Margaret Justice was just out college and her sister Evelyn was about to graduate college the night of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

The sisters lost everything that night, and spent years afterwards trying to recover and rebuild from the awful events that changed their communities lives forever.

I was really looking forward to this book as a fan of historical fiction. I don’t know much about the Tulsa Race Massacre and while I did learn a lot from The Filling Station, I hoped for a little more history.

It also got very religious at points that I wasn’t sure expecting.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. All views and opinions in this review are my own.

"The Filling Station" was an eye-opening and dramatic historical fiction work about the survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre. As someone who is not American, I am not really familiar with what really happened in this historical event, so it was good to read something that showed what the survivors had to go through, and the aftermath of such a horrific occurrence in American history. I was really rooting for the main characters, Margaret and Evelyn Justice, to overcome their trauma,to find hope, and continue to fight for their community and reach their dreams. The book had the right amount of drama, romance, and inspirational scenes, but also the author does not shy away from describing the fear of violence, and the aggression that the residents of Greenwood experienced at the time. Thank you for this important work that highlights the continuous struggle against racism. Very timely.

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.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. I had never heard of the of the Greenwood Oklahoma massacre until reading this. It's a tragic story of mans inhumanity to man and the prejudice Black Americans lived through. The story of the survivors and the story of Maggie and her younger sister Evelyn is very touching. The ending was very satisfying and I'm glad to have read this book. This is my honest opinion of this book.

Title: The Filling Station  
Author: Vanessa Miller         
Genre: Historical fiction       
Rating: 4 out of 5 

During Jim Crow America, there was only one place Black Americans could safely refuel their vehicles along what would eventually become iconic Route 66. But more than just a place to refuel, it was a place to fill up the soul, build community, and find strength. For two sisters, the Threatt Filling Station became the safe haven they needed after escaping the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

After looking in the face of evil and leaving her whole world behind, Margaret Justice wants nothing more than to feel safe and hold tight to what she has left. Her sister, Evelyn, meanwhile, is a dreamer who longs for adventure and to follow her heart, even though she's been told repeatedly to not dream too big.

As they both grapple with love, loss, and racism, Margaret and Evelyn realize that they can't hide out at the filling station when Greenwood and their father's legacy needs to be rebuilt. Going back will take strength they're not sure they have. But for the love of Greenwood, they will risk it all and just may be the catalyst to bring Black Wall Street back to its former glory.

This was not a light and fluffy read. I found it horrifying and sad—but the ending was full of hope and uplifting. For some reason, I had trouble keeping the two sisters straight in my mind. I kept getting their names mixed up. The book blurb was a little misleading, as Evelyn did not want to go back to Greenwood after the traumatic events and instead wanted to stay as far away as possible. Margaret was very strong, sometimes to her own detriment, but her strength got her through the hard times.

Vanessa Miller is a best-selling author. The Filling Station is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 2/4).

Is a novel that touches on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre which is something that I didn't learn in any of my history classes in school but you can indeed learn something from fiction.

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!

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.

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.

Reading this was a lot. I felt very weighed down while reading it, and some nights, it made my sleep restless. Even so, I'm glad I read it, especially given the current state of our country.
I am so glad that Vanessa Miller wrote this book because the stories from that awful night need to be told. It is so important to read black stories written by black people.

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.

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.

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.

Book Review: A Resilient Journey Through Tragedy
The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, often overlooked in history, is brought to light in a profound way by Miller's remarkable narrative. As Jodi Picoult, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, notes, this book rectifies a significant oversight, allowing readers to viscerally experience how a vibrant Black community demonstrated resilience, faith, and grit in the face of devastation.
At the heart of this inspiring tale are two sisters, Margaret and Evelyn Justice, who have flourished in the prosperous Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma—known as Black Wall Street. Their world is filled with opportunities, from movie theaters and beauty shops to thriving businesses. While Evelyn dreams of studying fashion design on the East Coast, Margaret, a recent college graduate, is dedicated to teaching at the local high school and nurturing a future family.
However, their lives are turned upside down by the tragic events of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, which forces them to confront unimaginable loss. With only each other to rely on, the sisters embark on a journey along what will become the iconic Route 66, discovering the Threatt Filling Station—a safe haven that offers solace and hope amid the oppressive realities of Jim Crow America. Here, they find a space to process their grief and reignite their faith, even as they grapple with feelings of abandonment.
Ultimately, Margaret and Evelyn realize that their refuge cannot be a permanent escape. Greenwood needs rebuilding, and their search for their father and their former life becomes a catalyst for empowerment. Their journey not only strengthens their bond but also amplifies their voices, propelling them and their community toward a future that honors the legacy of those who were lost.
This book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of community. It encourages readers to reflect on the past while embracing opportunities for grace and resilience, making it a powerful and uplifting read. #netgalley

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.

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.

Two sisters survive the Tulsa Race Massacre and deal with the aftermath. The characters are stereotypes, the plot is predictable, and the book is a proselytizing tract in novel form. Give it a miss.

What happened in Tulsa is such an important part of our country's history and yet the story told in this book fails to shed light on the atrocities. It uses the so-called race riots as a mere backdrop. There is barely any background given as to event leading up to the riots. There's barely any explanation of everything that happened during the riots. The story pretty much drops us into the lives of two girls who have no idea what's happening and run away. From there, the events of the fictional sisters' lives are told as the town rebuilds. Aside from some name dropping, their lives have nothing to do with anything. Each chapter has an epigraph which would have been a great framework for a story that was more present in the events of the day but the epigraphs mostly have nothing to do with what happens in each chapter. It's really unfortunate. Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for a free copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

I'm a huge fan of The American Queen by Vaness so was excited for this one as well (though, I don't think this one lives up to the greatness that American Queen is!). I love how Vanessa brings these historical events to light and highlights important people from the past for us to learn from. This historical fiction, based on a true events in Tulsa was a hard but fascinating read as Vanessa describes real events and weaves stories to bring it to life. The descriptions of PTSD were accurate and brings the reader right into the story. As a white person, it was a hard read because of the racial and systemic injustices, and I appreciate the awareness to know better and do better as to not repeat the past. It helped me to further understand the roots of racial injustice that are unfortunately still present today. I also loved the "Filling Station" analogy spiritually and I wish there was more faith aspects throughout. I did love by the end there was finally some character growth., but it took a while to get there, which I suppose is understandable by all the traumas involved. Still, I wish there was more seeds of faith planted in the book and more talk of the filling station learning process and how the characters lived that out over the years. It seemed like a sudden shift at the very end for the main character simply to wrap it in a tidy bow.

As a reader I was a little frustrated at times with how the story jumps around days, weeks, sometimes months at a time without much talking about how long it's been very well. It also may have been ARC formating, but it wasn't well separated when time did pass, so my brain had a time time keeping up with the timeline. One paragraph to the next could be days or months apart rather a graphic division I've seen in other books. I also was so frustrated with Margaret's character at times and her decisions that affected others and rigidity that caused her sister to suffer in depression and trauma for years and it felt selfish. Again, I suppose that can be reality! As a birth mom myself, the adoption based scenes were tough, especially since it was outdated mentalities, but I understand that the times and social pressures were different back then. Still, it's unfortunate and sad that's how sociality has operated causing shame and secrecy.

Overall, I recommend this book but it wasn't a 5 star like American Queen was for me.

Based on a true story, I am blown away by what the Black community of Greenwood had to endure, all because of the colour of their skin. Vanessa Miller has a gift with words when it comes to retelling historical events. I had read American Queen before this & loved it. I expected the same enjoyment from The Filling Station & was not disappointed. I love learning when reading & this was another Black historical event I didn't know about & was shocked to learn. The Filling Station retells the experiences of the Tulsa race massacre, how the town was ruined & rebuilt against all odds. The characters Vanessa created are strong & proud. I loved how different the two sisters are, despite growing up with the same circumstances. The resilience demonstrated among the community is exemplary. A must read. My most favourite part of the book though was Elijah. ♥️

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader's copy. I am so grateful.