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.