I absolutely loved Sons of Blackbird Mountain, and have been anxiously awaiting the sequel! Ms. Bischof has written a beautiful conclusion to the family’s story. I would even like to read more of Haakan’s story moving forward. A must read!

This book is a fabulous continuation of Aven and Thor’s love story and a beautiful message of redemption through the character of Haakon. The author is a talented writer with a gift of developing a wide variety of interesting characters and her attention to detail helps the reader feel part of the story. Although the pacing of the story was at times slow I relished the layers of relationships and getting to know the characters intimately. I adored how she described the little children, so full of praise for the beauty of life. My only disappointment was that I would have liked the relationship between Haakon and Kjerstin to have been more developed. I would have gladly kept reading their story. Maybe the author will write another book detailing their life.
I received a complimentary copy of this book the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved the way this book was written. The complicated characters, the deep story, the family history and the real life situations all blended together to create something that had me looking for more from this author. Filled with hope, this is a book to read in 2019!

The first book I ever read by Joanne was Sons Of Blackbird Mountain, I was hocked. I had to try and find everything that she has ever written, so I could read them too. I was excited when I saw the second book Daughters of Northern Shore would soon be available. I was totally thrilled when I was picked by the publisher, Thomas Nelson, to read a complimentary copy. Joanne did not disappoint. This book was everything I expected and more.

I feel in love with all of the characters in the first book to this series. Her people are so real they feel like family. I deeply admire her writing. She gives us authentic people with real problems and flaws. Joanne is not afraid to tackle some serous issues. Her books are wonderful, but I would not call them light and fluffy, and that's okay. I don't want to spoil the plot for anyone, so I won't go into any details. I will just say I found myself often in tears and pulling for each of these characters. I always know to have tissues handy when I read one of Joanne Bischof's novels.

I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson the publisher through NetGally. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

OH. MY. GOODNESS. Combined with book one, this should be a movie. Daughters of Northern Shores brings Joanne Bischof's characters from Sons of Blackbird Mountain full circle. As angry and broken-hearted as we all got with Haakon's behavior in book one, we are slowly gifted with the insight of his back story in book two, and we watch his progression into spiritual and personal maturity in this remarkable story of redemption and grace. Joanne has just rocketed to the top of my favorite authors list. If you are a writer of historicals or historical romance, you simply must read her work with an eye to craft.

This book officially releases in March 2019. I received an advanced readers copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

Another winner by Joanne Bischof! If you’ve read the first book in the series (or even if you haven’t), you’ll definitely love this one. It’s a story of redemption and repentance, with no shortage of beautiful prose. She does an amazing job of tugging on the heartstrings and in this novel you get to rejoice with Haakon and his return to his beloved family. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

AWESOME BOOK!! I was absolutely smitten with Blackbird Mountain and was anxiously awaiting this publication of the sequel, I was SO excited when I was given the opportunity to receive a preview from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Since reading Blackbird Mountain, I picked up several other books by Ms. Bischof and every single one of them has been a wonderful, heartfelt read. What an awesome author, and once again, she has another winner, just as good as the first in this series.
I don’t know how she does it, the author can bring out so many emotions, she can bring me to tears, then switch to a chuckle, and I can close my eyes, see the ship on the ocean, envision the countryside, the big house, pregnant Aven or the little baby pulling up her dress to show her belly button, and yes, absolutely stole my heart when “5 isn’t nearly enough” came around. And I can feel the love between Aven, Thor, and the entire family. Joanne has moved up into my top five favorite authors of all time.
I rarely re-read books, but I will certainly be going back to read multiple scenes in this one, they are so memorable. Well done!
I would give this one more than 5*****’s if I could. I’m expecting another best seller!!

Daughters of Northern Shores is book two in the Blackbird Mountain series. I had not read book one but that did not stop me from enjoying this book. It is beautifully written. The imagery is well written and you feel as if you are right there with the characters as they progress through the book.

Aven Norgaard is happily married to Thor and they are expecting their first child. Thor is deaf and after having received a letter, goes to visit a doctor who is studying deafness. At the appointment Thor's blood is taken. The doctor then tells him about the patient he had prior, and it was the father of the Sorrell family. Thor and his brothers bitterly fought this family. Thor realizes his family and his property is in danger if the Sorrell's have returned to the area. But soon after the appointment, Thor becomes very ill. He is seen by a doctor who quarantines him from his family while he recovers. Thor's condition worsens and he is feeling desperate. In that moment, Thor's brother, Haakon returns to the mountain.

Haakon Norgaard had fled the mountain four years ago after having attempted to take Aven as his own. Thor stopped him from harming her. During the four years Haakon was gone, he served on a ship. He met a widow with five children that refused to leave his mind. But Haakon knew he had to make things right with his family. Upon returning, he finds Thor sick. Haakon takes care of him and makes his apology to Thor and to Aven. As the family bands together to fight their enemy, their relationships improve. With the addition of a baby, the family is further brought together.

Daughters of Northern Shore is a wonderful book about redemption. I loved it. I also loved the ending Haakon found. I am assuredly reading book one because I have to know what took place prior to the Aven and Thor marrying. Their courtship sounded like an interesting one.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest feedback.

The first book in this series, Sons of Blackbird Pond was one of my all time favorite books. So Daughters of Northern Shores was a book I was anxiously awaiting to read to see what happened with Haakon, Aven and Thor. I knew though that would be hard to compete with the first book.
I did love this book. It was so satisfying to find answers to the questions left hanging in the previous book.
However, it was a harder book for me to read. It did not pull me under it's spell like the first book. I did not savor it as I read.
Joanne Bischof though, writes as no other. She gives you time to get to know her characters. Her writing is beautiful and poetic. This book is multilayered and gives lots of food for thought. I will always read anything she writes.
I recommend this book highly.

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

I just finished Daughters of Northern Shores, and I am definitely in the midst of a book hangover. I can't tell you how much I love this series. I didn't know it was even possible to have a sequel be as good if not even better than the first amazing story. Joanne Bischof writes breathtaking stories that grab you and don't let go. I read a lot of books, and her stories really stay with me. I loved the continuation of the story of Aven, Thor, and Haakon, and the long time in coming redemption of Haakon. I am truly hoping for another story in this series, as I am not ready to part with these characters any time soon.


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

I was very excited to see a sequel to Sons of Blackbird Mountain. This title confuses me a little bit, but the story was good.

We pick up four years after Sons. Haakon has spent that time at sea, trying to forget Aven. Aven and Thor are happily married and now expecting a child. Jorgan and Fay, Ida, Cora, Peter, Tess, Georgie; they're all still around.

The story goes back and forth between Blackbird Mountain and Haakon. We see him wrestling with his life choices and the consequences of his actions. A kindly shipmate helps him decide to go home and seek reconciliation with his family. His is not the only heart that needs healed.

Grievances from the past rise up and the Noorgard family must forgive each other in order to help one another and keep the family safe.

A good book about family, forgiveness, and what love actually is.

Joanne Bischof does it again! There are many authors I like and some I love...but Joanne Bischof is consistently at the suuuuuuper love, top-of-the-list, all-time-fave level. And I absolutely adored this continuation of Thor, Aven and Haakon's story.

In a way, this book reminded me of Joanne's earlier series—the Cadence of Grace series—in that the hero is flawed in an obvious way. All the best characters have flaws, I think, but man, I so admire an author who can write a character with much more overt flaws and yet, still create someone lovable and sympathetic. That's Haakon to the core. His journey toward redemption touched my heart in a deep, deep way...

...as did the whole story. OF COURSE I loved every moment we got to spend with Thor again. 💗💗💗He's up there with Charlie Lionheart for me (um, if you don't know who Charlie Lionheart is, drop everything and read The Lady and the Lionheart right this very second!!). The setting was beautifully written and I always appreciate the pace of Joanne Bischof's books...the plot keeps moving and yet there's plenty of time to sink into each page. She lets her characters and scenes breathe and I love that.

So basically, this review is just one huge gush...but to be honest, I knew it would be from the first page!

I never doubted this was going to be a five-star read. I was intrigued about the journey I'd be taken through and how forgiveness and redemption would be won out and how many tears I would shed. I was also very much intrigued by the title of this book and wondered what a role it played.

For those who read the first book, we know forgiveness and redemption are key factors in this current season of the Norgaard family. How much these needed to be given caught me by surprise, but perhaps shouldn't have. To me, this book highlighted how the story of the prodigal son is timeless for we all are prodigal. This familiar story expands on a Father overflowing with love and joy over the return of his wayward son; sentiments shown even before the son words out forgiveness. To the Norgaards, it might not be as easy, but the extent of their love for one another is undeniable.

Nevertheless, we forget the oldest son, the one who stayed and was always there. He also requires forgiveness, even maybe more urgently so. So why I thought the extent of forgiveness relates only to Haakon I don't know. But it had me pondering, hence my prattle.

That being said, I want to admit there's so much I'm still taking in from this story.
There is love stamped on every page, so it was impossible for tears to be held tight - tears of sorrow and many many joys. The endearing and solemn tone of this book reflects the ones previously written by Joanne. I have to say this portrays more than a craftsmanship, but the character of the writer. And therefore I couldn't recommend (and may I dare say advocate fiercely) them enough!

Once again Ms. Bischof blesses a reader with her masterful storytelling. This has been another page turner by my favorite author! She transports a reader to the setting of her story with deep and vivid descriptions. It was a pleasant trip back to Blackbird Mountain. *I received a copy from Netgalley. The review is voluntarily.