Sons of Blackbird Mountain (Blackbird Mountain #1)
by Joanne Bischof
Genres: Christian Fiction,Historical Fiction,Romance
Paperback, 352 pages
Published July 3rd 2018 by Thomas Nelson
Book Summary
When Aven Norgaard leaves Norway to serve as housekeeper to her late husband’s cousins in Appalachia, she expects lads in need of care, not three grown men—each in need of a wife and bound by a powerful brotherhood. As the men carve out a living by brewing artisan liquor, young Haakon’s pursuit tempts Aven’s lonely spirit . . . but it is his deaf brother, Thor, whose silent strength shows her the depths of real love. Unable to speak to any woman, Thor Norgaard never anticipates Aven will befriend him, let alone treat him as her safe harbor. Though hard cider is their livelihood and his greatest talent, he fights his way to sobriety with Haakon’s help, defying the bottle for Aven’s hand—only to face a battle of the heart that tests even the strongest bonds of brotherhood.
My Review
This is the first book I've read by Joanne Bischof and what an introduction it was! I've read massive amounts of historical fiction books in my lifetime but this one is unlike any I've read before. The author takes us inside the head of the main male character, Thor. Now Thor is one of the three brothers Aven came over from Norway to take care of. She thought the brother's were children in need of care. Upon arriving from her voyage across the ocean she sees they are grown men living in rural 19th century Appalachia. Thor is the complex one, his family runs a hard cider liquor business and he is an alcoholic and deaf as well. He is able to sign but not able to speak and feels alienated and alone,full of frustration about not being able to express himself fully. Alcohol changes who he is when he is under the influence and he doesn't like who he has become. He is a very complex man. The struggle is real as he battles the demons inside him to give up alcohol. Aven makes every effort she can to show Thor she cares as she sees the battles raging inside of him alcoholism,depression,loneliness,frustration and the effort to make his wants and needs known. The bond between the three brothers is touching and real. The three would do anything for each other and do. Will this broken man find wholeness and healing or will hard drink win the battle raging within him? What about Aven, two men desire to be her one and only, Thor the one who has cast his spell upon her in a quiet efficient way or Haakon, who is bold and passionate? Will her being there cause an irreparable rift between the brothers? This book goes where other Christian historical novels dare not to go. It's in your face,realistic,a breakthrough and I loved it! I have a lot of catching up as I now need to read all of the rest of this author's books! Pub Date 03 Jul 2018 I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson--FICTION through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.