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!

When the widowed Aven arrives on the farm in Virginia at Blackbird Mountain, after a sea voyage, she discovers the situation isn't exactly what she was lead to believe. She thought she would be caring for three young boys, but instead she finds three grown men! The woman who invited her to come has passed away.
The men welcome her into their home, and Miss Ida, the housekeeper/cook has soon taken Aven under her wing and helps her get settled.
This is a beautifully written story and so well crafted. As a result of his deafness, Thor is an isolated man. But Aven sees something precious in him and the two are able to communicate with their hearts. In spite of the alcoholism, Thor has an innocence in him that I loved. And as he and Aven slowly get to know one another and fall in love, their romance is innocent, childlike with wonder and tenderness.
The family does face difficulties, but there were also good times and memories being made along with pies baking in the oven and the scents drifting through the house.
When I decided to read this book, I didn't know anything about it. I read The Lady and the Lionheart and loved it, so when I saw this author had written another story I jumped at the chance to read her new book. I am so glad I did. A truly wonderful story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

{3.5 stars}

When I first saw this cover, I wanted to read this book, but when I read the summary I knew I must. I'm always on the look out for a unique story, and since I've had experienced with this authors writing, I knew she would describe life so well.

This book is no exception. She sweeps you into the life of Thor and Aven, who both seem so different, but have ties that bind their hearts together. I dearly, dearly loved Thor and his scenes touched me so much. I could feel his deafness and since I learned some sign language a few years ago, I loved trying to picture the signs he was using. His scenes are so silent, yet not! He knows people so well and his struggles and feelings are easily grasped. Aven is a sweet arrival to the family farm, and her interaction with the brothers is superb!

Romance moved at the right pace, and I love the depth to the relationship. I have to say, the bit of love triangle was a bit frustrating, but I'm looking forward to seeing more of Haakon's side of the story in the next book. There are several kisses, one or two semi-detailed, but I was pleasantly surprised by how little detail there was. There is a swimming scene, where men aren't wearing any shirts, and there is a bit of awkwardness in that. There is a scene toward the end that could be disconcerting for readers (it was for me), but surprisingly written delicately and is a key point to the story.

Spiritual content wasn't too heavy, but it was there in the life of Thor and Aven as they faced challenges each day. I would have liked to see more of Thor's spiritual journey, especially considering his struggle in certain areas.

This is a series, so I was left with a few questions at the end, but the conclusion of the story is great and I loved that there is a happily-ever-after :) It is a book that will speak to readers hearts and brings to life each character in fabulous description.

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.