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, Adult Fiction, Historical, Books About Books

384 pages, Hardcover

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 🙏🏻

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[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.

[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!

[Eileen Mathys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would rate this book at 4.5 stars.
As much as it is stated that it can be read as a standalone novel, going into this with prior knowledge of Cussy Mary Lovett, her husband, and her daughter gives this story more depth. The author does a good job laying out the backstory, but knowing the details is helpful.
At the beginning of the story Cussy is incarcerated for breaking miscegenation laws. Even in jail we see that she is mistreated based on her color. Only one person, a fellow inmate gives her a fair shake and they become fast friends.
I would have liked to have seen the storyline to have stayed on course instead of going off track over halfway. That part didn’t work for me, things seemed rushed in parts with some plot details missing. The story came together in the end, although it seemed to rush through to the ending.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cussy the Appalachian pack horse librarian returns to readers, this time in the 1950's. Society continues it's discrimination against her as her skin is blue, a genetic condition. She has married a white man and that is her crime, called miscgenation. We follow her as she uses her librarian skills in prison.
This book will stand on its own but I appreciated the back story in the previous books on The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and Book Woman's Daughter.
Richardson brings in so many social and cultural points of this time period, like poverty and discrimination. I appreciate the home remedies and family wisdoms sprinkled through the book. It enriches Cussy's Kentucky hills home. This is a great book for discussions in book clubs. Well written and thought provoking makes this a must read. Highly recommend. Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my review.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some stories demand that you remember them-not just read them and the books in The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek do just that.

This is the 3rd and final book in the series and focuses on Cussy Lovett's journey of survival in a Kentucky women's prison, Louisville, Ohio, and beyond.

This book is a powerful tribute to resilience, literacy, and the quiet bravery of women. The characters and setting are written both beautifully and ruggedly to captivate the reader just as much as the previous books. The author deserves so much credit for absolutely nailing every book in the series!

If you love historical fiction with heart, grit, and strong women this one deserves a spot on your shelf.

Release date 4/21/26

Thank you to @netgalley & @kimmichelerichardson for the arc!

[Angelie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and The Book Woman’s Daughter, so was thrilled to see another story about the wonderful character of Cussy Lovett. Part one of this book was fantastic. Unbearable grief mixed with threads of hope and purpose and forgiveness. A solid plot to boot.

Part two fell off a cliff. The story tangented all over the place trying to tackle too many social issues in mini little rushed side stories with abrupt unresolved plots. The story lost its charm and felt more like an emotional burden at this point. The ending was rushed and ultimately unsatisfying for reasons I can't say without spoiling it.

Thank you to Net Galley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[G.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the title and cover to the last lines, this most recent story of the Book Woman of Troublesome Creek grabs the reader and does not let go. Once again puts the reader in that place and time, sets the reader right in with the characters and events. I will not recount any of the story and thereby give away little or big spoilers. I will say that the material does not require familiarity with the earlier books on Cussy and her family and can easily be read as a standalone.

Once again Richardson's "voice" is so marvelous that readers can open to any page and start reading out loud to derive that special pleasure that comes from beautiful prose, authentic dialogue and solid story lines.

Enjoy.

[Juli Grasso · Rating 3 out of 5]

​A big thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy (eARC) of this novel. The Lit Whisperer’s analysis finds this to be a solid historical fiction read, earning 3 stars.
​Overall, the writing is atmospheric and the setting is richly drawn, but for me, something was missing. While this is billed as a standalone story, I found myself wondering if I would have connected more deeply if I had read the two previous books in the Troublesome Creek world first.
​It is certainly a "good" book with important themes, but I just couldn't bring myself to truly love it the way I wanted to. If you are a fan of the series, this legacy story will likely hit much harder for you!
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[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+

[Sue Trav]

Although this is being advertised as a stand alone story I really think that readers should read the first two books before picking this one up to learn more about Cussy's blue skin.

The details from Cussy's time in prison are necessary but devastating to read. I loved her week out of prison to assist with a literacy program and definitely did not see that plot twist coming! Susan and Mrs. Claxton were two of my favourite characters. I felt that the ending was super rushed and did not answer a lot of the questions I had. Perhaps another book is on the way with more details?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.