Thanks so much to @berkleypub for the free book! #BerkleyPartner

I love that whenever I read a Dolen Perkins-Valdez novel I walk away filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the ancestors and I shock myself by realizing I also tend to feel empathy for them as well; these bold people who lived their lives balancing their boldness with their fear in a way I haven't been able to manage as an adult and the descendent of their sacrifices, who's inherited the benefits of many of their sacrifices but seemingly none of their ability to persevere and "do it scared." The "do it scared" mentality is absent from so many of the Black people I know, and we often talk ourselves out of trying new experiences, meeting new people, and putting ourselves out there because of fear. Our ancestors were swindled and terrorized and preyed upon and lied to and denigrated and demeaned and persecuted and brutalized and dehumanized and commodified and enslaved and then hunted for daring to live freely, and everything they did, they did scared. I am honored to be descended from such strength and appreciate the swift kick in the butt this book served as.

Happy Land is truly beautiful novel. Dual timelines flash between present day and the time our ancestors fought to make a life for themselves and white Americans behaved in ways not dissimilar from current events. The way this book ties these commonalities into today, how current laws uphold customs set by truly barbaric people who should not have led the charge on any lawmaking or decision-making on what is proper and just, how the popular majority presently is willing to throw away years of progress to uphold these laws and customs wasn't at all heavy-handed, and served as a timely and poignant connection.

The storyline of how Black Americans have allowed ourselves to become disconnected from the bloodline, sense of community, and the land as a whole was a punch in the chest and a wake up call. I hope people my age and younger allow the messaging within to sink in so we can hold each other accountable. Perkins-Valdez carefully threads a story between multiple generations of a bloodline that is devastating and beautiful, hopeful and horrifying. I cannot even state enough how beautiful the writing is, how important this story is and is going to be for many years to come. Queen Luella and Happy Land will be in my heart forever.

I want to read it again and try not to cry so much next time!

5 ⭐️s
🚨 Pub Date: 04/08/25

Thank you @berkleypub & @prhaudio for the free book + ALC ♡

❝𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙝?❞ —Founder, The Kingdom of the Happy Land

4.5⭐️

Once again, historical fiction shows how much I have yet to learn about the history of the United States. Told in two timelines, Happy Land is the story of a place, a people, a refuge, a sanctuary, a home.

1882: In the post-antebellum South, descendants of former slaves built an insulated, isolated community outside Hendersonville, NC. They called this remote Appalachian mountain town ‘The Kingdom of the Happy Land’.

This community became self sufficient, farming the land, building homes, schooling their children, and largely avoiding the outside world. They elected leaders, a council, and a King and Queen. At its peak this community grew to 200 large.

In the present day, descendants of Queen Luella fight to remain on the land/property that has been in their family for over 4 generations. Loss of generational wealth is a topic that I was introduced earlier this year (shameless plug for Caste by @isabelwilkerson ), but Happy Land shows an real case study of how it has played out systemically, over generations.

Dolen Perkins-Valdez pulled me into this story. Once I hit the second half, I was fully invested; although I preferred the historical timeline, both were interesting especially as they converged in present day.

▶︎ •၊၊||၊|||။‌‌‌‌‌၊|• 🎧 I would recommend audio for this book: it seems especially fitting to listen to this one, as much of the history of the Kingdom of the Happy Land was passed down by oral tradition, and would have been lost otherwise.

Happy Land releases April 8th!

TW: Racism, Assault, Domestic Violence

Thank you Berkley for giving me access to this eARC!

Things I love in a book: historical recounts, strong female leads, and generational family trauma and to my delight Happy Land had all that and more! Half the book recounts the story of the kingdom of Happy Land told by the perspective of Queen Luella while the other half focuses on Nikki, the great-great-great granddaughter of Luella and her grandmother, Mother Rita, while they make sure what is left of the kingdom stays in their family. I could not get enough of this book. It was absolutely beautiful. With a focus on matriarchal society and the passing down of tradition from women to women, I was enthralled and inspired by the stories of Luella and Mother Rita alike. Throw in a badass female lawyer, some bittersweet romance, and a librarian love interest, I do not know what is not to like about this novel. My heart break and repaired itself many times over and the ending was just perfect.

4.5 stars for Happy Land from me and I will be trying to influence all my friends to pick it up as well!

For years I thought I wasn’t an historical fiction reader and Dolen Perkins-Valdez has proven that is so not the case. This is the second book I have read by this author and her writing and storytelling just pulls me in each time! As with “Take My Hand” I learned about Black history that I wasn’t aware of and that led me down the rabbit hole of researching. This is why reading is so important and I’m grateful for the access I have to these important stories!

This book perfectly shows why Dolen Perkins-Valdez is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. I was just as captivated by this story as I was by her first book, and what a story it was.

I had no idea about the history in this book before reading it, so I was starting fresh. I loved that I got to learn about the kingdom of Happy Land through such interesting characters. Luella was a great MC, and I liked seeing her stand up for what she and other women wanted out of their own land, and made sure their voices were heard. The situation between her, William, and Robert was definitely unique. I was frustrated sometimes by some of their actions, but I can also appreciate the beauty in how complex and deep each of their relationships was.

The present day storyline paired up well with the past one. With all the secrecy involved, it almost felt tense at times, but I enjoyed being along for the ride with Nikki in finding out her family’s history. I loved how the two endings intertwine in a way, and though it felt a little bittersweet, it still felt satisfying.

Fans of sweeping, engaging, and rich historical fiction will love this one!

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.

I suspect I’ll be the minority on this one! I loved this author’s last book, TAKE MY HAND, so I eagerly requested HAPPY LAND as soon as I heard about it. I barely looked at the summary and somehow got the impression she was taking a left turn into speculative fiction and was intrigued! I quickly discovered this is straight historical fiction, not at all spec fic. It’s told in dual timelines and is about the Kingdom of the Happy Land, based on a real community of freed slaves after the Civil War, and their descendants in present day trying to learn about this history and protect the land.

I love that this story is shedding light on a little known piece of history - that’s my favorite part of reading historical fiction. It was also a thoughtful exploration of the deep relationship between a community and the land they inhabit. I found that element of the story to be thought-provoking and compelling.

I sometimes struggle with books in multiple timelines because it can feel like each timeline is half-baked. In the historical timeline, I wanted more understanding of how the community worked and why it was considered a kingdom. The community had a king and a queen, but they didn’t seem to exercise any power. Hearing the term “kingdom”, even in a historical rather than a fantasy context, I expected something different from the story. I struggled with the present day timeline too, because I didn’t feel like I spent enough time there to get to know the characters beyond the surface, and everything felt tidy and convenient. I don’t think it could stand on its own as a story.

Overall I was left feeling ambivalent about this book. I never felt particularly drawn to pick it up and likely wouldn’t have finished it if I wasn’t planning on reviewing it. I’m happy the author told this story, but was underwhelmed by my reading experience. I have a feeling it will find its audience and be a big hit for many other readers.

Dolen Perkins-Valdez's historical fiction novel, Happy Land, masterfully employs dual timelines to illustrate how personal identity is shaped by individual choices, family legacies, and societal limitations. Both Luella and Nikki need to rise to the occasion and lead in ways they didn’t expect in order to create and sustain kingdoms within racist systems that were designed against them. Perkins-Valdez’s ability to use the reality of billions of dollars worth of land loss and seizures to ground their stories brings a sense of urgency around the issues both Luella and Nikki face and provides “faces” for those like the Lovejoys who have battled to secure their homes.

I highly recommend this book!

Rating: 4.5 stars

LOVED! I was so excited to be approved for Happy Land as I also loved Dolen Perkins-Valdez's previous book, Take My Hand. Happy Land did not disappoint!

Told in dual timelines (love) with Luella in the late 1800s creating and preserving an intentional Black community, and Nikki in the present day learning about her family history and trying to help her grandmother save her land, this story explores systemic racial injustice, stolen land, multigenerational family legacy, female empowerment, and Black strength and resiliency. I had never heard of these communities before, and was wondering while I was reading if this was based on true events, and it is! This is yet another part of Black history that has been erased, and DPV is bringing it to light.

Happy Land is addicting. I was completely engrossed with both the history, community, and culture of the past and the urgency of the present. I loved both Luella and Nikki in different ways, and their character development were each beautifully written. When I had to take breaks from reading (thanks, adulting), I was thinking about this book and couldn't wait to get back to it. I always love reading about strong and badass women, and Happy Land has them in spades.

I'm already looking forward to DPV's next book.

This book! Omg I cannot believe it took me so long to check this author out. I absolutely devoured this on audio and my kindle.

This is a very interesting story. I think it is one that is unique and important to tell. Readers will be enchanted by this kingdom that they have never heard of. Yet the community that lived there was able to find ways to grow and flourish. I loved how the younger generation was able to find out about their history and to reconnect with something they didn’t know they were apart of. Along the way, they were mending bridges that they didn’t know how to navigate before coming out. Readers will be enchanted by the dynamic characters and the enchanting story.
Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

"Happy Land" is a profound historical fiction novel that captures the essence of forgotten history and the legacy of heritage. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world where our past is not only magical but also pivotal in shaping our present and future.
Central to the story is Veronica(Nikki)’s journey to self while also it is a story following Mother Rita’s relentless fight for her family's land, a journey that was both inspiring and heartbreaking to read about. Her dedication and courage highlight the often undervalued strength of familial ties and the sacrifices made to protect them.

The narrative beautifully addresses the often-overlooked truth that history, especially that of marginalized communities, is frequently forgotten or discarded. This erasure of history is a tragedy, particularly for black families who have lost their generational wealth and legacy due to systemic injustices. "Happy Land" shines a light on these issues, reminding us of the importance of preserving and valuing our heritage.

This multi-generational narrative is a powerful exploration of identity, legacy, and the enduring strength of familial bonds.

Nikki’s transformation and self-discovery are thoughtfully portrayed, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that come with understanding one's roots. Her journey is both inspiring and relatable, providing readers with a profound sense of growth and empowerment. Nikki faces numerous personal challenges, including reconciling her ambitions with the expectations placed upon her and finding her voice amidst the cacophony of family and societal pressures. Her struggle with identity resonates deeply, as she learns to embrace her heritage while forging her own path.

Mother Rita’s relentless fight for her family's land is both inspiring and heartbreaking. Her dedication and courage highlight the often undervalued strength of familial ties and the sacrifices made to protect them. The use of flashbacks to the kingdom and the reign of Queen Luella added depth and intrigue to the storyline. These historical glimpses provided a captivating backdrop that enriched the present-day narrative.

"Happy Land" also emphasizes a crucial yet simple truth—that communication within families can be a powerful tool to resolve conflicts and end suffering. The story encourages readers to reflect on the importance of dialogue and understanding in mending familial bonds.

While it angers me to reflect on the many black families who have had their generational wealth stripped away, "Happy Land" offers a narrative of resilience and hope. It was not only an amazing story to read but also a source of inspiration. The novel reminds us of the strength found in our roots and the power of perseverance.

Overall, "Happy Land" is more than just a novel; it is a tribute to those who came before us and a call to honor and remember our collective history.

This was such a phenomenal book. I can’t really put into words how much I truly enjoyed it. I just never wanted it to end.

DUAL timeline and Mother/Daughter relationships are my faves in a novel and this was all of that.

I enjoyed Learning about Happy Land with the FMC and how her people were able to come together and create ROYALTY!

In this novel we get a history lesson, family drama, and some laughs. This was such a wonderful book and one that will stick with me for a while. I cannot wait to attend the authors book signing and grab my Trophy copy. 💐

If this one has been on your radar. Grab it as soon as it releases and make it a priority! It was so good.

Nikki Lovejoy-Berry works as a real estate agent in Washington, D.C. Her mother grew up in North Carolina and has been estranged from her mother, Nikki's grandmother, known as Mother Ruth. When Mother Ruth contacts Nikki to visit her, she heads to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Zirconia, N.C., where she is greeted by the sign Lovejoy Lane. While the true nature of Mother Ruth's request takes time to be revealed, Nikki learns about her Black family's remarkable history. The dual-timeline tale alternates between the present and the post-Civil War years when Nikki's great, great grandmother, Luella, and her husband, William, established a community for formerly enslaved people called the Kingdom of the Happy Land. While the story, which includes Luella becoming the queen of Happy Land, seemed a bit hard to believe, Nikki is intrigued by the struggles and resilience of her ancestors. As Nikki learns more from Ruth, she becomes empowered by her family's legacy.

Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez is an engrossing book. Inspired by the real Kingdom of the Happy Land, the author revives a previously forgotten part of Black history. This is a touching and inspiring multi-generational story. Regardless of your heritage, this book emphasizes the importance of understanding the past to help shape the future.

And what a gorgeous book cover!

4.25 stars.

Thanks to Berkley for an advanced copy of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. I loved Take My Hand so was looking forward to Happy Land and this was such an interesting book!

Based partially on the Kingdom of Happy Land in western North Carolina, where a group of freedpeople decided to start their own community based on freedom and they called it a Kingdom and chose a King & Queen. In the present day, Nikki's estranged grandmother calls her to come to Western North Carolina where she shares about Nikki's great-great-great grandmother Queen Luella and and their family's land as they stand to loose it.

Told both from Luella in the past and Nikki in the present, this book immerses you into Western North Carolina and as someone who has spent some time there, the sense of place is what helps make this book so amazing. Along with the family lure and staying connected to our ancestors.

This book will make you think and the author's note was fantastic.

Highly recommend Happy Land.

Read if you like:
- Multi-generational stories
- Hidden histories
- Reclaiming lost heritage
- Strong-willed heroines
- Strained Family Relationships

I read my first book about Happy Land last year, and so glad to read another story about it as I am now absolutely fascinated with this part of American History that has not had its place in the history books and that we are finally learning more about this part of lost American history.

Happy Land did such a good job of weaving past and present day into the story of Happy Land and Queen Luella and her descendants. I truly love the way the story moved in near parallels at times between the past in Luella’s POV and present day through Nikki’s perspective and the way the land where Happy Land was located, itself became a living and breathing character in the story.

As Nikki unearths the truth of the land and her family’s past, she begins to understand how it shapes her own life today, and the power of having dreams and knowing your history, which forced her to confront long-buried family secrets and the forces that threaten their remaining legacy.

Happy Land is a powerful exploration of identity, belonging, family, love, freedom, rights and the fight to reclaim what history tries to erase.

Thank you so much to Berkley Pub for my finished copy and to PRHA for my gifted audiobook copy!

What an amazing reading adventure! This book is a journey from start to finish and I enjoyed every minute. This is an amazing historical fiction book based on real life. I love books that grab me from the beginning and keep me fully invested until the end. I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.

Thanks so much to @berkleypub @acebookspub @berkleyromance for the free eARC!❤️

Happy Land was definitely a treat for me. It was so informative, mysterious, and a little dramatic/scandalous 🤭. All these things combined had me intrigued!

I love how this story is told in duel POV, where we get past & present information. As Nikki builds a stronger relationship with her grandmother, Mother Rita, all kinds of history & secrets unfold - things I was not expecting!

Because this book takes place in the Appalachian mountains, it gives "small town" vibes, where everyone knows everyone's business. It doesn't take long for word to get out about what's going on or what happened- which helps Nikki get answers about her family's history.

The Southern sayings & worries from Mother Rita & her neighbor had me giggling! They reminded me of my great aunt & grandmother.

I like how this book is about overcoming childhood & family trauma, knowing your worth & history, and having the courage to stand up for what's yours.

I had NO clue about Happy Land (being from the South), so this was eye-opening to me & to learn more about this land & the history behind it.

Thanks so much to @berkleypub for the e-ARC! I really enjoyed this historical fiction book! This story is based on true events. Nikki has never visited her grandmother, ‘Mother Rita’ in NC until she’s almost 40 years old. Mother Rita tells Nikki that she’ll answer all her questions about their family if she comes to visit her. Nikki is intrigued so she heads down to North Carolina from Washington DC and her grandma tells her a story about the Kingdom of Happy Land.

I loved that we switch between Nikki and Queen Luella with a dual timeline throughout this story. I loved both POVs and every person stood out throughout this book.

After finishing this interesting and informative book I want to learn more about the Kingdom of Happy Land and the legislation that is trying to fix the legal loophole of land loss among rural American Families. I’m going to purchase this on release day for myself and one of my aunts. Read the book!

Happy Land takes readers on a journey from present day all the way back to the 1800s in alternating perspectives from Nikki and Luella. Luella is the queen of Happy Land, a kingdom created in the mountain of North Caroline from freed slaves. In this new novel Perkins-Valdez weaves true information about little known topics with lovable characters.

I had heard about these communities / kingdoms that were formed by freed slaves in the 1800s and I was happy to learn more about at least this specific one in this book. I do wish there had been more focus on the kingdom and Luella as a Queen - vs her two husbands and the family drama around that - which just isn’t what interests me in these types of stories .

I read most of this book although I did listen to about 10 chapters - the audio is def really well done .