The American Queen

‘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 *‘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 *‘Bestselling author Vanessa Miller has penned yet another moving and illuminating novel in THE AMERICAN QUEEN … With gentleness and empathy, Miller examines the complex relationship between faith and adversity.’ * BookPage *‘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 *‘Readers are mesmerized by the incredible blend of hope, heartbreak, and determination in Louella’s journey. THE AMERICAN QUEEN is about more than survival–it’s about redefining what freedom truly means.’ * SheReads *‘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 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 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 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 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 *‘This novel shines a bright light on a little-known moment in American history, one that deserves to be far more widely seen and honored. An inspiring story of resilience, determination, hope, and the human spirit, this story cries out to be remembered and restored to history. This fascinating novel will go far towards accomplishing that goal. It’s an uplifting read, one that is sorely needed these days. Highly recommended.’ * Historical Novel Society *‘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 *‘Vanessa Miller’s THE AMERICAN QUEEN is a rare, untold novel showcasing a hidden gem of factual history about North Carolina’s Queen Louella of the Kingdom of Happy Land–the only queen that ruled on American soil. Inspirational and unforgettable, Miller weaves a fascinating story set in rugged Appalachia in a community built by emancipated, former enslaved men and women.’ * Kim Michele Richardson, New York Times bestselling author of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series *

Vanessa Miller is a celebrated USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning author whose prolific body of work spans over fifty titles that explore deep themes of redemption, resilience, and faith—often spotlighting strong Black women during pivotal moments of history. Vanessa also wears the hats of playwright, motivational speaker, and retreat host—channeling her storytelling gift across multiple creative platforms. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and family.