This book is absolutely mesmerizing from beginning to end! Once I started reading it I found it impossible to tear myself away from this heartwarming Christian drama about three Norwegian siblings who take in the young widow of their deceased cousin. Aven has a backbone of steel after surviving a workhouse in Ireland but she has much to learn about life in America and much to learn about Jorgan, Thor and Haakon, the three strapping Norse men who make their living growing apples on Blackbird Mountain. This book has everything I love about reading Christian fiction. A richly detailed story with an entire cast of sympathetic characters who face many trials and tribulations as they learn to place their lives in the hands of God. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series and more of the inspirational writing of this wonderful author. I read a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

This is the first book I've read by Joanne Bischof and what an introduction it was!
I've read massive amounts of historical fiction books in my lifetime but this one is unlike any I've read before. The author takes us inside the head of the main male character, Thor. Now Thor is one of the three brothers Aven came over from Norway to take care of. She thought the brother's were children in need of care. Upon arriving from her voyage across the ocean she sees they are grown men living in rural 19th century Appalachia. Thor is the complex one, his family runs a hard cider liquor business and he is an alcoholic and deaf as well. He is able to sign but not able to speak and feels alienated and alone,full of frustration about not being able to express himself fully. Alcohol changes who he is when he is under the influence and he doesn't like who he has become. He is a very complex man. The struggle is real as he battles the demons inside him to give up alcohol. Aven makes every effort she can to show Thor she cares as she sees the battles raging inside of him alcoholism,depression,loneliness,frustration and the effort to make his wants and needs known.
The bond between the three brothers is touching and real. The three would do anything for each other and do. Will this broken man find wholeness and healing or will hard drink win the battle raging within him? What about Aven, two men desire to be her one and only, Thor the one who has cast his spell upon her in a quiet efficient way or Haakon, who is bold and passionate? Will her being there cause an irreparable rift between the brothers? This book goes where other Christian historical novels dare not to go. It's in your face,realistic,a breakthrough and I loved it! I have a lot of catching up as I now need to read all of the rest of this author's books!
Pub Date 03 Jul 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson--FICTION through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof is a wonderful and poignant love story. And yet it is so much more than a love story. The widowed Aven courageously travels the ocean to come live with an aunt by marriage, her only family now, to find herself immersed in the lives of three of her husband's cousins. Men who each have a significant impact on Aven's life as she finds love and acceptance in this new place--a place where Aven finds the courage to love again and the strength to forgive. 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. The author expertly deals with several very real and gritty subjects, alcoholism, abuse, jealousy, The Klan, and the communication difficulties of a deaf-mute and his family. 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. Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a story that, although it comes to a satisfactory ending, sadly does end. I am hopeful there is more to come in the story of the Norgaard family as they trust God to provide and to heal.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is only the second book I've read by this author. I first heard of her books when I kept hearing about "The Lady and the Lionheart" (a book about the circus) and knew I needed to read it.

Because I enjoyed that book so much, when I heard that Joanne Bischof had a new book coming out, I knew I wanted to read and review it, if at all possible.

This book is set in Nineteenth Century Appalachia. But the characters are Norwegian. The story begins with Aven arriving at the farm of her late husband's cousins, the only family she has anywhere. She finds three brothers, who were not at all as she expected them to be, and to top it all off, the one she meets first, Thor, is deaf.

I really like how the author portrays Thor, and how he and Aven get to know each other. I enjoyed the setting, and I also enjoyed the other brothers, and their relationship with each other, and Aven.

The deaf angle in this story is something that I've not read about before, and it really adds something. Aven has to learn how to communicate with Thor. Sign language, lip reading, and more. I tried to imagine what a world would be like in which there would be no sounds or noises. I was able to realize just a bit more how it must feel to be deaf.

There is a tantalizing sweetness in this story, one that befits its time and place. Apple Orchards. Berries. Cider. Hill country. Simple folk.

And then there's the issues of alcoholism, racism, trust, hope, forgiveness, redemption, love, and more.

Aven is faced with decisions. Will she go or stay. Which brother will she choose.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

This is a beautiful and compelling story by Joanne Bischof. Her description of the setting makes you feel as if you were actually walking up the mountain path to the farmhouse. However, it’s the characters that tug at your heartstrings. The character of Thor is one of the most unique characters that I’ve come across in Christian fiction. The author portrays Thor’s struggles and how they affect his family in a compassionate, yet honest, way. The social issues in this story are treated in the same manner. This is a story you won’t soon forget. I would not be surprised at all if this book’s not nominated for an award or two next year.

Just one note: Although dealt with in a completely appropriate manner and language, there are issues in this book that need an adult perspective. I’d recommend this one for no younger than the “young adult” category of readers.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review. This is my honest opinion about the book.

This is the first book I've read by the author, and now I'm ready to go binge-read all her other books! I felt like my heart was being tugged on as I read the story of Aven and Thor, their thoughts, struggles, triumphs, and joys. The writing is absolutely beautiful and I just sank into it, not wanting to miss one word. Aven is such a thoughtful, compassionate person, having endured harsh circumstances and heartache, and blossoms in the supportive household of the Norgaard brothers. I loved her perspective as she quickly bonds with the brothers and the others that live on the property, embracing them as family. The sweet romance that develops between her and Thor after a rough beginning is amazing with lovely special moments that are quiet and intense. Thor is an unforgettable character, not just because of how he has succeeded despite his disability, but how he goes through the lowest of lows in order to overcome his weakness and be worthy of Aven. His gentle nature contrasts with his powerful strength and confidence, intriguing Aven and strengthening their connection. The family goes through ups and downs with violent neighbors, sibling rivalries, a new bride for the oldest brother, and a need to innovate their livelihood to save the farm. I was completely immersed from the first page to the last, and highly recommend this book!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Through Thorald Norgaard Joanne Bischof honors the deaf and their language. She makes clear the importance of listening and of being heard, whether verbal speech is a part of that communication or not, and in spite of gender or race differences. Even for the hearing community, much of what we say and hear involves non-verbal communication, being aware of that will improve our skills if we will allow it to do so.
Thor is the middle son, a skilled apple farmer and maker of hard ciders and wines. He is also an alcoholic, a slave to his handiwork, even as he supports those freed from slavery following the Civil War. Aven Norgaard is the young widow of the brothers' cousin who has braved the seas to come live with their Aunt Dorothe and the three “boys” under her care. She arrives to learn that Dorothe has passed away, and the three boys are grown men, one of whom quickly claims her heart. Aven has seen the results of a life given to alcohol, and is unsure of how to guard her heart.
Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a study in relationships and a story of forgiveness given and at times withheld. It is a story of choosing to do the right thing over choosing the easy or self-centered path. Joanne Bischof is a new to me author, and I will be looking for more of her books in the future. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is going to be a gushy sort of review because I just cannot help myself. Last year I read my first Joanne Bischof book, The Lady and the Lionheart. Words cannot express how much I loved that book. I still love that book. It was one of my favorite books last year. I have been anxiously awaiting this new book for months and I finally, finally, got to sit down and immerse myself in it. I say immerse because Joanne Bischof has a way of writing that pulls you in and makes all your senses come alive. It's effortless on my part- I just start reading and I'm in. It's so fantastic.

This story is rich and thick, layered and dynamic. I just loved how I felt a part of everything that was happening. I saw, felt, heard, and tasted. My personal investment in this book increased with every page I read. The characters were complex and flawed with purpose and energy. Ugh. I really, really loved it.

This book leaves me with many questions regarding Haakon. I'm hoping that his story will be coming next but honestly, I don't care what story comes next as long as a story comes. I'm already in.

If you haven't read a Joanne Bischof book, do yourself a favor and pick this one up. Or The Lady and the Lionheart. (which is still my favorite, even though I loved this book too)

Content: alcohol addiction, some violence, a scene with unwanted sexual advances (that may be a trigger for some people), racial tension, abuse (that you know about and see evidence of, with no details), light Christian elements- characters attend church, pray.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher at my request. All opinions expressed are my own.

Aven Noorgaard is a young widow, leaving behind memories of her older drunkard husband Benn who has left her penniless in Norway, to take up a role as governess to his great-aunt Dorothe at the family farm in Blackbird Mountainin the Appalachians, America.
But when she arrives she finds Dorothe has died and the sons she had thought were young boys, are now three grown men.
The eldest Thor, aged 28, can't speak and uses sign language to communicate. He's also in charge of producing cider, much of which he drinks himself.
Aven finds the family strange but slowly finds friendship, then attention from brother Haakon. Thor watches silently as he has hated his brother for causing the death of his mother in childbirth and as the tension rises from outside influences, including the local Ku Klux Klansmen, the farm and the family find many things threaten their peaceful lives.
The story of how Aven had been plucked from an Irish workhouse to a flat over a Norweigan bakery seemed a bit difficult to believe but the scenes once she arrives in America build slowly to an explosive and emotional conclusion.
The writing is delicately done - the author tells of her desire to explain the nuances of American Sign Language (ASL) and facial and touch tenderness is often deployed to ignite the growing love relationships in the story.
The farm setting comes to life with descriptions of the harvest and living off the land. In the background are the Sorrel family who own the neighbouring plantation farm and the issue of slavery (and its fallout with the emancipation of those now free to choose their employers) is discussed well through some excellent characters and clashes of opinions.
At a time when current American politics seems to despise the role of immigrants, you could do well to read about the 19th century lives of those for whom America became a home and a haven and also had much to offer its local economy and culture.
A good read.

Author Joanne Bischof has penned a poignant, hauntingly beautiful, sublimely romantic tale set in the majestic Appalachian Mountains.

Aven Norgaard has no intentions of pitting brother against brother when she arrives at Blackbird Mountain, but her unassuming beauty and gentleness capture the hearts of each of them. Haakon, with the blue eyes that stay etched in her mind, is bold and passionate. Thor, deaf and mute and bound to alcohol as a coping mechanism, possesses a heart of gold. Just as the heroine, how enamored I was with each of these brothers in different ways!

Ms. Bischof, with expertise and insight, delves into not only the emotions and frustrations of someone who has a difficult time communicating with others, but also the heartbreaking life of an alcoholic. All is not doom and gloom, however, as there are many funny, precious moments that made these lips curve upward. Not to mention the emotive, angst-filled, toe curling romance...ahh, such sweet torment! Be sure to put Sons of Blackbird Mountain at the top of your to-be-read list! So looking forward to the next book in this awesome series!

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

I was a little worried going into this that I would be turned off by the Christian overtones and that they would overshadow the story. I'm happy to report that not only was this book not preachy in the least, but the characters and story touched my heart with their heartfelt and gentle message of love and second chances. I was utterly charmed and enthralled and couldn't stop reading till I had reached the end and even then I wanted the story to go on to find out what happened after. Folks of a spiritual nature will love the grace and goodness of the story, fans of historical fiction will love the detailed world of 19th century rural Appalachia, and romance lovers will absolutely savor the slow-moving, tender love story.

I waited longer than I'd normally like to write my review of Sons of Blackbird Mountain. That being said, I wish the details were a bit more fresh in my mind while writing this review. I didn't get hooked immediately, but I will say that it didn't take me long to feel invested in the characters and their story.

Sons of Blackbird Mountain takes place in a time period that's on the verge of one that I normally don't enjoy reading. The topics that I can sometimes shy away from were present in a way that felt honest, but I also didn't feel like I was being beat over the head with preaching where these subjects were concerned. I applaud Joann Bischof for being able to tackle these subjects in a way that didn't make me want to stop reading.

I loved most of the characters. Aven, Thor, Yorgan, Haakon (more on him later), Ida, Cora, and even more. Aven married Ben Norgaard as a matter of survival. We don't know too terribly much about their relationship beyond a few details that I don't want to spoil. But Ben has died. When Aven receives a letter and offer from Ben's aunt to come to America to help her take care of his three cousins she jumps at the chance. She has no other family living. Upon arrival Aven finds that the three cousins are grown men quite capable of taking care of themselves. And Aunt Dorthea has passed as well. Aven doesn't have much choice but to stay and help the Norgaard men around their apple tree orchard/farm. And she finds a family within them.

Thor is deaf. I've mentioned before that a friend of mine had a daughter born deaf, and I've found myself picking up books that feature deaf characters just about every time I see them. I loved Thor's character. If you think few people know sign language (ASL, BSL, or any other sign language) now then imagine how few there would have been two hundred years ago. Thor is lucky in that he was able to learn ASL and teach it to his brothers. Thor had some battles to face big time and I loved that he wasn't a perfect hero. Instead he was very relate-able. His struggle to communicate was both heartbreaking and beautiful. And I loved seeing Aven find ways of communicating and making life easier for him where she could.

Haakon is youngest brother. Their mother died during childbirth with him. This obviously plays a role within the family. Even though he's over twenty, Haakon still has a lot of growing left to do. I loved how Aven thought and felt about him. She possessed a level of maturity that I wish I saw more frequently IRL. Perhaps her prior marriage helped her to see what Haakon himself could not. He breaks my heart toward the end of the book, but that makes me even more excited to see him potentially redeem himself. (I'm assuming the second book in this series will be dedicated to him as one of the main character.)

Favorite quote:
- She didn't know what to make of all this, but it landed in her heart in that lonesome place called bitter and sweet.

I feel that I've barely touched the surface of Sons of Blackbird Mountain. I didn't want to put it down. And the last chapter had me aching to get my hands on the next book. Sons of Blackbird Mountain gets 4 Stars. Have you read Sons of Blackbird Mountain? What did you think? Let me know!

This deeply poignant story is sure to touch your heart. The characters lingered in my thoughts days after I finished reading the story. Every page is filled with emotion and lyrical phrasing that is sure to draw you in and take hold of your imagination and senses.

These characters are intense and multifaceted. They easily found their way into my heart. The story deals with very difficult situations, and addictions. It isn’t always easy to have a front-row seat and to watch characters that you have grown to care about going through difficult times. However, life is just like that. People you care about go through difficult times, and make choices that you may not always agree with. In the end, it is more important that we walk along-side, offer support, and point them to Jesus. He is the only one who can direct their path and give them true peace.

This is a beautiful story of grace, healing, and forgiveness. I wasn’t ready for the end of the story to arrive and I eagerly look forward to the next story in the Blackbird Mountain series.

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

Be still my heart! What a truly magnificent read—so poignant and captivating! I just finished this book, and I’m having a hard time trying to put my feelings into words. I spent the last part of the book alternating between wanting to know the ending and not wanting it to end. Now I’m anxiously awaiting the next story in the series!

Joanne Bischof has a special gift for creating unique settings and intriguing storylines. She also excels in making multi-layered and complex, yet realistic, characters come alive on the page and endear themselves to the reader. Aven, the heroine of Sons of Blackbird Mountain, fascinated me from the start, as did Thor with his disabilities and endearing personality. The relationships between Thor and his brothers were intriguing and sometimes intense, and Bischof masterfully portrays them in a way that shows why they interact the way they do. The secondary characters were also vividly drawn and added much to the story.

Some hard topics are tackled in this book—alcoholism, deafness, family relationships, and more, but the author does a superb job with them. Messages of hope, redemption, forgiveness, and love of family are woven through the story, and add to the beauty of it.

If you haven’t read any of Joanne Bischof’s books yet, do yourself a favor and grab this one. You won’t be disappointed. It’s one for the keeper shelf, and I’m sure it will be one of my favorite reads of the year.

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

This historical romance is sweet and atmospheric. I loved the Appalachian setting. The main character, Aven, was strong and kind even though her life had been difficult. The story had some interesting subplots including American Sign Language and making moonshine. It was a fascinating read with a beautiful love story. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through Netgalley for the purpose of review.

This was a beautiful love story. Heart-wrenching at times, and a bit bittersweet, but very tender and moving.

I loved how the author was able to convey a deaf character so well, both in how Thor communicates and his frustrations in not being able to always understand and be understood, even amongst those who know him best. And it's made all the harder with alcoholism and the process of breaking that addiction.

The brotherly love--and rivalry--is also very well done. Their relationships are complex, especially as Aven comes between Thor and Haakon, while Jorgen tries to be supportive and keep the peace. It's really easy to root for Thor, who desperately wants to change, but knows all too well the pain of failure. Haakon definitely has some growing up to do. I wouldn't call his gesture at the end redeeming, but at least he makes an expression of his love and regret, imperfect though it is. I'm glad to see Haakon will have his chance at true redemption in the sequel!

Aven is altogether a lovely character; I loved that she makes an effort to communicate with Thor, to get over the awkwardness of not knowing how to deal with a deaf person. And it is awkward at first, but she is good at looking past man's outward appearance and instead looking at the heart. Pretty much the entire secondary cast was spectacular; I especially loved the bravery shown by certain ones in spite of ties to the Ku Klux Klan.

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

Three brothers living together in the mountains of Virginia during the 1890s defending their land makes for an interesting story. I would not describe the book as Christian fiction because the brothers made their living making liquor for a good part of the book, the physical fighting among the brothers and the attempted rape.

I felt for Thor because he tried so hard to communicate through sign language and lip reading. Aven was such a sweet person who had been through a lot. Jorgan was my favorite because he was a good, caring big brother.
I would recommend this book for anyone looking for an interesting historical fiction that touches on some very hard subjects.

Aven Norgaard goes to Blackbird Mountain in Appalachia, expecting to her late husband's aunt care for three young boys--only when she arrives, she finds that the aunt is deceased and the "boys" are grown men. The Norgaard brothers live a somewhat isolated life, brewing liquor and keeping to themselves, but Aven is drawn to them all--the eldest, Jorgan, is a brotherly caretaker; the youngest, Haakon is outgoing and interested in Aven; the middle, Thor, is deaf, but Aven is drawn into his world. As Aven works alongside the brothers, Aven realizes she has come to find home--and she hopes she has found love as well.

From the first time he saw her picture, Thor has been captivated by Aven; her arrival on the farm only strengthens his interest in her. Although Thor is a master brewer, creating liquors that have let his family thrive and have given Thor a purpose in life, he decides it's time to break the hold liquor has on him and see if he has finally found someone who will truly listen to him. Both his desire to quit the liquor and to pursue Aven will have profound consequences for his family, however.

Wow! This book is amazing! It's really well written, from details that pull the reader right onto Blackbird Mountain so you can almost smell the cider and the flowers, to characters who tug at your heart, to societal subjects that make you think (but don't get preachy.) Thor's struggles--from his deafness to his difficulty expressing himself to trying to break his addiction--were heart-rending. He's such a complex character--as is Haakon. Irish Aven was just terrific--compassionate and kind but with a little spunk. The subjects--alcoholism racism, brotherly relationships, hurting and healing and forgiveness--are woven into the story skillfully, which keeps it from being overwhelming (or depressing). The beautiful writing really lets the characters shine--there's a lot going on, but the plot doesn't overrun the characters, which happens all too easily with books that have a lot going on. Instead, Bischof has written about about the characters, who deal with various issues (that might not be coming across as clearly as I hope, but I mean that as a very high compliment.) This was a fantastic book, and I can't wait for the sequel! One of my picks for the best of 2018.

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

Sons Of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof is a marvellous, gritty Christian historical romance and one that I loved.
Joanne Biscof is not afraid to tackle the age old problem of alcoholism. The reader sees the affects of liquor not only on the affected but on all those around. He "knew what a battle it was - the pull of the bottle each and every moment of each and every day." People need to want to give up the addiction but they also need help from those around them.
Being hurt in the past means hearts are locked away. "Realities had taught her that a woman's heart was best bundled up and hidden away." There is a sadness surrounding a character who in her wish to guard her heart, has imprisoned it.
Family bonds are important. Family is members of the same household. Family pulls together at all times.
The American Civil War was fought for freedom for all. Unfortunately racial inequality and prejudice remains. The Ku Klux Klan was active within the novel and the reader sees the fear and horror it brings.
One of the lead characters was deaf. The reader witnesses his inclusion in family life as members learn American Sign Language. There are also moments of heartbreak and horror as the reader learns of the punishments and prejudices he received at school.
There were moments of lightness as the wonderful, warm characters interacted with each other. Comprehensive descriptions enable the reader to picture the creek and other locations.
A really delightful and powerful novel from Joanne Biscof who has focused her story around issues not often written about. More please Joanne Biscof.
I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson at Net Galley. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

First of all, Joanne Bischof where have you been all my life? I can not believe I have not read this author until now. I am glad I rectified that error and I can't wait to read more by this very talented lady.
I Sooo Loved this novel. It is in my top 5 favorites for this year. I don't know where to start explaining why I loved it so much, but I will try. If you read this book, which I hope you do, you must read Joanne Bischof's explanation at the very beginning. She explains some of the text and why it sounds and is written different. What it is like to speak and write ASL. I believe it helps you understand end enjoy the story. I have a deaf friend, have had the opportunity to be introduced to the deaf community and I am learning ASL. Whether Ms. Bischof has personal experience or has spent a great deal of time in researching, I feel she has done an excellent job of representing the deaf community. That is one reason why I was so drawn to this story, but there are many more. She does a great job of developing her characters. There are several complex personalities. Thor, the deaf brother, to me was the most complex. He is not only deaf, but mute and struggles with alcoholism. How she was able to get inside of Thor's head and portray his life and feelings, to me is amazing. The time period is just after the war. There was still so much unrest and injustice going on, especially in the south. Not everything in this book is easy to read and I am sure some parts may have been hard for the author to write. Even though the author doesn't skirt around this and other hard issues, she brings light into the darkness. I would whole heartily recommend this wonderful book. I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through Net Galleys. The opinion expressed in this review is completely my own.