The Light on Halsey Street

by Vanessa Miller

Overview

Two girls’ lives are irrevocably intertwined the summer of 1985 in the streets of Brooklyn, New York, and neither will ever be the same in this coming-of-age story that spans decades.

In the summer of 1985, Lisa Whitaker is a church kid headed to college on a scholarship while her best friend, Dana, is floundering in the wake of her mother’s latest eviction. Though Lisa tries to help, their paths diverge. Fifteen years later, Lisa has a beautiful family and is stepping into her dream job as the director for a social services organization. Everything is going right—until her future is snatched away by identity theft. Her life begins to unravel, and Lisa wants nothing more than to see the woman responsible pay for her crimes.

When she was a teenager, Dana Jones always felt alone in this world. Her mother was addicted to drugs, her boyfriend was entering a life of crime, and it seemed Dana, too, was heading down the wrong path. The only bright light was her friendship with Lisa. Now, in the new millennium, Dana finally gives herself permission to dream—to believe she is stepping into better days. But when the betrayal of their friendship comes to light, it will take a lifetime to forgive the destruction that youthful summer in Bed-Stuy set in motion.

In this latest story from beloved author Vanessa Miller, two girls from the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, find that their paths have been woven together by the love of community and a friendship that is tested by time, betrayal, and unforgiveness.

• Inspirational Christian fiction
• Stand-alone novel
• Perfect for fans of Tara M. Stringfellow, Terry McMillan, and Kimberla Lawson Roby
• Book length: approximately 85,000 words
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780840709936
Publisher:	Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date:	09/05/2023
Pages:	368
Sales rank:	383,912
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.30(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Vanessa Miller is a bestselling author, with several books appearing on ESSENCE Magazine's Bestseller List. She has also been a Black Expressions Book Club alternate pick and #1 on BCNN/BCBC Bestseller List. Most of Vanessa's published novels depict characters who 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) and "Recommended for readers of redemption stories" (Library Journal). Visit her online at vanessamiller.com; X: @Vanessamiller01; Instagram: @authorvanessamiller; Facebook: @Vanessamiller01.

Editorial Reviews

'Vanessa Miller's THE LIGHT ON HALSEY STREET is women's fiction at its finest. Riveting and redemptive, THE LIGHT ON HALSEY STREET vividly transports us back to 1980s Brooklyn with an unforgettable cast of characters and leaves you with the firm belief that light can truly never be extinguished by darkness.'

international bestselling author of ALL THE PRETTY Joy Callaway

'Vanessa Miller serves a heartfelt and fulfilling, Brooklyn, New York, literary buffet in this 1980s coming-of-age journey through friendships and hardships, all nourished by 'the LIGHT ON HALSEY STREET.''

Essence and national bestselling author and creato Pat G’Orge-Walker

'Vanessa Miller's latest, THE LIGHT ON HALSEY STREET, reawakened memories of my own growing up in the neighborhood of Bedford Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, which is a testament to her skill as a weaver of words. THE LIGHT ON HALSEY STREET is not only a story of times gone by but the resiliency of friendship, family, and faith. This redemptive story of two friends, Lisa and Dana, poignantly demonstrates that we need not be a product of our circumstances and that the power to change is within all of us. Miller has created a timeless tale that will resonate long after the last word is read.'

author of CONFESSIONS IN A B-FLAT and I AM AYAH Donna Hill

'THE LIGHT ON HALSEY STREET is an emotional story that takes you on an up close and personal journey across the decades with two friends. The plot is woven with friendship, forgiveness, and faith. An unforgettable read from cover to cover by Vanessa Miller.'

bestselling author Tia McCollors

'Vanessa Miller delivers a poignant story of friendship and betrayal, bringing Lisa and Dana full circle, with an uplifting ending that proves there is power in prayer.'

USA TODAY bestselling author Lacey Baker

'Vanessa Miller set THE LIGHT ON HALSEY STREET in Bedford-Stuyvesant, New York, but she takes readers on a decades-long exploration of the heart. In her coming-of-age story, two women learn about the impact of bitterness and resentment and the power of love to heal and restore what was lost. Readers will find it hard to put this novel down, and they'll hold on to these life lessons long after they turn the last page. Well done!”'

Christy Award-winning author Robin W. Pearson

09/01/2023

Dana Jones is just trying to survive in 1985 Brooklyn, which is a tough task while having a cocaine-addicted mother and a boyfriend who's a petty thief. Her best friend Lisa Whitaker lives just around the block but has a fairy-tale life and dreams of making a difference in her predominately African American Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. One fateful night sets both young women on a path that seems unchangeable—one to prison, the other to college. Jumping ahead in time, Miller (Something Good) explores how one bad decision can change a life forever, but she also brings the main characters plenty of chances for redemption. Bedford-Stuyvesant, at once tight-knit and fractured, is practically a main character in this women's fiction offering, and many will recognize similar ebbs and flows in their own cities. VERDICT Friendship and the power of community are the shining stars of this novel, which doesn't shy away from tough issues but also offers a hefty dose of hope and humor. Read-alikes include Lean on Me by Pat Simmons and No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert.

Library Journal