wanted something that was their own. However, lies, hate, jealousy and fear destroyed everything they worked to build. We watch as the Justice sister’s slowly heal and rebuild their lives in the mist of everything that was lost. I enjoyed this read it made me shed tears, it made me angry and it made my heart smile. This is a must read.

I am honestly and voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

Vanessa Miller did an amazing job of telling the story of Greenville, North Carolina. Having actual accounts mixed in with created additions made this a good time! Anytime I read stories about the mistreatment of African Americans, I finish the book drained and angry. I was angered greatly by the subject matter, and I had to process all that I had read upon completion. However, I could see the story of hope, perseverance, love, and power.

I had the opportunity to have both the ARC and the ALC of this book, which allowed me to completely immerse myself in it. I really enjoy a good tandem read, especially when the narrator and author are both top-notch!

Angel Pean did an awesome job of bringing each individual character to life, preserving their independence and personal conflicts. I will absolutely look for more books she narrates.

Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio | Thomas Nelson, and Vanessa Miller for the ALC of this important moment in the history of African Americans!

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.

In this book, sisters Margaret and Evelyn Justice are residents of Greenwood, a self-sufficient neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1921. After the gruesome event that we know as the Tulsa Race Massacre, they flee to safety along the infamous Route 66 and end up at the Threatt Filling Station. It’s here that they are able to process their pain and regroup. While one sister wants to stay snd rebuild, the other wants to flee and start over.

This book invokes an array of emotions. Throughout the years, we’ve heard of this Massacre, but @authorvanessamiller has given the readers a relatable story. Racism, escapism, unity and sisterhood are just a few themes that are focused on and left me feeling a sense of pride. Each time the author picks up her pen, she delivers a thought provoking story that stays with you long after the last page.

I’d like to thank @netgalley @thomasnelson and for gifting a copy.

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

I enjoyed The Filling Station so much! It was an interesting historical read. The cover drew me in. I enjoyed learning about history and this book didn't disappoint me at all. Everyone needs to read The Filling Station.