About the Book

Title: Sons of Blackbird Mountain

Author: Joanne Bischof

Genre: Historical Romance

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.

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

Sons of Blackbird Mountain is actually the first full-length novel by Joanne Bischof that I have read and I am totally hooked. I’ve read her novellas in different collections and loved her beautiful writing and memorable stories…but this book. This. Book. From the first page of the story, the sweet tenderness and sorrow wrapped up in beautiful lyrical writing gripped my heart. The story is a family saga set in 1890s Virginia – not something that will end in this book but a legacy that will span years and several books (I hope). The characters are incredible and unforgettable. The plot is well-crafted and carries the story at a good pace. The theme of freedom in Christ and love, grace, forgiveness, and redemption is deftly woven into the plot and into each of the characters. The author addresses difficult issues like racism, prejudice against those different, chains of addiction, and the complicated and murky bond of a family with poise and understanding.

Thor is the middle child of the Norgaard family now making a living off the apple orchards by distilling liquor from their apples. He is deaf and mute, yet his brothers and those close to him communicate via ASL and his intelligence is reflected in the profitable business he establishes, his ability to read and write two languages, and his ability to lip read. Thor is loyal, so achingly sweet and tender despite his brute force, innocent, sensitive, thoughtful and loving. He’s been through so much heartache in his life and doesn’t know how to cope with it. Aven is the widow of the Norgaard’s cousin who sails to America, hoping to start a new life. She brings hope, sweetness, tenderness, and love to the Virginian Norgaard brothers yet they, as a family, have much to endure. Jorgan is the steadfast, kind, and generous older brother and Haakon is the impulsive, bold, passionate, and immature younger brother. This family, along with the hired help who are more like blood relatives, will burrow into your heart and keep residence there long after you’ve put the book away.

The family’s losses are heart-wrenching, their victories so triumphant, their love and bond always tangible. Sons of Blackbird Mountain is an incredible journey and you will not be the same person after reading this book. The second book in the series promises a continuation of the exquisite story the author has created and I’m waiting anxiously for it to be available.

I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher through Celebrate Lit Tour and was under no obligation to post a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely 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.

Guest Video from Joanne Bischof

Blog Stops

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Carpe Diem, July 5

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, July 5

All-of-a-kind Mom, July 6

The Power of Words, July 6

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Fiction Aficionado, July 7

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, July 7

A Baker’s Perspective, July 7

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Christian Chick’s Thoughts, July 8

Luv’N Lambert Life, July 8

Cordially Barbara, July 9

Kathleen Denly, July 9

Reading Is My SuperPower, July 9

Faithfully Bookish, July 10

Christian Bookshelf Reviews, July 10

Simple Harvest Reads, July 10 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Novels corner, July 11

Inklings and notions, July 11

Just Commonly, July 11

Two Points of Interest, July 11

Maureen’s Musings, July 12

Book by Book, July 12

To Everything A Season, July 12

Inspiration Clothesline, July 13

With a Joyful Noise, July 13

Pause for Tales, July 13

Radiant Light, July 13

The Christian Fiction Girl, July 14

Remembrancy, July 14

proud to be an autism mom, July 14

Just the Write Escape, July 15

Bibliophile Reviews, July 15

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By The Book, July 16

Texas Book-aholic, July 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 16

Janices book reviews, July 17

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Bigreadersite, July 17

Connie’s History Classroom, July 18

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Seasons of Opportunities, July 18

Reader’s cozy corner, July 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Joanne is giving away

Grand prize of a country crate, a jar of apple butter, a bag of gummy berries, journal, bath salts, honey spoons, copper earrings, and a blackbird sign!!

Click below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d140/sons-of-blackbird-mountain-celebration-tour-giveaway