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!

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 a historical fiction account based on the true events of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, and the aftermath that this devastating hate fuelled event had on fictional sisters, Margaret and Evelyn Justice, their family, friends and the entire community of Greenwood Oklaholma.

Margaret and Evelyn were two young black women who were raised in the thriving and bustling 'Black Wall Street' community of Greenwood when one night of racially charged violence destroys their community. Buildings are torched and burned to the ground, and residents are gunned down while attempting to flee the carnage.

Survivors of the massacre band together to rebuild, not only their homes, but their entire community and rebuild their lives, dreams, and sense of security.  While devastating, Vanessa Miller masterfully weaves this tragic event with themes of hope, resilience and love. And while Margaret and Evelyn are fictional characters, Miller introduces us to the Threatt family, a real life family who owned one of the only black filling stations in the Tulsa area during this period of time. The Threatt filling station became a haven for many residents fleeing the aftermath of the Massacre.

The Filling Station was fabulously narrated by Angel Pean, who brought the story to life and conveyed deep emotion throughout the story.

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.

This book was written about an important tragic event in American History that is often overlooked. The Tulsa Race Massacre occurred betweenMay 31 and June 1, 1921.Twenty-four hours after the violence erupted, it ceased. In the wake of the violence, 35 city blocks lay in charred ruins, more than 800 people were treated for injuries and contemporary reports of deaths began at 36. Historians now believe as many as 300 people may have died. Many of these families displaced from each other forever. The community has never fully recovered and no persons were ever brought to justice for these crimes. This book was well researched even with fictional characters you can feel the turmoil of what the real life victims must have been feeling. Black people have always found ways as a community to unite and strive and the safe place “The Filling Station” was no different. This book answers questions such as how a negative experience can impact the rest of your life, and can wrongs ever be made right. This gave fresh meaning to “40 acres and a mule”. I will leave that at that.

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.

This was almost a 5 star read for me: 4.5 stars. The cover is gorgeous. I learned a great deal about the Tulsa Race Massacre. What a shameful even in our nation's history. A White mob invaded and burned down the town of Greenwood after a Black teenager was accused of raping a white woman, and he was later acquitted. Each chapter of the book started off with a little factual detail to focus the reader. This book follows two sisters, Margaret and Evelyn as they try to recover both emotionally and economically from this tragic event.
I think that the only thing that kept it from being five star from me is that there were lapses into what can best be described as soap operaish events in the womens' lives. The story was strongest when it was rooted in the history of what happened. I do understand that when one is focusing on two characters, the author has to give personal anecdotes about them but for me it was the history that was most interesting. That said, I enjoyed the book and will definitely look for other things written by this author.
I listened to part of the book on audio and the narrator was well suited to the tenor of the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Audio and to Thomas Nelson fiction for providing me with copies of the text and audio in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

⛽️ 🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆 ⛽️

|| 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

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.

I listened to the audio along with the ebook. The narrator was fantastic. She captured my attention and held it though out this whole story. I really like her voice and the way she expresses things.

This is a story of historical events that I have not heard much about. I have since finishing it read some of the info that this author left at the end. The links that is. This is a very emotionally charged story. It keeps the reader engaged and wanting to know why throughout. At least it did for me. I wish I could say that this country has come a long way and maybe in some ways it has. But in so many ways it certainly has not. So much hatred and bigotry still seems to run this country.

This is the story of what happened in 1921 in a town in Oklahoma. What happened to a group of people who were doing nothing to warrant such hostility and hatred. Simply because of the color of their skin. That is a fact. A very sad fact.

There were many black families living in an area called Greenwood. It was an all black area. All the businesses and homes belonged to these citizens. They were very successful and happy with their lives. But white people didn't like it. They didn't want these black people to be happy and successful. They used an excuse based on a black kid touching a white girl to invade this area and burn them to the ground. To terrorize and hurt these law abiding citizens because they were black and did not deserve to own anything.

In this story you meet two young women who lived in Greenwood District. Sisters. Best of friends. They lived with their father. Their mother had died and he raised his girls. He taught them to respect people. To work hard. To get an education. Then one night they were attacked. A whole district turned upside down and people left with nothing. All they had worked for gone up in smoke. How can people truly be that cruel? I don't understand and never will. Reading this was heartbreaking but also I believe necessary. It's history. It happened. We don't need things like this to keep happening.

These people were given very little help to rebuild their community. And they had to work for that. The Red Cross didn't want to help it seems. They did but the cost was the people's dignity. Not one white man was arrested or reprimanded for this heinous crime. Not one.

The people in Greenwood District did build back. They worked hard. They excelled again. The story is mostly about these two young women but also what happened in 1921 in the Greenwood District to the black people by white people. Isn't it sad that it happened at all?

You meet several families and get to know another family. The Threatt family. They helped people out when they came to them. What this family did for Evelyn and Margaret was beyond what they ever expected. They were two young women alone when they happened upon the Threatt Filling Station. What a perfect name for this book....

Read this one. It's so worth it. It's history that you may not have heard about. It's sad and uplifting both.

Thank you #NetGalley, #ThomasNelsonFiction, for this ARC.

The Greenwood District in Tulsa OK was a bustling African American city in the early 1900’s, known as the Black Wall Street. Brimming with business owners and educated citizens, it was one of the wealthiest black communities. After an incident between a young black male and a white female, white residents and even government officials mobbed this town with unnecessary brutality. They destroyed businesses and homes, injured and killed people. This massacre affected the lives of thousands of black citizens.
This book is a blend of fact and fiction. Describing the event, the devastating aftermath, and the frustrating lack of assistance in repairing what the city lost while weaving in the fictional story of two sisters who endured it.
Stories like these are important because learning about this in school, it feels like you’re far removed from it. It’s presented (if taught at all) as a glazed over topic. Reading books like these puts you right in the middle of the disaster, allowing you to truly see how messed up this was.

I liked the characters, each sister had sort of a different trauma response. Trauma can make you angry at the heavens, it can make you feel bitter, and it can also make you want to escape and runaway from it. Even though these were fictional characters, this felt really real.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

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.

Vanessa Miller’s The Filling Station is a powerful and necessary exploration of a difficult yet essential chapter of Black history in the U.S. The novel doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the past, making it a deeply moving and thought-provoking listen. As an educator, I can see this book being an invaluable addition to classroom discussions, offering historical insight and rich storytelling that fosters critical conversations.

The audiobook narration was solid, delivering the story with an authenticity that matched the tone and gravity of the text. The voice work didn’t feel performative or forced—it truly honoured the material, allowing the weight of the history to speak for itself.

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.

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.

THE FILLING STATION by Vanessa Miller

Thank you so much @thomasnelson & @zondervan for my gifted copies 💕

In The Filling Station, Vanessa Miller delivers a powerful, heart-wrenching story of resilience, sisterhood, and hope in the aftermath of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The story follows sisters Margaret and Evelyn Justice as they seek refuge at the real-life Threatt Filling Station along Route 66.

With well-developed characters, and rich, immersive storytelling, Miller masterfully highlights the strength of the Black community in the face of adversity.

A timely, important, and emotionally charged fictionalized account of a real piece of US history. A must read for historical fiction lovers.

🎧 Angel Pean’s narration adds an extra layer of depth and emotion. Her voice truly brings these characters to life!

📌 Available today!

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.

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.

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.

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!