The American Queen

De: Vanessa Miller

Narrado por: Angel Pean

AS SEEN ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA: GMA 15 New Books to Read | 2024 American Fiction Award WINNER for African American Fiction AND Historical Fiction

"Miller brings to enthralling life a hidden gem in American history." --Publishers Weekly

There is only one known queen who truly ruled a kingdom on American soil. Meet the queen of Happy Land.

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. As you listen, you will be transported to a pivotal period in American history, where oppressed people become extraordinary heroes.

©2024 Vanessa Miller (P)2024 Thomas Nelson

Reseñas de la Crítica

'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 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.

Bringing our history to life

The realness of the portal of the people and their everyday lives brings this part of our history to life. Thank you for writing such an important story.

Beautiful and Emotional

This was an emotional ride. The author did a phenomenal job tap dancing on all my emotions

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.

The American Queen

I loved this book, it was a good story I enjoyed the characters so much in the story, then finding out it was true made it even better. I never knew any of this, so much of our history we don’t know. I want to know ow more. Thank you

Great storytelling!

What an incredible story! I was completely captivated and couldn't put it down. The storytelling was masterful, and the character development was exceptional. It held my attention from start to finish!

amazing

I really enjoyed this book and the narration. May God Bless Queen Luella and King William. We appreciate you for your service to your people.

Omg a must read a black history month must

This book tells and shows us the transition from slavery to freedom but also shows how blacks truly carried the and ran plantations. Without us the plantations crumbled. But it also showed that blacks also couldn't see themselves able to survive without the masters at first but through faith and hard work a kingdom was built. Bless God

The story of strength during a har time

The author capture the our essence of the strength of an enslaved woman who reaches freedom and her dreams.

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.