Sons of Blackbird Mountain (Blackbird Mountain Novel, #1)

by Joanne Bischof

Two handsome brothers. An age-old Appalachian feud. And a love that may tear the Norgaard family apart.

After the tragic death of her husband, Aven Norgaard is beckoned to give up her life in Norway to become a housekeeper in the rugged hills of nineteenth-century Appalachia. Upon arrival, she finds herself in the home of her late husband’s cousins—three brothers who make a living by brewing hard cider on their three-hundred-acre farm. Yet even as a stranger in a foreign land, Aven has hope to build a new life in this tight-knit family.

But her unassuming beauty disrupts the bond between the brothers. The youngest two both desire her hand, and Aven is caught in the middle, unsure where—and whether—to offer her affection. While Haakon is bold and passionate, it is Thor who casts the greatest spell upon her. Though Deaf, mute, and dependent on hard drink to cope with his silent pain, Thor possesses a sobering strength.

As autumn ushers in the apple harvest, the rift between Thor and Haakon deepens and Aven faces a choice that risks hearts. Will two brothers’ longing for her quiet spirit tear apart a family? Can she find a tender belonging in this remote, rugged, and unfamiliar world?

A haunting tale of struggle and redemption, Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a portrait of grace in a world where the broken may find new life through the healing mercy of love. 

“Beloved author Joanne Bischof doesn’t disappoint with her latest beautifully written, heartrending tale . . . a quick favorite for historical romance readers.” —Elizabeth Byler Younts, author of The Solace of Water

“Bischof (The Lady and the Lionheart) transports readers to late 19th-century Appalachian Virginia in this moving historical romance . . . With fine historical details and stark prose that fits the story, Bischof skillfully weaves a tale of love and redemption in rough Appalachia.” —Publishers Weekly

“Christy- and Carol Award-winning author Bischof (The Lady and the Lionheart) creates endearing characters and a heartwarming story line in this unforgettable novel about the power of family, love, and the true meaning of home. Fans of Kristy Cambron, Julie Klassen, and Susan Meissner will love this one.” —Library Journal

“Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a quiet gem of a historical romance. Refreshingly real and honest in its depiction of flawed but lovable individuals, it introduces characters readers will want to meet again.” —CBA Market magazine

• ISBN10: 0718099109
• ISBN13: 9780718099107
• Publish Date: 23 August 2018 (first published 3 July 2018)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Thomas Nelson Publishers
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 352
• Language: English

Reviews

[phyllish]

Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof


When God didn’t heal Thor of his deafness, the preacher who prayed for him blamed it on a lack of faith, leaving the young boy hurt and bitter. And thus at a young age, he turned to the cider that his father sought for solace from his grief. My heart was broken for Thor as he fought his addiction.

I loved Aven. She had experienced so much hardship in her life and while many would have become bitter, she still had such a tender and gentle heart. Despite her past, she allowed herself to take time to get to know Thor in a way very few ever had. She saw past his addiction, past his inability to hear or speak and truly learned to listen to him.

If you have read many reviews I have written, you may know that I don’t like books that are dark or depressing. It isn’t that I’m hesitant to read about difficult subjects – I just prefer to end my reading on a high note. One of the reasons I rushed to sign up for this blog tour is that I am familiar with the author’s work. I know that she tackles difficult subjects in a sensitive and compelling way without leaving the reader feeling helpless and hopeless. Compelling. Insightful. Thoughtful. Hopeful. Before I even picked up Sons of Blackbird Mountain to read, I knew that is what I could expect. I was not disappointed.

In addition to the issues related to deafness and to alcoholism, Sons of Blackbird Mountain addressed the prejudice and hate that arose in the form of the Ku Klux Klan at the end of the Civil War. The Norgaard brothers were targets of “demonstrations” as a result of their refusal to discriminate. Which, of course, had me loving them even more.

If you are looking for a historical novel that will touch your heart in a significant way, do not hesitate to pick up a copy of this story, or any other that Joanne Bischof has written. You will not regret it!


This review was originally posted on Among the Reads

Get a preview of Sons of Blackbird Mountain at amongTheReads.net


I would like to thank Celebrate Lit for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.