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The Kingdom of Quail

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Set on a pristine quail plantation in South Georgia, this tale is a Southern saga about complex relationships that take place over decades.When Luke Johnson and his mother are abandoned by his alcoholic father, they are taken in by the Parkers, a wealthy family living on a pristine quail plantation in the Red Hills region of South Georgia. Luke embraces the natural surroundings and blossoms as a young man in this unspoiled environment. Trouble arises when a romantic attraction develops between Luke and the Parker’s young daughter threatening to end the good life he has found.Despite family tensions, Angus Parker and Luke bond together when a group of billionaire investors try to take the land for development. Luke is determined to stop the development, but he questions his conviction when an attractive young woman is sent to negotiate the deal.The future of the Red Hills hangs in the balance.

312 pages, Hardcover

Published December 12, 2023

8 people are currently reading
2435 people want to read

About the author

Harris Strickland

2 books14 followers
Harris Strickland lives in Thomasville, Georgia and St. Teresa, Florida with his wife, Rebecca, and an English Cocker named Lucy. In 2014, after a near-death experience, he published his debut novel, The Search for Sam. His latest novel, The Kingdom of Quail, is scheduled for release in November 2023. Harris draws inspiration from his experience as a world traveler and travel guide for more than twenty years. Today, he and his wife manage a farm in South Georgia with an emphasis on longleaf pine restoration and wildlife preservation. He currently works as a real estate professional in the Thomasville area.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Laura Rogers .
315 reviews203 followers
March 13, 2024
If you haven't had the pleasure of experiencing southern hospitality and sipping iced tea or bourbon on the front porch, then now is your chance!

There is a long span of what appears to be undeveloped beauty traversing Highway 319 from north Tallahassee up to Thomasville, Georgia, but it is actually a group of carefully managed plantations with long traditions of horse riding, quail hunting, and land stewardship. This is the setting for this gem of a novel that revolves around two families living on Horseshoe Plantation, one the owners and the other a woman and her young son, rescued from an abusive relationship. It is a place where the help are loved like family and the land and animals are as carefully tended as the children. Over decades we see love blossom and tragedy endured and then a threat to everything they hold dear. A conglomerate of billionaires plot to buy up the plantations and turn it into their version of a Disneylike utopia. It's David versus Goliath and you have to keep reading, all the while hoping for a happy ending. I can easily envision a sequel or a movie of this captivating work of southern literature.

I received a drc from the publisher via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Sue Oshin.
Author 11 books57 followers
January 18, 2024
I dont know how many times im crying when read this book. Honestly, this is a moving book, a thoughful about meaning of life, loves between human realtionship; family, friend, workers, love and animals, love of the land, and how to manage the crisis that happened in their life.

I believed that everyone deserved a second chance especially in love. When someone failed in marriage life’s because of alcoholic husband, then she deserves to be happy when their child was grown up. They need somebody because they are lonely. The loneliness happened when their childs are growing up and make their own way like what happened to Grace.

The love between Luke and Annabelle. They had being friends since childhood where Luke’s momma, Grace was worked with the Parker’s family. Grace and Luke had a home to stay in even life. Parkers took care of them like a family. When Luke and Annabelle was grown up, Parker denied their relationship because they are too young and surely they will fall in love with someone else. Years pass, Annabelle married with someone else, and she died from fire. Parker cant bear it because he loose his wife and daughter. He decide to move far away from Hourseshoe Hills and ask Luke to manage their estate and property really well. Luke move on and find someone else to lived together.

The conflict in this story not focuses on love but the land of Hourseshoe Hill where a group of billionaire investor try to take the land for development. Luke need to stop the development. The future of the Red Hills hangs in balance.
Profile Image for Laura Rogers .
315 reviews203 followers
February 12, 2024
If you haven't had the pleasure of experiencing southern hospitality and sipping iced tea or bourbon on the front porch, then now is your chance!

There is a long span of what appears to be undeveloped beauty traversing Highway 319 from north Tallahassee up to Thomasville, Georgia, but it is actually a group of carefully managed plantations with long traditions of horse riding, quail hunting, and land stewardship. This is the setting for this gem of a novel that revolves around two families living on Horseshoe Plantation, one the owners and the other a woman and her young son, rescued from an abusive relationship. It is a place where the help are loved like family and the land and animals are as carefully tended as the children. Over decades we see love blossom and tragedy endured and then a threat to everything they hold dear. A conglomerate of billionaires plot to buy up the plantations and turn it into their version of a Disneylike utopia. It's David versus Goliath and you have to keep reading, all the while hoping for a happy ending. I can easily envision a sequel or a movie of this captivating work of southern literature.

I received a drc from the publisher via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Mollie Vick.
101 reviews6 followers
March 12, 2025
I loved everything about this book! Written from someone from Thomasville and the book is based in Thomasville! It showcased Thomasville very well - the history, the importance of the wildlife, great restaurants, the culture, quail hunting, and comfort and homeliness. This book made me sad, happy, heartbroken, touched, and excited. I also liked that one of the characters went to Georgia Tech! I highly recommend to anyone! Especially if you’ve visited thomasville!
24 reviews
April 27, 2024
I loved reading a book about the area I live in. I hope there is another book. I was left hanging with Luke and Heather. But I loved walking in the woods of the long leaf pines, hearing the quail, seeing the dogs in action, hearing the stories of Thomasville and I especially loved all the characters of the book. I felt like I was on the front porch with them,
Profile Image for Bette.
3,363 reviews23 followers
August 6, 2024
A Gem of a Story! Incredible Narration & Listen🎧

The Kingdom of Quail
By: Harris Strickland
Narrated by: David Allen Vargo

Harris Strickland welcomes you to the Kingdom of Quail, taking you on a journey of a lifetime, Luke Johnson’s journey to be more precise in this beautifully written novel that not only captivates your attention the entire time, but tugs at your heartstrings, too. Strickland’s descriptive details take you right alongside the characters, allowing you to see the world through eyes, as well as what they are thinking and feeling. Luke Johnson and his mom fell on hard times, but their luck changed when Angus Parker, a plantation owner, offers her a job and a place to live. Luke was a young boy then, but Angus saw potential in him and gave his own jobs around the plantation, mostly to keep him busy and to learn the lay of the land. He made friends there, first a boy Eugene, the son of a ground’s keeper, and then the Angus’s daughter, who was more of a tomboy then, but grew into her own and their friendship continued to grow and morph into more, a special bond. We watch the kids grow into adults, Luke opts to stay on the plantation, where he is faces challenges, losses and heartbreak, and after all that outsiders come in and want to buy all the property in the area to develop, and this becomes his latest challenge and with the help of Angus and his neighbors they come up with a plan. Luke brings one of those outsiders onto the plantation, the two grow close despite wanting different things with her working for the people who want to buy the land and him fighting to save it. I loved how everything played out in this book and all the layers of the story, a wonderfully plotted story. The world building and character growth and development are fantastic. Harris Strickland, thank you for this for this beautiful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 David Allen Vargo did an incredible job of bringing these characters and story to life. He covered the roles of all the characters, giving each their own distinct voice, making it easy to follow along and tell who was who. Vargo was excellent at performing both the male and female roles, the southern accents, and was believable in every role. His portrayal of each character was exceptional, showcasing every aspect of their personalities, capturing all their emotions and has you feeling each one. He sets the perfect tone for the story, handles the back-and-forth dialogue naturally and with ease. David Allen Vargo is an entertaining storyteller and his performance elevates this already wonderful story to another level. Thank you for another exceptional listen.
498 reviews4 followers
August 12, 2024
The Kingdom of Quail

By: Harris Strickland
Narrated by: David Allen Vargo

A Rare Treat - Amazing in Every Way!

Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 08-12-24

Angus, Annabel, Catherine, Luke, Grace, Lulu, Roosevelt, Eugene, Joe Greene, and Heather … just to name a few, and who could forget Willie … oh Willie … who captured my heart, my soul! These beautifully real, beautifully human characters will be with me forever … and the tears are flowing again as I remember them, and “The Kingdom of Quail”. The realism of this story is astounding! The writing crystal clear, emotional, pulling at my heartstrings the entire time while giving the unique “feel” of the “old south” from back in the day. The smooth progression of time with events in these characters lives intertwining … spanning decades, drawing cheers and tears over and over from this listener! I’ll hold the details to avoid spoiling the beauty, the wonder, the realism of this fabulously rich story, but know that the dialogue rings beautifully true, and EVERYTHING you hear COULD have happened! It feels and sounds that real! Adding to the realistic feel is the narration. This, THIS performance, is MAGIC! Every character comes breathtakingly ALIVE while listening. The tears flow anew as I remember sitting alone in a quiet room, sobbing, feeling with all my being for these beautifully REAL characters. I knew who was speaking and I knew what they were FEELING every moment of this story! I could SEE them exactly as the author described them! The scene setting was also clearly and convincingly voiced, leaving no doubt that EVERY step of the way, I was listening to the story exactly as the author envisioned, and as much as I cried, I LOVED it. I LOVED everything about this story and performance! Don’t pass this one by! “The Kingdom of Quail” is not to be missed! FIVE fabulous stars cause they don’t let me give a hundred!
Profile Image for Becka.
101 reviews
August 28, 2025
A man and his wife once sat in the restaurant I worked at and overheard my conversation with another customer. We were talking about books of course. His wife told me her husband had written a book I might like. He went out to his car and gave me a free copy of Kingdom of the Quail.

I’ve had other people give me books before, but it’s not every day an author gives you their own book. Immediately, I knew this was going to be a special novel. The cover is beautiful, the couple was incredibly kind, and it’s a fiction book set right here in Thomasville, Georgia.

And I was right. It’s beautiful. It’s a story about life, family, loss, love, and nature. It’s about moving on, letting go, and learning to live.

At first, it was a bit of a slow start for me. And then I was hooked and read the majority in two days. At one point it becomes more than just a love story — it angers you, devastates you, and then you’re truly hooked.

I felt like I could meet these characters right here in the restaurant I work at and see the beauty of the plantation right down the road.

This isn’t just your typical love story. It’s a small town slow burn romance with a man just trying to save the land he loves. I’m so glad I have this on my shelves. It’s one I’ll reread again in the future.


And if you happen to be from Thomasville, I’m sure the Bookshelf has a copy ready for you. It’s one you won’t want to miss.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,604 reviews48 followers
October 4, 2024
The author has done a wonderful job of capturing the importance of family and family land in the South. I was not familiar with quail plantations and found the information about the one belonging to the Parkers new and interesting. As ever in the South, class plays a major role in the story as Luke and his mother are taken in by the wealthy Parkers but real strains develop when Luke falls in love with the Parker's daughter - generosity only extends so far. Luke's love for the land is well described and when developers threaten it he and Angus Parker form an alliance to defeat them. There are complications there as well, however. I was hooked from the first by the personal relationships and the question of what would finally happen to the land. David Allen Vargo has a beautiful voice well suited to sounding "Southern" and the skill and good taste not to overdo it. The accent never descends into parody or caricature. He understands the characters and the complex threads running among them and hits just the right notes. This was a new author for meand I'm looking forward to reading his other book.
Profile Image for Tammy Bulcao.
101 reviews10 followers
August 19, 2024
Fantastic story!

This story was beautifully written. It spans over decades but you’re so caught up in the lives of all these characters that you won’t even realize it’s happening.
This story is very emotional. I personally cried several times and for many different reasons that I will not share because I don’t want to give any spoilers.
You’ll find these characters endearing and special and you’ll just want to wrap them up in a big hug!! Most of them anyway 😆
There were a few moments that felt a little slow for me, that said it was all a part of the story telling and without it, the story may have felt incomplete.
The narration was absolutely brilliant. David Allen Vargo’s voice and talents were perfectly suited for these characters. He moved me… and I felt like I was right there with all of them.
This story does have an HEA and can be read as a standalone!
I highly recommend this book!

Sisters Spotlight 💜
Profile Image for Sue.
1,894 reviews164 followers
January 14, 2024
Y'all, The Kingdom of Quail is like a Southern feast for your soul – a literary journey that'll have you hooked from the first page! Picture this: Luke Johnson, abandoned by his no-good dad, finds a new home on a quail plantation in South Georgia. It's all sweet tea and sunshine until a romance sparks with the Parker girl, throwin' a bit of drama into the mix. But hold onto your cowboy hats because when billionaire investors threaten the Red Hills, Luke turns into a Southern superhero! This book's got everything – family secrets, forbidden love, and a showdown that'll make you want to grab a front-row seat on the porch. If you're looking for a literary escape with a side of Southern sass, The Kingdom of Quail is your ticket to the charm-filled Red Hills!
Profile Image for Abigail L..
1,862 reviews147 followers
January 15, 2024
In The Kingdom of Quail, readers are transported to the enchanting landscape of South Georgia, where the intricate tapestry of relationships unfolds over decades. Luke Johnson's journey, from abandonment by his alcoholic father to finding solace in the embrace of the Parkers on a quail plantation, is a poignant exploration of resilience and growth. The novel beautifully captures the essence of the unspoiled environment, adding a layer of depth to the narrative. As family tensions and external threats loom, the characters navigate through complexities, creating a rich and immersive Southern saga. The Kingdom of Quail is a literary gem that not only portrays the beauty of the Red Hills but also explores the intricacies of love, loyalty, and the timeless connection to the land.
1 review
March 21, 2024
Strickland has done a great job of putting you in the culture and environment of the South Georgia woods. He aptly describes the serenity of nature and all its wonders. The amalgamation of all the characters you've certainly met in your life somewhere along the way. There's action and intrigue. He aptly describes the good nature of people and the clashing of those from the outside who don't know what they don't know. There is a love and respect for animals. Especially the beauty, intelligence, and athletics of training and developing bird dogs.

Along with the perils of life it reminds us that in the end the good folks do win.
3,373 reviews48 followers
August 9, 2024
Loved the narration of David Allen Vargo, who brings the characters, drama and angst to your ears.

Luke Johnson and his mother have fallen on tough times. So that changes when plantation owner Angus Parker, offers Luke's a job and a place to live. Luke was a young , but Angus saw potential in him. So he gives him jobs around the plantation. Where he is kept busy and to learns the lay of the land. Luke also is making friends, one being Eugene, the son of a ground’s keeper, the other and Angus’s daughter. We we see them grow into adults. Luke and Angus and the neighbours they come up with a plan to stop outsiders buying the all the land.

This book is an emotional rollercoaster ride.
Profile Image for Ivy.
211 reviews12 followers
February 28, 2026
Set against the sweeping beauty of South Georgia’s Red Hills, this Southern saga traces decades of loyalty, love, and land.
After Luke Johnson and his mother are abandoned, they find refuge with the wealthy Parker family on their pristine quail plantation. Growing up amid the natural splendor, Luke builds a life he cherishes, until a romance with the Parker’s daughter threatens to unravel everything.
As outside investors push to develop the land, Luke and patriarch Angus Parker unite to protect it. But when a charming negotiator enters the picture, Luke’s resolve is tested. At stake is not only his heart, but the future of the Red Hills itself.
Profile Image for Mazie Barrett.
131 reviews8 followers
May 24, 2024
🥰😭🥰😭😭 No one understands how much my hometown means to me… but this… this is pure magic. It’s not a book for Thomas villains … it’s a book for anyone who believes in perseverance and love. I am truly so proud to call this place my home and see this beautiful love story come together! Though fiction, this book has so many parts that encompass Thomasville’s community, ecosystem, and love for the outdoors. I am so proud of this and so thankful someone was able to put how special this place is into words.
Profile Image for Justine Johnson.
75 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2024
The first half or so of this book really got me. It sucked me in quicker than I expected — the writing has a very simplistic quality in a positive way, it’s clean and clear and I feel as if I’ve spent time at Horseshoe Hill and all of its natural splendor. The second half lost me a little bit — it felt more tedious — but ultimately it was the characters that kept me hooked. Luke, Roosevelt, Lula, Joe Green, Angus, Heather — they were the backbone to this quietly emotional story.
Profile Image for Ann.
1,946 reviews32 followers
August 7, 2024
This was an emotional book. Keep your kleenex handy. My heart broke for these characters. There is trauma, loss, betrayal, hope, and birth. The book was well written. The execution of narration by David Allen Vargo was mind- blowing. The conviction of emotions shows the level of his talents as a trained actor. He was able to alter his voice to portray a variety of characters from young to old, child, female, and ethnic.
Profile Image for Brenton Smith.
5 reviews
January 3, 2025
As a Thomasville native, I don’t know if I loved the plot or the large dose of local history sprinkled throughout the story more. It captures what makes Thomasville so unique very well and draws you in to the beauty that is the Red Hills region. This was such a fun read and I couldn’t recommend it more.
1 review
November 16, 2024
I ended up finishing it in one night. It’s not normally the type of story I would pick, but it always had me wanting to keep reading. The book does a great job of depicting the Red Hills and makes me feel connected to it.
Profile Image for Anna Stogner.
23 reviews
July 26, 2024
This was so good- a good change from the typical romances ive been reading and loved how it was based in the south
30 reviews
June 20, 2024
This is a charming novel full of love, grief, appreciation for found family and the land that brings them together. Set on a southern plantation in the recent past, where quail hunting is the main attraction, the story follows Luke, who was taken in by the plantation owners as a child. As developers try to buy the land for a large attraction, the cast of characters come together to save their idyllic countryside. I appreciate how the author made the reader feel immersed in the setting (both the southern hospitality and the expanse of the plantation), and brought so many emotions to the story, while championing land conservation.
I was lucky to have received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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