Book Referees is thrilled to be part of the Hear Our Voices blog tour for The American Queen and The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller!
These two powerful historical novels illuminate the resilience, faith, and courage of Black communities in the face of oppression and adversity. With deeply moving storytelling and unforgettable characters, The American Queen and The Filling Station take readers on a journey through pivotal moments in history—one exploring the fight for freedom and dignity after slavery, and the other chronicling the strength to rebuild after the devastation of the Tulsa Race Massacre.
For today’s blog tour stop, I’m excited to share my reviews for both books, along with a specially curated playlist inspired by the themes of perseverance, faith, and hope that define these incredible stories. If you love historical fiction that blends heartbreak with triumph and highlights the extraordinary legacy of Black resilience, these books are must-reads!
Inspired by The American Queen
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“A Change Is Gonna Come” – Sam Cooke
- A timeless anthem of struggle and hope for a better future.
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“Freedom” – Beyoncé ft. Kendrick Lamar
- A powerful song about perseverance and the fight for freedom.
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“Stand Up” – Cynthia Erivo (from Harriet)
- An emotional, deeply moving song that embodies Louella’s courage and leadership.
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“Wake Up Everybody” – Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes
- Speaks to the need for change and people rising up to make the world better.
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“Weary” – Solange
- A song about exhaustion in the fight for justice, but also the quiet strength that keeps one moving forward.
Inspired by The Filling Station
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“Rise Up” – Andra Day
- A soul-stirring song about overcoming pain and pushing forward.
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“Keep Your Head to the Sky” – Earth, Wind & Fire
- Encourages hope and faith even when times are hard.
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“Glory” – John Legend & Common (from Selma)
- Captures the resilience of those fighting for justice and rebuilding their community.
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“Family Business” – Kanye West
- About the importance of family, unity, and sticking together in hard times.
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“I Smile” – Kirk Franklin
- A song about keeping faith and joy even in the midst of adversity.
Book Review: The American Queen by Vanessa Miller
Vanessa Miller’s The American Queen is a moving and powerful historical novel that brings to life the extraordinary journey of Louella, a formerly enslaved woman, and her husband, Reverend William. The story follows their fight for freedom, dignity, and a place to call their own, culminating in the founding of the Kingdom of the Happy Land—a real-life community built by freedpeople.
What makes this book so compelling is its deep emotional core. Louella’s transformation from a woman fueled by hate and pain to one who dares to hope is beautifully written. Miller’s storytelling is immersive, placing the reader in the turbulent post-slavery South with vivid descriptions and gripping historical detail. The themes of faith, perseverance, and love in the face of oppression make this a truly inspiring read.
While the book is deeply historical, its messages of resilience and the fight for justice feel timeless. Fans of well-researched historical fiction, particularly those who appreciate narratives centered on Black history and faith, will find The American Queen both heartbreaking and uplifting.
Book Review: The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller
In The Filling Station, Vanessa Miller tells the harrowing and ultimately hopeful story of two sisters, Margaret and Evelyn Justice, whose lives are torn apart by the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Forced to flee their beloved Greenwood, they embark on a journey of survival, grief, and rediscovery, eventually finding refuge at the real-life Threatt Filling Station—a Black-owned safe haven along Route 66.
Miller does an exceptional job of capturing the emotional weight of the sisters’ loss while also highlighting the resilience of the Black community in the face of devastating racism and violence. The relationship between Margaret and Evelyn is deeply compelling, as they struggle with faith, purpose, and the question of whether to rebuild or leave the past behind.
What stands out most is the novel’s balance between heartbreak and hope. It doesn’t shy away from the horrors of history, yet it leaves readers with a message of strength and perseverance. This is a must-read for those who love historical fiction that sheds light on overlooked Black history while delivering an emotional and thought-provoking story.
