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Joanne Bischof category
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Sons of Blackbird Mountain - Joanne Bischof

Thursday, July 5, 2018

My Rating
★★★★★★ - Heaven help me, you taste like Christmas! (More Info)

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. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Oh, readers...Prepare your heart for this one. Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a story that you will want to savor. Let the words sink into your soul and let them move you. Because they will...

I have never seen American Sign Language portrayed so precise as I have in this book. Having been raised by an interpreter for the Deaf, I have been immersed in the language and the culture my whole life. I say "Brava!" to Joanne Bischof for not only taking on this astounding task, but accomplishing it successfully and with excellence. 

I can't get this story out of my heart or my head. Thor's struggles and his strength. His love and his protectiveness. Aven is the sister of my heart. With her compassion, empathy, understanding, and even her fears...she is a beautiful woman inside and out. I want to live in this story with them. I want to walk the orchard. Make a pie in Ida's kitchen. Go swimming...Ok, you have to read the story to understand...And through it all, watching Thor and Aven find their strength, not in each other alone, but in God. Learning to lean on HIM to provide. Letting HIS strength guide and direct their paths. And to show HIS love to those around them, even if they are the "enemy". 


You all know how much I love The Lady and the Lionheart, well...Thor is sure giving Charlie a run for his money. I think my heart might explode with all the feelings and emotions emitted by these two stories and heroes. 

Joanne Bischof continues to expand the boundaries of Christian Fiction. With passion, tension, conflict, and romance we are drawn into the world of Aven and the Norgaard brothers.

I received a complimentary copy of Sons of Blackbird Mountain from the publisher through Book Look. I also received an ebook copy through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.




About the Author
A Carol Award and two-time Christy Award-finalist, Joanne Bischof writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the reader’s heartstrings. She was honored to receive the SDCWG Novel of the Year Award in 2014 and in 2015 was named Author of the Year by the Mount Hermon Writer’s conference. Her 2014 novella This Quiet Sky broke precedent as the first self-released title to final for the Christy Awards. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her husband and their three children.


More Books by Joanne Bischof on Bookworm Mama

One of my ALL-TIME Favorite books. Learn more HERE.

Many thanks to Canva for providing an AMAZING program for me to design all these beautiful graphics. Book covers, publisher/tour logos, and author pictures not owned by me. All other graphics created by Bookworm Mama with public domain photos on Canva unless stated otherwise. 


First Line Fridays - Favorite Romance

Thursday, February 8, 2018

Happy Friday!

Valentine's Day is approaching!!! And in celebration I am sharing a line from ONE of my FAVORITE romance books of ALL time...I could read this book over every single day and not grow tired of it. (I am pretty sure I have shared this before on FLF....but oh well...) #myCharlie

Favorite Line Friday + Giveaway - The Lady and the Lionheart

Friday, August 11, 2017


Happy Friday!

The celebration continues! This week we are taking a peek at Joanne Bischof's book, The Lady and the Lionheart. To read a full excerpt visit the Author Spotlight. Hands down one of my favorite books EVER! And today, I am going to share my FAVORITE (well, one of them) line with you! Don't forget to comment with YOUR first line and claim your entry for the Rafflecopter giveaway! Details at the end of this post.



(Currently available for $1.99)




I have collaborated with all of these authors and I am so excited for this giveaway! I am giving away a box of FIVE books...All signed (one signed bookplate sticker) by the authors! I will also be including some bookish/reading items in the box of books, bookmarks, tea, chocolate, etc. Each "Blogiversary" post will have MORE options to enter to win, so make sure you check back. Today we are kicking it off pretty easy! Please enter via the Rafflecopter form below. If you are having difficulties please email me and we will get your name entered.

Joanne's Book Included in the Giveaway is a SIGNED copy  of The Lady and the Lionheart.



**ONE (1) Winner will be selected by Rafflecopter at the end of the giveaway**
Books provided for giveaway by the individual authors and myself. Books included: Just the Way You Are, The Lady and the Lionheart, The Illusionist's Apprentice, Newton & Polly, Behind the Scenes. I am not compensated for any portion of this giveaway. Some of the books were donated for the giveaway. Giveaway will run 8/1/17 - 9/1/17 at 12:00am PDT. Open internationally. Void where prohibited. Please see Policies and Disclosures for more information. *Bookish swag items subject to change*

Author Spotlight + Giveaway - Joanne Bischof

Wednesday, August 9, 2017



A Carol Award and two-time Christy Award-finalist, Joanne Bischof writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the reader’s heartstrings. She was honored to receive the SDCWG Novel of the Year Award in 2014 and in 2015 was named Author of the Year by the Mount Hermon Writer’s conference. Her 2014 novella This Quiet Sky broke precedent as the first self-released title to final for the Christy Awards. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her husband and their three children.



You can read more about Joanne's books on her website HERE.

Historical Fiction
The Cadence of Grace Series

Stand Alone Novels

Novella Collections

Contemporary Young Adult Fiction





I confess that to date, I have only read ONE of Joanne's books. I know, I know...BUT...It was The Lady and the Lionheart (you can read my review HERE). And unfortunately, it took me way too long to get around to reading it. If you have not read it yet...You can get the Kindle edition for $1.99 on Amazon (Please make sure to double check the price before purchasing)! 
The Lady and the Lionheart is a very unique story in itself. But when you add the level of passion, romance, and redemption that Joanne did, it takes the story to  whole new category. This book moved me to tears on more than one occasion and made me want to crawl inside the book and just live there. The dynamics of the several different relationships is so incredible to behold. Family and love in its truest sense is revealed in ways that will baffle you. I can't even think about this book without being moved to tears. I can FEEL the emotions and the depth even now...7 months after reading it. Joanne's gift for story is clearly evident and I am so excited to see what else she has in store.



The Lady and the Lionheart

A tree of a man nearly crashed into her. Every stormy, trench-coated pound of him. A yelp lodged in her throat, then Ella swung to a halt at the sight of a baby in his arms. Sheer surprise had her dropping the bound linens, and he gripped the handrail, steadying himself. His wild brown hair stood on end as if tugged by a thousand worries. “I need a doctor,” he panted, using a ledge to climb around her mess with a balance that defied logic—and when he silently landed much too close on the other side, decorum. Her senses were struck with the scent of coal smoke and… Caramel? Ella made to step back, but there was nowhere to go. It mattered not when she looked once again to who he held. Bundled in a snow-dusted blanket, the baby glistened with sweat and perhaps tears. She reached for the babe, but he tightened his grip. “A doctor!” Pale green eyes glittered fiercely. Stunned to silence, Ella had to work to find her voice. “Uh…follow me.” She shoved the linens aside then hurried up the last few stairs, him beside her. A few more steps and she pushed past the door that led them into the children’s ward. “In here,” she called over her shoulder, then searched for the doctor. “Dr. Penske. I’ve a baby here who seems to be running a fever.” Turning from the boy he was tending, Dr. Penske glanced from the man’s patched coat to the unlaced boots which thundered to a halt beside Ella’s. The stranger’s chest heaved as he swallowed a breath. “Seems to be?” Dr. Penske’s tone was as dismissive as his gaze. “I—I haven’t examined the child,” she said. The doctor glanced around the children’s ward where two other nurses bustled with tasks. Using the back of his hand, he swiped a lock of hair from his forehead. “Well, why don’t you get to it?” Me? She was only given the most mundane tasks from emptying chamber pots to changing linens. Hopefully the stranger didn’t sense that. “Please lay her here.” Ella moved to an open crib bed and lowered one side down. “I’ll check her temperature.” The man eyed her warily but did as she asked. Ella’s fingers were suddenly unsteady as she adjusted the pillow beneath the tiny, blonde head. She’d never been assigned a patient before. Not once on her own. But she’d read the nursing encyclopedia forward and back and watched the nurses day in and day out. Besides, she was the oldest of five brothers and sisters. Ella forced herself to remain calm. When it came to fevers, she knew what to do. A check of the girl’s pulse said it was just over one hundred and twenty beats per minute. Ella unbundled her down to a wrinkled dress and sweater, then cast the blanket to the foot of the bed. “The child’s name?” After lowering the other side of the crib, the man knelt there. “Holland.” (used with permission)



I have collaborated with all of these authors and I am so excited for this giveaway! I am giving away a box of FIVE books...All signed (one signed bookplate sticker) by the authors! I will also be including some bookish/reading items in the box of books, bookmarks, tea, chocolate, etc. Each "Blogiversary" post will have MORE options to enter to win, so make sure you check back. Today we are kicking it off pretty easy! Please enter via the Rafflecopter form below. If you are having difficulties please email me and we will get your name entered.

Joanne's Book Included in the Giveaway is a SIGNED copy  of The Lady and the Lionheart.



**ONE (1) Winner will be selected by Rafflecopter at the end of the giveaway**
Books provided for giveaway by the individual authors and myself. Books included: Just the Way You Are, The Lady and the Lionheart, The Illusionist's Apprentice, Newton & Polly, Behind the Scenes. I am not compensated for any portion of this giveaway. Some of the books were donated for the giveaway. Giveaway will run 8/1/17 - 9/1/17 at 12:00am PDT. Open internationally. Void where prohibited. Please see Policies and Disclosures for more information. *Bookish swag items subject to change*

Top (Five) Tuesday + Giveaway - Favorite Authors

Tuesday, August 1, 2017


Welcome to the OFFICIAL kickoff for a full month of celebration!


Some of you may have seen my teaser post about celebrating my 3 year blogiversary....blog birthday...take your pick. Well the day is FINALLY here! Let the party begin!!!!



I can't believe I have been Bookworm Mama for 3 years now. It has been a crazy ride and SO.MUCH.FUN! Reading, writing, connecting with readers and authors...It truly is a dream come true for me. I would not be where I am without the support of MY readers and friends who have supported me and encouraged me through the last several years. Most of you know the story about how I got into blogging, but if you don't you cand find out more HERE. Ok, ok....on to today's post...

I had to preface it though...Because this month I am featuring 5 OF my favorite authors and their books. A post like this can be tricky, because I have SO many authors that I adore and cherish. Please note that this is NOT an exhaustive list. If I did that, we would be here all day...or week. There are many, MANY more authors that I could add to this list.

You will find links to each author's website below. I am refraining from talking too much about their books, because each author will be be featured for a full week in August. I will be discussing their books, upcoming projects, and WHY I love them. So keep an eye out for these posts and MORE entry options to win the GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY!!! I now give you, in alphabetical order (because I am weird like that)....


Pepper Basham
Website
Joanne Bischof
Website
Kristy Cambron
Website
Jody Hedlund
Website
Jen Turano
Website
Have you read any books by these authors??? 




I have collaborated with all of these authors and I am so excited for this giveaway! I am giving away a box of FIVE books...All signed (one signed bookplate sticker) by the authors! I will also be including some bookish/reading items in the box of books, bookmarks, tea, chocolate, etc. Each "Blogiversary" post will have MORE options to enter to win, so make sure you check back. Today we are kicking it off pretty easy! Please enter via the Rafflecopter form below. If you are having difficulties please email me and we will get your name entered.


**ONE (1) Winner will be selected by Rafflecopter at the end of the giveaway**
Books provided for giveaway by the individual authors and myself. Books included: Just the Way You Are, The Lady and the Lionheart, The Illusionist's Apprentice, Newton & Polly, Behind the Scenes. I am not compensated for any portion of this giveaway. Some of the books were donated for the giveaway. Giveaway will run 8/1/17 - 9/1/17 at 12:00am PDT. Open internationally. Void where prohibited. Please see Policies and Disclosures for more information. *Bookish Swag Prizes subject to change*

First Line Friday - 2/17/17 - The Lady and the Lionheart

Friday, February 17, 2017


Happy Friday!!!

We made it through another week! What book are you planning on reading this weekend? If you don't have anything selected already, can I recommend this book? This has become one of my ALL TIME FAVORITES!!! I am so blessed that I had the opportunity to read this book a couple weeks ago. You can read my review HERE. But don't forget to post YOUR first line before you go!


Roanoke, Virginia
Spring, 1890
"With the hiss of smoothing irons and the starchy scent of soap trailing her, Ella toted a bundle of hospital linens up the steps."

Words can not truly express how deeply this book touched my heart. I even went more than a day before I started another book, I need the time to let it sink into my soul. 

If you HAVE read it, comment below with one of your favorite parts! And post your first line!


Our group is growing! Please help us welcome Lauraine today to First Line Friday!

Sarah - All the Book Blog Names are Taken
Andi - Radiant Light

If you would like to host First Line Fridays on your blog, contact Carrie on Reading is my SuperPower.

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