I was first introduced to Joanne Bischof‘s books when given a copy of The Lady and the Lionheart. I loved that story and Joanne’s writing style so much, I immediately requested Sons of Blackbird Mountain and its sequel Daughters of Northern Shores from the library. Like The Lady and the Lionheart, Sons of Blackbird Mountain will stay with you forever.

Aven Norgaard travels from Norway to the Americas after the death of her husband, answering the generous welcome of her late husband’s aunt. However, when she arrives in Virginia, she discovers the aunt has recently passed away and the woman’s three nephews now run the Norgaard farm.

Thorald Norgaard is a deaf-mute who drowns his struggles in the cider he brews from the apple trees he so carefully cultivates. But when Aven arrives, she inspires him to overcome his addiction. He’s failed before, but this time he has more to fight for.

Dynamics on the farm are complicated further when Thor’s younger brother, Haakon, reveals he also has feelings for Aven. Young and impetuous, he goes about expressing those feelings in a way entirely opposite than Thor, leaving Aven as the one to chose between them.

Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a heartbreaking tale of family, trials, and choices. It is a story someone with addiction or assault triggers should be careful of reading. It is also the type of story I want to see more of among Christian fiction. It refuses to brush aside real life brokenness. I commend Joanna Bischof for diving into the messiness of life and delivering a tale of love and I highly recommend this book to you.

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I borrowed this book from the library. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”