The Mountains We Call Home

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek #3

by Kim Michele Richardson

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek comes a triumphant tale of a librarian's fight to bring literacy to the prisons of Kentucky and the underserved neighborhoods of downtown Louisville, revealing a story of fierce love, quiet strength, and the healing power of books.

When Cussy Lovett, a Packhorse Librarian famed for bringing books to the people of Appalachia, is unjustly incarcerated, she finds a new calling as a prison librarian, bringing hope to downtrodden women and voiceless city residents alike, finding a home even while separated from those she loves. A vivid portrait of mid-century Kentucky, from the hills and hollers of Appalachia to a vibrant city neighborhood on the cusp of urban renewal, The Mountains We Call Home explores the effects of criminalization and incarceration on the poor and powerless, while tracing the societal consequences of fractured family bonds.

Gritty, heartbreaking, yet infused with hope, The Mountains We Call Home is an authentic American tale and a powerful testament of strength, survival, and the magic of the written word.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Books About Books, Historical, Adult Fiction, American History, Family

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

[Marialyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cussy Lovett, is a proud young woman, poor, and loving her husband, her daughter, and her literacy. She was a Book Woman who rode her mule to delivers books to the poor living in the mountains of Kentucky, but her love for her husband put her and her husband, Jackson, in prison for violating the miscegenation laws for Cussy was a blue Kentucky woman while Jackson was white.

While in prison Cussy longs for her husband and the mountains of home. She is asked by the wardens of both the men's and women's prisons to help build up a library in each one. Anxious to pass on the gift of literacy to others Cussy arises to the task and makes a success of the poor libraries giving a precious gift to many. Cussy does witness the brutality and awful conditions of prison life, especially for woman.

When she is loaned out to a pastor and his wife to help the wife, run the library in Louisville, a bustling town, Cussy gets a look at a different way of living. Her observations are touching but her heart yearns for home, Jackson, and providing people the ability to vote because they can read and write.

A lovely, heart warming story that makes one realize the privilege it is to be literate and have a say in the government by a vote.

This book can be read alone, but I do hope you will take on the other two books about the Bookwomen. It is a tribute to these woman and the Kentucky that is beloved by this author.

***The Fugates, commonly known as the "Blue Fugates" or the "Blue People of Kentucky", are an ancestral family living in the hills of Kentucky starting in the 19th century, where they are known for having a genetic trait that led to the blood disorder methemoglobinemia, causing the skin to be blue. (Wikipedia)***

[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?

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually start a review like this, but if you’re thinking about reading this book and haven’t read the other two books in this series, stop right now and read those first!
The Mountains We Call Home is the third book in the Book Woman series, and, once again, I was swept up into Cussy’s challenging world. I’m not sure I’ve ever met a braver, smarter, more determined woman than Cussy Lovett, and in this book she must face incarceration and the powerlessness that brings, along with her ongoing struggle against the bigotry that she faces on a daily basis. There are many social issues covered in this book, civil rights and the right to vote at the forefront, with literacy once again providing a means for folks to survive and thrive in an uncertain world.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I love this authors books and the life of Cussy Mary. The characters involve soany feelings, whether you love them or hate them. It's hard knowing people can be so cruel, with a lack of regard for human life. If you enjoyed the Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek, this is also a read for you.

Thank you to Net Galley and SOURCEBOOKS for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[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 🙏🏻

[Athornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this from Sourcebooks via Goodreads Giveaways. I had read the first Book Woman book a few years ago and learned quite a lot. To get prepared for this one,I did read the sequel and then continued into this one. I know they can “standalone”, but I did think it was a good idea to know the characters, and also understand the humor when reading about Junia’s shenanigans! I would rate this 4.5 stars, but I rounded up due to the beauty of the descriptions, especially the last chapter. I thought the beginning was a bit slow, the middle was great, and then the end went at hyper speed through several decades. I was pleased with how it ended but have questions- would their son have adjusted to living in the woods? Where was Honey when they moved back to the homestead?

[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.

[Reading Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I might have loved this book more than the first book! The writing and story came along so much more smoothly in this book I thought. I really loved all of the history that I learned . I didn't know anything about Sun Down Towns or the map that guided people of color to safe places.

[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.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this ARC.

TLDR: Loved it!

This is the third book in a series about Cussy Lovett, the "blue" packhorse librarian from Kentucky. Cussy has married her white love Jackson, but this is against the law in the 1950s. They are both hauled off to prison and Cussy finds what little happiness she can as the prison librarian. Her role helps her bring joy and hope to the other inmates despite the horrible treatment of the prisoners. I don't want to give too much away but Cussy's adventures continue outside the prison and in a library, where she continues to encounter racism and prejudice.

My only complaint is that the book almost seems to cram in too much history but it's a super fast read with beautiful writing. Four stars.

[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!

[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.

[Abby Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the advance copy of this novel. I was interested to read the 3rd installment of Richardson's Bookwoman Series. Unfortunately, this novel was repetitive and dull. Her prose is well written, just the content was lacking for me. I wanted to finished it only to know how it ended, not to enjoy the story line. 3.5 Stars

[Lisa of Hopewell]

I learned of this book via this post: https://readingladies.com/2026/01/29/...

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

In THE MOUNTAINS WE CALL HOME, by Kim Michele Richardson (one of my favorite authors), the story centers around the remarkable figure of Cussy Lovett, also known as Cussy Mary Carter, a legendary Packhorse Librarian.

Set against the backdrop of mid-century Kentucky, the novel delves into the profound challenges of the era, highlighting the harsh social and legal obstacles Cussy faces as she passionately carries the gift of literature to her isolated mountain community.

This third installment is a captivating journey of hope and redemption, not only exploring the resilience of the human spirit but also painting a vivid portrait of a time and place steeped in both beauty and adversity.

Highlights...

"The Mountains We Call Home" is widely recognized as a powerful, gritty, and emotionally satisfying conclusion to the Book Woman trilogy, expertly blending meticulous historical research with authenticity and the characters' fierce, resilient hearts. The narrative is praised for offering a hopeful, hard-won resolution to Cussy Lovett's story, effectively transforming the series into a profound saga about identity and survival.

~Wrongful Incarceration 1953
~Prison Librarianship 
~A Dangerous Pregnancy
~Louisville & Urban Renewal
~Fight for Empowerment
~Themes of Resilience

The captivating story explores the deep prejudice against the "blue people" of Kentucky and the systemic criminalization of the poor. It serves as a satisfying concluding installment to the trilogy.

My thoughts...

In THE MOUNTAINS WE CALL HOME, the author describes the Kentucky life that is "richly detailed" and "beautifully rendered", rich in character, time, and place. I adored Cussy in the first book and was delighted to follow her incredible journey with courage and determination throughout all the obstacles, injustices, and challenges she has faced.

Meticiously researched, Richardson pays homage to real figures and initiatives, such as the Moonlight Schools and Packhorse Librarians. Focusing on the intersection of identity, systemic injustice, and the restorative power of education. The story examines the 1950s legal system's targeting of the "poor and powerless".

A central focus of the novel is the "healing power of books". Cussy uses reading and writing to restore dignity to prisoners and empower marginalized communities, viewing literacy as a path to freedom and self-advocacy.  

Libraries serve as a motif for sanctuary and connection. Whether in a mountain holler or a prison cell, they represent a retreat from physical and social bondage. The physical shift from the "hills and hollers" of Appalachia to the urban environment of Louisville symbolizes the character's internal journey from isolation to a broader social fight for justice.

Cussy Lovett uses books to bring hope and a sense of freedom to incarcerated women and underserved city residents, viewing literacy as a tool to overcome "bigotry, hate, and fear".

The narrative emphasizes the "fierce love" and "quiet strength" required to endure extreme cruelty and social isolation. Cussy must rely on her inner courage and the sanctuary of books to survive imprisonment, family separation, and the safety of her unborn child.

A significant portion of the plot traces how systemic forces, such as incarceration and miscegenation laws, tear families apart and examines the long-term societal effects of these broken connections.

Richardson brilliantly highlights the real-world history of the era, including the harsh treatment of female prisoners and the legal barriers preventing people of color from exercising basic rights like voting or choosing whom to marry.

The author's prose is atmospheric and "richly descriptive, capturing the unique culture and dialogue of the Kentucky hills.

The real-life Blue People of Kentucky faced significant social stigma and discrimination that kept them isolated for over 150 years. While much of their hardship was social, it had profound legal and community consequences. 

Despite the "gritty and heartbreaking" events, the story is full of hope, portraying the "magic of the written word" as a means for individual and communal redemption. The central themes center on the restorative nature of literacy and the systemic challenges faced by marginalized individuals in mid-century Kentucky. 

THE MOUNTAINS WE CALL HOME is a story defined by its emotional depth and historical authenticity. 

Themes...
~The Transformative Power of Literacy
~Systemic Injustice & Criminalization
~Resilience & Survival
~Books & Libraries
~The Consequences of Fractured Family Bonds
~Historical Realities of Prejudice
~Kentucky Folklore & Superstitions
~Geography & Setting 
~The "Blue People."
~Hope & Redemption

Narrative Style...
~Authentic Grittiness
~Historical Accuracy
~Symbolism & Motifs

Vibes...
~Gritty & Heartbreaking
~Dark & infused with Hope & Spirit
~Triumphant & Uplifting
~Vivid & Immersive

Character Qualities...
~Fierce & Steadfast
~Courage & Resilient

Literary & Narrative...
~Meticulously Researched
~Mesmerizing Page-Turner
~Atmospheric & Lyrical

Metaphors of Home...
The title itself is a literary play on the concept of belonging. In the beginning, "Home" is a physical place (the mountains). By the end, "Home" becomes a state of being—the safety of her family and the freedom to exist without apology, even in a smoke-filled city like Detroit

The move to Detroit signifies the end of Cussy's "long journey home". After surviving the brutal Kentucky prison system and working in the urban renewal zones of Louisville, the industrial North offers the family a chance at a "triumphant" new chapter focused on survival and the continuing power of literacy

The novel draws parallels between different types of "prisons." Cussy moves from the literal iron bars of the state penitentiary to the social and economic "prison" of urban renewal in Louisville.

Cussy moves from the isolation of Troublesome Creek through the fire of the legal system and finally to a new beginning in Detroit, resolving the character arc started in the first book. Structured as a page-turner, using high-stakes tension (the threat to Cussy’s pregnancy and the mystery of Jackson’s fate) to drive the plot forward.

The book highlights the written word through letters, books, and library records, reinforcing the theme that literacy is a form of testimony.

Junia (The Book Mule)
began as Cussy's lifeline, representing Cussy's grit and physical labor of the Packhorse Librarians. The mule became a protective figure for Honey in book two, and in the final installment, Junia remains a symbol of home and resilience, reminding Cussy of her mountain roots even as her life shifts toward the industrial city.

THE BOOK WOMAN SERIES evolves from a story of isolation and wonder in the first book to themes of personal independence in the second, finally reaching a conclusion focused on redemption and systemic change in the third. 

An avid long-time fan of the author, having read all her books, I highly recommend this compelling series and her entire backlist of titles.

A special thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for a digital and paperback advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: April 21, 2026
My rating: 5 Stars
April Newsletter

The Book Woman Series Order

~The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek (2019):
Introduces Cussy Mary Carter and the Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project.

~The Book Woman's Daughter (2022):
Follows Cussy's daughter, Honey Lovett, as she fights for her own freedom and continues her mother's legacy.

~The Mountains We Call Home The Book Woman's Legacy (2026):
Returning to Cussy’s story in the 1950s, dealing with her imprisonment and the healing power of books in unexpected places. 

~A related children's picture book, Junia, The Book Mule of Troublesome Creek (2024) was also released to introduce younger readers to the world of the series.

[Yvonne (It's All About Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished reading: March 24th 2026

"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."

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

REVIEW

I remember really enjoying The Book Woman Of Troublesome Creek back when I read it in 2019, but I somehow never picked up the sequel/companion novel when it came out three years later. When I learned of this third book featuring the same characters, I decided to make both books a priority in 2026. The second book was excellent, and The Mountains We Call Home turned out to be another outstanding piece of historical fiction as well. I was happy to learn more about Cussy Lovett’s story both set during and after the events in book two, as the second book mainly focuses on her adopted daughter Honey instead. Like the first two books, The Mountains We Call Home ended up being a well researched, powerful and at times heartbreaking read.

The Mountains We Call Home is described as a stand-alone and companion novel, but I personally wouldn't recommend reading these books out of order. True, this third book focuses on a later stage in Cussy Lovett's life, but you will miss out on so much character background if you don't read the first two books... And you will also encounter multiple spoilers for the previous books if you read them out of order (especially with the second book, as this book is partly set during the same time as Honey's story in The Book Woman's Daughter). All three books are fantastic reads and well worth your time in the first place if you enjoy well researched and evocative historical fiction.

It's hard to talk about the plot without giving away spoilers for the previous books... So don't read the next bit if you haven't caught up yet. Like I already said before, The Mountains We Call Home returns to Cussy Lovett's story, and it is told through her eyes. It starts after the events that opened the previous book, with both Cussy and her husband being imprisoned. A big part of this story is set inside the prison walls, and it made for some very interesting reading. It's a vivid, harrowing and at times heartbreaking portrait of life in prison... And I could really appreciate the realistic way everything was described. It shows that the author spent a lot of time researching this book, and this really took the story to the next level for me.

I've always liked Cussy Lovett's character, so I was immediately invested what was happening to both her husband and herself. There are also new additions to the cast, who really helped creating a rich and immersive experience and they also helped creating opportunities to shine a light on the problematic situation in 1950s Kentucky. The result is a multi-faceted and beautifully written piece of historical fiction that balances the more serious topics with moments of hope and courage. I can recommend all three books if you like this type of historical fiction! The incorporation of historical facts and the photos at the end are an added bonus.

[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.

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Book Review Crew Blog


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Mountains We Call Home: The Book Woman's Legacy
(The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek #3)
Kim Michele Richardson
Publication Date: April 21st, 2026
Sourcebooks Landmark
384 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Women's Fiction

Cussy Mary Carter is back, and she's gone from the mountains to prison. The story is about Cussy and her husband, Jackson. Because Cussy is a "Blue" (considered a person of colour under the law), their marriage is considered illegal, so both Cussy and Jackson are arrested and sent to prison. The book shows us what Cussy’s experience is like in jail. Of course, Cussy finds a way to help others through books and becomes a prison librarian, bringing books to the other jailed women (most of whom are dirt poor).

Eventually, Cussy ends up at the Louisville Western Coloured Branch of the Carnegie Library (the first library in the U.S.A. for Black people). The story follows Cussy working and trying to get back together with Jackson.

This book has lots of topics that resonated with me, like the power of books and how libraries are needed in the community. It shows how important reading and literacy are to opportunity and self-confidence. Of course, there is the race factor and discrimination. The one that really hit home was "found family." Cussy really helped the inmates and those she met in Louisville, but they helped her as well.

Richardson paints a vivid picture of Appalachian Kentucky and Louisville. The story is gritty and real, with plenty of emotional depth and hopefulness. It’s both heartbreaking and uplifting. This book is a character-driven story about a librarian trying to bring books to people living on the edge of society while trying to better her own life; it’s a heartfelt and very powerful story. It's beautifully written and very moving, and like the first two, it will stay with me for a long time. It's emotional but also inspiring. It shows that a little compassion and determination can go a long way. An easy five stars—highly recommended for anyone who loves poignant historical fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[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.

[Chelsie Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can take Cussy Lovette out of Troublesome, but she'll forever be The Book Woman.

After going into hiding for over a decade, she and her husband, Jackson, are found and arrested for violating Miscegenation laws. 1950s Kentucky wasn't kind to people of color, and Cussy was considered among them because of Methemoglobinemia, the rare hereditary condition that caused her skin to appear blue.

Taken from the mountains she loves, separated from her beloved husband and her precious daughter, Honey, Cussy is thrust into a world vastly different from the one she's known. But even with the isolation of prison and the injustice of her circumstances, Cussy finds her place when she takes over as the prison librarian. Her efforts to increase literacy and morale among the prisoners impressed the mayor, who sent her on an eight-day furlough to assist with the Louisville Western Colored Branch's outreach program.

From the secluded mountains to a prison full of convicts and onto the bustling city, one thing remains the same: people fear what they don't understand. Every step of the way, Cussy must fight. For her rights, for her family, against racism, and ignorance. But does she have enough fight to risk her life to bring her family back together?

The Mountains We Call Home touches on many societal issues that, unfortunately, remain relevant today. Unjust incarceration, racism, oppression, and the callousness so many show toward those not deemed "normal" by society. Though riddled with heartbreak and unrelenting challenges, an undercurrent of hope flows through the story. The whole Book Woman series is a beautiful reminder of the power of literacy, especially in impoverished communities.

Though the location was much different from The Book Woman and The Book Woman's Daughter, the heart of the story reads the same. Cussy is one of my favorite characters, and I appreciated seeing her outside of the mountains, remaining true to herself through the power of books and literacy. I know this is marketed as a standalone, but I feel it's important to read the first two books to truly appreciate this story. The background brings much more emotion to these pages, and they are both incredible stories that shouldn't be overlooked.

Kim Michele Richardson has such a heart for her state, and I'm endlessly impressed with the amount of research she puts into each of her books. If you don't typically read Author's Notes, I assure you, hers is a must-read. I hope one day she'll consider writing a non-fiction book about the Pack Horse Librarians, because her thorough research, paired with her Kentucky heart, would make for an entertaining and educational read.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an eARC of this novel. It was one of my most anticipated books of 2026, and it did not disappoint!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping, engaging, thought provoking, emotion evoking and hard to put down! Kim Michele Richardson has delivered yet again! I have read the other books featuring Cussy Lovett: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and The Book Woman's Daughter and loved this stand-alone/companion book to the series! This book is described as a stand-alone book, but it truly is a continuation of the story of Cussy and Jackson.

Cussy is such a wonderful and empathetic character. She has a love of books and a love for her family. Cussy and Jackson are both arrested and imprisoned for marrying. Cussy, has methemoglobinemia which makes her skin blue. Jackson is white. They fall in love and marry during a time where people of color cannot marry white spouses. Cussy experiences many challenges while in prison but also got the opportunity to share her love of books and reading with other inmates.

As with the other books featuring Cussy, this book showcases reading, injustice, prejudice, family, relationships, hope, and love. I absolutely loved this book. I loved Cussy and her quiet courage, strength, love of reading, and desire to help others. This book made me feel all kinds of emotions while keeping my fingers crossed and rooting for the characters.

It is evident that Kim Michele Richardson did a tremendous amount of research prior to writing this wonderful book. Be sure to read the author's note at the end of this book.

Wonderfully written, moving, well thought out, wonderfully researched, and hard to put down. If you have not read a book written by Kim Michele Richardson, you are missing out!

*A Witches Words buddy read with Mary Beth! Please be sure to read her review as well to get her thoughts on The Mountains We Call Home: The Book Woman's Legacy.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC from the publisher Sourcebooks Landmark and Edelweiss for an honest review.

If you've read The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek or its sequel, you already know Cussy Mary. And if you loved her then, coming back to her world in this book feels like settling into a familiar chair. This is very much a continuation of Cussy's story, and one of the genuine pleasures of reading it is the chance to immerse yourself again in characters you fell in love with before. Richardson has built something rare with this series: a cast that feels truly lived-in, and returning to them is a comfort in itself.

What Richardson does especially well here is her research. The historical detail woven throughout feels deep and earned rather than performative. She examines incarceration, criminalization, and the crushing weight those systems place on people with the least power, and the ripple effects on families and communities are rendered with real care. It never feels like a history lesson dropped into the narrative; it feels like life.

The themes around literacy and books as sanctuary are also genuinely moving. The idea that a book can be a lifeline, that stories can offer a kind of freedom even when everything else has been stripped away, runs through this novel in a way that feels personal and true. Cussy's inner strength carries those themes well, and watching her draw on it amid difficult circumstances is consistently compelling.

There is one area where the book stumbles a bit. The tone occasionally feels too light given the weight of what's being depicted. At certain points in the story, characters find themselves in environments where the racism and oppression they would almost certainly encounter in real life seem softer than history would suggest. It's a little hard to believe that anyone navigating the social landscapes portrayed here would move through them without sharper resistance and uglier moments. The contrast between different worlds and settings is interesting to explore, but when the writing pulls its punches in those spaces, the emotional register doesn't quite match the historical reality.

Still, this is a rich, thoughtful book with a lot to offer, especially if you're already invested in this world. The research is impressive, the characters are as compelling as ever, and the central message about the healing power of literacy lands with real force. Richardson clearly loves these characters and this place, and that love shows on every page.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek" back in 2019. So am familiar with Kim Michele Richardson's richly descriptive writing. Each word so thoughtfully choosen. While I haven't read "The Book Woman's Daughter", I was easily able to slip into the story of Cussy Lovett, because "The Mountains We Call Home: The Book Woman's Legacy" is a standalone novel.

Based primarily in the rural setting of Kentucky, we also visit urban Defiance, Ohio, where we are further drawn into the time of segregation by colour....black and blue. The blue tone of Cussy (congenital methemoglobinemia) is extremely rare and stems from a deficiency of a certain enzyme or protein, upsetting levels of hemoglobin in blood. Cussy can live a long and healthy life with it but must tolerate the bizarre uneducated misconceptions of lay people.

Cussy and Jackson are both incarcerated, because of their marriage, which is judged as inter-racial (miscegenation). Their family bond is fractured (leaving daughter Honey and the gorgeous pony Junia behind), but Cussy's spirit is revilatised when the role of prison librarian becomes available. Her sense of strength and survival are energised and she is able to spread the magic of words to other inmates who are aged or seen as mentally impaired (we touch on the legally mandated lobotomization of women who carried "undesirable" traits....probably now known as anxiety or depression). From her librarian duties, many heartwarming examples of transformation develop. The legacy of the Pack Horse librarians lives on, albeit locked behind bars and travelling corridors rather than mountain trails.

Meticulously researched in aspects of Kentucky history, prison life and death, racial discrimination and social history, we also meet richly detailed characters who live their own struggles and exhibit their own spirit and courage, echoing real pioneers of development in these times.

At the end of the book Kim Michele Richardson further explores frankly shocking examples of how the law worked in the 1930-50's USA. I was fascinated by the concept of "The Negro Travelers Green Book" which is essentially a travel guide for African American's, stating where it is "safe" for them to visit. Thank god we have come along way since the last publication in 1967.

I hugely enjoyed "The Mountains We Call Home: The Book Woman's Legacy" and thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Kim Michele Richardson for my copy. It has been very thought provoking and currently my brain is swirling with the mystery of Angel or Death crowns.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cussy and her family are back. This book picks up a bit after the beginning of the Book Women’s Daughter because it seems Cussy is new to the women’s prison and she is still sporting a broken arm. We have heard what happened to Cussy’s daughter Honey during this time period, now it is time to hear Cussy’s story. Cussy finds out the prison librarian has gone and she puts in for the job, Cussy shows she has no fear and she will deliver book to sections no one else did like the death row inmates. But what the inmates want most is to hear Cussy read books to them and soon it is very apparent to the guards and there fore the warden is how the inmates are calmed. The warden allows Cussy to start a program to teach the inmates to read (this has also become a requirement of parole) as lon as she does her regular book keeping in the dinning hall (food is much better when she is there). The program is so good the warden of the men’s prison asks and is granted to have some of the men to come as well. Word gets out and a Louisville Librarian asks the governor to allow Cussy to come to her library for a length a time to set up the program there. This is were the story gets interesting, and Cussy finds her champion in her fight for release.
This is such a wonderful book. I can attest that the places the author mentions are very real as I now don’t live far from the women’s prison in Pewee Valley and pass the men’s penitentiary in Buckner on my way to work. I have a friend that worked at the Western branch of the Louisville free public library (LFPL). My kin still live on the Virginia side of the Appalachian and are right next to Letcher County. Growing up I had heard stories of the Blues, but never knew of the awful laws imposed on them in the past, like the horrible mass sterilization of all the women that get into trouble. I love the characters and everything about this awesome book it is so real and heart breaking at the same time. If you have read the other books in this series or maybe you just want to read a wonderful nostalgic book set in Kentucky that is unlike any you have read before, I think you will love this brief trip back in time to a historic place with fictional characters and the stories they have to tell.
PS we still have a picture of a packhorse librarian at my library.

This book was provided by Netgalley

[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.