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The American Queen Kindle Edition

by Vanessa Miller (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.6 169 ratings

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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 as a refuge for the courageous people who dared to dream of a different way of life. As seen on Good Morning America: GMA 15 New Books to Read!

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. With every turn of the page, you will be transported to a pivotal period in American history, where oppressed people become extraordinary heroes.

From the brand

Heart, Redemption & Faith

Vanessa Miller is a bestselling and award-winning author, with several books appearing on ESSENCE and BCNN/BCBC bestseller lists.

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A Kingdom Rose in the South

Transformative and breathtakingly honest, the unsung true history of a kingdom built as a refuge for many in post-emancipation America.
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From the Publisher

The American Queen - Good Morning America

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Queen Louella, the American Queen, is a character so richly drawn, she writes the story of American history. Born into slavery, robbed of her mother and family, Louella has no reason to love or be loved. However, the superb Vanessa Miller has created a new world of possibility and the story takes flight. The impossible path to forgiveness is as arduous as the road to freedom is for the enslaved. When Louella decides it's her world, one that she will make her own in emancipation, the sky opens up and rains hope. This novel is a triumph.' -- Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of The Good Left Undone

'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

'Being a hero during the Civil War era took on lots of different forms. One woman, hero Louella, is the subject of award-winning author Vanessa Miller's latest historical novel . . . This powerful story must be told and retold.' -- GMA

'Miller (The Light on Halsey Street) captivates with a propulsive historical based on the true story of a group of formerly enslaved people who founded a utopian society in the Appalachian mountains in the 1860s...readers will be won over by Louella's gumption, optimism, and tenacity. Miller brings to enthralling life a hidden gem in American history.' -- Publishers Weekly

'Regal, self-possessed with inner strength and dignity--that's the portrayal of Luella Bobo Montgomery in Vanessa Miller's The American Queen. Miller crafts a stellar image of resilience, giving life to a little-known story of American royalty. There's something special, soul-stirring to read of a woman, a wife, a queen building a space with her husband and found family that makes a community's hope of freedom come true. Everyone should read The American Queen and be inspired.' -- Vanessa Riley, award-winning author of Island Queen and Queen of Exiles

'Some books just feel inspired. You feel blessed for having read them. They feel like a gift. This is one of those books. The American Queen is definitely a story everyone should know, and a year from now, I have a feeling they will. Put it at the top of your bookstagram reading list.' -- Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of The Many Daughters of Afong Moy

'The American Queen by Vanessa Miller is a rich, multilayered saga of a little-known true story that completely captivated me with one of the strongest and most compelling protagonists I've ever read. The dreams of Louella Montgomery were strong enough to infuse an entire community and carry them on the wings of hope off the plantation. I had to blink several times to come back to the present after finishing the last page of this wonderful novel. Everyone should read this book!' -- Colleen Coble, USA TODAY bestselling author

'The struggles in THE AMERICAN QUEEN resonate with contemporary issues, making the story not just a journey into the past but a reflection of our present and a hopeful vision for the future.' -- Rhonda McKnight, the author of THE THING ABOUT HOME

'Vanessa Miller's page-turner The American Queen takes readers on a winding journey through the horrors and triumphs of the post--Civil War / Reconstruction era to show how a broken formerly enslaved woman transforms into an actual queen over her people. Louella Bobo Montgomery emerges from a Mississippi plantation with a vision of a 'happy land' where her people will live together in peace and with dignity. Turning that vision into a reality, however, tests the very foundations of her faith. The American Queen is a moving, heartwarming story that reminds us that all things are possible with faith, hope, love, and forgiveness.' -- Kaia Alderson, author of Sisters in Arms --This text refers to the paperback edition.

About the Author

Vanessa Miller is a bestselling author, with several books appearing on ESSENCE Magazine's Bestseller List. She has also been a Black Expressions Book Club alternate pick and #1 on BCNN/BCBC Bestseller List. Most of Vanessa's published novels depict characters who are lost and in need of redemption. The books have received countless favorable reviews: "Heartwarming, drama-packed and tender in just the right places" (Romantic Times book review) and "Recommended for readers of redemption stories" (Library Journal). Visit her online at vanessamiller.com; Twitter: @Vanessamiller01; Instagram: @authorvanessamiller; Facebook: @Vanessamiller01.

--This text refers to the paperback edition.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CBGZYSGY
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thomas Nelson (January 30, 2024)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 30, 2024
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 2731 KB
Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Up to 5 simultaneous devices, per publisher limits
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 366 pages
Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0840708874

Best Sellers Rank: #119,285 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #92 in Black & African American Historical Fiction (Kindle Store)
- #194 in Black & African American Historical Fiction (Books)
- #482 in Religious Historical Fiction (Kindle Store)

Customer Reviews:
4.6 169 ratings

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Vanessa Miller

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Vanessa Miller is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, playwright, and motivational speaker. She started writing as a child, spending countless hours either reading or writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels. Vanessa’s creative endeavors took on new meaning in1994 when she became a Christian. Since then, her writing has been centered on themes of redemption, often focusing on characters facing multi-dimensional struggles.

Vanessa’s novels have received rave reviews, with several appearing on Essence Magazine’s Bestseller’s List. Miller’s work has receiving numerous awards, including “Best Christian Fiction Mahogany Award” and the “Red Rose Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction.” Miller graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication. She is an ordained minister in her church, explaining, “God has called me to minister to readers and to help them rediscover their place with the Lord.”

· Essence Bestsellers’ List March 2008; May 2008 (Former Rain)

· Essence Bestsellers’ List September 2008 (Rain Storm)

· Black Expressions Book Club Alternate Selection 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010

· #1 Ebook for fiction on Amazon.com November 2010 (Long Time Coming)

· #1 on BCNN/BCBC Bestsellers’ List November 2010 (Long Time Coming)

She has worked with numerous publishers: Urban Christian, Kimani Romance (Harlequin), Abingdon Press and Whitaker House. She is currently working on Something Good with Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins) which releases in March 2022.

In 2016, Vanessa launched the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat in an effort to bring readers and authors of Christian fiction together in an environment that’s all about Faith, Fun & Fellowship. To learn more about Vanessa, please visit her website: www.vanessamiller.com. If you would like to know more about the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat that is currently held in Charlotte, NC during the last week in October you can visit: http://www.christianbookloversretreat.com/index.html

Vanessa lives in North Carolina with her husband and family. She graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication.

Most of Vanessa’s published novels depict characters that are lost and in need of redemption. The books have received countless favorable reviews.

“. . . Heartwarming, drama-packed and tender in just the right places.”—Romantic Times Book Review.

“Recommended for readers of redemption stories.” –Library Journal.

www.vanessamiller.com

Don’t forget to join my mailing list:

http://www.vanessamiller.com/events-join-mailing-list/

Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Vanessa-Miller-106334304622871

Join me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorvanessamiller/

Join me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/vanessamiller01

Website: www.vanessamiller.com

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Kindle Customer

A Must Read

Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2024

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The only Queen who ruled on American Soil!

Wow! You read it correctly. This was my first reaction to The American Queen.

Talk about Historical Fiction at its finest. This story informs, educates, and captivates your attention from the beginning to the end as you learn about Queen Louella and the people of the Happy Land.

This is truly a wow factor read with all the feels. I literally had to sit with my thoughts and let them simmer while savoring the moments.

The American Queen is totally book hangover-worthy and worth every bit of the hype. It is like Good Morning America quoted in their 15 New Books to Read for the New Year, “This Powerful story must be told and retold,” indeed. This is definitely a favorite of 2024. It is a story that I want to tell everybody to read, and I have been doing just that.

2 people found this helpful

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Sheila Capers

An Engaging Story

Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2024

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Vanessa Miller has created a masterpiece!

The American Queen is a skillfully written story about the lives, the thoughts, and the experiences of the enslaved during the years immediately following the Civil War. It is against this backdrop that we meet the strong willed, bitter, yet sensitive, enslaved young girl named Luella.

The time frame of this book made me reluctant to read it. I felt that it would be too sad for me to bear. However, because it was a Vanessa Miller book I decided to read it. I began reading it and could not put it down. There was loving, wrenching sadness, and delayed answers to prayer. The pages turned automatically for me. That’s how engaging the story was for me.

Throughout this book Vanessa Miller skillfully shows us Luella’s faith in God increase, her bitterness diminishes, and the attributes good leaders need develop. We see God use her iron will and sensitivity to make her the great leader she became.

I laughed, I cried, I “bit my nails”. Yes, this is truly one of Vanessa Miller’s great books!

Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2024

Verified Purchase

A preacher I know once said “everything we need is right here in the house.” This was certainly true of the residents of Happy Land, who built their kingdom and raised/sold their goods using the god-given tools they had; their brains and their own hands.

TOP TAKEAWAYS 💕

🫅🏽 All residents pitched in with their unique talents, gifts and abilities to make Happy Land a home.

🫅🏽 Ms. Miller showed both viewpoints of emancipation, taken from the slave master and the enslaved.

🫅🏽 Queen Louella’s leadership reminded me of Harriet Tubman.

🫅🏽 The first thing the people did when they became free was take BACK their own names.

🫅🏽 The biblical references in this story were so inspiring.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Start believing for good things, even before you see them.” Words to live by.

Helpful

sistahfriend

What an amazing story.

Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2024

Verified Purchase

Vanessa Miller has done it again. Not only was the story intriguing, the lesson in history. I know it was fiction but it really touched my heart and brought out different emotions. I could hardly put it down.

I think this book would also be good for middle and high school students.

2 people found this helpful

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A.

The American Queen: “a whole 'nutha level" !

Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2024

Verified Purchase

Three words: affirming, inspiring, and encouraging! Thank you so much for sharing your gifts, Vanessa Miller Pierce; I've been reading your books for years...still, this book took me to "a whole 'nutha level"! In sum, the American Queen is a powerful illustration of God's love and faithfulness through and for HUMANS despite the horrific actions of HUMANS! Bottom line: my takeaway from this phenomenal book is certainty that God has a plan, and with Him (principally via His grace and mercy) WE WIN!

Helpful

JGT

The American Queen - A Must Read

Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2024

Verified Purchase

The American Queen was an absolute awesome read. Reading this book had me laughing and crying while learning about the journey of the formerly enslaved people traveling from the Montgomery Plantation in Mississippi to their Happy Land in North Carolina. Louella was filled with hate, determination, passion, and zeal to escape all that happened on the plantation.

Who knew there was an American Queen! The Happy Land was truly a place of love and community. Queen Louella’s vision came to fruition. This book was so heartwarming. You must read it. This must become a mini-series!

2 people found this helpful

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A. W. Thompson

A story that needed telling

Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2024

I was fascinated to learn about the Kingdom of Happy Land, something I'd never heard of in any post-emancipation Black history. It reminds me a little of the many utopian societies founded in the 19th century by white people, but Happy Land sermed far closer to that ideal and served a far greater purpose for people who were freed but still left both oppressed and dispossessed.

It's a great story and I think the author created a strong narrative thread, although her inexperience with historical fiction does show. The emphasis on religious inspiration seems true to the characters, but as best I can describe it, the prose, attitudes, dialogue and descriptions seemed more like the contemporary inspirational fiction that the author specializes in. The physical world around the characters seemed generic, lacking in detail and texture.

The best historical novels are immersive -- you feel like you've been dropped into a world completely different from yours, with people who think and speak quite differently. Here, I never quite did. For example, a 19th-century 5-year-old would not likely be jumping on his mother's bed shouting "Breakfast, Mommy!". Childhood as we know it did not yet exist; even very young children were expected to be little adults -- work hard, show self-control, and be deferential to elders. Some of the language sounded way more 21st century than Reconstruction, which took me out of the story.

However, I'm glad I read it; I'm glad the author chose to tell this remarkable, unknown story of formerly enslaved people building the world they had been robbed of by white people who saw them as far less than human. My only wish would have been for Ms. Miller to have teamed up with a co-author more experienced in the genre of in-depth historical fiction of this era.

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