When Aven Norgaard leaves Norway to become a housekeeper to her dead husband's kin in Appalachia, she is expecting to care for three young boys, not three grown men. While Aven finds a brother in the eldest and friendship with youngest, it is Thor, isolated by his deafness and addicted to the fruits of his craft, that tugs at her heart. But the fight to sobriety is a hard one, as Aven has seen and Thor has experienced.This was a beautiful love story. Heart-wrenching at times, and a bit bittersweet, but very tender and moving.
I loved how the author was able to convey a deaf character so well, both in how Thor communicates and his frustrations in not being able to always understand and be understood, even amongst those who know him best. And it's made all the harder with alcoholism and the process of breaking that addiction.
The brotherly love--and rivalry--is also very well done. Their relationships are complex, especially as Aven comes between Thor and Haakon, while Jorgen tries to be supportive and keep the peace. It's really easy to root for Thor, who desperately wants to change, but knows all too well the pain of failure. Haakon definitely has some growing up to do. I wouldn't call his gesture at the end redeeming, but at least he makes an expression of his love and regret, imperfect though it is. I'm glad to see Haakon will have his chance at true redemption in the sequel!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Blackbird Mountain
1. Sons of Blackbird Mountain
2. Daughters of Northern Shores
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