Thank you for allowing me to listen to this beautifully written story. The audio narration definitely brought this story to life.
I truly enjoyed this and learning additional facts that I did not know. The authors note in the beginning captured my attention and it was an emotional ride from there.

This story was well written. This story is definitely one that I will have my toddler to read as part of her learning about her history as she grows. This story should be a recommend story of literature.

I will complete a more thorough review once I am able to have the physical copy in my hands. I need to annotate and read again.

The history and characters, real or fictional; were described so well I felt I was there. I learned another part of history that was never taught to me. The author wrote fabulous novel about this historic vent.

This narrator just fits with this author work perfectly that you just can’t help but to be sucked in from beginning to end.

What a moving story about a tragic time in US history. The narrator brought to life the fear and hope felt by these characters. This is a great pick for book clubs and women's groups.

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.

The narrator was also great and fit perfectly with the story. I definitely recommend you check out The Filling Station!

Thank you Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio, and NetGalley for the ALC!

Wow....
Amazing story I loved everything about this book. The audiobook was amazing.
I appreciate this story for showing you the emotions and not just telling you. Listening to audiobook, I can visualize the Tragedy and every emotion Margaret and Evelyn had. I cried at parts smile and felt proud of what the black people of Tulsa overcame. I think everyone should read this book.

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for this ARC.

The story of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre was new to me but not surprising at all. Margaret and Evelyn Justice grew up in Greenwood during Jim Crow America in an area known as Black Wallstreet.

Tragedy and events so horrifying chase them away one night and their life changes forever. This is an important book for so many reasons about love, hate, and facing an evil that has never truly died. While hard to consume I enjoyed this book because there is still good in the midst of evil and evil does not always win.

If you love historical fiction, this is the book for you.

The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller is so well written, and an amazing story. It follows two sisters, Margaret and Evelyn as they learn what life is and how to navigate it after the Tulsa Race Massacre which took place in Tulsa Greenwood which was also known as “Black Wall Street”. I remember learning about this in school but the way that Miller writes it, you truly feel all the emotions that all the characters feel. This book extremely well researched which really took me back in time and place when this all happened. I really enjoyed the quotes at the start of each chapter it helps in providing context since its from the time when massacre happened. I plan to read more books by Vanessa Miller because the way she writes her novels is beautiful and attention grabbing, it flows and really makes you feel the emotions the characters have.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for this advance listener copy. Special thanks to Vanessa Miller for making this possible. This review was written voluntarily and using my own words.

The Filling Station is a historical fiction novel exploring the Tulsa race massacre and its lasting effects on a fictional family, The Justices, their friends and neighbors, and on the broader community. The author started each chapter with a real life blurb, for example part of a news story, interview, or the Red Cross Disaster Report. This format was very powerful when combined with the heartbreaking and terrifying scenes of the massacre, and the story of the strong community fighting tooth and nail in an uphill battle to rebuild the Greenwood District. I hope many schools incorporate this book into their American history curriculum.

The audiobook narrator was phenomenal. Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the ALC.

Angel Pean can do no wrong bringing a story to life!! Absolutely loved the audiobook and it made me feel like I was in Oklahoma with Margaret and Evelyn!

'The Filling Station' is a beautifully written story around the real Tulsa Race Massacre. It is heartbreaking what the Greenwood community faced. Though the subject matter is rightfully heavy, Vanessa Miller adds sweet moments of restoration, romance, and new life. In fact, my favorite aspect of this story is how the characters bring all their deep emotions to God for Him to bring healing and comfort. It makes historical fiction much more inspiring to see how Christians depend on God and show the love and grace of Jesus to others.

If you like to read well-researched historical women's fiction, then I recommend this audiobook to you! Vanessa Miller expertly writes the scope of this story to acknowledge many facets of the tragedy while focusing on a few characters with a clear timeline. Angel Pean does a fantastic job with the narration.

Special thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Ａｕｄｉｏｂｏｏｋ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Two sisters. Sisters Margaret and Evelyn Justice have grown up in the prosperous Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma--also known as Black Wall Street. While Evelyn aspires to head off to the East Coast to study fashion design, recent college grad Margaret plans to settle in Greenwood, teaching at the local high school and eventually raising a family. Then the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre upends everything they know and brings them unspeakable loss. 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. But they eventually realize that they can't hide out at the filling station when Greenwood needs to be rebuilt. The search for their father and their former life may not give them easy answers, but it can propel them--and their community--to a place where their voices are stronger . . . strong enough to build a future that honors the legacy of those who were lost.

Let me just say, this description of the story is everything you need to know about it, and I highly recommend this book.

The audiobook was amazing! The narrator did a phenomenal job... omg! Five stars across the board.

Thank you, Netgellay, and Thomas Nelson for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

The Filling Station is a beautifully written, deeply moving novel that grips you from the first page. This story is more than just historical fiction—it’s a testament to resilience, faith, and the unbreakable spirit of a community determined to rise from the ashes.

Vanessa brings to life the devastation and injustice of the Tulsa Race Massacre in a way that is both heartbreaking and enraging. The sheer horror of what happened in Greenwood—the destruction, the brutality, and the systemic attempts to erase an entire thriving Black community—is vividly portrayed. The fact that law enforcement was complicit, that homes were burned, lives stolen, and history nearly erased, is infuriating. And yet, through all of that pain, there is hope. The community refuse to let tragedy define them; instead, they fight to rebuild, brick by brick, refusing to be broken.

The character development in this novel is exceptional. Margaret, Evelyn, Elijah, and the rest of the cast feel so real—flawed, courageous, and deeply human. Margaret’s love for her family, her complicated choices, and her internal struggles are written with so much depth. Elijah is a standout, embodying faith and love in a way that’s both inspiring and grounding. His words, especially about “the filling station,” hit hard. Faith is woven into this story in a way that feels natural, showing how it can be both a refuge and a source of strength during unimaginable hardship.

There are so many moments in this book that had me shaking my head in frustration—the injustice, the blatant racism, the way Black survivors were not only robbed of their homes but also denied any form of compensation. And yet, there were also moments of kindness, love, and community that reminded me why our history, our stories, and our resilience matter.

Vanessa Miller has crafted a powerful, necessary novel that honors the past while speaking to the present. The Filling Station is more than just a book—it’s an experience. It’s a reminder of what was lost, what was rebuilt, and the power of faith, love, and perseverance. A must-read!

A historical novel about the aftermath of the Tulsa Massacre, "The Filling Station" is an emotional narrative about two sisters rebuilding after devastating loss and a traumatizing race riot that changes the trajectory of their lives forever.

Miller shines with moving character development, fast paced plot lines, all against the backdrop of real life historical events. Following the Justice sisters through life changes, romance, and new friendships, "The Filling Station" gives voice to the survivors of the Tulsa Massacre in a way that resonates and shows the resilience and strength of African Americans and the people who lost so much in Tulsa.

Perfect for fans of historical fiction, readers who enjoyed Miller's "The American Queen" will enjoy and learn a buried history in this moving story of two sisters.

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.

I am really struggling to find the words to do justice to this novel. I’m still a chaotic mess of emotions and it’s been almost a week since I finished ‘The Filling Station.’ This is a story that has settled into my soul and will be remembered forever.

It’s a tough read. Miller doesn’t mince words when it comes to describing the events of the Tulsa Race Massacre. I felt the terror and keen sense of injustice and disbelief right along with Margaret and Evelyn. Seeing everything unfold through their eyes made for an emotional assault on my senses. But the author doesn’t abandon us there.

She shines a light on the resilience of a people who refuse to be beaten down. She infuses faith and hope in the midst of the impossible. It’s never easy. Everything isn’t all tied up in a bow by the end. Some gaping wounds are still festering while others have healed over. Margaret and Evelyn deal with their trauma and grief in very different ways and that means that sometimes they clash, but the bond of their sisterhood can never be severed. They are survivors and overcomes and their story, while fictional, represents the real life experience of hundreds of men and women.

And that’s what stops me cold. Because it seems so impossible. I should be reassured that the massacre happened a hundred years ago. And yet, I can’t help but feel like we are back sliding, losing ground in battles already won and it makes me so sad and mad and feeling helpless. But what gives me hope is that people like Margaret and Evelyn didn’t give up. They didn’t succumb to fear, exhaustion or despair. They focused on doing the next right thing, many placing their faith in a God others might think had forsaken them. So much to learn and admire about this kind of tenacity and courage.

And the people who stepped up to stand in the gap for them. There’s huge lessons to be learned about what it means to actively be the hands and feet of Christ. So many wonderful secondary characters, some based on real people, who give me hope for humanity. God isn’t finished with us yet.

‘The Filling Station’ is an absolute MUST READ as far as I’m concerned. And it would make an incredible book club selection because there are so many important talking points.

I was privileged to be able to listen to the audible edition narrated by Angel Pean who did a stupendous job conveying the depth of emotion in this story. And she really captured the unique personalities of both sisters and all the secondary characters as well. Would highly recommend the audio edition of ‘The Filling Station.’

My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

The Filling Station is a perfect example of why I love reading historical fiction - to learn and be informed of people and events that are not well known, or even forgotten altogether.

The audio narration from Angel Pean is perfect. Through her voice, I could really feel the emotion and fear in so many scenes. The residents of Greenwood experienced intense pain and trauma, but through the eyes of Margaret and Evelyn I learned how this community rose up from the ashes and rubble. Although their resilience and faith was sorely tested, it gave them hope and strength to survive. I really sensed the power of community in this story and in particular, the outpouring of love from the Threatt family who provided a safe haven.

I highly recommend this book - not only does it have such strong educational value, but I hope readers will be inspired by and in awe of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre survivors.

I received a complimentary audio copy of this book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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. .
Thank you NetGalley & Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to read this novel as an Advance Reader Copy.

Obviously well-researched, this novel was heartbreaking to read, but totally worth it! This story grabbed me from the very beginning and didn't let go. It was a story of love and loss, struggle and resilience. The characters were well-developed, the pacing was perfect, and the writing flowed smoothly. I loved how the author highlighted the Threatt family, how they offered a refuge for those affected by the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, and how their filling station became more than just a place to refuel--it was instrumental in filling up the souls of those who lost everything, giving them a safe space to grieve while helping them find the strength to rebuild and move forward. The narrator of the audio version did a fantastic job.

The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller is an emotionally gripping story set against the backdrop of the Tulsa Massacre, humanizing the victims of this horrific event. Through the lives of two sisters, the novel shows how racism can shatter normalcy in an instant. Margaret Justice struggles with her faith as she deals with the trauma, while her romantic interest, Elijah, fights for both her love and belief. Meanwhile, her free-spirited sister Evelyn throws caution to the wind, following her heart as she grieves.

This book deeply impacted me, reigniting my own faith as I saw my doubts reflected in Margaret's struggles. Miller masterfully weaves themes of love, faith, and resilience into an unforgettable story. The Filling Station isn’t just a book; it’s an experience that will leave you reflecting on life, love, and the power of God’s grace. This is truly the book of the year, and I can’t recommend it enough—everyone deserves to feel the emotional journey it offers.

⛽️ 🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆 ⛽️

|| 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 by Vanessa Miller ||
Pub Day: March 11, 2025
Genre: Historical Fiction

Vanessa Miller’s 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 is a powerful exploration of sisterhood, resilience, and community. Set against the backdrop of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, this novel follows two sisters, Margaret and Evelyn, as they find refuge and strength at the Threatt Filling Station. Their journey back to Greenwood to rebuild their father's legacy is both inspiring and heart-wrenching, showcasing their courage and determination in the face of adversity. Miller's well-researched narrative, combined with Angel Pean’s emotive narration, brings these characters to life and highlights the importance of community and faith during Jim Crow America. This book is a must-read for modern-day readers, offering a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience required to overcome historical and ongoing injustices. If you're a fan of historical fiction, be prepared for an emotional journey that will leave you deeply moved. Five stars without hesitation!

Miller chronicles the journey from devastation to transformation and resilience with a tender touch. The sisters endure unimaginable pain and suffering, but their bond, community, and faith help them persevere. Miller’s attention to human emotions and adversity makes her writing deeply personal and emotional, ensuring readers are moved by her work. While Elijah’s character can sometimes feel preachy, his role is crucial in helping the sisters navigate their challenges.

One of the book's standout features is its authenticity and meticulous research. Miller enriches the story by including real-life blurbs from survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, news stories, interviews, and segments from the Red Cross Disaster Report before each chapter. This strategic organization and thorough research provide a compelling reading experience about history and adversity.

If you have the opportunity to listen to this story, then I highly recommend it. Angela Pean is stellar in her narration and makes you feel so connected to the characters and the story. This audio features a great performance and authentic emotion.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌟Thank you partners @hearourvoicestours, @tnzfiction, and @zondervan for the gifted copies.🌟

🏷 #TheFillingStation #VanessaMiller #HearOurVoices #HOV #HearOurVoicesTours #WomensHistoryMonth #BookFeature #Bookish #Bookstagrammer #BookLover #wellreadblackgirl

A Captivating and Atmospheric Read ★★★★★

The Filling Station is a beautifully written and immersive story that pulls you in from the very first page. The author masterfully creates a sense of place, making the setting feel almost like a character itself. The writing is rich and evocative, painting vivid pictures of both the physical landscape and the emotional journeys of the characters.

The plot is well-paced, balancing moments of tension with deep, reflective storytelling. The characters are complex and relatable, each carrying their own burdens and hopes, making their struggles and triumphs feel real and heartfelt.

What truly sets The Filling Station apart is its ability to blend atmosphere, emotion, and storytelling into something truly memorable. If you love novels that transport you to another world and leave a lasting impression, this one is a must-read.

Wow.

I’m glad I had the opportunity to listen to this book. I remember learning about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre very briefly in school. I also listened to the author’s note and all the research she had done for this book. It was truly devastating.

Margaret’s faith was tested and challenged in so many ways. Everything she owned was gone, and at the same time, she was looking after her sister. They both dealt with pain in their own way, which led to tense situations. I felt so sorry for Evelyn.

Elijah was a good man, and I can understand where he was coming from, but with everything that happened, Margaret couldn’t bring herself to listen. I didn’t blame her. She had lost so much and had begun questioning her faith and her decisions. I also understand why she was running away from love. How could she love properly after everything she had been through?

This book was inspirational but also tragic. It will definitely put you through an emotional journey.


Thank you @Thomas Nelson @Zondervan Fiction Audio and @NetGalley for this ALC

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 listen too.

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 listened to. However, I was able to see the story of hope, perseverance, love, and power.

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!

The Filling Station is a deeply moving exploration of survival, resilience, and the enduring strength of community in the aftermath of the Tulsa Massacre. Vanessa Miller brings to life a history too often overlooked, centering the story on two sisters determined to rebuild after the destruction of Black Wall Street.

Before the attack, Tulsa’s Greenwood District was a thriving hub of Black excellence, home to over 600 Black-owned businesses, including banks, hotels, and a hospital. The massacre was not just an act of violence but an intentional attempt to erase generational wealth and opportunity. Yet, this novel focuses on what followed—the fight to reclaim, to rebuild, and to carve out a future despite overwhelming loss.

The heart of the novel lies in the bond between the sisters and their community. Their unwavering support for one another, even in the face of hardship and uncertainty, adds emotional depth to the historical narrative. While some elements resonated more strongly than others, the novel succeeds in honoring the legacy of those who refused to be forgotten.

Thank you to NetGalley for the gifted copy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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****

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.

Top Book of the Year. Period.

Whew… y’all. The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller? It wrecked me in the best way. Five stars, no question. And I’m calling it now—it’s one of my top reads of the year.

This was my first historical fiction read, and listen… it won’t be my last. The way Vanessa told this story—I felt like I was in Greenwood the night everything burned. I could smell the smoke, hear the chaos, and feel the fear and heartbreak. The audiobook made it even more real—the narrator brought every single character to life in a way that gave me chills.

The Tulsa Massacre of 1921 is something we should all know about, but the way it’s told here? It hits different. It’s haunting. It’s necessary. And one question stuck with me:
“Why do they hate us so? What have we ever done to them?”
That line broke me. Because it’s still a question we’re asking, even now. Such a shame!

Margaret and Evelyn’s story felt so personal. They lose everything and end up at a Black-owned filling station that offered safety during a time when being Black in America could literally get you killed. Margaret wants to go back and rebuild. Evelyn? She wants to forget it all. And in between, there’s grief, sisterhood, survival, and a whole lot of faith being tested.

What hit me most was this idea of home. Not just a physical place, but faith. Family. Safety. Belonging. And how being Black in this country has always complicated that.

Please read this. Talk about it. Share it. We can’t afford to forget our history.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Publishing!

This book was sooooo good. Although it was a fictional account, the author did a great job through this historical fiction narrative. I would suggest it for anyone who loves historical fiction and those who want to learn more about Black Wallstreet and the Tulsa Race Massacre. The characters were thoughtfully written and the storyline kept me engaged the entire time. I really enjoyed listening to this while reading simultaneously. I can't wait to read more from this author.

I feel like I’m throwing out 5 stars like candy this year, but I guess I’ve just been picking great options more often than not.

I didn’t learn about the Tulsa Race Massacre until adulthood, which is sad, but not surprising with how public schools often gloss over so much pertaining to brown and black people. Once I did learn of it, I was not shocked, but definitely impacted because of how tragic it had to have been for the survivors to try to piece together their lives after such devastation and cruelty.

This piece of historical fiction brings to life a small glimpse into just that. Heartbreaking, outraging, empowering, all within the stories of two sisters whose must persevere after their whole world is wrenched from them by racists who were jealous that black people were successful and thriving.

Margaret and Evelyn are traumatized after surviving the massacre and losing everything they hold dear except each other. They take two different paths in the aftermath—one sister, filled with anger, seeks justice and retribution while another, in despair, begins to spiral dangerously.

We see families torn apart and brought together. We witness a community find its heart. We feel pain, disbelief, and hope.

I loved that this is also a Christian historical fiction and the arc of one character’s journey of questioning their faith through grief and trauma was poignant and very realistic.

Never has a novel touched me so deeply as The Filling Station. Knowing such heartbreaking things like the Tulsa Race Massacre occured in our country's history is not the same as hearing about them firsthand, let alone having them actually happen to you. But novels like this one do help create empathy which is why I think I'm so drawn to them. I wasn't there but yet this author made me feel like I was by writing a story that was both touching and devestating. Margaret and Evelyn are two young black women living in Greenwood, Oklahoma and on what should be a normal day spending time with friends and family; their entire lives are upended when several white men near town decide to burn their houses and ruin their community, killing several. What follows is their story of how they picked up the pieces and rebuilt their lives despite the many obstacles and people who stood in their way. These two sisters suffered so much yet even after the worst night of their lives, they kept right on fighting for the truth and for justice. Their grit and determination is what truly made this novel so fantastic. I loved that Margaret fought for what she believed in regardless of what other people tried to tell her was best. And while Evie had her struggles, I think I enjoyed her story most of all. While I hate that this racial injustice happened, I am honored to have read their stories and I will recommend this book to everyone!