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. 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.

The American Queen by Vanessa Miller caught my eye because it brought up a historical figure I knew nothing about in the time of Reconstruction. The last few years, I've really been interested in the years immediately after the Civil War, as the politics and actions taken by those in power in the years following the Civil War still reverberate today and we can see their impact. I also love to read the stories of those who have been previously overlooked in "mainstream" history, as so much of what is taught in the United States (and written about in popular fiction and nonfiction) are the same popular characters of those who held power, not those of people such as enslaved and formerly enslaved women.

The novel starts with Louella and what remains of her family on the plantation in they had been enslaved before emancipation. We follow her story and the horrors she and the rest of her group experience as they try to find a place of freedom. Based on a true story, we learn about the difficulties (an understatement), they experience establishing their new home, the things they have to take into consideration just to own land, and how they build community. The legal ownership piece really stuck with me on how much chess Louella had to play to try to first purchase land and then to keep the land in their possession. The community that Louella creates and grows is a huge testament to her as a person, and a vision as to how things could have been for so many had Reconstruction not gone backwards the way it did. Louella's sheer perseverance and determination made better lives for so many, that this story should be more widely known and I'm glad this American Queen is getting a wider audience. The prose of this story is a different style than I'm normally used to, but it makes for it's own unique reading as you get to know the characters. The history and interpretation really lend to the overall rating of the book, and I really recommend this to readers to learn about a chapter in history that has been largely overlooked if not intentionally squashed. Who knows how many other stories are out there, untold, because they don't fit a popular narrative or undermine the power dynamics people rely on.

Please be advised I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advanced Readers Copy of this novel.

Absolutely mesmerizing and brilliantly researched. I learned about a part of history I had never heard of before. Kudos to Miller for carefully excavating this "needs to be told" story of an amazing woman and her amazing community.

I could tell that Miller is fascinated by this research and as in awe of this breathless story as I was... it comes across on every page.

This was an amazing story. The amount of trauma that that these people went through is unbelievable. I can’t imagine walking from Mississippi to South Carolina in search of belonging and true freedom. But they had to deal with so much to make it.
Louella was something else. Very strong willed. She definitely has the heart for the people with a touch of stubbornness as well. A lot of times she didn’t want to listen to what her husband was saying but he has the patience to deal with her.
William was a man of faith who looked out for all of their followers. He kept being positive even when he should have been more cautious. He kept seeing the good in that brother of his and that truly irked me.
Robert was a selfish man. He got a little redemption however he was the cause of a lot of their turmoil in the end. And I truly hated that. These people worked hard to build their homes and be there for one another for some men to come up and try to take the land from them. I truly hated that but understand that is how things are. Even today. They will do all they can to take.
Overall I enjoyed this story. Glad to have learned about this being that I am a North Carolinian.

This story isn't an easy fiction read. It comes from a place when horrible atrocities took place to people. It's a book that needs to be read though as the reader can learn about the strength of the people who lived in Happy Land. William and Louella led their people through extremely trying times and sought the Lord first throughout it all. Mama Sue was another great character with her steady presence in the background to the leading characters. To learn that William and Louella were "real people" made the story even more endearing.



Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

It's been awhile since I read a 5 star book...but I think that this book deserves it. No it isn't like some of my other 5 star books, but I really can't take any stars away from this one.

The American Queen explores a rarely known REAL place from history in North Carolina on the border with South Carolina called Happy Land. It was established by newly emancipated slaves and created to be a refuge for all slaves who would come. In the book, the policy of the leaders for the land was simple--contribute something and you will be taken care of because (in the words from 3 Musketeers) "All for One and One for all!" Regardless of your age, infirmity, or capabilities, you will share in the blessings equally. This was created because of their inhumane and debase experiences as slaves for cruel masters. Being able to own something for themselves and to better themselves how THEY desired must be experienced. We obviously see it as socialism and the author discusses that aspect in the author notes at the end. And highly recommend reading the notes about where the story came from and details about what was real in the telling.

This is a Christian Fiction book and there are so many aspects of faith. Faith when nothing good is happening. Faith in the midst of cruelty. Faith in the good when all around you is the bad. Questioning the purpose God has. Questioning who He even is when all around you is pain and suffering and evil. I don't care who you are--if you are a Christian you've experienced at least some of these questions in your journey of faith.

Some quotes I noted from the book:
<blockquote>"If God wanted them to see goodness, then why so much pain? Where was God in her darkest of hours? All these things were her inward thoughts, but she did not--would not--say any of it out loud. She lifted her face to the heavens, silently telling God, I need answers...I am undone. My heart is heavy with grief."</blockquote>

I mean. Wow. I know there are so many out there who could have said this themselves in their darkest time. So so many. Louella will speak the heart of so many men and women out there.

<blockquote>"There were so many days that Louella had wondered if God was listening or if she was praying in vain. She had no way of knowing how or why God answered some prayers and left others hanging out in the wind. Even so, she had learned to bless God through it all and wait on the miracles He sent her way."</blockquote>

Honestly--this one is definitely one that I've pondered myself.

And I loved this advice from the lead character's best friend...
<blockquote>"the truth is, everything didn't go the way you planned it, but life can still be good..."</blockquote>

So. Much. yes.

This book had very very hard spots to read since it was trying to capture the inhuman way that the slaves were treated. You will wince. You will be ashamed of humanity. And you will marvel at the attitudes of the faithful who never gave up on God.

I highly recommend this book.

5 Stars.

**I received this book as an ARC from the publishers and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own.

A Happy Land rises from oppression in this inspiring historical novel

This is a fictionalized account of the true story of Louella Bobo Montgomery. She was born into slavery on a cotton plantation in Mississippi, emancipated after the Civil War, and the co-founder, with her husband William, of a free and entirely self-sufficient community of formerly enslaved people in the Appalachian Mountains on the border between North and South Carolina. The Happy Land was established in 1869 on acres of the former Oakland Plantation that the people cleared and purchased from the owner. The plantation’s former slaves quarters were located on that section of land.

Many of the facts of Louella’s life are heartbreaking, and difficult to read about. She and her family were the victims of senseless and ceaseless brutality for decades at the hands of the White slaveowners, and this treatment continued beyond the emancipation as the former slaves were uneducated, lived in abject poverty with no means of earning an income, and under constant threat of violence due to widespread, unapologetic racism. But Louella and William were resilient and refused to accept that Black people could not have better lives. They were so courageous and charismatic that they inspired over 200 people to join them on a journey of faith across the South (largely on foot) to find a refuge of peace and safety.

The story of the American Queen is one of inspiration, hope, family, and faith. It is so clear that this project was an absolute labor of love for the author, and the depth of her research so that she could give a voice to the Happy Landers is apparent throughout the novel. One of the things that I really enjoyed was her straightforward writing style. The third-person narrator was direct and mirrored the tone of the colloquial speech patterns of her characters. As a result, the prose never condescended to or patronized the characters.

While the pacing of the novel was uneven in places, the importance and the need for this story in the world outweighs any negative criticisms.

This was one of my favorite quotes:

“'It used to scare me the way you speak 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.'”

Her grandmother then laid down on her pallet on the opposite side of the fire, as if she hadn’t said anything out of the ordinary, but she’d said a mouthful. All her life Louella had been told to shut her mouth, mind her manners, and stop being so insolent. When all she ever wanted was to be heard. To be seen as more than some no-count enslaved girl. Her grandmother’s words blessed her very soul."

Thank you, Vanessa. My soul was blessed from reading this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read and review this novel. All opinions are my own.

The American Queen by Vanessa Miller

This novel is based on some historical evidence of a special place where emancipated blacks formed a community to support each other, run by their designated king and queen. It was a fascinating account and highlights the struggles that black people experienced before and then after the Civil War.

The author creates a strong and determined Louella Montgomery as the queen of the Happy Land. Her husband, King William, was by her side until his death and was then replaced by his brother, Robert. William and Louella were characters to admire as they grew in love and forgiveness. They led their people well.

Although I enjoyed learning about this special community, the writing style didn’t draw me in. It was difficult for me to connect with the characters even though I admired them. I wonder if the author didn’t try to tell too much of the story and in the process sacrificed the readers’ emotional connection with the characters.

Nevertheless, this book has much to offer readers who enjoy knowing the history of the Civil War period. I am grateful to the publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for this my honest review.

The story flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****

I enjoyed this book. This story is about a group of people who started out as slaves who wanted to be free. Once they became free, they started a journey to find a place they could call their own. Louella Montgomery was a true visionary who helped lead her people along with her husband, William, and others to the Happy Land. You will connect with the characters in this story. You will experience happy and sad moments as you learn about their journey. Get your tissues ready. The author's notes were truly interesting on what led her to write this story. Vanessa Miller did an outstanding job with writing this. I recommend this book to others, and I look forward to reading more books by her.

While I enjoyed The American Queen, it is not a book that I will treasure. Louella's story was interesting. There are not a lot of books written about the black experience after the Civil War. I thought the author's handling of Reconstruction was well done. That being said, the book is a slow read, even for this historical fiction lover. I skipped a few pages here and there. This was an average book.

The American Queen located in the historical fiction category piqued my curiosity with an immediacy that required satisfaction. The story is about the life of Louella Montgomery, former slave turned Queen of Happy Land.

It begins shortly before the Civil War ended, and the first chapter is a brutal one. The author stayed true to the times and did not shy away from the atrocities committed against enslaved African Americans - more than that, she had a grasp on trauma and what trauma will do and how it affects people differently. I appreciated how Louella and William (her husband) were at odds about what to do after the war. William wanted to stay and make a life as a paid worker in and in a few brief chapters, Vanessa Miller painted a bleak and realistic portrait of share cropping. I felt trapped just reading about it.

Ultimately, William and Louella make the call to leave the Montgomery plantation to make a life for themselves elsewhere and this is where the story really starts. It’s so incredible I can’t believe why I’ve never heard their story. The along with 200+ other souls migrated to the border of South Carolina and North Carolina where they purchased land and established a Kingdom where all could live and be supported and cared for, fed, and educated. I especially loved how she refused to be silenced. Such a beautiful advocate for those unseen and it’s one of my favorite qualities about her.

I am grateful to the author for bringing Louella’s contributions to the United States into the spotlight. Her story is truly such a marvel, and this telling of it was as enjoyable as it was informational. Well worth the read! I’d like to thank Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Vanessa Miller opens up a part of America's history I knew little or nothing about. I found the story very interesting and I went searching for more information on Happy Land.

I was a little hesitant going in, as I’ve tried other books by this author and really struggled with the writing style. I was pleasantly surprised to see some marked improvement!

Topically a very hard read, but a necessary one, too. There were definitely scenes I skimmed just because my own imagination is all too vivid (and ultimately why I didn’t finish the read—purely on me).

I appreciate the author’s bringing this lady and her story to life!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Louella Montgomery, The American Queen breaks silence with strength to beat down the barriers in the community of hate. Dividends of strength that barrel down the wall that society deems unworthy. This book speaks volumes that recognizing struggles with determination. Absolutely amazing and wonderfully written.

What a phenomenal read from this astute author! I enjoyed every minute of this powerful, emotionally gripping journey through time. The author hooks you from the first page, and does not let go until the very end! Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read this entertaining piece of literature..

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the opportunity to read The American Queen. I was totally blown away by this captivating story of how the characters overcame such adversity and their fight for freedom and dignity. I was also impressed with the amount of research Ms. Miller performed in preparation of this book. It is a story that needed to be brought to life!

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.

An amazing story of a group of freed slaves searching for a place of dignity and a place to call home.

This was soooooo good! I had been eagerly awaiting approval for this book and I wasn't disappointed! I loved every minute of it.
This author included one of my very favorite songs of all times. There is a balm in Gilead. Oh my how I love that tune. Another verse is There is a balm in Gilead that heals a sin sick soul.
That balm is our Lord Jesus Christ and here's a quote that's used twice in which loved because it is a gentle reminder.
Abigail reminding Louella “The truth is, everything didn’t go the way you planned it, but life can still be good, and we all still need your compassion and your guidance.”
This novel will leave you in tears in some places you'll be shaking your head at them.
The one I really didn't care much for was Robert.