GMA BOOK CLUB PICK AN NPR BOOK OF THE YEAR From the New York Times bestselling author of I Was Anastasia and Code Name Hélène comes a gripping historical mystery inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into American history.
“Fans of Outlander’s Claire Fraser will enjoy Lawhon’s Martha, who is brave and outspoken when it comes to protecting the innocent. . . impressive.”—The Washington Post
“Once again, Lawhon works storytelling magic with a real-life heroine.”—People Magazine
Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community. Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen—one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.
Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.
Clever, layered, and subversive, Ariel Lawhon’s newest offering introduces an unsung heroine who refused to accept anything less than justice at a time when women were considered best seen and not heard. The Frozen River is a thrilling, tense, and tender story about a remarkable woman who left an unparalleled legacy yet remains nearly forgotten to this day.
Amazon Customer –
THIS BOOK INCLUDES SO MANY HONEST RAW EMOTIONS AND CAPTURES EXQUISITELY THE BEAUTY OF BIRTH AND DEVOTION OF MIDWIFES. IT CAPTURES THE BEAUTY OF LIFE, AND GROWING CHILDREN, AND THE LOVE BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMEN. IT DESCRIBES STRONG , SMART WOMEN WHO CREATED SUCH A LEGACY FOR THOSE WHO FOLLOW TODAY.
kak –
I absolutely loved this book. It was such a good story, taken from a diary of an actual woman. So well written, I couldn’t put it down. The characters were very engaging and the storyline, although sometimes a little difficult to deal with- justice in the 1700’s, was wonderful.
Ann Neilsen –
I knew the real Martha Ballard’s journals well so I was fascinated when I heard that a novel had been written about her. Beautifully written, creating a believable sense of time and place and characters so fully developed it was a fascinating experience getting to know them, flaws and all.
I am a bit biased as this era is the one that most captures my imagination and interest. After decades of reading only non fiction history, it was a delight to find an author who so skillfully imagined the details that filled in the holes about who these people were, that dry histories and even Martha’s journals rarely allow us to see.
One of my favorite reads of 2024.
Christine Boos –
This was a great read! The author lent a convincing voice to Martha, inspired by her real life. Very interesting indeed to read about all Martha achieved as a midwife ( not one mother she delivered died ). In this fictional novel though, she is also investigating a murder…. Her story reveals a woman very much aware of the low consideration of women even in case of rapes…. Even though she clearly and loudly dared testify in court, her testimony was not taken seriously….
The author painted a warm picture of a very lively Martha. I liked her immensely straight from the beginning of the novel! I loved her courage, resilience, her sense of duty and deep love for her family. Martha is also witty and brought a smile to my face many times! Through Martha’s story, the legal and social historical background is meticulously revealed. Highly recommended!
five12 –
Love the story, interwoven with a bit of history; vivid descriptions of the land and people; great heroine. Highly recommend.
Amazon Customer –
I hardly have the words to say how interesting this book was, particularly because it was based on the journal of a real woman who lived in those times. The plot was interesting, it was very educational about that time period, and all the characters were so well described that I easily thought of them as living, breathing people. Even the author’s notes at the end were compelling to read. Excellent, excellent!
Sandi Rosa –
This is a sensational story that successfully intertwines all these aspects in the legacy life of Martha Ballard. I enjoyed the author’s prose style in particular when she captures the sweet devotion of the husband and wife relationship. This touched my heart as I found correlations to my own close relationship. Excellent midwifery storyline back in the day.
In our book club review 12 ladies agreed this to be an excellent book we all would highly recommend.
Ginny Kraus –
I enjoyed the writing style, the strong female characters and the descriptive style of that era. The parallel loving relationships are engaging.
Robyn –
Martha Ballard….how I will miss you. I absolutely love the way Ariel wrote Martha’s character. This book is going to be one that I reread, and when I do, it’ll be because I miss Martha and want to spend time with her. ❤️
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This story begins with the body of a man being found frozen in the Kennebec River in 1700s Maine. Martha Ballard, a midwife, is summoned to inspect the body and declares the man has been murdered. The man?….. one of 2 alleged of raping a married woman, Rebecca Foster. We are carried through the story by our desire to find out who committed the murder, and if Rebecca will receive justice through the legal system during a time women had few rights. Along the way, we get a beautifully crafted look into day-to-day, small town life in 1700s America, social inequalities, motherhood, and childbearing, with Martha Ballard’s journal entries being at the heart of this story.
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There is no denying an incredible amount of research preceded this book. The realities of that time are wonderfully depicted. The hardships and prejudices. It causes one to take pause and consider what life was like for people back in that time, especially women, leaving you thankful for how things have changed. However, it also makes you consider what hasn’t changed as much as you’d expect.
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Again, I could not get enough of Martha. She is strong and bold FMC. I admired her courage and intellect. I also admired how she stood up for women, herself included, and fought to give them all a voice when women had none.🥰 She is a remarkable woman and such an inspiration!!
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I enjoyed seeing glimpses of her and Ephraim’s love story throughout the years. Ephraim was endearing. It’s hard not to love him….for the man he was, the husband he was… and the provider he was. I enjoyed their family and life together.
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I highly recommend this book! I did find myself losing track of who some people were, and it was a slower pace for a mystery. But this book embedded itself into my heart, so I have to give it 5🌟. Don’t skip the author’s note! This was my first Ariel Lawhon read, but it will not be my last.
Faith –
Loved the period & lived through the emotion of most characters. It’s a book that will stay with me for many reasons
Peggy –
Excellent read!!!
Susan Johnson –
I am currently in the post book grieving stage where I just can’t let go so I read all the reviews and if I REALLY loved the book, I write one myself. This book was absolutely riveting. I loved every second. I’ve read book after book of terrible husbands and dysfunctional marriages and I can’t even say what a relief this book was. I loved the characters so much. I loved the midwife’s strength. I loved the mystery and I will recommend it 100 times over. I’ve read 15 books this summer and this was the best one. READ IT!
SKJ –
I thought this was well written and presented interesting moral dilemmas for the characters. I enjoyed the time period – late 1700s. The setting felt vivid to me and the characters were believable. The plot moved along for the most part. While I enjoyed what happened to North, it was a little too ‘perfect.’ Overall a good book.