Valerie S. (VolunteerVal) - reviewed on 9/10/2018 + 635 more book reviews

Joanne Bischof creates truly troubled heroes ... and I can't help but cheer for them. In this first installment of the Blackbird Mountain duology, we are introduced to the Norgaard family - brothers Jorgan, Thor, and Haakon. Parents deceased, these young men operate an apple orchard and farm in the Appalachian mountains. Keeping their household are Ida, a freed slave who raised the boys since childhood, and Aunt Dorothe, who recently passed.

As the book begins, Aven Norgaard, a cousin's young widow arrives from Norway, encouraged to start a new life in America through a series of letters exchanged with Aunt Dorothe. Aven expected to find three young boys in need of a nurturing figure and was surprised to meet handsome men in their late 20s and early 30s - a simple mistake made through long-distance letters or Dorothe's attempt to be a matchmaker?

This novel incorporates its Christian themes very naturally and is never preachy. It addresses several topics I've never seen featured in historical Christian fiction, including deafness and alcoholism.

I heartily recommend this novel if you enjoy historical Christian fiction with strong characters, powerful writing, and real issues. I'm eager to read what's in store for these characters in book 2.

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