The Mountains We Call Home: The Book Woman's Legacy

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek #3

by Kim Michele Richardson

In this standalone and companion novel to the The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series, our heroine for the ages, legendary book woman, Cussy Lovett, returns home. A powerful testament of strength, survival, and the magic of the printed word, The Mountains We Call Home is wrapped into a vivid portrait of Kentucky examining incarceration and criminalization, exploring the effects on the poor and powerless, and tracing the societal consequences of fractured family bonds, along with nostalgic glimpses of a bustling, multifaceted Louisville, and heartwarming portraits of reading efforts in every facet of life. 

Meticulously researched and richly detailed with a new cast of absorbing and complex characters, this beautifully rendered, authentic Kentucky tale is gritty and heartbreaking and infused with hope, spirit, and courage known only to those with no way out.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Adult Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

Expected publication April 21, 2026

About the author

The 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.

Reviews

[Angela M · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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?

[RebeccaReadsTooMuch 💁‍♀️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 🙏🏻

[LoveBooks2119 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mountains We Call Home by Kim Michelle Richardson was a fantastic read for me. As someone who loved the other books in this series, I felt right at home returning to this world. Cussy, especially, feels like a friend at this point, I found myself truly invested in her journey and rooting for her at every turn. The way Ms. Richardson writes makes the characters and setting feel so real and familiar, almost as if I’ve spent time in those mountains myself.
What really stood out to me was the range of emotions the novel brought up. There were moments that made me smile and ones that broke my heart, sometimes within the same chapter. The author skillfully the author weaves in several important topics, also while addressing issues of family, belonging and hardship without ever feeling heavy-handed. The characters are truly unforgettable and I know they will stay with me a long time.
Even though this novel can be enjoyed as a standalone, I strongly encourage anyone to dive into the entire series. Each book beautifully builds on the characters and their stories, creating a deeper connection that makes the experience all the more rewarding. This is series that leaves a lasting impact, filled with emotion, authenticity and relevance.
I would like to thank the publisher and author for providing me with a complimentary advanced copy. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Lisa Penninga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. After reading the first two, I was so excited to see parts left in ambiguity come to a full understanding of what Cussy endures in prison. I loved the historical details that show Kentucky, and the United States’ laws that truly ruined people’s lives based on prejudice and fear. The contrasts between city and rural life, prison and “freedom” are so well done. If for nothing else, the story of Jackson and Cussy is beyond romantic and shows the sheer determination they have to fight with to honor their love and marriage. What a tour-de-force this concluding book offers to the Troublesome book woman.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A splendid companion novel to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series. Loved it!

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.

[Jennifer L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I’ve been waiting for, for almost two years! I read the Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and the sequel, the Book Woman’s Daughter in early 2024 after a friend insisted I read them, claiming they were among the best books she’d ever read. Since she’s a woman in her 70’s and I am twenty years younger, she’s read a few more than I have. I feel for folks who read these books and had to wait even longer than I did, for this third book in the series.

I’m very appreciate to the author, publisher and NetGalley who supplied me with an ARC. I work in a library and am ready to get patrons excited about this one! I read a lot of books but many of them are listened to via audiobook and when listening, I don’t think one quite gets to see the true writing style of an author. Having read physical books for the first two novels, I am happy I continued the method, reading this ebook on my iPad, which gave me the ability to go back and reread some of the exceptionally well written paragraphs of Richardson’s book.

I found in most of this novel, I could almost see the story unfolding before my eyes; the writing is so descriptive! I wish I could capture or identify just what it is that Richardson does to craft such perfect paragraphs, so I could recommend suggestions to a young lady who is entrusting her first manuscript to me , a lowly librarian.

A lover of history, I tend to gravitate to reading books containing the history of my home province of Saskatchewan. By reading the Mountains We Call Home, I am taken away and placed in this unfamiliar setting, where I continued to grow the knowledge I obtained in the first two instalments of Cussy’s story. Knowing very little about the state of Kentucky, I read this book on a snowy afternoon from the comfort of my home in Saskatchewan, Canada. Google maps informs me it’s a 23 hour drive to take me to the setting of the novel but it’s Richardson’s talent for weaving a story that can place me there within minutes of opening this book.

I don’t want to give any of the story away but despite the hardship and injustice that Cussy is faced with in 1953, her strength of character shines on. She is still as passionate as ever, the lover of books and her generous spirit towards those less fortunate than she, is not dampened, despite being thrown in prison in the first chapter.

We are introduced to some wonderful characters within the prison walls and then again when Cussy spends time with the Claxton’s in Louisville.

The ending is a happy one, albeit abrupt. It feels we have reached a conclusion to Cussy’s tale, although I had expected there may be more to be told about Honey’s story. I for one would be happy if another book in the series arrives on library bookshelves one day!

Reading the book was just such a pleasure, an experience that was over far too quickly.

[Caitlin Barringer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to start by stating I loved The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and The Book Woman's Daughter. I love the Appalachia history, heritage, and obscure notable people so reading about the Pack Horse Librarians absolutely resonates with me. I have mixed feelings about this book.

While it's advertised as a standalone book, I would argue that The Mountains We Call Home is best read after reading The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. The Book Woman's Daughter could be read before or after. The Mountains We Call Home try to introduce key people or topics from the other books to help it stand alone but there is less emotion and connection without the full story behind Honey, Angeline, Devil John, Junia, etc.

In many ways, this book feels like a novel + lengthy epilogue. I felt like I was reading a novel up to the time jump to 1963. It was interesting experiencing Cussy's first exposure to many of the modern amenities in the prison that others in the 1950s would have taken for granted. It also touches on real topics from that time period like segregation, racism, female control (i.e. lobotomy, abortion, sterilization). It felt like there may have been an attempt to put too much in Cussy's prison experience. One moment we're focused on Cussy learning to use new laundry presses, and then suddenly she's meeting Sassyann, but then also she's having to fight off Regina. Next thing we know she's furloughed to a black library in Louisville that now accepts all patrons. I'm not educated enough to know if that's historically accurate (the furlough as well as the mixed-race library).

The time jump and subsequent chapters felt rushed. It was like RIchardson was trying to wrap up too much of Cussy's story by fitting 15 years into just a few pages. While I love a good completion story and appreciate knowing that Cussy and Jackson were able to reunite their family in Kentucky, I feel like it could have been a novel all on its own.

While I don't regret reading this, it didn't make as much of an impact as the first two books in this series.

[Christy Morris-Colley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a lifelong Kentucky girl. I’ve lived in many of the places Mrs Kim Michelle wrote about in these three books! They will stay with me for the rest of my life! The Mountains We Call Home brought me back home to my roots in Jefferson and Oldham Counties and back to Southeastern Kentucky. I truly missed the mountain folk from her last two books but needed the history and story of Louisville and our prison systems in Oldham County.

I read The Moonlight Schools by Suzanne Woods Fischer, when I first got back into reading, so I was familiar with the (1911) Adult Literacy Program created my Cora Wilson Stewart,. but to read about Mrs Kim Michelle’s generosity and love overwhelmed me!!!

Reverend and the Mrs’, Miss Rose, Susan’s sacrifices to help Cussy Mary made me cry and cheer!

There’s just to many things to break down and say that I loved, but of all it’s Cussy’s love for Jackson, Honey, her son, the mountains and books touched me to the core! I appreciate the opportunity to read this arc!!!!! Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and Mrs Kim Michelle! I’m forever grateful! Truly!

(I add personal information in some of my reviews, because some books bring me so close to home and family. Some books are just escapes from the outside world but others are history of home!!! Such as these books have been. Mrs. Kim Michelle, your research and dedication to the history and lives of historic Kentuckians is remarkable! I wanted to reach out to you especially to Thank You!!! From one Louisville, Oldham County and Harlan Countian to another!!! God Bless!)

[Brea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This companion to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a powerful, emotionally grounded return to Cussy Lovett’s world. Told entirely through her eyes, the story feels intimate and raw — a portrait of resilience shaped by poverty, discrimination, and the fierce hope books can offer.

Drawing from the real history of the Fugate family, the novel reimagines Cussy Mary Carter as the last of the “blue people,” whose rare genetic condition makes her both revered as a Book Woman and reviled as a “colored” outsider in 1930s Kentucky. Her treatment exposes the brutal realities of prejudice and the danger of standing out in a world built on fear and hierarchy.

The cast of women surrounding her — all connected in messy, meaningful ways — adds warmth and weight, creating a rich tapestry of community, survival, and storytelling. Meticulously researched and beautifully written, this is a gritty, heart-wrenching, and ultimately hopeful tale.

Thank you to the author & SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for the eARC.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I have read and enjoyed the two previous books in this series, so I was happy to be able to read this new book, although each book I believe can be a stand alone read. The continuing story of Cussy Lovett, the book horse librarian in Kentucky was a very emotional read, it had all the elements of a great story, joy, compassion, friendship but also cruelty, heartbreak and injustice. Cussy and her husband were sent to different jails in Kentucky in the 1950’s due to their “ interracial “ marriage being that Jackson was white married to Cussy whose skin took on a blue tinge due to a genetic defect in the hemoglobin in her blood. This book focuses mostly on Cussy’s experiences in jail and after, this is a truly wonderful story that will grab at all of your emotions. The author’s writing is so good, with the research into the history and descriptions and also the flow of thestory, I would highly recommend this book

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to see that Kim Michelle Richardson wrote a stand alone and companion book to "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek" this is the third book. I was hoping the author would write more about Cussy Lovett. In this book Cussy is in jail punished because she married a white man. Cussy is a blue skinned woman so in the eyes of 1950s Kentucky it is considered an interracial marriage. Both Cussy and her husband Jackson are sent to prison. this book follows Cussy at the prison and beyond. She still faces hatred and over her blue skin but makes friends as well who grow to love and protect her. The book is seen through Cussy's eyes. It follows her life over about 16 years. Glad to get a chance to read about what became of Cussy and family! I was lucky to get an advanced readers copy from my daughter who works in a library and was able to get a copy of this well written book.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a gift and eye opener, and yes it's a fictional story, but highlight actual facts.
This is the third book in this series, and I have not read the previous two, although I did just order them.
I found myself getting angry at the injustice that goes on in this book, yes this lady really was blue, and as I said this is a fictional story, but there really are Blue Fugates.
Being jailed for marrying, people of color were not to marry white, be sure to continue reading the author notes at the end of this book, very informative.
The author did a great job of weaving this story, and highlighting the atrocities that happen here, but were actually happening.
A story to get lost in, but full of information.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Sourcebooks Landmark, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Stephanie Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author, and it was excellent! I will admit, after the first two pages, I wasn't sure what I had gotten myself into; however, they did a great job telling the story of Cussy and shedding light on all the plights of women, and those who are different during this time period. As an avid reader, from a young age, it was touching to hear the stories of those who fought for literacy in times before. The author did a wonderful job expressing the horrors that occurred and how the kindness of a few can pave change. Do not skip the author's note at the end!!! She did very well, thorough research, and in my opinion, did a beautiful job remembering the actual history of Kentucky.

Thank you, NetGalley, publisher, and Kim Michele Richardson for allowing me to read the eARC. I will definitely be reading more of her work!

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course this final book in the saga of the Book Woman is good. It parallels the beginning of "The Book Woman's Daughter" but rather than Honey's story, this volume follows Cussy Mary to prison for the crime of miscegenetic marriage. As in the other volumes, Richardson doesn't shy away from the hardships Cussy faces but also always infuses her story with hope.

I found this book slower to get into than the others and then very rushed at the end. It's my least favorite of the series but I still definitely recommend it to series fans. Others should start with "The Book Woman of Trouble Some Creek," my favorite.

Review based on a DRC received through Edelweiss+

[Tamara Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and SOURCEBOOK Landmarks for my ARC.

The Mountains We CallnHome: The Book Woman's Legacy is one of the most enjoyable books I've read this year. It is fictional. But has a lot of truths in it too. It will touch your soul and leave it's imprint on your heart. I highly recommend grabbing this book on the release date April 21 2026.

[Kerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mountains we Call Home picks up right after The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek with Cussy's story. It follow's her time getting arrested, being put in prison, working to gain the warden's trust to become the prison Librarian, and when she is allowed to leave on outreach to help start a literacy program for an African-American community.

I really enjoyed this story. It had been a long time since I read the original Book Woman book, but I vaguely remembered parts of it. It says this can be read as a stand alone or as a follow-up. I think it would be much better as a follow-up to understand Cussy's blue skin and the discrimination she faced with that.

As an Appalachian, I would recommend this to others interested in local history in the central Appalachians, especially regarding poverty and imprisonment, and racism.

I'm glad we got an ending to Cussy's story after all this time and it was well worth the wait.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A third book in the Book Woman series and it is wonderful, powerful. We follow Cussy from her incarceration forward, so parallels some of the second book on Honey.. Definitely need to have at least read the original novel to enjoy this one, which I also most highly recommend.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was excellent! I read the Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and thoroughly enjoyed that also. This was a welcome sequel. I highly recommend this novel for historical fiction fans. Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series to get started on!

[Glenn Stenquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and worthwhile series for almost anyone!

[Dawn529 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[oohlalabooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read and loved the other two books so I was very excited to be approved to read this one. Reading along I was surprised that the second half was rushed and details were left out and not explained. Thank you to the publisher for a copy.