Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“The narrator of Ariel Lawhon’s The Frozen River is another stalwart heroine. . .detailed descriptions of the routines of village life give this narrative its intimate sense of connection — and set [the narrator] up for a pivotal confrontation.” --The New York Times Book Review
"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
“Compelling . . .a most uncozy mystery that addresses the unbalanced power dynamics of men and women, rich and poor.” --NPR, Weekend Edition
“Martha Ballard is not just a Maine midwife who’s never lost a patient. She’s also a truth speaker and a justice seeker in an era when women can’t even testify in court. . .Once again, Lawhon works storytelling magic with a real-life heroine.” --People Magazine, Book of the Week
“[Lawhon’s] gripping tale…feels like an authentic foray into the past and her wonderful heroine rings true. Indeed, Martha is so vividly rendered that it is hard not to become absorbed in her narrative and emotionally invested in her life. . . Martha’s journal entries flesh out further this tough, brave and resourceful woman. Her valiant fight against the evil that men do makes for a winning blend of fact and fiction.” --Minneapolis Star Tribune
"Part murder mystery, part historical fiction . . . this novel has a gothic, wintry feel that makes it an ideal fireside read.” --Real Simple
"A richly satisfying drama . . . A vivid, exciting page-turner from one of our most interesting authors of historical fiction.” --Kirkus, starred review
“Outstanding. . . Martha is an extraordinary character. . . Lawhon's first-rate tale should entrance readers passionate about early America and women’s history.” --Booklist, starred review
“Atmospheric, unique and elegantly written, The Frozen River will satisfy mystery lovers and historical fiction enthusiasts alike.” --BookPage, starred review
“Gripping. . . Examines the ripple effects of a crime in a small community—and paints a striking portrait of a woman devoted to healing and justice. . . Lawhon draws on the real Martha Ballard’s diary to construct her narrative, which contains a number of breathless twists and a large cast of hardscrabble characters. . . Lawhon’s novel is a riveting story of small-town justice and a fitting tribute to a quiet, determined heroine.” --Shelf Awareness, starred review
"A propulsive historical thriller with a contemporary sensibility." --Portland Press Herald
"The stirring story of one woman’s quest for justice. . . Lawhon combines modern prose with the immediacy of her source material, making for an accessible and textured narrative. This accomplished historical powerfully speaks to centuries-old inequities that remain in the present day." --Publishers Weekly
“Unputdownable. . . an intriguing protagonist, a twisty mystery, rich period detail. . . In a novel focused on weighty issues and worthy struggles, it was a joy to stumble across this standout, satisfying love story.” --Christian Science Monitor
"A thoroughly engaging, rich story with a murder mystery; secrets, gossip, and hypocrisy; a corrupt judge; a tightly knit community of villagers; women at the mercy of a patriarchal society; and the early stages of a developing justice system following the Revolutionary War. . . Turn the last page, and you will want more of this world she has created." --Historical Novel Society
“The Frozen River is so vivid, so textured and multilayered, that I felt I'd opened a door and entered post-revolutionary America, walking beside Lawhon's compelling characters in a time and place riven by hardship, disease, and misogyny, but also intense love and searing natural beauty. This novel was unlike anything I'd read before, and it left me awe-struck.” --Lauren Belfer, New York Times bestselling author of City of Light and Ashton Hall
“Simultaneously a mystery, a manifesto, and a memoir, The Frozen River resurrects both Martha’s story and the stories of those she fought for.” --Chapter 16
"A tense yet tender story about a remarkable woman meant to be remembered." --Women's World
“This engrossing mystery . . . brings to life a fascinating woman who would otherwise be lost to time.” --First for Women
“Ariel Lawhon does an amazing job not only of bringing the historical period to life, but also of drawing parallels between Martha’s struggles and the continuing fight of victims to be believed here in the 21st century. . . Gripping and occasionally harrowing, this is historical fiction that reminds readers of how much we owe the pioneers of the past for the liberties we have today, and how we must fight never to let those hard-earned rights be taken away.” --Criminal Element
About the Author
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
The body floats downstream. But it is late November, and the Kennebec River is starting to freeze, large chunks of ice swirling and tumbling through the water, collecting in mounds while clear, cold fingers of ice stretch out from either bank, reaching into the current, grabbing hold of all that passes by. Already weighted down by soaked clothing and heavy leather boots, the dead man bobs in the ebbing current, unseeing eyes staring at the waning crescent moon.
It is a miserable night with bitter wind and numbing frost, and the slower the river moves, the quicker it freezes, trapping him in its sluggish grip, as folds of his homespun linen shirt are thrown out like petals of a wilted brown tulip. Just an hour ago his hair was combed and pulled back, tied with a strip of lace. He’d taken the lace, of course, and it is possible--fate is such a fragile thing, after all--that he might still be alive if not for that choice. But it was insult on top of injury. Wars have been fought over less.
The dead man was in a hurry to leave this place, was in too much trouble already, and had he taken more care, been patient, he would have heard his assailants in the forest. Heard. Hidden. Held his breath. And waited for them to pass. But the dead man was reckless and impatient. Panting. He’d left tracks in the snow and was not hard to find. His hair came loose in the struggle, the bit of lace reclaimed and shoved in a pocket, and now that hair, brown as a muddy riverbank, is a tangled mess, part of it plastered to his forehead, part in his mouth, pulled there during a last startled gasp before he was thrown into the river.
His tangled, broken body is dragged along by the current for another quarter of a mile before the ice congeals and grinds to a halt with a tired moan, trapping him fifteen feet from the shore, face an inch below the surface, lips parted, eyes still widened in surprise.
The great freeze has come a month early to the town of Hallowell, Maine, and--the dead man could not know this, nor could anyone who lives here--the thaw will not arrive for many, many long months. They will call this the Year of the Long Winter. It will become legend, and he, no small part of it. For now, however, they sleep safe and warm in their beds, doors shut tight against an early, savage winter. But there--along the riverbank, if you look closely--something dark and agile moves in the moonlight. A fox. Tentative, she sets one paw onto the ice. Then another. She hesitates, for she knows how fickle the river can be, how it longs to swallow everything and pull it into the churning depths. But the ice holds, and the fox inches forward, toward the dead man. She creeps out to where he lies, entombed in the ice. The clever little beast looks at him, her head tilted to the side, but he does not return the gaze. She lifts her nose to the sky. Sniffs for danger. Inhales the pungent scent of frost and pine along the river and, farther away, the faintest whiff of woodsmoke. Satisfied, the fox begins to howl.
Reviews:
Fabulous!
I’m often late to the party in reading best sellers. With so many books written by author friends that I want to read, it takes me a while to get to the “big titles” of the day. Finally, Frozen River moved up in my Kindle library and wow! This is one of the best books I’ve ever read! It’s no surprise it’s been a NY Times Bestseller, GMA Book Club pick and NPR Book of the Year (2023). The stunning prose, multi-layered well-drawn characters, story line which Lawton lays out with finesse, and vivid settings make this novel a winner. Add to that its readability and brilliant metaphors, well, I didn’t want to put it down. Martha, Ephraim, and all the other wonderful characters will stay with me for a long time.
Good Historical Novel
Overall this is a well-written historical novel. Lawhon's ability to create a strong sense of place and time with solid historical detail is admirable. Her characters are crafted very realistically, which is doubly important since the novel is based on actual people and events. Because of that, the story reads very easily and readers will be able to feel as if they truly know these people and can experience the story.I liked the emphasis on women's rights and their need for justice (and how often that's not the case). However, I strongly disliked two things. For one, Lawhon presents the people of the late 1700s falsely, saying at one point in the book that more first children were conceived outside of wedlock than within. Historians say something quite different: that no more than perhaps a third (and definitely less than half) of all first children in that place and time were conceived outside of marriage. Though both Lawhon and historians agree that these pre-wedlock conceptions were almost always quickly legitimized with a trip to the altar. Given the author's generally solid historical detail, this felt like a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the truth. Whether it was or not, it was annoying.Secondly, she has several comments and scenes that are unnecessarily lewd. I know that's often the norm in historical fiction—one of the main reasons I dislike the genre—but it took away from the tone of the story and felt contrived.That said though, these weren't the entirety of the novel and I'd still give it four stars overall.
Best read
I cant put the book down The Frozen River is an engaging historical novel that blends rich period detail with a compelling mystery. Set in 1789 Maine, the story follows Martha Ballard, a determined midwife whose life becomes entwined with a chilling discovery a man found frozen in the river and the secrets that begin to unravel in her community. What stood out most to me was how vividly the time and place are depicted; the author brings early America to life with immersive descriptions of daily routines, midwifery, and community dynamics, without ever letting the history feel dry or distant.Martha is a thoughtful and grounded protagonist whose intelligence and resilience drive the narrative. Her voice adds emotional depth and authenticity, making her struggles and triumphs feel real. The mystery element adds steady intrigue that kept me turning pages, even when the pace settled into the quieter rhythms of colonial life.At times the story lingers on everyday details, which may feel slow to readers who prefer nonstop action, but for anyone who enjoys character-driven historical fiction with a strong sense of place, that slower pace only adds to the atmosphere. Overall, The Frozen River is a well-crafted, immersive read with thoughtful prose, a memorable heroine, and enough suspense to make it hard to put down especially if you enjoy historical fiction with heart and depth.
Great read!
One of the best books I’ve read. I didn’t want it to end. The descriptive writing, the voice, the plot, and the characters all work together to make this an engaging read. You will enjoy it.
A riveting historical madder mystery drama.
I loved the lyrical voice of the protagonist as it contrasted with her pragmatic nature. I felt immersed in the life of a knowledgeable midwife in the late 1700s and slowly fell in love with her family and strong loving husband. The theme of women’s rights in this time was a prominent part of this book as well as the lack of the same. The book was an enjoyable and satisfying mystery. I hated to come to the end and was thrilled to see it wrapped up so very well.
Great story!
Really enjoyed this book. Ordered for just a fiction read over the holidays. I couldn’t put it down. Great story about the time period, hardships and family. Turns out the main character was an actual person. I’m looking forward to grabbing another book by this same author.
Good book
Very good story. Well written. I didn’t want it to end
wonderfully narrated historical fiction
A fantastic read, gripping story or should I say stories as there are a few story lines beautifully woven together in this novel. It shows the hardships of being a woman of late 18the century Maine, it also is a beautiful love story of Martha and Ephraim.
A great read
I love historical fiction, from an educational viewpoint as well as enjoyment of the actual story. Ariel Lawhon’s book, as she herself states in the author notes at the end of the book, was inspired by, as opposed to based on, Martha Ballard ‘a renowned 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into history’ and is therefore not completely factual. Martha Ballard kept a comprehensive daily diary for several decades (it can be found online but looks very difficult to decipher.) The author also states that a Pulitzer Prize winning account of Martha Ballard’s life, taken from her diaries, is available entitled ‘A Midwife’s Tale.’ However, Ariel Lawhon’s storytelling is evocative and I was drawn into the story immediately.The story begins as Martha is called to examine a body that was found in the icy river Kennebec. She is a well known midwife and healer in the vicinity and records each birth and death in the village of Hallowell, where she lives. The dead man is one of two well thought of locals who were accused of raping and assaulting the local minister’s wife earlier in the year. Martha determines Joshua Burgess, the man in the river, had been murdered. She has opposition in the form of Dr Benjamin Page. He undermines her decision regarding the cause of the man’s death and, further into the story, also calls into question her methods of midwifery. Because he was Harvard educated and Martha was a mere woman, he considered himself far superior, even though Martha had delivered hundreds of babies and had never lost a mother in childbirth.Women in the 18th century were rarely, if ever, believed regarding allegations of rape and Martha was determined to advocate for Rebecca Foster. A trial date is set. Martha refused, as much as possible, to be constrained by the conditions of the time and stood strong in her beliefs.Ariel Lawhon’s characters are fully and naturally realised, along with their experiences, whether it was the unrelenting winter or personal struggles hampered by the rulings and/or behaviour of men. The Frozen River is a fascinating, thought provoking and insightful read which can also be classed as a murder mystery. This is the first time I’ve listened to a book narrated by Jane Oppenheimer, I thought she did a great job, giving distinct voices to the cast of characters. It’s also my first book by this author, I’ll definitely be reading more of her books.
Do not want to leave once picked!!!
Waoooooo.....i just want to say it here this book once picked can not be put down.The way it caught me about the problems the women faced from those times upto today ...the emotions and audacity of men of not changing everrrr ...to always belittle women and judge them and yet this women patience and courage to do her work diligently and with heart is something that is to be respectable and admired. ITS AN EXCELLENT READ!!!
Historic novel about an amazing midwife, a murder and a frozen river
Fabulous book, the ending did not disappoint. A great read.
Book Review - History, Mystery, and Strong Women
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!
Great Historical Fiction Novel
That was quite a read! This is my first book by Ariel Lawhon and I loved it! Martha Ballard was an extraordinary woman! The ending of the book makes me chuckle and Colonel North gets what he deserves! Well written, as well as, well researched. I would highly recommend this book if you like historical fiction. I gave it a 5 star rating.
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The Frozen River: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel
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Visit the Ariel Lawhon (Author) Store
The Frozen River: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel
AED7962
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“The narrator of Ariel Lawhon’s The Frozen River is another stalwart heroine. . .detailed descriptions of the routines of village life give this narrative its intimate sense of connection — and set [the narrator] up for a pivotal confrontation.” --The New York Times Book Review
"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
“Compelling . . .a most uncozy mystery that addresses the unbalanced power dynamics of men and women, rich and poor.” --NPR, Weekend Edition
“Martha Ballard is not just a Maine midwife who’s never lost a patient. She’s also a truth speaker and a justice seeker in an era when women can’t even testify in court. . .Once again, Lawhon works storytelling magic with a real-life heroine.” --People Magazine, Book of the Week
“[Lawhon’s] gripping tale…feels like an authentic foray into the past and her wonderful heroine rings true. Indeed, Martha is so vividly rendered that it is hard not to become absorbed in her narrative and emotionally invested in her life. . . Martha’s journal entries flesh out further this tough, brave and resourceful woman. Her valiant fight against the evil that men do makes for a winning blend of fact and fiction.” --Minneapolis Star Tribune
"Part murder mystery, part historical fiction . . . this novel has a gothic, wintry feel that makes it an ideal fireside read.” --Real Simple
"A richly satisfying drama . . . A vivid, exciting page-turner from one of our most interesting authors of historical fiction.” --Kirkus, starred review
“Outstanding. . . Martha is an extraordinary character. . . Lawhon's first-rate tale should entrance readers passionate about early America and women’s history.” --Booklist, starred review
“Atmospheric, unique and elegantly written, The Frozen River will satisfy mystery lovers and historical fiction enthusiasts alike.” --BookPage, starred review
“Gripping. . . Examines the ripple effects of a crime in a small community—and paints a striking portrait of a woman devoted to healing and justice. . . Lawhon draws on the real Martha Ballard’s diary to construct her narrative, which contains a number of breathless twists and a large cast of hardscrabble characters. . . Lawhon’s novel is a riveting story of small-town justice and a fitting tribute to a quiet, determined heroine.” --Shelf Awareness, starred review
"A propulsive historical thriller with a contemporary sensibility." --Portland Press Herald
"The stirring story of one woman’s quest for justice. . . Lawhon combines modern prose with the immediacy of her source material, making for an accessible and textured narrative. This accomplished historical powerfully speaks to centuries-old inequities that remain in the present day." --Publishers Weekly
“Unputdownable. . . an intriguing protagonist, a twisty mystery, rich period detail. . . In a novel focused on weighty issues and worthy struggles, it was a joy to stumble across this standout, satisfying love story.” --Christian Science Monitor
"A thoroughly engaging, rich story with a murder mystery; secrets, gossip, and hypocrisy; a corrupt judge; a tightly knit community of villagers; women at the mercy of a patriarchal society; and the early stages of a developing justice system following the Revolutionary War. . . Turn the last page, and you will want more of this world she has created." --Historical Novel Society
“The Frozen River is so vivid, so textured and multilayered, that I felt I'd opened a door and entered post-revolutionary America, walking beside Lawhon's compelling characters in a time and place riven by hardship, disease, and misogyny, but also intense love and searing natural beauty. This novel was unlike anything I'd read before, and it left me awe-struck.” --Lauren Belfer, New York Times bestselling author of City of Light and Ashton Hall
“Simultaneously a mystery, a manifesto, and a memoir, The Frozen River resurrects both Martha’s story and the stories of those she fought for.” --Chapter 16
"A tense yet tender story about a remarkable woman meant to be remembered." --Women's World
“This engrossing mystery . . . brings to life a fascinating woman who would otherwise be lost to time.” --First for Women
“Ariel Lawhon does an amazing job not only of bringing the historical period to life, but also of drawing parallels between Martha’s struggles and the continuing fight of victims to be believed here in the 21st century. . . Gripping and occasionally harrowing, this is historical fiction that reminds readers of how much we owe the pioneers of the past for the liberties we have today, and how we must fight never to let those hard-earned rights be taken away.” --Criminal Element
About the Author
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
The body floats downstream. But it is late November, and the Kennebec River is starting to freeze, large chunks of ice swirling and tumbling through the water, collecting in mounds while clear, cold fingers of ice stretch out from either bank, reaching into the current, grabbing hold of all that passes by. Already weighted down by soaked clothing and heavy leather boots, the dead man bobs in the ebbing current, unseeing eyes staring at the waning crescent moon.
It is a miserable night with bitter wind and numbing frost, and the slower the river moves, the quicker it freezes, trapping him in its sluggish grip, as folds of his homespun linen shirt are thrown out like petals of a wilted brown tulip. Just an hour ago his hair was combed and pulled back, tied with a strip of lace. He’d taken the lace, of course, and it is possible--fate is such a fragile thing, after all--that he might still be alive if not for that choice. But it was insult on top of injury. Wars have been fought over less.
The dead man was in a hurry to leave this place, was in too much trouble already, and had he taken more care, been patient, he would have heard his assailants in the forest. Heard. Hidden. Held his breath. And waited for them to pass. But the dead man was reckless and impatient. Panting. He’d left tracks in the snow and was not hard to find. His hair came loose in the struggle, the bit of lace reclaimed and shoved in a pocket, and now that hair, brown as a muddy riverbank, is a tangled mess, part of it plastered to his forehead, part in his mouth, pulled there during a last startled gasp before he was thrown into the river.
His tangled, broken body is dragged along by the current for another quarter of a mile before the ice congeals and grinds to a halt with a tired moan, trapping him fifteen feet from the shore, face an inch below the surface, lips parted, eyes still widened in surprise.
The great freeze has come a month early to the town of Hallowell, Maine, and--the dead man could not know this, nor could anyone who lives here--the thaw will not arrive for many, many long months. They will call this the Year of the Long Winter. It will become legend, and he, no small part of it. For now, however, they sleep safe and warm in their beds, doors shut tight against an early, savage winter. But there--along the riverbank, if you look closely--something dark and agile moves in the moonlight. A fox. Tentative, she sets one paw onto the ice. Then another. She hesitates, for she knows how fickle the river can be, how it longs to swallow everything and pull it into the churning depths. But the ice holds, and the fox inches forward, toward the dead man. She creeps out to where he lies, entombed in the ice. The clever little beast looks at him, her head tilted to the side, but he does not return the gaze. She lifts her nose to the sky. Sniffs for danger. Inhales the pungent scent of frost and pine along the river and, farther away, the faintest whiff of woodsmoke. Satisfied, the fox begins to howl.
Reviews:
Fabulous!
I’m often late to the party in reading best sellers. With so many books written by author friends that I want to read, it takes me a while to get to the “big titles” of the day. Finally, Frozen River moved up in my Kindle library and wow! This is one of the best books I’ve ever read! It’s no surprise it’s been a NY Times Bestseller, GMA Book Club pick and NPR Book of the Year (2023). The stunning prose, multi-layered well-drawn characters, story line which Lawton lays out with finesse, and vivid settings make this novel a winner. Add to that its readability and brilliant metaphors, well, I didn’t want to put it down. Martha, Ephraim, and all the other wonderful characters will stay with me for a long time.
Good Historical Novel
Overall this is a well-written historical novel. Lawhon's ability to create a strong sense of place and time with solid historical detail is admirable. Her characters are crafted very realistically, which is doubly important since the novel is based on actual people and events. Because of that, the story reads very easily and readers will be able to feel as if they truly know these people and can experience the story.I liked the emphasis on women's rights and their need for justice (and how often that's not the case). However, I strongly disliked two things. For one, Lawhon presents the people of the late 1700s falsely, saying at one point in the book that more first children were conceived outside of wedlock than within. Historians say something quite different: that no more than perhaps a third (and definitely less than half) of all first children in that place and time were conceived outside of marriage. Though both Lawhon and historians agree that these pre-wedlock conceptions were almost always quickly legitimized with a trip to the altar. Given the author's generally solid historical detail, this felt like a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the truth. Whether it was or not, it was annoying.Secondly, she has several comments and scenes that are unnecessarily lewd. I know that's often the norm in historical fiction—one of the main reasons I dislike the genre—but it took away from the tone of the story and felt contrived.That said though, these weren't the entirety of the novel and I'd still give it four stars overall.
Best read
I cant put the book down The Frozen River is an engaging historical novel that blends rich period detail with a compelling mystery. Set in 1789 Maine, the story follows Martha Ballard, a determined midwife whose life becomes entwined with a chilling discovery a man found frozen in the river and the secrets that begin to unravel in her community. What stood out most to me was how vividly the time and place are depicted; the author brings early America to life with immersive descriptions of daily routines, midwifery, and community dynamics, without ever letting the history feel dry or distant.Martha is a thoughtful and grounded protagonist whose intelligence and resilience drive the narrative. Her voice adds emotional depth and authenticity, making her struggles and triumphs feel real. The mystery element adds steady intrigue that kept me turning pages, even when the pace settled into the quieter rhythms of colonial life.At times the story lingers on everyday details, which may feel slow to readers who prefer nonstop action, but for anyone who enjoys character-driven historical fiction with a strong sense of place, that slower pace only adds to the atmosphere. Overall, The Frozen River is a well-crafted, immersive read with thoughtful prose, a memorable heroine, and enough suspense to make it hard to put down especially if you enjoy historical fiction with heart and depth.
Great read!
One of the best books I’ve read. I didn’t want it to end. The descriptive writing, the voice, the plot, and the characters all work together to make this an engaging read. You will enjoy it.
A riveting historical madder mystery drama.
I loved the lyrical voice of the protagonist as it contrasted with her pragmatic nature. I felt immersed in the life of a knowledgeable midwife in the late 1700s and slowly fell in love with her family and strong loving husband. The theme of women’s rights in this time was a prominent part of this book as well as the lack of the same. The book was an enjoyable and satisfying mystery. I hated to come to the end and was thrilled to see it wrapped up so very well.
Great story!
Really enjoyed this book. Ordered for just a fiction read over the holidays. I couldn’t put it down. Great story about the time period, hardships and family. Turns out the main character was an actual person. I’m looking forward to grabbing another book by this same author.
Good book
Very good story. Well written. I didn’t want it to end
wonderfully narrated historical fiction
A fantastic read, gripping story or should I say stories as there are a few story lines beautifully woven together in this novel. It shows the hardships of being a woman of late 18the century Maine, it also is a beautiful love story of Martha and Ephraim.
A great read
I love historical fiction, from an educational viewpoint as well as enjoyment of the actual story. Ariel Lawhon’s book, as she herself states in the author notes at the end of the book, was inspired by, as opposed to based on, Martha Ballard ‘a renowned 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into history’ and is therefore not completely factual. Martha Ballard kept a comprehensive daily diary for several decades (it can be found online but looks very difficult to decipher.) The author also states that a Pulitzer Prize winning account of Martha Ballard’s life, taken from her diaries, is available entitled ‘A Midwife’s Tale.’ However, Ariel Lawhon’s storytelling is evocative and I was drawn into the story immediately.The story begins as Martha is called to examine a body that was found in the icy river Kennebec. She is a well known midwife and healer in the vicinity and records each birth and death in the village of Hallowell, where she lives. The dead man is one of two well thought of locals who were accused of raping and assaulting the local minister’s wife earlier in the year. Martha determines Joshua Burgess, the man in the river, had been murdered. She has opposition in the form of Dr Benjamin Page. He undermines her decision regarding the cause of the man’s death and, further into the story, also calls into question her methods of midwifery. Because he was Harvard educated and Martha was a mere woman, he considered himself far superior, even though Martha had delivered hundreds of babies and had never lost a mother in childbirth.Women in the 18th century were rarely, if ever, believed regarding allegations of rape and Martha was determined to advocate for Rebecca Foster. A trial date is set. Martha refused, as much as possible, to be constrained by the conditions of the time and stood strong in her beliefs.Ariel Lawhon’s characters are fully and naturally realised, along with their experiences, whether it was the unrelenting winter or personal struggles hampered by the rulings and/or behaviour of men. The Frozen River is a fascinating, thought provoking and insightful read which can also be classed as a murder mystery. This is the first time I’ve listened to a book narrated by Jane Oppenheimer, I thought she did a great job, giving distinct voices to the cast of characters. It’s also my first book by this author, I’ll definitely be reading more of her books.
Do not want to leave once picked!!!
Waoooooo.....i just want to say it here this book once picked can not be put down.The way it caught me about the problems the women faced from those times upto today ...the emotions and audacity of men of not changing everrrr ...to always belittle women and judge them and yet this women patience and courage to do her work diligently and with heart is something that is to be respectable and admired. ITS AN EXCELLENT READ!!!
Historic novel about an amazing midwife, a murder and a frozen river
Fabulous book, the ending did not disappoint. A great read.
Book Review - History, Mystery, and Strong Women
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!
Great Historical Fiction Novel
That was quite a read! This is my first book by Ariel Lawhon and I loved it! Martha Ballard was an extraordinary woman! The ending of the book makes me chuckle and Colonel North gets what he deserves! Well written, as well as, well researched. I would highly recommend this book if you like historical fiction. I gave it a 5 star rating.
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