Thank you to the publishers for sending me a copy in exchange for a review on NetGalley.

There's something about historical fiction that just does it for me, and this was no exception. The Frozen River stood out for me from others I've read recently because the story is based on the main character's real life diaries as a midwife in colonial America just after the war of Independence. Martha reminded me so strongly of Claire from Outlander with her fire, her intelligence, and nosiness. Her relationship with her husband was adorable, her fight for her patients, and justice for women in general make this cosy, fireside murder mystery one to come back to time and again.

The Frozen River first came on my radar through the 52 book club where readers were trying to match their TBR to the given prompts. As soon as I read the blurb, I became obsessed with tracking down a copy. It took some searching, but it was so worth the wait. There are lots of characters, but the shining star is Martha. She was amazing and I adored her from the first chapter to the last. The plotting was sublime.
Part of the ending still makes me chuckle.
Loved it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have recently started to read more historical fiction and this book is by far one of my favourites. Loved the strong female main character and finding out that this book was inspired by the real life journals of Martha Ballard made it more enjoyable. Also my mum is a midwife so I know how strong and amazing they are. Fantastic read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Swift Press for the copy of this truly amazing story.

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is a captivating historical novel that brings to life the extraordinary story of Martha Ballard, a real-life midwife and unsung heroine. From the very beginning, Martha's strength, intelligence, and unwavering sense of justice shine through, making her a truly compelling protagonist. The novel is rich with atmosphere and historical detail, immersing readers in 18th-century Maine while unfolding a story full of mystery, resilience, and quiet courage.

Inspired by true events, the narrative is both suspenseful and thought-provoking, with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged throughout. Lawhon skilfully blends fact and fiction, crafting a story that honours Martha’s legacy while delivering a gripping read. By the end, I was not only thoroughly entertained but also deeply intrigued to learn more about the real Martha Ballard. This book is a powerful tribute to a remarkable woman whose story deserves to be remembered.

I had heard a lot about The Frozen River before reading it, so I felt fortunate to find it on my @NetGalley shelf.

This compelling historical fiction novel is inspired by the real-life figure Martha Ballard, a midwife in 18th-century America. At a time when few women were literate, Martha stood out not only for her medical knowledge but also for her meticulous journaling of daily events. These journal entries become crucial in revealing truths and defending people, especially women, wrongly accused in their community.

When a horrific rape rocks the town and a man is later found murdered, Martha—despite being dismissed and disrespected because of her gender—takes it upon herself to investigate. Her intelligence, resilience, and deep compassion guide her to uncover the truth that others are unwilling or unable to see.

Ariel Lawhon does a remarkable job bringing Martha Ballard to life. She is portrayed as a strong, principled woman—admired by her family and respected (though reluctantly) by her peers. Martha is not only a compelling protagonist but also a historical heroine, and I found myself rooting for her throughout.

I highly recommend this book.

This historical mystery is inspired by the life of Martha Ballard, an 18th century midwife who lived and worked in Maine.

After safely delivering a newborn baby, Martha is called to examine the body of a man who has been found in the partially frozen Kennebec river, in the hope of determining his cause of death. She is thorough and diligent, documenting all her patients interactions in her diary. Despite her suspicions that his death has not been accidental the new local physician does not agree with her views. When it turns out that the dead man is one of 2 men who were alleged to have committed a terrible crime in the local community, a formal investigation takes place. With the number of possible suspects rising, Martha pursues her own investigation to uncover the truth, despite threats to her personal safety.

A brilliant, gripping historical thriller about a brave woman ahead of her time who is not afraid to stand up for the truth at a time when women were powerless and did not have a voice of their own. The characters are well developed, the story painful at times and the fabulous writing helps to vividly portray the reality of life at that point in time. There are a number of tender moments between Martha and her husband throughout the story which adds dimension and balance to the story. In the acknowledgement, the author openly points out this is a fictionalized story whose origins have some basis of truth, providing great context for this book. A wonderful read which I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Swift Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Martha Ballard has been a midwife to the people of her town for many years, married to a steady man, she dispenses wisdom and fights for justice. When the body of a man is found trapped in the ice of the river, Martha knows he has been murdered but the local judge decides otherwise. Given that judge is a co-accused for the rape of a local woman with the dead man that seems convenient. However Martha's fight for justice will see her place herself and her family in danger.
Sometimes I pick a book because the blurb sounds promising but the book is a real disappointment - this is not one of those books. Lawhon has taken the true story of Martha Ballard and invented a fiction around her, not an original device but one which is really successful here. Ballard is not well-known enough that people have a good idea of her life but is interesting enough to be able to weave a tale of crime and prejudice that really grips.

As a midwife I absolutely adored this book. Ariel has managed to turn this, what could have been, history lesson into a beautiful and enthralling insight into 18th century life for women and families.
I felt so many emotions throughout this book, I chuckled, I cried, I was immensely frustrated and also in awe. I will be recommending this book to everyone for the foreseeable future. Thank you for the opportunity to read this advanced copy on NetGalley 🤗

I had already pre ordered this book when the ARC came through and I am so glad - this gripped and captivated me, entirely deserving of the chatter around it as Lawhon builds a strong picture of 1789 in Massachusetts, from the perspective of a capable and intelligent woman with a cast of well drawn characters in a community surviving a deep long winter. It all ties together by the end so neatly and the historical notes are fascinating, about why Lawhon makes some of the choices she does. I haven't read anything by her before and am delighted to have a back list to get stuck into. Best book I have read this year.

I’ve been desperate to read The Frozen River for a couple of years and have been eagerly awaiting its release here in the UK. And I absolutely loved it!

The book starts in dramatic style with the discovery of a body, pulled from the Kennebec Rover which is starting to freeze. The deceased had been named as an assailant in a recent, shocking rape case and midwife and healer Martha, in her role as a medical professional, is called to give her opinion on the cause of death. However, when a local young doctor declares it an accident, Martha decides that justice will be served and stands up for the victim in court. Martha was so strong and brave for a woman from this era. Her role as a midwife put her in a unique position where her word was listened to and respected.

What is particularly fascinating about this book is that it is what the author terms biographical fiction. Martha Ballard was a real person and much of the detail in the book comes from the entries in her journal. She kept a record of every child she delivered, every person she attended, what the weather was like, what was happening in the community, and daily life for her and her family. Do read the author’s note at the end where she explains what parts of the story were factual and what parts she fictionalised. Don’t read it till you’ve read the book though so it won’t spoil the story for you!

The author vividly bring to life the experiences of 18th century women, with the pages alive with authentic detail. Through Martha’s work, we get an insight into the realities of childbirth for women, their ways of living, the hardship caused by the harsh weather, the flaws in the justice system and we learn about women’s rights and society’s expectations. It feels like an intimate window into 18th century society. I admired Martha’s intelligence, her quiet yet confident manner and her determination to be a reliable support for women whether in childbirth or the courtroom.

I adored reading about the love between Martha and her husband which was so beautifully written. Theirs was a true marriage of minds, an equal partnership with love and respect on both sides. Much of what Martha says and writes about her marriage in particular and marriage in general was so moving.

I found this book utterly compelling from beginning to the end. The Frozen River is a literary masterclass blending historical fiction with a gripping murder mystery, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

In The Frozen River, Ariel Lawhon crafts historical mystery set in a small American village in the late 18th century. At the heart of the story is Martha Ballard, a midwife whose role extends far beyond delivering babies—she's a vital pillar in her community. Lawhon paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities faced by women during this era, highlighting their resilience in the face of limited rights and constant hardship.
The plot starts with the discovery of a body frozen in the river, plunging Martha into an investigation. Deep-hidden secrets unravel, shedding light on the complexities of family dynamics and the delicate web of relationships within the village. Masterfully weaved mystery beautifully presents characters of different women and their roles in patriarchal society.

Inspired by the life and diary entries of Martha Ballard, a midwife in the late 1770s/80s this was an interesting tale - a mixture of actual events and Ariel Lawhon's imagination. Well told and described, if a little slow in places, the pace picked up as it continued. Martha Ballard, it appears, was drawn into delivering babies by a midwife who knew she would not be around for ever! Martha and Ephraim's relations are a little repetitive and don't really add anything to the story. Her relationships with her offspring and how they approach adulthood are interesting.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Ariel Lawhon/Swift Press for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you Swift Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

It seems that every book recommendation page I have read in the past months have recommended “The Frozen River” so I was absolutely excited to receive this ARC.

The Frozen River is set in late 18th Century Maine. The landscape is harsh and the community is even harsher, particularly if you’re a female “healer”.

Inspired by the actual midwife and healer from that time, Martha Ballard, the main character is a strong, likeable and incredibly competent midwife, healer in her community. Martha has a strength, physically, morally and intellectually that is recognised by many but feared by more.

This masterpiece takes us on a journey commencing at the Kennebec River and the town of Hallowell, Maine.
Martha is called upon to help the local women and childbirth and has never lost a mother in all her years doing so.
She keeps a journal to record her daily observations which become critical as the story progresses.

The characters are well developed, some are so intensely unlikeable and others are awe inspiring.
The plot is well woven together beautifully, all coming together to present the reader with a delicately presented package to unravel.

I don’t tend to read a lot of historical fiction and when I do I have unusually high expectations.
Ariel Lawhon thank you, you absolutely exceeded these and your fabulous book will stay with me safely nestled with my all time favourites.

I cannot recommend this incredible book highly enough. There is a reason everyone is raving about it. I can’t wait to read the backlist of Ariel Lawhon.
Thank you so much for this ARC and the opportunity to give my honest review.

I had high hopes for The Frozen River after hearing glowing reviews from my American bookish friends. The premise is undeniably strong: inspired by the real-life midwife Martha Ballard, the novel is set in 1789 Maine, a time and place rarely explored in historical fiction. When a man is found frozen in the Kennebec River, Martha is called to examine the body. Months earlier, she had recorded an alleged rape involving two respected men—one of whom is now dead. As tensions rise and a trial looms, her meticulous diary becomes central to the case, forcing her to weigh truth, loyalty, and justice.

I loved the focus on a midwife and the spotlight on an unsung woman in history. I'm always drawn to stories that reclaim the forgotten roles women played, and the setting—newly formed America—was refreshingly different.

But while the foundation was promising, the execution left me wanting. The dialogue felt too modern and occasionally cheesy, which pulled me out of the story. The narrative was overly repetitive—making the same points about societal double standards every few chapters. I fully agree with the themes, but the heavy-handed delivery started to wear thin.

I also took issue with some of the historical references. Paul Revere’s name gets tossed in as if he were a pop culture figure of the day, when in truth, his legendary status didn’t emerge until much later. It just added to a sense that the tone didn’t quite match the period.

Overall, I admire what Lawhon set out to do, and I’m glad Martha Ballard’s story is being told. But between the tone, the pacing, and the lack of subtlety, this one didn’t quite live up to its potential for me.

Only heard good things about this book so was keen to read this. And it did not disappoint.

A beautifully engaging historical fiction read that combined a strong female MC, the courage of women at the time and everyday life at the time.

This is such an engaging tale, I adored Martha and her strength of character as she tries to help victims of men the time and seek justice. Her partnership with her husband was beautifully written and provided an endearing element to the alternative darkness of what women t the time were expected to put up with.

I was totally immersived into the the story throughout. Fantastic read.

‘’Bon courage. Be of good courage. Courage is good.’’

1789, Maine. It is a bitter winter. The body of a vile man is discovered trapped in the frozen river. Women fight to bring their children into a world where men dictate your fate. They fight to clear their name froma gossiping mob, to find justice within a society where rape victims are accused and the guilty party walks free.

Not much has changed, eh?

Within this whirlwind, a midwife has dedicated her life in the service of good, aiding mothers and children in their hour of need while trying to put some sense into the heads of imbeciles. Meet Martha, one of the most interesting, best-written characters in recent years, in a novel that does absolute justice to the much-abused Historical Fiction genre.

Based on real-life diaries, Ariel Lawhon creates a masterpiece. The setting is brilliant. You can almost feel the cold clawing your heart, the freezing wind on your face, and the crunching sound of the snow. The small community and harsh nature come alive in front of the reader’s eyes, and we are immediately transported to an era that isn’t much different to our own. The same values are defended by good people, the same prejudices are shared by people whose actions cannot but condemn them to damnation. Vivid dialogue, elegant, haunting prose, clear direction of the plot, warmth found in the domestic scenes between Marta and her family, evil found in the actions of abominable perpetrators.

‘’It is one of those winter afternoons that is so bright the sun reflects off the snow and hurts my eyes if I look at it directly. [...] He insists that he no longer feels the cold. I know that he’s lying, but he says it anyway. This is the game we play - a dance of concern and denial.’’

The characters? My God, aren’t they perfect! I cannot praise the character of Martha enough. Seldom have I found such a wonderful balance between the writing itself and the characterization of the protagonist. She is honest, determined, unyielding, true to her principles. She is the perfect example of a heroine in a bygone time brought alive for today’s audience without being changed into a male counterpart wearing skirts. She is the definition of the strong female character that hasn’t been masculinized. A rare thing to be found in today’s Literature. Ephrais is a perfect match for her, a true model for the male protagonist. From the villains to the virtuous, the entire cast of characters should be taught in Creative Writing classes. Period.

Apart from the brilliant plot, Ariel Lawhon enriches her novel with references to Folklore, old wives’ tales, the joys of reading and writing (and Shakespeare’s plays are given a pivotal role since both Martha and Ephraim are ardent admirers of the Bard). Moreover, she doesn’t shy away from commenting on thorny issues such as pre-marital relations, children born out of wedlock, the legal system, exploitation and racism.

I could go on and on about how utterly perfect this novel is, but words are wind. You need to add this masterpiece to your reading list and read it as soon as possible. It is a true literary treasure.

Many thanks to Swift Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Nothing I say will do justice to this remarkable novel.
I am currently in a sort of book-coma, wondering how best to put together some coherent thoughts.

The Frozen River is a compelling work of historical fiction featuring Martha Ballard, inspired by her diaries and real events that took place within her own life and her community. This novel is fascinating, educational and intriguing. The events that take place are brutal at times, but there is such a lot of perseverance, courage and loyalty - through personal pain, through court trials and through the harsh winter conditions.

Martha is perhaps one of the most devoted people I have read about - thoroughly devoted to both her family and her profession. As a midwife and healer in the late 1700’s; and a woman that could read and write, she was quite possibly ahead of her time - and I find her incredible and inspiring. Martha’s midwifery work is portrayed beautifully in this book - exactly describing how vulnerable a woman is during labour and the trust required in the midwife. Having had my own personal experience of a midwife much like Martha, whose care I will never forget, I could really relate to what I was reading.

I cannot review this book without mentioning Martha’s husband, Ephraim. He is so loyal, patient and his wife’s biggest advocate. Martha and Ephraim’s love, companionship and dialogue that is humorous and sarcastic at times, really did make me smile.

Do read the author’s note at the end of the book (not before you’ve read the novel though!) for further details of her inspiration and the historical facts.
Martha Ballard was an astonishing woman who left a remarkable legacy and her story deserves to be remembered. I will certainly remember her story and The Frozen River has my highest recommendation.

Thank you to the publisher, Swift Press, for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon in exchange for an honest review. In this historical fiction, inspired by a true story, we follow midwife and mother Martha Ballard. It is 1789 and Martha is called to examine a body found under the frozen river. Martha makes it her mission to uncover the truth about what happened. I enjoyed following Martha as she was called upon to deliver the town's many babies and to heroically support the women and families around her.

Led by a remarkable main character, this novel brilliantly balanced a gripping murder mystery with an emotional community drama. The plot was always in movement, whether it was forwards to uncover clues or backwards to delve into the past. The story's characters drew me in and got me invested, and its secrets kept me utterly hooked.

Would I recommend?... Definitely yes! I finished the book with the urge to reread it immediately, just so I could fully appreciate the subtle hints and clever foreshadowing woven throughout.

Read if you like:
- historical fiction set in 1700s USA
- compelling small-town murder mystery
- strong cast of characters
- genuine sense of jeopardy
- dash of romance

I have heard too many glowing reviews and recommendations for The Frozen River, not to read it. The book is set in 1789, with occasional flashbacks of 35 years, during a very hard, long winter.

Martha Ballard is a midwife, healer, a wise literate woman in tune with Mother Nature. As a woman in 1789, to stand out from crowd, to give a voice to those who are invisible at best, or marginalised and taken advantage of at worst, takes spirit and courage.

The Frozen River is a beautiful, character led story. The sort of book you drift away in, becoming lost in the pages. Their lives become yours, their concerns crowding your thoughts. The characters are written so well, they were alive in my mind and heart.

A friend of mine told me that I would love Martha, she was absolutely right. Martha is loyal, kind and loving, unless you make an enemy of her, then you should be very careful. If I lived in Martha’s time, I would hope to have her courage, her determination to be more than her gender was allowed to be in that era.

I always read every word of a book, including the author’s note, and I would recommend you do the same. Knowing that Martha was a real person, has deepened how I feel about this wonderful book. I can’t recommend this story highly enough, and would give more than 5⭐️ if I could.

The Frozen River is a longer read, 517 pages, but I genuinely didn’t realise, as I was so absorbed. It will definitely one of my favourite reads of this year, I can guarantee that, despite it only being April. The Frozen River covers the minutiae of Martha’s days, through her diary; conversely it also shows the magnitude of her life, all that she achieved, all she was. I mean this sincerely, now I have turned the last page, I will really miss her.