12 July 2018

As Beautiful as the Cover | Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof

ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: July 3, 2018


MY REVIEW

If you’re looking for a book with a story as beautiful as its cover, Sons of Blackbird Mountain is it.

Set in historic Appalachia, this book brings to life a family of uniquely tempered brothers, a woman alone and far from home, the orchard that connects them, and the struggles they must endure or overcome. There is a quietness that pervades the pages as the story unfolds, hinting at strength and redemption, that blends among lyrical writing, complex characterizations, and an exquisite, I-want-to-sink-into-this-story atmosphere to make it so irresistibly page-turning.

Sons of Blackbird Mountain is one book readers of historical fiction should definitely read. Right now. With it being one of my most anticipated reads of 2018, I’m happy to say it absolutely does not disappoint. A story to savor and ponder and love, I highly recommend it.

★★★★★

Thanks to Celebrate Lit, I received a complimentary copy of Sons of Blackbird Mountain and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are 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.


GUEST VIDEO FROM THE AUTHOR


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 here to enter.




TOUR SCHEDULE

July 5:

July 6:




July 10:
Faithfully Bookish | Christian Bookshelf Reviews | Simple Harvest Reads (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

July 11:




July 15:



4 comments:

  1. Sounds good. Love the cover.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm glad to hear this a must-read book. The plot sounds so intricately detailed and compelling. And the book cover is beautiful. I can't wait to read this book.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Excellent review! I'm very much looking forward to reading this book!

    ReplyDelete
  4. yes! I completely agree - such a powerful story!

    ReplyDelete