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, Books About Books, Historical, Adult Fiction, Adult

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.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[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 🙏🏻

[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.

[SueK · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding continuation of The Book Woman story, by Kim Michele Richardson. This continuation of the story covers incarceration, miscegenation, poverty and literacy. It's deeply moving, while also being frustrating. The author's love for her native Kentucky shines through. Be sure to read the Author's Note at the end of the book.

When I read the first, Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek, I had no idea it would become a series. I can't help but hope there will be more.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the digital ARC. Opinions 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.

[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.

[Colleen Maclennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book introducing Cussy and her travelling pack horse library in Kentucky. This book finds Cussy incarcerated in a women’s prison and her husband Jackson in a male prison. Cussy ‘s love of books and readings allows her to elevate herself in the prison and later in society. Another booked steep in discrimination, poverty , and the brutal reality of being different. The book seemed to be long winded describing Cussy ‘s prison life and her life in society was hastily recounted . However I wqs happy she and Jackson were able to reconnect and finally live the life they both longed for.

[Betsey Ingraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a privilege it has been to read this newest work by Kim Michele Richardson. If you read and liked ‘The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek’ or ‘The Book Woman’s Daughter’, I highly recommend reserving or preordering a copy of this new book.

[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!

[Lynn M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“As the years passed, we barely spoke of the mountains we call home.
Spoken even rarer these days, but always there, the longing could not stay silenced.”
- Cussy, The Mountains We Call Home

The Mountains We Call Home is the third installment in Kim Michele Richardson’s The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series. The novel takes place between the early 1950’s and the late 1960’s. Cussy, a Pack Horse Librarian in the mountains of Kentucky, lives with a genetic condition called methemoglobinemia that makes her skin blue. Her community ostracizes her and, after an abusive first marriage that left her a widow, she finds love with Jackson. The day they were married the sheriff ripped up their marriage license and put Jackson in jail. The novel opens with Cussy and her husband both being arrested this time and sent to prison for violating miscegenation laws - interracial marriage. This act provides the major angst of the story.

Cussy is considered a person of color and therefore treated as such while in prison and after her release. Despite some harsh treatment from her fellow inmates, Cussy perseveres and eventually is able to use the skills she learned as a book woman within the prison library. Several months into her 18 month sentence, she makes a discovery which leads the prison warden to make a horrifying decision. Given a temporary reprieve from the warden’s determination, Cussy is ‘loaned’ out as a visiting librarian to the Louisville Western Colored Branch of the Carnegie Library, the first black patrons library in the country. During her time working with the head librarian, Cussy is amazed at how unfazed the black community is by her blue color and realizes the similarities they share because of their skin colors. When she and Jackson are eventually reunited, they make their way to Detroit and try to reconcile living in working class industrial city with their innate sense of who they are.

This is a love story on two levels, The first is the love between Cussy and Jackson, the cruel acts they suffer, and the sacrifices they make to be together. The second love story is the love of books and the power of literacy - how it can improve one’s sense of self-worth, provide better economic opportunities, and build community. Reading provides the mind some relief from situations and emotions that are hard to handle as evidenced by Cussy’s literacy efforts in the prison.

The supporting characters are just as wonderfully drawn as Cussy and Jackson. They show a quiet strength, determination to do what is hard but right, and act as pseudo mothers and mentors for Cussy.
The author tackled some difficult topics straight on, realistically and tastefully. One of the things I love about historical fiction is learning new pieces of history - for example the Louisville Western Colored Branch of the Carnegie Library, and West Walnut Street in Louisville, KY. Reading the notes that follow the story, it is clear Ms. Richardson did a tremendous amount of research to ensure that not only the events but the characters were authentic to the time.

While it can be read as a standalone, the reader will have more background and a much deeper investment if they have read the previous works. It is well worth a reader’s time to read the first two books as they do not disappoint.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebook Landmark. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[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.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Mountains We Call Home
Series: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek Book #3
Author: Kim Michele Richardson
Publisher: Sourcebook Landmark
Genre: Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: April 21, 2026
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages 384

This story can easily be a standalone but it is a companion novel to the Book Woman of Troublesome Creek
This story is also a tribute to the power of literature, to the women who carried not just books, but literacy to those living in the mountains.
The main character Cussy Carter is the last living relative of the rare “Blue Skin” ancestry. The blue skin is caused by a genetic blood disorder. I have never heard of it so looked it up. Here is one of the many links.
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/blue-sk...

Story first introduces us to Kentucky 1936 with the Book Women riding their horses or mules to deliver books to the mountain folks.
Then moves on to Kentucky 1953 to the hills of Thousandsticks, Kentucky when law enforcement comes to take the Book Woman and her husband.

I LOVED “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek’ not sure what I was expecting with this story. Book #1 was sooo unique – I honestly never heard of the “Blue’ people and immediately looked it up.
Story truly was one of a kind unique experience.
This was good but …. I have to admit it didn’t grab me as Book #1 had.

However, the back of the book is very informative with –‘must reads’:
The ‘Author’s Note, the recipe for ‘’Old West Walnut Street Chili with Tamales’ sound great- plus I always like when a story includes ‘A Reading Guide’ - that has thoughtful questions if you are or aren’t in a Book Club.
Also included many pages of photo- which were great in fact, I wish I viewed earlier in the story as they definitely added to it.
Additionally, Kim Michele Richardson’s ‘Acknowledgements” definitely added to the list of MUST read!

I want to thank NetGalley and SourceBooks Landmark for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 21, 2026.

[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.

[JerrieGayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought-Provoking Historical Fiction

The ‘Mountains We Call Home’ is another compelling installment in the ‘Book Woman’ series, set to be released on April 21, 2026. While it can be read as a standalone, readers continuing in the series will find it especially rewarding as it continues the journey of Cussy Mary Lovett. I began this book first but quickly found myself drawn back to read the original novel to fully appreciate Cussy’s backstory which is a testament to how engaging this character truly is.

Told in the first-person perspective of Cussy Mary Lovett, this story takes place in the early 1950s, seventeen years after the events of the first book. Cussy lives with a genetic condition that turns her skin blue, leading her community to classify her as a person of color. As a result, she and her husband are criminally charged and imprisoned for their interracial marriage—an injustice that sets the emotional core of this novel.

Much of the story focuses on Cussy’s time in prison and the difficult period that follows. The in-depth research of the author shows, and she does not shy away from addressing the harsh realities faced by women and people of color during this era, handling these themes with care and intention. The supporting characters are vividly drawn, many with quiet strength and heroic resolve, and readers will undoubtedly find themselves rooting for those who stand beside Cussy when she needs it most.

This is a powerful and emotionally resonant read, ideal for fans of historical fiction that explores resilience, injustice, and humanity. It also serves as a strong reminder of why this series continues to be worth following—and may very well encourage readers to pick up the other books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the free digital Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions are my own and based on an advanced copy, which may differ from the final published version.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get back to Kentucky and spend time with the beloved packhorse librarian!

Cussy and Jackson Lovett have violated miscegenation laws and are imprisoned. If you haven’t read any of the Packhorse/Book Women of Troublesome Creek book series, Cussy lives with methemoglobinemia, a condition that manifests with blue-tainted skin. She’s imprisoned because she loves someone that Kentucky law says she can’t love.

Author Kim Michele Richardson masterfully makes readers aware of the weight of living with this ailment. I wanted to hug Cussy when she told someone that her color feels heavy like grief and her whole life has been a push to abandon her color so that she can live with others who are stuck in their own discomfort and fears over it.

We may not know someone with blue skin, but we all know someone who feels like Cussy. This is a reminder to be sensitive and welcoming for those who are feeling ‘blue’.

Richardson’s focus is on freedom. It plays out on Cussy needing to be free of what others think of her, free of her imprisonment, and free to love whom she wants. While incarcerated, Cussy becomes the prison librarian and experiences a little of the freedom she craves. Like a true warrior and advocate, Cussy champions this freedom for others. In the past, it may have been for the poor hillfolk, but now her focus is on the illiterate prisoners. She loves those who struggle to love themselves and goes out of her way to give them a taste of freedom. I love that Charlotte’s Web became a gateway novel!

I won’t give any more away. If you’ve been enjoying this series, this is one you’ll want to make a priority. If you haven’t heard of the packhorse librarian, you need to investigate. It’s a wonderful series for book lovers, librarians, and historical fiction lovers.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[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!)

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series is just as compelling and heartwrenching as the first two books. Here we see Cussy and her husband Jackson incarcerated at the same prison for violating miscegenation laws in the state of Kentucky. Cussy Mary is considered 'colored' because of a rare genetic condition called methemoglobinemia that turns her skin blue. Not until the 1960's was this condition really understood, and Cussy has suffered her whole life because of the prejudices of others.

I ached with Mary over the separation she and her husband had to endure as well, and wept at reading that the State wanted to abort Cussy's unborn child and then sterilize her to prevent any more blue-skinned children being born.

This novel was so engrossing that I put off all my chores one afternoon because I needed to know what happened next.

The heartache, tenderness, and hope written about in the Book Woman novels reminds me the stories from "Call the Midwife"--I weep at every episode.

I appreciated the note at the end of this book about more of the history of Book Women in Kentucky and the push for literacy; very interesting.

Thank you to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS for offering me an ARC ebook edition of this novel.

[Sally Mander · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars, Heart and Soul of the Book Woman

THE MOUNTAINS WE CALL HOME: THE BOOK WOMAN'S LEGACY
By Kim Michele Richardson

I have read the other two books in this series, and liked them, so I was sure that I would like this one, too. There are some sad parts, but it has a happily ever after, which is all the Book Woman ever wanted.

Cussy and her husband Jackson find themselves in prisons, separated for all time, at least if feels like it. Their horrible crime is Cussy's usual cross to bear, miscegenation.

Their daughter Honey is busy working on her book route in the Kentucky mountains of home.

Cussy makes some new friends.

Highly recommend. I binge read this book twice, so far, I'll probably read it two more times before it is released for publishing.

I wouldn't have minded if the Book Woman was in my life. Her whole family seems really nice.

I received a complimentary copy of #TheMountainsWeCallHomeTheBookWomansLegacy from #NetGalley #SourcebooksLandmark #KimMicheleRichardson I was not obligated to post a review.

#miscegenation #PackHorseLibrarians #Kentucky #historicalfiction #booksaboutbooks #HEA #triggerwarning #strongfemleprotagonist #standalone

[Sandy Barrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is one of my all-time favorite series! This third installment is not a disappointment. I've learned so much history from this series of books set in Kentucky. This series is where I first learned about the Blue People of Kentucky and the Book Women of Kentucky. The Book Women bravely traveled the back mountain roads in Kentucky distributing books and teaching people to read back in the 1930s and 1940s. I am fascinated by their story. I so admire the heroine of these stories, Cussy Lovett. In this 3rd book both she and her husband are imprisoned for interracial marriage. She being a blue woman married to a white man. She continues her promotion of books and reading when she becomes the prison librarian. She gets a taste of freedom when she is taken in by a black Reverend and his wife in the big town of Louisville. There is also a lot of history about Louisville in the book. They go to extreme measures to win her freedom and reunite her with her husband. They reside in Detroit until it is safe to return home to Troublesome Creek. I sure hope there is at least one more book in this series. I highly recommend it! It is very helpful to read the first two books also. Thanks to @NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Native Kentuckian Kim Michele Richardson brings the story of Cussy Lovett, the book woman of Troublesome Creek, full circle in this final novel in the Bookwoman series, The Mountains We Call Home.
Coming out in April of 2026, this historical novel set in the 1950s takes Cussy out of the mountains into a most unexpected turn, a prison due to her marriage to a white man as “Blues” were not allowed to marry outside of their own group. Both she and her husband Jackson are imprisoned for their so-called crime.
Prison life is a whole different world for Cussy as she learns to navigate the system, finding her place within its walls as she proves her value as a woman who can keep the books for the kitchen as she makes her case to become the prison librarian. Soon she becomes valuable as a loaner to the men’s prison library as well as to a library outside the penal system that will lead to a path forward for the former packhorse librarian…and her husband.
While the third in the Bookwoman series, this book can be read as a standalone as Richardson provides plenty of background information from the two previous novels. Not only does the author connect the three stories, but she also provides a wealth of information about Kentucky, the way of life there, and some of its historical citizens.
Kim Michele Richardson, best known for The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek which is taught in many high schools and colleges, brings history to life as she is inspired by both the “blue people” of Kentucky and the brave packhorse librarians who contributed to increased literacy levels among those isolated in the hills.
My review will be posted on Goodreads starting January 1, 2026.
I would like to thank Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for an objective review.

[Jordan Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a big fan of the Book Woman, Cussy Mary, I was excited to see yet another extension of her beautiful story. I have read the first two books RIchardson has written about Troublesome Creek and couldn't wait to see what this book had in store. I understand that this book can be a stand alone novel, but OH MY WORD! I absolutely loved the parallel timeline and perspective to the second book, which was from her daughter Honey's perspective. I loved Cussy in the first book, but my love for her deepened throughout this one as she brings her love of books and literacy to the incarcerated. The way that Richardson appeals to the heart and compassion of the reader is so well done, bringing the humanity and dignity into each character. I can't decide if my growing love for the characters has made me love this book the most out of the three if this is just a really great book. Regardless, this is a really great book! It had me crying and smiling and all the things. The one thing I really missed in this book? Junia. (If you know, you know!) Highly recommend! Loved it!

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC!

[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.

[Noreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though this was marketed as a standalone book I think reading the first 2 would be important to gain better understanding of the history of the Blue People. I loved the first two book about the Book Women so when I was asked to read and review this book by Source Books I was thrilled. The author does an amazing job creating the timeline of Cussy’s life and the price she paid for loving someone who was different than her. Quite a bit of the story takes place when she is in a women’s prison while her white husband is incarcerated in the male prison. The story delivers the level of determination Cussy shows as a strong woman. Also her unwillingness to give up on love and ensuring everyone has a chance at literacy. I love the history of the Blue people. The author does interject what the blood disorder is but I think delving into the prejudices and insulation she grew up with would have been beneficial.


One of my favorites quotes in the book was “you can’t catch color, though I wish you could.” - Mrs. Claxton

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! One Fantastic Story

This was one tearjerker of a story. It was also very informative of the time it was written and the events that were happening in that time period. The different settings, (Kentucky, the city, the woods, Indiana, Detroit) and how the characters adapted to them as they needed to.

The Love between Cussy and Jackson was amazing. The strength and courage Cussy showed was more than I would have imagined anyone had. The courage and determination of the black librarian inspired me.

The history of the times and of the heritage of the Blue Bloods in Kentucky was most interesting. I really was intrigued by this part of the story.

The horrible conditions in the prison where Cussy was sent were very sad and disgusting. The processes of abortion and sterilization was inhuman.

This was a story that spanned many different times and events during the time period of the story. I enjoyed the story and I loved the ending.

I was given a copy of the book to read and review. The review is my own.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rating. This is the third book in the series of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. You can read this as a standalone novel but reading the first two in the series really helps you understand the back story of Cussy Mary Lovett. This novel starts with Cussy and Jackson being incarcerated in jail for breaking the miscegenation laws. Cussy is a “blue” and is considering a person of color even though she is white.

Cussy is just doing her 18 months of time. She eventually gets the prison librarian job. She helps the men and women prisoners with their literacy skills. The warden likes the job she has done with helping with prisoners with their reading and writing skills so she lets Cussy do an outreach program for a week to help the local African American community set up a literacy program.

The story is enjoyable but I did feel like the ending was rushed and I wanted to know more about Cussy and Jackson after prison. I did feel like Kim Michele Richardson set up the ending to hopefully write a fourth book.thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the arc copy.

[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

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[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.