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 have been anxiously waiting to read this book. The author is a superb storyteller and makes the historical details precise and interesting. The three brothers are each different but blend well together to make a strong family. I would love to visit their orchard and partake in harvesting the apples. It was easy to picture the land with such vivid descriptions that the author uses. Cider was plentiful and the family made a great living but it sure was hard work.
Thor was very much my favorite character. He reminds me of a gentle giant. He is deaf and mute but the author does an exceptional job of showing how to interact with him through sign language. Thor has gotten a taste for the hard cider. At times I thought he could be dangerous, but it really was to ease the pain Thor has dealt with for so long. Will he be strong enough to give up the hard cider? The struggles he goes through are heart wrenching and I felt tears gather in my eyes for him.
Aven is quite a determined young woman. When she finds out that her aunt has passed, she realizes that now she is there in the Appalachians with three grown men and no place to go. I think I would be a bit uncomfortable around them, but soon Aven seems to settle in and start working to help the brothers. What happens when the brothers start to show their attraction to Aven? The dynamics of the time Aven and Thor spent together is worth every moment as the author sweeps readers up in a whirlwind of understanding, devotion and respect. I can’t say enough about how beautiful the story is and how gifted the author is in writing a story that captures the time period in perfection.
The story does have some intrigue in it that pits brother against brother and neighbor against neighbor. There are some moments that I almost held my breath not knowing what was about to happen. The ending is pure beauty and gives us a glimpse into the next book. I will be counting down the days until I get to continue this enchanting story of brothers who hold honor with the highest regard and love that heals wounds that have been buried deep beneath the surface.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
What an incredible read. I don’t know how to describe the beauty of this book — the world, the characters, the joy and the sorrows, the struggles, challenges and triumphs. The bond of brothers even as each one is so unique from the other. The women who care for them and the women whom they love.
Thor and Aven grabbed my heart and squeezed it tight and I am thrilled to find that there will be more from Blackbird Mountain yet to come.
The audio narration was also wonderful.
Be ready to step back into 1890 and the beautiful hills of Virginia, and with a young woman about to meet some family for the first time.
Aven Norgaard is a survivor, she was brought up in the workhouse in Ireland, rescued by way of marriage by an older man, widowed and then travels all the way from Norway to Virginia to stay with relatives of her late husband.
When she arrives, she is greeted by three cousins, and she thought she was going to help tend the little ones, who are at least her age or older. Wow, what a welcome, and now two of these brothers are interested in her for a wife.
She has left behind in Norway the life of being married to an alcoholic and now will she end right back in the same boat?
There is so much going on in this story, life doesn’t ever seem to be idle and quiet, but once you are involved in the lives of this family you not going to be able to put the book down, and once that final cover is closed you’re going to have a sense of loss, at least I did. The book is that good, that I really wanted more.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit Blog Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
The ability to transport a reader to a time and place, to immerse them in a family so thoroughly that they become real, is a gift God’s given Joanne Bischof. Even more impressive is the way she puts readers in the head of a man who can’t communicate like most.
In the first book of her Blackbird Mountain series, we are introduced to the Norgaard brothers. Three men who make a living brewing something that haunted Aven’s marriage with the brothers; cousin.
Both of the younger brothers, Haakon and Thor, have demons they battle, but they approach them differently. Thor is a big, strong hero with a heart of gold when it comes to Aven. He’s willing to do the hard things—fight those demons, learn new things, protect with this life—for the woman who has captured his heart.
Aven is enveloped into the family, but it’s the big, quiet Thor who both calls to her heart and offers her the promise and safety of home.
Bischof portrays life in late 19th century Appalachia—complete with feuds and social issues—combined with the depth of characterization make this worth the read alone. Then she goes and adds the detailed descriptions of the Norgaard farm and the scenery that I could almost see (and taste) to once again confirm why this author’s stories are so loved (if you need proof of that, just check out the 100+ Goodreads reviews for Sons of Blackbird Mountain).
This beautiful story of love conquering life’s biggest challenges is one you definitely need to read as soon as you can fit it into your TBR pile (you might want to slip it to the top)! A memorable portrayal of I Corinthians 13:7: Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Now, my only question is How long do I have to wait until the next book?
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This is described as a haunting tale of struggle and redemption, that is exactly what I found as I was pulled into this family’s life in the rugged hills of Nineteenth-Century Appalachia. It’s not a fast paced, lots of action type story but the family struggles and faith made it an interesting and touching story. I enjoyed the depth of the authors descriptions of this period of time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. My review is voluntary.
Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof
When God didn’t heal Thor of his deafness, the preacher who prayed for him blamed it on a lack of faith, leaving the young boy hurt and bitter. And thus at a young age, he turned to the cider that his father sought for solace from his grief. My heart was broken for Thor as he fought his addiction.
I loved Aven. She had experienced so much hardship in her life and while many would have become bitter, she still had such a tender and gentle heart. Despite her past, she allowed herself to take time to get to know Thor in a way very few ever had. She saw past his addiction, past his inability to hear or speak and truly learned to listen to him.
If you have read many reviews I have written, you may know that I don’t like books that are dark or depressing. It isn’t that I’m hesitant to read about difficult subjects – I just prefer to end my reading on a high note. One of the reasons I rushed to sign up for this blog tour is that I am familiar with the author’s work. I know that she tackles difficult subjects in a sensitive and compelling way without leaving the reader feeling helpless and hopeless. Compelling. Insightful. Thoughtful. Hopeful. Before I even picked up Sons of Blackbird Mountain to read, I knew that is what I could expect. I was not disappointed.
In addition to the issues related to deafness and to alcoholism, Sons of Blackbird Mountain addressed the prejudice and hate that arose in the form of the Ku Klux Klan at the end of the Civil War. The Norgaard brothers were targets of “demonstrations” as a result of their refusal to discriminate. Which, of course, had me loving them even more.
If you are looking for a historical novel that will touch your heart in a significant way, do not hesitate to pick up a copy of this story, or any other that Joanne Bischof has written. You will not regret it!
This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net.
Get a preview of Sons of Blackbird Mountain at amongTheReads.net
I would like to thank Celebrate Lit for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
This is a book that you don’t want to rush through. You’ll want to take it slow and savor every moment, every relationship, and all the family dynamics. I loved the character Aven. She had hardships in Norway before sailing to the rugged hills of Appalachia in the late summer of 1890. Her husband was a heavy drinker and committed suicide while Aven was grocery shopping. She was invited to come live with her husband’s cousins, the Norgaard brothers by Aunt Dorothe Norgaard. When she arrives she finds that Dorothe has passed away. What is she to do now?
The oldest brother, Jorgan, is engaged, the middle brother, Thor, is deaf and mute and the youngest, Haakon has some issues of his own. They make their living by growing apples and making hard cider. Thor has a drinking problem just like Aven’s late husband. Something that Aven abhors. She has to make a decision on whether to stay or move on.
Each relationship was interesting to dissect and learn the layers of why they were the way they were. The addition of the American Sign Language was an added bonus. I learned a little from that. Hardships were more complicated by having the KKK show up and “turn over the apple cart” so to speak.
This is a novel I’ll be thinking about for a very long time. I only hope there will be a follow up novel covering Haakon and what he’s doing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit.
Warning: DO NOT START THIS BOOK UNLESS YOU HAVE TIME TO FINISH AS IT WILL NOT LET GO ONCE IT GRABS A HOLD OF YOUR HEART!
This is my first book by Jo’Anne Bischof and I am a FAN GIRL now. It is such a compelling read and your heart becomes invested in this family. I loved these characters and their strength especially Thor. He has such depth even though he is deaf. I was so impressed with how his character was written with such sensitivity on a subject that is usually left untouched. This book leaves you yearning for the next one and completely gobsmacked. It is a book of hurts, addiction, forgiveness, love, and faith. I already want to reread, as I miss this family. My suggestion is run out and grab a copy ASAP
I received a complimentary copy from the author/CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof is a wonderful and poignant love story. And yet it is so much more than a love story. The widowed Aven courageously travels the ocean to come live with an aunt by marriage, her only family now, to find herself immersed in the lives of three of her husband’s cousins. Men who each have a significant impact on Aven’s life as she finds love and acceptance in this new place–a place where Aven finds the courage to love again and the strength to forgive. The characters are well-defined, well rounded with attributes and flaws and depicted with deep-set emotions as they learn to cope with the struggles that come their way in the story. The author expertly deals with several very real and gritty subjects, alcoholism, abuse, jealousy, The Klan, and the communication difficulties of a deaf-mute and his family. The descriptive writing style, original use of language and imagery vividly paint a realistic portrait of life in the mountains of Virginia in the 1890s. Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a story that, although it comes to a satisfactory ending, sadly does end. I am hopeful there is more to come in the story of the Norgaard family as they trust God to provide and to heal.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
Sons of Blackbird Mountain took me back to 1890 in the beautiful mountains of Virginia where families are struggling and feuding over the freedom of slaves along with making their own brew that was destroying lives. The Norgaard brothers welcome their deceased cousin’s wife from Norway to their home, only young Aven was disappointed that Dorothea wasn’t still living. The plot for this historical fiction is intense with descriptive vivid scenes of the interaction between characters and Thor overcoming his alcoholism had more scenes than I thought necessary. The rivalry between the two youngest brothers, Thor and Haakon, to win Aven’s heart had moments of tenderness along with inappropriate behavior by Haakon at times since Thor was unable to verbalize his thoughts as easily. However, Bischof’s research on signing and how Thor dealt with his emotions and actions gave a clearer understanding what was he thought and understood about his past and present. This is one tale that had multiple twists and turns filled with hard work, knitted family units, jealousy, redemption and characters finding a new beginning and romance. Aven’s faith and ways to assist the family with what to do with their apple orchards added sweetness to the story. This is the first book I’ve read by Joanne Bischof; however, it will not be the last one.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author for her Celebrate Lit Bloggers tour. I was not required to write a positive review but have expressed my sincere thoughts.
This beautiful book cover hides a story within its pages that is even more exquisite than the artwork. The author’s writing style drew me in from the very first paragraph and I was transported back in time to watch this heartachingly tender story unfold.
These characters were absolutely captivating. From the first time Aven met the Norgaard brothers and uncertainty ruled her thoughts, to the sarcastic quips that Haakon threw into conversations, to the emotions and connection that begin to build between Aven and Thor, I was caught up in this family’s story and did not want to stop reading.
I loved that the main character, Thor, was deaf. Aven and Thor’s story was even more meaningful to me as I watched both of them work to overcome the barrier between them. The author tackled some weighty subjects in Sons of Blackbird Mountain and she did so with grace and a realistic touch.
I loved this story from start to finish and eagerly await the second book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Sons of Blackbird Mountain is one of those books a reader wants to take their time reading. I wanted to savor every word, so much so, that I had to read it twice. Joanne Bischof is the master at capturing emotions within a story. She, also, perfectly describes the area where the book is based. I loved Aven, but my favorite character would have to be, without a doubt, Thor. I love him!
I give Sons of Blackbird Mountain a well deserved five plus stars. I can not wait to read the next book in the Blackbird Mountain series.
Highly recommended!
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
This deeply poignant story is sure to touch your heart. The characters lingered in my thoughts days after I finished reading the story. Every page is filled with emotion and lyrical phrasing that is sure to draw you in and take hold of your imagination and senses.
These characters are intense and multifaceted. They easily found their way into my heart. The story deals with very difficult situations, and addictions. It isn’t always easy to have a front-row seat and to watch characters that you have grown to care about going through difficult times. However, life is just like that. People you care about go through difficult times, and make choices that you may not always agree with. In the end, it is more important that we walk along-side, offer support, and point them to Jesus. He is the only one who can direct their path and give them true peace.
This is a beautiful story of grace, healing, and forgiveness. I wasn’t ready for the end of the story to arrive and I eagerly look forward to the next story in the Blackbird Mountain series.
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Be still my heart! What a truly magnificent read—so poignant and captivating! I just finished this book, and I’m having a hard time trying to put my feelings into words. I spent the last part of the book alternating between wanting to know the ending and not wanting it to end. Now I’m anxiously awaiting the next story in the series!
Joanne Bischof has a special gift for creating unique settings and intriguing storylines. She also excels in making multi-layered and complex, yet realistic, characters come alive on the page and endear themselves to the reader. Aven, the heroine of Sons of Blackbird Mountain, fascinated me from the start, as did Thor with his disabilities and endearing personality. The relationships between Thor and his brothers were intriguing and sometimes intense, and Bischof masterfully portrays them in a way that shows why they interact the way they do. The secondary characters were also vividly drawn and added much to the story.
Some hard topics are tackled in this book—alcoholism, deafness, family relationships, and more, but the author does a superb job with them. Messages of hope, redemption, forgiveness, and love of family are woven through the story, and add to the beauty of it.
If you haven’t read any of Joanne Bischof’s books yet, do yourself a favor and grab this one. You won’t be disappointed. It’s one for the keeper shelf, and I’m sure it will be one of my favorite reads of the year.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher/NetGalley. I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and all opinions are my own.
This lyrical tale will resonate with its readers long after the last page has been read. It is a story that is timeless, that of broken people struggling to find healing in their relationships with family and in love. Ms. Bischof is a master storyteller, crafting characters that seemed real. Telling their poignant story in a way that made my heart ache as if they were members of my own family. Bischof gives us memorable characters who are flawed, yet willing to sacrifice for those they love in this story of grace and redemption. This is also a tender love story, told through the unique voice of a deaf man. While this can be read as a stand-alone, I eagerly await the second book in the series hoping to revisit these characters once again.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
‘She didn’t know what to make of all this, but it landed in her heart in that lonesome place called bitter and sweet.’
How is it possible to craft a review worth of a Joanne Bischof novel? In many ways a hard task, in others, easy. When I discovered her with her very first book, I knew this was an experience I always wanted to take part in. Joanne Bischof writes books that are definitely for the keeper shelf, books that should be read over and over again. This one is no exception. They are worthy of far more than the allowable 5 stars.
The blurb on the back of the book states: ‘a tale of Family, Brotherhood and the Healing Power of Love’. Tis true. Aven Norgaard’s husband dies a tragic death in Norway and she leaves her home to come to America to her husband’s cousins’ home, believing them to be young boys in need of a tender. She discovers them to be all grown, however, and wonders why she is here and what she should do no that she has this information. Living in nineteenth-century Appalachia on a 300 acre apple farm with three brothers who brew hard cider for a living is an experience Aven has not ever thought would be hers. Aven is further discouraged by the fact that the two younger brothers both admire her and she is definitely caught in the middle, unsure of herself. Haakon, the youngest, is quite bold in his admiration. The middle brother, Thor, is the one who Aven thinks on most. Thor is deaf and mute and very dependent on the hard cider he brews to cope with his life. Thor is a strong man, though, and determined to give it up.
There exists a rift between Haakon and Thor as the fall ushers in the apple harvest. Will Aven find a tender spot in this precious family without heartache that drives two brothers apart? Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a tale of grace, love and redemption, a tale of God’s goodness in the land of the living.
Joanne Bischof has always stood apart as a teller of tales that include great depth of heart. That is my opinion. I long for each book she writes and when I finish, I wish I hadn’t so I could linger longer. Normally, when I finish a book, I start another soon. With a Bischof book, I find myself thinking of these characters and it’s virtually impossible to pick up another book because I just need to stay with these folks a while.
Bischof is so very good at descriptions of all her scenes, and we learn a lot about apples, cider making and life on this farm. Small details are given time here and the reader is richer for it. She manages to delve into her characters’ hearts to such a degree that it is absolutely astounding! We feel as if we are part of their very hearts ourselves! Thor and Aven in particular moved me so much. Even the secondary characters have great place. I wept at times Bischof is so good at what she does! She is described as ‘writing deeply layered fiction that tugs at the heartstrings.’ I wholeheartedly agree! In every aspect, Bischof is a powerful voice in Christian fiction. Her fiction does indeed have many layers. I just want to turn around and read this book all over again. I highly recommend this book!
*My thanks to the publishers, Thomas Nelson, for an early copy of this book. A positive review was not required and the opinions stated here are entirely my own.
This was my first book by Joanne Bischof. I had heard great things about her books, so I decided to give it try. I am so glad that I did! This book had all the feelings! I loved the way she captured Thor’s personality even though he couldn’t talk. She dealt with the issue of alcoholism and did not sugar coat it. That part was a hard read, but a good read. His family and friends stuck by him through that whole ordeal. The relationship between Thor and Aven was paced very well and I loved their interaction and chemistry together. If I had a negative, it would probably be that the alcoholism section of the book seemed to drag on for quite a while, but I am sure it was a very accurate portrayal. I will definitely be checking out other books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Sons of Blackbird Mountain is the first book in an exciting new inspirational series by talented author Joanne Bischof. First off I was captivated from the first page, reading in two days. So my first recommendation is don’t start reading this book unless you have the free time to finish it; it’s that amazing! Joanne Bischof pens a unique story about three bachelor brothers who live in the mountains of Virginia in 1890. This novel’s focus is on the middle brother Thor, who is deaf and mute, communicating through Sign Language and the writing. Also central to the story is Aven, an Irish widow, who comes to Blackbird Mountain to care for the brothers as their housekeeper, thinking they are much younger. In writing this story the author portrays an honest and realistic glimpse into the post civil war struggles and into the world of a man, surrounded by silence, aching to b e understood. The way Thor communicated with Aven was so romantic and thoughtful, highlighting the power of body language, facial expressions, gestures, and the eyes. If I could give this book more stars I would!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. The opinions I expressed in this review our my own