Sons of Blackbird Mountain - (Blackbird Mountain Novel) by Joanne Bischof (Paperback)

4.5 stars "Apparently the lad hadn't the gift of gab." No, he didn't. In fact Thor Norgaard's vocabulary was severely limited to signs formed using the fingers of his massive hands, but that in no way meant that he could not effectively communicate with a turn of his head or an expression in his eyes. Meeting Aven Norgaard walking up his mountain lane, seemed almost like an apparition, after having considered the photo of his dead cousin's wife for so long. But what could he possibly offer her that his passionate, impulsive, younger brother couldn't offer her sooner? More importantly, Thor had demons to quell. Aven Norgaard arrives at Blackbird Mountain on foot, admiring its vast, lovely acres of orchards and sensing more plentiful abundance than she could have ever imagined. However, she was quite shocked to learn that Aunt Dorothe's three "boys" were actually grown men who made quite a profitable income off the hard cider they brewed on the family's farm. Sadly, she was also informed of Dorothe's recent passing. What to do now; stay on the mountain or seek employment elsewhere? One, and only one, of the handsome brothers can solidify that decision. "She'd always heard him because she knew how to listen." A more symphonic romance has barely been penned, as readers hear Aven and Thor bare their souls without saying a word.

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.

Sons of Blackbird Mountain, by Joanne Bischof, is a thoroughly breathtaking novel. Ms. Bischof’s writing style is achingly beautiful, strengthened by a lyrical quality that is quietly profound. Within every word and phrase there is deep meaning and thoughtful purpose. Carefully detailed and remarkably descriptive, this is a novel to be savored and treasured. Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a novel that offers a unique and touching story of loss, redemption, love, and family. Rustic cabins, apple orchards, freshwater ponds, and wooded hillsides allow the story to grow richly from the landscape of its Appalachian setting even amidst the hurt and uncertainty of life in the South in the decades following the Civil War. The well-developed characters are simply captivating and abound with authenticity and vulnerability. Their insecurities, their fears, their needs, and their desires are wholly believable, heart-wrenching, and inspiring. The opportunities, the choices, and the trials that the characters endure are intricately developed, and from them there unfolds a story that is thoroughly enriching and endearing. Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a novel that artfully balances hope and despair, perseverance and struggle, and faithfulness and uncertainty. With unflinching skill, the author explores raw emotions, painful experiences, and deep hurt. Yet, this journey through and beyond despair and heartache is significantly strengthened and uplifted by meaningful moments of grace and gentle reminders that hope, restoration, healing, and reconciliation are made possible through God’s mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional love. I truly cannot write enough kind thoughts about this book. As a reader, I desire to learn, to be challenged, to be comforted, to be entertained, and to be inspired. Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a book that easily fulfilled each of those desires leaving me in awe of how much Ms. Bischof was able to accomplish with written words on paper. This is a book that I will gladly share with others and reread often. It is with a full and thankful heart that I sincerely recommend this novel. *I was given a copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.

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.

Readers, and especially writers, believe in the power of story as a form of communication. In this latest novel by Joanne Bischof, the power of communication is especially highlighted as Thor, the middle of three Norwegian brothers living in the mountains of Virginia, is deaf and mute. Yet through ASL, writing, gestures, and facial expressions, he is able to live a full and productive life. His cousin's widow, Aven, joins the Norgaard family at the invitation of their now-deceased aunt. Aven learns to communicate with Thor with insight from a neighbor: "Just look at him. . . Look at his eyes, his face. See him. See him and be patient. You'll never wonder . . . Spend ten minutes getting to know Thor Norgaard and you'll forget he silent. You'll learn and hear things that most men don't even know how to speak." This story takes place within a three-month period, but in that time we learn much about the Norgaard family as they manage the harvest on their farm, deal with the effects of alcoholism, and work through post-Civil War conflicts with neighbors. I found it difficult to connect with Thor, but Aven did that for me. There was much depth to this story, and I recommend it to readers of historical romance. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, through Celebrate Lit, for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.

Warning: DO NOT START THIS BOOK UNLESS YOU HAVE TIME TO FINISH AS IT WILL NOT LET GO ONCE IT GRABS A HOLD OF YOUR HEART! This is my first book by Jo’Anne Bischof and I am a FAN GIRL now. It is such a compelling read and your heart becomes invested in this family. I loved these characters and their strength especially Thor. He has such depth even though he is deaf. I was so impressed with how his character was written with such sensitivity on a subject that is usually left untouched. This book leaves you yearning for the next one and completely gobsmacked. It is a book of hurts, addiction, forgiveness, love, and faith. I already want to reread, as I miss this family. My suggestion is run out and grab a copy ASAP I received a complimentary copy from the author/CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

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 via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

Having read Joanne Bischof's previous books, I am well aware that her heroes are not typical. Still, Deaf, mute Thor, with his addiction to alcohol, blew me away. He is the middle brother of the three rugged Norgaard brothers who brew hard cider from their apple orchard on Blackbird Mountain. Jorgan is the oldest, a steadying influence on his younger brothers, kind and supportive. Haakon is seven years younger than Thor and has a complicated relationship with his brothers, especially Thor. This is partially due to their mother's death shortly after his birth. They were raised mostly by their great aunt Dorothe along with their housekeeper, Ida, and her sister, Cora. For a few years before the beginning of this story, Dorothe has been corresponding with her great-nephew Benn's wife, Aven, in Norway. After Benn's death, Aven is invited to come to Virginia to the Norgaard farm. She expects to be helping to care for children, not strapping men of 21, 28, and 32 but settles in as part of the family. Thor's character is written with the sensitivity I have come to expect from this author, as she beautifully allows us to get to know him. As Aven finds herself drawn to him, I found myself captivated as well. There is sadness as well as joy in this tale. I am looking forward to reading more about this family. I received a complementary copy of the book from the publishers, which did not influence my opinion. All thoughts are my own.