Based on a true story almost forgotten, author Vanessa Miller brings to life Happy Land and all who worked together to form a peaceful community. So much heartbreak, but also so much hope and resilience. The characters were exceptionally developed and the story was written in the right amount of time. I highly recommend this book! Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, Wow, Wow!!!! I just finished an amazing historical fiction titled, The American Queen by Vanessa Miller, and I have experienced a range of emotions.

This book is based on true events, about Louella and William Montgomery-formerly enslaved people, left Mississippi to find a place away from William’s biological father (slave owner) plantation that would allow them to truly be free and live happy.

This book is rich with history of several families plight to escape lynchings, deaths, and living the life of slaves though slavery had ended 😳. Louella and William found a place that they called “The Kingdom of the Happy Land” where they ruled and led the people thru a communal and family concept. Trying to find a place to call home when there were still white men that refused to regard them as free, made their journey tumultuous, and scary. But having faith, knowing God, gave them the grit to journey on.
Reading this book upset me10 times over as I was reminded how Blacks were treated as slaves and after. This book also brought me so much joy as I learned about the first recorded Queen in America who was a Black woman. I loved the use of herbs for medicine (bcuz that’s my flex), and totally enjoyed the consistent evidence of faith, they relying of scripture (another flex). The author did a tremendous job with researching and retelling the documented story about these people, and creating space in literature for such a heartwrenching breathtaking story.

This is a must read!!!! This is most definitely 5-star book. Vanessa Miller did a fantastic job with this one.

Thank you NetGalley, Vanessa Miller, and Harpers Collins Christian Publishing - Thomas Nelson Imprint for providing me an ARC, ALC copies of this book for my honest review.

I appreciate historical fiction that brings us stories about little-known history in the US, especially black history. This is definitely a part of black history that is not widely known. The epilogue at the end explains the true facts that are the inspiration for this book. I actually found that part of the book to be the most interesting section.
I think the author does a good job at weaving a story that attempts to fill in the missing facts, to create this work of historical fiction. It does a good job. There are a lot of references to religion and God to tell the story, and this may be al little off-putting for some readers. The story is slow in some areas, while it's a solid story, it is not suspenseful or always attention-getting.
There are a lot of characters, and the narrator does a solid job of making each voice unique.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing the audiobook.

What a story. The best way to sum this up for me is : authentic, heartbreaking and beautiful all rolled into one.

"For sure and true".

I picked this up on a whim the day I did and got so invested that I couldn't put it down. Don't you love when that happens?

I loved the determination of our main character Louella- she was fierce and a force to be reckoned with in the best way, the love depicted within here and the community aspect of it all as we embark on a journey in history that was rough, following people being freed from the plantation and led to a new place in hopes of being truly free from fear. They even pick out new names to mark this day and that entire scene - so incredibly impactful.

The American Queen encompasses to much within the pages- you'' find familial struggles, betrayal, confusion, the notion of passing & what that looks like /how it impacts others, sickness, love, friendship-- just so many emotions and events as one would expect throughout this time and it was explored wonderfully. You truly got a sense of what was going on, how the characters reconciled with things and nothing was included in here just to be there.

As a believer, I felt the faith within here was AMAZING. It showed true struggles of faith and I loved seeing Luella grapple with things but just kept on keeping on and watching her preacher husband who never wavered in his faith which in turn encouraged hers. One (of the many) quotes I loved was "She loved God and that was that. She didn't understand the God she sang about and doubted she ever would...her husband had showed her his love for God even when he couldn't trace him so she had learned to say Hallelujah anyhow." Yes. We must sing Hallelujah anyhow. He is always there even when we don't feel or see him in the way we want or how we think we should. So powerful.

I can gush about this for a while - but I am so grateful Vanessa Miller shared this piece of history with the world and she did so in such a genuine way that hits you in ways you don't expect. It caused me to read more about this & I was able to have many conversations due to it and when books can do that- that's another level. And yes, I did cry, so get tissues ready because you just don't know when it'll hit but phew- it will.

I finished this a while ago now (I'm writing this review in June and I read this in May) and am still thinking about it. I highly encourage you to check this one out.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced listening copy of this story. All opinions are honest and entirely my own.

I have no words. This is my first time reading a story like this with so many details. It was amazing. Actually, it was an honour to read it. And to think these were true events that happened is all the more outstanding. The author did a stellar job with this book. I enjoyed the story immensely.

Louella was a force to be recokned with. Her strength and grit despite slavery was so inspiring. Her mind was as strong as the Oaks she hated, but in the end, she became an “oak” for her people. I loved reading about the people of the happy land. They lived for each other. They were their brother’s keeper.

I was touched by the sacrifice of a few for the good of many. I saw the themes of faith in God in the most difficult situations.

King Williams, with a few words but more of lifestyle, converted his wife to a life of faith in God and positivity.

I listened to the audio version of the book, and the narrator did a fantastic job. It’s really wonderful. She brought so much colour to the book. I enjoyed her narration.

I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.

Interesting story and great supporting characters, yet lackluster writing. Louella did not seem to have a true personality.

This is an amazing book. I finished this audiobook in two days. It was well read and engaging.

This story went from being enslaved to owning their own land. The people of Happy Land worked together as though they were all family to keep everything moving to have a life of their own.

I love Louella. She was a woman that you didn't want to play with. Very strong, spoke her mind when it was needed and stood on business.

William (King) and Louella (Queen) worked well together as a team. Don't get me wrong, they had their disagreements, but who doesn't.

Robert, Robert, Robert! He was all about helping himself.

All in all, I feel that everyone should read this book. I can honestly say that I learned a few things.

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 devoted Christian herself 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.

This audio book was very well done. The narrators voice was engaging, speaking with a good pace. My favourite part of this audio book was the narrator singing! Honestly if you’re going to read this book, please listen to it. I enjoyed the story line even though it was paced slowly. But I learned something in this historical fiction book which, is one of my goals when I read.

This was a very interesting book, though it was very intense at certain points...however, the slaves did have to endure so many atrocities and there are only so many ways to depict that accurately. I wasn't a fan of how Louella seemed to treat the men as idiots. The narrator's voice, however, was absolutely perfect and made the story come alive. All in all, it was definitely worth the read to learn about this piece of history!

Thank you to netgalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction for allowing me access to this book. This was such a amazing book. I normally dont read books in this genre but I'm so glad I did.

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

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.

I eat everything Vanessa Miller writes up!! This is my third book by her and I could not put it down. The detail in the story made it come to life - it was as if I was watching a movie, or I was actually in the story.

I love historical fiction that brings to light obscure pieces of history. This book does just that by telling the story of Queen Louella and Happy Land. I wholeheartedly feel that the history of this group of emancipated American slaves who decide to start a community of their own is an important story, and I'm glad Vanessa Miller decided to tell it.

Despite the interesting history and excellent narration, I found it difficult to connect to the emotions of the characters. Personally, I would've preferred to have read their story written as pure nonfiction.

3.5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing for allowing me early access to the ARC audiobook edition of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book was phenomenal. I had not heard about the community to which this book refers and I am so glad I now have heard about it. There were topics that were a bit hard to hear but also are really important to speak about and not be forgotten. We can't hide from stories from a past we don't need to recreate.

This book wove together the stories of multiple characters in a way that was easy to follow. There wasn't a time when I was confused as to who was the voice speaking. I fully recommend this!

Four-Star Read
While the Happy Land was ruled by a king and a queen, I would argue that it was Queen Louella who was the driving force behind the creation of the Happy Land. Vanessa Miller did an exceptional job of writing Queen Louella as a strong woman with a dream and desire for more. As with most movements {I’m looking at you, Civil Rights Movement}, it is the women who are the organizers and force behind getting stuff done. And Queen Louella and her lady friends were dedicated to making sure things got done. Although, there were points where I was like, Louella, girl, you’re gonna get your man hurt or killed, I really enjoyed reading about this strong woman who refused to settle.

This story is full of love of self, family, and friends, with just enough romance to keep things interesting. I grieved with Queen Louella through her familial losses and celebrated with her through each triumph. I love how she was singularly focused on creating a community where everyone was treated with dignity and respect. From the offset, she made each person state what they could bring to the community. The stated mantra of the Happy Land was ‘All for one and one for all.’ Everyone in the Happy Land contributed to the whole, which created a self-sufficient community that thrived despite the hardships that many African Americans faced in the post-Civil War South.

Overflowing with faith and hope, this is a definite must-read for anyone who’s interested in American history. Queen Louella is a woman to be acknowledged and honored, for who she was, American royalty. Her selfless dedication to her people is to be applauded and remembered.

Narration
Angel Pean did an excellent job of narrating this story. Her voice was emotive and smooth. This is one of those books that works really well as an audiobook. In fact, I’d suggest the audiobook over a paperback because there are a few sections in the book where Queen Louella’s singing is mentioned and your mental voice just doesn’t do it justice. Hearing Angel give voice to the hymns is priceless.

Recommended For…
YA and faith-based book groups. I’d also recommend this book for reading groups interested in American history, diversity, and women’s issues. This book could also be used as a supplemental reading for an American history course.

Trigger Warnings
Racism, murder, child loss, and other injustices and violence associated with slavery.

This book is a must read!!!! Though the telling is fiction, the story is so beautifully and respectfully wrapped in the actual historical reality of the original people of Happy Land. I had never heard of this place prior to reading this book, so I'm very appreciative of the detailed author notes that were included. I think she did a great job connecting the pieces that could not be accounted for through the historical texts. This story was about people navigating their way through freedom and the woman that was both bold and resilient enough to see those dreams achieved. Queen Louella and her Kings, built a community of likeminded people and families who were able to experience a little piece of harmony and paradise after the harrows of enslavement. This book brought tears to my eyes at several points as the author evoked so many emotions within a short piece of work. The narrator was awesome and brought so much life into the characters. Angela Pean did the damn thing on this audio book with her angelic singing. I was mesmerized every single time. I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy of this book for my home shelf. This book should be added to school reading lists so they younger generation have better access to this part of their story.

Thank you Netgalley, Harper Collins Christian Publisihing, and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the audio Arc of this book.

Thank you NetGalley for this advance audiobook.
First off, the narrator did such an amazing job! What a joy to listen to her voice telling this story.
The novel is set in the time at the beginning of the end of slavery and the Reconstruction period onwards. Starts off with a bang and keeps going. Lincoln has given the Emancipation Proclamation speech and nothing is changing in the South. "Freed" slaves are sharecropping and the owners of the land are not honoring the agreements, so they are working just as hard, not getting fed, nor paid. This triggers our main character to leave, and the story tells of the journey to and creation of a happier place.
Why had I never heard of this group of people, and the place they made. History books and classrooms need to tell these stories. Louella, the main character of The American Queen, is the epitome of a queen, leading her community towards a better life and not only having to deal with outside forces, but also with the struggle of power between men and women within.
Based on a true, historical story, this is a must read for all.

This book dives deep into the aftermath of slavery, shining a light on the creation of Happy Land – a sanctuary brimming with love and hope.

I loved Louella’s unwavering devotion to her family & her hope for better. Vanessa Miller’s portrayal of Louella’s journey unveils a remarkable strength and resilience in the face of adversity, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s heart.

Angel Pean's narration, particularly during the sung portions, added an immersive layer to the experience, enhancing my appreciation for the story. While the inclusion of Bible verses may not suit everyone's preferences, it did not detract significantly from my overall enjoyment of the book.

Despite these strengths, I felt a slight disconnect with both the characters and the storyline. This could be attributed to the expansive time span covered in the novel or the writing style, which, while engaging, didn’t fully immerse me in the characters’ inner worlds. Overall, it was an okay read, but it didn't quite reach the level of engagement I had hoped for.

Nonetheless, “The American Queen” remains a compelling read, offering valuable insights into a
an aspect of history and the enduring power of resilience and community.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an audiobook arc in exchange for an honest review.