The American Queen

By: Vanessa Miller

Narrated by: Angel Pean

Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

There is only one known queen who truly ruled a kingdom on American soil.

Transformative and breathtakingly honest, The American Queen is based on actual events that occurred between 1865 - 1889 and shares 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. As seen on Good Morning America: GMA 15 New Books to Read!

Over the twenty-four years she was enslaved on the Montgomery Plantation, Louella learned to feel one thing: 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 off the 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.

The American Queen weaves together themes of love, hate, hope, trust, and resilience in the face of great turmoil. With every turn of the page, you will be transported to a pivotal period in American history, where oppressed people become extraordinary heroes.

©2024 Vanessa Miller (P)2024 Thomas Nelson

Critic reviews

'The American Queen brings to light another hidden triumph in Black American history. Queen Louella is frankly a woman that everyone should know. Filled with bravery and cultural beauty, this marvel of a novel transported me while educating me on the sheer determination of an emancipated community to not only survive but to also thrive.' —Sadeqa Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of The House of Eve

'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 The Book of Lost Friends

The life of the Queen

I enjoyed this book so much, I found it hard to put down I wanted to keep reading it! The readers voice was excellent for this story! My only disappoint was with the singing. Many of the songs were well known Negro spiritual’s and she wasn’t singing them in the rhythm or tune of the song, that was distracting. Other than that, I was transported to the time period and truly enjoyed the journey! Highly recommend reading this.

Well done and excellently executed!

This book is a must read! Thanks for shedding more light on the untold stories of our Black History. The narrator was phenomenal! And to the author, Vanessa your craft is a gift to us all! 👏🏽👏🏽

The American Queen

I loved that this author explained that the story was actual people and events this were true. And the methods that she took to verify the story. We need to have more stories such as this one to educate our people and others that we come from a long line of Kings and Queens.

I was there

While listening to this amazing book I felt as though I was there. It was a joy to read this book during the month of February for Black History Month.

Painfully beautiful story of strength and determination!

This was as close to a happy place as one enslaved and freed with limitations could imagine.

dignity and strength to persevere

the strength and determination of a group of people led by a woman who at any moment could have surcom to her unfortunate circumstances, instead journeyed on for her people

Another great book by one of my fav authors!

How one young girl grew to lead others to see her dream of freedom become a reality for so many like a Moses! The same oak tree that caused so much hurt for her and others was used to build and save their community.. their kingdom..the Happy Land or Promise land! Vanessa you did it again! the historical story of our people's faith and perseverance to claim what was rightfully theirs as God's people...as human beings!

Amazing tale

I LOVE Historical Fiction. This story was mostly verified and is amazing. I finished the listening in 2 days.

Vanessa is a gifted storyteller.

I will look for more books by her. I was touched and moved with emotions throughout this book. It was a good feeling to see the thriving of a community who came from no material gain pull together and had accomplished so much.
Well done Author Vanessa Miller!

America’ s History WILL NOT remain Unknown

I had no idea this Queen and Happy Land existed. I am grateful for the research that was completed to bring forth this very important story of our history. Thoroughly enjoyed this book; highly recommend.