Preview
  • The American Queen

  • By: Vanessa Miller
  • Narrated by: Angel Pean
  • Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (138 ratings)

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The American Queen

By: Vanessa Miller
Narrated by: Angel Pean
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Publisher's summary

AS SEEN ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA: GMA 15 New Books to Read!

2024 American Fiction Award WINNER for African American Fiction AND Historical Fiction

There is only one known queen who truly ruled a kingdom on American soil.

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

©2024 Vanessa Miller (P)2024 Thomas Nelson
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Critic reviews

'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

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

What listeners say about The American Queen

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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.

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16 people found this helpful

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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

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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.

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11 people found this helpful

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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.

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Well done and excellently executed!

This book is a must read! Thanks for shedding more light on the untold stories of our Black History. The narrator was phenomenal! And to the author, Vanessa your craft is a gift to us all! 👏🏽👏🏽

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8 people found this helpful

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True story sooo well told

A book everyone should read or listen to. I have recommended it to many people.

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Amazing Story

This story was so gratifying! There were not a lot of happy endings for formerly enslaved people and I am so happy to know there was at least one. Well maybe not entirely happy but I am happy to know that there was at least one group of formerly enslaved people that persevered against all odds. Thank you Vanessa Miller for telling their story.

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Talented Storyteller

I really appreciated this story. Born and raised in NC and never knew about The Happy Land. Thanks to the author for sharing this history with us and telling it in such a respectful and powerful way. I listened to the audio version and the narrator did this story so much justice - beautiful singing voice; really brought Louella to life! Loved every minute of this listen.

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It's Important NC Black History

I loved listening to this book and the fact that it was progressive black history in my home state of North Wilkesboro was Icing on cake.

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A Special Book

This book presents a special nugget of history that I never imagined. To know that The Happy Land was an actual place warms my heart, yet saddens my soul. A few months ago, I discovered that slaves remained in Boone, NC and had a community. This book provided more history wrapped around a heartwarming story. I will now tell everyone about this book and about their story. Our history is valuable.

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