The Filling Station: A Novel by Vanessa MillerMy rating: 💛💛💛💛
“What I see is a woman determined to survive. And that’s a beautiful thing in my sight.”
This was not an easy read. It was filled with a community who had to survive a horrific night, but not only that isolated night, months of rising up and moving forward even though no assistance was provided and the true guilty party placed blame at their feet.
“I’ve been where you are. I know how anger at unthinkable tragedy can cause bitterness toward God. But one day He came into my heart and removed all the bitterness. I wish the same for you.”
But it was filled with strong people who did survive, did move forward and through taking it day by day and keep on fighting, were able to heal and come out stronger.
Lifting the Bible again he added, “That’s how I feel about this book. When I read it, I’m fueling my spirit and my soul so I can get through the day, the week, the month. Some days are harder than others, but my filling station gives me the fuel I need to get to the other side of trouble.”
I LOVED all the scripture and the rawness and struggle to trust God. It made this book honest and real.
See, God is a gentleman. He will only come where He is invited.”
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
View all my reviews
About the book:
Two sisters. One unassuming haven. Endless opportunities for grace.
During Jim Crow America, there was only one place Black Americans could safely refuel their vehicles along what would eventually become iconic Route 66. But more than just a place to refuel, it was a place to fill up the soul, build community, and find strength. For two sisters, the Threatt Filling Station became the safe haven they needed after escaping the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
After looking in the face of evil and leaving her whole world behind, Margaret Justice wants nothing more than to feel safe and hold tight to what she has left. Her sister, Evelyn, meanwhile, is a dreamer who longs for adventure and to follow her heart, even though she's been told repeatedly to not dream too big.
As they both grapple with love, loss, and racism, Margaret and Evelyn realize that they can't hide out at the filling station when Greenwood and their father's legacy needs to be rebuilt. Going back will take strength they're not sure they have. But for the love of Greenwood, they will risk it all and just may be the catalyst to bring Black Wall Street back to its former glory.
During Jim Crow America, there was only one place Black Americans could safely refuel their vehicles along what would eventually become iconic Route 66. But more than just a place to refuel, it was a place to fill up the soul, build community, and find strength. For two sisters, the Threatt Filling Station became the safe haven they needed after escaping the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
After looking in the face of evil and leaving her whole world behind, Margaret Justice wants nothing more than to feel safe and hold tight to what she has left. Her sister, Evelyn, meanwhile, is a dreamer who longs for adventure and to follow her heart, even though she's been told repeatedly to not dream too big.
As they both grapple with love, loss, and racism, Margaret and Evelyn realize that they can't hide out at the filling station when Greenwood and their father's legacy needs to be rebuilt. Going back will take strength they're not sure they have. But for the love of Greenwood, they will risk it all and just may be the catalyst to bring Black Wall Street back to its former glory.
About the Author:
Vanessa Miller is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, playwright, and motivational speaker. She started writing as a child, spending countless hours either reading or writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels. Vanessa’s creative endeavors took on new meaning in1994 when she became a Christian. Since then, her writing has been centered on themes of redemption, often focusing on characters facing multi-dimensional struggles.
Vanessa’s novels have received rave reviews, with several appearing on Essence Magazine’s Bestseller’s List. Miller’s work has receiving numerous awards, including “Best Christian Fiction Mahogany Award” and the “Red Rose Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction.” Miller graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication. She is an ordained minister in her church, explaining, “God has called me to minister to readers and to help them rediscover their place with the Lord.”
· Essence Bestsellers’ List March 2008; May 2008 (Former Rain)
· Essence Bestsellers’ List September 2008 (Rain Storm)
· Black Expressions Book Club Alternate Selection 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
· #1 Ebook for fiction on Amazon.com November 2010 (Long Time Coming)
· #1 on BCNN/BCBC Bestsellers’ List November 2010 (Long Time Coming)
She has worked with numerous publishers: Urban Christian, Kimani Romance, Abingdon Press and Whitaker House. She is currently working on Something Good with Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins) which releases in March 2022.
In 2016, Vanessa launched the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat in an effort to bring readers and authors of Christian fiction together in an environment that’s all about Faith, Fun & Fellowship. To learn more about Vanessa, please visit her website: www.vanessamiller.com. If you would like to know more about the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat that is currently held in Charlotte, NC during the last week in October you can visit: http://www.christianbookloversretreat...
Vanessa lives in North Carolina with her husband and family. She graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication.
Most of Vanessa’s published novels depict characters that are lost and in need of redemption. The books have received countless favorable reviews.
“. . . Heartwarming, drama-packed and tender in just the right places.”—Romantic Times Book Review.
“Recommended for readers of redemption stories.” –Library Journal.
www.vanessamiller.com
Don’t forget to join my mailing list:
http://www.vanessamiller.com/events-j...
Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Vanes...
Join me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorvanes...
Join me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/vanessamiller01
Website: www.vanessamiller.com
(less)
No comments:
Post a Comment