Ever since I read, The Lady and the Lionheart I have been a huge fan of Joanne Bischof's work.

I can't tell you how excited I am to know we are getting more from her! And The Sons of Blackbird Mountain is book 1 of this loveliness!

THANK YOU, Joanne, for being brave enough to explore flawed characters. #Thorforever

I seriously loved this book and I look forward to getting to know the rest of the brothers more over the series. I could not put this one down and I am having a really hard time articulating my thoughts. The sensitivity and grace with which this book is written is admirable as well as, I'll say it again, the bravery in tackling issues such as alcoholism, addiction, racism, struggling with emotions and trust. Wow, you guys! I can't even. Too much in this book to just give a few lines about, this is rich stuff which will leave you with more empathy and grace!

(Well, that's what it did for me.)

Hold on…crazy amounts of gushing about to happen!

So, full disclosure: I am a massive Joanne Bischof fan. Her Cadence of Grace series was so beautiful and surprising and put me in the mind of one of my classic faves, Christy. And her 2016 release, The Lady & the Lionheart, is one of my top five favorite books of all time. So I knew going into Sons of Blackbird Mountain that I was going to love it.

I didn’t realize how much I’d love it. So much that I basically couldn’t pick up another book for days afterward and decided to reread it a second time!

It. Is. Gorgeous.

Of all the things to love about this story (and there are many!), the thing I just can’t get over is how fully and beautifully she places the reader inside Thor’s head. Thor is a complex character. He struggles with alcoholism and he’s Deaf. Either one of these alone would make writing from his point of view a more complicated process than usual…but together, I think it could be incredibly difficult write a fully fleshed, non-caricature portrayal of his day-to-day life. But in Bischof’s hands, it’s just effortless. And I love it…I love him! (I honestly didn’t think I could love a character as much or more than Charlie in The Lady & The Lionheart, but Thor gives him a run for his money!) I especially appreciated how Bischof handles the topic of alcoholism. I love that she doesn’t skirt around it…that she shows it in a very real and very nuanced way.

And truly, I’m blown away by how layered so many of these characters are! Layered, lovable, incredibly complicated…gosh, Haakon especially. His dark streak contrasted with all the hurt and longing he’s holding inside…these are the kind of characters I want to read about! Imperfect, struggling, and yearning for redemption. Thor, Aven, Haakon, Jorgan, Peter, all of them face—and in some cases, are the instigators of—hard, harsh things. But that makes the undercurrent of grace and hope all the weightier. It's all beautifully done.

Altogether, this is a story packed with poignant moments, beautiful writing (yes, I realize I’ve used the word “beautiful” like forty times in this review, but I can’t help it!), and characters I still can’t stop thinking about. The romance is perfection, the setting is vivid, and the plot is perfectly paced. I have nothing but the highest praise for Joanne Bischof’s latest…and I’ll pretty much just be over here dying of impatience until the second in the series releases next year.

FTC disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

I am terribly conflicted over this story. While I admire Ms. Bischof for tackling such a tough topic as alcoholism, the presentation was too heavy-handed for me as the entire first half of the book focused nearly solely on the addiction rather than the other plot points that had been set up within the first two or three chapters. However, there were incredibly sweet moments, particularly in the second half of the tale, that really drew me in. The expressiveness of the writing was beautiful and immersive (as is Ms. Bischof's trademark), yet there were times when a clutch of fragments and confusing, disjointed sentences took over, causing me to lose focus.

Jorgan was amazing. He was strong, sweet, courageous, generous, manly, a good brother, and an overall sweetheart. He's the type of guy I'd love to meet in real life. If he wasn't Norwegian, he'd be a Texan cowboy with those qualities, I'm sure.

Haakon, on the other hand, I pretty much despised until the final three chapters. There was not much to admire or like about this fellow, including his eyes, which were "such a startling blue that even the sky overhead seemed the wrong color." That line was awkward to me, making me wish his eyes were brown or green or even purple so we'd get a more natural analogy.

Speaking of the brothers, with silent and intriguing Thor added in there, the relationships among the trio reminded me a bit of that between the brothers in the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie Christmas with Holly, one of my favorites.

I liked that the Ku Klux Klan was featured, though it seemed to get forgotten for a hefty chunk of the book (at least half). I don't like what the group stands for and cannot support it, but it was handled well in this book and brought an interesting aspect to the story.

I was disappointed to see three expletives and one profanity. This is a Christian fiction book. Those words have zero place in its pages, in my opinion. This was very saddening to me, and cast a shadow over the redemptive messages of this story.

Pulses were taken with the thumb, which is a big no-no since there is a strong pulse in the thumb, making it nearly impossible to detect the other person's pulse that one is trying to find. This was done twice.

I loved how well Ms. Bischof expressed the heartache and grip of sin, as well as the struggle to pull free from it. The aspect of God helping one through such times was too lightly dipped into for my taste, but it was there a few times.

There were several spots that made me uncomfortable as they were overly sensual, especially scenes that were honeymoon material. Keep it behind closed doors, please!

Tobacco was used, which made it seem like a character traded one vice for another. This was a little awkward, as he never seemed to need tobacco before he kicked the other habit.

A couple of mentions of obscene or expletive hand gestures were disruptive, as they were unnecessary to the plot or genre. The characters' anger and frustration were already well expressed without such inappropriate behavior.

One thing that really bothered me was the claim that cooking with liquor makes it "lose its potency. Becoming delicate enough for even the littlest of children to eat." (Chapter 20; fragment used as written in the story.) Firstly, this was not a known myth during the 1800s, as far as I'm aware. Secondly, it isn't scientifically accurate. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, "Contrary to what most people believe, the entire alcohol content doesn't always evaporate or boil away before the food is served. A study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Nutrient Data Laboratory showed that it can take longer than two and a half hours for all the alcohol to be cooked out of food to which wine or some other alcoholic beverage has been added." Dr. Weil has also stated that "people need to avoid alcohol for various reasons, such as to guard against alcoholic relapse, to protect a fetus, or to avoid adverse reactions that might be brought on by certain medications." Therefore, the character who suffered with alcoholism in Sons of Blackbird Mountain should have steered clear of any foods that contained alcohol or, if he did choose to consume them, should have felt the effects of the alcohol within the dishes, causing his struggle against the vice to be made worse.

If it weren't for the sweetness of the second half of this story, I would have dropped my rating to one or two stars. However, I did enjoy the majority of the second half, and, thanks to the final three chapters and Haakon's adjusting attitude/actions, I am willing to try the next book in the series when it comes out.

Another amazing book by Bischof. She brings the reader into her stories both in imagination & heart. I could see myself walking the orchards with Thor, and feeling the pain of his struggle as if I was a member of Norgaard family. I could feel the push & pull of Aven and the choices laud before her.

I loved how Bischof's stories make you fall in love with her very flawed characters & reminds us that no one is perfect & we all want to be loved. Her writing doesnt force beliefs or plots. They are simple raw & beautiful. Loved it. She is rising on ny must read authors list.

And makes me want to go visit a farm. Lol.

This book was written by one of my favorite authors. As always I was drawn into this story so beautifully written. I love how Joanne Bischof can take pencil and paper and create such a work. I have never read an author who has the ability to bring such emotion into a story. I ALWAYS look forward to a new release by her and I am NEVER disappointed. I loved this book, story and the characters. I would not change one single thing about it.

This was my first book by author Joanne Bischof, and I enjoyed it. This is a sweet love story set in Nineteenth Century Appalachia. After her husband's death, Aven Norgaard goes to live with her husband's family. She ends up living with three of his cousins, who brew hard cider. Two of the brothers fall in love with her, but she feels more drawn to one of them. The writing is poetic and feels like a ride on a slow moving river-it just flows. I plan to read more by this author.
Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson books for the chance to read and review this book.

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 fromt he publisher through Netgalley. The opinions I expressed in this review our my own.

Joanne weaved a story of such beauty with Sons of Blackbird Mountain it was hard to put down. Three brothers lives’ intertwined—all very unique—fill the pages with complicated family relationships, heart-wrenching struggle, and incredible growth. I’m looking very forward to the next two books in the series. This is one author you’ll definitely want to keep your eye on.

This book is wonderful!! You will be hooked from the first page. Thank you #NETGALLEY for a copy of this book.

I was drawn to this book by the beautiful cover, and the promise of past recommendations of this author. This is the first book I have read by Joanne Bischof, and it turned out to be everything I expected & more.

Set in late 19th Century Virginia, with memories of the civil war, and the unwanted emancipation of slaves, by some - still so fresh in everyone's mind - the scene is set for a story that will move your heart. Three brothers of Norwegian descent have called Blackbird Mountain home for as long as they can remember. They have established a lucrative cider business and are almost able to pay off the purchase of the expansive 300 acres. Aven, who is recently widowed from their cousin Benn, has arrived seeking shelter. Her expectations are shattered as she discovers, the 3 'small' boys she has come to help Aunt Dorothe tend, are full grown men, and the Aunt has also passed away.

They take her in, and for the first time in as long as she can remember she has everything she needs. Joanne does such a exquisite way of taking us through Aven's mind, as she recalls the years of hardship and filth. Hailing from Ireland, she just wants to find a place where she can contribute and take care of herself. The brothers promise to help her look for employment and they settle into a fairly comfortable routine.

The uniqueness to this story though, is not the location or the heritage of the characters, but that middle son Thor is deaf. I was intrigued into how Joanne was going to bring even something so challenging into the dialogue. With a brief explanation at the beginning, she masterfully uses a combination of sign, English (the way we speak), and the way deaf people speak all together. Nothing was lacking, it was beautifully done. My daughter has learnt ASL, and she has quite often explained to me the differences in how sentences will be put together, or conversation. As this story is written from both Thor & Aven's perspective (with the occasional entry into youngest brought Haakon's mind), it provides an insight from the silent world that Thor lives in, while richly opening an insight to his thoughts and experiences - one in which doesn't include the sound the rest of us are so accustomed too. The challenges that came with the time period. The hate that lingered towards those who were now free men and women, all play a pivotal part in this story.

Set at a slower pace than I usually prefer, I feel this brings an authenticity to the experience. Patience is required for Aven as she navigates this new life and builds the friendships with the Norgaard family.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson & Netgalley for a complimentary eARC. This is my honest review.

I adored this new book by Joanne Bischof. Set in tha Appalachian Mountains in 1890, this novel tells the story of Aven Norgaard, an Irish woman who has traveled from Norway after her husband has passed away to the farm in Blackbird Mountain, Virginia. There she meets her deceased husband's three brothers, Jorgan, Thor, and Haakon. The two younger brothers fall in love with beautiful, kind Aven, but she feels drawn to Thor, who is both deaf and mute. This story takes place only 25 years after the end of the Civil War, so interwoven in the story we see the realities of racial hatred from the neighboring family because the Norgaard family employs African Americans on their farm.

What I loved most about this novel is the budding relationship between Aven and Thor. Though he can't communicate with her in a conventional way, and she doesn't know American Sign Language, they learn to communicate without always using words. I could go on, but I don't want to give away too much of the story.

I highly recommend this novel by Joanne Bischof and long to read the next book in the series.

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

At times tart and sweet, poetic and soft, Bischof returns to her heart's word's homeland in 19th Century Appalachia for a tapestry of loss and love. It is a tale of old as time: the bond strengthened and tethered between strong brothers ( each vulnerable in their own way) by the arrival of a beautiful stranger.

What Bischof does with this trope is turn it into an illustration of healing, restoration, forgiveness and the discovery of words--- in action and in heart.


For such a poetic writer to use the absence of words to sew up the integrity and deep beauty of an inimitable character like Thor speaks to the defter symbolism she obvious craves to explore in her fiction. Readers of Lady and the Lionheart will enjoy the realization of romance while they will revel in the intelligence of an historical novel that shows rather than tell a Gospel-like message of purity and redemption.


To add, Sons of Blackbird Mountain is richly set amidst the world of (painstakingly) researched cider making that will leave readers mouths watering in contest with the rich descriptions. The ending is satisfying but will leave you craving more.


I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to review a book I have now more than once referred to as poetic realism.

Love the work of Joanne Bischoft....an amazing author and storyteller. Sensitive, hopeful, loving, real. Treat yourself to this Five Star novel..

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.*

4.5 stars
From the wounded hero perspective, this is a fabulous story. Excellent depiction of a deaf hero in Virginia late 19th century: the two different languages, American Sign Language (ASL) and English, the need for translation. I loved to have parts of the plot told from Thor’s point of view, having the opportunity to watch how he dealt with communication barriers.
It’s also a sweet romance between Thor and Aven and a story about three brothers and their extended family. It doesn’t hurt that the Norgaards are all handsome and look like Vikings. I loved how smooth the writing was when describing the pleasure of simple tasks or just enjoying each other’s company.
I also enjoyed getting to know the details about the cider manufacture and the historical context of the book.
Although I found the alcohol withdrawal very realistic and poignant, the subsequent recovery seemed a bit simplistic.
I also felt that the last part of the story was less cohesive and the faith dimension was introduced rather abruptly.

"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.

This book provides an interesting look into history, that of a family that makes hard cider and one man's battle with alcoholism. I never put a lot of thought into what it would of been like to try to kick a bad habit in the days before there were rehab facilities to help a person out, so I found that aspect of this story fascinating.
Well written and multi faceted, this story is excellent!

Oh, how this book touched my heart. This is the second book I’ve read by Ms. Bischof and is even better than the first. I fell in love with the Norgaard family, and love the story she wove together for Thor and Aven. I am anxiously awaiting the second book in the series and look forward to discovering whose story will be told next.

“Sons of Blackbird Mountain” by Joanne Bischof is a beautifully written novel. Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, the story takes place on Blackbird Mountain. Jorgan, Thor and Haakan Norgaard make their living on a piece of land populated by apple trees. Thor’s job is to make the cider that the brothers sell to their neighbors and businesses. In Thor’s case, the cider is an addiction that he has tried to kick before without success. During those times he goes through a horrible withdrawal that takes a toll on the whole homestead.

Aven Norgaard has come from Norway at the invitation of their aunt Dorothe, to join the family helping to care for the “little” boys, as she thinks they are. When she arrives, alone, with nowhere else to turn, they take her in as she is their cousin’s widow. Her presence lights a fire under two of the brothers, each smitten in their own way with her gentle ways.

Making things harder for everyone is the fact that Thor has been deaf since birth. When small, he was sent to a boarding school for the deaf and dumb where he learned American Sign Language and also how to read lips. He is a tortured soul that Aven’s presence seems to quiet. Haakan, too, is drawn to Aven. So what should she do?

I thought Ms. Bisdchof’s characters were extremely well defined. Her grasp of the difficulties that deaf persons experience every day was handled with care and compassion. I think the story itself was well developed too. There was love, compassion, trials and tribulation that each and every one of them experienced that brought the reader to tears at times. I thought this was a beautiful story full of beautiful people. Well done.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley.com. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.