Continuing the saga of the Norgaard family, Joanne Bischof’s Daughters of Northern Shores beautifully transports readers into historic Appalachia once again. It may not always be an easy story to experience, but it is worth the read.

Years have passed since the events of Sons of Blackbird Mountain, and now, the family must deal with feud, illness, and the return of the prodigal son. Amidst the heartache and difficulties, Bischof makes sure to include delightfully sweet moments, pointing toward the hope of powerful and much needed forgiveness, healing, and restoration.

The “lyrical writing, complex characterizations, and an exquisite, I-want-to-sink-into-this-story atmosphere” I found in the first book are equally present in Daughters of Northern Shores, and I heartily enjoyed it from beginning to end; it was a pleasure to journey with the Norgaards. I highly recommend it to readers of historical fiction (just be sure to read the first book first).

Joanne Bischof really stunned me with Sons of Blackbird Mountain, and I could not wait to catch up with the Norgaard family. Daughters of Northern Shores takes place several years after the events of the first book and the family is starting to settle into their new life. Then, their peace is rocked by several unexpected events: familiar yet unexplained sickness, the reignition of an old feud and the return of the wayward Haakon.
Bischof’s writing and her character work are as beautiful as ever and I loved every minute of this read. My only complaint is that I wish more of Haakon’s story before he returned to Blackbird Mountain had been explored, although I wouldn’t change a thing about Aven and Thor’s story.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Love at First Sight? Why This Author Is a Favorite
Aaah… insta-love. No, not the characters, me! The book. All the wonderfulness.

I’d never read anything by Joanne Bischof before I read Sons of Blackbird Mountain. That book went to the top of my 2018 favorite reads and stayed there. I expected no less of Daughters of Northern Shores.

I wasn’t disappointed.

In fact, after a four-month break in the middle of reading the book, I wasn’t sorry to have to start over to make sure I “didn’t forget anything.” The book wasn’t what I’d assumed it would be, and yet, it was everything I expected.

Beloved characters did what they do best. They wormed their way back into my heart and settled there And I doubt anything will be able to push them out again. The Norgaard family has a way of teaching you lessons you didn’t know you needed to learn. And Joanne Bischof knows how to teach you without you realizing she has stepped in as mentor, instructor, and friend.

With careful attention to detail, precise wording, and piercing to the heart of all she wants to say, Bischof writes with a flowing and beautiful pen that never once feels overloaded or showy. No detail is left unturned, and yet the pages of this book are not cluttered like a curio shop or a junky antique store. It takes serious writing skills to feel as if you are right there without being smothered by all the detail.

Joanne Bischoff has that mastered.
Emotion pours from every page without being heavy, sappy, or melodramatic. Rather, the emotion is tender, strong, even fierce sometimes. It’s always there beneath every word—almost a living subtext to the rest of the story.

Even better, Bischof weaves the faith, and the lack thereof, of her characters so naturally you almost forget the deep and abiding spiritual lessons that are also woven among the pages. Well, until that moment you need to see them. Then they shine with all their intended glory.

Recommended for lovers of Sons of Blackbird Mountain, lovers of strong historical fiction, and for anyone who understands that mankind has fallen, but with God, there is always redemption.

Oh, and yes… it landed solidly on the 2019 favorites list.

This is book 2 of the Blackbird Mountain series. I have read book one. This book can be read as a standalone - but it is recomended to read the first one. There is a lot of history and back story of the characters. I love the way the author writes. She writes so descriptively that you can close your eyes and feel like you are there. The author has created wonderful characters that are flawed. LIke normal people. I love how she captures the struggles, trimuphs of Norweigen immigrant life. Aven is now pregnant with Thor's child. But what will happen when a past fued rears it's ugly head again? Will Aven and Thor be able to find hope amist all the tragedy and destruction? Will the brother, Haakon that left home years ago be able to save the family? You will have to read to find out.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program. All thoughts are my own

I fell in love with book 1, Sons of Blackbird Mountains. My favourite character was Thor Norgaard. I disliked Haakon Norgaard the last of the brothers.

The book 2, Daughters of Northern Shores was much more captivating and heart warming. I loved their close knitted family. Even in dire life circumstances they still stood together. When tragedy struck I loved the unfolding story of the strength of standing untied as a family and not just standing but having God as an anchor.

I loved the quiet and gentle spirit of Thor’s wife Aven and how she took everything to prayers and her forgiving heart when she had every reason to stay angry and bitter. Her forgiveness opened the way to beautiful things happening in their family. Her love story with Thor is one of the most captivating love stories I have ever read. Even when horrible circumstances befell them, their strength together even in silence was awesome and worth emulating.

They say you don’t know what you have until it is gone, that for me summarises Haakon’s voyage away from his family and ultimately what brought him back home. The fact that we find love in strange and odd places seem to summarise part of the things that happened to him along the way. He was unworthy, far and away but forgiveness was extended to him and the story of his acceptance and forgiveness was heartwarming. The price had been paid for a very long time ago and all he needed to do was accept it. His time away from home changed him for the good.

Their long standing strife with their neighbours went a long way to buttress the fact that family are not just people bounded by blood but by the truth and choice. Their defeat of their enemies even though painful and the peace afterwards was one of the highlight of this book for me.

The most precious part of this book for me was the strength of family together under God and His truth.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Daughters of Northern Shores was a joy to read. It is well written, capturing the time period of the 1800s of Northern Virginia and exposed me to the speech and dialect of that time. Well researched historical novel that made me feel as though I was right there with the main characters.

The characters were well-developed and had me drawn to them within the first few pages because of the conflict and backstory. The storyline is filled with conflict, intrigue, faith and forgiveness.

A very heartfelt and inspirational story that stayed with me long after I turned the last page. Joanne Bischof is a master storyteller who never disappoints. Look forward to more of the Blackbird Mountain series and highly recommend it.

Continuing the story of the Norgaards, Daughters of Northern Shores picks up several years following the events in Sons of Blackbird Mountain. Aven and Thor are married and expecting their first child, while Haakon has been working in the ice trade and trying to numb his guilt over Aven with women and coca leaves. Then he decides to return to Blackbird Mountain, not knowing what reception he'll find.

This beautifully written novel is full of danger, forgiveness, love, fear, and sadness, and Bischof navigates all of these emotional notes perfectly. While Aven and Thor still have a prominent role in the novel, this is largely Haakon's redemption story. Not only does he need to repair his relationship with his family, especially Thor and Aven, but he also determines to finish the feud with the KKK-member Sorrels once and for all.

This novel is gripping and emotional, and when I found myself sobbing into my Kindle about 90% of the way through the book, I knew the story would stick with me long past the final page. (Also, the ending, which brings Haakon's redemption full circle? Perfection.) This is historical fiction at its best, and I highly recommend it.

A deep book I haven't read anything by Joanne biscuit before so the daughter of the northern shores I think was a good start.

Daughters of the Northern Shores is part of Joanne Bischof’s Blackbird Mountain series. I have not read any of the other books in the series and did not feel I was missing any information. Bischof gives the reader all they need to know in order to enjoy the book.
Because Daughters of the Northern Shores is historical fiction I would have liked to see an author’s note or something further explaining some of the historical aspects of the story. I found myself doing my own research to learn more about Epidemic Jaundice which actually sounds like a form of Hepatitis.
I loved the forgiveness and redemption aspect of the story. To have brothers who had a huge gulf between them become great friends was heart-warming. The characters in Daughters of the Northern Shores are likeable and “real.” I enjoyed the book and would like to read more in the Blackbird Mountain series.
I would have no problem adding Daughters of the Northern Shores to my k-12 Christian school library.
I want the thank Celebrate Lit for the complimentary e-copy of Daughters of the Northern Shores. This is my honest review.

What I think you should know:
Daughters of Northern Shores is the Blackbird Mountain Book #2, however it can be read as a stand alone novel. It is set in 1985 on Blackbird Mountain in Virginia, and in Norway. It is a beautiful story of Love, Loyalty, and Forgiveness.

What you might want to know:
Prior to this book Aven was attacked by Haakon. She is still haunted by the memories of the attack. The story does contain characters who have horrible prejudices.

What I enjoyed about this book:
As a daughter of Appalachia, this story was beautiful and heartbreaking, I could picture the surroundings and imagine some of the characters as my ancestors. It had everything needed to make it wonderful love, feuds, forgiveness and restoration. I loved Thor and his solid, gentle strength, the way Joanne, Bischof, the author included Thor’s sign language and communication was beautifully done and enhanced the story. My heart ached for Aven. Haakon was a harder character for me to grow to understand. The supporting characters were quick to catch my heart. I enjoyed this book and hope their story continues.

Who will enjoy this book ( just to name a few):
Fans of Historical Fiction
Fans of Christian Fiction
Fans of Romance

I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

What an adventure! I feel like I got transported back in time. The sights the sounds the colors of life appeared vividly in front of me as I gulped down this book. Loved the pictures of Norway that I got as I read. It’s always been on the top of my bucket list for places to visit. I feel like I got a lovely picture through this book and now I want to visit even more. The characters captured my heart. They were so well written and intriguing. So much story but so well paced that I didn’t feel like I was overwhelmed with trying to sort out the different elements of each character while trying to sort out the plot line. There was some romance, some mystery, some conflict, some loss, some family, lots of things that happen to us and that we experience in daily life. The writing flowed nicely and I didn’t struggle to understand the story or keep reading. I never felt the need to go back and reread for lack of understanding. I loved this story. It touched my heart. What more can you wish for in a book! I gave it 5 stars. Can’t wait to read Sons of Blackbird Mountain.
I received a copy of this book from CelebrateLit. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own

Daughters of Northern Shores is the sequel Sons of Blackbird Mountain (a book I LOVED!) and it was a good read. While I did enjoy the story, I just wish it had more of Haakon's story…there wasn't enough of his time spent away.

I loved the characters. I really felt for Thor because of what happened to him in this book (won't say what) and it was emotional at times. Aven was a great character, yet again.

All in all, Daughters of Northern Shores was an enjoyable read. I loved the first book a little bit more, but still recommend this sequel.

*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/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. 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 found this story different than the other, with the main character being someone I didn't care for as much in the first book.
It takes a talented writer to help you love a character that is unlikable and Joanne Bischof did that.
The setting, the characters and everything is unique and one that most readers will find fascinating.

I fell in love with Joanne’s writing when I first read The Lady and The Lionheart (still one of my top favorite books ever!) and I have devoured every one of her books since then. She has an incredible ability to write characters that are broken and find healing and grow in God. In this particular book, we get to pick up where Sons of Blackbird Mountain left off and learn more about Thor and Aven, Haakon, and the Sorrel family. The descriptions are once again painted so vividly that it is easy to imagine the scenery. The characters have hopes and dreams that pull you in as a reader and allow you to connect with them easily. The plot has complexity and twists and turns that are easy to read with its excellent prose. And the themes of forgiveness and restoration are applicable to any reader. I really enjoyed this novel and eagerly look forward to more from this author!

I received a compliementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Loved this book by Joanne Bishof! Continuing the story that began with Sons of Blackbird Mountain, she shares the tender love stories of all 3 of the Norgaard men with particular emphasis on Haakon.

Spread of Hepatitis due to unsterilized needles is detailed when Thor's life is threatened due to this disease. Themes include righting the wrongs of the past, salvation, and forgiveness. "Forgiveness be a gift taught to us by the One who forgave first and forgave the most."

I eagerly await Joanne's next book and thoroughly recommend this one! I am thankful to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC for this my honest review.

Daughters of Northern Shores is the second in the Blackbird Mountain series by Joanne Bischof. I was so looking forward to reading it and was not in the least disappointed. Although one could read this as a stand-alone story as the author does a good job filling in the back story, I would suggest being sure to read Sons of Blackbird Mountain for a more full experience with these characters. Despite the past difficulties Aven and Thor are building their new life together, with a wee one on the way, when a debilitating disease threatens their happiness. How did it happen and what will be the outcome? Thor's brother, Haakon, who fled the mountain home four years prior has now made a difficult decision to return and 'face the music' so to speak. How will he be received? Has he really changed enough to be accepted back into the family fold? 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. And the struggles--retaliation from a neighbor bent on evil revenge, severe illness, forgiveness, and restoration--were very real and the author expertly dealt with these gritty subjects. 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, as well as life at sea on a trading ship. Daughters of Northern Shores is a story that, although it comes to a satisfactory ending, sadly does end. I wish there were more to come in the story of the Norgaard family as they trust God to provide and to heal, physically, emotionally and relationally. Readers who love stories of redemption and second chances and historical fiction with a bit of romance will not want to miss this story.
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.

Once again the author allows us to take a journey across the land where we find ourselves in the late 1850s. We get to explore Blackbird Mountains again as we rekindle our love for the characters from the first book in the series. I am happy to continue this adventure and see what the author has in store for us.

One of the things I liked was how the author handled a character who was deaf. Thor is very realistic and doesn't use his deafness as a handicap. He loves his family and is fiercely protective of them. I liked his strength and honesty which made him so endearing. I held my breath as Thor faces a devastating illness. Even though he has conquered drinking, it may have caused his body damage. I was on the edge of my seat as the author unfolded his diagnosis and outcome. I am so impressed with how the author writes a story that comes alive before your eyes.

Aven is a caring woman who is worried about her husband Thor. Can she do anything to help him? She must think about the baby she is carrying and is torn what to do at times. Little does she know that someone is about to enter her life to turn everything upside down. The tension and drama in the book is incredible and keeps readers turning pages as fast as they can.

Haakon returns home after being at sea for awhile. I didn't feel like he was welcomed with open arms. He has much to explain and hopefully make his family understand why he has been gone. There is some history between him and Aven and his hope is to receive forgiveness from her. Can he come to terms with their relationship? I can imagine how his heart must have been beating as he approached everyone. Haakon is seeking forgiveness and is wary of the outcome. I loved the emotions that spilled across the pages as the story develops.

The story is filled with redemption, second chances, forgiveness and danger. I loved how the story centered around a family who faced many obstacles but never gave up hope. I cried as characters hurt and rejoiced when joy came . There are a few twists that bring the story to a dramatic end. I will miss this series but the story will linger with me forever.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

This is a wonderful story and I do not want to put it down. It is so interesting to read about someone who is deaf and to see how they handle things on a day to day basis. Thor seems to handle being deaf fairly well on most days but the author shows how one can question why one is different. The author also shows how the people around the deaf person might react at any given time to the deaf person. I really enjoy all of the characters that were in this book and in the first of the series. You will want to read the first book in this series so that you know all of the main characters in this one. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

As excited as I was to read “Daughters of Northern Shores”, I had truly hoped to read its predecessor, “Sons of Blackbird Mountain”, first. However, review time came and I just hadn’t had a chance, so with some skepticism over whether I would be able to fully understand this sequel, I began reading. It turns out that I need not have worried. While the first book doubtless provides background on the characters and the plot, much of this is skillfully rehashed as “Daughters of Northern Shores” unfolds, and I had no trouble at all following along. In fact, I was utterly embroiled in the story from the prologue, and this has easily become one of my favorite books of the year.

With “Daughters of Northern Shores”, Joanne Bischof forges a tale as bold as the Viking ancestors of the Norgaard men. A family saga, this story originates deep within the heart of the rugged hills of both rural Appalachia and Norway, and it comes full circle as families are reunited. This is not a suspense novel, yet I was glued to the pages and could not turn them quickly enough. No incident is insignificant, and I enjoyed making note of little seeds of details that later blossomed into fruit. At its bare bones, this is a simple story, but Bischof has a way of crafting each element into a poignant tapestry, placing the reader alongside the characters, first at sea with Haakon and then on Blackbird Mountain. Haakon Norgaard, the youngest brother, is a prodigal whose poor life choices and immorality shipwrecked his own life as well as that of Thor’s wife Aven in book one. Here we witness Haakon’s watershed experience, which throws into question not only his own loyalties but that of others on the Mountain.

Family being a leading theme, the connections between them offer a cross-section of life thirty years after the end of the Civil War. Race relations contributed to the ongoing feud with the men of the neighboring clan, and the acceptance demonstrated by the Norgaards is uplifting. Their circle includes wives from European countries, former slaves who are friends and companions, and even a former Klansman. Thor and Aven Norgaard are among the major characters whose stories play out in these pages, and Thor’s deafness adds a further dimension to the narrative. I enjoyed how Bischof incorporated American Sign Language into the text, and how she offers Thor’s perspective and its impact on his personality and actions. Challenges abound, all while driving home the point that there are “[s]o many courageous hearts that had forged out families, carved together a living, and built a home where the spirit and heart were at peace.” Faith gently but firmly permeates the novel, shedding light on such relevant issues as addiction, vengeance, and forgiveness. Redemption is available for those who seek it, but it does not erase the consequences of past actions, the reverberations of which form the foundation of this novel. With its life lessons and sometimes heartrending prose, “Daughters of Northern Shores” is a book that I highly recommend, and the thoughtful discussion questions included make for excellent conversation starters about topics that continue to impact society.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

For months now, I’ve been hearing a certain name humming through the Avid Readers Facebook page. That name: Thor Norgaard. And, truthfully, I had no idea what the big deal was. The cover for Sons of Blackbird Mountain would pop up, and I’d think, yeah, I should read that someday.

Yeah, I should definitely read that someday. It’s even on my kindle, giving me the stink eye because I jumped at the chance to read Daughters of Northern Shores without going back to the beginning. I know, shame on me. I suppose I should get into the reason for the title of the post, yes?

5 reasons I recommend Daughters of Northern Shores

Thor Norgaard. Not even joking. I get it now. I understand what all the hype was about and I’m anxious to dive into book one. His struggle to overcome alcohol rings with such sincerity. I couldn’t get enough of Thor’s thoughts.

You don’t have to read book one in order to understand book two. Sometimes, this is a problem. You jump into a second novel and you’re lost like a feather in a whirlwind. Not so here. While I can’t tell you how much of book one is retold in book two, I can reassure you that you’ll get a solid grip on the characters from the get-go.


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Character arc. I’m a sucker for a redemption story, and Haakon is rising from one of the lowest places I’ve seen written in Christian Fiction.

Foreshadowing. Probably the best use of foreshadowing I’ve seen in several years. At first, I thought it was a bit much, but then I recognized that my ten years of work experience gave me the inside scoop that most people won’t have.

Last but not least, the spirituality and forgiveness present in all the characters. Not just for Haakon’s sake, but for their own lives. Aven is a phenomenal woman, and her strength helps bind the story.

The Norgaard brothers are a force to be reckoned with, and the women who love them only add to the ferocity and loyalty of family.

I think you’ll be surprised by this novel. The plot and storyline sound familiar and you think you know what’s going to happen, but you don’t. The author takes you to a satisfying conclusion while driving you down a different path. Prepare to set sail on an adventure when you begin Daughters of Northern Shores.

I requested a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and was provided a copy via NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.