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(as of Mar 31, 2025 21:17:23 UTC – Details)
B0BVTXZXZJ, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • 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…, 4.5,
Reviewer: sue rhodus
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Beautiful story ..beautiful woman
Review: You can read a synopsis of the novel elsewhere so I will not go into that. The book is very well written . The characters are strong and well developed.Martha is a lady I would like to meet. The novel is based on Martha’s hard but rewarding life. The tenderness, love , respect and at times playfulness of Martha and Ephriams marriage is one of the best parts of the story.Martha , as a midwife brought life into the world but Martha, as an independent woman could take life out of the world as well. She carried her beliefs and her written account of life until only a few days before her end on this earth.The author is a great storyteller and very descriptive of places and events. She is an easy author to follow. I will be choosing more of her books in the future.
Reviewer: Avonna
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: The Frozen River
Review: THE FROZEN RIVER by Ariel Lawhon a historical fiction with murder mystery elements that invokes strong emotional responses to the treatment of women in post-revolutionary America featuring a protagonist inspired by the diary of a renowned midwife in 1789 Maine.Midwife Martha Ballard not only delivers babies in the small town of Hallowell, Maine, but is also called upon for doctoring in the community. She delivers testimony when the local court is in session regarding deaths, newborn infants’ paternity, and illegitimacy for which fines may be levied. She is faithful in documenting everything daily in her personal journal.When Martha’s friend, and wife of the local pastor is raped, she documents her injuries and her accusations against two local men. Before the court comes to session, Martha is called to the local tavern to determine the cause of death of a man cut out of the frozen river. She recognizes the man as one of the accused rapists. He was beaten and then hanged.Martha is doubtful the courts will look for the truth, when the other accused rapist is a rich and powerful man in Hallowell, but she is determined to find the truth. The answers she seeks leaves a powerful man cornered and willing to destroy anyone who attempts to bring him to justice and thwart his plans.This book thoroughly immerses the reader in post-revolutionary Maine and the life of both Martha and her family. Martha is strong, independent, and outspoken for the period, but her empathy and skills make her admired and sought after by many. This story is told in first person narrative by Martha which adds an intimacy to the character and her interactions. The murder mystery elements come together slowly but deliver a satisfying conclusion. I felt where this story shined was the integrated information regarding women’s health issues, their legal rights, and the legal stigmas and penalties of the period.I recommend this historical fiction for an intriguing look into this post-revolutionary time period featuring a strong woman’s point of view.
Reviewer: Kim Morningstar
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Incredible
Review: So I remember now why I was always a history buff and why I love a great mystery. I absolutely loved this book inspired by such an inspirational real life woman, Martha Ballard. This story will, no doubt, stay with me forever for its rich characters and incredible events. So wonderfully written Ms. Lawhon. Thank you for bringing these people into my life, and for reminding me of my love of history! And thank you for your beautifully written Author’s Note and Acknowledgement statements…Love love love ♥️♥️♥️
Reviewer: auntjulie
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Wonderful historical fiction!
Review: I just finished “The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon and it was fantastic! I will say that I started this book with much trepidation since I’d heard that parts of it were slow, but I must say I was immediately immersed in this story! It is historical fiction at its finest!It’s a story about a midwife, Martha Ballard, in the late 1700’s and her recording of all the births and deaths of her town. The story centers around the discovery of a body in the frozen river and Mistress Ballard is called upon to examine the body and determine the cause of death. She determines the body was murdered but a new doctor in town takes over the examination of the body and comes to a different conclusion. She is dismissed as an old illiterate country woman which couldn’t be further from the truth.The rich character development and the beautiful writing was so engrossing! I kept smelling that frozen river in my thoughts since the author depicted the scenery so well! I really enjoyed the time period as well! No cellphones or social media in this story. HahaMy only criticism is that there were a lot of characters to keep track of, so I definitely recommend reading this book when you can devote a lot of time and not stretch it out for a month. It was 440 pages and I think it took me 4 days to read it which made it easier to keep track of the multitude of characters.Be sure and read the author’s notes the end. Five stars from me! Just an excellent read! Go grab this book!
Reviewer: Laura Feldt
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Historical fiction at its best
Review: Wow! Historical fiction is not my usual preferred genre, but this book was outstanding!! Well written, full of interesting & well developed characters. The main character, Martha Ballard, is likable, strong, and stands up for what she believes in during a time when that was not acceptable for women to do. There are so many enjoyable minor characters as well. I was incredibly interested and hooked into the story.
Reviewer: Karen Gilroy
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
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Review: Loved this book. Great writing, wonderful characters…couldn’t put it down. A great blend of history but not overwhelming, of a midwife in the 1700s..
Reviewer: Christine Boos
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
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Review: 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!
Reviewer: LBA_Reads
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Perfectly well delivered! – paperback coverA solid 4.5 stars from me! And honestly, I can’t even pinpoint exactly why—it’s just that good.For starters, the book is incredibly easy to read. Although it’s historical fiction, it doesn’t get bogged down with excessive historical data or events. Instead, the author keeps the focus on the story, making it all the more engaging. That said, the historical backdrop is still well-explored, offering an insightful look into 18th-century American life without feeling like a history lesson.What I loved most was how the novel highlights the experiences of women from this era—bringing visibility to voices often overlooked in history. Ariel does this masterfully, presenting their stories in a way that feels natural and authentic, without glorifying or diminishing their struggles.And then there’s the mystery! In fact, this book could just as easily be classified as a thriller rather than strictly historical fiction. The suspense kept me hooked from start to finish, making it an even more compelling read!
Reviewer: Amazon Customer
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
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Review: My first Ariel Lawhon book and it won’t be my last. Really well told story that sticks to its theme, is well paced, thought provoking and frustrating (at the realistic portrayal of injustice for women). Well written, without bells and whistles, but overall highly enjoyable. I wished it was longer! Fine historical fiction that had me drawing parallels to The Missionary’s Wife.
Reviewer: S Beucher
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
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Review: I’m an avid reader, and historical fiction is one of my favourite genre. Sadly, not many authors are as thorough & meticulous about their research, which often leads to disappointment. The Frozen River is incredibly well researched, well written, a page turner that makes you feel you are there with Martha. As a midwife myself, I have a fair knowledge of birth, its risks, and midwifery limitations in a time when one on my had her skills, knowledge, and herbs to support women. Ariel Lawhon couldn’t have done Martha more justice. She brings her to life in all of her complexity. Lawhon masters the art of creating a multidimensional character, none is idealised nor judged.The story is based on true event, and gives a good understanding of life in the early US. The bonus for me was that I purchase this while on holiday in Downeast Maine at the height of winter and passed through the Kennebec region, this was a complete coincidence, and for those who will read this book from your cosy, warm, home outside of this still wild part of the world, I can tell you, Lawhon will make you feel like you’re right there, deep in ice and snow, surrounded by pines and wild rivers. She will take you both on a geographical and a time travelling journey.
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