The American Queen
The American Queen by Vanessa Miller, published by Thomas Nelson in 2024, is a historical fiction novel that explores the life of Louella, a Black woman who transforms her experiences of enslavement into a journey of hope and resilience. Spanning the years from 1865 to 1889, this 351-page narrative delves into the unsung history of a woman who builds a kingdom in Appalachia, providing refuge for those seeking a different way of life.
Readers will find a powerful story that intertwines themes of love, hate, and trust as Louella evolves from a life filled with bitterness to one of hope and leadership alongside her husband, Reverend William. As they establish the Kingdom of the Happy Land, the novel highlights their fight for freedom and dignity amidst adversity. The American Queen presents a vivid portrayal of a pivotal period in American history, showcasing the extraordinary resilience of oppressed individuals who become heroes in their own right.
Official synopsis Publisher
A WOMAN EVOLVE BOOK CLUB PICK | A NORTH CAROLINA READS PICK | A Christy Award WINNER | A 2024 American Fiction Award WINNER | A 2025 Audie Awards WINNER | Best Historical Fiction of 2024 (She Reads) | FEATURED IN GMA, WASHINGTON POST, AND ESSENCE | There is only one known queen who truly ruled a kingdom on American soil. Meet the queen of Happy Land in this riveting novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Vanessa Miller.
“This powerful story must be told and retold.” –GMA 15 New Books to Read (Good Morning America)
“A hidden gem in American history.” –Publishers Weekly
“This marvel of a novel transported me.” –Sadeqa Johnson, NYT bestselling author
“A story [about] . . . the indomitable spirit of a woman.” –Lisa Wingate #1 NYT bestselling author
“Inspirational and unforgettable.” –Kim Michele Richardson, NYT bestselling author
“A triumph.” –Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author
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. With every turn of the page, you will be transported to a pivotal period in American history, where oppressed people become extraordinary heroes.
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