The American Queen

by Vanessa Miller, Angel Pean (Narrator)

In 1869 a kingdom rose in the South. And Louella was its queen. Over the twenty-four years she's been enslaved on the Montgomery Plantation, Louella learned to feel one hate. Hate for the man who sold her mother. Hate for the overseer who left her daddy to hang from a noose. Hate so powerful there's no room in her heart for love, not even for the honorable Reverend William, whom she likes and respects enough to marry. But when William finally listens to Louella's pleas and leads the formerly enslaved people out of their plantation, Louella begins to replace her hate with hope. Hope that they will find a place where they can live free from fear. Hope that despite her many unanswered prayers, she can learn to trust for new miracles. Soon, William and Louella become the appointed king and queen of their self-proclaimed Kingdom of the Happy Land. And though they are still surrounded by opposition, they continue to share a message of joy and goodness--and fight for the freedom and dignity of all. Transformative and breathtakingly honest, The American Queen shares the unsung true history of a kingdom built as a refuge for the courageous people who dared to dream of a different way of life.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Historical, Christian Fiction, African American, Civil War

10 pages, Audible Audio

Published January 30, 2024

About the author

Vanessa Miller is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, playwright, and motivational speaker. She started writing as a child, spending countless hours either reading or writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels. Vanessa’s creative endeavors took on new meaning in1994 when she became a Christian. Since then, her writing has been centered on themes of redemption, often focusing on characters facing multi-dimensional struggles.

Vanessa’s novels have received rave reviews, with several appearing on Essence Magazine’s Bestseller’s List. Miller’s work has receiving numerous awards, including “Best Christian Fiction Mahogany Award” and the “Red Rose Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction.” Miller graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication. She is an ordained minister in her church, explaining, “God has called me to minister to readers and to help them rediscover their place with the Lord.”
· Essence Bestsellers’ List March 2008; May 2008 (Former Rain)
· Essence Bestsellers’ List September 2008 (Rain Storm)
· Black Expressions Book Club Alternate Selection 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
· #1 Ebook for fiction on Amazon.com November 2010 (Long Time Coming)
· #1 on BCNN/BCBC Bestsellers’ List November 2010 (Long Time Coming)
She has worked with numerous publishers: Urban Christian, Kimani Romance, Abingdon Press and Whitaker House. She is currently working on Something Good with Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins) which releases in March 2022.

In 2016, Vanessa launched the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat in an effort to bring readers and authors of Christian fiction together in an environment that’s all about Faith, Fun & Fellowship. To learn more about Vanessa, please visit her website: www.vanessamiller.com. If you would like to know more about the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat that is currently held in Charlotte, NC during the last week in October you can visit: http://www.christianbookloversretreat...
Vanessa lives in North Carolina with her husband and family. She graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication.

Most of Vanessa’s published novels depict characters that 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.

“Recommended for readers of redemption stories.” –Library Journal.

www.vanessamiller.com

Don’t forget to join my mailing list:
http://www.vanessamiller.com/events-j...
Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Vanes...
Join me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorvanes...
Join me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/vanessamiller01
Website: www.vanessamiller.com

Reviews

[Casey R Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I got into this book, I could not put it down. Given that the current climate is either rewriting or erasing African American history, this is one of the most important works of our time. It is a story of perseverance and overcoming in spite of all the hardships that were presented to recently freed enslaved people. To know that people that were born enslaved built a community of over 500 families blew me a way. The amount of research the author did (included in the Author’s Note) was phenomenal and reminded me why I loved Yellow Wife. I loved Louella so much. She is the epitome of “men are the head but women are the neck and we can turn the head any way we want”. While both her and William are the king and queen, she is really the true leader of this kingdom. Learning that this was based on a true story has me wanting to visit South Carolina and pay respect to Happy Land.

If you liked Yellow Wife, Carolina Built, The Personal Librarian or The Great Mrs Elias, I highly recommend you read this one and learn about Queen Louella. It is another hidden secret of African American History that everyone should know and celebrate. You can’t call yourself an ally or advocate and not want to celebrate this beautiful fictionalized history of African Americans.

SN: this book does not include the graphic violence of Yellow Wife

[Lisa Wingate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book not to be missed, based on a true story almost lost to history. Bravo to Vanessa Miller for bringing to life Luella Montgomery and the people of The Happy Land! Not surprised to see this novel showing up on must-read lists everywhere from GMA to The Washington Post. Grab it for your book club or your reading corner.

'The American Queen is beautifully told, a story rife with struggle, intrigue, and the indomitable spirit of a woman strong enough to carry the weight of a community, bold enough to dream the impossible, and determined enough to fashion dreams into reality. Louella Montgomery is a woman for the ages. I loved traveling alongside her and meeting the people of The Happy Land.'--Lisa Wingate #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I've never heard of this and I can't believe, we are not taught about this in history (although, should I really be shocked?). The watch the rise of the Happylanders Kingdom, gave me such pride, and the tenacity that Queen Louella had to live beyond her means of slavery was amazing. I would highly recommend this book to any and everyone to read! Don't walk, but run to read this!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author and publisher and for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Tiffany]

3.5 stars rounded up.



Firstly, I really appreciated that Vanessa Miller was inspired to write The American Queen. Before reading this book, I had never heard of Happy Land or Louella Montgomery. The story itself is about God making the impossible possible, and people overcoming hardships and tribulations and making something new. I am grateful to learn about this buried part of history.

That being said, the writing and the dialogue felt modern at times, which took me out of the story. There are moments when the former slaves are speaking in a certain dialect, and then it abruptly changes.

While there are sections for each year(s) that spans of the history of Happy Land, there are moments when I was unsure where we were in the story. So it felt a bit rushed in that respect. However, I understand that the author had to proceed with the information she had, which probably wasn’t as much as she would have liked.

Overall, it is a story worth telling. I am inspired by these former slaves who were such hard workers. I would love to learn more about Happy Land.

SN: Overall clean but there A few uses of the N-Word

[BookmarkedByAlia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
It’s rare that I read a book set during slavery and actually finish feeling empowered and uplifted.
I had no idea that The Kingdom of The Happy Land was an actual place.
This is why reading is soooo dear to me. I get to educate myself while also enjoying my favorite hobby.
Louella was truly a queen in every sense of the word. She looked out for her people and made it her business to assure that they NEVER went without. All while taking care of home and staying strong through the most harrowing situations.
While the premise of this story was amazing and solid, I feel like I wanted more. There was a bit of repitition and some parts that just didn’t make sense to me but nevertheless, I’d recommend this book to those looking for a cozy historical fiction read.
Can’t wait to read and educate myself more on the people of Happy Land👸🏽♥️

[Cheryl James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Black American Queen and King, what, who knew!!!

After reading this book, my heart is full of joy. I love it when I read about the uprising of enslaved men, women, and children.

I feel as though they are my personal ancestors, and I have their rich and honorable blood running within my viens.

This is a masterpiece of true history. Reading about the Happy Land made me happy.

When we think of king and queen, we think of money, jewels, and status. These free slaves had none of that, but what they did have was royal respect, dignity, humanity, love, and care for each other, and to me, that is my everything ❤️

Vanessa Miller, you did your thing on this book. 👏

Thank you for all of your research and for giving this story life.

I researched the story as well. I enjoyed the pictures and short stories on Google.

5 star read and highly recommended 👌

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

An absolute treasure of a book, The American Queen is a fictionalized telling of little-known true events, of an African-American community that banded together and built their own thriving colony in North Carolina, in the late 1800s, following the abolishment of slavery.

Traversing the American south, the story chronicles the life of an indomitable young black woman, named Louella Montgomery, as she leads her people to prosper, in the face of seemingly insurmountable diversity, in a colony self-proclaimed as the Kingdom of the Happy Land.

Louella’s story is one of heartbreak and struggle, but in her strength of character and within her presence as a leader—and eventual Queen of her people—she overcomes oppression in a way that was extremely inspiring and affecting in its triumph.

It’s not always an easy read—stories of this kind, set during this time in history, rarely are—but it’s a significant story to be shared, highlighting the empowering nature of humanity and the importance of community for the human soul.

Undoubtedly, The American Queen will be making a lot of ‘best of’ lists at the end of 2024, and for good reason.

************************************

Audio Edition:

An exceptional performance by narrator Angel Pean. She managed to elevate an already special story to new heights, bringing life to Louella and the people of the Happy Land in a very visceral way.

[Wobilba · Rating 4 out of 5]

The American Queen was as phenomenal as it was emotionally draining. An absolutely incredible, gut wrenching and awe inspiring book that had me shedding tears one chapter and giggling the next.
The narrator did a fantastic job with this one, with their stunning singing voice. I honestly don’t think I would’ve had the same experience actually reading this.
This my first book by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last.

Story: 4 Stars
Narration: 5 stars
Narrator: Angel Pean

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for providing me with the audiobook.

[Taury · Rating 5 out of 5]

The American Queen by Vanessa Miller
I love a beautiful story! Take a trip back to the 1800s when slavery was abolished. Come live in Happy Land, North Carolina.
I am crying beautiful tears. I love the people of this novel. But damn I HATE the big white man of those times.

[Mel (Epic Reading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 75% of this was wonderful! Beautifully written, great story telling, characterization, and wonderful analysis and inference of what each character may have been thinking. I both read in print and listened to some of the audiobook. Both were equally joyful ways to consume this story.

Unfortunately, the last 25% got too preachy for me. I tired of hearing how our leading lady, Louella, would just have to hope that God would hear her need. My weariness continued as she spoke/thought of the forgiveness she gave everyone around her, constantly, even after they had ruined everything. The best writing in the world cannot make up for when I feel talked down to, preached at, or otherwise ‘told’ that I should feel or do things a certain way. I can assure you I would have felt much differently than Louella in the end given all the circumstances.

That said my 3 star review should not stop anyone from reading this book. It’s an interesting history, about a relatively unwritten time period from the viewpoints of those freed during emancipation. In no way would I discredit the story told here and its importance. I just would have liked to have the last pieces of the story told with a little less required faith; and a little more common sense on how our leading lady and her ‘followers’ came to be where they ended up.

I realize now that this author is a devote Christian and was merely justifying the actions as she finds reasonable. However, I would challenge any author (regardless of religious affiliation) writing a story based on historical fact to be careful how much of their own beliefs they inject to justify actions. Lastly, it was odd to me that freed slaves so readily put all their faith in the god of those who enslaved, oppressed, murdered, and tortured themselves and their loved ones. It just felt a bit too much for me to swallow in the end.

I would love to read a non-fiction book about Louella and William, and their socialist practices that built a beautiful sounding community.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

[Rhonda McKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

The struggles in “The American Queen” resonate with contemporary issues, making the story not just a journey into the past but a reflection of our present and a hopeful vision for the future.

The American Queen left an indelible mark on my literary soul. Vanessa Miller poured her entire soul into this book, and I could feel her effort in every word. The prose, dialogue, and setting were seamlessly written, evoking a range of emotions. I found myself savoring the richness of the language, which not only propelled the story forward but also added layers of depth to the characters and their experiences.

This novel delivered on the promise that with every turn of the page readers would be transported back in time. From the very first page, I was captivated by the vivid portrait of Louella's life. Her transformation from a woman consumed by hate and heartache to one fueled by hope was portrayed with nuance and authenticity. Each character is meticulously shaped, making them feel like real individuals with genuine triumphs and failures. Reverend William and his brother added another layer of complexity to the narrative.

The Kingdom of the Happy Land is a poignant reminder of the strength that comes from unity and the pursuit of a better world. For that reason, The American Queen is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeply moving and thought-provoking literary experience. It is a powerful story that needed to be told.

[Maja - BibliophiliaDK ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

STUCK IN MY BRAIN

❤️ After I closed this book, the story stuck in my mind, I couldn't quite shake it off
❤️ Louella was amazing! I loved how she took her hate and rage and turned it into a strength to the benefit of others. She was the essence of a strong woman
❤️ I love that this was based on a true story, it hardly seems believable, such an amazing story

ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love learning about a part of history that I had no prior knowledge about, and American Queen is a story that helped me learn new things.
Louella was a courageous and outspoken MC. I couldn’t help but admire her as she led her people and fought injustice.
The only thing I wish had been different was that I would have liked a bit more complexity in the plot.
🎧Highly recommend this on audio!

[Halcyon (sadly in hiatus)]

American Queen is a powerful and poignant exploration of a largely overlooked chapter in both African and American history. Reflecting on themes of freedom, community, and the enduring power of the human spirit, it tells the story of a remarkable woman's life and legacy, Louella Montgomery, a formerly enslaved woman who rises to become the "queen" of the "kingdom of happy land" - a community she helped establish with her husband after leading a group of formerly enslaved people from the clutches of oppression and brutality.
It took me an embarrassingly long time to realize that this wasn't purely fictional, and the true historic events talked about made the pain, the struggles they faced -- both internal and within the fragile camaraderie they had built, the scars that run deep even when you've escaped the shackles seem even more real.
That said, I did find the book a bit challenging to get into initially. The pacing felt slow at times, and while the author’s research is evident, there seemed to be a disconnect between the historical context and the more modern tone of the writing; the gap making it harder for me to fully immerse myself in the time period and its events. Nonetheless, it is an important, almost-forgotten piece of history that deserves to be remembered.

[ChildOfGod💜🙌🏽 (for God I live and for God I die) ~ in my Christian pop era · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ✨

Wow this was such an amazing book! I learned so much! This story is just incredible plz read the synopsis behind this book. The fact that it is a true story is amazing! I had never heard of a kingdom on American soil lead by freed slaves in South Carolina! I’m so happy this author told this true story.

There were many times it made me think and just wonder and just have gratitude for how far God has brought us and all that my ancestors went through. I’m so happy I decided to pick this up. I definitely took my time on this one and read bit by bit nibbling on nuggets as it was just really deep and incredibly historically deep. I definitely would recommend this book especially if you’re looking for a Christian fiction book with diverse characters.

Dislikes: few but there was a mention of a woman preaching which I biblically don’t agree with, other minor doctrinal practices/mentions that I just didn’t agree with as being non denominational

That’s it! Recommend this gem of a book! Gonna put it on my shelf now, onto the next one!

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook was made available to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The narrator has an absolutely stunning singing voice. In addition to her skills regarding narration, the singing really made this story feel like I was watching a movie. Exceptionally well done. I'm not sure if I've listened to an audiobook read by Angel Pean before, but I'll be sure to look for her work in the future.

This novel is a harrowing read in many ways as it's set during the end of chattel slavery in the US South. Louella Bobo is enslaved on the Montgomery Plantation in 1864 Mississippi at the opening of the novel. She's heard about the Emancipation Proclamation from her father and wants to leave the plantation with her family and neighbors. Unfortunately, the Emancipation Proclamation has no power in the Confederate States, as Louella soon discovered.
Shortly thereafter, she married Reverend William, the biracial son of the plantation owner, who has some privileges on the plantation. William is literate and gave Louella the gift of literacy. William had a brother, Robert, who was light enough to pass for white and was a slave owner on another plantation.
Eventually, Louella, William, Robert, and many of the formerly enslaved from the Montgomery and surrounding plantations set off in a series of wagons looking for greener pastures and greater opportunities.
The traveling is somewhat anxiety provoking, but eventually, the traveling group settles on land they've purchased as a group on the border of North & South Carolina. They call this land the 'Happy Land' and crown Louella & William their Queen & King. I don't want to give spoilers, but the kingdom of Happy Land is established about 40% into the book. I liked that because I was interested in the actual living situation in the Happy Land over the circumstances and journey that brought them to the Happy Land.

The Christian themes felt heavy. I wanted more discussion about the fractures that occur in Christianity that lead formerly enslaved Black folks to form their own churches. My great-grandfather was a COGIC Minister in Florida because of treatment in white churches. I wish this had explored more of the Black Agency that occurred under Reconstruction. I wanted to see the formerly enslaved men register to vote. I wanted to see the book talk about the first Black Senators voted into office in Mississippi. However, this focuses on the ruinous racism that characterized the fall of the Confederacy in Mississippi. Louella and her people leave before Reconstruction takes hold. Which is understandable given the Black Codes they are suffering under.
I really hoped the novel would include period details about Black life that were based on superstition and folklore. There's no bottle trees or haint blue porches. No discussion of restless spirits, etc. This is just the historian in me as none of this detracts from the story.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read/listen to and review this novel. All views expressed in this review are my own.

[Phyllis | Mocha Drop · Rating 2 out of 5]

Inspired by true events, The American Queen, focused on Louella Bobo Montgomery and her journey with other recently emancipated slaves from a Mississippi plantation to Queendom in “Happy Land” near Henderson, North Carolina. Happy Land (the actual name for their safe haven) was their dream carved from rural, untamed wilderness with backbreaking labor in exchange for ownership. It embodied an “one for all, all for one” edict in a family-oriented cooperative setting where all resources, work, and food was shared and money was pooled to support the needs of the greater community. They thrived and life was great for a while, until it wasn’t. Things fell apart largely due to broken, bitter, and racist white Southerners, defeated and impoverished in the aftermath of the Civil War. Envy, greed, and desperation set their sights on the newly cleared and cultivated land – and one can surmise what happens in relatively short order. Over time, acreage was abandoned and lost for various reasons – families relocated for work, nonpayment of taxes, and legal challenges over deeds and disputes regarding (Black) land ownership.

The book is simple storytelling making it a quick read (at times I wondered if this was a middle-grade or YA novel). For those familiar with the genre – nothing new is presented within the enslaved experience; that is, outside of the mention/creation of Happy Land being a relatively obscure freedman’s haven lost to many and rarely/barely mentioned in history books, so I learned about its existence and that’s a good thing.

Note: The “King” is a pastor and the many of the main characters are devout Christians, including Queen Louella, so be prepared for a lot of Biblical scripture quotes, calling on God for faith-based decisions, Negro spiritual references, and praying.

Thanks to the publisher Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Netgalley for the opportunity to review.

[KaylasBookishVibes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this! Honestly, I had no clue Happy Land ever existed before hearing of this book. This is why I love historical fiction! The whole notion of each one teach one easily turns into one teaching thousands.

For Louella and her family freedom has finally arrived. They now must decide what to do with this new freedom. Where should they go?! They embark on a journey to create a land for themselves. One where they can work for themselves and provide for one another with dignity. All for one and one for all.🤎

This is a story of perseverance and faith, pulling resources together as a people so that no one goes without. I would definitely recommend to readers who enjoyed Yellow Wife.

🎵Ran by the men, but the women keep the tempo. It’s very seldom that you’re blessed to find your equal. 🎵 I have a feeling Queen Louella would have been a Queen Bey stan. 🫶🏾

[johnny ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

this novel was hard for me to get through. i did not find it to be emotionally moving. most of the time i was bored with it. the idea is phenomenal, but the execution left a lot to be desired. the prose is very basic and doesn't pop. i just wasn't impressed. i wanted a lot more from this novel, and i felt let down by the ending.

that's not to say it's a bad novel, it just wasn't for me. it feels a bit juvenile.

[The Bookish Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you HearOurVoices and TNZ fiction for my #gifted copy.

This novel brings to the forefront a story of the unsung. A woman leading the charge to major change in a time where Black people were just gaining their footing after being freed.
 
Louella is the heroine in this story. She had the courage to take a leap of faith with her husband, William, and create a land for her people. This land did not come without strife; the community she cultivated had to fight against not only the evils of white people but also the “crabs in a barrel” mindset of the people she brought along with her. Louella, though, didn’t hesitate to check everyone who tried her, which I thoroughly enjoyed because women back then oftentimes had little to no voice. They were supposed to be led, not lead. Louella broke that mold.
 
She created a land for her people where the community depended on one another to get what they needed instead of their oppressors. Each person had talents that were used for the betterment of the land.
 
There were some things in the story I couldn’t look past. Throughout my reading journey, the language used in this book seemed modern, and the events that transpired I couldn’t even imagine happening, like the court hearing. The novel is a very easy read, and I think it is a great start for someone who is trying to get into historical fiction, but I think one should proceed with caution knowing that there are other books that go deeper as far as language, description of enslavement, notable stories, etc.
 
I would recommend this to someone who wants to start reading historical fiction for sure.

3.75/5 ⭐️

[ChrissiesPurpleLibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pigonant,resonating and authentic. There was a tenderness to the writing in this book that I had not read in similar books. Vanessa Miller does not shy away from the tragedy, tramua and horrific circumstances of ensalved black peoples. But it is truly representative of the time in which she has written in. I really enjoyed reading Queen Louella's persepctive and character on page. I've read books by Toni Morrison and Alice Walker that have left me feeling although informed not as hopeful and encouraged as I could be given this based on my ancestoral heritage. This books was great! The only downside is that ending was a little weak for me. I think I was expecting more. But that may be credited to the fact the historical apsects come in play a lot more at the end of the book. Overall, I will read more of Vanessa Miller.

Content/trigger warning: slavery, racial slurs(only a couple of references), violence, death, miscarriage

[Moonkiszt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books like this are why I read like I do! I want new information, to be delighted by surprise and to know that sometime, somewhere right triumphed. . .for a moment or two, the heavens rolled open and poured out weighty approbation. . .it happened - really happened - for Louella Bobo Montgomery aka The American Queen .

I am so pleased that my time here didn't pass without me hearing and learning this story, based on true happenings that "history" forgot. Fortunately for us, there was a Ms. Patton who made sure her research survived in a corner of a library until the old historians shuffled off, and crews with a better-wiser view recovered it, the planets aligned and pointed to this Author, and Here We Are: I've read it, and recommend it to you, dear Reader, 5+ stars worth. Lucky me, I read (someone taught me!) and listened (technology affords possibility) to this one. Both are excellent formats. Again: Vanessa Miller - thank you for the education and efforts in getting this story out to us, out to me. I'll be thinking about it for a very long time.

You'll find yourself reading a hard story, a true tale for more than just these characters based on real people - examples of hard times and truths. More than a little guilt is felt for past crimes nationally tolerated. But then these persecuted wayfarers rise phoenix-like, above their challenges and circumstances and find a way, providing a message of hope that never grows old or unnecessary, in any age, era, or generation for every family or individual.

*A sincere thank you to Vanessa Miller, Thomas Nelson--Fiction, HarperCollins Christian Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #TheAmericanQueen #NetGalley
52:28

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHO LOVED IT? I LOVED IT‼️

This was such an extraordinary book that’ll transport you through the unsung history of a Black woman who built a kingdom as a refuge for the courageous people who dared to dream of a different way of life.

When Louella and William decide to leave the Montgomery Plantation for good they take with them a group of freed slaves and William’s brother Robert in hopes of finding a better life. Later down the line they build the Kingdom of the Happy Land grounded on the philosophy of “one for all, and all for one.” After William and Louella were crowned King and Queen things were going well for the Happy Landers but nothing good last forever. Unless you’re willing to fight for what’s yours. That’s why I loved Louella’s character she did not let up when it came to what she wanted. She definitely didn’t hesitate to check Robert and put him in his place when necessary.

William was a good man and a lovable character but his attachment to Robert and the Montgomery name irked me so bad. I had ill feelings about Robert 70% of the book but towards the end my thoughts changed a little. Mama Sue was one of my favorite characters in the book.

Overall, the book was amazing highly recommend especially if you’re just getting into historical fiction. It being based on true events got me hooked. I also loved the premise, the strong character development, and the language used by some of the characters. Imagine The Yellow Wife and the movie Django Unchained meshed together in a book. It’s gonna hit a bit different than the average historical fiction books you’ve probably read. But trust when I say this is so worth the read. Special thanks to the author, @tnzfiction, and @hearourvoicestours for my gifted copy‼️

[Nae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal!! Vanessa did something different here than the other 3 books I’ve read by her and she did it well!! I was completely obsessed with this story and I loved it!

Thank you to the publisher Thomas Nelson for my fun pr package and the ALC— the audio was amazing!

[Crystal (Melanatedreader) Forte' · Rating 4 out of 5]

I pretty much read about the same characters in Dolen Valdez’s Happy Land to transition to The American Queen by Vanessa Miller… once again Mira added it Vanessa Miller is a suburb storyteller. Vanessa has researched this story thoroughly and you can just tell through the brilliance of her writing. I love the way Lenora and the brothers in this book interacted with one another to give the story exactly what it needs in order to keep the plot moving, but once you get in there, you are totally engulfed with the way that the characters interact with one another and the way that the story just keeps moving. There are so many different people that I could just have slapped in this book And so many just shock value moments because of the brutality of slavery, and then everything that they went through after receiving the news that they were actually free… my mouth is still open. Go buy this right now. This story is so important to African culture African-American culture and just the transition to reconstruction.

[Audrey Moreland · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Firstly, thank you @authorvanessamiller for teaching me this story. This book is so important as I am thrilled to have learned of a population of formerly enslaved people that I never knew or was taught about. I really enjoyed learning about Queen Louella’s courage and resilience. Her leadership and her audacity. What does it take for one to determine that they deserve better and will risk it all to get just that.. better? Freedom to live, to exist, to just be. This story is based on actual events that occurred between 1865-1869, yet their plight as Black people in their home country can still be felt today.

I would definitely recommend this book as it is riddled with so much hope and diligence but also despair, struggles and secrets. There’s also the fight of the Black woman for respect and validation. Especially when she risked life, limb and liberty for the freedom of so many.

Miller covers a significant time span in the book which is great but at times did make the story feel a bit rushed in imo. There were some moments in the story where the POV shifted unexpectedly and it was a little confusing to know who was speaking. However, it doesn’t take away from the story. Overall, I enjoyed learning more American history and for that I am grateful for this book.

[Candice Hale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am an avid reader of historical fiction so I was pleased to have read a book about a real place and real people. Learning the beautiful history of my ancestors will always be right as rain in my book. Too often, the stories we know are not from the mouths of those who actually experienced them. I admire an author that takes time to research and passion to find stories that are necessary for the survival of our Black culture.

Vanessa Miller does a great job here in making readers understand how diligence, perseverance, and pride can always shift the narrative that seeks to discredit and dismantle the Black experience. By birthing the stories of Queen Luella and King William, The American Queen gives other Black people hope that in the face of adversity and pure hatred, they can still succeed and survive.

Aside from the fact that Williams writes a compelling story, she also creates complex and strong female leads that make me proud to be a Black woman. It is without a doubt one of my favorite ways to envision a Black female protagonist that takes no crap, gets the job done, and commands respect. Queen Luella is the epitome of Black excellence, grace, and beauty. Luella walks in history so the confident, strong, and wise Black women can run the world today.

If you enjoy a story that rewrites and shifts the narrative about Black history and culture, then this is a sure fire way to learn and be amazed at the strength of a people. Williams is a great storyteller and continues to amaze me with her work.

4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Héloïse · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm so sad I didn't like it.
I simply hate the way it is narrated because it feels childish in an uninteresting way. There is no work on the rhythm so every single action is on the same level of importance: barely any. Everything just feels immature. Or doesn't go as deep as it should have been. I kept checking if this was a book targeted at a younger audience with a softened story because then I would have understood the author's choices more.

This book doesn't convey the emotions it could have, it should have been moving and empowering and inspiring but it was mostly boring.

I can't understand why former slaves would just accept people taking the titles of king and queen however how loved they are.

But what I most importantly hate is how tragedies are justified with the "God has his ways" excuse. I absolutely refuse to see slavery, the death of a newborn, or any other tragedy as a manner in which God tests the will of people or helps them to get stronger.

That's too bad because I love the idea of newly freed people building their haven. I'll look into the true story because I thought it could be so inspiring.

[Malia Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love fiction about lesser known stories that make me run to Google, spending hours doing my own research. And this happened for me in the first 20% of "The American Queen." The Happy Land was such a beautiful community and I'm so thankful to Vanessa Miller for uplifting this story!

Louella has my whole heart. Her determination to protect and nurture her people, the growth of her hope and faith in a world that scarred her emotionally and physically, and her love for her family were so clear in all of her actions.

Shoutout to the amazing narrator, Angel Pean. I was fully immersed in the story, especially during the songs, which were SUNG! Highly reccomend that this story should be digested through audio!

This book spans many decades and sometimes I didn't have a strong sense of timeline and it felt kind of rushed.

Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for a free copy of the audiobook. All opinions are my own.

[Glenda Nelms · Rating 5 out of 5]

It used to scare me the way speaks your mind. But lately I’ve been thinking that the good Lord must’ve put you on this Earth to help those who can’t help themselves.”

Based on a true story, A Black woman who build a kingdom as a refuse for the formerly enslaved people. Louella was a person who spoke with her mind and heart. I felt her anger and grief in the beginning of the story Louella learned to feel her grief & anger after her mother was sold and her father lynched. She lived on the Montgomery plantation over 24 years. Louella falls in love with Reverend William, they became the appointed king and Queen in the kingdom of the happy Land after leaving and leading the enslaved people off the plantation for freedom and a better life.

Themes: love, hate, trust, resilience, and hope in the face of turmoil and oppression.

Thank you @hearourvoicestours, @TNZFiction and @authorvanessamiller for the opportunity to spotlight this important book.