366 pages Publisher Thomas Nelson Publication date January 30, 2024
ABOUT THE BOOK
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 in Appalachia as a refuge for the courageous people who dared to dream of a different way of life.
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.
MY THOUGHTS
This book I’ve just finished is incredible.
Up until a few years the majority of what I read was history, both fictional and nonfiction but yet I’ve never seen what happened in this book mentioned anywhere.
Why have black history records disappeared or never been recorded at all. Is it because they are felt to be less important, and just fallen to forgetfulness? Their stories and history are very important, and their strength today comes from not only within but their strong ancestors.
At one time there was an American queen named Louella, she along with her husband, King William ruled a kingdom in North Carolina called Happy Land where they and other blacks lived and worked. They were provided a house and work and taken care of. These people dared to want better for themselves and had a dream.
Though the king and queen had enemies and opposition from the whites, they not only survived but thrived.
Queen Louella went from an enslaved child on the plantation whose mother was sold away and father hung and because of this was filled with doubt and hate to a self-confident woman marrying a preacher who taught her how to forgive and love herself and others.
I will be doing more research myself on this time in history myself.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
About the author
Vanessa Miller is a celebrated USA Today bestselling author, whose prolific body of work spans over 50 titles that explore deep themes of redemption, resilience, and faith—often spotlighting strong Black women during pivotal moments of history.
Miller’s book, The American Queen won the prestigious Christy Award, the Audie Award and was the 2024 American Fiction Award winner for Historical Fiction. The American Queen was a North Carolina Reads pick for 2025 and an Alamance Countywide read for 2026 and Our State Magazine book club pick for February 2026.
Her novel, The Filling Station, has received starred reviews from Library Journal and Booklist. It is a Positively Charlotte book club pick, an Oklahoma County Big Red Read and was an instant USA Today Bestseller.
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Her novel, The Filling Station, has received starred reviews from Library Journal and Booklist. It is a Positively Charlotte book club pick and was an instant USA Today Bestseller.
Vanessa’s books have received countless favorable reviews. The American Queen has been featured in GMA, Washington Post and Essence Magazine roundups.
“Stirring… quintessential story of brave people fighting for what they know they
deserve.” [The American Queen]—Washington Post.
“This powerful story must be told and retold.” [The American Queen] –GMA.
“Miller captivates with a propulsive historical based on a true story.” –Publishers Weekly.
“A novel that should be required reading.” [The Filling Station] -Library Journal starred review.
Vanessa also wears the hats of playwright and motivational speaker and retreat host, channeling her storytelling gift across multiple creative platforms. She is currently published through HarperCollins/Thomas Nelson. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and family. She graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication.
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