What to say that hasn't been said yet, but this book is amazing. A solid 5 stars. I loved everything about it and Lawhon is a master storyteller. I loved learning about Martha, her family and the town.

*I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher; the review is my own.*

This is my third Ariel Lawhon book, and I wholeheartedly mean it when I say that I will read anything this woman writes. She hasn’t disappointed me yet, and I suspect she never will. Her books contain just the right amount of both grit and tenderness, as well as a perfect balance of sorrow and happiness. They're neither rose colored nor bleak.

From the moment I started reading The Frozen River, I struggled to put it down. I didn’t want to stop reading because the story was so compelling and so entirely engrossing. Lawhon’s talent for finding (“collecting,” she calls it) and writing about interesting people is phenomenal. She has a way of immediately drawing the reader in and making the characters (in many cases, real people) come to life. The women she writes about are . . . “amazing” isn’t a good enough word, but I don’t want to sit here for another five minutes while I search for a better one.

As with this author’s other books that I’ve read, I knew I would like its main character right away. Martha Ballard was impressive. Thirty years of midwifery without ever losing a mother! But that’s just a small part of why I came to admire her. Lawhon said that about 75% of what she wrote in this book is true with much of what remains being plausible, which is why it doesn’t quite fit into the biographical fiction genre that her other books are considered to be a part of. But even if only 75% is true, Martha Ballard is absolutely a woman deserving of more attention she has received. I am so glad that she was literate and kept a journal, just as I am grateful for the circumstances that made it possible for Lawhon to write this book.

One thing I really loved was the relationship between Martha and her husband, Ephraim. They were friends and partners with love, mutual respect, understanding, and protectiveness for each other. The book’s present day takes place when they’re in their 50s, but it was obvious that they were still very much in love. It reminded me so much of my relationship with my husband (though we’re just 40). So frequently, their interactions mirrored our own, and I could absolutely see my husband doing and saying some of the same things as Ephraim (which I told him—we both got a good laugh about what Ephraim said when we was preparing a new quill for Martha).

Although it's not unusual for me to get emotionally invested in a really good book, there are very few books that have brought out my tears. This one came very, very close--they gathered in my eyes but didn't quite make a path down my cheeks. I was constantly outraged by the lack of true justice and fairness. Even though I was already aware that women throughout history have been deprived of the rights that men so easily enjoy, I was not aware of some of the specific punishments heaped unfairly upon women. For example, a woman who gave birth to a child outside of wedlock was fined. If she refused to give up the name of the man responsible, she was also jailed. What punishment was the man given? He had to pay maintenance (basically child support). That's all. In this book (and likely in history--Lawhon has proven herself a thorough researcher), hearsay was enough to ruin the life of a young woman and her family because of words she spoke; even combined with physical evidence, it was not enough to condemn men accused of rape. Like I said, I never believed anything was fair or equal in history, but the reminders were angering.

I have nothing but praise for this book, and I am eager to continue reading whatever Lawhon writes.

Note: Aftermath of rape. Attempted rape. Some violence. Murder. (The book involves hearings and trials for rape and murder, so these are frequent topics.) Some language, most of it mild. Some colorful banter between a married couple. Some very brief crude language used by a rapist.

Love, Love, Love this book! I have recommended it to many of my friends. If you like historical fiction, a bit of a murder mystery, as well as a strong female protagonist, then this book is for you! Martha, a midwife in Maine, just after the American Revolution, keeps a diary of daily goings-on in her community - births, deaths, and scandals. Two important men in the town were accused of rape and Martha's diary supports the woman's claim. However, one of the men winds up frozen in the Kennebec River. Martha states the man has been hanged, but a new male doctor declares it to be an accident. Martha spends the winter trying to prove the truth and get justice, but then her diary inadvertently implicates someone she loves. It was refreshing to see such a strong female character during a time when women were very much in the background. Although it is fiction, it is loosely based on the real life midwife Martha Ballard.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to enjoy this book, especially since I grew up in the area where it’s set. Knowing the landmarks made it even more disappointing when the story felt disjointed. The main character, Martha Ballard, came off as a know-it-all.

Martha Ballard, a midwife in 1789 Hallowell, Maine, was a respected healer who faced ridicule from some. When a local pastor's wife was raped and a man was found dead in the frozen river, Martha was called upon for her medical expertise. She recognized the dead man as one of the rapists and decided to uncover the truth. Despite her doubts about the court’s integrity, Martha was determined to find justice, supported by her family.

The novel is based on the real Martha Ballard, whose diary recorded births, deaths, and daily life. The long winter of 1789 added a layer of hardship to the community’s struggles. While Martha's courage and strength were admirable, I found the narrative lacking in emotional depth. The author’s notes at the end were fascinating and added context.

The opening chapters were immersive, but the book’s length and structure eventually wore me down. The story felt uneven, switching between suspenseful crime-solving and everyday midwifery without a clear focus. Martha’s perspective often felt like a shortcut, lacking genuine emotion. The inclusion of mild sex scenes felt out of place.

Overall, *The Frozen River* offers an intriguing glimpse into Martha Ballard’s life but falls short as a cohesive historical novel. It might appeal to those interested in 18th-century midwifery and crime but left me wanting more focus and emotional connection.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

This is my fourth novel by Lawhon, so clearly I'm a fan. Why? Because Lawhon always finds obscure real women who lived in interesting time to craft her novels around; I always learn something about an historical period, as seen through the lens of a woman's life. This novel is no exception.

The real Martha Ballard lived from February 1735 through June 1812, married Ephraim Ballard in 1754, and had nine children, losing three of them to diphtheria. The family lived in Kennebec Valley, Maine where Martha worked as a midwife and healer and frequently testified in court. All of that would have been lost to time but for the fact that, at age 50, she began keeping a daily diary.

Lawhon took that and ran with it, pulling in many of the facts of Martha's life and the realities of the time and place, then filling that in with the details that Martha left out and a storyline that ties the late 18th century with the present day.

What I Liked:
Martha. Lawhon took what was known about the woman and created a warm, strong, fierce woman who loves her husband, is devoted to her children even as she sees their flaws, and battles men to provide the care the women in the area need and to see that justice is done.
The way Lawhon paints such a clear picture of the setting of the novel. If I were making a movie adaptation of this book, it would be easy to create the set as it is so clear to me.
The way Lawhon uses the story to also look at live for women in 2024. While women have absolutely come a long, long way since Martha lived, we still have a very long way to go. Were this to be set in present time, Rebecca would still struggle to be believed when she charges rape against the two men, Martha would still struggle, as a midwife, to be respected for the work she does.
What Didn't Work As Well For Me:
While I appreciate that Lawhon chose a believable court outcome, I wasn't thrilled with the way she saw justice (of a sort) served. It just all seemed a little too theatrical for me.
I occasionally felt like Lawhon was being a little repetitive. For example, I didn't need to be told/shown so many times how hot for each other Martha and Ephraim still were after so many years or marriage.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Would I recommend the audiobook version. For sure? Would it make a good book club selection? Definitely.

Martha Ballard, a local midwife and healer, chronicles facts, not feelings in her diary. When a townsman accused of a heinous crime is found dead in a frozen river, Martha seeks answers within her records. As an advocate for vulnerable women, she won't stop until she uncovers the truth.

Inspired by Martha Ballard's real-life 18th-century diaries, Ariel Lawhon offers a glimpse into post-Revolution American town life, especially for women. This historical fiction blends a small-town whodunnit with a love story, and she did it very well. Loved the examination of women’s right and it serves as a great reminder of how far we’ve come.

This richly layered book, with its everyday stories, is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, mysteries, and romance.

Wow--what a riveting book! Think of Maine in 1789, quite cold and dismal. Then, there's a murder and the body is cut from the ice.
Besides being riveting, the book reflects on women's issues and how women were so shallowly regarded. The main character, Martha Ballard, a trained and skilled midwife, is based on a real person which makes the story even more compelling.
The plot is engrossing and reflective of those bygone times. Yet, there seem to be ramifications that resound today. Great storytelling with admirable and not-so-admirable characters.

"A Frozen River" delves into the harsh realities of the past, shedding light on timeless issues such as abortion, unwanted pregnancies, and the unequal burden placed on women in matters of sex and its consequences. Set against the backdrop of the Northeast, this historical fiction offers a poignant reflection on societal attitudes that still resonate today.

This book is exquisite and exceptional! Everything about us is remarkable! The story, the pacing, the attention to historical accuracy, and the writing itself. I’ve definitely found a new author that makes me want to devour every book she has written!!!

Gripping. Could not put this down. Though it deals with horrendous subject matter, it is done carefully and with care.. The characters, though many, are all individuals drawn well. And even though this takes place in the late 1700s, it feels fresh and modern. This was my first novel by this author but I am interested to read more by her.

This book will now sit on my "Favorite books of all time" list. Such an amazing story set during the birth of our nation about a midwife - Martha - wise beyond years. The love story between her and her husband was a highlight to the story. Loved the writing and the author's note. 1,000 glowing stars.

I loved loved this book, I gave it 5 stars. Martha I envisioned as Dr. Quinn medicine woman riding off to delivery babies in the middle of night coming home and making candles all while protecting women in her community. I loved that it was based on a real person and found the book just so good !
I loved reading about the 1700 time period as well. Just their day to day life. This book will stick with me.

I thought Martha was a fascinating character, and it was interesting to read to read about the post-Revolutionary War time period from a woman's perspective. That said, this book was really slow to me, and I had to force myself to keep going at times. It did pick up towards the end, and I did like it overall.

Thank you to Netgalley for this free copy for an honest review. I simply loved this book. It wasn't until I read more about the author that I found out more about the amazing real life person. The idea for the book came from a Pulitzer Prize winning biography of Martha Ballard, a real midwife. Stories about childbirth are fascinating to me and I simply adored Martha. I appreciated her wisdom, strength and calm. I especially loved the way that author wrote about her marriage. Her husband was just as lovely. I would highly recommend this book.

I love Ariel Lawhon's novels and I started this one and it disappeared off my kindle. Not sure what happened. So I bought it (that's how good it is!) and continued reading. I do know of this midwife already from Laurel Thatcher Ulrich's novel that I read in grad school, and I love Ms. Lawhon's interpretation and rendering of character. This was a fascinating story of women's roles, social morés, crime/abuse, and family life in the past, all based on the true account of one amazing and dedicated midwife living in Maine hundreds of years ago. Highly recommended!

Ariel Lawhon may be my favorite current #historicalfiction #author - I Was Anastasia and Code Name Helene captured my heart entirely. This one is still fascinating, historically well done, and beautifully written, but I didn’t fall in love with it like I did her others. Admittedly, I spent most of this one waiting for the big plot twist/kick and for things to get a little more exciting, and it never particularly came. Again, beautiful executed but I was more bored with this one than I have been her others. Lawhon is still a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ writer who always delivers, though, and this one is insightful as far as womanhood in late 18th century America and midwifery/motherhood in general.

•

In 1789 Massachusetts, Martha Ballard is a competent midwife who has given birth to and buried her own children, as well as those of more women she can count, both as a result of the times and the conditions in a still young and wild America. Unfortunately, even with her medical skills she still experienced the inequalities, injustices, and struggles of being a woman with almost no rights in a country and community that depends on her to bring into the world the very sons the men that surround her - both good and bad - desire so desperately.

•

When the dead body of an accused rapist is discovered beneath the frozen river, Martha finds herself pulled into the mystery and drama surrounding the death, the related gruesome and tragic rape underlying it, the high stakes impending trial and testimony, and in a battle with a powerful community bigwig who threatens her family, home, and life as she knows it.

•

As she battled for herself, her family, and the women in her community, she is exposed to both the best and the worst of human beings, and the joys and sadnesses in life.

One of the best historical fiction books I have read. It was hard to put down. I absolutely loved Martha Ballard! What a strong heroine she was. The story was easy to follow and get wrapped up in and the setting was beautiful and perfect for a cold winter read. I recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction.

What a fantastic book! I have no reservations about awarding five stars to The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. This wonderful book is a work of fiction inspired by the true story of Martha Ballard, a midwife in the late 1700s Maine who was a woman ahead of her time. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. What a pleasant surprise. I didn't want it to end. I want to know what happens next to the family. It is seldom that I get involved with the characters as I did with those in this book. I also found interesting and sad how women were treated in those days. Imagine not being able to speak in court unless your husband was present. This is a book to take your time and savor.

Fantastic read, one of my top reads of 2023. I loved the setting and seeing life post Revolutionary War.