I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller
Book Referees is thrilled to be part of the Hear Our Voices blog tour for The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller!
This powerful historical novel illuminates the resilience, faith, and courage of Black communities in the face of oppression and adversity. With deeply moving storytelling and unforgettable characters, The Filling Station takes readers on a journey through pivotal moments in history.
For today’s blog tour stop, I’m excited to share my review, 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, this book is a must-read!
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.
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.
