As always with Joanne Bischof's book, I loved this one.
I enjoyed seeing a deaf character and learning more about sign language. There was a nice balance of Thor writing and signing.
While this book does not have a lot of Bible verses and such, the Christian theme is very evident throughout the book and it is so sweet. The relationship between the brothers was interesting to read as it changed. I really came to respect Thor for what he has gone through and what he did to overcome it. Much like all of Joanne Bischof's books, this is a book that will impact you. I loved the theme of this book and cannot wait until book two is released in the spring of 2019.

Personal Rating: 5 Stars
Content Rating: 3 Stars ( )

Genre: Historical fiction.

My Rating: 4 and 1/2 Stars

Recommendation: 16 Violence, romance, and attitudes.

My favorite character/s: Thor is my favorite character in the end of the book, and I loved how he changed throughout the book.
My Verse for Ephesians 5:18
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; King James Version

My thoughts: This was my first book by this author, and I found it very interesting. I can say that I woud like to read more about the characters. ( )

This novel touched my heart. Learning more about the deaf and how hard it is to live among the hearing was very enlightening. Reading about the Norgaard family and their struggles within themselves, their neighbors, and a newcomer…Aven Norgaard.

This book is set in the late 1800s in the hills of Virginia with all the beauty of the land, the horrors of racism, the struggles of a deaf man, the love of God that brought them together and held them throughout many trials and dangers. ( )

4.5 stars. ( )

Borrowed Book By: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library as I knew I was reading the second book in this series for review. I decided to share my thoughts on the first installment for my own edification. I was not obliged to post my opinions or thoughts and likewise was not compensated for their inclusion.

You’re first struck by the quiet nature of Thor, the impedious personality of Haakon and the kind hearted nature of Jorgan. Not to mention how Miss Ida their housekeeper is a salt of the earth and knows exactly what to do when something unexpected riles a person’s nerves! How sweet it was to find her about as it felt like she was the first outside of Thor who was seeking a chance to make her feel more comfortable on her arrival than being the odd one out.

Thor has a sensitive heart - he might not be able to communicate traditionally through spoken speech but he feels things in life deeply. He’s moved by a person’s emotional state and that is how he originally felt something for Aven; it was through a photograph of her - where he could intuit her emotional state of mind when she first married his cousin Benn. It was a union he felt might be a bit fraught with adversity as he could sort out by her photograph what was going on in her mind at the time the photograph was taken.

Observing Thor struggling with his affection and fondness for Aven; thus far removed from her life and then suddenly finding himself in close quarters with her now in the future was humbling. Especially as he had genuine concern for her and could sort out things about her emotional state that she might not have been fully aware of herself; or if she had, you might muse she might have hoped part of that inner truth could have been better veiled.

Jorgan was such a sweet fellow - not just to welcome Aven in with open arms but to have the courtesy to explain the ‘family business’ be as it were - though just observing Thor a bit with his affection for a drink, you could almost surmise it! Jorgan was also soon to be wed which I felt might put Aven’s concerns to bed - though in measure of that news, she still seemed to be a bit unsure of herself and her place here. Even with the reassurance about how Miss Ida lives nearby and how the boys despite their grievances with the locals come to have quite a keen living based off what their selling. She’s been in worst straits than this and being how agreeable the three seemed on sight, I was hoping Aven might find herself comfortable to be with this side of her husband’s family. Especially as I had a feeling she was being influenced to come here by a crafty old woman who knew a thing or two about second chances and new beginnings.

I liked the attention to the smaller details - of how embroidery was a bit of a challenge for Aven but she had the eye for it and how sewing gave her a true sense of pride. Sewing is something I’ve longed to acquire a skill for myself but I’m thankful I learnt how to knit. There is a strong joy in being able to see something appear in front of you which you’ve been able to craft yourself and by hand. Knitting and sewing share that kind of simple happiness and I liked how Bischof was describing the scene in Dorothea’s room where Aven first saw her handiwork.

Atmospherically - this story is rooted in the mountains and of mountain life; something I truly appreciate as I have read other stories set in and round Appalachia which are equally enjoyable to simply ‘settle into’ and be of the folk who live there. There is a simplicity to living but there are also obstacles and prejudices to overcome as well - Bischof hints at these larger issues in the background whilst tucking us close to how these brothers live on the land they have to use to provide for themselves. I even enjoyed the arching back-story about Aven herself - from her memories of her mother to what happened which prompted her marriage to Benn. Circumstances dictated a lot of her life and how she had to remain adaptable to the adversities which arrived on her path.

// This is a quotation of my full review originally shared via jorielovesastory.com