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Releasing August 11, 2026
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New Release · A Novel

The Ladies Hall

From the USA Today bestselling author of The American Queen

The lives of real heroes prove this truth: equality is won when we rise together.

Release Aug 11, 2026
Publisher Thomas Nelson
Genre Historical Fiction
The Ladies Hall by Vanessa Miller
About the Book

1880s, Ohio. When Mary and Anna enter the Bachelor of Arts program, also known as the "gentlemen's course" of study, at Oberlin College, they have little in common other than the color of their skin and their passion for education.

While Mary was raised in luxury, attending presidential inaugurations with her wealthy father, Anna is a schoolteacher, likely the daughter of her enslaved mother's former owner, and works a second job to pay for her room and board. But despite their differences, both women share strength, ambition, and a deep yearning for change. If they can bridge the gaps between them, they just might build a lasting legacy.

From its earliest days in the 1830s, Oberlin College admitted men and women, white and Black students. Though the doors are officially open, school policy cannot change the hearts of classmates who refuse to see a woman, and especially a Black woman, excel. Despite constantly being forced to prove themselves, the women triumphantly overcome every obstacle and push through their pain. And as the world evolves around them, Mary and Anna persevere to build a legacy of success and excellence.

Based on the real lives of Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, and Ida Gibbs Hunt, The Ladies Hall is a mirror into times of great change, where progress and new possibilities are met with violence and resistance. But hope always rises. And it rises still.

Pre-order Incentive

Join Vanessa for a Live Zoom Event

Wednesday, August 12, 2026  ·  7:00 PM Eastern

Pre-order The Ladies Hall from any retailer above and join Vanessa for an intimate launch-week conversation about Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, Ida Gibbs Hunt, and the women who built The Ladies Hall.

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Pre-order your copy from any retailer.
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Click the Zoom registration link.
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Upload a photo of your pre-order receipt.
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Also from Vanessa

Available now

The American Queen by Vanessa Miller
Historical Fiction · 2024

The American Queen

In 1869 a kingdom rose in the South. And Louella was its queen.

  • 2024 American Fiction Award Winner
  • Christy Award & Audie Award honoree
  • NC Reads 2025 Selection
  • Starred reviews · Library Journal & Booklist
  • Featured: Good Morning America, Washington Post
A breathtakingly honest novel that shares the unsung true history of the Kingdom of the Happy Land. Vanessa’s publisher
The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller
Historical Fiction · 2025

The Filling Station

Two sisters. One unassuming haven. Endless opportunities for grace.

  • Set against the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
  • Starred review · Library Journal
  • Praise from Jodi Picoult
  • Indie bookstore favorite
The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre is, shockingly, little more than a footnote in history. Miller's book, thankfully, reverses that egregious oversight. Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Vanessa Miller, author
A Word from Vanessa

God has called me to minister to readers and to help them rediscover their place with the Lord.

Vanessa Miller Author, playwright, motivational speaker
More About Vanessa →
Recognition
USA Today
Bestseller
Awards
Christy Award · Audie Award
2024 American Fiction Award
Starred Reviews
Library Journal
& Booklist
Praise & Press

As seen in

Vanessa Miller featured on Good Morning America
Good Morning America 15 new books to read in the new year
Press coverage of The American Queen
The Washington Post New historical novels worth reading
Press feature for The American Queen
NetGalley & Trade Press Reader and reviewer acclaim
"

The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre is, shockingly, little more than a footnote in history. Miller's book, thankfully, reverses that egregious oversight. We viscerally learn how this vibrant Black community fought devastation with resilience, faith, and grit.

Jodi Picoult #1 New York Times bestselling author
Live & Virtual

Upcoming events

All Events →
Aug 8 · 2026
NACWC Pre-Release Event
15th Street Presbyterian Church · Washington, DC
Register →
Aug 11 · 2026
Release Day
Launch at Bookmarks
Winston-Salem, NC
Get Details →
Aug 22 · 2026
National Book Tour Stop
Marion, NC
Get Details →
From the Author

On the blog

All Posts →
March 20, 2026

Faith in the Process with Author Vanessa Miller

Vanessa discusses The American Queen and how history, faith, and the writing community influence her artistic process here in North Carolina.

Read More →
March 4, 2026

Writers on Writing Interview

Donna Hill talks with USA Today bestselling author Vanessa Miller, author of more than fifty titles including the award-winning The American Queen.

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December 3, 2024

Vanessa Miller WBTV Interview

So many blessings for this book. Watch the WBTV Charlotte interview about The American Queen.

Read More →
A Note from Vanessa

Faith & Ministry

My Favorite Scripture

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing. Psalm 37:25-26

My Prayer for You

May neighbors respect you, trouble neglect you, angels protect you, and heaven accept you.

My Thoughts on Ministry

My writing is a gift from God, and I write to touch the heart and souls of God's people. I also believe we are all called to help our brothers and sisters in need.

I love reading stories written by this author. She always incorporates love, mystery, and God into her books. Her stories are very enlightening and heartfelt.

Goodreads Reader