Joanne Bischof's "Daughters of Northern Shores"--Blackbird Mountain, book 2

Haaken Norgaard, after four years on the high seas running from his past, finally takes the first step toward making things right with his family--by going home. Thor, his brother, and Aven, his brother's wife and the woman he wronged, are understandably wary at his return, but have bigger things to worry about, namely a painful disease that seems intent on taking Thor's life, and potentially spreading to the remainder of the household. In addition, the Sorrel men, who were run off the mountain with Haaken's initial departure, are back and looking for revenge against the Norgaards. Will Haaken find his redemption and make things right with his family before it is too late?

I will admit, the story wasn't what I was expecting based on the cover and title; the two comprise something more of a dream being kept alive in Haaken's heart than any practical impact on the main story, the vast majority of which takes place back on Blackbird Mountain. And on the whole, the sons of Blackbird Mountain have a much larger role in the story (and more viewpoints) than any daughters of northern shores. It just seems like an odd choice by the publisher to base a title and cover on an epilogue. It's beautiful, and care was clearly taken to depict a very specific image, but don't (like me) expect to get to know the woman on the cover.

That's not to say it isn't good. It's just different than I anticipated--very much a continuation of the Norgaard family's story, with viewpoints of Thor, Aven, and Haaken, as they fight to protect what is theirs. To be honest, I didn't feel that the threat from the Sorrel men until late in the book--as scare tactics go, graffiti is obnoxious, but not very terrifying. Now, when a certain devious tactic was finally revealed, their worry proved much more legitimate (and I impressed). And between the final confrontation and Haaken's redemption, that ending was spectacular--Hollywood only dreams of an ending as perfect as this. Read this book for the ending if nothing else (though it is what comes earlier that makes it so impactful, especially the beautiful wisdom regarding forgiveness and trust).

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