• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

3 Reasons I Have Nothing but High Praise for This Book

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

“Mom… there’s this guy at church. His name is Kevin HAVOC!!! Can you believe it? His poor wife.”

“Mom! Remember Kevin Havoc? The quiet, shy guy at church? Guess what his nickname is? Mayhem! Isn’t that like calling a giant of a dude, ‘tiny?’”

The day eventually came. “Hey, Mom. Kevin Havoc? Yeah. It’s not Havoc. It’s HAVE-ig. What a let down.”

That was late 1987.

A year and a half later, I walked in to meet my new obstetrician, not happy to need a new one, by the way, and in came Dr. Sweet. Seriously. That was his name. Full red beard and a smile to reassure any teen mom that life was going to be okay. *note: that was sarcasm. Beards were not my friend.

He glanced at his clipboard and said, “Havig. That’s Norwegian, right?”

I blinked. People usually thought it was Haah-VEEG. Middle Eastern. “Yeah.”

“You know, there were two Havig families in Norway. They lived on each side of a lake. One was wealthy… the other not so much. But they intermarried and eventually came to the US. Settled in Iowa and Minnesota.”

I blinked. Again. I’d never heard any of that. And this was long before the days of the internet and “the Google” (as my mom calls it).

But when I went out to tell my husband what had happened, he nodded. “Yeah. That’s right. Wonder how he knew?”

To this day, I don’t know how.

Because, well, I never thought to ask. I know… I know…

About five or six years later, Lauraine Snelling began writing the Red River Valley series. Mrs. Snelling lives not far from me, you know. I digress. Anyway, she wrote about Norwegians in North Dakota. I loved those books. I loved learning more about my husband’s heritage… ish.

So, with all that behind us, it shouldn’t be any wonder that when I read the synopsis of Sons of Blackbird Mountain, I’d be eager to read it. In fact, a couple of people said, “Oh, well your grandkids call you ‘bestemor.’ Of course, you want to read a book about Norwegian immigrants.”

But, that’s not why I requested a review copy. No, I was eager to read about the deaf alcoholic and his use of sign language long before it was “cool.” (Most of my kids have taken ASL at our community college).

Can I just say I’m glad I did?

Sons of Blackbird Mountain- 3 reasons I have nothing but high praise for this book

Links may be affiliates that provide me with a small commission–costs you nothing extra, though. Also, I requested a review copy of this book from Celebrate Lit.

I’ve never read anything by Joanne Bischof, but I’ll be reading a lot more from now on!

Reviewing this book is crazy hard because it’s difficult to put into words the kinds of emotions this book evokes.

With delicate, artistic strokes, Bischof paints a picture of Appalachia that makes me ache for those hills and mountains I love so much. I can feel the crunch of leaves under my feet, smell the sweet, fresh scent of apple in the air, breathe the dew-dampened morning air… And all without a single extraneous word.

The story begins, and the brush strokes change. I feel Thor’s pain and self-loathing for his weaknesses, see the love he has to offer, understand his reticence. And the strokes deepen, strengthen, and slash across the canvas to create harsh lines.

Then comes Haaken with his boldness. Vivid colors add visual interest, but a broken little boy hovers beneath the surface. You see him hiding there as fine, pale lines beneath the vibrant larger strokes.

Beneath it all, Dorothea and Jorgan link hands to form a strong frame that holds it all together.

My heart aches with the beauty of it.

And amid all that richness, is a tale woven with an unusual premise for the time.

No one has ever accused me of being politically correct, environmentally conscious, or a champion for diversity in anything. It isn’t that I am pro or anti-any of these things in theory. I just tend not to latch on to anything that might further divide people. And sometimes our solutions do just that.

But definitely, the deaf hero aspect of this book is one of its strengths. You can tell that Ms. Bischof is either a part of deaf culture in some way, or she has done some phenomenal homework. The history behind sign language and deaf culture shown in this book is, from what I know of it, spot on.

And Bischof did something particularly well with it.

I didn’t catch her “preaching” too much. Yes, you can see her personal bias in what she showed and how she did it. However, I didn’t feel like I was getting a sermon on the evils of Alexander Graham Bell. One often does. Trust me.

But even all that isn’t why I so strongly recommend Sons of Blackbird Mountain. It goes deeper.

3 Reasons I Have Nothing but High Praise for This Book

There was the alcohol abuse.

As one who grew up with more drunkenness displayed than most Christians see in a lifetime, I loved that she showed it… and with compassion. Too often we either ignore it or demonize those trapped by it. Bischof showed the horrors while demonstrating love for those who sought freedom from it. I’ve never seen it done so well.

Or how about the racial issues.

This book takes place in 1890 in Virginia. This is a quarter of a century after the War Between the States. Some people are still embittered and angry. But what Bischof did that is so phenomenal is that she didn’t overemphasize it so that it took over the story. She showed that there were those who weren’t bitter, too. She showed the ugliness of bitterness and hatred without spreading it to all but one or two characters. So often, that’s what we see in fiction set in Southern regions.

Look, I don’t want to pretend there weren’t ridiculous attitudes—ungodly ones at that. There are today. And there will be in another 100 years. Another 500 years. Some group of people will always look down on another one. Always. It’s called sin.

But because this is a problem, sometimes it becomes emphasized in the wrong books. And it loses its punch. What Bischof did was acknowledge it, show it for the hideousness that it is, and leave it there. She let it do its job without ramming it down our throats.

Because that wasn’t the primary story she had to tell. It might be in another book. And then, it should be emphasized. I just loved that beautiful balance of “Here. This is ugliness. It happened. And look what it did to so many people.” And “Here. This is ugliness. It happened. And look what it did to so many people.” Drunkenness and hate. Two ugly diseases. And she showed them for what they are without apology. Bravo.

If those weren’t enough, then how about just plain old sin?

Yep, I’m cheering the sin, folks! You see, I can’t handle some things in my reading. Gore. Nope. Sex. Nope. Kissing… not really. But one thing will make me shut a book faster than any of it.

Rape.

Somehow, Joanne Bischof wrote an attempted rape scene with discretion while still showing the horrors of it. She wrote it in a way I could actually read, and because of where it came in the book when I saw it coming, I didn’t shut it. I took a chance. Kept reading.

I’m so glad I did. Because not only did she write it well (and it was “only” attempted), but she wrote it with achingly beautiful compassion. If I was a crier, I would have bawled right there.

In fact, not once in this whole book did Ms. Bischof ever wink at sin.

But neither did she ever throw it out there with a self-righteous condemnation.

Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a brilliant combination of writing skill, storytelling ability, and Christian compassion.

I can’t wait for the next.

Sometimes Kindle books cost as much as some paperbacks. This is one of those. And this is one of the rare ones I think is worth it if you can’t wait to start reading, or you don’t want a paper copy. I won’t be getting rid of mine… ever.

Oh, and there’s more to the “Havig” story. Stay tuned for that in next week’s BLOG POST.

About the Book

Title: Sons of Blackbird Mountain

Author: Joanne Bischof

Genre: Historical Romance

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.

Share189
Pin
Post
Email
195Shares
Share
Pin
Post
Email
195Shares

Filed Under: Book Reviews, New Release

Previous Post: « 5 Reasons to Hire This Guy Next Time You Need a Bodyguard
Next Post: Another Way I Was Surprised at the SoCalCWConference »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 482: A Chat with Lara d’Entremont
byChautona Havig

When Lara d’Entremont began describing her YA portal fantasy, The Painted Fairytale, I knew this would be right up my alley. Listen in and see how art becomes the portal to other worlds!

note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Portal fantasy is my favorite, so I was crazy excited to learn about this one–especially the art tie-in. I can’t wait to dive in myself.

We chatted about her characters, the world, and the faith that connects them.

The Painted Fairytale by Lara d’Entremont

Seventeen-year-old Wren Devine refuses to share her art with anyone-other than her parents and her sister (who died three years prior). But when her mother submits her artwork to a mentorship program, and she gets accepted, Wren is forced to display her artwork for the eccentric Professor Hayes. Despite her fears, Wren hopes this mentorship will finally make her as worthy as her sister.

But this mentorship is about more than painting.

Wren soon learns that she has a magical ability to turn her paintings into portals to travel not only to other places but also to another world entirely. An eerie children’s book in the professor’s classroom reveals a wicked pirate with a vengeance who has her eye on Stefan Branson, a former student of Professor Hayes.

As all four of these lives intersect, it becomes apparent that everyone has a secret–some more deadly than others. The longer these secrets brew, the more deadly and heavy they become, and possibly lead to never seeing her former, earthly realm again. Wren must not only learn to release the shadow of her beloved sister but step boldly into her own world.

Learn more about Lara on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads.or on Subtack.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple
  • Castbox
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 482: A Chat with Lara d’Entremont
Episode 482: A Chat with Lara d’Entremont
October 27, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 481: A Chat with Patricia Bradley
October 25, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 480: A Chat with Tracie Peterson
October 20, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 479: A Chat with Connilyn Cossette
October 18, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 478: A Chat with Julie Klassen
October 17, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 477: A Chat with Kate Angelo
October 13, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 476: A Chat with Katie M. Reid
October 11, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 475: A Chat with D. T. Powell
October 6, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 474: A Chat with Ann Swindell
October 4, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 473: A Chat with Jennifer Willcock
October 3, 2025
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Featured Books

Be My Inspiration

Be My Inspiration

Pointed Suspicion

Pointed Suspicion
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Pointed Suspicion
Buy now!

Courting Miss Darling

Courting Miss Darling

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • So, There Was That Time I Forgot What I Knew…
  • “Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say” Ain’t No Lie
  • Why Romance Is a Hairy Proposition (or is that proposal?)

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
It feels so good to get back ti reading again!!! D It feels so good to get back ti reading again!!!
Diving into these two tonight. Also listening to The Harvest Festival Murders.  So good so far. @alliemillington
@susie_finkbeiner
#AmReading
Some might call them street tacos from @juniorstac Some might call them street tacos from @juniorstacoshop .
I call them writing inspiration. Time to blow up a bad guy's house... or part of it.
#AmWriting
#TakeCover
#TheAgencyFiles
The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of my books, including The Last Gasp--a mystery set in 1920s Hollywood and with a Cinderella twist.
You can listen FREE on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos
Check out the other books she has on there... also free! https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos
OR
You can also get The Last Gasp and several of my other titles on popular retailers like Audible, Spotify, Everand, and more!
#Audiobooks
#FreeAudiobooks
#ChristianMystery
#HistoricalMystery
#FairyTaleRetelling
Sometimes, I fall in love with a character in my b Sometimes, I fall in love with a character in my books. Someone like Lewis in The Lights of New Cheltenham or Rory in Not a Word. But... in Twice Sold Tales, I fell in love with a cast of characters.  Harper the store owner, Noah the single-dad just learning how to be one, Bennie, the adorable ballet-loving little boy... and Mrs. Klair. Oh, how I loved Mrs. Klair.
I also love the town of Red Wing, Minnesota.  I infused as much of it as I could into the book--places to eat and explore, people I love dearly (family!), and the feel of a small town inside a modest city along Lake Pepin (of Laura Ingalls fame). I also learned that there is actually a lake monster there!  Pepi!  You wont want to miss him!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLKCDYKR
#BookishBooks
#Bookstrings
#ChristFic
#KindleUnlimited
FINALLY!!! Soooo excited. Halfway throug Mrs Poll FINALLY!!! Soooo excited.  Halfway throug Mrs Pollifax!. Do I finish and then start (it's a reread) or start right in???
Eeep!!!
@sherlockandlucy ThankYou!!!
#AmReading
#Audiobook 
#Mysteries
Part of the Westward Home & Hearts Mail-Order Brid Part of the Westward Home & Hearts Mail-Order Brides series, Penelope's Pursuit is on sale for $0.99 to celebrate six years of mail-order bride novels and novellas. Penelope is a bit different from most stories. It shows the potentially dangerous side without being too heavy. Check out the Facebook group for more books on sale by the series' authors!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0921KHWBV
#ChristianHistoricalFiction
#ChristFic
#Kindle99
#KindleUnlimited
Helen is back, and things are getting dicey. And y Helen is back, and things are getting dicey.
And yeah, Mark. How close do you have to keep your enemies?
#ChristianSuspense
#ChristFic
#TheAgencyFiles 
#Take Cover 
#AmWriting
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!