Be still my heart and let me take a few deep breaths! Wow! In her beautiful prose, masterful author Joanne Bischof has done it again—penned another powerfully haunting, emotive read set in rural Appalachia.

Since this novel is the sequel to 'Sons of Blackbird Mountain', I must take care to avoid spoilers. Once again we are reunited with the lovely, compassionate Aven, who won the heart of tough, handsome Thor, a deaf mute with a heart of gold—a man who ends up fighting a battle much graver than his war with alcohol. Then there's the tormented brother, Haakon, whose once selfish choices continue to haunt Aven. Will he find redemption and love?...as both seem well beyond his grasp.

A resplendent tale of tremendous courage in the face of danger and a love that knows no bounds, I highly recommend 'Daughters of Northern Shores' Book 2 in the Blackbird Mountain series. Although the author does a great job of recapping, I would encourage reading 'Sons of Blackbird Mountain' Book 1 first. It's too awesome to miss and I feel as though the characters wouldn't have been nearly as endearing to me had I not read the books in sequence!

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

I adore the gentle lyricism of Joanne Bischof’s writing, and Thor and Aven stitched themselves firmly into the fabric of my character-loving heart in Sons of Blackbird Mountain, but I have been anticipating Daughters of Northern Shores with equal parts longing and trepidation. Longing, because I dearly wanted to see more of this Norgaard family—particularly the resolution of some of the situations that arose during the first book. Trepidation, because I was nervous about what might be coming.

In terms of its crafting, this story was everything I’ve come to expect from Joanne Bischof. There was the same fantastic depth of characterisation overall and with Thor in particular. I loved the way I could almost hear—feel?—the silence of Thor’s world and that I truly felt like I was experiencing his world his way while I was in his point-of-view. I also loved the layers of tension to the story—Thor’s health, the threat of the Sorrel men returning to Blackbird mountain, and Haakon’s return and gradual reconciliation to his family. And yet when I reached the end of the story, I was left with a small, niggling sense of dissatisfaction, like an itch just out of reach.

I think this is at least partly due to the expectations I had prior to picking up the book. I was expecting more of a focus on Haakon in this story, in particular the time prior to his decision to return to Blackbird Mountain, but he shares this story equally with Aven and Thor. Now, don’t get me wrong—I loved that, and their part in the story had me holding my breath, part ache, part hope. But that and the focus on the threat of the Sorrel men meant there wasn’t as much page time to devote to Haakon’s personal journey, and I think I felt that, particularly when it came to finding a woman to share his life.

When all is said and done, though, this story held me in its thrall from beginning to end. If you’re looking for a compelling family saga with well-developed characters, lyrical storytelling, and a whole lot of heart, I have no hesitation in recommending this series.

Absolutely amazing book! I got such an attachment to the characters. Even though I read the book a bit ago I still vividly remember the story, it left quite the impression! I now also want to go back and find the prequel to this story, it looks so good. Wonderful read, in depth story.

In the continuing saga of the Norgaard family, Joanne Bischof returns readers to Blackbird Mountain in the Virginia Appalachians. Y’all, this is a continuation of Sons of Blackbird Mountain so if you haven’t read that one, go get it now.
Four years after where Sons ends, readers are swept back into this family’s trials and joys. After four years of running, spending it on the sea, Haakon returns to Blackbird Mountain to make amends. Thor and Aven are married, but a threat hangs over their happily ever after.
I have to admit that the title and cover are a bit confusing to me as this book is really about the brothers. Thor and Haakon get two-thirds of the story with their POV’s and Aven the other third. However, those are minor. With a slow build focusing on the relationship dynamic amongst this group—from the brother’s to Thor and Aven to the friends surrounding them—the story is engaging . And that building leads to some intensity near the end of the book that keep it going. Bischof’s beautiful prose, immersing readers in the setting, conflicts, and suspense that draw me to her books time and again.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for the free review copy. All opinions are my own. 

I enjoyed seeing more of Aven and Thor's relationship progress and withstand the hardships that are presented in this book. These characters showed how steadfastness is needed during times of marriage. 

Also, like the first book, I love the representation that is here. Thor is a character that is deaf, and there is indications of sign language throughout this novel. It is awesome to see diversity in characters. 

I also felt myself growing attached to the character of Haakon. I could not imagine the situation he found himself in, and I liked how his character had to work on hard things like forgiveness, faith, and pride. With his character, too, I liked how it represented such a trying time when it comes to having faith and seeking God's will for one's life. I did not know where he was going to end up in this book, so I savored the unfolding of this story.

This was a really excellent read. I hadn't read an excerpt from the book prior to reading and was nicely surprised at what an interesting book it was. The book enthralled me at how medicine has changed and the lack of knowledge of what we consider to be normal safety precautions were totally not considered at this period of time. This was a great book. I really enjoy the authors style.

I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

This sequel to Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a continuation of the story of Thor & Aven and Haakon. I think you need to have read the first book in order to really enjoy and understand Daughters. This is mostly the story of Haakon’s return and his quest for forgiveness and redemption in the eyes of his family. Not sure where the Daughters in the title comes from since Aven is from Ireland? There is a bit of suspense and adventure near the end. I do recommend this one!

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

I have been waiting for this book with much anticipation! It's book two in this series and you really need to read the first book (Sons of Blackbird Mountain) to appreciate this one. Joanne Bischof has such an incredible ability to draw me right into her stories and feel as if I am actually there. All of my senses become alert and aware. It's nuts. In the best of ways. Her characters feel solid, real. They pull on my emotions.

This book jumps right back into life in the Norgaard family, a handful of years after the first book ends. It was so good to back with this family and it was especially good to be a part of Haakon's journey- not just physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. His is a journey of healing, forgiving, proving and loving.

The story grew in intensity as all the pieced started coming together. Sometimes I feel like the Norgaard family just can't catch a break. Life isn't easy for them, especially with the enemies that taunt them, hunt them and want to destroy them. The little slivers of happiness were all the sweeter for it.

I wouldn't say that I loved this book quite as much as the first, but it was still so very good. I am such a Joanne Bischof fan. And, as always, I will be anxiously awaiting what comes next!

Daughters of Northern Shores, by Joanne Bischof, continues the tale of the Norgaard brothers. You learned of Thor Norgaard in the first tale, Sons of Blackbird Mountain. This second tale discusses the journey of Haaken Norgaard. After Haaken offends Thor's soon-to-be wife, Aven, he runs away to sail the high seas!

Following several years of sailing around the world, Haaken finally decides to return home, hoping to find forgiveness. Unfortunately, when Haaken shows up unannounced at the family orchard, instead of open arms, he finds his family ready to go to battle with the Norgaard's neighbors!

Even though the year is 1895 and the Civil War is long over, their neighbors still want to carry on with the Confederate mindset. Now the Norgaard's feel that their families are in danger, as well!

Hang on to see the battle that actually breaks out on their mountain. As Haaken dives in to protect his family, at all costs, his mind cannot keep from wandering back to the beautiful widow he left behind in the countryside of Norway. This high-paced tale will come to an interesting conclusion!

Daughters of Northern Shores is Michael Phillips meets Thomas Hardy—lots of long lyrical descriptive passages. Beautiful, if you like that kind of thing. Unfortunately, high school English destroyed Hardy for me, and I'm still in recovery.

This is the fourth Joanne Bischof novel I've read. I didn't like the first—the heroine struck me as stupid, and her "hero" even more so. That was the first book in a trilogy, so I skipped the sequels. Then I read This Quiet Sky, a Young Adult novel that was The Fault in Our Stars in a historic US setting. It was outstanding. I even shed a tear or two, and that's rare for me.
And I’ve just read The Sons of Blackbird Mountain. I'd held off reading it because I'd been told it was one of those stories that was so good I'd want to read the sequel right away. That wasn't wrong. So I started reading Daughters of Northern Shores expecting great things.

But it didn't deliver for me. At the most basic level, the title didn't fit. I was expecting a novel about women—plural. Instead, I got a novel mostly focused on the Deaf Thor, his wife, Aven, and his returned prodigal brother, Haakon. There was only one daughter of the northern shore, and she appeared in one early chapter, then the last. Well, unless you consider Irish Aven a daughter of a northern shore. Given the Norgaard family is Norwegian, that's the kind of "north" I was expecting.

I read this straight after Sons of Blackbird Mountain. In hindsight, that was a mistake. There was a lot of backstory and repetition in the first half of Daughters, repetition made all the more noticeable (and less interesting) by the fact I'd only just finished Sons, so the details were all still clear in my head (not normal for me, I assure you. I read 150+ books a year, so do forget some of the details, especially when there is nine to twelve months between the books in a series).

Given the first book had shown Thor's ongoing struggle with alcohol, I thought this might detail Haakon's defeat of his addiction: the coco leaf. It did, but in a superficial manner. I found the plot slow and somewhat convoluted, the writing overly colourful (not quite purple, but getting close at times), and there was little development in any of the characters other than Haarkon.

Overall, Daughters of Nothern Shores failed to capture my interest, and certainly didn't live up to the promise of Sons of Blackbird Mountain.

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

#DaughtersOfTheNorthernShores #NerGalley

This is the second book in the series. It can be read as a stand alone novel, I didn't read the first book. A story of brothers and the women they love. A story of how hatred can cause friction and family members can forgive.

Daughters of Northern Shores is the second book in Joanne Bischof’s Blackbird Mountain series. But if you haven’t read book one, don’t let that stop you. This story is full, spiritual, and unique.

The characters are so distinct (one being deaf) and will take you on a journey with vivid imagery. Thor and Aven are memorable characters and their story will stay with you.

With themes of forgiveness and refinement, this story is sure to touch your heart and inspire you. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

With vivid imagery, the author brings us into the 19th century of both Norway and Appalachia. We left off at the end of the first book with Haakon kind of ruining the ending, and this book is about his return and his quest for forgiveness and redemption. Aven and Thor have spent the past four years building a life together, but are facing some tumultuous times, and it's interesting to see how Haakon's return - with it's element of Prodigal Son - plays into that trouble. The author's setting, however, does not end with her scenic descriptions...she also describes in detail several abuses, including domestic and drug abuse. While it's not overly graphic, it is something the reader should know going into it. While this could be read as a stand-alone, I would not recommend trying it without reading the first book in the series.

Daughters of Northern Shores was nothing like I thought it would be and everything I wanted it to be! I was able to revisit old friends and meet brand new ones. I feel at home on Blackbird Mountain, and hope to visit there again. This story is full of forgiveness, sorrow, romantic love, adventure, loyalty, and love and commitment for the One True God. I dove head first into the first page and didn't want to stop swimming- even after reading the last page. This book is one to savor, but also one you can't read slowly. It is a conundrum for sure! 

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review.

Joanne Bischof has written another fabulous book! She has such talent to draw you into a book with heartfelt stories about unforgettable characters. It was wonderful to get back to the world she created in Sons of Blackbird Mountain. While Daughters of Northern Shores follows Haakon, all of the people we come to know and love (especially Thor) are present in this book as well. It is a wonderful story filled with such love, forgiveness and faith, I know it’s one I will not soon forget.


*I read this book through NetGalley, but all opinions are completely my own and without bias.

This is the sequel to 'Sons of Blackbird Mountain' which I enjoyed immensely and introduced us to the Norgaard family living in the Appalacian mountains.
There is no need to have read the first book but I would recommend you do to get an overall feel for some excellent characters and the story behind the way the three brothers Thor, Jorgan and Haakon's lives have evolved. Aven was introduced to the family as a young widow after the death of the brother's mother in childbirth (to Haakon) and a series of incidents that caused Haakon to flee the family and their farm.
Haakon fled to sea and has worked across many lands and dangers, making money and escaping his guilt. He has also fallen in love with a widow in Norway but leaves her against his better nature.
Back at the farm Aven (married to Thor) is now in the late stages of pregnancy but we start the plot by a visit to a doctor undertaking research into Thor's deafness. This is a strong theme of the novel and a highly unusual characterisation for a book based in this century (19th). We gain an insight into how Thor deals with the world around him and his methods of communication - he uses American Sign Language which was in its infancy. In fact the themes of medical and scientific discovery are an interesting component of the novel and the author has done some excellent research which adds to the authenticity of the characters whose lives are out in the expanses of farmland.
Thor and his brother are also concerned about the neighbouring Sorrel family who are members of the Klu Klux Klan and petty criminals as they continue to threaten the Norgaard farm, especially because freed slaves Ida and Cora live with them.
The family had made money from cider production but the alcoholism seems to have caused Thor problems with his health. As he becomes more and more seriously ill, this is just as Haakon's ship docks back in America.
How will Haakon be greeted by his brothers after leaving under a cloud and will the farm and the women and children survive further attacks by the dangerous Sorrel family?
An excellent read which really helps the reader to imagine the scenery and the people of those times. The introduction of different themes such as deafness and alcoholism amongst agricultural communities is thoughtfully described and there is joy as well as sadness throughout this historical saga.
I hope to read more about the Norgaard family in the future as they have established themselves as strong characters within my imagination.

Daughters Of Northern Shores by Joanne Bischof is a delightful Christian historical adventure romance. It is the second book in the Blackbird Mountain series but can be read as a stand-alone. For maximum enjoyment, I recommend reading book one first.
I loved my return visit to Blackbird Mountain and meeting up with familiar faces. The characters are all wonderfully and realistically drawn. They have their flaws, imperfections and struggles and these serve to endear themselves to the reader. A lead character is deaf and it is refreshing to see him treated as ‘normal’ and leading a full life.
Life is a journey. It is mirrored on the journey on a ship. There are life’s ups and downs but with the correct navigation we will make it home if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
There is the theme of the Prodigal Son. “God wouldn’t want the likes of him.” Jesus came for everyone. Every sinner can have a fresh start and a future with Jesus – that has got to be good news for us all.
Our past may burden us down. We were meant to live in freedom, not bondage. “The bondage you keep yesself in… It been done paid long ago… by a man on a cross.” Jesus paid for all our sins. We need to receive His forgiveness and forgive ourselves.
The women are the nurturing ones. “Those thin, knobby hands… helped him see that there was hope in the world.” This is a rich picture. It speaks a thousand words.
We are to take a stand against evil. The KKK spreads fear and terror, attacking the innocent. Good men stand up for what is right.
Daughters Of Northern Shores is another cracking offering from Joanne Bischof that entertains whilst imparting godly wisdom and care.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Sometimes I read a book that’s so good it’s hard to know how to write a review, and this book is one of those. The setting is in 19th century Appalachia and in Norway. The author’s description of both settings is vivid and it’s easy to imagine even the small details she describes. The action in the storyline is intense at times, as the author delves into the mountain culture of alcohol and drug abuse and the havoc it raises for the family members. But even with all of that in the background of the story, there are themes of faith, forgiveness, and redemption that make this storyline soar. The characters of Thor, Aven, and Haaken have great depth to them, and by the time you finish reading the book, you feel as if you’ve walked across the mountain with them. Although it’s not referred to in the book, the song “Amazing Grace” would be an appropriate theme for Haaken’s story. The ending of the book is heart-touching, and is just the ending this book needed.

Just a note: There are themes of alcohol and drug abuse; abuse of women; and violence in this book. It is all handled in a very appropriate way.
There’s no bad language or embarrassing scenes, and the theme of faith in God overrides all that happens in this book. But for the reasons mentioned here, I would not recommend this book for ages under the “young adult” category. Be sure and read it yourself before you pass it along to younger teenage daughter.

It would be helpful to have read “The Sons of Blackbird Mountain” to understand the back story to this book, but you can still enjoy this one if you read it first.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

'If God would but grant him another mercy. Should the outcome be dire, he prayed that God would welcome him to peace.'

Oh my. Joanne Bischof never fails to move me deeply with her books. She writes what I like to call heart-deep books. Stories so full and rich that my heart is totally involved.

We first fell in love with Aven and Thor in Sons of Blackbird Mountain and four years have passed and we find them here, married and wonderfully happy and blessedly awaiting the birth of their first child. Then Thor falls gravely ill and with this illness, a weight so heavy upon him, it comes nigh to crushing his spirit, such is the depth of this malady. In the midst of all this, Haakon returns home to the mountain after realizing he cannot be away any longer, the burden of needing to pursue his family's forgiveness for one act causing him increasing pain with each year that passes.

Haakon finds his family in a tenuous situation, facing a decades long feud with neighbors who are evil personified threatening to destroy them all. Haakon has a cunning strength and he decides that this needs to end once and for all, even if the cost is indeed dire to him. But who will emerge the victor? And who will perish? Will this prodigal son find the restoration his heart craves? And Haakon is also finding himself drawn back to northern shores for another reason. If he can only survive this feud.

Bischof must of a certainty carefully and prayerfully craft these characters, bringing them so very much to life in the pages that they spill over into the reader's heart and linger long after the book is finished. I was so incredibly moved during the reading of this book that it was stunning! This is a powerful book of forgiveness, healing and restoration. Bischof shines! Highly recommended.

*My thanks to the publisher for a preview copy of this book. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Daughters of Northern Shores is the second book in Joanne Bischof’s Blackbird Mountain series. It can be read as a stand alone novel, but I recommend reading the series in order to get the backstory of the characters since it continues the story four years later after the first book ends. The story takes place in the late 19th century Appalachia and on the North Atlantic.

Forgiveness and redemption are important themes throughout the book and dealt with issues that carried over from the first book in the series. Readers who fell in love with the Norgaard family in the first book in the series, Sons of Blackbird Mountain, will thoroughly enjoy revisiting all of their favorite characters and seeing the family reconcile in Daughters of Northern Shores.

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