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The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek #3
The Mountains We Call Home
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek comes a triumphant tale of a librarian's fight to bring literacy to the prisons of Kentucky and the underserved neighborhoods of downtown Louisville, revealing a story of fierce love, quiet strength, and the healing power of books.
When Cussy Lovett, a Packhorse Librarian famed for bringing books to the people of Appalachia, is unjustly incarcerated, she finds a new calling as a prison librarian, bringing hope to downtrodden women and voiceless city residents alike, finding a home even while separated from those she loves. A vivid portrait of mid-century Kentucky, from the hills and hollers of Appalachia to a vibrant city neighborhood on the cusp of urban renewal, The Mountains We Call Home explores the effects of criminalization and incarceration on the poor and powerless, while tracing the societal consequences of fractured family bonds.
Gritty, heartbreaking, yet infused with hope, The Mountains We Call Home is an authentic American tale and a powerful testament of strength, survival, and the magic of the written word.
When Cussy Lovett, a Packhorse Librarian famed for bringing books to the people of Appalachia, is unjustly incarcerated, she finds a new calling as a prison librarian, bringing hope to downtrodden women and voiceless city residents alike, finding a home even while separated from those she loves. A vivid portrait of mid-century Kentucky, from the hills and hollers of Appalachia to a vibrant city neighborhood on the cusp of urban renewal, The Mountains We Call Home explores the effects of criminalization and incarceration on the poor and powerless, while tracing the societal consequences of fractured family bonds.
Gritty, heartbreaking, yet infused with hope, The Mountains We Call Home is an authentic American tale and a powerful testament of strength, survival, and the magic of the written word.
384 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2026
About the author
Kim Michele Richardson
10 books4,555 followersThe NEW YORK TIMES, LOS ANGELES TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author, Kim Michele Richardson is a multiple-award winning author and has written five works of historical fiction, and a bestselling memoir.
Her critically acclaimed novel, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a DOLLY PARTON RECOMMENDED READ, a Goodreads Choice award nominee, and has earned the 2020 PBS Readers Choice, 2019 LibraryReads Best Book, Indie Next, SIBA, Forbes Best Historical Novel, Book-A-Million Best Fiction, and is an Oprah's Buzziest Books pick and a Women’s National Book Association Great Group Reads selection. It was inspired by the remarkable "blue people" of Kentucky, and the fierce, brave Packhorse Librarians who used the power of literacy to overcome bigotry, hate and fear during the Great Depression. The novel is taught widely in high schools and college classrooms.
Her fifth novel, The Book Woman’s Daughter, an instant NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY and INDIE NATIONAL bestseller, is both a stand-alone and sequel to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.
Kentucky-born native, Kim Michele Richardson, lives with her family in the Bluegrass State and is the founder of Shy Rabbit, a writer's residency scholarship.
Her critically acclaimed novel, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a DOLLY PARTON RECOMMENDED READ, a Goodreads Choice award nominee, and has earned the 2020 PBS Readers Choice, 2019 LibraryReads Best Book, Indie Next, SIBA, Forbes Best Historical Novel, Book-A-Million Best Fiction, and is an Oprah's Buzziest Books pick and a Women’s National Book Association Great Group Reads selection. It was inspired by the remarkable "blue people" of Kentucky, and the fierce, brave Packhorse Librarians who used the power of literacy to overcome bigotry, hate and fear during the Great Depression. The novel is taught widely in high schools and college classrooms.
Her fifth novel, The Book Woman’s Daughter, an instant NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY and INDIE NATIONAL bestseller, is both a stand-alone and sequel to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.
Kentucky-born native, Kim Michele Richardson, lives with her family in the Bluegrass State and is the founder of Shy Rabbit, a writer's residency scholarship.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek #3
The Mountains We Call Home
by Kim Michele Richardson
This third book in The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series has been written so that it can work as a standalone. But by reading all three books in order, a reader will have a much better understanding of the land and community that Cussy Lovett, a Packhorse Librarian, longs for after her incarceration. She's already given up so much for her community and her land and no matter what hardships she faced in the past there, she can never let go of wanting to be back in her beloved Kentucky mountains.
This third book begins in 1953, when thirty six year old Cussy, and her husband, Jackson, finally together again, are brutally and physically separated to be incarcerated in different prisons. We get to see prison life through the eyes of Cussy and we also get to see that Cussy can never be kept from teaching others to read and love books, despite all that will be done to try to tamp down her will to live and thrive.
Shortly into her incarceration, Cussy realizes that she is pregnant and she knows that her baby will be taken from her before it is even born. Luckily Cussy is able to be lent out to a black community that wants to grow the number of members who can read and that's when Cussy's life changes again. Always, Cussy has to fear for her life, for the lives of her loved ones and always she longs to be back in the place where she was born and with her adopted daughter, Honey, who is having to raise herself despite being only in her teens.
This is true historical fiction (filled with a great deal of real history) and the story left me with a lot of real world events of the time that I want to research and understand better. As with the first two books, I'm always missing Cussy at the end of each book but also hoping there won't be a next book so that Cussy, and those she loves, can live their lives in peace. There is so much to learn from this book and the series and I will once again miss Cussy and all her memories. She will always be the Book Woman to me, whenever I think of the women who delivered books from the backs of mules and horses. I've read these books with DeAnn so be sure to check out her review for this one.
Publication April 21, 2026
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark | Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for this ARC
The Mountains We Call Home
by Kim Michele Richardson
This third book in The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series has been written so that it can work as a standalone. But by reading all three books in order, a reader will have a much better understanding of the land and community that Cussy Lovett, a Packhorse Librarian, longs for after her incarceration. She's already given up so much for her community and her land and no matter what hardships she faced in the past there, she can never let go of wanting to be back in her beloved Kentucky mountains.
This third book begins in 1953, when thirty six year old Cussy, and her husband, Jackson, finally together again, are brutally and physically separated to be incarcerated in different prisons. We get to see prison life through the eyes of Cussy and we also get to see that Cussy can never be kept from teaching others to read and love books, despite all that will be done to try to tamp down her will to live and thrive.
Shortly into her incarceration, Cussy realizes that she is pregnant and she knows that her baby will be taken from her before it is even born. Luckily Cussy is able to be lent out to a black community that wants to grow the number of members who can read and that's when Cussy's life changes again. Always, Cussy has to fear for her life, for the lives of her loved ones and always she longs to be back in the place where she was born and with her adopted daughter, Honey, who is having to raise herself despite being only in her teens.
This is true historical fiction (filled with a great deal of real history) and the story left me with a lot of real world events of the time that I want to research and understand better. As with the first two books, I'm always missing Cussy at the end of each book but also hoping there won't be a next book so that Cussy, and those she loves, can live their lives in peace. There is so much to learn from this book and the series and I will once again miss Cussy and all her memories. She will always be the Book Woman to me, whenever I think of the women who delivered books from the backs of mules and horses. I've read these books with DeAnn so be sure to check out her review for this one.
Publication April 21, 2026
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark | Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for this ARC
May 13, 2026
We are back with Cussy, the legendary book woman, of Troublesome Creek. She has now been imprisoned for marrying a man who is not blue like her, in book 3 of this series.
What I love about this character was her passion for reading and sharing this with folks she met along the way as a packhorse librarian. Now, Cussy’s strength to persevere, is delivered by becoming the prison librarian. She was able to teach inmates to read and write so they could connect with their loved ones during their darkest times.
She remained a gritty, fierce and courageous woman when faced with adversity and discrimination, which she faced on a daily basis.
4.5⭐️
What I love about this character was her passion for reading and sharing this with folks she met along the way as a packhorse librarian. Now, Cussy’s strength to persevere, is delivered by becoming the prison librarian. She was able to teach inmates to read and write so they could connect with their loved ones during their darkest times.
She remained a gritty, fierce and courageous woman when faced with adversity and discrimination, which she faced on a daily basis.
4.5⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Mountains We Call Home: The Book Woman's Legacy
(The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek #3)
Kim Michele Richardson
Publication Date: April 21st, 2026
Sourcebooks Landmark
384 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Women's Fiction
Cussy Mary Carter is back, and she's gone from the mountains to prison. The story is about Cussy and her husband, Jackson. Because Cussy is a "Blue" (considered a person of colour under the law), their marriage is considered illegal, so both Cussy and Jackson are arrested and sent to prison. The book shows us what Cussy’s experience is like in jail. Of course, Cussy finds a way to help others through books and becomes a prison librarian, bringing books to the other jailed women (most of whom are dirt poor).
Eventually, Cussy ends up at the Louisville Western Coloured Branch of the Carnegie Library (the first library in the U.S.A. for Black people). The story follows Cussy working and trying to get back together with Jackson.
This book has lots of topics that resonated with me, like the power of books and how libraries are needed in the community. It shows how important reading and literacy are to opportunity and self-confidence. Of course, there is the race factor and discrimination. The one that really hit home was "found family." Cussy really helped the inmates and those she met in Louisville, but they helped her as well.
Richardson paints a vivid picture of Appalachian Kentucky and Louisville. The story is gritty and real, with plenty of emotional depth and hopefulness. It’s both heartbreaking and uplifting. This book is a character-driven story about a librarian trying to bring books to people living on the edge of society while trying to better her own life; it’s a heartfelt and very powerful story. It's beautifully written and very moving, and like the first two, it will stay with me for a long time. It's emotional but also inspiring. It shows that a little compassion and determination can go a long way. An easy five stars—highly recommended for anyone who loves poignant historical fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Mountains We Call Home: The Book Woman's Legacy
(The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek #3)
Kim Michele Richardson
Publication Date: April 21st, 2026
Sourcebooks Landmark
384 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Women's Fiction
Cussy Mary Carter is back, and she's gone from the mountains to prison. The story is about Cussy and her husband, Jackson. Because Cussy is a "Blue" (considered a person of colour under the law), their marriage is considered illegal, so both Cussy and Jackson are arrested and sent to prison. The book shows us what Cussy’s experience is like in jail. Of course, Cussy finds a way to help others through books and becomes a prison librarian, bringing books to the other jailed women (most of whom are dirt poor).
Eventually, Cussy ends up at the Louisville Western Coloured Branch of the Carnegie Library (the first library in the U.S.A. for Black people). The story follows Cussy working and trying to get back together with Jackson.
This book has lots of topics that resonated with me, like the power of books and how libraries are needed in the community. It shows how important reading and literacy are to opportunity and self-confidence. Of course, there is the race factor and discrimination. The one that really hit home was "found family." Cussy really helped the inmates and those she met in Louisville, but they helped her as well.
Richardson paints a vivid picture of Appalachian Kentucky and Louisville. The story is gritty and real, with plenty of emotional depth and hopefulness. It’s both heartbreaking and uplifting. This book is a character-driven story about a librarian trying to bring books to people living on the edge of society while trying to better her own life; it’s a heartfelt and very powerful story. It's beautifully written and very moving, and like the first two, it will stay with me for a long time. It's emotional but also inspiring. It shows that a little compassion and determination can go a long way. An easy five stars—highly recommended for anyone who loves poignant historical fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
June 1, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Audio for providing an advance listening copy of "The Mountains We Call Home" by Kim Michele Richardson. The audiobook, narrated by Katie Schorr, was published on April 21, 2026. Schorr once again delivers an outstanding performance, bringing warmth, grit, and authenticity to Cussy Mary's remarkable journey.
"The Mountains We Call Home" returns readers to the world of Cussy Mary Lovett, the beloved protagonist of "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek". While this novel can certainly stand on its own, readers who have experienced Cussy's earlier story will find additional depth and satisfaction in reconnecting with familiar characters and seeing how their lives have evolved.
In the original novel, Cussy Mary--a Pack Horse Librarian serving remote communities in the Appalachian Mountains during the Great Depression--lived with methemoglobinemia, a rare blood disorder that can cause the skin to appear blue due to reduced oxygen delivery throughout the body. Richardson skillfully incorporates the fascinating history of Kentucky's "Blue People," tracing the condition to a French settler whose recessive genetic trait spread through generations of isolated mountain families. She also illustrates how the disorder manifested differently among individuals; some displayed only subtle signs, while others could not conceal their condition.
More importantly, Richardson explores the prejudice and discrimination suffered by those affected. Many blue-skinned Kentuckians were classified as "colored," segregated from white society, and feared as though their condition were contagious. Anti-miscegenation laws further compounded their hardships. At the conclusion of the previous novel, Cussy had finally married the love of her life, Jackson, only to see him imprisoned for marrying outside his race. As this story opens, Cussy herself has been sent to the Kentucky Reformatory for Women because of her marriage to a white man.
Within the reformatory, Richardson tackles several troubling chapters of American history, including the eugenics movement, forced sterilizations, involuntary lobotomies, and the lingering fears surrounding the polio epidemic. Yet even amid these grim realities, Cussy remains devoted to books and literacy. Continuing her role as a Book Woman, she shares stories, teaches reading and writing, and demonstrates the transformative power of education and human connection.
Set in the mid-1950s, the novel also examines the contrast between rural Appalachian life and urban Louisville, where Cussy is assigned to work in a segregated library serving the Black community. Through her experiences, Richardson highlights the complex intersections of race, class, disability, and social justice during a pivotal era in American history.
Richardson's extensive research shines throughout the novel. She seamlessly blends historical fact with compelling fiction, illuminating lesser-known aspects of Kentucky and American history while crafting an emotionally engaging story. I learned a great deal while becoming deeply invested in Cussy's fate.
For readers who enjoy historical fiction that uncovers forgotten stories, celebrates resilience, and champions the enduring power of books, The Mountains We Call Home is a worthy and rewarding read.
"The Mountains We Call Home" returns readers to the world of Cussy Mary Lovett, the beloved protagonist of "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek". While this novel can certainly stand on its own, readers who have experienced Cussy's earlier story will find additional depth and satisfaction in reconnecting with familiar characters and seeing how their lives have evolved.
In the original novel, Cussy Mary--a Pack Horse Librarian serving remote communities in the Appalachian Mountains during the Great Depression--lived with methemoglobinemia, a rare blood disorder that can cause the skin to appear blue due to reduced oxygen delivery throughout the body. Richardson skillfully incorporates the fascinating history of Kentucky's "Blue People," tracing the condition to a French settler whose recessive genetic trait spread through generations of isolated mountain families. She also illustrates how the disorder manifested differently among individuals; some displayed only subtle signs, while others could not conceal their condition.
More importantly, Richardson explores the prejudice and discrimination suffered by those affected. Many blue-skinned Kentuckians were classified as "colored," segregated from white society, and feared as though their condition were contagious. Anti-miscegenation laws further compounded their hardships. At the conclusion of the previous novel, Cussy had finally married the love of her life, Jackson, only to see him imprisoned for marrying outside his race. As this story opens, Cussy herself has been sent to the Kentucky Reformatory for Women because of her marriage to a white man.
Within the reformatory, Richardson tackles several troubling chapters of American history, including the eugenics movement, forced sterilizations, involuntary lobotomies, and the lingering fears surrounding the polio epidemic. Yet even amid these grim realities, Cussy remains devoted to books and literacy. Continuing her role as a Book Woman, she shares stories, teaches reading and writing, and demonstrates the transformative power of education and human connection.
Set in the mid-1950s, the novel also examines the contrast between rural Appalachian life and urban Louisville, where Cussy is assigned to work in a segregated library serving the Black community. Through her experiences, Richardson highlights the complex intersections of race, class, disability, and social justice during a pivotal era in American history.
Richardson's extensive research shines throughout the novel. She seamlessly blends historical fact with compelling fiction, illuminating lesser-known aspects of Kentucky and American history while crafting an emotionally engaging story. I learned a great deal while becoming deeply invested in Cussy's fate.
For readers who enjoy historical fiction that uncovers forgotten stories, celebrates resilience, and champions the enduring power of books, The Mountains We Call Home is a worthy and rewarding read.
September 4, 2025
One of my favorite literary characters is back in this third novel of the Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series . Cussy Mary Lovett brought books and taught people to read and write and brought kindness to so many in Troublesome Creek as part of the Pack Horse Library Project. In spite of the racist treatment she received as a Blue of Kentucky , she is doing the same in this novel for women in prison reading them stories and bringing them books and with a big dose of that kindness . Imprisoned for the “crime of pertinacious heredity” , for “marrying” , for “miscegenation” . She’s a Blue and her husband isn’t . With courage, determination and with a love of reading Cussy endures . “Books: a sanctuary for my heart , “ she says . But the books she brings and stories she tells are also a healing for the souls of other inmates allowing them to connect with their loved ones.
Although, extremely sad and angering to see what Cussy endures , it’s uplifting to read this next chapter in her life where she manages with will and grace to overcome obstacles in her path. Like the first two books, this one is also a tribute to the power of literature, to the women who carried not just books , but literacy to so many . Over and above that this book delves into racism, eugenics, and poverty and at the same time the uplifting beauty of friendship and love of freedom. Those who loved the first two books will certainly be happy to meet Cussy again.
I received a copy of this from Sourcebooks through Edelweiss.
Although, extremely sad and angering to see what Cussy endures , it’s uplifting to read this next chapter in her life where she manages with will and grace to overcome obstacles in her path. Like the first two books, this one is also a tribute to the power of literature, to the women who carried not just books , but literacy to so many . Over and above that this book delves into racism, eugenics, and poverty and at the same time the uplifting beauty of friendship and love of freedom. Those who loved the first two books will certainly be happy to meet Cussy again.
I received a copy of this from Sourcebooks through Edelweiss.
February 6, 2026
This is the continuation of The Book Woman story, the third in what I never knew would become a series …
I was eager to get back to Cussy and also Kentucky.
In this one, Cussy and Jackson are incarcerated simply for marrying…as It was illegal for people of color to marry white!
The time in prison for Cussy was infuriating and scary but after a time she gets an opportunity to be the prison librarian and that position makes a path for her leave the prison.
I will not say any more about the story except that it takes an amazing turn.
Cussy is such a great character with a passion for freedom … for poor hillfolk, and in this book it was illiterate prisoners.
I do hope there will be more!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review!
Publish date April 21
I was eager to get back to Cussy and also Kentucky.
In this one, Cussy and Jackson are incarcerated simply for marrying…as It was illegal for people of color to marry white!
The time in prison for Cussy was infuriating and scary but after a time she gets an opportunity to be the prison librarian and that position makes a path for her leave the prison.
I will not say any more about the story except that it takes an amazing turn.
Cussy is such a great character with a passion for freedom … for poor hillfolk, and in this book it was illiterate prisoners.
I do hope there will be more!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review!
Publish date April 21
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars for book 3 in the Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series. This book can be read as a stand alone. My review of Book 2 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This book opens with the arrest of Honey Lovett, because she married a white man. She has a mild case of methemoglobinemia, a genetic disease which causes her skin to turn blue. She is therefore classified as a different race and violated the evil miscegenation law forbidding marriage between different races.
Honey has carried on her mother's tradition of being a Book woman in the Appalachian mountains of Eastern Kentucky. The book goes on to detail her life in prison. She becomes the prison librarian, and is soon cherished by prisoners for bringing them books and reading to them. Soon the guards and the warden realize that she is an asset, because troublesome prisoners are no longer difficult to handle when they have books to read, or, in the case of some, when Honey reads to them.
This leads to her temporary release from prison, to assist at a library in Louisville, Kentucky.
There is a happy ending. If you read my review of book 2, you will know that I have two grandchildren with a terminal, incurable genetic disease called Cystic Fibrosis.
I liked the plot, the characters, and the descriptions of life in prison and Louisville.
I recommend this book to historical fiction fans and fans of this series.
Thank You Sourcebooks Landmark for sending me this eARC through NetGalley and Edelweiss+.
#TheMountainsWeCallHomeTheBookWomansLegacy #NetGalley
Pub Date Apr 21 2026
This book opens with the arrest of Honey Lovett, because she married a white man. She has a mild case of methemoglobinemia, a genetic disease which causes her skin to turn blue. She is therefore classified as a different race and violated the evil miscegenation law forbidding marriage between different races.
Honey has carried on her mother's tradition of being a Book woman in the Appalachian mountains of Eastern Kentucky. The book goes on to detail her life in prison. She becomes the prison librarian, and is soon cherished by prisoners for bringing them books and reading to them. Soon the guards and the warden realize that she is an asset, because troublesome prisoners are no longer difficult to handle when they have books to read, or, in the case of some, when Honey reads to them.
This leads to her temporary release from prison, to assist at a library in Louisville, Kentucky.
There is a happy ending. If you read my review of book 2, you will know that I have two grandchildren with a terminal, incurable genetic disease called Cystic Fibrosis.
I liked the plot, the characters, and the descriptions of life in prison and Louisville.
I recommend this book to historical fiction fans and fans of this series.
Thank You Sourcebooks Landmark for sending me this eARC through NetGalley and Edelweiss+.
#TheMountainsWeCallHomeTheBookWomansLegacy #NetGalley
Pub Date Apr 21 2026
April 26, 2026
I am late to the game, but this is the third book in The Book Woman Of Troublesome Creek series. I promise that I am now going to go back and read books 1 and 2 because this book was stunning. I would also assure future readers that the author fills in all the gaps in the character's previous storyline, making this a good standalone or companion novel. I know that I never felt lost.
As the story picks up, Kentucky book woman, Cussy Lovett and her husband, Jackson, have both been arrested and are being sent to prison. Cussy is one of the blue-skinned people of Kentucky, and her crime is that she has married a white man. Cussy has methemoglobinemia, a blood condition, not a skin condition. In people with methemoglobinemia, the skin appears blue because the veins beneath the skin are coursing with dark blue blood. If you have a hard time picturing what Cussy looked like, then, as I did, there is a lot of information out on the internet, and I would encourage you to check it out.
I had a feeling that this book might break me, as the months of her prison incarceration went on, I felt such despair. But there was also this wave of hopefulness that was always present as I read. It's all because of Cussy. Those who have read the previous books know what I am speaking about. She is one of the best literary characters in women's fiction. I know that is a bold statement, but I am making it.
An absolute favourite of the year!
Publication Date 21/04/26
Goodreads Review 25/04/26
#TheMountainsWeCallHomeTheBookWomansLegacy #NetGalley.
As the story picks up, Kentucky book woman, Cussy Lovett and her husband, Jackson, have both been arrested and are being sent to prison. Cussy is one of the blue-skinned people of Kentucky, and her crime is that she has married a white man. Cussy has methemoglobinemia, a blood condition, not a skin condition. In people with methemoglobinemia, the skin appears blue because the veins beneath the skin are coursing with dark blue blood. If you have a hard time picturing what Cussy looked like, then, as I did, there is a lot of information out on the internet, and I would encourage you to check it out.
I had a feeling that this book might break me, as the months of her prison incarceration went on, I felt such despair. But there was also this wave of hopefulness that was always present as I read. It's all because of Cussy. Those who have read the previous books know what I am speaking about. She is one of the best literary characters in women's fiction. I know that is a bold statement, but I am making it.
An absolute favourite of the year!
Publication Date 21/04/26
Goodreads Review 25/04/26
#TheMountainsWeCallHomeTheBookWomansLegacy #NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gripping, engaging, thought provoking, emotion evoking and hard to put down! Kim Michele Richardson has delivered yet again! I have read the other books featuring Cussy Lovett: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and The Book Woman's Daughter and loved this stand-alone/companion book to the series! This book is described as a stand-alone book, but it truly is a continuation of the story of Cussy and Jackson.
Cussy is such a wonderful and empathetic character. She has a love of books and a love for her family. Cussy and Jackson are both arrested and imprisoned for marrying. Cussy, has methemoglobinemia which makes her skin blue. Jackson is white. They fall in love and marry during a time where people of color cannot marry white spouses. Cussy experiences many challenges while in prison but also got the opportunity to share her love of books and reading with other inmates.
As with the other books featuring Cussy, this book showcases reading, injustice, prejudice, family, relationships, hope, and love. I absolutely loved this book. I loved Cussy and her quiet courage, strength, love of reading, and desire to help others. This book made me feel all kinds of emotions while keeping my fingers crossed and rooting for the characters.
It is evident that Kim Michele Richardson did a tremendous amount of research prior to writing this wonderful book. Be sure to read the author's note at the end of this book.
Wonderfully written, moving, well thought out, wonderfully researched, and hard to put down. If you have not read a book written by Kim Michele Richardson, you are missing out!
*A Witches Words buddy read with Mary Beth! Please be sure to read her review as well to get her thoughts on The Mountains We Call Home: The Book Woman's Legacy.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Cussy is such a wonderful and empathetic character. She has a love of books and a love for her family. Cussy and Jackson are both arrested and imprisoned for marrying. Cussy, has methemoglobinemia which makes her skin blue. Jackson is white. They fall in love and marry during a time where people of color cannot marry white spouses. Cussy experiences many challenges while in prison but also got the opportunity to share her love of books and reading with other inmates.
As with the other books featuring Cussy, this book showcases reading, injustice, prejudice, family, relationships, hope, and love. I absolutely loved this book. I loved Cussy and her quiet courage, strength, love of reading, and desire to help others. This book made me feel all kinds of emotions while keeping my fingers crossed and rooting for the characters.
It is evident that Kim Michele Richardson did a tremendous amount of research prior to writing this wonderful book. Be sure to read the author's note at the end of this book.
Wonderfully written, moving, well thought out, wonderfully researched, and hard to put down. If you have not read a book written by Kim Michele Richardson, you are missing out!
*A Witches Words buddy read with Mary Beth! Please be sure to read her review as well to get her thoughts on The Mountains We Call Home: The Book Woman's Legacy.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
February 22, 2026
Cussy Lovett, is a proud young woman, poor, and loving her husband, her daughter, and her literacy. She was a Book Woman who rode her mule to delivers books to the poor living in the mountains of Kentucky, but her love for her husband put her and her husband, Jackson, in prison for violating the miscegenation laws for Cussy was a blue Kentucky woman while Jackson was white.
While in prison Cussy longs for her husband and the mountains of home. She is asked by the wardens of both the men's and women's prisons to help build up a library in each one. Anxious to pass on the gift of literacy to others Cussy arises to the task and makes a success of the poor libraries giving a precious gift to many. Cussy does witness the brutality and awful conditions of prison life, especially for woman.
When she is loaned out to a pastor and his wife to help the wife, run the library in Louisville, a bustling town, Cussy gets a look at a different way of living. Her observations are touching but her heart yearns for home, Jackson, and providing people the ability to vote because they can read and write.
A lovely, heart warming story that makes one realize the privilege it is to be literate and have a say in the government by a vote.
This book can be read alone, but I do hope you will take on the other two books about the Bookwomen. It is a tribute to these woman and the Kentucky that is beloved by this author.
***The Fugates, commonly known as the "Blue Fugates" or the "Blue People of Kentucky", are an ancestral family living in the hills of Kentucky starting in the 19th century, where they are known for having a genetic trait that led to the blood disorder methemoglobinemia, causing the skin to be blue. (Wikipedia)***
While in prison Cussy longs for her husband and the mountains of home. She is asked by the wardens of both the men's and women's prisons to help build up a library in each one. Anxious to pass on the gift of literacy to others Cussy arises to the task and makes a success of the poor libraries giving a precious gift to many. Cussy does witness the brutality and awful conditions of prison life, especially for woman.
When she is loaned out to a pastor and his wife to help the wife, run the library in Louisville, a bustling town, Cussy gets a look at a different way of living. Her observations are touching but her heart yearns for home, Jackson, and providing people the ability to vote because they can read and write.
A lovely, heart warming story that makes one realize the privilege it is to be literate and have a say in the government by a vote.
This book can be read alone, but I do hope you will take on the other two books about the Bookwomen. It is a tribute to these woman and the Kentucky that is beloved by this author.
***The Fugates, commonly known as the "Blue Fugates" or the "Blue People of Kentucky", are an ancestral family living in the hills of Kentucky starting in the 19th century, where they are known for having a genetic trait that led to the blood disorder methemoglobinemia, causing the skin to be blue. (Wikipedia)***
May 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The third book in the series was just as incredible as the other two.
The third book in the series was just as incredible as the other two.
July 2, 2026
This book is an interesting story of the incarceration of Cussy Mary Lovett for the crime of being a Blue married to a white man. She took a terrible situation of being imprisoned, and made the best of it by coming an inspiration to those around her. A fitting conclusion to the Book Woman series.
May 7, 2026
Through the 3 books in The Bookwoman's Trilogy, Kim Michele Richardson has had the opportunity to build a strong and admirable character.
We meet Cussy Carter at age 19 in Book 1 and learn of her "affliction" methemoglobinemia. This is a condition of a people descending from a group in France. There is not enough oxygen in the blood stream. Their blood appears brown 🟤 and their skin has a blue 🔵 cast which can darken in the hands and feet when faced with an emotional situation.
Because of the time in America when this character lived she finds herself experiencing extreme prejudice and even persecution which we find Cussy dealing with as she is unjustly imprisoned in a Kentucky prison. This happens despite the fact that she is an honored librarian and a hero of literacy.
Books of incarcerated individuals especially those unjustly imprisoned are always fascinating to me.
Having of course read both Books 1 and 2 and finding myself enjoying and appreciating them equally I was blown over by the fact that this book was much more introspective and so much more interesting than the first two books.
Without revealing any spoilers I will say you should find yourself surprised by Cussy's actions and interactions in this volume.
There are also some extremely well written and very fascinating supporting characters such as the prison warden, a pastor's wife and the pastor, a fellow inmate and her boss in the prison kitchen where she not only scrubbed and cleaned but also acted as the kitchen auditor saving the prison a good amount of money.
Equal rights to literacy as well as the importance of reading and writing skills are cornerstones to this novel.
Other important subjects found in The Mountains We Call Home are:
• Color prejudice
• Mistreatment of imprisoned individuals such as lobotomies as a form of treatment for behavior issues
• The horrible occurrences of unjust abortions and sterilizations of incarcerated females
• Separation of married lovers
• Separation of child from parent
• Interracial relationships/marriage
• The importance of the ability to both read and write as well as access to books for everyone
Make sure and read the author's thoughts as you will learn the power the books in this trilogy have had in the real world.
Of course I am going to recommend this book but only after reading books 1 and 2.
We meet Cussy Carter at age 19 in Book 1 and learn of her "affliction" methemoglobinemia. This is a condition of a people descending from a group in France. There is not enough oxygen in the blood stream. Their blood appears brown 🟤 and their skin has a blue 🔵 cast which can darken in the hands and feet when faced with an emotional situation.
Because of the time in America when this character lived she finds herself experiencing extreme prejudice and even persecution which we find Cussy dealing with as she is unjustly imprisoned in a Kentucky prison. This happens despite the fact that she is an honored librarian and a hero of literacy.
Books of incarcerated individuals especially those unjustly imprisoned are always fascinating to me.
Having of course read both Books 1 and 2 and finding myself enjoying and appreciating them equally I was blown over by the fact that this book was much more introspective and so much more interesting than the first two books.
Without revealing any spoilers I will say you should find yourself surprised by Cussy's actions and interactions in this volume.
There are also some extremely well written and very fascinating supporting characters such as the prison warden, a pastor's wife and the pastor, a fellow inmate and her boss in the prison kitchen where she not only scrubbed and cleaned but also acted as the kitchen auditor saving the prison a good amount of money.
Equal rights to literacy as well as the importance of reading and writing skills are cornerstones to this novel.
Other important subjects found in The Mountains We Call Home are:
• Color prejudice
• Mistreatment of imprisoned individuals such as lobotomies as a form of treatment for behavior issues
• The horrible occurrences of unjust abortions and sterilizations of incarcerated females
• Separation of married lovers
• Separation of child from parent
• Interracial relationships/marriage
• The importance of the ability to both read and write as well as access to books for everyone
Make sure and read the author's thoughts as you will learn the power the books in this trilogy have had in the real world.
Of course I am going to recommend this book but only after reading books 1 and 2.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed the first two Book Woman novels, so I was excited to read The Mountains We Call Home: The Book Woman’s Legacy. Unfortunately, this one didn’t land the same way for me.
I understand this book is meant to be more of a companion or standalone novel, but I think readers who loved the earlier books may feel a bit disappointed. The story skips ahead quickly, and I never quite got the same emotional connection or “feels” that I had with Cussy and the characters from the first two books. It felt more distant, and I missed the depth and intimacy that made the earlier novels so memorable.
At times, it seemed like the focus shifted more toward conveying the social issues of the era rather than fully grounding the story in Cussy’s life and journey. While those themes are important, I wanted more character-driven storytelling.
That said, I did appreciate the author’s heartfelt note where her love of Kentucky and libraries shines through. That personal touch reminded me of the passion behind the series and was a nice way to close the book.
Overall, this installment just didn’t resonate with me the way the first two did.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
#TheMountainsWeCallHomeTheBookWomansLegacy #NetGalley
I understand this book is meant to be more of a companion or standalone novel, but I think readers who loved the earlier books may feel a bit disappointed. The story skips ahead quickly, and I never quite got the same emotional connection or “feels” that I had with Cussy and the characters from the first two books. It felt more distant, and I missed the depth and intimacy that made the earlier novels so memorable.
At times, it seemed like the focus shifted more toward conveying the social issues of the era rather than fully grounding the story in Cussy’s life and journey. While those themes are important, I wanted more character-driven storytelling.
That said, I did appreciate the author’s heartfelt note where her love of Kentucky and libraries shines through. That personal touch reminded me of the passion behind the series and was a nice way to close the book.
Overall, this installment just didn’t resonate with me the way the first two did.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
#TheMountainsWeCallHomeTheBookWomansLegacy #NetGalley
August 19, 2026
3 stars.
Kentucky, 1953. This is the third and final novel in the Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series.
A Packhorse librarian is unjustly incarcerated, being found guilty of a crime based on nothing other than the colour of her skin. She and her husband are separated and housed in different prisons. There, she earns her way to working in the prison library and eventually starts a literacy program within the prison to aid inmates in learning to read and write.
The main character is a Kentucky Blue — a woman who has a rare blood disorder called congenital methemoglobinemia which causes blueish skin tones. She is a main character throughout the series and is so easy to love and feel invested in.
This series is a love letter to literacy and the beauty and power of books. And for that reason, it’ll always remain near and dear to my heart. These characters are truly unforgettable and their story, inspired by true events, is a powerful testament to how books and reading can empower and make change.
What I loved about the first two books was how they were written with grit, realness and eye-opening hardships that begged the reader to feel for the courageous characters and their circumstances. The emotional pull was strong and consistent in books 1 and 2. Unfortunately, I felt that the raw, authentic, emotional element was lacking in this third book. There was certainly some educational and heartfelt components, but it felt more like an entertaining movie, than a well-researched, informative narrative. The presentation of this story felt like it was made for entertainment, as opposed to the first two books that were informative, heavy, heart wrenching stories. For this reason, my emotions were never quite pulled in this book. I liked the characters and storyline, but wasn’t invested or fully engaged, as I was in the first two books. It simply wasn’t as gritty or impactful as the first two books in the series.
I also felt this story was less about pro-literacy and bookish themes than the previous two novels in this series which had those elements front and center. There were other stronger themes the main character was dealing with (not listing due to spoilers) that were more of a focus in this book. There was also a cutesy element that threaded its way through the story, which I know many readers will adore, but I didn’t care for.
The author included implausible elements in this storyline which was disappointing, but I can understand the entertainment value they brought. I didn’t have this issue with her previous books. Characters wearing disguises are always a deal breaker for me.
As with all the books in this series, there are several important and heavy themes explored including generational poverty, prison life and reform, illiteracy, racism, library support, and more.
Overall, I’m glad I read this, but it is the least impactful book in this series. It didn’t match the intensity of the first two books.
The Authors Note at the end of the book was powerful and added to my overall enjoyment. Though I didn’t love this book nearly as much as the first two in this series, I remain a big fan of this author. It is clear to see how much research she put into writing these unique, memorable and informative stories.
Audio rating: 5 stars! This audio narrator is the absolute perfect person to perform these stories. She embraces the characters so wholeheartedly and adds to the overall backwoods, twangy feel. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook for this series!
Thank you to the publisher for my audio review copy!
Kentucky, 1953. This is the third and final novel in the Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series.
A Packhorse librarian is unjustly incarcerated, being found guilty of a crime based on nothing other than the colour of her skin. She and her husband are separated and housed in different prisons. There, she earns her way to working in the prison library and eventually starts a literacy program within the prison to aid inmates in learning to read and write.
The main character is a Kentucky Blue — a woman who has a rare blood disorder called congenital methemoglobinemia which causes blueish skin tones. She is a main character throughout the series and is so easy to love and feel invested in.
This series is a love letter to literacy and the beauty and power of books. And for that reason, it’ll always remain near and dear to my heart. These characters are truly unforgettable and their story, inspired by true events, is a powerful testament to how books and reading can empower and make change.
What I loved about the first two books was how they were written with grit, realness and eye-opening hardships that begged the reader to feel for the courageous characters and their circumstances. The emotional pull was strong and consistent in books 1 and 2. Unfortunately, I felt that the raw, authentic, emotional element was lacking in this third book. There was certainly some educational and heartfelt components, but it felt more like an entertaining movie, than a well-researched, informative narrative. The presentation of this story felt like it was made for entertainment, as opposed to the first two books that were informative, heavy, heart wrenching stories. For this reason, my emotions were never quite pulled in this book. I liked the characters and storyline, but wasn’t invested or fully engaged, as I was in the first two books. It simply wasn’t as gritty or impactful as the first two books in the series.
I also felt this story was less about pro-literacy and bookish themes than the previous two novels in this series which had those elements front and center. There were other stronger themes the main character was dealing with (not listing due to spoilers) that were more of a focus in this book. There was also a cutesy element that threaded its way through the story, which I know many readers will adore, but I didn’t care for.
The author included implausible elements in this storyline which was disappointing, but I can understand the entertainment value they brought. I didn’t have this issue with her previous books. Characters wearing disguises are always a deal breaker for me.
As with all the books in this series, there are several important and heavy themes explored including generational poverty, prison life and reform, illiteracy, racism, library support, and more.
Overall, I’m glad I read this, but it is the least impactful book in this series. It didn’t match the intensity of the first two books.
The Authors Note at the end of the book was powerful and added to my overall enjoyment. Though I didn’t love this book nearly as much as the first two in this series, I remain a big fan of this author. It is clear to see how much research she put into writing these unique, memorable and informative stories.
Audio rating: 5 stars! This audio narrator is the absolute perfect person to perform these stories. She embraces the characters so wholeheartedly and adds to the overall backwoods, twangy feel. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook for this series!
Thank you to the publisher for my audio review copy!
December 6, 2025
I’ve never read the two previous novels this standalone book was based on, so I didn’t know what to expect.
There's tons of history scattered throughout the book. I didn't know about actual lobotomies taking place in prisons, where the word "hushpuppies" originated from, and how people were imprisoned if they dated/married outside of their race.
There is so much rich history here with Kentucky, the prison system, how literacy was so widespread yet woman got together to ensure that people could read and write so they could vote, move forward with their lives, and so forth.
However, I did find there’s a huge gaping hole at the end of this book. And it left me rereading to see if I hadn’t missed something. For those who have read this, do you feel the same way as me?
There's tons of history scattered throughout the book. I didn't know about actual lobotomies taking place in prisons, where the word "hushpuppies" originated from, and how people were imprisoned if they dated/married outside of their race.
There is so much rich history here with Kentucky, the prison system, how literacy was so widespread yet woman got together to ensure that people could read and write so they could vote, move forward with their lives, and so forth.
However, I did find there’s a huge gaping hole at the end of this book. And it left me rereading to see if I hadn’t missed something. For those who have read this, do you feel the same way as me?
March 13, 2026
I don’t usually start a review like this, but if you’re thinking about reading this book and haven’t read the other two books in this series, stop right now and read those first!
The Mountains We Call Home is the third book in the Book Woman series, and, once again, I was swept up into Cussy’s challenging world. I’m not sure I’ve ever met a braver, smarter, more determined woman than Cussy Lovett, and in this book she must face incarceration and the powerlessness that brings, along with her ongoing struggle against the bigotry that she faces on a daily basis. There are many social issues covered in this book, civil rights and the right to vote at the forefront, with literacy once again providing a means for folks to survive and thrive in an uncertain world.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher.
The Mountains We Call Home is the third book in the Book Woman series, and, once again, I was swept up into Cussy’s challenging world. I’m not sure I’ve ever met a braver, smarter, more determined woman than Cussy Lovett, and in this book she must face incarceration and the powerlessness that brings, along with her ongoing struggle against the bigotry that she faces on a daily basis. There are many social issues covered in this book, civil rights and the right to vote at the forefront, with literacy once again providing a means for folks to survive and thrive in an uncertain world.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher.
July 25, 2026
Kim Michele Richardson returns us to Troublesome Creek with a story that feels both companion and continuation. Following Cussy Lovett’s imprisonment for her interracial marriage, the novel explores her fight to preserve dignity and hope whether through her work in the prison library, her efforts to bring literacy to fellow inmates, or her desperate search for news of her husband.
Richardson captures the harsh realities of 1950s Kentucky, racial prejudice, unjust laws, and the silencing of women while also celebrating resilience, the quiet power of books, and the courage to keep teaching and nurturing even in the darkest places.
It’s a moving, fact‑rooted tale that reminds us how fragile freedom can be and how transformative literacy truly is. A heartfelt, compelling addition to the Troublesome Creek world that lingers long after the last page.
🎙Narrator Spotlight🎙
Katie Schorr once again lends her voice to Cussy’s story, and it’s a perfect match. Her narration carries the cadence of Appalachia with ease, layering in emotion and nuance that make the characters feel lived‑in. She shifts seamlessly between accents and tones, giving each voice its own presence while keeping the flow natural.
She captures Cussy’s quiet strength and literacy with nuance, turning the audiobook into an experience that’s both immersive and heartfelt.
Richardson captures the harsh realities of 1950s Kentucky, racial prejudice, unjust laws, and the silencing of women while also celebrating resilience, the quiet power of books, and the courage to keep teaching and nurturing even in the darkest places.
It’s a moving, fact‑rooted tale that reminds us how fragile freedom can be and how transformative literacy truly is. A heartfelt, compelling addition to the Troublesome Creek world that lingers long after the last page.
🎙Narrator Spotlight🎙
Katie Schorr once again lends her voice to Cussy’s story, and it’s a perfect match. Her narration carries the cadence of Appalachia with ease, layering in emotion and nuance that make the characters feel lived‑in. She shifts seamlessly between accents and tones, giving each voice its own presence while keeping the flow natural.
She captures Cussy’s quiet strength and literacy with nuance, turning the audiobook into an experience that’s both immersive and heartfelt.
May 11, 2026
Even though this book is the third in a series, it can be read as a standalone.
This series started with a blue-skinned Kentucky woman becoming a "Book woman" and working for the WPA program. She delivered books to extremely rural areas on her fiery donkey. The second book covered her daughter Honey, and this one returns back to Cussy.
I loved reading about these women and the historical facts go to show how important these women were and how brave and courageous. There was not a lot of tolerance for differences in the rural hills and mountains of Kentucky. The rules these women were forced to live by were incredibly cruel in a lot of cases. Downright intolerable in others.
That's all I'm going to say about this book and the others. If you enjoy historical fiction, brave female characters and books, you'll probably love this series. I highly recommend it!
*In keeping with the themes of these books, I borrowed this awesome audio from my local library. Libraries ROCK!*
This series started with a blue-skinned Kentucky woman becoming a "Book woman" and working for the WPA program. She delivered books to extremely rural areas on her fiery donkey. The second book covered her daughter Honey, and this one returns back to Cussy.
I loved reading about these women and the historical facts go to show how important these women were and how brave and courageous. There was not a lot of tolerance for differences in the rural hills and mountains of Kentucky. The rules these women were forced to live by were incredibly cruel in a lot of cases. Downright intolerable in others.
That's all I'm going to say about this book and the others. If you enjoy historical fiction, brave female characters and books, you'll probably love this series. I highly recommend it!
*In keeping with the themes of these books, I borrowed this awesome audio from my local library. Libraries ROCK!*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh, how I love this authors books and the life of Cussy Mary. The characters involve soany feelings, whether you love them or hate them. It's hard knowing people can be so cruel, with a lack of regard for human life. If you enjoyed the Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek, this is also a read for you.
Thank you to Net Galley and SOURCEBOOKS for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and SOURCEBOOKS for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 20, 2026
Cussy Lovett, our Book Woman, is a character I just love. Yet, sometimes when books have a series, it’s hard to live up to the first. Happily, this book was the best of the 3 for me. The book starts and Cussy and her husband, Jackson are trying to settle into a rich life in their home in Appalachian, Kentucky. They love the sounds, soil, people, smells, birds, of the area. It is just part of who they are. Yet, one night both are taken to jail for miscegenation, since Cutty is an evil and dangerous Blue and her husband is White.
I love that Kim Michele Richardson really honors Kentucky Country Life. She weaves into her stories the good and the ugly, but dispels the stereotype that these are dumb hillbillies. She focuses on how the poor and struggling are made to obey laws that benefit other people. Their beautiful hills and mountains were taken over by companies that mined their valuable coal and resources. They took much away and then left.
So, in jail Cutty still knows books and literary can change peoples lives. She starts getting books into the jail and really listening to the hard stories so many of the women she listens to have endured. She offers hope and teaching them the beginnings of reading. That is so special for a person in prison, who can’t read or write. Now, they can with Cully’s help. The book looks across Kentucky, as Cutty has a stay in Louisville and sees the bustling city. This is in the early 1950’s when the town was bustling with black and white owned businesses. Urban Renewal means Urban Removal says one woman for those that aren’t white and it looks like that will happen shortly.
The beautiful characters here are all quite brave. Although, they are aware they can’t change everything, they will work hard at changing what is in their power. So, for poor country folks or black urban families, getting control and power in their hands can change the future.
Lovely Story. Love that Kentucky is like another character. I’ve learned so much about this State and am glad I did. Excellent and Heartfelt Story.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a copy of this book. I always leave reviews of books I read.
I love that Kim Michele Richardson really honors Kentucky Country Life. She weaves into her stories the good and the ugly, but dispels the stereotype that these are dumb hillbillies. She focuses on how the poor and struggling are made to obey laws that benefit other people. Their beautiful hills and mountains were taken over by companies that mined their valuable coal and resources. They took much away and then left.
So, in jail Cutty still knows books and literary can change peoples lives. She starts getting books into the jail and really listening to the hard stories so many of the women she listens to have endured. She offers hope and teaching them the beginnings of reading. That is so special for a person in prison, who can’t read or write. Now, they can with Cully’s help. The book looks across Kentucky, as Cutty has a stay in Louisville and sees the bustling city. This is in the early 1950’s when the town was bustling with black and white owned businesses. Urban Renewal means Urban Removal says one woman for those that aren’t white and it looks like that will happen shortly.
The beautiful characters here are all quite brave. Although, they are aware they can’t change everything, they will work hard at changing what is in their power. So, for poor country folks or black urban families, getting control and power in their hands can change the future.
Lovely Story. Love that Kentucky is like another character. I’ve learned so much about this State and am glad I did. Excellent and Heartfelt Story.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a copy of this book. I always leave reviews of books I read.
May 17, 2026
THE MOUNTAINS WE CALL HOME
(The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek No. 3)
By Kim Michele Richardson
Narrated by Katie Schorr
A testament to survival, strength, and the written word.
The legacy of the Book Woman continues in 1953 as Cussy Lovett—a former Packhorse Librarian in the Appalachian Mountains—has been unjustly incarcerated. In this new chapter of her story, her dedication to bringing literacy, knowledge, and hope to the oppressed takes a different form as she becomes a librarian within the Kentucky prison system and to a city neighborhood on the cusp of urban renewal.
In this book, as well as the previous novels in the series, we see the ugliness in some people but also the true meaning of kindness in others.
The tone is emotional, hopeful, and heartbreaking at times, while the writing style is vivid, immersive, and rich in historical detail. Richardson brings the Appalachian setting and characters to life in a way that feels authentic and compassionate. Katie Schorr’s slightly raspy voice is engaging and fits the emotional and Appalachian atmosphere of the novel well.
The author’s note is very informative and shares interesting facts about Kentucky.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Audio for the ALC.
(The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek No. 3)
By Kim Michele Richardson
Narrated by Katie Schorr
A testament to survival, strength, and the written word.
The legacy of the Book Woman continues in 1953 as Cussy Lovett—a former Packhorse Librarian in the Appalachian Mountains—has been unjustly incarcerated. In this new chapter of her story, her dedication to bringing literacy, knowledge, and hope to the oppressed takes a different form as she becomes a librarian within the Kentucky prison system and to a city neighborhood on the cusp of urban renewal.
In this book, as well as the previous novels in the series, we see the ugliness in some people but also the true meaning of kindness in others.
The tone is emotional, hopeful, and heartbreaking at times, while the writing style is vivid, immersive, and rich in historical detail. Richardson brings the Appalachian setting and characters to life in a way that feels authentic and compassionate. Katie Schorr’s slightly raspy voice is engaging and fits the emotional and Appalachian atmosphere of the novel well.
The author’s note is very informative and shares interesting facts about Kentucky.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Audio for the ALC.
December 13, 2025
I love The Bookwoman and Bookswoman’s Daughter books so much, so I was delighted to recently discover that the story wasn’t over. And great news, this one lives up to the others 👏
Ocurring at least partly during the time we were following Honey in Bookwoman’s Daughter, much of this book focuses on Cussy’s incarceration. As you can imagine, there are parts that are emotionally tough to read. Sooooooo many injustices are highlighted for so many marginalized groups.
Fortunately, there is some balance to that with the immense good that Cussy does for others, the hope she inspires, and the relationships she builds with people from all walks of life. My favorite of which is the bond she forms with Mrs Claxton 💄♥️
As usual, Kim Michele Richardson packs her novel with historically important moments, and follows with a thoughtful author’s note explaining her inspiration.
If you enjoyed the other books, especially if you love Cussy’s unique voice, you must read this. If you haven’t yet read The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek but find yourself reading this review - get on it, you have time before this releases on April 21, 2026. These meaningful stories will both break and heal your heart. The writing makes them hard to put down. And for the history they share, they deserve to be read widely.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for the digital ARC 🙏🏻
Ocurring at least partly during the time we were following Honey in Bookwoman’s Daughter, much of this book focuses on Cussy’s incarceration. As you can imagine, there are parts that are emotionally tough to read. Sooooooo many injustices are highlighted for so many marginalized groups.
Fortunately, there is some balance to that with the immense good that Cussy does for others, the hope she inspires, and the relationships she builds with people from all walks of life. My favorite of which is the bond she forms with Mrs Claxton 💄♥️
As usual, Kim Michele Richardson packs her novel with historically important moments, and follows with a thoughtful author’s note explaining her inspiration.
If you enjoyed the other books, especially if you love Cussy’s unique voice, you must read this. If you haven’t yet read The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek but find yourself reading this review - get on it, you have time before this releases on April 21, 2026. These meaningful stories will both break and heal your heart. The writing makes them hard to put down. And for the history they share, they deserve to be read widely.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for the digital ARC 🙏🏻
June 14, 2026
igger Warnings:
* Racism
* Poverty
* Domestic abuse
* Child abuse
* Sexual assault (referenced)
* Forced sterilization
* Eugenics
* Violence
* Death and grief
* Mental illness
* Discrimination
The Mountains We Call Home by Kim Michele Richardson is set in the mountains of eastern Kentucky during the 1950s, The Mountains We Call Home is the third book in Kim Michele Richardson’s Book Woman series. The novel returns to the Appalachian communities first introduced in The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and follows the continuing struggles of families living in isolated mountain hollows where poverty, prejudice, and limited opportunities shape daily life. Against the backdrop of Kentucky’s Pack Horse Library legacy, the story explores the challenges faced by women and children as they navigate family hardships, community expectations, and the lasting effects of discriminatory policies that targeted those considered different. Richardson blends historical events with fiction to portray life in the mountains during a period when access to education, healthcare, and basic freedoms was often determined by social standing and circumstance.
* Racism
* Poverty
* Domestic abuse
* Child abuse
* Sexual assault (referenced)
* Forced sterilization
* Eugenics
* Violence
* Death and grief
* Mental illness
* Discrimination
The Mountains We Call Home by Kim Michele Richardson is set in the mountains of eastern Kentucky during the 1950s, The Mountains We Call Home is the third book in Kim Michele Richardson’s Book Woman series. The novel returns to the Appalachian communities first introduced in The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and follows the continuing struggles of families living in isolated mountain hollows where poverty, prejudice, and limited opportunities shape daily life. Against the backdrop of Kentucky’s Pack Horse Library legacy, the story explores the challenges faced by women and children as they navigate family hardships, community expectations, and the lasting effects of discriminatory policies that targeted those considered different. Richardson blends historical events with fiction to portray life in the mountains during a period when access to education, healthcare, and basic freedoms was often determined by social standing and circumstance.
June 4, 2026
What a great conclusion to the trilogy that ties the whole thing together wonderfully.
I love how well researched Kim Michele Richardson is because it really reflects in the writing and the full feeling of the story. I was not sure where she was going to go after the last novel but I think this was my favorite of the trilogy. It's so hard to choose though because the whole thing together just makes for a complete beautiful work.
Love it, inspirational read.
I love how well researched Kim Michele Richardson is because it really reflects in the writing and the full feeling of the story. I was not sure where she was going to go after the last novel but I think this was my favorite of the trilogy. It's so hard to choose though because the whole thing together just makes for a complete beautiful work.
Love it, inspirational read.
December 8, 2025
I think I'm a bit of an outlier on this book. I Read the first Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and really liked it. Although I enjoyed this book, I didn't connect with it as much as I did with the original. Most of the emotional topics in the book (racism, oppression, abuse, miscegenation, etc.) were unbelievably heavy, but the writing felt a little too light and upbeat. I respect that Cussy was the type of character that would just buckle down and get on with it, but it almost felt like the author was trying to brush over terrible things to minimize them.
I loved the unique historical perspective, and plan to read The Book Woman's Daughter when I have a chance.
Thank you, Kim Michele Richardson, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for the ARC!
I loved the unique historical perspective, and plan to read The Book Woman's Daughter when I have a chance.
Thank you, Kim Michele Richardson, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for the ARC!
May 1, 2026
3 stars.
I LOVED the first book, LIKED the second book, but only liked this one.
The first half of this book was really good, I would have loved more time of Cussy in prison and doing more book work in there, or even more of her doing the literacy program when she was on furlough.
Cussy’s escape was unbelievable, surely the state would be the ones to dispose of a dead body considering prisoners are considered property of the state. They’d at least need to identify the body.
I appreciated the chapter about the sundown towns. Growing up in Montana I have been blindfolded to what those were, having only learned about them in the last 5ish years and that’s my own ignorance. Knowing they’re still prevalent today makes me sick and maybe people reading that hard chapter will make others realize it as well.
The last 30% of the book just seemed rushed and thrown together like just wanting the book to end. We got the the reunion with Jackson, and the birth of the baby then just bleh here we are 11 years later, then when they’re old.
I remember when I read the first, The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek. I was so hooked to the book I finished it during a 2 hour flight. Since then I have read that and the second story two times, and was excited when I found out this one came out. It was a little disappointing but now I’ve had my story concluded finally!
I LOVED the first book, LIKED the second book, but only liked this one.
The first half of this book was really good, I would have loved more time of Cussy in prison and doing more book work in there, or even more of her doing the literacy program when she was on furlough.
Cussy’s escape was unbelievable, surely the state would be the ones to dispose of a dead body considering prisoners are considered property of the state. They’d at least need to identify the body.
I appreciated the chapter about the sundown towns. Growing up in Montana I have been blindfolded to what those were, having only learned about them in the last 5ish years and that’s my own ignorance. Knowing they’re still prevalent today makes me sick and maybe people reading that hard chapter will make others realize it as well.
The last 30% of the book just seemed rushed and thrown together like just wanting the book to end. We got the the reunion with Jackson, and the birth of the baby then just bleh here we are 11 years later, then when they’re old.
I remember when I read the first, The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek. I was so hooked to the book I finished it during a 2 hour flight. Since then I have read that and the second story two times, and was excited when I found out this one came out. It was a little disappointing but now I’ve had my story concluded finally!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2026
A fabulous conclusion to the Book Women of Troublesome Creek series. Cussy faces numerous challenges when she and her husband are imprisoned for miscegenation. Prison is brutal, and she is treated harshly for her blue skin. She is given the opportunity to be the Prison Librarian and uses it to try to better the lives of her fellow inmates. When given the chance to be loaned out to assist the librarian at a library in Louisville in a predominantly black neighborhood, she is excited to be able to help. When she discovers she is pregnant, she is deeply concerned for the fate of her baby. Can she find a pathway to save her baby and reunite with her husband?
July 9, 2026
In this third book of the Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series, Cussy Mary Lovett's story continues to the Kentucky State Reformatory, where she is incarcerated for violating Kentucky's miscegenation laws. While there, she becomes the prison Book Woman, executing her librarian skills for Warden Sanders and using the power of books and reading to make a huge impact on the women in the facility.
Cussy also is given a special work-release assignment to help Mrs. Claxton at the Western Colored Branch Library in Louisville. Using her strength of character and resilience, she assists with teaching literacy classes to those in the city who are illiterate.
There's so much in this series to like in that many are lifted up from their dire circumstances via the power of the written word. On the other hand, there are many dark moments of violences and abuses that do sometimes seem to be stifling and happen too often.
The Mountains We Call Home is my favorite in the series as much of the storyline connects with Black American and civil rights history. An aspect of Black American history that I find highly interesting is the creation and use of The Negro Motorists Green Book.
In 1938, Mr. Victor Hugo Green published the travel guide to help Black Americans know of safe towns and places for them to stop to rest, fuel their cars, have a meal, and find accommodations. Renamed The Negro Travelers' Green Book, the guide was in publication until 1966.
I admire the hard work that must've went into the publishing of the Green Book and detest that it was a necessary part of travel for individuals/families at that time. I admire the bravery those Americans had in planning and making their trips.
Kim Michele Richardson has the Green Book/sundown towns play a part of the story and at that point this book became my favorite.
Cussy also is given a special work-release assignment to help Mrs. Claxton at the Western Colored Branch Library in Louisville. Using her strength of character and resilience, she assists with teaching literacy classes to those in the city who are illiterate.
There's so much in this series to like in that many are lifted up from their dire circumstances via the power of the written word. On the other hand, there are many dark moments of violences and abuses that do sometimes seem to be stifling and happen too often.
The Mountains We Call Home is my favorite in the series as much of the storyline connects with Black American and civil rights history. An aspect of Black American history that I find highly interesting is the creation and use of The Negro Motorists Green Book.
In 1938, Mr. Victor Hugo Green published the travel guide to help Black Americans know of safe towns and places for them to stop to rest, fuel their cars, have a meal, and find accommodations. Renamed The Negro Travelers' Green Book, the guide was in publication until 1966.
I admire the hard work that must've went into the publishing of the Green Book and detest that it was a necessary part of travel for individuals/families at that time. I admire the bravery those Americans had in planning and making their trips.
Kim Michele Richardson has the Green Book/sundown towns play a part of the story and at that point this book became my favorite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2026
It's getting a lot of hype, and the premise was encouraging, but it is flawed, The most annoying one was the lengths the author pulled us through to prove she had researched the time and settings of her book. I almost laughed at how she would weave in, artificially, the jive vocabulary of Cab Callaway, who wasn't at all jermaine to the storyline. Her reference to books that she recommended to her prison readers was rarely a logical choice. Then there were the saint-like successes she performed in turning the prison into a haven of happy inmates. One must leave a need for reality behind to truly enjoy this novel.
All that said, it's still a book worth a rainy afternoon for those of us craving the country life.
All that said, it's still a book worth a rainy afternoon for those of us craving the country life.
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