The ship dipped and sprayed. Water gusted against the sides, foamy and white. Though she was gaining speed, the last of her sails were being unfurled, running rigging pulled tight and laid over the pins. With easy foot placements, Haakon descended the few meters down to the crow’s nest. In the distance the water glittered with sunrise, and on both sides of the narrow fjord rose steep mountains of slate gray and snow-capped white. The wind was ruthless, and as stunning the view, Haakon would much prefer being on deck, pulling in lines to keep from freezing.
At the very end of Sons of Blackbird Mountain, Haakon Norgaard sets sail on an all new adventure. One all his own.
As the youngest of three brothers, it’s the first time he is ever outside of their shadow—a freedom he’s certain he’s ready for, yet many lessons and matters of the heart await him during Daughters of Northern Shores.
As an author, I contemplated early on what Haakon might do, or where he might go with his freedom. As a restless soul, and adventurous spirit, it just seemed that the sea was calling his name. To be able to write his sea-voyaging chapters were equal parts delightful and challenging. Delightful because of the magic and the power of the ocean. Being able to describe it, and this young man’s time there . . . the way the open waters season his restless spirit was one of my favorite aspects of the book. And yet it also proved to be the greatest challenge as I scoured over research books, articles, and even sailor’s diaries to accurately portray life aboard a sailing vessel on the North Atlantic ice trade in the late 1800’s.
I hope that as you experience Haakon’s time at sea, that you not only see the changes that happen within this man—the heart-growth God has planned for him—but that you experience the freedom of adventure as well. Right alongside him.
The frigid waters of the North Sea.
Lost winds off the coast of Africa.
The tropical warmth of a Caribbean sunrise.
Such places to go and to see. It is my hope that for readers, by seeing this beautiful earth from an all new vantage point alongside this prodigal son, that such vistas might bring to mind the wonder of God, His majestic creation, and the incredible way that humanity was meant to explore it: to be connected to, challenged by, and changed among it. I also hope that as each of you experience Haakon’s time on dry land, that his growth from a headstrong young man to one of continued maturity and sacrifice will be an encouragement to those who have prayed for a loved one who has wandered into the great unknown, or who faces an uphill climb or battle.
It is my hope and prayer that Haakon’s story, though it be wild and raw at times, will speak into the journey that the Lord provides: the road is not always smooth, nor the waters always calm, but God is always with us, refining us amid the unknowns. The Lord has a plan, extends His provision, and will see us through to the very end.
As Haakon voyages across new waters, and as he walks familiar woodlands and paths, may his story, and that of the Norgaard family, be one of hope, love, and life—inspiring you as it has me, and painting a picture of the rest and safety we have in God’s perfect plan, even when the journey is far from smooth, and the trials are far from simple.
To God be the glory in these stories, in those to come, and much more importantly, in our lives and those around us. Thank you, dear reader-friends, for being a part of this series and for taking the Norgaard family into your hearts and giving yet another tale not only wings . . . but heady winds in eager sails.
Haakon kept an eye on the mainsail as it held the wind that bore in with a will. If it stayed fair, they’d make it in and out of the Caribbean before hurricane season began in May. Then it could be a straight shot to the coast of North America. From there just a train ride home.
Should a man want to do such a thing.
Haakon glanced to the horizon. He doubted the rise in wind had anything to do with his prayer, but then again, maybe God was trying to get his attention all the same.
What is a lesson that God has been teaching you in this season of your life? Has there been a verse, or words of comfort from a loved one that have been an encouragement along your own voyage? Please feel free to share in the comments and I would love to be praying for you this week.
Im listening to the book on audio. Im about halfway through. Love the characters!
It’s always special to hear when someone is listening to the story on audio. I’m so glad you are enjoying the reading, Gayle!
Your books were such a source of hope and God always being with us even when we don’t feel Him or our road is so rocky and steep.
I am divorced. I am disabled from neurologic chronic Lyme disease that has be home bound.
And my dear son, 26, who has high functioning autism. He has come farther than any of us imagined but knows that his abilities are hindering him. He is such a source of joy and laughter living with me. But it breaks my heart when friends never call him and he has no dreams for the future….because his abilities hold him back.
Mary,
I am sorry for the heartache you have been facing, and am praying that God’s abundant grace will flood your days and weeks to come — offering in rest, His provision, and a wash of joy amid even these trying times. You are balancing much and that is no easy task! May you feel God’s hands holding you up as you hold so much all your own.
You’re killing me, Joanne ;-). Am trying to finish up 4 different books before allowing myself to start this one :-). I wish your blog could be entered as a review on Amazon. Thousands would beat a path to their favorite bookstore. Can hardly wait to get started! This is an amazing blog — inspiring beyond everything — thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Aw, Susan, you’ve but such a smile on my face! So thankful for the readers who have discovered this series, and who have been encouraging about it in such a way as you are. It truly touches my heart and inspires me as a writer.
Without resorting to superlatives (which I am tempted to do) I can honestly say that this book was breathtakingly beautiful (though, at times, raw in emotional impact), achingly real, and drew forth an entire gamut of emotions as I felt a unique empathy with each of the characters at various times throughout the story. I love these characters and still truly miss them weeks after having finished Daughters of the Northern Shore. I’m rather jealous of my daughter who is now listening to the audiobook ❤️
Pat, you’ve got my heart brimming with you words! Hehe…I can’t think of a more delightful reason to this author-gal for you to be jealous of your daughter. 😉 I am SO thankful that you both are enjoying the series. Thank you for being a part of it!
“…the rest and safety we have in God’s perfect plan
“God is always with us, refining us amid the unknowns”
Your words are music.
Blessings and love to you from we recipients of His grace
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
Kathleen, You are such a dear encourager!
Joanne, your blog is every bit as beautiful as your novels. Your words have stirred my heart in ways I can’t describe. Thank you for all of the time and effort you take to give readers so much. We will be watching for your name on the cover of the next book from your heart.
Phyllis,
It means so much to know that — thank you for visiting and for reading, and for your encouraging words. I am so thankful that they (the blog & the books!) have been a blessing to you!
Hello Joanne,
I have greatly enjoyed reading your Blackbird Mountain series and I was wondering if you might be planning a third novel for it. I finished Daughters of Northern Shores and it was bittersweet to have to leave the characters where they were (I loved the gripping action in the last few chapters!). I had so been hoping that there might be another book in the works. I particularly would like to see more of the brotherly bond between the Norgaard brothers (they are definitely my favorite characters). 🙂
Faith,
Thank you for reading the Norgaard family stories! I’m so thankful to hear that the books have touched your heart, and that the characters are ones you would enjoy reading more about! Thank you so much for reading them.
I am hoping and praying that you are going to continue the story of Haakon bringing his wife and children home. The series is so real that I feel part of their lives. Cheering them on, praying with them, hoping for redemption and praising God for that forgiveness. I can almost feel the pulling of my heart strings for each person. Thank you for these amazing books.
Nancy,
I am so blessed by your encouraging words. Thank you for sharing how these characters and their stories have touched your heart. It inspires me to keep writing stories like these — ones that are challenging, but hopefully that resonate well. Thank you!
My Ladies Book Club so loved Sons of Blackbird Mountain, that they immediately wanted to read Daughters of the Northern Shore. We will be discussing it tonight.
Thank you for many hours of inspiration and pleasure.
PS – We also read The Lady and the Lionheart.
Karen Dean
Karen, I am delighted to know that your book club is going to be chatting about Daughters of Northern Shores tonight! Please give my hello to everyone in the group, and I hope you ladies have a blessed and fun evening! 🙂
Joanne, I’ve absolutely loved the Blackbird Mountain books, and notice your reticence in committing to tell if you’re proceeding with a third in the series! Please say you are, as we’ll forever wonder how the journey for Haakon and his new family turns out…. 🙏😍
Ann, thank you so much for your warm words! I am thrilled you enjoyed the series. There are just the two books at this time, but I am so thankful that you have been wondering what might come next. I agree, there would definitely be a story there for Haakon and his new family.