This is the first book I have read by Joanne Bischof, and it is an amazing book! Before I even get to the end of my review, I already have to say that I recommend reading this story. The characters are so complex and interesting, and the storyline is entrancing. It was very difficult to put this book down, because I wanted to know what happened next in each character’s journey, which of course was a constant surprise. This book is filled with joy, pain, sorrow, love, hate, and growth—making it an adventure equal to life, yet still takes the reader to another place and time.

Aven Norgaard makes the journey across the Atlantic from Norway to Virginia. Her husband is gone, and she hopes to find a new home in the welcoming arms of his family in America. Yet she truly does not know what she will find there, and indeed, what she discovers is quite different from what she expected. Upon entering the homestead, more sorrow hits her, and she must learn to cope with more changes in her life. Why must grief always be a part of her journey? After being introduced to her husband’s brothers, Aven sets out to find her place. What must she do now? And does she have the strength to find it?

Thor Norgaard is quite different from the rest of his brothers, but that is what makes him unique. He might communicate differently, but he feels and understands the same as anyone else would. He has dealt with pain, love, and loss throughout his life, yet he has had to deal with it silently. Will anyone ever really hear him or understand the difficulties he faces? There are so many challenges he must conquer, yet shame and regret fill his days. He hates some of the things he has done, and he hopes that one day he will be able to make things right.

The other brothers and individuals in this book are so well written that the reader will come to understand the issues they face, and what it must have been like to live in the hills of Virginia in the late 1800’s. As some characters try to move forward, certain characters cannot seem to forget the past, which causes strife in the county. Will these people find a way to make life work after a war that has left them broken? And will others be able to ask for forgiveness? Can there really be peace between those who have been hurt beyond measure?

If you love adventure and stories that showcase history in a relatable way, then you will love this book. And if you have read this story, let me know in the comments below. Happy reading!

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to TLC Book Tours for my copy.

One of the main reasons that I decided to review this book was that it sounded different. Set in the Appalachian Mountains with a family just arrived from Norway.

From the description of the book, it was clear that this was going to be a book with some historical romance but with some strong Christian themes as well. I am not put off by Christian fiction as long as it doesn’t get preachy.

Over the years I’ve been really lucky with the Christian fiction books that I’ve read and they haven’t been too heavy handed. I am not familiar with this author so I felt like I was kind of taking a chance on this one, but the description of the book sounded too good to pass up.

I was intrigued by the summery of this book because the main character, Thor, sounds not only physically flawed, but emotionally flawed as well. I was eager to see his transformation and how this story was going to resolve.

Thor Norgaard hasn’t spoken to anyone in his twenty-eight years, but when the young widow he loves crosses an ocean to live on his Appalachian farm, this reclusive alcoholic will brave much more than words to heal her heart.

When Aven Norgaard leaves Norway to serve as housekeeper to her late husband’s cousins in Appalachia, she expects lads in need of care, not three grown men—each in need of a wife and bound by a powerful brotherhood. As the men carve out a living by brewing artisan liquor, young Haakon’s pursuit tempts Aven’s lonely spirit . . . but it is his deaf brother, Thor, whose silent strength shows her the depths of real love.

Unable to speak to any woman, Thor Norgaard never anticipates Aven will befriend him, let alone treat him as her safe harbor. Though hard cider is their livelihood and his greatest talent, he fights his way to sobriety with Haakon’s help, defying the bottle for Aven’s hand—only to face a battle of the heart that tests even the strongest bonds of brotherhood (summary from Goodreads).

This book was exceptionally well done. Making the main character, Thor, both deaf and an alcoholic made his character extremely complex and challenging to write. The author does an excellent job at making Thor both complex and sympathetic. The reader doesn’t necessarily feel sorry for him, but feels more that there is hope inside him. The complexity of the main characters totally kept me reading. Once I started, it was hard to put this book down.

I was impressed by the lyrical nature of the authors prose. It was captivating and elegant, I absolutely loved reading some of the passages in this book. The descriptions, romance and complex characters won me over wholeheartedly.

This book does have strong themes of redemption and faith as once would expect from Christian fiction, but I personally didn’t think it was preachy or too over the top for the casual Christian fiction reader like me.

This book took me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. It was a book that tackled difficult issues such as alcoholism and yet as this book took shape, the beauty of the romance shined through the difficult content. It was and exceptional book to read and I would highly recommend it. I am curious now about the other books by this author! I also see that this is the first in a series and I can’t wait to read more with these characters!

Challenge/Book Summary:

Book: Sons of Blackbird Mountain (Blackbird Mountain #1) by Joanne Bischof

Kindle Edition, 352 pages
Published July 3rd 2018 by Thomas Nelson (first published July 2018)
ASIN B077CS7X8G
Review copy provided by: Author/Publisher in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
Recommendation: 5 out of 5
Genre: Historic fiction, romance, Christian fiction
Memorable lines/quotes:

I thought this book was pretty good. I had a hard time getting into the story at the beginning but found myself wanting to know what happend. The characters Avon, Thor and Haakon were well written and full of depth. I really liked the message of hope, forgiveness and second chances. Joanne Bischof weaves these valuable truths throughout her story. I believe that the reader can learn valuable truths from the characters in this book.

I recommend this book to my family and friends.

I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest review.

This book ended way too soon, but I am very happy to know there will be a book #2!! Joanne Bischof has such a talent for telling stories and inviting the reader into these characters' lives.

A surprisingly well done story with interesting characters and an interesting and well done story. It's definitely a book I liked more than I thought that I would.

Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischoff is an enchanting story about 3 very different brothers. I completely agree with other reviewers that Thor steals the show with his quiet yet commanding manner. This is a story about redemption and unexpected love. I love the way the author brings this time period to life and shows what it means to be a gentleman. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves historical fiction. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I was immediately drawn to the description of this book. A historical romance with strong themes of faith and forgiveness, the story centers on Aden, a young widow recently arrived from Norway, and Thor, the middle of the Norgaard brothers, apple farmers who make a very healthy living selling hard cider and wine. Set adrift and unsure where she belongs in the world, Aden begins to find a semblance of home on the mountain and finds her heart opening to Thor, but Thor's drinking brings up painful reminders of her marriage. While outwardly the brothers seem to have it all, old hurts and tensions run between them, particularly with the youngest, Haakon, and run-ins with their bitter neighbors and the Ku Klux Klan bring the threat of real danger.

From the very beginning I was drawn to the characters and their farm in southwest Virginia, but there is one in particular who captured my heart. Ah, Thor. A deep soul who often finds himself frustrated by the inability of others to understand him, with emotions so big and uninhibited that they can come out rather intensely. Numbing his pain and resentment with alcohol from the moment he wakes up every day. Never daring to hope that a woman would come along with the desire to see past his deafness, to make an effort to understand him and get to know him, to fall in love with him, to want to spend her life with him. Until Aden comes along, and what follows is a tender, emotional, angst-filled tale of love and overcoming addiction that really pulls at the heartstrings.

However, I ended up with mixed feelings about this book. I was absolutely in love with the love story and couldn't wait to see how it would play out, but I found the story often got bogged down by tedious details and description. Of course details and descriptions are vital in bringing the past to life, but it's easy to give too much and throw off the rhythm of the story, slow it down unnecessarily. And so I ended up skimming a bit. I also thought it had too many plot threads going on to do full justice to any of them. After finishing, I learned that this is first in a series and the author needed to set up several threads that will run through all of the books, but I still feel like these were complex themes--alcoholism, racism, superstition, grief, post-war hostility--that seemed sort of glossed over or rushed. And finally, Haakon sort of pulled a 180 and did some crazy things at the end that seemed to come out of nowhere. Turns out that was all a setup for the next book, but it just felt tacked on and contrived. I haven't decided yet if I'll read the next book because I don't really want to read about Haakon, but I probably will because, well . . .Thor.

If you're looking for something different in historical romance, this should definitely be on your radar. And it is a wonderful love story. Just be prepared for all of the other stuff that gets in the way.

An achingly beautiful and bittersweet tale of love, loss, addiction, and family, set in the heart of Appalachia.



Young widow Aven Norgaard leaves Norway to live in the Appalachian Mountains with her late husband's kin, helping to care for his cousins. But when she arrives she is surprised to find that the kin in question are not young boys in need of mothering, but strong and strapping men who make and market the finest hard apple cider around.



The brothers are different as can be, but they share a special bond forged by long hours working side by side to make their cidery a success. Aven finds herself drawn to the strong yet silent and deaf Thor, who finds much of his identity in working his craft, but also fights the demons in the bottle that make up his family's livelihood.



Mountain life is far from easy, with feuds and addictions that run deep, can love have a chance to grow?



This is a highly anticipated read for me. I was so excited to read this book as I have vastly enjoyed previous books by Joanne Bischof, and this one did not disappoint. Once you read this book you will be aching to read the next book, as it seems to end with a perfect transition into the next chapter of the family saga. I loved how Ms. Bischof dealt with the different facets of the various relationships between the characters and their varying level of communication with each other, showing the brothers's second nature ease with sign and reading each other's emotions, versus with Aven and the barriers that she faces coming to live with the close knit brothers.



The brothers' livelihood is hard cider, and though Thor lives in a silent world it is the cider that is his prison. I liked how Ms. Bischof did an excellent job portraying the dichotomy of the struggles at war within Thor, with layers of complexity that make this book sing a heartbroken yet hopeful mountain melody. A stunningly heartfelt read that speaks most in the quiet moments, with characters that will capture your heart and not let go even after the last page is turned down.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

I was a bit hesitant due to the 'religious historical fiction' as I have read a few that were just too much in terms of religion and not enough historical fiction for my preferences.

This book did not join those few. I am so glad I took a chance. It tackles immigration, alcoholism, family struggles, and so much more. I was rooting for Aven from the beginning and loved how Joanne Bischof introduced the three brothers who would form so much of who Aven became. Thor, Haakon and Jorgan have already been through so much and now a strange woman comes from Norway and shakes up their world. Thor is deaf and to say much more would almost spoil it for the reader. Just read it!! The characters grew as the book developed. Nothing felt rushed or trite or forced.
I am ready for the next book in the series!

#SonsOfBlackbirdMountain #NetGalley

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.

Such a great book. Loved it. This was my first book by this author. I will be looking for other books by this author. The way she writes is incredible. This is such a beautiful historical novel. I couldn’t put it down.
Wow
What a story.....

This is Bischof's best work, by far. My review can't do this beautiful book justice, but I'll do my best.

The characters. Just wow. Somehow, Bischof creates such amazing, multi-faceted, realistic characters, and has you in love with them before you even reach the end of chapter two. I loved the female MC, Aven. Her sweet spirit, compassion, kindness, and gentle heart were inspiring, and her struggles were so relatable and realistic. Thor, the male MC, is a bit rough-and-tumble but has such a sweet heart. Being deaf, he struggles to express his true self, but when he does, it's the sweetest thing. I also loved the background characters of Jorgen, Ida, Cora, and even Haakon (at times). I loved Jorgen so much, I almost wish he could have his own book . . . or at least a novella, maybe. Words cannot express just how much I absolutely adored all these characters.

The story, while not action-packed, is gripping nonetheless and definitely emotion-packed. My goodness. So many emotions . . . I particularly appreciated the brother relationships; having six brothers, I can attest to the accuracy of the characters' interactions. The brother-sister relationship between Aven and Jorgen was also adorable.
The portrayal of deaf life and sign language was very unique and fascinating. The subject of alcoholism is a tough subject to tackle, but Bischof did it with great grace and raw honesty. Also, the representation of the racial issues of the time, including the Ku Klux Klan, was very interesting and accurate.
I was wary at first of the romance because of the hinted love triangle, but it ended up being very sweet.

Joanne Bischof's writing style is as beautiful and poetic as ever. Her descriptions and dialogue are always on point. The bit of humor thrown in on occasion helped to keep things lighter without detracting from the seriousness of the story. I loved the redemption and faith elements; they were so beyond beautiful and inspiring.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed Sons of Blackbird Mountain, and highly recommend it to lovers of historical fiction! Definitely up there in my top 5 favorite 2018 releases. If you haven't read it yet, you must find yourself a copy and do so!

CONTENT NOTE: Recommended for ages 16+ due to mature elements. [Alcoholism and addictions play a large part in the story, particularly in the first half. Also, as mentioned, racial issues and issues with the Ku Klux Klan. A few semi-passionate kisses, and vague mentions of intimacy\sleeping together between a husband and wife. There is also an attempted rape, but nothing happens beyond being roughed up.}

I know that when I pick up a book by Joanne Bischof, to expect something different.
This one did surprise me a little still. I loved the fact that one of the main characters was deaf. I felt for him with his struggles through the book.
The food descriptions will make you crave the recipes and send up signals begging for biscuits, apple butter and berry pies. But overall, this book, like this authors others, don't expect everything to be cut, dry and over the top romantic. The characters have pain, struggle in their relationships and have to seek to get through hard trials.
Romantic? Yes, I guess you could say there are romantic moments in the story, but it is not the main focus.
This book touches on some of the social injustices of the time period as well. It is well written and one that will leave you thinking!

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.

Another great read by Joanne! This book is about 3 brothers and their cousin’s widow who comes to live with them in Virginia. The middle brother Thor is a Deaf man (the male lead) which is something rare in fiction books. It’s makes the book more interesting in my opinion. I like that Joanne tackled this. Anyways, Thor was a great character. A gentle giant. Despite, he was an alcoholic for years to beat his demons of being deaf. His ride to beating his addiction was interesting to see. His relationship with his cousin’s widow Aven was really sweet. Aven was also another strong character. One of the better female leads in Christian fiction. Jorgan is the oldest brother and another great character. I love how he looks out for his family and made Aven feel welcomed at home. Haakon is the youngest brother and probably the the most broken next to Thor. Joanne included a love triangle which I really wish didn’t happened. I’m not the biggest fan of it generally. I didn’t like what Hakoon did to Aven later in the book to express his feelings toward her. It made him unredeemable. But finishing the rest of the book proves there’s still hope for him. The last chapter before the epilogue is a good setup to the next book in the series, which will focus more on him.

The KKK aspect of this book, which was kinda short lived, was interesting.

The secondary characters (Ida & her family) were great characters. They were like family to the Noorgards.

The epilogue was bittersweet. Aven’s thoughts at the end were very poignant. Can’t wait for book #2!

Sons Of Blackbird Mountain is a wonderfully masterful piece of work. Ms. Bischof really knows how to spin a yarn. The story is one of brotherhood - one situation I am fully aware of because I have many of them myself and the bond of brotherhood is for real ya'll. This is a gratifying story to read - which one of thee three brothers will win the heart of Aven? You have one brother who is very special in every way and then you have the other brother who has a special impediment - even with that - he is still after her heart as well. Which one wins out? Why does he win out? This story is so romantic and lovely - and heart warming and tender. You will not be sorry for falling for the characters as much as I did. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.

Aven arrives in Kentucky due to a letter and invitation from her deceased husband's aunt. When she arrives to the homestead, to take care of the "boys", she finds that the aunt has passed away and the boys are all adults! Perplexed and unsure of her next move, Aven tries to quietly settle into the rhythm of the household. The family business of hard cider doesn't set well with her, though.

The lead male, Thor, is mute but well-taught in lipreading and sign language. Luckily the rest of the household can also do sign language, so Thor is fully integrated.

The younger two brothers are both taken with the widowed Aven, to the dismay of one another.

Sons of Blackbird Mountain
A Novel
by Joanne Bischof
Thomas Nelson--FICTION

Thomas Nelson
Christian , Historical Fiction
Pub Date 03 Jul 2018



I am reviewing a copy of Sons of Blackbord Mountain through Thomas Nelson and Netgalley:


Aven Noggard is called to give up the life she and her husband built for themselves in Norway, in order to become a housekeeper in the rugged hills of nineteenth century Appalachia after her husband does. She finds herself at the home of her late husbands cousins three brothers, who's earnings come from making hard cider on their three hundred acre farm. Aven is determined to build a new life in this tight nit family.



Her unassuming beauty disrupts the bond between these brothers though, with the younger two both wanting her hand in marriage, Aven finds herself caught in the middle, not sure which brother if either one to show her affection too. Haakon is both bold and passionate but it is Thor who has a spell on her, despite being a deaf mute who depends on hard drink to silence his pain. It is Thor that she sees possess a sobering strength.

Autumn soon ushers in the apple harvest, the rift between Aakon and Thor grows deeper. Aven finds herself having to choose whose heart to risk. Will the two brothers be torn apart by having to fight for Aven’s affection?


I give Sons of Blackbird Mountain five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I fell in love with Joanne Bischof’s writing when I read her book, The Lady and the Lionheart, and was greatly anticipating this new release. She possesses such a wonderful ability to craft characters with depth and emotion that reaches across the pages and touches the reader’s soul. I loved the deaf and mute Thor and appreciated the insight this author gave into his struggles. The author’s writing style allows the reader to be transported to a different time and world. The spiritual themes are woven seamlessly. I greatly enjoyed this novel and truly cannot say enough good things about it. I cannot wait for the next one in the series!

I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

We get a taste of the Norwegian culture in this novel, which was a great spin on a novel set in eighteenth century America. I loved the element of Thor being a deaf mute, especially when he tries to overcome for Aven. And I love that he has to watch her mouth when she speaks in order to communicate with her. A wonderful element in this romance. The symbolism of Aven focusing on really “hearing” and truly seeing him was beautiful.

As with Joanne’s previous novels, her prose is a highlight of her writing. I loved Thor’s heart and his relationship with his brothers. They looked out for him, even though their relationships were complicated. Joanne offers us layered characters and a layered story world.

Their lives are complicated by alcoholism and the violence of racism. The author doesn’t pull back on these tough topics, and we respect her for it.

The story sweeps you up, and you care for these characters. Joanne’s attention to the detail of this deaf character was well done. She offers concepts for us to consider: like Thor being unaware of how loud his movements are. And she shows his other heightened senses in perfect ways.

A great book! I hope there are more novels to come in this series.

Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.