VANESSA MILLER is a USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning author whose prolific body of work spans over 50 titles that explore deep themes of redemption, resilience, and faith—often spotlighting strong Black women in pivotal moments of history. She is the author of The American Queen (a Litchfield Books Staff Pick of the year 2025), The Filling Station, The Light on Halsey Street, and many other titles. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and family. She graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication and is currently pursuing her MFA at Queens University.
For Fans of The Help, and The Personal Librarian- 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…but hope always rises. And it rises still.
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.
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.
The Ladies Hall is an ideal choice for book clubs eager to explore the intersections of race, gender, and resilience in American history.
Date: Friday, October 2nd 2026
Location: Sea View Inn- 414 Myrtle Avenue - Pawleys Island, South Carolina 29585
An Oceanfront Barefoot Paradise since 1937. Step back in time, this quaint beach cottage proudly looks as if it hasn't changed in over 60 years—and that nostalgic warmth is its greatest secret. Private beachfront views, charming and laid back, and the best food on the island.
Time: 10:45AM-1:00PM
Your Ticket Includes:
Guaranteed seating via our curated seating chart (no rushing for a spot).
An intimate talk and Q&A with Vanessa Miller.
A multi-course lunch, dessert, and beverages provided by the Sea View Inn.
A dedicated window for book signing and a brief meet-and-greet.
The Opportunity to purchase a copy of The Ladies Hall at our event.
Refund Policy- Thank you for signing up for an event at Litchfield Books! Cards will be charged upon time of ticket purchase. We will refund your ticket, excluding our merchant banker convenience fee and credit card reversal fee. Cancellations are accepted up until seven days prior to the event date. If the cancellation is past the seven days you will not be offered a refund but you will be offered the signed copy of the event book.