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.