The Light on Halsey Street

A Novel

By: Vanessa Miller

Narrated by: Je Nie Fleming

"An unforgettable read from cover to cover." --Tia McCollors, bestselling author

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.

Perfect for book clubs, this inspirational Christian fiction novel is about two girls from the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn who find that their paths have been woven together by the love of community and a friendship that is tested by time, betrayal, and unforgiveness.

Critic reviews

'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.'

'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.'

'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.''

'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!”'

'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.'

'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.'

A great read/listen!

Loved this book! I’m currently reading with a book club and I’ve finished the book because I couldn’t stop. I’ve laughed, cried and prayed throughout the chapters.

Thoroughly enjoyed this read/listen!
The narrator was phenomenal too!

FORGIVENESS

a well-written and performed book about hope love and forgiveness. I enjoyed it very much and strongly recommend reading or listening on audio as I did. The characters just came to life during the well presented narration.

Grace and Mercy

Such a beautiful of trials and tribulations. How grace and mercy and change your life. This was a beautiful story of forgiveness. This is a highly recommended book and very emotional ❤️

Not For Me

I had difficulty relating to this book. It was a decent story, but definitely not my favorite.

Lessons

This book reminded me of God’s grace and forgiveness.
It was multiple instances where I wanted one of the characters to suffer or experience real consequences.
As art intimates life, the best people I know seem to have life a tiny bit harder.