From Christy Award–winning author Joanne Bischof comes the sequel to her beautiful novel Sons of Blackbird Mountain.Aven Norgaard understands courage. Orphaned within an Irish workhouse, then widowed at just nineteen, she voyaged to America where she was wooed and wed by Thor Norgaard, a Deaf man in rural Appalachia. That the Lord saw her along the winding journey and that Aven now carries Thor’s … the winding journey and that Aven now carries Thor’s child are blessings beyond measure. Yet while Thor holds her heart, it is his younger brother and rival who haunts her memories. Haakon—whose selfish choices shattered her trust in him.
Having fled the Norgaard orchard after trying to take Aven as his own, Haakon sails on the North Atlantic ice trade, where his soul is plagued with regrets that distance cannot heal. Not even the beautiful Norwegian woman he’s pursued can ease the torment. When the winds bear him home after four years away, Haakon finds the family on the brink of tragedy. A decades-old feud with the neighboring farm has wrenched them into the fiercest confrontation on Blackbird Mountain since the Civil War. Haakon’s cunning and strength hold the power to seal many fates, including Thor’s—which is already imperiled due to a grave illness brought to him at the first prick of warfare.
Now Haakon faces the hardest choice of his life. One that shapes a battlefield where pride must be broken enough to be restored, and where a prodigal son may finally know the healing peace of surrender and the boundless gift of forgiveness. And when it comes to the woman he left behind in Norway, he just might discover that while his heart belongs to a daughter of the north, she’s been awaiting him on shores more distant than the land he’s fighting for.
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What I think you should know:
Daughters of Northern Shores is the Blackbird Mountain Book #2, however it can be read as a stand alone novel. It is set in 1985 on Blackbird Mountain in Virginia, and in Norway. It is a beautiful story of Love, Loyalty, and Forgiveness.
What you might want to know:
Prior to this book Aven was attacked by Haakon. She is still haunted by the memories of the attack. The story does contain characters who have horrible prejudices.
What I enjoyed about this book:
As a daughter of Appalachia, this story was beautiful and heartbreaking, I could picture the surroundings and imagine some of the characters as my ancestors. It had everything needed to make it wonderful love, feuds, forgiveness and restoration. I loved Thor and his solid, gentle strength, the way Joanne, Bischof, the author included Thor’s sign language and communication was beautifully done and enhanced the story. Haakon was a harder character for me to grow to understand. The supporting characters were quick to catch my heart. I enjoyed this book and hope their story continues.
Who will enjoy this book ( just to name a few):
Fans of Historical Fiction
Fans of Christian Fiction
Fans of Romance
I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
I fell in love with Joanne’s writing when I first read The Lady and The Lionheart (still one of my top favorite books ever!) and I have devoured every one of her books since then. She has an incredible ability to write characters that are broken and find healing and grow in God. In this particular book, we get to pick up where Sons of Blackbird Mountain left off and learn more about Thor and Aven, Haakon, and the Sorrel family. The descriptions are once again painted so vividly that it is easy to imagine the scenery. The characters have hopes and dreams that pull you in as a reader and allow you to connect with them easily. The plot has complexity and twists and turns that are easy to read with its excellent prose. And the themes of forgiveness and restoration are applicable to any reader. I really enjoyed this novel and eagerly look forward to more from this author!
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Daughters of Northern Shores
I was so glad there was a 2nd book about the Norgaard brothers. This is more about Aven and Thor. She is pregnant with their first baby. He becomes very sick and a mystery of what he has. Thor is deaf and at the first of the book he seen a dr about it. They are trying to figure out of that caused his illness.
Haakon who has left comes back. But he is up to no good? The book goes back and forth between the two brothers.
My favorite character is Thor. He was so sick but he fought through it. I thought it would probably get better but didn’t know for sure.
This probably could be read without reading the first book. I do, however recommend reading Sons of Blackbird Mountain.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This book is my own opinion.
Once again the author allows us to take a journey across the land where we find ourselves in the late 1850s. We get to explore Blackbird Mountains again as we rekindle our love for the characters from the first book in the series. I am happy to continue this adventure and see what the author has in store for us.
One of the things I liked was how the author handled a character who was deaf. Thor is very realistic and doesn’t use his deafness as a handicap. He loves his family and is fiercely protective of them. I liked his strength and honesty which made him so endearing. I held my breath as Thor faces a devastating illness. Even though he has conquered drinking, it may have caused his body damage. I was on the edge of my seat as the author unfolded his diagnosis and outcome. I am so impressed with how the author writes a story that comes alive before your eyes.
Aven is a caring woman who is worried about her husband Thor. Can she do anything to help him? She must think about the baby she is carrying and is torn what to do at times. Little does she know that someone is about to enter her life to turn everything upside down. The tension and drama in the book is incredible and keeps readers turning pages as fast as they can.
Haakon returns home after being at sea for awhile. I didn’t feel like he was welcomed with open arms. He has much to explain and hopefully make his family understand why he has been gone. There is some history between him and Aven and his hope is to receive forgiveness from her. Can he come to terms with their relationship? I can imagine how his heart must have been beating as he approached everyone. Haakon is seeking forgiveness and is wary of the outcome. I loved the emotions that spilled across the pages as the story develops.
The story is filled with redemption, second chances, forgiveness and danger. I loved how the story centered around a family who faced many obstacles but never gave up hope. I cried as characters hurt and rejoiced when joy came . There are a few twists that bring the story to a dramatic end. I will miss this series but the story will linger with me forever.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
This is a wonderful story and I do not want to put it down. It is so interesting to read about someone who is deaf and to see how they handle things on a day to day basis. Thor seems to handle being deaf fairly well on most days but the author shows how one can question why one is different. The author also shows how the people around the deaf person might react at any given time to the deaf person. I really enjoy all of the characters that were in this book and in the first of the series. You will want to read the first book in this series so that you know all of the main characters in this one. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Follow-up to Bischof’s Sons of Blackbird Mountain, Daughters of Northern Shores continues the story of the Norgaard family through sickness and health, tragedy and joy, and forgiveness and reconciliation. The author has a special touch that makes her characters come to life on the pages of her books. While I might not like everything that happens within those pages, those very things are what makes her books both realistic and believable because life just seems to happen that way.
Once again Aven and Thor hold primary roles and experience more than their share of hardship yet are somehow able to hold on to their hope and joy. Haakon too plays a prominent role as he returns home after four years, hoping to make amends with the family he wronged. The feud with the evil Sorrels family once again raises its ugly head with vengeance and forces the Norgaards to fight for their very existence.
Vivid imagery brings the reader into the center of the action where they witness first hand an epic battle between good and evil. Readers will want to keep a box of tissues handy for at least two events – one in which a character lays down his life in a valiant attempt to do what is right and the other in which another character lays down his own agenda and turns his life over to the Lord.
Daughters of Northern Shores is another wonderful novel by the talented Joanne Bischof. I look forward to reading her next novel!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
As excited as I was to read “Daughters of Northern Shores”, I had truly hoped to read its predecessor, “Sons of Blackbird Mountain”, first. However, review time came and I just hadn’t had a chance, so with some skepticism over whether I would be able to fully understand this sequel, I began reading. It turns out that I need not have worried. While the first book doubtless provides background on the characters and the plot, much of this is skillfully rehashed as “Daughters of Northern Shores” unfolds, and I had no trouble at all following along. In fact, I was utterly embroiled in the story from the prologue, and this has easily become one of my favorite books of the year.
With “Daughters of Northern Shores”, Joanne Bischof forges a tale as bold as the Viking ancestors of the Norgaard men. A family saga, this story originates deep within the heart of the rugged hills of both rural Appalachia and Norway, and it comes full circle as families are reunited. This is not a suspense novel, yet I was glued to the pages and could not turn them quickly enough. No incident is insignificant, and I enjoyed making note of little seeds of details that later blossomed into fruit. At its bare bones, this is a simple story, but Bischof has a way of crafting each element into a poignant tapestry, placing the reader alongside the characters, first at sea with Haakon and then on Blackbird Mountain. Haakon Norgaard, the youngest brother, is a prodigal whose poor life choices and immorality shipwrecked his own life as well as that of Thor’s wife Aven in book one. Here we witness Haakon’s watershed experience, which throws into question not only his own loyalties but that of others on the Mountain.
Family being a leading theme, the connections between them offer a cross-section of life thirty years after the end of the Civil War. Race relations contributed to the ongoing feud with the men of the neighboring clan, and the acceptance demonstrated by the Norgaards is uplifting. Their circle includes wives from European countries, former slaves who are friends and companions, and even a former Klansman. Thor and Aven Norgaard are among the major characters whose stories play out in these pages, and Thor’s deafness adds a further dimension to the narrative. I enjoyed how Bischof incorporated American Sign Language into the text, and how she offers Thor’s perspective and its impact on his personality and actions. Challenges abound, all while driving home the point that there are “[s]o many courageous hearts that had forged out families, carved together a living, and built a home where the spirit and heart were at peace.” Faith gently but firmly permeates the novel, shedding light on such relevant issues as addiction, vengeance, and forgiveness. Redemption is available for those who seek it, but it does not erase the consequences of past actions, the reverberations of which form the foundation of this novel. With its life lessons and sometimes heartrending prose, “Daughters of Northern Shores” is a book that I highly recommend, and the thoughtful discussion questions included make for excellent conversation starters about topics that continue to impact society.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own
Daughters of Northern Shores is Book Two in Author Joanne Bischof’s Sons of Blackbird Mountain Series. This is a historical romance set in post Civil War in the Appalachian Mountains. It is gritty, realistic, and hard to put down.
The author has a poetic style of writing. It is easy and unrushed. Her story unfolds in its own time and will not be rushed or slowed. It has its own pace.
The characters are complex and yet lovable. Some are beyond redemption and are down right despicable. They are well defined and vividly described. The women are capable, loving, and supportive of their men and family. The men are strong, hard, and loyal to their family and friends. Children are the highlight and lend their softness and humor to the story.
Themes of redemption, love, family, strength, faith, trust, forgiveness, feuds, helping others, and drawing deep inside for inner strength fill this intense mountain tale. At times it was hard to read, but I was mesmerized and wanted to know what would happen next. My emotions were raw and needed a break, but I kept reading. I had fallen into this extremely well written book and was held captive on Blackbird Mountain until I finished it.
The author provided many surprises, twists, and turns in her plot. She is a talented wordsmith. I would love to see Book 1 and Book 2 be made into a movie. As I read them, I visualized scenes and actors. It would be wonderful!
The author did impeccable research and I learned many things. Discussion Questions are included so this would be a perfect book club read. I wish the author had gone a little more in depth with what the women cooked and included recipes.
I highly recommend this captivating book. While it could be read as a stand alone, you would miss so much if you skipped Book 1. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was not required to write a review. These are my own, honest words.
Aven and Thor may just be my new favorite couple. Their story is one that is just so very sweet, they overcome obstacles and seem to understand each other in ways I hope everyone does with their spouse. Thor’s brother Haakon is a great example of the prodigal son in a certain way. Haakon doesn’t always make good choices, but I will say he grows up well I think (Not giving anything away here). I believe that no matter what we do in life we can still change, ask forgiveness from those we have hurt and build life long relationships with those people. Joanna Bischof makes the idea that we can all be forgiven no matter what readily apparent and encouraged throughout the book either by main or secondary characters.
I was so glad that I was able to visit Blackbird Mountain through this beautifully written sequel. In my opinion, one needs to read the Sons of Blackbird Mountain first to fully appreciate this stirring tale.
Bischof never fails to deliver an emotionally charged tale of characters that are broken, yet finding strength in God and those they love. This is a story of the unbreakable bonds of family, told from the viewpoint of three characters: Thor, Aven and Haakon. In Daughters of Northern Shores, the readers are given a hero who is flawed, one that we might not be willing to give a second chance. Yet it is his journey of redemption, the gifts of grace and mercy, that give him the courage to fight for those he loves. Bishof skill as a master storyteller is apparent in her ability to elicit strong emotional response from her readers. She sets a high standard for fictional heroes, men who are flawed, yet their strongest desire is to be trusted to care and protect those they love. It was with a sad heart that I closed the book, saying farewell to a cast of characters that have endeared themselves in my heart.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
A fabulous look at what life was like in the 1890’s in the mountains of Virginia. Thor and Aven are awaiting the birth of their first child. Jorgan and family are growing and busy on the farm. Life continues on Blackbird Mountain, but without Haakon, who is out at sea harvesting ice for England’s upper class, his shame and guilt following him wherever he goes. Is forgiveness possible? The problems continue with the Sorrel men to the point of evolving into subterfuge from both sides. Will Thor survive their sneaky attack and will the need for revenge overshadow everything?
Even without reading book #1 in this series, I was able to understand the feelings of hurt, the betrayal of trust and the need to be forgiven. The spiritual growth and maturity shown in Haakon, Aven forgiving and learning to trust again and Thor accepting the immense changes in his brother brings the story full circle.
Perchance Haakon’s prayer has been answered? ‘If God would but grant him another mercy. Should the outcome be dire, he prayed that God would welcome him to peace.’
I received an ARC through NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The impressions and opinions given are my own.
A story about Redemption at it’s finest. Great Christian Story.
After reading Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof I honestly did not believe there was any way I could wait until the sequel released, but I made it and Daughters of Northern Shores is more than worth the wait.
I love everything about Daughters, except for one thing…there doesn’t seem to be another book to follow. There is a novella indicated in the back of the book, however that seems to be it. I hoping the author and her publisher can be convinced to at least another novel.
The two novels I’ve mentioned are not the author’s first, there are a number of others written by this quite gifted storyteller. Her writing style, story and character development are top notch. Her words transport me to another time and place, I can just feel the cool mountain breeze and smell the crisp, fresh air.
I highly recommend Daughters of Northern Shores; if you’ve not read Sons of Blackbird Mountain, start first there.
I’m a huge fan of Joanne Bischof’s novels. She has a way of making her characters so real and vibrant that I always feel I’m really part of the story. They often make me cry because she really delves into their feelings, being raw, passionate, tender, compassionate or fierce.
The Daughters of Northern Shore is an excellent sequel to The Sons of Blackbird Mountain, where I fell in ove with Thor and Aven. And I have to accept, Haakon had part of my heart too, so I was eager to know what would become of him in this book.
There’s a lot of turmoil in this story and drama. Haakon escapes to Norway, where he hopes to forget Aven and finds his own adventures as well. But then a family feud with the neighboring farm strikes a war in Blackbird Mountain that threatens to destroy it all, and Haakon returns after four years, not knowing he may be the key to ending it all. And while at it, he may earn forgiveness, healing and redemption.
I truly enjoyed this book as well as the first one. I didn’t think anyone would outshine Thor in my heart, but I found myself rooting for Haakon with all my heart in this one too!
I would have liked to see more of Thor and Aven, but I guess this was totally Haakon’s story.
The end was epic and took my breath away!
I don’t want to spoil this story. i just want to say that it’s a must read, and that you should read The Sons of the Blackbird Mountain so you can truly understand what the characters are going through!
An epic story that you won’t easily forget!
I’m eager to know if there will be a third story! I really hope so! I’m in love with this family!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
After reading book one in this series, I could hardly wait for book two to release! It didn’t take long for me to be into the book and not wanting to put it down. The same characters from book one are part of the second book, along with a few others adding to the drama and excitement. This is a book you won’t want to miss. I love how the author also took time to research and include historical facts on the deaf/mute in Appalachian Mountains and how that affected their lives and the lives of those who loved them.
I promise when you read this book, or series, it’s like these are your people. You pray for them to survive the hardships, to forgive, to extend grace, to heal. You share in their faith, their tears, their sorrow and joy. I finished this book in days! It was so good, I didn’t want it to end. I loved it! All the characters make the story reality, even those you love to hate. I was so proud of those mountain boys! They are true heroes, and their women too!
I received this book courtesy of Book Look. I was not asked to review in a positive manner and all opinions are my own.
I was so eager to get this book, and it did not at all disappoint. Beautifully written story with characters that become family. I just love Aven and Thor, especially. The writing itself takes you away to a different time and place, the characters jump off the page, and the entire book evokes so much emotion. Another book by this author that is incredibly well done! Highly recommend this read.. delightful, alluring,and so much more!
This story is just so amazing. I honestly didn’t want it to end. I did not want to leave Thor or Haakon or Jorgen or Aven or Ida or Fay or even Peter, Tess and Kjersti. Honestly!! I was so invested into it (on both Audible and Kindle) and part of me wanted to just keep reading while still savoring every bit of it throughout, not wanting to leave their lives — until I actually found myself thinking “Well, I’ll get to really know each of them in heaven someday”…and then I remembered. Lol! But I do look forward to getting to know Joanne Bischof someday on those far off shores.
Joanne’s writing is incredible and this series was more than I could have hoped for — even though I still find myself wishing for more stories from the Norgaards of Blackbird Mountain. This is a talent that is truly inspirational and beyond words.
I honestly woke up at 5:30 a.m. this morning still thinking about all of them…and truly missing them. It’s hard to move on to another book . . .
Daughters of Northern Shores is another outstanding epic by Joanne Bischof, one for my “best of the best” list, and impossible for me to adequately review with any words of mine. This novel is filled with exquisite romance, emotion, poignancy, suspense and adventure. Anything that Bischof writes is excellent, but for me, she shines best in Appalachian settings. My ancestors lived in the southern foothills of the Appalachians, so I’m well acquainted with the area and its people that she brings to life.
What author would ever be inspired to create a Deaf hero? Or a hero who was almost – not quite – but almost guilty of rape? But Thor and Aven’s romance is like no other, making me think that true, deep feelings can be better expressed without words. And as for Haakon, I have to question if I sometimes think that God’s ability to transform and restore has limits. This is what Bischof does so well, create overtly flawed characters and make you care deeply about them, yearning for their redemption with all your heart.
Book #1, Sons of Blackbird Mountain, concluded with what seemed to be an irreparable tear in relationships, but with elements reminiscent of the biblical Prodigal Son and even Jacob and Esau, Bischof creates a beautiful tale of repentance, forgiveness, grace and restoration. This story begins four years after Haakon’s flight, and is bookended with scenes involving a young Norwegian woman he met while at sea, one who casts great influence upon him… “Perhaps her insinuation for him to rise to a greater challenge had been a beseeching for him to thread wholeness and restitution into whatever wrong had sent him to the far side of the world.”
The same four years have brought much happiness to Thor and Aven, but all that is in question with Haakon’s return and the reemergence of the family feud with the evil Sorrell family. This story is one that I wanted to read quickly, yet slowly so as to savor each word and nuance. The characters from this whole series will long live in my memory.
Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Prism Book Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
A riveting story of changed lives, good versus evil and forgiveness
Daughters of Northern Shores is a riveting continuation of the story of the Norgaard family of Blackbird Mountain that was difficult to put down. Spanning almost a year in time, though the greater part of the story takes place on Blackbird Mountain, it also brings the reader to Norway and on an ocean voyage aboard an ice ship.
I was again swept away as author Joanne Bischof poured out her heart on these pages with tender and hopeful melancholy. I was nearly brought to tears many times throughout the story, both for sadness and for joy. The beautiful prose wrapped around my heart and caused me to experience each characters’ emotions, their pains, their fears, and their dreams. The biting of the Northern winds caused me to shiver; the fragrance of the apple orchards caused my tummy to rumble.
If you have not read Sons of Blackbird Mountain, you should read that before continuing this review as there are spoilers for that book here. There are no spoilers for this story in the review.
I am amazed at how one who is not Deaf so capably made me feel like I had an inkling of the kind of isolation Thor would have experienced in his deafness, despite the way his family did all they could to include him. And yet Thor is not one to be pitied. His strength of character and the love Aven has for him warm my heart.
The prodigal journey Haakon traveled as he ran away from the sure wrath of his brothers after his atrocious behavior and the certain revenge to be sought by the Sorrel family for the destruction he wrought on their property had him squandering his life and living in a way that would cause such grief to his family. And yet in his self-imposed isolation, he had a friend who was a steady, Christian influence in his life. Unlike the Prodigal Son, he returns, not out of the need for physical fulfillment but for forgiveness. And unlike the Prodigal, he has no father to return to who will welcome him with open arms; only the brother whose wife he wronged in such a terrible way.
Daughters of Northern Shores is a story of changed lives, of love of family, of good versus evil, and of forgiveness. Though I classify it as a romance, it is so much more. What is often thought of as romance finds very little place here.
The confrontation with the Sorrels is narrated in great detail. The author’s description of the events of that terrible night contained in such great detail I felt like I was watching a movie. And yet despite the bullets, knives, and other weapons, it was not overly violent or bloody.
I loved learning more about the ice trade and the ways and places the ice was transported. Having read enough period novels to know that the English had ice in the summer, I always wondered how they got it. I was surprised to learn some of the other places the ice traveled.
This is a must-read book and is already on my list of candidates for Best of 2019!
Read with a Preview and Guest Post at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
I’ve tried to find words to describe the essence of this book, but none that have come to mind have been just the right words. I’ve looked up words, used the thesaurus and still I am struggling with how to tell of this book. I’m afraid nothing I say will quite be able to capture my feelings as I read it and and after I finished it. Though I fear I won’t be able to describe it accurately or do it justice, I will try.
Daughters of Northern Shores is a story of quiet growth—a slow, steady unfurling of the beauty of redemption. It has left me with such a sense of reverence and settledness that I am having difficulty putting into words how this novel with an indescribable, tranquil warmth and depth settled into my soul. There’s a sedated, peaceful hope, strength, and beauty that is all the more rich because it is unassuming. It’s a quiet peace that slowly rolls in on the tides of this story to settle deep in your heart as the story progresses, one that creates a precious fullness of wisdom, of lives lived that are rooted in purpose and hope.
It’s as if the very nature of the book reflects the character of Thor—quiet, strong, faithful, wise, steadfast. The book exudes those things throughout its pages. Somehow it’s muted yet vibrant at the same time; a quiet beauty with richness and depth that surpasses my ability to describe. A steadiness, a calm, a peace, a strength that is there even amidst the turmoil and storms; a peace and steadfastness that passes all understanding. The story itself becomes those very things. And as the story is those things, we watch as Haakon becomes those things through the Lord’s pursuit of him. I loved how the Lord worked on HaaKon, drawing him home even as Haakon didn’t know it, see it, or admit it to himself. How He placed people in his path to help chase after him, the timing of every instance of the story another showing of the hand of God at work. It reminded me of the song Reckless Love.
There was a scene before Haakon arrived home where Thor’s and Haakon’s guns were placed side by side. It was a scene that spoke of the future healing and repairing of broken relationships to me, a moment where peace and joy settled over my soul, with a deep excitement at the reminder of what God can do, of the powerful, redemptive story that is His for us. Though this story is fiction, the ways of God demonstrated in this story, to woo and draw back his children and to redeem our brokenness, are not. Such a scene that caught me by surprise, made me stop and ponder anew the greatness of my Lord. I imagine that scene, though it may be odd to to others that it would do so, will stick with me for a long time.
Ms. Bischof captures well the balance of consequences of actions and forgiveness. It shouldn’t be easy for Haakon and it isn’t. There was wisdom in the way Haakon was welcomed. Forgiveness given when true remorse was displayed, but trust was not so easily re-earned—a repair process that took time.
With Daughters or Northern Shores, be prepared for heavy emotions, heavy thoughts, heavy situations, but know there’s a steadfast hope and quiet beauty in each one. I still feel as though I haven’t accurately captured this book with my words, but I’ve done the best I can, and I hope you’ll take the time to read it for yourself and find the beauty in it.
**I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own.