I love a story based on facts! This book was well researched and beautifully written. The narration was excellent and really brought the story to life. PS: Don't skip the authors note at the end it’s just as important as the story itself!

This story is about three brilliant black trailblazers like these three women who I sadly had never heard of before. These women in a world full of racism and misogyny go to college and fight for their right to be there. I enjoyed learning of their perseverance to continue to make way for themselves and those who would follow in their footsteps despite the struggles they were presented with.

I absolutely loved The Ladies Hall. One of the things that drew me in most was knowing that the story was inspired by real people and real events. It offered a fascinating glimpse into a period of history that I knew very little about, and I found myself eager to learn more long after I finished reading. The characters felt so authentic that there were many moments when my heart ached for them. Watching them endure injustice and be treated as less than they deserved was both heartbreaking and powerful.

Vanessa Miller did a wonderful job bringing these women and their experiences to life while highlighting an important piece of history. The combination of compelling characters, emotional storytelling, and historical insight made this a memorable read for me. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would not be surprised to see it earn a place among the standout historical fiction novels of the year.

I have been educated! My, oh my. I learned so much in this Vanessa Miller audiobook (thank you, NetGalley for the ADC). Oberlin College, Ohio, 1880's, accepts black (I cringe when it they say "colored", but it is what is was) women who seek higher education. Most women who attend will get a very basic curriculum, but the stars of this story are reaching beyond that. A four-year degree is pursued and achieved for Mary Church, Ida Gibbs and Anna J. Cooper. All come from different backgrounds but are unified in their fight for their education and civil rights.

If I could give more than five stars for this book, I would do just that! The research our author did do achieve this novel was amazing. Sometimes heart wrenching, sad and so unjust, Vanessa Miller brought these trailblazers to us to acknowledge and applaud! Kudos to Angel Pean (please correct me if I am mistaken). She did an exceptional narration.

Great story, I love a good historical fiction and this was a great one. Listened to the audio through NetGalley (great audiobook) but I will be adding a physical copy to my shelf. The story follows the true stories of three Black women who attend Oberlin college in 1880s, despite having to constantly prove themselves at every turn they persevere. Even though all three women come from different backgrounds they become each others support system. This book really highlights the persistence and sacrifice behind progress and systematic change. Highly recommend

The Ladies Hall by The Ladies Hall
Narrated by Angel Pean

This was an outstanding read and one that will stay with me for a long time. Vanessa Miller brings history to life through a cast of memorable characters whose resilience and determination shine throughout the novel.

I was particularly impressed by the depth of research woven into the story. The book offers a compelling look at the barriers faced by formerly enslaved people and their children as they sought education, independence, and opportunities in a world that was often stacked against them. It also explores the realities of being a woman during that era, touching on issues that, in many ways, still feel relevant today.

The audiobook was a fantastic listen. Angel Pean delivered a captivating performance, conveying both the emotional weight of the story and the unique voices of the characters with skill and sensitivity.

A beautifully crafted historical novel that is both enlightening and emotionally powerful. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.

Thank You to netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the opportunity to listen and review this book.

"The Ladies Hall" by Vanessa Miller is a well written and informative book about 3 black women (Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, and Ida Gibbs Hunt) who attend Oberlin College in Ohio and break through barriers in the 1880's. Miller is excellent at bringing history to light that is not well known and she does it again in this story.

The author does an excellent job portraying the difficulties former slaves and their first generation dependents had trying to move up in the world amidst racism and the lack of women's rights in general for women of the time. This book portrays the college years and a glimpse beyond them of 3 women who pioneered the college experience on a mixed race campus and multiple civil rights organizations.

I learned so much about this time period in American history in this book and the author does an excellent job describing fact from fiction in the epilogue and historical notes of the book. I was blown away at the struggles these women faced and their bravery in fighting against injustices. So many of the events described in this book are true history and it makes me so sorrowful to read about what happened to former slaves and their families.

The narration done by Angel Pean is fantastic. She is one of my top 5 favorite narrators out there. I'm rounding the audiobook up to 5 stars because of the narration and how it enhances the storytelling of the novel.

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

This book was sooooooo good!

As someone who enjoys historical fiction, I initially requested The Ladies Hall expecting a fictional story set in the past. I was pleasantly surprised as I realized this book was so much more. Vanessa Miller brings the real lives and accomplishments of Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, and Ida Gibbs Hunt front and center.

She did an excellent job highlighting these remarkable women and exploring themes of resilience, race, and the personal sacrifices of each of them to create lasting change. Although set in a different era, many of the challenges, relationships, and emotions felt surprisingly relatable.

What stood out most to me was the emotional depth of the story. The sisterhood, determination, and commitment these women showed in the face of adversity made this a powerful and VERY inspiring story. I loved how the author blended so many historical facts into this story. It left me feeling empowered, encouraged and wanting to learn more about the women in the novel.

The narrator did a fantastic job bringing the characters and their experiences to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing an advance listening copy.

I listened to “Ladies Hall” by Vanessa Miller. The story was well researched and wonderfully written. The reading for the audiobook was beautiful with many variations to give depth. I want to find out more about these amazing women. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history and/or civil rights/integration, in particular. Please be sure to read or listen to the Author’s Notes, also interesting.
I rated it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I am both ashamed and angry that I did not know who these women were before listening to this audiobook. One of my top reasons for loving historical fiction is that it transports you to a different time, but the story is still grounded in reality. The amount of research needed to write about the lives of real people, paired with knowing the time period makes writing a historical piece particularly difficult. But Vanessa Miller masterfully pulled me into the 1880's while showing the struggles black women faced in the world. From traveling across the country as well as abroad to sitting outside at a picnic unchaperoned these characters were truly brought to life.

The education aspect really hit home for me. These women not only for black right, but for women's rights. Equality is still a constant struggle today, but we couldn't have progressed without women like Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, and Ida Gibbs Hunt.

This is a must read!

The Ladies Hall is a well-researched, engaging must read historical fiction novel. The author, Vanessa Miller, admits to shifting some events forward for discussion in the story, which occurred during Mary Church Terrell’s, Ida Gibbs Hunt’s and Anna Julia Cooper’s years at Oberlin College. Otherwise, the history speaks for itself. This novel addressed both racial and gender discrimination of the 19th Century while also highlighting Oberlin’s progressive stance of admitting blacks and women. President Garfield and Frederick Douglass exemplified historical figures captured during the timeframe of this novel, but they were not the only ones. Personally, I enjoyed gleaning more insight into America’s history through the eyes of these women, their allies and antagonists.

As a black woman, Ohio native, and Service Academy graduate, their story was deeply personal to me and very relatable. These exceptional women expressed frustration and disappointment yet they continued to fight for civil rights including women’s suffrage thereby opening doors for people like me to be afforded the opportunities that I have now. Furthermore, it is a timely read. They had advocates and adversaries of equality, which is very much what is happening in America right now in 2026. I am grateful to have learned how these women demonstrated excellence in adversity and the role that Oberlin played in advancing their cause. Mary, Ida and Anna’s achievements continue to uplift and inspire decades after their deaths.

Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio provided me with an audiobook to review through NetGalley. The narration was well done. Thank you for the chance to review this book!

This was a very well-researched piece of history. I appreciated how much research the author put into this book. I also recommend listening to the author's note at the end, as it was very informative.

I was not familiar with Mary, Anna, and Ida or the struggles they faced during this period. We learn about their backgrounds, their experiences at Oberlin College, and the challenges they encountered along the way.

Some parts were difficult to listen to because they made me upset for the characters, but I loved seeing how they persevered.

*** Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, the author, and narrator for early access. All opinions are my own. ***

Vanessa Miller is an autobuy author for me and the brilliance of this book is just another reason why. She is one of the best authors of historical fiction I have ever read.

The lives of Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper and Ida Gibbs Hunt have been brought to life by Vanessa Miller in the most beautiful way. We see how Mary learned at an early age that she was a descendant of slaves and how she realized that she was in fact completely different from her classmates. I can imagine this sparked something in Mary and was a catalyst for her future achievements.

While this book was beautifully written it was hard to digest in parts knowing some of us have come so far yet still have to fight for basic human rights.

Some events in this book speak to the current state of our world where men would like to take away women's rights to work and earn equal pay, equality will be a forever fight unfortunately on all fronts.

Side note:
Susie and her minions would have had to see me outside with her hateful racist behind!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio,
Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgally for the ARC/ALC.

This book was an absolute delight! I was swept away on an emotional journey, experiencing a range of emotions from anger to grief to joy and pain within a few pages. It was a privilege to delve into the lives of these trailblazing women. While I was familiar with Mary Church Terrell, this book provided a deeper understanding of her life. Initially, Anna Julia Cooper’s story captivated me, and I found myself drawn to her resilience and determination. As I learned about her early life, including her widowhood and her aspirations to expand her education before the age of 25, my heart ached for her. I admired her grit and determination throughout the story.

Mary Church Terrell, on the other hand, was a remarkable character. She was a wealthy young woman with a sharp mind, ambitious plans, and strong ideals. At first, I found her character somewhat off-putting, as she seemed to be a bulldozer for her beliefs. However, I remembered that she was only 17, and I offered her grace and understanding. As the story unfolded, Mary faced her own challenges that would shape her perspective and influence her approach to situations.

Ms. Miller’s masterful storytelling lies in her ability to highlight the differences in their upbringings and personalities. By weaving their stories together, she created a magical friendship that resonated with readers. The audiobook, narrated by Angel Pean, is a perfect fit for historical fiction, transporting me straight into the story with each captivating word. I am grateful to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced listening copy of this book

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for an ARC of this audiobook.

This book totally exceeded my expectations. I had read a previous book by this author, The Filling Station, that I thought was very good, but this book I thought was even better. The Ladies Hall is everything that I love in historical fiction. I love reading about real people, who I knew nothing about before and learning about their achievements. It is obvious that the author put extensive research into this book. I loved the historical note at the end, talking more about these amazing women. This book takes place during the 1880s at Oberlin College. Since my sister-in-law attended Oberlin in the early 1950's, I was interested in learning more about the history of the college. The story follows Mary Church, Ida Gibbs and Anna Cooper as they deal with all of the challenges of being among the very small minority of black women to attend Oberlin during this time period. I listened to the audiobook and Angel Pean did an amazing job conveying the feelings and the trials that these women went through. I have listened to other books, narrated by Ms. Pean and she is becoming a narrator that I will seek out for audiobooks. If you love historical fiction, this book will not disappoint.

Equality is won when we rise together.

Wow! I knew from the first chapter this would be a five star read for me! What an amazing story of resilience, strength and the fight for equality. I teared up multiple times. The storytelling was so captivating, even while tackling some very heartbreaking topics. I am thoroughly impressed with the research that went into this book. The way the author tackles such a difficult time in American history is brilliant. The audio narration was absolutely perfect as well!
Will recommended this book to everyone who loves historical fiction!

Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the ARC!

I loved learning about these incredible women and the obstacles they overcame to pursue an education and create lasting change.

This was emotional, inspiring, and so well done. Angel Pean’s narration kept me completely invested, and I finished feeling grateful these women’s stories are being told. Highly recommend!

This story follows three phenomenal Black women, Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, and Ida Gibbs Hunt, who meet while attending Oberlin College in the 1880s and live together in Ladies Hall.

Each woman comes from a very different background. Mary and Ida are part of the Black elite, raised with wealth and privilege, while Anna’s life is marked by hardship. She was born into slavery, and her father is believed to be either her former master or his brother. Her mother still works for the family as a maid. Anna is also older and has been widowed for two years. Because of their different experiences, the women often have conflicting views on how equality for Black Americans should be achieved.

All three are exceptional students and choose to enroll in the rigorous four-year program, traditionally reserved for men, that leads to a bachelor’s degree, rather than the two-year certificate course offered to women.

From the moment they arrive, they face hostility from racist students who believe they do not belong. The story offers a look at both their campus and personal lives, highlighting the daily racism they endure, their struggle to be seen, and the resilience that carries them through.

Vanessa Miller has delivered another strong, well-researched historical novel. I found myself wanting to learn more about these women almost immediately. They were true pioneers who went on to live long. impactful lives, helping shape the fight for both the women’s and civil rights movements.

Angela Pean did a great job with the narration as usual. I repeatedly replayed Mary’s poem from the last debate. Highly recommend.

I don’t hand out 5 star reviews Willy Nilly, but this just might be a 6 star book IMHO. This book challenged what I thought I had learned about reconstruction in a way that was thought provoking and raw.

I loved that the MFC was from my hometown (Raleigh, NC) and when I found out she was a real person I had to look her up!! Not gonna lie, I probably thought the boom was set in Raleigh as we have an Oberlin Rd, but I was quickly corrected, as we do not have an Oberlin College.

I had also always been taught that NC was a little more progressive than the rest of the south, being the last to withdraw before the civil war. When she goes back to Raleigh to be with her mother and face the cruel former owner, it became clear that my history teachers like to gloss over the fact that NC was still, in fact, a slave state. I knew it… but I didn’t KNOW it, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, loved loved loved the book. Thank you for the ARC!!

The Ladies Hall is an inspiring and powerful story about three remarkable young women who fight for equality in the 1880s. Intelligent and determined, they help shape a blueprint for the rights and freedoms that still echo in America today.
This was my first book by Vanessa Miller, and it was absolutely amazing. The historical detail is rich and the themes of race, gender, courage and resilience are woven together beautifully.
Angel Pean’s narration is outstanding and brings the entire story together.
A well researched, inspiring, and unforgettable listen. Highly recommended. 5 stars.
#TheLadiesHall #NetGalley.

The author's dedication set the tone for this book before I even reached chapter one:

"Dedicated to every woman who was expected to be less, but instead thumbed her pretty little nose at the world and decided to be more."

My heart skipped when I read that.

There were so many moments in this book that filled me with anger, hope, admiration, and determination all at once. I tried to to take notes of all these moments but realized it was really the whole book, so I quit. Vanessa Miller brings these women to life in a way that makes their struggles feel immediate and personal. More than once, I found myself wishing I could step into the pages and stand beside them.

This is one of those books that reminds you why history matters and why equality should never be taken for granted. It made me want to join every rally, support every cause, and fight every injustice where people are still being told they are less.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! @authorvanessamiller , each page down to the notes.. I could tell you poured your heart into.

I instantly fell in love with Mary and Anna. Their stories were so inspiring. I especially loved that they came from two different backgrounds yet faced the same challenges once they arrived at school. I truly did not want the book to end. I really appreciated the author's note outlining what details she changed and providing the reasoning. Highly recommend this book.

1884, Oberlin College, Ohio. A story of Black Excellence.

It's amazing and fortuitous to find a historical fiction novel about women that I wanted to know more about. Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, and Ida Gibbs deserve to be names as recognizable as Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. They were contemporaries in the fight for equality and suffrage. This is a fascinating look into their formative college years. 

I loved the personal aspects of the narrative and the thousand ways they dealt with their dignity being downtrodden. 

Mary is the main character. With wealth, privilege, and keen intellect, just one generation removed from enslavement, Mary is still not immune to the horrific backlash against equality. I loved watching her wake up out of her bubble of privilege and become vocal and intentional about everything she did. 
Anna Julia Cooper rose from more common means. Her mother still labored for the family she'd formerly been enslaved to. Her father was unknown, but likely her mother's employer or his brother. The contrast between her and Mary's upbringing, similar shared experiences at college, and their ultimate friendship was profound. 

Awesome author's note at the end! Miller really dug into the period, even finding anonymous articles that logically could be attributed to Mary. 

I'm so impressed by these women and the author's research and care in portraying them. Highly recommend!

The audiobook was amazing. Angel Pean has a great range and felt authentic to the characters, Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, NetGalley, and the author for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

This was an engaging story made even better by an exceptional audiobook narrator, Angel Pean. The performance was superb, bringing every emotion, challenge, and triumph to life.

This is one of those books that stays with you long after you've finished it. The biggest winner of this book is the reader. I came away learning things I never knew about history, but also thinking differently about resilience, courage, and the people whose stories don't always make it into the history books. That's what made this book special for me, it didn't just tell a story, it left me with something to carry forward.

One of my favorite takeaways came from a quote by Anna Julia Cooper that Vanessa Miller introduced me to: "The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class—it is the cause of humankind, the very birthright of humanity." Knowing those words appear in every U.S. passport made them even more meaningful.

This is a 5-star read for me. While I believe everyone could benefit from reading it, it will especially resonate with readers who enjoy personal growth, historical fiction, and stories that explore the experiences and challenges faced by women at the turn of the twentieth century.

Vanessa Miller has brought history to life in a way that is both educational and deeply emotional. The Ladies Hall follows the lives of Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, and Ida Gibbs Hunt as they pursue higher education at Oberlin College in the 1880s, becoming some of the first Black women to earn college degrees in the United States. Based on real historical figures, the novel explores their friendships, ambitions, sacrifices, and determination to succeed in a world that continually questioned whether they belonged.

What I loved most was the contrast between the women. Mary comes from wealth and privilege, while Anna has struggled and worked tirelessly for every opportunity she receives. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, their shared commitment to education and equality forms the foundation of a powerful friendship. Ida’s presence adds another layer to the story, highlighting the collective strength of women who refused to accept society’s limitations.

Miller does an exceptional job portraying the racism and sexism these women faced without allowing those hardships to define them. The story is ultimately one of perseverance, courage, and hope. The historical details are seamlessly woven into the narrative, and I found myself completely invested in the women’s journeys, celebrating their victories and grieving their setbacks alongside them.

Fans of historical fiction, especially stories centered on remarkable women whose contributions deserve wider recognition, will find much to love here. This novel serves as both an inspiring tribute to three pioneering women and a reminder that progress is often built on the determination of those willing to challenge the status quo.

Just finished The Ladies Hall by Vanessa Miller — such an enjoyable read! It’s a story that activates so many truths we see playing out in present day: dignity, equality, women’s rights, segregation, and the stripping away of freedom. It’s eye-opening and sobering at the same time, especially as we watch so many silent movements unfolding today.

The story was beautifully written, and the characters were easy to connect with. The complexities of privilege, skin tone, and emotion within each character were carefully crafted. Highly recommend.

I love historical reads, and The Ladies Hall captured my attention from the very first pages. One of the book’s greatest strengths is how authentically it remains within its historical time period. The author has clearly invested significant effort into creating a setting that feels genuine, allowing readers to become fully immersed in the era. The attention to historical detail enhances the story without overwhelming it, making for an engaging and enjoyable reading experience. For anyone who appreciates historical fiction, this book offers a rich and compelling journey into the past.
Vanessa Miller has now firmly secured a place at the top of my favourite authors list. Her ability to bring history to life through vivid storytelling, authentic characters, and emotional depth is truly remarkable. Few authors can transport a reader so completely into another time and place, but Vanessa Miller accomplishes this with ease. After reading The Ladies Hall, I can confidently say that I will be seeking out more of her work in the future.
Reading the reviews before reading this beautiful book only highlights how differently readers can experience the same story. While every reader brings their own expectations and perspectives, I found myself completely immersed in the author’s storytelling. The rich historical setting, well-developed characters, and emotional depth created a reading experience that stayed with me long after I turned the final page. Sometimes the greatest joy comes from discovering a book for yourself and allowing the story to speak directly to you, regardless of the opinions of others.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Audio 🎧
Pub date: Aug. 11, 2026

The Ladies Hall by Vanessa Miller is a historical fiction novel based on the real lives of three pioneering Black women: Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, and Ida Gibbs Hunt. This novel focuses on their years at Oberlin College in the 1880s. Oberlin was one of the few colleges, at the time, to allow admission to both black students and white students.

This book explores themes of sisterhood, resilience, and the fight for gender and race equality.

This story gets all the stars from me. You know it’s going to be a good one when the author’s note at the beginning of the book makes you tear up. It is clear that the author did her research when writing this book. It took me through a wide range of emotions. I was furious, sad, and frustrated, at times, and overjoyed and hopeful, at other times.

*Be sure to read the author’s note at the beginning and end of the book.

Angel Pean narrated this story. Her narration was top tier. She really made me feel the characters emotions. I highly recommend the audio version of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the opportunity to review this ALC. This is my honest opinion.

I appreciate this story for beautifully portraying the intersectionality of the African American woman's experience, especially during the fight for civil rights. Mary Church Terrell, Anna J. Cooper, and Ida Gibbs were brilliant and tenacious young Black women that refused to allow the societal constraints on race, gender, or class to deter their goals and dreams. They understood that their rebellious pursuit of education in the 1800s at Oberlin College would not only make a difference in their lives, but for Black people in general. At Oberlin, they were persistent in the fight to receive what they rightful earned and to be recognized for their humanity. They carried that legacy beyond the walls of Oberlin and continued to be trailblazers making strides that benefit us all today.
Additionally, this story highlighted some of the ways white supremacy shows up within the Black community such as colorism and classism. As well as provided a national and global view of racism beyond the walls of Oberlin. The women's push back against societal and familial pressure for them to conform to gender-based expectations was inspiring also.
With so much information to pack into a story, Miller did a wonderful job of keeping the pace steady and engaging. The narration was enjoyable and appropriate. The story is very timely as we watch the work of our Civil Rights pioneers be striped away, so it hits hard emotionally. Maybe their tenacity and selflessness will inspire another generation to fight.

The audiobook was wonderful. I loved it.
One thing Ms. Vanessa is going to do is right a damn good historical fiction showcasing perseverance. I loved reading about Mary and Anna’s journey and fight for equality.

Both of these women were strong-minded, brilliant and determined. I found myself extremely proud of how they continuously advocated for not only themselves but for other black communities and women as a whole.

I can’t imagine how afraid they must of been to integrate into a college that did not fully welcome them with open arms. And how tiring it had to have been to have to constantly prove that they were just as qualified as their peers, if not not more!
Their legacy, ambition and poise is admirable. And I can’t for you guys to read this August 11th 2026. Preorder your copy today!

These three women meet in 1884 at Oberlin college. In my opinion, these were three black women who blazed the trail for us all. They fight for equality for women and the black race. I enjoyed their friendship and the details of their lives. Truly inspiring. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ALC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

Historical fiction at its best - I LOVE when I learn something new in a book. This book fits the bill. I also enjoyed that I have a connection to Oberlin College and I learned about its impressive history. As the author notes in the beginning, it is very sad that history is currently repeating itself.

The audio version of this book was amazing the narrator was so amazing she had you in that time and you go just see the characters talking to each other! Amazing!!!!!

This is a must read for all intersectional feminists! The Ladies Hall follows three African American women as they enroll in “men’s courses” at Oberlin College in the 1880s. The three women, Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, and Ida Gibbs Hunt, who became figures in the suffrage and civil rights movements, consistently focused on the overlapping oppressions of being Black and a woman in America. All three activists in their own right, Ladies Hall focuses on the early lives and collegiate experiences that shaped Mary and Anna. This book is packed with historical importance, timeless wisdom, and unrelenting hope. I don’t know about you, but I sorely need that last one these days.

The Ladies Hall is perfect pick for book club, a gift for that niece who is interested in feminism, or just for your own growth!

Thanks for the ALC NetGalley!

OMG! This was an INCREDIBLE story! I absolutely LOVED it! Let's just say I neglected my family while I listened to this because I could NOT stop!

I went into The Ladies Hall expecting a compelling historical fiction novel but I came away feeling truly inspired by the real women at the heart of this story. The fact that Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper & Ida Gibbs Hunt were real people...made their journey even more powerful & impactful. Oh, my heart 🥹❤️

I loved watching these women form such a meaningful friendships while refusing to let prejudice stand in the way of their dreams! GET IT GIRLS! 👏✊🫶 Their courage and determination...not to mention their resilience... made this an incredibly inspiring read.

The audiobook narration was phenomenal! I was completely immersed from beginning to end. "Kids who weren't owned by anyone." 😭"We win when we lift as we climb." 😭🙏

If you love historical fiction that introduces you to remarkable women whose stories deserve to be remembered, I can't recommend this one enough.

Many thanks to Netgalley & Thomas Nelson Fiction for the alc

I love how Vanessa Miller weaves the stories about history. She knows how to tell the stories that we never knew about. The Ladies Hall is one of those books. Before I read this, I knew nothing about Oberlin College, Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, or Ida Gibbs Hunt. Now I want to know more. The way this story is written I felt every possible emotion. There were times when I wanted to stop so I could gather myself but I was so immersed in it that I had to keep going. This is definitely in my top five books of the year and a 10/10 recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ALC. I am voluntarily leaving a review.

The Ladies Hall by Vanessa Miller is my 3rd read and first ARC by this author. I appreciated the level of research and integration of history into this work. This story takes place in the late 1800s and right after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is the story of 3 young black women and their time as trailblazers at Oberlin College. There is no browbeating, just the perspective of young women navigating life and college in the aftermath of slavery in America. For me, the flow and pace of the story made it a book I’d recommend readers to add to their TBR. It’s uncanny how relevant some of their struggles are in comparison to today’s political climate. However, the story of Mary, Anna, Ida, and the Ladies Hall gives us hope for how determination and sheer will can create space for change in hearts and communities. Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this one! I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Their emotion, pacing, and distinct voices made it easy to get completely immersed in the story. Vanessa Miller beautifully tells the inspiring stories of these remarkable women, highlighting both the hardships they endured and the strength they showed in overcoming them. Knowing the story is based on the real lives of Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, and Ida Gibbs Hunt made it even more meaningful. This is a powerful historical fiction novel about perseverance, friendship, and leaving a lasting legacy that will stay with me for a long time.