Two handsome brothers. An age-old Appalachian feud. And a love that may tear the Norgaard family apart. After the tragic death of her husband, Aven Norgaard is beckoned to give up her life in Norway to become a housekeeper in the rugged hills of nineteenth-century Appalachia. Upon arrival, she finds herself in the home of her late husband’s cousins–three brothers who make a living by brewing … brewing hard cider on their three-hundred-acre farm. Yet even as a stranger in a foreign land, Aven has hope to build a new life in this tight-knit family.
But her unassuming beauty disrupts the bond between the brothers. The youngest two both desire her hand, and Aven is caught in the middle, unsure where–and whether–to offer her affection. While Haakon is bold and passionate, it is Thor who casts the greatest spell upon her. Though Deaf, mute, and dependent on hard drink to cope with his silent pain, Thor possesses a sobering strength.
As autumn ushers in the apple harvest, the rift between Thor and Haakon deepens and Aven faces a choice that risks hearts. Will two brothers’ longing for her quiet spirit tear apart a family? Can she find a tender belonging in this remote, rugged, and unfamiliar world?
A haunting tale of struggle and redemption, Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a portrait of grace in a world where the broken may find new life through the healing mercy of love.
“Beloved author Joanne Bischof doesn’t disappoint with her latest beautifully written, heartrending tale . . . a quick favorite for historical romance readers.” –Elizabeth Byler Younts, author of The Solace of Water
“Bischof (The Lady and the Lionheart) transports readers to late 19th-century Appalachian Virginia in this moving historical romance . . . With fine historical details and stark prose that fits the story, Bischof skillfully weaves a tale of love and redemption in rough Appalachia.” –Publishers Weekly
“Christy- and Carol Award-winning author Bischof (The Lady and the Lionheart) creates endearing characters and a heartwarming story line in this unforgettable novel about the power of family, love, and the true meaning of home. Fans of Kristy Cambron, Julie Klassen, and Susan Meissner will love this one.” –Library Journal
“Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a quiet gem of a historical romance. Refreshingly real and honest in its depiction of flawed but lovable individuals, it introduces characters readers will want to meet again.” –CBA Market magazine
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I was spell bound by this novel from its beginning to its end. The author has drawn vivid lines for her characters and I could envision them like real people. Great read.
Anything by this author is amazing !!!
“Sons of Blackbird Mountain” is a lovely, moving love story which takes place dyring the late 1800s in Appalachia. The book was obviously studiously researched. As someone who grew up in the foothills of the NC Appalachians, I found most of the details to be accurate, as I know them. I was especially impressed that one of the primary characters is a deaf and mute man. In “Sons of Blackbird Mountain,” I learned about something that I had never heard of – the controversy of oralism vs. ASL (Sign Language), as the best way for communication with people who cannot hear. Bischoff informs readers, without making us feel like we are reading a research paper. I could have done without the politics, which were unnecessary and bogged things down a couple times. But overall, it was a very good book. I will probably be purchasing more of her books in the future, and I have already recommended this one to friends.
A heart touching, heart wrenching, and heart filled story. I was there…I was even reading as we started down the road, despite my terrible car sickness that occurs. My hubby said I might want to put it away before we got to far..I was in another world.
My daughter took one short class in ASL. We include it in our homeschooling…it was so neat to hear the signs explaining and how different ways of communicating are often far more powerful than the words we speak.
This book touched my heart. I was so sad when it was finished, but I am thoroughly looking forward to a sequel.
A beautifully written story no one should miss!
I received this from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
“Spend ten minutes getting to know Thor Norgaard and you’ll forget he’s silent. You’ll learn and hear things that most men don’t even know how to speak.”
Getting to know Thor Norgaard was an incredible experience. As a deaf man, his disability does not take away from his appeal or masculinity even in the slightest. In fact, it enhances it! Joanne’s writing is so expressive you feel what he’s feeling, see what he’s seeing, hear what he’s thinking. More than once I found myself holding my breath with goosebumps waiting to see what he’d do next.
The story line between Thor and Aven is SO beautiful. Their love story is slow and intimate and very enjoyable to read. And their first kiss…you might need a fan! The patient way that Aven gets to know Thor and her desire to be able to communicate with him is so well written. The desire for Thor to be understood and listened to just makes you fall in love with him. Also, Joanne’s ability to bring you into the world of a deaf/mute giant of a man is brilliant. I thought about how it might feel to be deaf in the situations he finds himself in, and found myself to be scared.
I also loved the relationship between Thor and his brothers, Jorgan and Haakon. They each have their own personalities…sometimes they work together and sometimes the clash. Thor and Haakon have a lot to work through and it’s not all resolved at the end of this book. It’s a great cliff-hanger for the next book in the series, which I can’t wait to read!
I will highly recommend this book to everyone and anyone. Joanne Bischof is a master story teller and this book does not disappoint!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
After reading Lady and the Lionheart–which wrecked me in the best possible way–I knew author, Joanne Bischof, would become a must-buy author for me because I knew there was no way she’d disappoint…and I was right!!
Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a heart-tugging story that pulled me straight into the rugged hills of the Appalachia and had me emotionally invested in a story where the characters captured my heart immediately.
For me, the best part of this story is Thor. *sigh* Ms. Bischof offers a note at the beginning of this story regarding how she incorporated American Sign Language because Thor is deaf and I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I experienced was a story where facial expressions, words when they could be spoken, and actions that demonstrated the depth of emotion so powerful it embedded itself on my soul.
This story covers difficult subjects but also provides a theme of redemption that is refreshing and a beautiful reflection of God’s mercy and grace. The cast of characters are wonderfully enchanting and I cannot deny the shock and dismay my heart felt when a scene brought out the worst in one. I’m SO anxious for the next story in anticipation of knowing redemption is coming and I know it will.
Ms. Bischof offers another beautiful story that’ll imprint itself on reader’s hearts making it impossible to forget and the first one to recommend every single time.
Amazing tale of love woven through the brokenness of humanity. The author is a very gifted storyteller who writes in a flowing and captivating manner. I will definitely be reading her other books!
The writing was beautiful as I’ve come to expect from Bischof. The characters were interesting and I enjoyed reading about them. I like the inclusion of a deaf hero and the use of sign language. It really is a beautiful and expressive language that I would love to learn. The ending did feel rushed and that took me out of the story a bit. I am looking forward to the next book but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to come to terms with the hero after some of his actions in this book.
*I received a copy of this book from netgalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. These opinions are my own.
I didn’t want this book to end! I fell in love with the characters. It was a beautiful story
I am giving this a 5 star only because I couldn’t give it more! 🙂
I don’t know where to begin…this story has a bit of “Legends of the Fall” type brother issues, woven with beautifully descriptive places and people…I absolutely LOVED this book. Aven, the main female character, has already seen her share of rough times, growing up in a poorhouse overseas. She is easy to love and root for, as she’s very down to earth and self supporting. However, Aven’s life is about to be upended, as she travels to Blackbird Mountain, VA after the end of the Civil War. ( I am a VA native, and the author did a great job of researching local cities and proximity, which I appreciate.) Aven reminded me a bit of the female protagonist Angel, from Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers– which is one of my all time favorite CF reads. Aven has dealt with much loss already, and it’s refreshing to see her grow and develop hope in her life on Blackbird Mountain.
Joanne expertly weaves the personalities of the brothers Norgaard and gives glimpses into their family’s history, along with their household help, who are also now family. Post Civil War prejudices still remain in the area surrounding them, brought to horrifying reality by the Sorrel family. One of the main characters also is deaf, and I think this is one of the better portrayals of someone facing a differently abled life in the isolated mountains. It is handled as an additional character point, not an overt disability, which I also loved.
There are many more facets to the story that I won’t share here for fear of ruining the book for you. 😉
I really fell in love with the characters and their unique stories. I didn’t want the book to end and I can’t wait for more entries (thankfully!) in the series. This book felt like going home again, along with meeting friends I knew I would love as dearly as the author does. Do yourself a favor and pre-order now–June will be here soon!
*I was granted access to an early readers copy PDF from #NetGalley. I was not required to give a favorable review. I look forward to reading the next entry in the series and am thankful to have had the opportunity to review Sons of Blackbird Mountain.*
A story of brothers and Aven giving up her life in Norway to become a housekeeper for three cousins of her husband’s. Thor, we get to know the best with his silent ways, but given to drink. She has beauty, and the brothers desire her hand. The area is different, it is rugged, untamed. How can she decided, without tearing apart the family. Unusual plot, given us more about the brothers.
Given ARC by Thomas Nelson for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
I had full intention of keeping control of my schedule and not read until I was done. Failed! Shamelessly!
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Widowed, Aven is looking forward to traveling land and sea in order to have a new beginning through caring for her late husband’s kid cousins. Only, once she arrives at this remote place called Blackbird Mountain, she’s greeted by three very grown men.
In a place where the blackbird sings, apple blossom cheerfully paint the mountains, and Norwegian culture and tales are thickly woven in the lives of the inhabitants, Aven will see a brotherhood that goes way beyond blood, rather a true camaraderie, faithfulness, and care. Though the oldest and probably wisest one soon engages her friendship with his kindness and eagerness for his bride’s arrival, and the deep blue eyes and playful ways of the youngest might bring a quick smile to Aven’s lips, it’s the middle brother who will beckon her attention most honestly and deeply.
Despite being gruff in his ways, Thor can read people better than they might ever expect, though he’s wary of letting them read him back. It might seem it would be easy and a relief to be able to ignore the world because he is deaf, but Thor longs to be much more than a silent life wondering about carrying alone his hurts and fears; he longs to be truly heard as he is and in the way he can communicate and to know the person back just as deeply. Most importantly, he longs to free himself from the shackles of his addiction to the beverage that guarantees his family’s legacy and livelihood but that is also his greatest demon.
Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a story about wild men not very much understood by society and who are, in spite of that, confident in their ways and principles, even if it means facing the Klan’s hostility. Three brothers who will have their lives changed in the form of an Irish lass bringing a ray of sunshine and hope, along with the threat to bring to truth their hidden secrets, agony, remorse and grudge. And so, their choices take a different meaning and weight as they are offered a sweeter life, much better than before, though, to chose it, will mean living beyond desire and selfishness, but humbly and serving, listening and comforting.
Joanne Bischof’s writing never ceases to satisfy. Each word comes to life through the pages and completely immerses you into the plot. As if you could smell Ida’s goods being cooked, hear Cora’s wise words being said, feel Dotti purring around your leg for attention, and see the most beautiful bond between brothers and the women who raised them and, now, Aven. Yep, Blackbird Mountain becomes as much home to us readers as to the young woman who came looking for a new beginning, only be offered love, protection, safety, and family <3
I am so very very happy that this is a series. Very much so.
If you are wondering if Joanne Bischof surpassed herself from her phenomenal The Lady and the Lionheart, I have only one answer: I wouldn’t dare compare. Each book is unique in their own setting, special with their own story. Their individualities are to be savored fully to both produce the same experience: pure satisfaction.
Refreshing
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild, I was not required to give a favorable review. This story was a very touching story. Aven came to America at the request of her late husband’s great aunt to live after he passed away. After growing up in the workhouses of Ireland meeting her husband seemed a way to survive. But when he died she seems lost in Norway. So she came with a chance to help what she thought were young boys from the sounding of their aunts letters. We are talking the south after the Civil War so things were just a little different. When she gets there she finds out the the little boys were grown men and the aunt has passed away while she was on her ship. Thor can’t hear but his brothers and the people around them can speak sign language. The oldest brother is going to be wed, Thor is the middle son and he youngest brother thinks he has a crush on Aven. But heart is not ready. During a time when families were trying to find their way again. These boys are running a farm. I enjoyed this story very much and can’t wait to see what happens next.
4.5 stars
“Apparently the lad hadn’t the gift of gab.”
No, he didn’t. In fact Thor Norgaard’s vocabulary was severely limited to signs formed using the fingers of his massive hands, but that in no way meant that he could not effectively communicate with a turn of his head or an expression in his eyes. Meeting Aven Norgaard walking up his mountain lane, seemed almost like an apparition, after having considered the photo of his dead cousin’s wife for so long. But what could he possibly offer her that his passionate, impulsive, younger brother couldn’t offer her sooner? More importantly, Thor had demons to quell.
Aven Norgaard arrives at Blackbird Mountain on foot, admiring its vast, lovely acres of orchards and sensing more plentiful abundance than she could have ever imagined. However, she was quite shocked to learn that Aunt Dorothe’s three “boys” were actually grown men who made quite a profitable income off the hard cider they brewed on the family’s farm. Sadly, she was also informed of Dorothe’s recent passing. What to do now; stay on the mountain or seek employment elsewhere? One, and only one, of the handsome brothers can solidify that decision.
“She’d always heard him because she knew how to listen.” A more symphonic romance has barely been penned, as readers hear Aven and Thor bare their souls without saying a word.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author, and now I’m ready to go binge-read all her other books! I felt like my heart was being tugged on as I read the story of Aven and Thor, their thoughts, struggles, triumphs, and joys. The writing is absolutely beautiful and I just sank into it, not wanting to miss one word. Aven is such a thoughtful, compassionate person, having endured harsh circumstances and heartache, and blossoms in the supportive household of the Norgaard brothers. I loved her perspective as she quickly bonds with the brothers and the others that live on the property, embracing them as family. The sweet romance that develops between her and Thor after a rough beginning is amazing with lovely special moments that are quiet and intense. Thor is an unforgettable character, not just because of how he has succeeded despite his disability, but how he goes through the lowest of lows in order to overcome his weakness and be worthy of Aven. His gentle nature contrasts with his powerful strength and confidence, intriguing Aven and strengthening their connection. The family goes through ups and downs with violent neighbors, sibling rivalries, a new bride for the oldest brother, and a need to innovate their livelihood to save the farm. I was completely immersed from the first page to the last, and highly recommend this book!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Before I even get into my thoughts on this book I need to share some information that may be triggering for other readers. The Sons of Blackbird Mountain make alcohol, booze, or I’ve seen the archaic return of the word liquor in general vocabulary. That being said there is also the topics of alcoholism, domestic abuse, racial tension, and even sexual assault in this book. The topics are handled delicately and not overt or in your face while also sharing the true impact of people and families and even community. Alcohol is a strong theme, and overcoming alcohol as well. Don’t let that detract from your enjoyment of this book however as it is well rounded and filled with overcoming and hope and faith in God and humanity and family and love.
Despite the hardness of life, and let’s face it life then has filled with hardships, this book really spoke to me. It wasn’t deep in ‘religion’ or even overt faith. But it was filled with faith. Aven left the only home she had ever know, despite the lifetime of want she had lived, and went to a new country to stay with her husband’s family that she had never met. She had faith that life had a purpose and she could build one for herself in America. She crossed an ocean for the love she had been shown by an aunt expecting find a family of young boys. Not what she got. In the slightest. But she chose to stay. She chose a family. And she chose love. It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t simple. And without faith in herself and faith in family she may have chosen a different path. But she didn’t. Eventually, we have to stop running from stuff and run to stuff. And eventually we have to embrace our ‘stuff’ and find a way through it. Thor had to do that as well. Thor with his language barrier that he allowed to excuse his drinking. Thor with his hardness to outsiders. Hardness due to fear of being embarrassed and fear of being judged. Fear. However, through it all they found themselves.
Part of me struggled with this book. I felt lost with keeping everyone straight. It took a little while for me to find my grove with this book. At the same time I fell in love with this book. I’ve not read this author before but now I can’t wait to read all her books. And wait impatiently for the next book in this series. I appreciate authors that take on hard topics, topics that Christians tend to shy away from – or worse condemn- and face them head on. Bischof did that with grace and finesse and compassion. She tackled alcohol. She tackled it in such a way that did not judge but loved. She showed both sides of alcoholism and that is can be overcome. She didn’t shy away from a strong main character who happened to be a deaf mute. That same character who also had an issue with hard cider, though he apparently made an amazing hard cider. The same character who chose love. Chose family and faith and tolerance and sobriety and love. At the end of the day, no matter how hard the path or where it takes you. . . choose love.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
This is my first book from Joanne Bischof and I just fell in love with this author! I can’t wait to read more of her books!
It is a beautiful story about a young irish widow who was orphaned and wed to a norwegian man as her only choice to survive. When this man succumbs to alcohol, Aven is left destitute and alone in Norway. But an old relative of his husband writes to her and offers her a home in Virginia, where she can care for three rambuctious orphaned brothers… So Aven sells all her possesions to buy a ticket that will take her to America.
But upon her arrival, she discovers that Aunt Dorothe just passed away and that the three brothers are not children but grown young men that make a living producing hard cider on their three acres beautiful ranch…
It was a beautiful story about family love, blending in, forgiveness, faith, true love and redemption.
Aven is found on a difficult position as she discovers she is loved by the two youngest brothers. Strong, charming, and extrovert Haakon, and hardworking, shy and introvert -but strong as well- Thor, who is deaf mute and alleviates his pain through the liquor he produces.
The depht of the characters is admirable. They felt real and relatable, flawed, but kind and caring. The way Joanne describes their feelings is powerful and profound. I loved Aven and Thor’s characters the best, and rooted for them. But Jorgan and Haakon were endearing two. I loved the loyal relationship between the three siblings and the way they supported Thor when he decides to stop drinking. The way she describes Thor’s dealing with his disability, fights his addiction, and his inner turmoil is beautifully described and I ached for him. I felt he deserved so much love and kindness in return for his suffering.
I couldn’t put he book down until the end. I loved that the romance was sweet and clean. The story has a great message of forgiveness, faith, redemption and trusting God with your life.
I totally recommend this book to anyone who likes historical romances. This is definitely a book you shouldn’t miss! A new favorite author!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was an interesting story. I’m not quite sure what I was expecting, but the end result was a pleasant surprise. Although the story is about a young woman who has just arrived from Norway, the language peppered through out is very understandable. There isn’t a lot of hard to understand conversations.
The story, where we got to know Thor was excellent. Although he couldn’t speak, you could still feel and understand what he was trying to say. Then, the following development of friendship with Aven was fun to watch. Equally, the friendship with Haakon was hard to follow, especially towards the end.
The story is well written and weaves you along the route of Thor’s troubles and the family who joins together to make all things work. Even better, to show a deaf, mute man who is embraced by his family instead of shunned. And even more so, love is just around the corner for him.
As for Aven, we watch as she struggles to figure out her place on this farm with the three brothers. I look forward to reading more about the three brothers in future books.
I did receive this book via BookLook bloggers. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own. I was not required to leave a review.
I just borrowed this through my library and enjoyed it tremendously. The characters came alive and I felt like I really knew them. It was heartbreaking at times and Thor was such a sweetheart. I’m planning to read more from this author especially the sequel to this book.
Sons of Blackbird Mountain, by Joanne Bischof, is a thoroughly breathtaking novel. Ms. Bischof’s writing style is achingly beautiful, strengthened by a lyrical quality that is quietly profound. Within every word and phrase there is deep meaning and thoughtful purpose. Carefully detailed and remarkably descriptive, this is a novel to be savored and treasured.
Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a novel that offers a unique and touching story of loss, redemption, love, and family. Rustic cabins, apple orchards, freshwater ponds, and wooded hillsides allow the story to grow richly from the landscape of its Appalachian setting even amidst the hurt and uncertainty of life in the South in the decades following the Civil War. The well-developed characters are simply captivating and abound with authenticity and vulnerability. Their insecurities, their fears, their needs, and their desires are wholly believable, heart-wrenching, and inspiring. The opportunities, the choices, and the trials that the characters endure are intricately developed, and from them there unfolds a story that is thoroughly enriching and endearing.
Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a novel that artfully balances hope and despair, perseverance and struggle, and faithfulness and uncertainty. With unflinching skill, the author explores raw emotions, painful experiences, and deep hurt. Yet, this journey through and beyond despair and heartache is significantly strengthened and uplifted by meaningful moments of grace and gentle reminders that hope, restoration, healing, and reconciliation are made possible through God’s mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional love.
I truly cannot write enough kind thoughts about this book. As a reader, I desire to learn, to be challenged, to be comforted, to be entertained, and to be inspired. Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a book that easily fulfilled each of those desires leaving me in awe of how much Ms. Bischof was able to accomplish with written words on paper. This is a book that I will gladly share with others and reread often. It is with a full and thankful heart that I sincerely recommend this novel.
*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.