Ariel Lawhon is one of my favorite historical fiction writers because she brings to light the stories of real women! Women that tend to get overlooked by the history books.

The Frozen River tells the story of Martha Ballard. A midwife who delivered thousands of babies without once losing a mother. Her story is absolutely incredible!
I loved the casual name drop of Paul Revere, who she and her husband were friends with! Paul Revere borrowed her husband’s horse for his famous ride!
Martha is also the great-aunt of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, and the great-great-grandmother of Mary Hobart, one of the first female physicians in the US!!
You need to read this woman’s story!!!!

It takes place in Maine after the Revolutionary War, and I found it fascinating to learn about what our country looked like at that time. The government was so new and had serious growing pains, especially when it came to the court system. The Constitution had only just been ratified and the Bill of Rights was still in the works.

Another reason why I love Ariel Lawhon’s books- She always writes an Author’s Note at the end of every book, explaining exactly what is fact and what she had to imagine herself. I also love her story of how this book came to be! Always read her Author’s Notes!

Preorder The Frozen River or add it to your TBR now, if you love historical fiction and stories about truly inspiring women! It will be out on December 5th, 2023!
I already know that this will be a book that I will never shut up about!

Content Warning: Detailed descriptions of rape, murder, child birth, sickness, and death.

Thank you to NetGalley and DoubleDay Publishing for this advanced copy!

I had a brief conversation with the author yesterday and she said, “This is my darkest book yet, but also my gentlest,” and I can absolutely confirm the veracity of that summation. I loved Martha Ballard with all my heart. She’s one of the most amazing women I’ve read about in any historical fiction book: intelligent, fierce, kind, excellent at her craft. I have more respect than ever for women who were pioneers in the medical field (read the author’s note at the end for even more details). And her husband Ephraim made me weak at the knees– we need more men of integrity and romance like him in our books. Anyway, this history mystery is amazingly written and is my favorite Ariel Lawhon book to date; although I got my hands on an ARC, I will be preordering this book to have on my shelves.

I was drawn to The Frozen River by the description, and I was even more excited to find out that it is based on the real life Martha Ballard. She was a midwife in post-Revolutionary War Maine.

Here is what I enjoyed about the book:
- Martha was a fascinating character. Lawhon had to construct most of her story from the few details that were recorded, but she did an amazing job. Martha's insights on the struggles of women during this time were touching and heartbreaking, even as she sought to be considered a "real" medical professional.
- The setting was so vivid. The long winters, the frozen river, the small town. All the details really set the mood for this mystery.
- Ephraim was a man ahead of his time. What a loving husband who supported his wife's desire to be a midwife and to educate herself. Their relationship was so beautiful!

I'm not one to normally add trigger warnings, but there are some traumatic experiences described as a result of Martha's occupation as midwife. Rape, sexual abuse, labor and delivery, and pregnancy loss are all represented.

If you love historical fiction, especially books based on real historical figures, this one was a page-turner!

Thank you to Doubleday Books, NetGalley, and Ariel Lawhon for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Fascinating and historical, this mystery was inspired by the real-life Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife who also investigates crimes in her small town. The times were incredibly difficult back then and a number of passages made me pause and reflect.

The story is engaging and biographical information meticulously researched. Lawhon has a knack for finding extremely interesting women to write about. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Wow! Ariel Lawhon simply does not disappoint! Her latest novel The Frozen River is mix of the historical fiction, mystery/suspense, and Women’s fiction genres to create an absolutely powerful storyline! This epic novel is set in rural Maine in 1789 and centers around Martha Ballard, a mother of 9 children, wife to her adoring husband, and experienced and instinctual midwife to her community. When a community member is found dead the entire town has suspicions and theories as to who is responsible and what their motive was. Martha finds herself standing her ground to seek justice no matter what the cost!

I have read Ariel Lawhon’s previous novels, so I was extremely excited to read The Frozen River and wow, this novel is in a league of it own! The fact that Martha Ballard was real life person was so extremely impressive! I would love if Ariel wrote an entire series based on Martha, I cannot get her out of my thoughts—such an inspiration! The Frozen River is a 5++++ star book that is one of my top reads of this year! I recommend EVERYONE read this gem and if you are in a book club, I highly encourage The Frozen River for your next book!

midwife, Maine, murder-investigation, historical-research, historical-novel, birthing, criminal-acts, vigilantism, triggers, historical-places-events, small-town, biographical-novel, detective*****

The young pastor's wife was violently beaten and violated in the summer. Later in the year one of the men involved is found violently beaten and mutilated under the ice. Midwife Martha Ballard, with the full approval of her husband cared for the young woman and her children as she recovered and took her testimony as this kind of violence was a capital crime. The story delves into the realities of life at that time and the basics were documented by Martha's own diary as well as a biography written in the last century. Some facts were condensed as to time but the essentials are all there. The story is exceptionally well done!
Martha Ballard (February 9, 1735 – June 9, 1812) was an American midwife, diarist, and healer.
According to Wiki, "she was among community medical personnel, with numerous male doctors often called as well as Ballard at births; however, male physicians could override midwives when they wished to, despite the experience and expertise of the midwife.[10] Ballard was sometimes called to observe autopsies and recorded 85 instances of what she called "desections" in her diary.[3] She also took testimonies from unwed mothers that was used in paternity suits. In addition to her medical and judicial responsibilities"
I requested and received an uncorrected ebook file from Doubleday Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
of note: I have been a hospital OB nurse and we have five children who joined us in Revolutionary War reenacting for a number of years. We geek history.

In the first pages of the novel, Martha is seen consoling a woman who is in labor. She assures the mother all is ok. After the birth Martha is asked to examine a body that is found floating down a semi-frozen river to determine the time of death.

The man in the freezing river appears to have been hanged, but there is no rope to be discovered. As the mystery unfolds, I found it hard to put down. Everyone in the novel is kept out of the limelight masterfully by the author. Martha was not only a fantastic midwife, but also an excellent detective. This is a midwife’s tale, that gives the reader a peek into the court system in early America.

The whole town is familiar with James Burgess. There was a rumor that he had assaulted a couple of local ladies. One of them was Rebecca Foster, the pastor's wife. After being attacked, she asked Martha to help her. Heavy topics, but I appreciate the author's tact in handling them. Although not detailed, her descriptions of these occurrences are a little grim. I appreciate that the author based this story on true events. In the author's letter to the reader, she writes, “Every story moves like a river, from source to mouth, so let this one flow…”
I was drawn into this mystery with its captivating plot, and well-developed characters as you can sense their suffering and feel for their predicament. The reader goes along side Martha Ballard through her sometimes dangerous, and emotional adventures of birthing babies and her detective work in figuring out how James Burgess died.

I liked how the author incorporated passages from Martha Ballard's diary entries into the narrative. Martha Ballard is the great-aunt of Clara Barton, who founded the American Red Cross. This would make a good selection for your book group. I’m thankful for the opportunity to read this novel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

Frozen delight awaits those that read this powerful historical fiction/mystery with the main character inspired by the remarkable diaries of a midwife from 18th century Maine. A man awaiting trial for rape is found dead in a frozen river, and it is believed he was murdered. I enjoyed reading about the daily life of New Englanders, and the challenges for women. Be sure to read the author's note...but only after reading the book.

As soon as I finished this book, I immediately began telling friends about it. That is the highest form of praise I can give to a book. If I want to talk about the plot, and want everyone I know to read the book, that shows how much it affected me.

I am not a person that reads a lot of historical fiction. The plot must really interest me. I generally read light books that simply give me an escape from real life. When I read the summary for The Frozen River, I definitely wanted to read this book. I am so glad that it crossed my path. This book is based on the true history of an amazing, strong woman. I am so glad that I now know about her. She is the type of person that would have had me interested in learning history when I was in school. Since it has been many years since I graduated, I hope that students now are exposed to great women in history, such as Martha Ballard. Generations after her, know about her life because she took the time to write a diary for many years. This book is based on those entries.

The story takes place over six-months in the town of Hallowell, Maine during 1789 while the Kennebec river is frozen. There is much going on in this town and I found that people are the same no matter what period they lived. There are the good caring ones, and the ones only out for themselves wanting power over other people. I used to think that life would have been better when things were simple without all the technology of modern life, but I find myself proven wrong all the time and this novel is a perfect example.

I found the book to be a bit slow in movement for most of the story, but I must admit I liked that. I thought it brought the mood of the town closer to me. It was a time that things did not move at a fast pace. Life was slower, especially in hard winters. I snuggled into the story, as if it were a cozy blanket and let it take me to a place, I never imagined I would travel.

I highly recommend this book and hope people will read it! I won’t be forgetting about Hallowell any time soon. When the weather is cold, and I think I can’t take anymore of it, I think I will remember the people of this story and all that they had to deal with, then I will hopefully not complain.

I want to thank Doubleday Books and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

I loved her previous book and enjoyed this one as well Great research, great story but a tad slow. Thanks for the opportunity to read.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐙𝐄𝐍 𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑 (pub 11.14) was one of my most highly anticipated reads of 2023 and it exceeded all expectations. Thank you to @doubledaybooks for the early copy.

(𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘷𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘥?)

It's no secret that I love books with strong women. Women with gumption. Women who blur the lines of what’s expected. They inspire me. Lawhon has a gift of unearthing these unsung heroines and bringing their story to the page. In 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘻𝘦𝘯 𝘙𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 we meet Martha Ballard, one of the most undaunting midwives in US history, whose story is inspired by her real life and copious diary entries.

This historical mystery begins along the frigid shores of the Kennebec River in 1789 where a man is found dead. Over the course of a brutal winter, a small, tight knit community is impacted by secrets both concealed and revealed as the crimes begin to unravel layer by layer.

I was emotionally invested with both the story and the characters from the first page. I love the richness of Lawhon’s writing. From the depictions of daily struggles in New England in the 18th century, to the majestic silver fox who appears to Martha, or the din of the local pub, it was all so vivid in my mind.

I especially loved the relationship between Martha and her husband Ephraim. Their devotion to one another was tender and endearing. How I would love to share a cup of coffee with them.

Highly recommend.

So much to unpack with this novel!
I enjoyed the writing style of the author a lot. It wasn't bogged down in descriptions or too much "head talk"--what I call the thinking of the characters. The pace was steady and had a lot of ups and downs before building to the climax. And what a climax it was!

I loved the bits and pieces that the author dropped throughout the book that brought everything to fruition at the end. There were times it went back in time 35, 30, 12, 20 years prior. They were clearly labelled and explained something relating to the present time of the story.

you will definitely be very aggravated as a woman reading this and seeing the whole spectrum of women during that time represented. From the educated to the illiterate. From the way that a woman was blamed and fined for sexual sins yet the man gets off without any consequences.

My favorite thing? I loved the relationship between Martha and Ephraim. It is how I hope that me and my own husband will be 10 years from now.

This book will make you mad at times and then at the key moment at the end you will feel the upmost satisfaction of judgement and punishment being rendered in full. It is intense. And there are some raw passages--this is not my normal Christian fiction. It is historical fiction.

I would read this author's work again because it was very well researched and interesting.
4 stars.

I was given an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I was not obligated to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% me.

Fascinating story inspired by the real life Martha Ballard. The writing was excellent and the focus of many women, along with many injustices they faced was easy to identify with and hard to put down. A little murder mystery doesn’t hurt either.

I loved the relationship and trust Martha and Ephraim had, and how the devoted themselves to integrity and their community even when they didn’t agree or even like the individuals. The kinship and devotion Martha had as a midwife to the other women was also inspiring. That opinions and feelings could be put aside to do what needed to be done.

Such an interesting look at how small towns in colonial times went. So much gossip and judgement and often injustices especially as a woman. While there was so much sadness, helplessness and incredible injustice on the subject of rape and struggle to make the evil men accountable, it was conveyed in a way that made you empathetic and want to stand alongside the women fighting for their dignity and protection. And love the men who tried to protect them as best they could in the environment.

Loved it and really well done.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is a satisfying, historical portrayal of Martha Ballard, one of the most audacious midwives in US history. Ariel Lawhon has a gift for finding true stories of brave women and bringing them to life in her books. I adore her previous novel CODE NAME HELENE. The Frozen River is a slight change because Lawhon must develop much of the background for her story from her imagination. She based the character on a real woman, who worked as a midwife during the late 1790s after the American Revolution. Martha Ballard was the only midwife in Maine during the 18th century to keep a written record of her work. She is also an ancestor of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, and great-great-grandmother of Mary Hobart, one of the first female physicians in the US! Martha kept a journal of her life recording the people she helped and some local events. Lawhon was able to take actual events of history with the horrific assault of a local woman by a prominent judge and weave a story around it. The writing is compelling, horrifying in detail about midwifery of the 1790s and also poignant in the portrayal of the travails of women and mothers. I only have one living child, but the passages about losing a child are hauntingly beautiful. I think the power of Martha’s story is in her fiery spirit and determination to care for women and stand up to brutality. I loved the richness of Lawhon’s writing whether describing a majestic silver fox who appears to Martha, or the savory stew of the local pub. This is a phenomenal book and I think Martha is the kind of woman I would have loved to meet. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Doubleday for the advance e-galley.

Absolutely incredible. Richly atmospheric, enticingly suspenseful, and an absolutely gorgeous portrait of a community of women. This might be Lawhon's best yet. Please make Martha into a series!

First, let me give many thanks to Doubleday Publishing and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this digital ARC. This review is my own opinion. Sometimes I think it is harder to write a 5 star review than one with a poor rating because my words cannot do the book justice. I will try, though. The Frozen River is set in the late 1700's, It is winter in a small village and everything has turned to ice. In the midst of this cold devastation a body is found in the frozen river and brought into the local pub. The body is laid out for the midwife, who is also the only one in town that has the medical expertise to be the town coroner. Martha keeps up to date notebooks that contain births and deaths in this town. She has heard death bed confessions, many secrets while caring for the ill or the birthing. During the inquest into the death it becomes clear that there is more than one villager that would have wanted the man dead. Martha has a personal stake in the inquest outcome because her son may be involved and that has her scared. The pastor's wife has reported that she was raped. This will also come to bear in the inquest. Martha will be testifying while being torn between the truth and the fear that her children could be implicated in murder. While the murder and the trial are set throughout the winter, there are also flashbacks that allow the reader to get a complete feel for the life of Martha and her family. The cold winter months sure played a large part in the suspense contained within this novel. I absolutely recommend it to everyone, no matter what their chosen genre usually is.

Ariel Lawhon never disappoints! She has such a wonderful way of crafting a multi-layered story within a compelling world. There's a lot of history and tradition here. You can tell Lawhon did her research. In some ways THE FROZEN RIVER reminds me of Maggie O'Farrell's writing. While this is a long book, it does keep the reader's attention. The crime storyline is compelling and clever and the midwife at the center of it all, Martha Ballard, is fascinating.

Thank you to Doubleday Books and NetGalley for a complimentary e-galley in exchange for my honest review.

This was a fantastic piece of historical fiction that was made even more interesting, as Lawhorn based the story on real people in early 18th century America. I loved the way Lawhorn wrote in a way that captured the human aspects of our previous early ancestors and the kind of people they had to be. I was so entwined with Martha Ballard and her family I was sad to see the book end. I am an avid family historian with deep roots in early American history and this story really resonated with me. I am fascinated by the midwives of old, and how incredibly vital they were in a community. All in all, I highly recommend this book! #thefrozenriver #ariellawhorn #netgalley #goodreads

Ariel Lawhon has captivated me again with yet another amazing book that simply MUST be added to your TBR lists! Words cannot truly express how much I enjoyed reading this and experiencing all of the emotions that tangled up inside of me. The Frozen River is an historical fiction/mystery inspired by the real life and diary of Martha Ballard, a midwife in the late 1700's. The story of Martha is powerful, compelling, and extremely interesting. The writing was so descriptive and vivid and real that I felt like I journeyed back in time and into the book itself. I loved the history and old-time traditions as well as all of the referenced Shakespeare quotes. I'll just say that I loved everything about it. I completely devoured this book and could not stop reading!

I highly recommend that you read this book as soon as you can! And make sure to read the author's note once you finish the book. It will provide you with more details regarding what's fact and fiction, Martha's story and her contribution to American history. Very interesting!

Thank you to the author, Doubleday Books and NetGalley for allowing me digital access in exchange for my honest review!!