Always a fan of Bischof's historical fiction. This book was beautifully written and so deeply inspiring! Five stars!

If you are looking for a great book to read on a lazy weekend, this is it! I was sucked in and could not put it down. It was absolutely breathtaking!

Well worth the read, and one that will stay with you for a long time!

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

After Aven Norgaard's husband dies, she accepts a request from one of his family members to move from Norway to nineteenth century Appalachia to take care of his 3 cousins, brothers who earn a living by brewing hard cider. When the younger two brothers both fall for Aven, it creates a rift in the family, and she is torn between young, strong Haakon and Thor, who is deaf, mute, and addicted to the alcohol who brews, yet to whom she feels strangely drawn.

Sadly, this story was just OK for me. I did appreciate having a key character who was deaf and seeing how he coped with that. However, most of the characters seemed flat, including Aven. This is the first book in a series, and maybe they will be fleshed out better in the remaining books. I felt that this story didn't really seem to fit well in the time period it was supposed to take place, other than a few references. I don't think I will be continuing this series.

I originally did not provide feedback for this book because it did not meet my standards and expectations. This was not the type of story that I thought I would enjoy. The first chapter was very hard for me to get into and bored me.

Aven was born in Ireland, married from the workhouse, widowed in Norway, and has now arrived in Blackbird Mountain, Virginia, to the only family she has left—even though it’s a distant link. She to find Aunt Dorothe is dead and “the boys”—Dorothea’s beloved nephews—are full grown men. Jorgan, the oldest, is betrothed. Thor, the middle brother, is Deaf. And Haakon, the youngest is full of fun. These are the three Sons of Blackbird Mountain.

The brothers invite Aven to stay—although she doesn’t have many options. She wonders if she’s made the right decision after the family receives a late-night visit from the neighbours. It appears the Klan don’t like Thor’s habit of hiring Negroes, even if they are the hardest workers. Despite the neighbours, Aven is becoming attached to the family, and especially to Thor.

One of the most interesting aspects of Sons of Blackbird Mountain was the character of Thor. Thor has been Deaf since birth. He reads lips, and communicates through American Sign Language (ASL), and through writing notes. It’s fascinating to read this insight into Deaf life and culture in a time gone by. Thor is interesting for another reason: he’s in charge of the family cidery, brewing beverages that keep the family in fine style.

And he’s an alcoholic. That’s an issue for Aven, because her late husband was an alcoholic, and it killed him. She’s initially afraid of Thor, but soon learns to trust him. But not completely. Not while he’s dependent on alcohol.

So Sons of Blackbird Mountain has plenty of conflict, and plenty of issues for the characters to deal with. It’s a gripping read with fascinating and original characters, and plenty of emotion. The writing is strong, although Bischof does have this weird habit of using odd sentence fragments—something I love in contemporary fiction, but which feels out of place in a historical novel. But that’s a minor niggle in an otherwise strong novel.

Overall, I recommend Sons of Blackbird Mountain for historical fiction lovers, especially those who like reading about small mountain communities.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

When her husband dies, Aven Norgaard has nowhere to go, until his aunt beckons to join their household in America. Norway has nothing for her, and apparently there are three "boys" who need a caregiver in America, so Aven takes a chance and boards a ship for a new life. Arriving on Blackbird Mountain, Aven is stunned to realize that the "boys" she is supposed to take care of are full-grown men who have been taking care of themselves since their aunt's death a few months prior. Can she make a place for herself in their home, or will she be forced to look farther afield to support herself?

Thor Norgaard has lived in a silent world all his life. Deaf and essentially mute, he interacts through sign, and mostly only with family. His work in the family's apple orchards supports his family, but it also has him enslaved to the liquor he sells. When Aven arrives, he realizes that he has dreamed of her for years, ever since they received his cousin Benn's wedding picture. Could she ever care for a man who struggles to communicate, and who has the same addiction that killed her husband?

Haakon Norgaard as the youngest brother, knows that his brother Thor doesn't really like him much. His birth caused the death of their mother, and Thor has never forgiven him for that. He lives his life a bit on the wild side, doing pretty much as he pleases, until he sees Aven. Her beauty entrances him, and her kindness makes him want to be better. When she appears to want to be with Thor instead, Haakon's jealousy drives him to one last desperate attempt to make her see him. Will his actions separate him permanently from his family, instead of giving him the one thing he really wants?

Wow, this story packs a major punch! Told through the eyes of each of the characters, Sons of Blackbird Mountain gives a glimpse of what it might have been like to be deaf - both as a child and as an adult - before American Sign Language became the norm. Thor is both deaf and alcoholic, one almost certainly caused by the other as he drinks to deaden the pain of his many losses. Aven's presence gives him good reason to stop drinking, and his older brother supports him completely, while his younger brother tolerates the change. I was heart-broken for the young Thor who lost his mother as a child, and took out his anger on the baby brother who was left behind. The most poignant scene, I felt, was when Thor remembered signing "I hate you" to Haakon as a baby, and then being shown the sign by Haakon as a 7-year-old, and asked what it meant. I cried for the two brothers, and their broken relationship.

Set in Appalachia, readers who love historical romance should definitely pick this one up. I personally waited WAY too long to read it but once I started it, I could not put it down. I would give it seven or eight stars if that was possible, but since it isn't, it gets a 5-star review.

This was my first Joanne Bischof novel and I cannot wait to read more by this author. This book was so, so, so good! I loved all of the character and it's 100% worth a read.

It was an ok book. It wasn't really my thing. The one thing that I really like is that diversity in the book specifically deafness.

Wow this was such a beautiful story! Joanne Bischof has a way with words that pours emotion into them. I could feel what the characters were feeling. Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a very deep book and I could tell that Joanne put her heart into it. I loved that it featured a deaf hero and Aven was very sweet. As a matter of fact I liked pretty much all of the characters. I enjoyed the history and felt the author did a good job researching. A couple of things kept me from giving it 5 starts thought. First, the sentence structure was off in some places and that took me out of the story. Also, sometimes it was hard to get into the story because, to me, it felt like I was being told things instead of shown them. I'll add that there were two uses of the word "hell" not in reference to the place that I found surprising in a christian book. Lastly, but no less important, I felt there was a spiritual thread, but it wasn't as strong as it could have been in some places especially in Thor's fight against alcohol. He really struggled against his addiction and it would have been a good opportunity to show him relying on God, but I didn't see that. The spiritual thread was there, but I felt it could have been stronger. All that being said I still really liked this book and I cannot wait till the next one comes out! CAN NOT WAIT!!! I'm hoping for a happy ending for all of the characters.

"Spend but ten minutes gettin' to know Thor Norgaard and you'll forget he silent. You'll learn and hear things that most men don't even know how to speak."

Have you ever read a story that emanates a quiet strength from the very words you read? Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof has the very quality to touch you from the very first pages and hold on until the very last.

Filled with intensity in plot and characters, Sons of Blackbird Mountain brings to light so many levels of development for our multi-faceted characters. There's so much one can't seem to grasp in life, but the loyalty of family, the brewing of love and the beauty of inner strength manifest in this poignant novel. The language is beautiful, the writing, well crafted and the various message and trigger points throughout aches our very hearts. The characters, especially our gentle giant, Thor will grasp our hearts long after we close the book.

"She'd always heard him . . . because she knew how to listen."

In all, Sons of Blackbird Mountain's potency is not to be taken lightly. Be prepared to love, to grieve, but also to smile at the allure of the unspoken yet visible word.


"Tempest would still come and the waters would not always be calm, but she was beholden to this place - where body and heart knew the love. . .so sure and so strong that even the coming winds of winter seemed to fall at bay."


Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

The setting for Sons of Blackbird Mountain is Appalachia approximately 30 years after the Civil war. The South is still reeling financially from the fallout the loss of the conflict brought upon them. The male characters are a trio of Norwegian brothers: the Norgaards, with Thor and Haakon taking central roles. Thor is a physical bear of a man, both deaf and mute but with a compelling quiet inward strength about him. Haakon, like a typical youngest sibling, is unruly, loud and somewhat selfish.

The central female character is Aven Norgaard, a pretty young widow, who had been married to the brothers' cousin in Norway. Although originally from Ireland, she travels to the US under the guise of coming to care for the brothers whom she understands to be children.

The brothers are farmers with a large apple orchard from which they make a very pleasing whiskey. It is a good living for them; however, it also fuels Thor's severe dependence on hard drink.

Upon Aven's arrival, Thor and Haakon both vie for her affections, and it begins to destroy the peace between them. Although drawn to both brothers it is Thor to whom she is most attracted. Troubles abound for this family both from within the walls of their home and from a long-standing feud with hateful and violent neighbors who belong to the Klu Klux Klan.

I loved Civil War novels and enjoyed reading about the ongoing hostilities that still existed so many years following the war. I was very interested in learning about how the deaf were treated and schooled in this era. Aven and Thor's love story is tender and deeply touching. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and am grateful to Netgalley for the ARC they provided me, for this is my honest review.

The Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof was a great read. I enjoyed that it had the thread of Norwegian life and the coming to America stitched through it. This girl comes to her late husband’s family of brothers to be their housekeeper and a couple of the brothers are swept up in their feelings for her. One of the brothers has a hearing loss and the story is developed about how that affected his everyday life. Sign language was a needed source for him to be able to communicate. I also found the struggle to rid themselves of self-help and the breaking of bad habits to be stirring.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


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I fell in love.
Thor is a big Norwegian sweetheart and stole my heart right away. He is deaf, so things are different for him, and the author tells the story with that perspective and reality. The other two brothers are sweet too, but all three are pretty rough around the edges. Aven, an Irish girl, is widowed by one of their cousins and comes to them at the request of their Aunt. There are many misunderstandings throughout the story, starting right from the beginning. I like the detail - they own a huge apple orchard with varieties I've never heard of but would now like to try. A complex story about discrimination, addiction and rehabilitation. Mystery, danger and lots of love.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Thomas Nelson--FICTION - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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.

Cue difficult review....may be some spoilers ahead...

As much as I wanted to enjoy this story, I never could connect with it. Aven was a great character, but I never really got to know her—and moreover I don’t think she knew herself. We know who she is in the moment, but we have no clue what her goals in life are or what her ultimate dreams are. It’s clear from the story that she doesn’t even know from one month to the next what she really is going to/hoping to do, other than her talent for baking. It’s evident that she falls for Thor, but she kisses Haakon too...I don’t understand her reasoning for kissing one guy while she is considering/drawn to two; it feels very modern and odd, in a time when kissing guys meant strong commitment or even engagement. It’s hard to express correctly, but I think the closest I can come is that Aven’s character is more <i>reactive</i> in that she is shaped by every circumstance and doesn’t have a lot of independent thoughts and goals—that her life is shaped more by undefined longings than by real solid dreams. Her journey from kissing one guy to marrying the other thus felt almost more like her becoming an attachment to someone who had a sense of direction than for her having actually discovered her own sense of direction.

Thor’s Deafness was an excellent portrayal, and I really enjoyed reading about his love for the apple orchards and his birthday

The drinking issue with Thor is portrayed very heavily and his drunkenness is a key part of the story. This part is all very realistic. However, I felt his recovery was not so realistic. The doctor’s attitude I could have excused for rural ignorance, but on top of that they say “oh, it all cooks out” about using the cider for baking (which it doesn’t, and which wasn’t even a concept back then; teetotalers of the day, according to books I’ve read from the 1880s, were against all forms of baked goods—breads and puddings and all—that had any sort of drink as an ingredient, because of “desensitizing folks to the flavor.”). Why not use applesauce or apple juice in the baked goods?

Writing style—Bischof uses a choppy, driven prose, and that’s hard for me sometimes because instead of using regular sentence fragments, often sentences are deliberately fragmented by putting a period right in the middle for no reason at all. Also, it doesn’t pair well with historic forms of expression; they definitely would not have talked in fragments to that extent, and it interrupted the historical feel of the conversation.

Setting—the apple farm itself was excellent. The scenery is rich and easy to see in the imagination. The historical setting, not so much. Seems to drift between Civil War era habits to twenties habits, so without a strong setting of history it felt fragmented. In one part it talks about the brothers’ father having fought in the war and makes it seem like they were boys, but I was thinking of it having been set in the 1890s, which would make them men in their fifties...and that was just one of my mental hiccups.

So ultimately the book bothered me more than it pleased me, despite some great moments.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free review copy. A favorable review was not required.

For ages, I’ve heard about how wonderful Joanne Bischof’s books are. Practically every time I turn around, someone is saying how amazing her writing is.

So, I dedided to find out for myself! Sons of Blackbird Mountain is the first book I have read by her, and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! It was sooooo good!

First of all, the Hero is Flawed! In more ways than one!! It was so refreshing to read! I know that probably sounds like a strange first point (and statement in general), but so many times, the hero is so....squeaky clean and pretty much flawless....but in this story it was different and I think that is so important! The hero had issues. Major problems that were incredibly difficult to overcome, but in the end they helped to add to the rich tapestry of love contained in this story.

I immediately fell in love with Thor. His quiet manner, and all the hurt and pain he carries around are deeply touching and it was incredible to be able to follow his struggles (as both a deaf man and a recovering alchoholic) and watch his fledgling faith begin to bud!

And Aven! (Can I just say I really like her name?!) She is an incredibly complex character whose background of hurt and hardship, instead of breaking her, help craft her into a strong, faith-filled woman.

I really enjoyed watching as the love story progressed. And they had to go through some tough things, so that made it even sweeter!

Haakon. He is so lost and broken and he has endured so much as well. He allows his brokenness to drive him to a terrible decision, but I don’t believe he is beyond redemption, and I’m hopeful, based on the last couple of chapters of the book, that we will see him again soon, and maybe we will get to see him change, learn, grow, and maybe get redeemed too.

I really liked the addition of the Sorrel dynamic, and it had a very real feel to it, seeing the South kind of coming to grips with a new way of life after the Civil War. There was so much hate and destruction during that time, and I liked how Joanne Bischof addressed it and showed the Norgaard’s reaching across the lines that separated them and trying to bring some peace and hope. I hope that as the series progresses, we will see even more of the healing and rebuilding taking place. Oh! I also really liked Peter and I’m hoping to see him again in a later book! (Maybe with his own story.....?)

Anyway, I’ve gone on too long about this book, but I just want you, Potential Reader, to know how fantastic this book truly is! Trust me, pick it up! I truly believe you won’t be disappointed! :-)


Note: There is a small bit of mature content in this book. It deals with alchoholism, the KKK, and an assault, but there is nothing graphic and it doesn’t go into a ton of detail.

Joanne Bischof's novels capture your attention from the cover, to the first page, straight through to the last page. Sons of Blackbird Mountain is no different. Aven's husband died and she goes to a far away place in nineteenth-century Appalachia to be with his cousins. The Norgaard brothers are tough, rugged, and open their hearts and home to her. One of the brothers is deaf and mute, and has a troubling past. Can love heal his pain and knit the family together, or pull it apart at the seams?

Sons of Blackbird Mountain will pull you in with the beauty and harshness of living in Appalachia. Aven must learn to trust the family she has come to live with. As she opens her heart to love will the family she's come to know fall apart?

If you enjoy historical romances, you will love this story!

I received a free copy from Net Galley in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

This book. I can't stop thinking about it. I haven't had a book hangover like this in a little while, so you know it took my breath away. First, kudos to the author for including a deaf hero. My daughter took ASL a couple of years ago, and would share what she'd learned in her class with my husband and I. She developed a real love for the language and would always look for deaf people when we were out and about. Imagine my surprise to see a deaf hero. My immediate reaction was, how in the world is the author going to pull this off? Sure, we'll be able to hear his thoughts, but the dialogue won't be the same. I was skeptical, wondering how an author (even as great as Joanne Bischof) could write this in a way that would connect me with the character. Let me just put your mind at ease right now. Not only did I easily connect with Thor, but I found myself feeling his frustrations, joys, understanding him when no one else could, and maybe developing a teeny tiny little itsy bitsy crush ;)

Dare I say that Joanne Bischof has outdone herself with this novel? I couldn't keep away from it. I wanted to jump inside my ipad and become a character in the story. When there was something wrong, I wanted to help. When Thor hit his breaking point, I wanted to comfort him. When Aven was cooking, I wanted to cook with her. The secondary characters also beckoned me to jump in. To be honest, they didn't really feel like secondary characters. It was just one big happy family that I wanted to be a part of.

Now, as much as I did love this book, I do have one minor complaint. The ending for one of the characters was a bit short in my opinion. I wanted more! Now, I know there is a sequel in the works, so I hope this character's story can be wrapped up in that. And by the way, I'm not sure I can wait that long to read it! But this is really my only complaint. My guess is that it was done on purpose for the sequel, but I just felt it was a little too open ended.

Back to the good stuff. I could probably talk your ear off for an entire day with all the good things this story has to offer. Aven is strong, endearing, loving, kind, and devoted. The way she handles herself around Thor is not only mesmerizing to read, but it is inspiring. She adapts to her role in this household very quickly, and I think she kept the three bother's on their toes every now and then. She showed grace when needed, but also knew how to let loose and have fun.

If ever there was a Joanne Bischof novel for you to read, this is the one. Jam packed with emotion, you will not want to put it down for even one second. It is all that and more! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

And here he stood, wondering why God had seen fit to bless a man such as him. One who had spent his life looking for a way out or a reason why. Always wondering and questioning why the Lord had picked him to live this silent life. The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

Breathe. How to put in words such a beautiful prose of redemption, love, faithfulness and community. Everything you ache for is expressed in this love story. It is not a love story between a man and woman but of God's faithfulness. The goodness of God expressed in faithfulness that is not forced but accepted.

Set after the civil war, Aven an Irish widow, who has set sail from Norway to Virginia. In correspondence with her husband Ben's aunt Dorthea who has urged Aven to come to Virginia to care for her young nephews. Aven is eager to start over. However, when she arrives, she is surprised that the young nephews are not young boys as Dorthea led her to believe but young men. Aven also discovers that Dorthea has died. Not knowing what to do and where to turn. The eldest of the nephews Jorgan encourages Aven to make her home with Jorgan and his two brothers. That she would be safe and they would support her with whatever she decides to do. To help them care for their orchard and land or find work elsewhere.

Aven is captured by her new family. Each of the characters are characterized by vulnerability and the hardness of life. Thor who is deaf and suffers in silent pain of alcoholism. Haakon the youngest brother who struggles with his own demons.

The two brothers Thor and Haakon fall in love with Aven and the tension becomes thick as the brothers struggle to make their feelings known. Aven has her own struggles as she finds the courage to love again.

There is tension thru out with contrasting characters and the struggles of love and to be heard. Thor being deaf was given great care in how he was expressed, how he was feeling from his fear to what he truly cared about. Contrasted with his brother, who lived in shame of his mother's death and not living up to expectations. Aven in the middle as she loved one as a brother and the other to what her soul needed. I absolutely loved this and I can't wait for the next one.

A Special Thank You to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

Oh my GOSH, this book! My great-grandparents immigrated to America from Norway, and our family is fiercely proud of our Norwegian blood and Viking heritage. So I immediately fell in love with the brothers in this book, their personalities, their struggles and the strength that courses through their blood. (I have so many family members named variations of Thor and Haakon, that I was drawn to them in particular, straight away.) The writing was impeccable, the plot incredible. I found myself so wrapped up in the story and the characters that coming back to reality was no easy task. Long after I turned the last page, these characters stayed with me. I literally cannot wait for the sequel, and hope to own more books by this wonderful author.