Sons of Blackbird Mountain

Joanne Bischof

Jul 2018 · A Blackbird Mountain Novel Book 1 · Sold by Thomas Nelson

About this ebook

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

Ratings and reviews

Sons of Blackbird Mountain Blackbird Mountain #1 By Joanne Bischof Aven Norgaard is making a new life for herself leaving Norway and her old life with its pain and sorrow to joining her late husband's Aunt Dorothe and cousins in Blackbird Mountain, Virginia. But what she finds isn't quite what she expected from the letters that she had exchanged with Dorothe. Yes, there is a family with sons that could use some tending but they are not the children she had anticipated helping to tend. Rather the Norgaard boys are men who are her age or older. There is Jorgan, the eldest, who has a steady head and is soon to wed. The second son, Thor is deaf and mute, dealing daily with a silent pain that has held his heart in its grip since his mother's death. The youngest Norgaard is Haakon, who is bold and brash and carries a pain of his own. Adjusting to her new life is complicated by the fact that the Nogaards support themselves through the brewing of hard cider and Aven, well aware of the issues her late husband had with liquor, is understandably concerned about the Norgaards, especially Thor. Thor longs to be free of the grip drink has on him but his past attempts have ended in failure. As the crafter behind the cider, Thor is daily tempted by his brew, a brew that brought his own father down. But Aven's arrival gives Thor the motivation to attempt to break its hold one last time. The ruggedly beautiful and mountainous Virginia of the 1890s is a land still caught in the pain that was wrought by war - a war that divided a nation and changed the lives of so many. Many seeking to hide their pain and anger in the warm and addictive embrace of liquor. And those around them paid the price of liquor's cost - beatings, lack of necessities (food, clothing, etc.), and worse. This is the world of the Nogaards of Blackbird Mountain. This is the world that offers Aven Nogaard refuge following the death of her husband. The Nogaard brothers are tightly knit with a close relationship but there is a secret pain that has driven a small wedging sliver between Thor and Haakon, one that has kept them from the relationship that they could have had. Aven's arrival is about to further test their bond as both men find their hearts turning to a red-haired Irish beauty with a caring and compassionate spirit. I have to admit this was an interesting look at how those without hearing have been treated and the way that they are able to communicate. The opinions of some that signing was uncultured and primitive is not surprising and yet at the same time is. It is amazing how differences have always been a way to put down some while raising others. Differences should not be seen in such a light but rather as the unique gift we have each been given and from which we are to grow. This book would be an excellent book club selection and I for one would be wondering what gem each person would glean through their reading. Would it be the post Civil War era, a particular character, or just the effort and care put forth in the making of a drink? I received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through TLC book tour with no expectations but my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

I love every minute of this book. The richness of the story and the depth of the characters took my breath away. I couldn’t get enough. I don’t often read a book more than once, but this is one that I loved so much, I probably will. The struggles and battles the characters faced were unique and I felt as if I was fighting with them. This is the first book I have read by Joanne Bischof. It will not be my last. Her style of writing is amazing. I felt transported and my heart became invested in no time. I can’t say enough about this book. When I wasn’t reading I felt as if the story haunted me in the best way possible. I easily fell in love with Thor. I felt my eyes opened to some of the struggles those who can’t hear encounter. This book would be amazing for a book club. I found myself wanting to discuss the story with everyone, and encouraged them to read it. If only there were more books like this. I can not wait until the next book is released. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are completely 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 and 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.

About the author

Joanne Bischof is an ACFW Carol Award and ECPA Christy Award-winning author. She writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the heartstrings. She was honored to receive the San Diego Christian Writers Guild Novel of the Year Award in 2014 and in 2015 was named Author of the Year by the Mount Hermon conference. Joanne’s 2016 novel, The Lady and the Lionheart, received an extraordinary 5 Star TOP PICK! from RT Book Reviews, among other critical acclaim. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her three children. Visit her online at JoanneBischof.com; Facebook: Author, JoanneBischof; Instagram: @JoanneBischof.