The bar was set very high for me on this one because of how much I enjoyed the first one! Although this book was very good, it didn't quite reach the bar of the first one.

The story of Honey Lovett sits you right down in the Kentucky hills. After Honey is tragically parted with her mother and father, she finds her way to Troublesome Creek to follow in her mother's footsteps. New characters are introduced, but we also get the chance to spend more time with some of our favorite characters from Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. Honey's story is similar to Cussy's with books and reading being the foundation of their lives. I still hope we can re-visit the residents of Troublesome Creek with a third book. I am not ready to let them go!

Author consistently delivers! Her tone and descriptions of that people and that area of Kentucky are lyrical and it is easy to picture!

What a marvelous story! This is a sequel to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. Honey's adoptive parents, Mary "Bluet" Carter and Jackson Lovett have been sent to state prisons for the crime of miscegenation which was still against the law in 1953. Honey, age 16, faces five years in reform school unless she can get a suitable guardian. She finds the guardian in Loretta Adams, a long-time family friend. She moves to Troublesome Creek and meets old friends and make new friends. For those who have read the first book, this feels like a reunion of friends. Honey has to have a job and she and the mule, Junia, take a job as the packhorse librarian, covering part of Cussy Mary's old routes. Along the way, she finds a good friend in Pearl, the new fire tower ranger, and renews several old friendships.

Hoping there will be more book woman stories ahead.

This is a gorgeous, gorgeous sequel to Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek. It expands on the story in surprising ways and is just as strong as the original. Highly recommended.

I was a big fan of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, so was thrilled to get an advanced copy of The Book Woman’s Daughter. This sequel is another hit, filled with beautiful, atmospheric writing that really puts you right in Honey Lovett’s world. A cast of endearing characters (both human and animal) make up Honey’s found family and help her navigate some truly difficult situations. I read this book while traveling through the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, which was the perfect way to experience this story set in the hills of Kentucky.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this advanced copy.

Thank you to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my review.
I really enjoyed this sequel to The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek! This story follows “the bookwoman’s” daughter and picks up about 20 years after the first book leaves off. Honey Lovett is left to fend for herself and make her own way after her parents are arrested. As a Blue in the Kentucky hills she fights to keep her freedom and takes after her mother’s passion to bring books to her neighbors. This book was a little slow to start but I ended up really enjoying it and seeing a continuation of the character arcs from the first book. It’s a very unique story and one worth reading if you’re interested in the history of the Appalachian region.

A beautiful story about overcoming oppression of women and those who are different. Set in the backdrop of Kentucky during the 1950's, this story has horrific subtexts, comingling with empowerment and love. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek was a 5-star read in 2020. I was so excited to hear that there would be a sequel! I really enjoyed The Book Woman's Daughter, it was nice to see the story continue. I love strong female protagonists so Honey and Pearl's stories resonated with me. Who doesn't love a book about books?

The Book Woman's Daughter is a well-written and worthy sequel to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. The story follows Honey Mary-Angeline Lovett, adopted daughter of Cussy Mary "Bluet" (the Book Woman of the title). Honey has been raised by Bluet and her husband but finds herself separated from her parents when they are arrested for being in violation of Kentucky's miscegenation laws. At 16, Honey can't legally live on her own; the novel follows her attempts to both free her parents and, when that seems to be unlikely, to get the state to declare her an emancipated minor.

Reading the previous novel is helpful, but not a requirement to follow the story in this sequel which works equally well as a stand-alone. A great choice for history lovers and an interesting continuation of the story. While it is a fictional account and to my knowledge not based on any one person, it's well researched and believable. The treatment of people afflicted with methemoglobinemia and living in the backwoods areas of Kentucky in the early 1900's is documented in other sources. Richardsons' tale takes us on a heartwarming journey with both of her heroines while simultaneously teaching the reader about the challenging life of those who lived in the hollers and backwoods of rural Kentucky. Women are the central element of both novels and they are a powerful and often inspiring bunch.

Richardson returns to Troublesome Creek for this sequel to her novel about Pack Horse Librarian Cussy Lovett. After living in secret with her parents for 12 years, 16-year-old Honey Lovett is forced to fend for herself after her parents are arrested for violating miscegenation laws. Without a guardian, Honey could be sent to the House of Reform until she is 21. She travels to Troublesome Creek where her mother had gained appreciation and acceptance despite the genetic disorder that tints her skin blue, a condition that also affects Honey. After her temporary guardian dies, Honey manages to support herself as an assistant librarian, reconnecting with her mother’s library patrons as she delivers reading material while riding the circuit on her mother’s faithful mule, Junia. Her travels bring her in contact with other women who endure danger and hardship while trying to support themselves. They include Pearl, a fire tower lookout; Bonne, a coal miner: and Amara, a frontier nurse. Pearl and Bonnie face harassment and danger from men determined to drive them from their jobs. In fact, the theme of hardship and abuse endured by women pervades the book. Fortunately, there are some men who offer help and support, but the general tone is bleak. Vintage photos and a reading group guide may help sell the title. Although this novel can stand alone, readers would do well to read the The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek for background before diving into Honey’s story.

This was beautifully written. I was a wonderful sequel. A very moving story. A lovely tribute to Kentucky's Pack Horse Librarians.

The first book, "The Bookwoman Of Troublesome Creek" was one of my favorites and introduced me to a new place, time, and culture of which I was not familiar. It taught me the culture of the 1950s rural Kentucky and I fell in love with the book woman! This book continued the story through the protagonist's daughter. Appalachia is a beautiful and wild place, and through this book, I gained an appreciation of a new-to-me way of life. To be honest, however, I found this follow-up to be lacking; I didn't love the main character and was hoping that things would have changed in the 15+ years since the first book took place. Perhaps racism hasn't changed, but things didn't seem to have evolved much at all. If that's the point, I missed it!

I listened to the book woman on audio and decided to read this one when I saw it was available. This book went by so quickly! Her daughter certainly had her struggles in life but I was cheering her on as her story played out. I would recommend this to anyone that has read the other book and just wants a good read.

I had the opportunity to read an early release of the book by its publisher Sourcebooks Landmark in exchange for an honest review. It hits all booksellers on May 3rd of 2022.

The Book Woman's Daughter is a sequel to the 2019 bestseller The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. Author Kim Michele Richardson takes us back to the hills of Kentucky, this time in 1953, to follow the adventures of Honey Lovett. While the first book in this series focused primarily on racism in the south in the late 1930's, this one squarely looks at the roles of women in society in the same region a decade or so later. As with the first novel, Richardson has clearly done her research as shown by the supplemental material included at the end of the novel.

Having just read the first book a few months back in preparation for our library's book club meeting in May, the story of Cussy Mary Carter was still fresh in my mind. So, returning to Troublesome Creek for Honey's story was an easy trip. In reading both so close together, I could see how Richardson continued the setting while showing the evolution of the community and its residents in the fifteen-year span between the two books. While a good bit of time passed for some of the characters, it was evident that many of the attitudes and viewpoints had not changed. As noted, the racism against those of color (even the Blues) was still firmly entrenched as was the sexism against women. But as history has shown us now in 2022, some of those roots of thought run very deep and are difficult to pull away from their hold in the earth of society.

For those who loved the first book, I am certain they will love The Book Woman's Daughter. It is written in the same down-home, comfortable style as the first. The characters are as relatable. And while the new story stands on its own, I think it is better enjoyed if one has read the other title first. For me, personally, this sequel was going to have a hard time reaching the bar set by its predecessor.

Honey Mary-Angeline Lovett has been living off grid in Thousandsticks, Kentucky with her parents, Cussy and Jackson. Her mother has fought ignorance and misunderstanding her whole life due to the misunderstanding of her medical condition - she has blue skin. Her gene disorder, Methemoglobinemia, is a rare and non-life threatening condition, but it’s denied her a voice. In an effort to protect the last of her kind, her daughter Honey, they lead a reclusive life.

When it's discovered that Cussy and Jackson have violated miscegenation laws, they are sent to prison and Honey, 16 years old, escapes her home to return to Troublesome Creek. The support and sense of community allows Honey to live freely while underage, thus keeping her from being institutionalized. Her journey and stay allows her to appreciate the brave and extraordinary Appalachian women of Kentucky. Honey continues her mom’s legacy as a packhorse librarian and delivers books to the hill people. Working this uncommon and demanding job in an era when work outside the home was considered men’s work, gave Honey the experience of sisterhood with the brave and indomitable Kentucky women. Like her mother, Honey is just as courageous and independent and we see this each time she struggles to remain free while not giving up her ideals. You’ll be cheering for Honey as she takes her freedom into her own hands while still ensuring that her people have access to books.

The author explores other courageous Appalachian women in this story; Bonnie, a miner and Pearl, a fire lookout. Each woman faces conflict for taking what’s considered a man’s job.

Richardson has honored her people with this exceptional sequel set in 1950s Kentucky. She has shown once again that “books’ll save you.” I can attest to that after the past two years - reading has saved me! Richardson has also shown that “books’ll learn ya.” I have appreciated learning more about the Pack Horse Library Project, the bloody coal mine wars, the extreme poverty, the treacherous landscape and inclement weather, but most of all, the fascinating women-driven part of history that has endured it all to leave a legacy.

I was gifted this advance copy by Kim Michele Richardson, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

The Book Woman’s Daughter follows Honey Lovett, the daughter of Cussy Carter Lovett. Honey is the product of a mixed marriage. Cussy was a Blue, someone with a genetic disorder that causes her skin to be blue. Honey only has the blue tint on her hands and feet.
The story starts in 1953 and not much has changed in Kentucky. Starvation still kills more people than any influenza. And the laws are still racist, prohibiting mixed marriages, which includes the Blues. The book starts when Honey’s parents are both sent to jail for violating that law and Honey, age 16, is at the mercy of the court.
She finds work as a packhorse librarian, the same job her mother had years earlier. Richardson again does a wonderful job capturing the time and place. The Kentucky hills are a hard place to survive. Books were one of the few enjoyments available. Coal is the primary source of employment. The story is a reminder that people tend to take out their frustrations on those they love. There’s a lot of domestic violence. There’s also violence against women that take what are considered “men’s jobs”. The characters are inspirational and endearing. The book is extremely well researched. But it was too easy to see the direction the plot was going which undid some of my enjoyment.
My thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebook Landmark for an advance copy of this book.

Kim Richardson is back with Honey Lovett, the daughter of Of the Troublesome Creek book woman. Honey is now on her own since her parents have been sent to prison and she must fight for her independence. Honey takes over her mother’s packhorse route and fights the law to stay on her own. Along the way she meets many people who want to help her and she continues her book route in order to bring books to the folks in the holler. Richardson writes a beautiful novel sure to be a hit.

This book was a slight disappointment. I so loved the first book which told the story of Cussy Mary and the blue people of Kentucky, and I wanted that same engrossed experience I had originally. While the story line is interesting, the happenings in the book are set up as more suspenseful than they actually turn out to be. There seem to be threats on every side of Honey's life, but many of them fizzle out without much fanfare. She certainly has reason to fear what might happen to her, but some of those fears are only in her mind, assuming how people feel about her.

I did enjoy the way Honey was able to make a life for herself through hard work and perseverance. I also enjoy that her love for reading is actually what leads to her discovering the information she needs to pursue her independence. There are plenty of side characters who contribute to her success, and some compelling stories of people on her book route. But for some reason, it just falls a little flat for me. There was a lot of swearing in this book, and for me, that took away from the feel of the first book's sweet (though difficult) story.

I don't think I'm as invested in Honey as I was the story of Cussy, and I would probably not read another book in this series, even though it seems Honey developed a love interest before the end of the book. I don't feel compelled to follow this story like I did the first book.

I’m looking at a sunny day outside my window but at the same time, my hands are so cold. I am thinking warmth, but the weather isn’t cooperating. I suppose the fact that the grass is brown instead of green is a tell-tale sign that we are not into Spring the way I want us to be. The snow we received the other day was probably another sign but I’m not going to think about that.

I did cheat, which hasn’t helped. I took a week’s vacation. I was warm and in the sun for a week. I have found that I seem to need a break during the winter. I need to get somewhere and feel the warm sun and see color rather than just brown, grey, and white.

Going on vacation does mean that was able to read a lot. I know some might like adventures on vacation. I love warmth and books. I use vacations to make progress on my Goodreads goal for the year. I like having the accountability that Goodreads allows by having a set reading goal for the year. Although I will say that I wonder how many more books I can read than I have been reading. Oh, well, I’ll find out.

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek was published a few years ago. I had heard of it but had never read it. Then I was given an ARC of the sequel, The Book Woman’s Daughter. (You can probably say it with me – I was given an advance copy for my unbiased review.) The first thing I did was go to the library and take out a copy of the first book so that I could read it before I started the sequel. I downloaded the audiobook from the library. I did listen to the first hour or so while I was driving. But here is my issue – and I realize it is my issue – I don’t listen to audiobooks because I don’t know when I could take the time to listen to them. Now, I understand that many listen while they are doing other things like cleaning or gardening. That would involve me making a change from listening to music and I just don’t seem to make that change. So, and you might have guessed it, the book went back to the library before I could finish it.

So, I did what I constantly preach against. I read the sequel without reading the original book. I am not sure if I had absorbed enough from the first book to have an idea of what was going on when I read the second book but I was okay reading the second book without finishing the first book.


The Book Woman’s Daughter tells the story of Honey Lovett. As the book opens, Honey is 16 years old and is living with her parents. But also as the book opens, Honey’s parents are being arrested and imprisoned for miscegenation which is a charge leveled against those who marry outside of their race. Generally, these laws were in the south and applied to a white person marrying a black person. But in Kentucky, there was a family (they moved to Kentucky from France.) that had the blood disorder, methemoglobinemia, which causes the appearance of blue skin. In the uneducated hills of Kentucky, unusual was not good. The ‘blue people” were seen as bad – even so far as to be called the devil. In the case of Honey’s parents, Honey’s mother was blue. Honey also had blue hands and feet. She would wear gloves to hide her condition.

Because Honey was only 16 when her parents went to jail, she was a minor and the state wanted to take her and send her to a work camp until she was 21. Honey’s parents knew this could happen and therefore they tried to send her away before the sheriff came to pick them up. Honey had a hard time leaving them and didn’t hide the way she should have. She was about to be taken into custody when a neighbor stepped up and said that she was his daughter so that the sheriff and social worker wouldn’t take her. She escaped and went to live in a nearby town with an older woman she had known all her life.

Honey’s mother had been a “book woman”. During the depression, with the rough terrain and the way people were separated, many could not make it into town to go to the library. The government paid unmarried women to ride to people’s houses to deliver books and other reading materials. The program had been canceled. Honey’s mother, Cussy had been known for her role as a book woman. Honey had heard all the stories about her mother’s route. (In full disclosure, Cussie was not really Honey’s mother but while that point is brought out, it is not discussed much in this book.)

Honey moves to Troublesome Creek to live with Miss Loretta, who is in her 90s. There is a court hearing and the judge after some hesitancy allows Honey to live with Miss Loretta rather than go to the work camp. While Honey is still facing a lot of prejudice for being a “blue” she starts to settle down. She meets Pearl, who is the new woman fire tower watcher. Pearl and Honey become friends. The people in the town are prejudiced against Honey and some of the men are mad about Pearl getting the fire watcher job. They are upset enough that they damage the fire tower so that she can’t go to work immediately. They both have enemies.

The story goes on to tell about the obstacles faced by Honey over the next year. The poverty and animosity make her life difficult but she overcomes it because she is smart and resourceful. She becomes the new Book Woman as the post receives new funding.

There is no way around it – those were difficult times. Ignorance and lack of what we could consider basic necessities made life hard. It does make for an interesting read. I did find that I could follow the story without having read most of the first book. I think if you wish to go and read the first book, then you should do so but I would say to you that the first book certainly had more violence against women and “blues” than the second book.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it. The book will be published on May 3, 2022.