What readers think of Happy Land, plus links to write your own review.

Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez offers a story that feels rich with emotion and meaning beneath the surface. There’s a strong sense of place and history woven throughout, giving the narrative depth while still keeping it engaging and accessible.

The storytelling unfolds with care, revealing connections and truths in a way that feels thoughtful rather than rushed. Characters are layered and memorable, carrying both strength and vulnerability that adds weight to the journey. There’s a quiet intensity here—moments that linger and make the story feel more impactful as it progresses.

A meaningful and absorbing read with heart and substance—perfect for those who appreciate stories that blend emotion, history, and powerful storytelling in a natural, compelling way.

Happy Place is a perfect example of why I adore reading historical fiction. It offers a glimpse into the experiences of individuals whose stories are often overlooked in history books. I had no idea that formally enslaved people sometimes founded their own townships and kingdoms to build communities where they could own land and experience true freedom. The use of dual timelines in the narrative brilliantly weaves together the perspectives of both a descendant of the kingdom and the original queen of the kingdom herself. It’s a beautiful read that I will recommend to everyone.

The story is engaging, has well-developed characters and is based upon a real community that has been forgotten over time. I like historical fiction and really enjoyed reading this book and learning about a community I wasn't aware of. Family dynamics, love, misplaced trust, loss and survival add to the depth of the storyline. This is an easy, flowing read that kept me interested from beginning to end. I'll be recommending this one.

I haven't read other books by Dolen Perkins-Valdez but will definitely add them to my reading list.

Hidden history is fascinating to me. It's all those untold and under-told stories I've discovered in historical fiction. Happy Land is a perfect example. The author presents the facts of the existence of the Kingdom of Happy Land interwoven in a fictional family history thus animating what may otherwise have been a mere footnote in post civil war history.

Nikki doesn't have any idea of her family's past. Her mother is estranged from her grandmother so she never had the opportunity hear any details of her family's origins. Then she receives a call from her grandmother to come for a visit. What follows is a story of determination, pride and perseverance. Perkins-Valdez paints a vivid picture of those post war years on a mountain in North Carolina and the freed slaves who make it their home. It's a largely self contained and completely self governed microcosm of society.

The story in engaging and emotional. I could feel the awe as Nikki discovered her ancestors and their place in the Kingdom of Happy Land. Please read this book! The story is engaging and you may even learn a bit of history. Even if you're not a fan of historical fiction, I believe you will find this book an excellent read.

I loved the way this book took us back to the past to help inform what is happening in the present. This book did an excellent job of keeping a part of history that is rarely talked about alive. I highly recommend this read and I hope you will get it into the hands of young people.

Historical fiction is my favorite genre and I really enjoyed this book! I love learning something new in a great book. I loved going back and forth in time to learn about Happy Land , in the 1800s and the struggle to keep the land in the present day. The relationship struggles in both time periods were realistic and kept me turning each page … I highly recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction or just a good , interesting read.

I love historical fiction books that jump between the past and the present. I think it really showcases how much the past influences the present even if it was generations ago.

I had never heard of a Kingdom in the US and I found this fascinating and inspiring to see how a group of people banded together and created a loving society that worked together for the good of the people.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.

I loved this book from the first page to the last and want everyone to read it!

In this dual timeline, Nikki (present time) is summoned from D.C. to North Carolina by her estranged grandmother, Mother Rita for an unknown reason. Before she'll tell Nikki why, Mother Rita insists that Nikki learn about her ancestors, specifically her great-great-great grandmother and their history with the physical land in N.C., once known as the Kingdom of Happy Land.

As with most dual timelines, I liked the present time but loved the past. Without giving any spoilers (this part is in the book description), I'm in awe of the men, women and children who came out of slavery physically and emotionally beaten and broken, and had the wherewithal to create new lives. Happy Land provides stunning insight into a real group of freedpeople who established their own community. The characters' connection and linkage to the land was beautifully told and so impactful.

This is my first Dolen Perkins-Valdez book (although truth be told, Take My Hand has been on my TBR for two years). Her writing is so lovely and easy, and flows nicely between timelines, a testament to her talent as that can easily feel choppy and messy but doesn't get even close here. The imagery is so vivid and clear I can picture every scene. The author's note gives more details on the community she based the book on, and I immediately began looking it up to learn more. She also touches on Blacks having their land wealth taken from them, which has true far-reaching and devastating impacts.

I would highly recommend Happy Land!

TY to BookBrowse and NetGalley for the digital ARC! I'll absolutely be buying a physical copy when it's released.