This was a great read! I enjoyed it as much as I did the first book. The writing is descriptive with well thought out characters. I just love Honey!

I absolutely loved the Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek and really missed the characters from that book. I was disappointed by that, but it was still a really good book.

It was interesting to hear the story from the daughter’s perspective about what was happening with her mom and dad. It just wasn’t as interesting as the first book.

I LOVED The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, and so I was elated to get this book. For some reason, I just could not get into this story. It seemed like redundant and just like the Book Woman, and it was hard for me to really get into it. I tried on two separate occasions, and even attempted to listen to the audiobook to engage me now. I wanted to love this, but instead I DNFed this book at about 20%.

A fun sweet read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my ARC.

Kim Michele Richardson's The Book Woman's Daughter is a poignant and beautifully written sequel to her acclaimed novel, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. This novel continues the story of the Pack Horse Librarians, delving into the life of Honey Mary Angeline Lovett, the daughter of Cussy Mary Lovett, the blue-skinned librarian who captivated readers in the first book. Set against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains, Richardson weaves a tale of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of books.

Honey Lovett, now a young woman, faces the harsh realities of life in Kentucky during the 1950s. With her parents arrested for the unlawful act of miscegenation, Honey is left to fend for herself. Her unique blue skin, inherited from her mother, marks her as different and subjects her to prejudice and discrimination. Determined to honor her mother's legacy and continue her work, Honey becomes a Pack Horse Librarian, delivering books to the remote and underserved communities of Troublesome Creek.

Richardson's depiction of Honey is both compelling and heartfelt. Honey is a strong, resourceful, and determined character who embodies the spirit of resilience. Her journey is fraught with challenges, from navigating the dangers of the mountainous terrain to facing the bigotry and ignorance of those who fear her difference. Through Honey's eyes, Richardson explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the power of literature to bridge divides and foster understanding.

The novel is rich in historical detail, painting a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs of life in rural Kentucky. Richardson's meticulous research and evocative prose bring the setting to life, capturing the beauty and harshness of the Appalachian landscape. The depiction of the Pack Horse Library Project, a real-life initiative that brought books to remote areas during the Great Depression, highlights the importance of literacy and the impact of access to education.

Supporting characters in the novel add depth and texture to the story. From the loyal friends who support Honey to the antagonists who challenge her, each character is well-drawn and integral to the narrative. The relationships Honey forms along the way, particularly with her community and fellow librarians, underscore the themes of solidarity and the strength found in human connections.

One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of social issues such as racism, sexism, and the struggle for civil rights. Richardson does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities faced by those who are different, yet she also infuses the narrative with hope and the possibility of change. Honey's story is a testament to the courage required to stand up against injustice and the impact one person can have on their community.

Richardson's writing is both lyrical and accessible, drawing readers into Honey's world with vivid descriptions and a strong narrative voice. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, combining moments of quiet reflection with scenes of tension and action. The emotional depth of the story, coupled with its historical authenticity, makes for a compelling and immersive reading experience.

In conclusion, The Book Woman's Daughter is a worthy sequel that stands on its own as a powerful and moving story. Kim Michele Richardson has crafted a novel that honors the legacy of the Pack Horse Librarians while exploring new and relevant themes. With its memorable characters, rich historical context, and poignant exploration of resilience and hope, The Book Woman's Daughter is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in the enduring power of books to change lives.

After loving The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and learning about the packhorse librarians who delivered books to the remote parts of the Appalachian Mountains, Book two did not disappoint,
Thank you NetGalley

I LOVED the Book Woman of Troublesome Creek so I was so excited for this book. It was a solid sequel to the original story about the next generation. It was a compelling story and still highlighted the culture and history of the times. I felt that it was very well done.

I really liked the Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek. It is a fascinating read, though hard at times with all the prejudice and hate of humans. Though that provides a nice foil for the absolute goodness and kindness of others. The Book Woman's Daughter continues that story with her daughter, Honey though this one also adds more about how hard the women of that time have to work to make a place for themselves in the work force. Honey has that problem plus being a blue (though not all over, just her hands and feet) and surviving after her parents were put in jail for loving each other (which was against Kentucky law at that time). Honey is such a strong and good person and gathers other good people around her, all working together to rise above all the troubling things happening in Troublesome Creek. There is sadness and death and prejudice but it all comes together in a fine ending for Honey and her friends and family.

This is a great story and I highly recommend it. It can be a standalone but if you want the full experience don't forget to read the first one to find out all about Honey's ma!

I so enjoyed this second installment in the "Book Woman" series by Kim Michele Richardson! After reading both books, I've learned so much about the Kentucky women who held unconventional jobs, the history of the Pack Horse Librarian program, as well as the Blue People of Kentucky. As a Kentuckian myself, I feel a kinship to the characters and have empathy toward their struggles, somewhat like reliving my ancestors' history. It's just one of those books you want to give a warm hug to as you finish the last page and close the cover. My thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.

The Book Woman's Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson is the sequel to the popular Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. I enjoyed this book as much as the first one. Following along the life and journey of the book woman's daughter was interesting, and it was also interesting to read about what happened to characters from the first book. Fans of Richardsons writing will enjoy this one, too.

I loved the first novel in this series. I enjoyed learning about the pack horse librarians, the Blue community, and their neighbors in the hills of Kentucky. Book Woman's Daughter continues that story, with Cussy Carter's daughter trying to survive on her own and avoid the orphan reformatory after her parents are jailed for miscegnation. Although she is persecuted by government officials, she finds friends among her neighbors, particularly people whose lives were changed by the books delivered by her mother.

Read the first of the series first. It provides a lot of the historical background that is lightly reviewed in this book.
I look forward to more from Kim Michele Richardson. Her passion for the people of her native Kentucky and commitment to historical research are impressive.

A great follow up story to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, which was an excellent book for book clubs. Will be recommending!

Wow. Where to start. I read The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek in a day and loved it so much that I immediately picked up the sequel and pretty much read it in a day as well. So good.

This story picks up ten or so years after the previous book ends. It could be read as a stand alone, but don't. Read the first one before you read this.

Honey is Cussy Mary's daughter and the story starts with her parents being arrested for miscegenation. Her mother is Blue and her father is White and at the time, the law forbade their marriage. They'd hidden for years in another area of Kentucky, but Cussy Mary and Jackson are finally arrested. Honey is sent back to Troublesome to live with old Retta, who becomes her guardian, and she fights to become emancipated rather than sent to a work house. But the jealousy and prejudice of others intervenes.

We see familiar faces return in this novel and welcome new ones in Pearl and Wrenna (and Tommie!) among others. And, as Honey returns to Troublesome, it becomes so apparent that Cussy Mary left a deep impression on the people there and most of them welcome Honey back with open arms.

She becomes a librarian, just like her mother and rides her mother's former packhorse route with their old mule, Junia. And like Cussy Mary, Honey is kind and compassionate, and fights against injustice.

And in rural, 1950s Appalachia, injustice is alive and well.

The people are still dirt poor, and fear stokes anger. Domestic violence is rampant as is general abuse of women. Honey experiences this as she tries to help a new friend and the story does not sugar-coat the heartache that comes because of abusive men.

But courage comes in many forms and thirst for knowledge and the power of books is immeasurable. Honey experiences frustration and fear, but also finds friendship and compassion as she hopes to be emancipated and be with her family again.

This was a fantastic sequel and I do hope that there is one more book to wrap up the Lovett's story.

Title: "The Book Woman's Daughter" by Kim Michele Richardson - A Mixed Experience

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Kim Michele Richardson's "The Book Woman's Daughter" is a novel that left me with mixed feelings, resulting in a three-star rating.

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the Kentucky mountains, the story explores themes of love, family, and the power of books. Richardson's writing beautifully captures the rural atmosphere and the determination of the packhorse librarians, also known as the "book women." The character of Jo Teale is a strong and independent protagonist, which I appreciated.

However, the narrative sometimes felt uneven, with moments of deep emotional connection followed by less engaging passages. While the historical context and the dedication of the book women were fascinating, I found some of the plot developments to be predictable. Despite these drawbacks, "The Book Woman's Daughter" is a novel that will likely resonate with fans of historical fiction and those interested in the role of books in connecting communities during challenging times. It's a commendable effort with moments of brilliance, even if it didn't entirely sweep me away.

This sequel to the best-selling The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek also takes place in the Appalachian mountains and focuses on one member of the Blue People of Kentucky. This time, Honey is our main character, and while forced to seek emancipation, takes a job as an outreach librarian just like her mother. The characters still shine and the historical context is still engaging even if Richardson is re-using much of her information from the companion novel.

The Book Woman’s Daughter

A Novel

By: Kim Michele Richardson

Publish Date: 3 May 2022

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark, Sourcebooks Landmark

Women’s Fiction

100 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader

I would like to thank both NetGalley and Sourcebooks for allowing me to read and review this book. Sorry it took me so long in doing so.

Good Reads Synopsis:

B͏ests͏ell͏іng͏ h͏іstor͏іcal͏ f͏іct͏іon͏ author͏ K͏іm͏ M͏іch͏el͏e͏ R͏іchardson͏ ͏іs͏ back͏ w͏іth͏ th͏e͏ p͏erf͏ect͏ book͏ club͏ r͏ead͏ follow͏іng͏ Hon͏ey͏ Lov͏ett,͏ th͏e͏ daught͏er͏ of͏ th͏e͏ b͏elov͏ed͏ Troubl͏esom͏e͏ book͏ woman,͏ who͏ must͏ f͏іght͏ for͏ h͏er͏ own͏ ͏іnd͏ep͏end͏enc͏e͏ w͏іth͏ th͏e͏ h͏elp͏ of͏ th͏e͏ wom͏en͏ who͏ gu͏іd͏e͏ h͏er͏ and͏ th͏e͏ books͏ that͏ s͏et͏ h͏er͏ fr͏e͏e. In͏ th͏e͏ rugg͏edn͏ess͏ of͏ th͏e͏ b͏eaut͏іful͏ K͏entucky͏ mounta͏іns,͏ Hon͏ey͏ Lov͏ett͏ has͏ always͏ known͏ that͏ th͏e͏ old͏ ways͏ can͏ mak͏e͏ a͏ hard͏ l͏іf͏e͏ hard͏er.͏ As͏ th͏e͏ daught͏er͏ of͏ th͏e͏ fam͏ed͏ blu͏e-sk͏іnn͏ed,͏ Troubl͏esom͏e͏ Cr͏e͏ek͏ packhors͏e͏ l͏іbrar͏іan,͏ Hon͏ey͏ and͏ h͏er͏ fam͏іly͏ hav͏e͏ b͏e͏en͏ h͏іd͏іng͏ from͏ th͏e͏ law͏ all͏ h͏er͏ l͏іf͏e.͏ But͏ wh͏en͏ h͏er͏ moth͏er͏ and͏ fath͏er͏ ar͏e͏ ͏іmpr͏іson͏ed,͏ Hon͏ey͏ r͏eal͏іz͏es͏ sh͏e͏ must͏ f͏іght͏ to͏ stay͏ fr͏e͏e,͏ or͏ r͏іsk͏ b͏e͏іng͏ s͏ent͏ away͏ for͏ good. P͏іck͏іng͏ up͏ h͏er͏ moth͏er’s͏ old͏ packhors͏e͏ l͏іbrary͏ rout͏e,͏ Hon͏ey͏ b͏eg͏іns͏ to͏ d͏el͏іv͏er͏ books͏ to͏ th͏e͏ r͏emot͏e͏ holl͏ers͏ of͏ Appalach͏іa.͏ Hon͏ey͏ ͏іs͏ look͏іng͏ to͏ prov͏e͏ that͏ sh͏e͏ do͏esn’t͏ n͏e͏ed͏ anyon͏e͏ t͏ell͏іng͏ h͏er͏ how͏ to͏ surv͏іv͏e.͏ But͏ th͏e͏ rout͏e͏ can͏ b͏e͏ tr͏each͏erous,͏ and͏ som͏e͏ folks͏ ar͏en’t͏ as͏ k͏e͏en͏ to͏ l͏et͏ a͏ woman͏ pav͏e͏ h͏er͏ own͏ way. If͏ Hon͏ey͏ wants͏ to͏ br͏іng͏ th͏e͏ fr͏e͏edom͏ books͏ prov͏іd͏e͏ to͏ th͏e͏ fam͏іl͏і͏es͏ who͏ n͏e͏ed͏ ͏іt͏ most,͏ sh͏e’s͏ go͏іng͏ to͏ hav͏e͏ to͏ f͏іght͏ for͏ h͏er͏ plac͏e,͏ and͏ along͏ th͏e͏ way,͏ l͏earn͏ that͏ th͏e͏ ͏extraord͏іnary͏ wom͏en͏ who͏ run͏ th͏e͏ h͏іlls͏ and͏ holl͏ers͏ can͏ mak͏e͏ all͏ th͏e͏ d͏іff͏er͏enc͏e͏ ͏іn͏ th͏e͏ world. Pra͏іs͏e͏ for͏ Th͏e͏ Book͏ Woman’s͏ Daught͏er.

Book Review:

I really enjoyed this book, and I gave it 4 stars. I still liked her first book better than this one. I like how she finished up the story line with Cussie and Mr. Lovett. I also like how they took an orphan and made her their own. This book is about the daughter they took in and raised her like their own. Well, they did end up adopting her. Kentucky is very strange in their beliefs, and they don’t like anyone who is different than them. Cussy and Honey are known as blue people because of a rare gene in their blood. There is nothing wrong with them or contagious. It just makes them different. In fact, the people are more afraid of them than blacks. With that being said the book opens with the parents being sent to court and then jail. They have been able to hide Honey for a while but now the court is looking for her. They sent her to live with Miss Loretta up in Troublesome. While there Honey takes on the job as a packhorse librarian to help her earn some money. Something happens to Miss Loretta which leaves Honey on her own. This is the story how she takes care of herself, animals and her friends whom she makes on her route. I love the friendships made in this book and how everyone pulls together to help her out. She learns a lot and stands up for herself in a time when that is unheard of.

I recommend that you read this book but make sure you read The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek first, so you get the full picture.

This book was a sequel. After I read it, I found this book just as good as the first book and suggested that my book club read it. I particularly liked how the story unfolded. it was an easy read..

Doesn't quite live up to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek but an interesting story nevertheless. I really wanted to see more of Cussy Mary but instead we get her feisty daughter as she tries to make her way without her mother.

Picking up after the story of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, this is the story of Cussy's daughter Honey. Alone as her parents have been imprisoned, Honey decides to pick up the work of her mother and become a book woman. This allows her to connect with families through her love of books. She's also trying to figure out how to find her place in the world in a number of ways, and that gets quite complicated. I enjoyed returning to this world, but also wish there was more Honey in this one as there was lots of focus on others. However, I did also like how she was centered at the end of the story. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this read!