Book Review: Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof

Purchase HERE

Title: Sons of Blackbird Mountain

Author: Joanne Bischof

Series: Blackbird Mountain #1

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

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 ~

**5 stars**

This ... this is perhaps the most beautiful book that I've read by Joanne Bischof thus far. How does she pen such lovely and tangible and heartfelt stories? Sons of Blackbird Mountain was an absolute delight, as I was sure it would be when I requested to review it! I'm certain I will never turn down a novel by this author. ^_^

In the Appalachian hills, on a three-hundred-acre farm, we venture with Aven Norgaard to meet three brothers. The oldest is a steady and compassionate presence. The middle brother is deaf, but has so much heart and aspirations despite his silence. The youngest is the blue-eyed charmer; rash and wild.

Amidst trials and tempests rising, young, widowed Aven learns to love these brothers, take her place in this new land, and hope anew.

These characters were amazing. Aven. Jorgan. Thorald. Haaken. Ida. Fay. And many more. As well as the setting. The storyline. The emotion ... it was thick and real and so deep. I was moved, more than once. So many beautiful thoughts within the pages of Sons of Blackbird Mountain. I loved the little bits of wisdom shared on marriage, love, and life. I love how masculine Joanne's male characters are, and how feminine her female characters are! I feel like she portrays God's design for womanhood, manhood, and marriage so simply yet gorgeously in this book. Her writing is incredible - something about it just draws me in time and time again. She not only brings these people and this story to life, but small moments - I feel them so keenly. I become lost in her books!

I love, love, loved how achingly sweet and slow and quiet the love story was. I have no words. You must read it for yourself.

And Thor. He was a character I came to quite adore. His struggle. His personality. His strength. His tenderness. But truth be told, his brothers impressed themselves on my heart as well. And Aven, too!

This story was sweet, tender, and summer-y ... as well as deep, intense, and heartbreaking. So many moments. Lessons learned. Victories. Hopes. So much more to come! I can hardly wait to read the second book in this series!

Faith. Romance. Heartache. Hope. Family. Joanne Bischof writes historical fiction that is absolutely not to be missed!

I received a copy of Sons of Blackbird Mountain from BookLookBloggers program in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof

Purchase HERE

Title: The Lady and the Lionheart

Author: Joanne Bischof

Series: Standalone

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Two worlds collide when the circus comes to Victorian-era Virginia. 

Raised amid the fame and mystique of the Big Top, Charlie Lionheart holds the audience in the palm of his hand. But while his act captivates thousands, it’s away from the spotlight where his true heart lies. Here he humbly cares for his pride of lions as if they were his brothers, a skill of bravery and strength that has prepared him for his most challenging feat yet—freeing an orphaned infant from the dark bondage of a sideshow. A trade so costly, it requires his life in exchange for hers, leaving him tarnished by the price of that choice.

As the circus tents are raised on the outskirts of Roanoke, nurse Ella Beckley arrives to tend to this Gypsy girl. All under the watchful eye of a guardian who not only bears a striking resemblance to the child, but who protects the baby with a love that wraps around Ella’s own tragic past, awakening a hope that goodness may yet reign. When their forbidden friendship deepens, Charlie dares to ask for her heart, bringing her behind the curtain of his secret world to reveal the sacrifice that gave hope to one little girl—boldly showing Ella that while her tattered faith is deeply scarred, the only marks that need be permanent are his own.

Just then a child in the row behind Ella cried out, “Look, Mama!”

Charlie, dressed in his center ring finery, strode into the arena, as strong and strapping as ever. Face powdered and painted with two jagged teardrops under his eyes, he walked with stoic authority, tall boots forging a fresh trail straight toward his audience. Ella didn’t know a single man could hush a packed house with no words, but…then there was Charlie Lionheart.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

I could cry. I don't know when I've last read something so achingly beautiful ...

Is it possible to rate Joanne Bischof's books less than five stars? I don't know, because so far, I haven't been able to! She writes with such heart and depth! The Lady and the Lionheart was soul-touching, intriguing, painful, and utterly lovely. I can't even describe how I felt about that ending ... it was perfection! In fact, I was certain I was getting a glimpse of heaven on earth; with just a sprinkle of nostalgia.

Ella was darling. Charlie was wonderful. Holland was adorable. The story was crushing pain, thrilling hope, and raw beauty entwined together ... all set against the magical background of the early 1900s circus.

The setting was intriguing, with gypsies, lions, circus tents, mystery, and not to mention, the dashing lion trainer with a twinkle in his eyes. I was captivated - this book almost has a magical feel. Whimsical, at least. It was fantastic, and set your heart aflutter. It was also dark and hurtful. Our two lovable POV character both have haunted and extremely painful pasts. Some parts of The Lady and the Lionheart were a little hard to read, so terrible it was. But in this book - slowly - comes hope and healing and laughter. It was such a beautiful journey, that's all I can really say! And can I just mention how much I love how Joanne Bischof expounded a little on one of the secondary character's life? The character is a broken woman ... only mentioned about twice ... you'll know who she is. She plays a bit of a bigger part in the end of the book, and I simply loved it so much. Brought tears to my eyes.

The Lady and the Lionheart is written with such emotional depth. Joanne Bischof talks a little bit more about the story ... the inspiration for it, and the symbolism behind Charlie Lionheart's character ... and I so appreciated that! I might have cried there too, even though it wasn't part of the actual novel. Well done, Joanne Bischof! This was such a touching story!

The romance was incredible, by the way. So many moments! Charlie. Ella. Ah, I can't even. You have have to read it for yourself.

There were so many parts worthy of tears, and such a deep, soul-felt tale, and such a perfect ending. People, I recommend you read this book! Be you historical-fiction lovers or not, you must pick it up! ^_^ The Lady and the Lionheart is written for adults, but I think older teens could enjoy it as well. I must repeat myself - it's a simply beautiful story.