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!

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 by Vanessa Miller

Angela Pean does a terrific reading of this book, as well as, her reading in Vanessa Miller’s previous book, The American Queen

Where was the justice system when hateful humans destroyed the lives and community of the black residents of Greenwood District?

This is a fictional account of actual events that occurred in Oklahoma between 1921 and 1926. Margaret and her sister, Evelyn, learn how to navigate life after the Tulsa race massacre along with others from the decimated Greenwood District. Threatt Filling Station became the safe haven and place of compassion that Margaret and Evelyn needed to recharge and gather the strength in rebuilding their lives.

This is a beautifully told story of a resilient group of people who would not be destroyed in another dark time of American history. A powerful story of continuing to rise in the face of adversity. A story of survival, faith, strength, redemption, and a never-give-up attitude. This is my second read by this skilled writer and look forward to what she does next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the audiobook of The Filling Station. Pub Date: March 11, 2025.

'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: The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)

I’ll be honest—I struggled to even start this book. As an African American woman, there are parts of history that feel too heavy to revisit, stories so painful that I hesitate to step into them again. But Vanessa Miller does something special here. She doesn’t just tell the story—she walks with you through the heartbreak, holding your hand through the darkest moments and then smiling with you when joy breaks through. Much like our Heavenly Father, she reminds us that even in devastation, hope and resilience remain.

The balance in this book is powerful. The weight of the Tulsa tragedy is undeniable, but there’s also the beauty of community—dances, barbecues, baseball games—that remind us of the joy Black Wall Street once held. The inclusion of real eyewitness accounts at the start of each chapter adds another layer, grounding the novel in history.

And the audiobook? Incredible. The narrator brings every character to life, making you feel like you’re right there in Greenwood, experiencing it all firsthand.

Miller’s research and storytelling make The Filling Station both emotional and enlightening. If you’ve been hesitant to read about this part of history, I get it. But this book is worth it. Highly recommend.

Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the audiobook. All opinions are my own.

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 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.