5.0 out of 5 stars 4 stars for The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

K.C. · May 27, 2025

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Historical fiction isn’t usually my go-to, but I could not put this one down! This story blends history, fiction, and mystery so well. Inspired by the real-life diaries of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife, the book follows her as she uncovers the truth behind a man found frozen in the Kennebec River.I was completely drawn in by Martha’s strength and conviction—she’s a woman who isn’t afraid to speak up for what’s right, even in a time when that was unheard of. Her fierce dedication to her patients and her refusal to be silenced made her such a compelling character.The mystery kept me engaged, and there were so many emotional moments that really tugged at my heart. It’s powerful, atmospheric, and a beautiful tribute to an often-overlooked historical figure. Highly recommend, even if historical fiction isn’t typically your thing!

4.0 out of 5 stars Lovely historical fiction

L. · April 3, 2025

I just finished “The Frozen River”.Overall rating: 4/5This was a historical novel set in colonial Massachusetts. It follows a midwife, in first person, as she details, her life and the happenings of the town.The main drama and plot of the novel is a rape case, which is a capital punishment during this time. Martha, the midwife that the novel follows, writes numerous journal entries detialing her days. Each section has a few chapets thatt flashback to when Martha Is younger and shows her back story.This book was extremely engaging and interesting. After reading the book, I read the author’s note and many other articles online to see the amazing true historical details of the novel, people, and trial. I believe that the author captured this historical even in a captivating and authentic manner. I was left wanting just a little more about some of Martha’s children and Rebecca.Note** this book talks about rape, and sometimes in detail. It is easy to skip over those parts without missing out on any details of the plot.Chapter length: shortPace: fastPerspective: first person (FMC)Genres: historical fiction, murder mystery, court drama, [minority] romancePlot: 5/5Writing style: 4/5Characters: 5/5Historical authenticity: 5/5Introspection: 3/5Spice: 0/5Poetic writing: 2/5

5.0 out of 5 stars Part history and part mystery.

L.&.B. · May 22, 2025

I love historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. It is the fictional tale of a real midwife in Maine during the latter part of the 18th century. (Martha Ballard, Google her). Lawhon weaves a tale that includes both factual and fictional elements. The story is well written and gives one a glimpse of life (especially for women) during this time. It is part mystery and part history.And I was often looking up additional information of that time, as well as definitions of some words and phrases common back then. And that's what I like: a story that prompts me to get thinking and ask questions. I definitely will be reading more from Ms. Lawhon.

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Read of 2025 So Far!

C.A. · April 23, 2025

The Frozen River is a beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric historical mystery that completely captivated me from beginning to end. Ariel Lawhon masterfully blends real historical figures and events with a gripping murder investigation, creating a rich, immersive world that feels both intimate and expansive.At the heart of the novel is Martha Ballard, a midwife in 18th-century Maine, whose voice is one of quiet strength, wisdom, and determination. Her meticulous observations, dedication to justice, and sharp intellect make her a compelling protagonist. I loved how Lawhon brought her diary entries and historical life to vivid reality, giving voice to a woman who might otherwise have remained a footnote in history.The icy, brutal winter setting adds an extra layer of tension to the already taut mystery. The pacing is perfect, with every chapter deepening the intrigue and revealing more layers of both the crime and the complex social dynamics of the time—especially around justice, gender, and power.If you enjoy historical fiction with strong female leads, rich period detail, and a touch of mystery, The Frozen River is not to be missed. It’s a stunning portrait of resilience, truth, and the cost of doing what’s right in a world that often punishes those who try.

5.0 out of 5 stars “Sweet mercy is nobility’s true badge” William Shakespeare

M.E. · May 20, 2025

This is the first book I have read by this author, and if her other works are anything like this story, it won’t be my last.The story is a brilliant tale of historical fiction and follows the lives of the residents of Hollowell, Maine, in the 1700’s after the Revolutionary War. The characters are well crafted, and the author takes us on a journey about a murder in their small community.Martha Ballard, a 54 year old midwife, is the narrator of this story.And while Martha’s marriage is not the focus of the story, it could have been because what she and her husband shared was a marriage most of us would die for. Well written, the story was hard to put down. Loved it!

4.0 out of 5 stars Midwife and sleuth

K.C. · May 22, 2025

This is an interesting read based on the life of a midwife in Colonial America. While I enjoyed it, it's definitely a "woman's " book and not without flaws. The main character Martha seemed a little too 21st century. Using a first person point of view kept the narrative moving forward but at times I felt events were predictable. Still, it was enjoyable. I didn't feel I had wasted my time.

Tragedy on a frozen river

c.v. · April 13, 2025

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Truly loved this book, so well written with a great story of family love, plus so many interesting characters in this story, kept me on edge written in a time when medical doctors were not readily available so mid wives worked tiredlessly and on call 24/7 Beautiful book

Historical fiction at its best!

M.V.D.H. · May 6, 2025

Martha Ballard was a real person. This historical fiction is based on her life as a midwife in 1789 Maine.When the river freezes over and a dead man is found trapped under the ice, Martha is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death.Martha captures her days in a diary: births, deaths, crime and social happening. She is privy to quite a lot that goes on in the town.Months earlier, she noted a rape in her diary by two of the town’s respectable gentlemen, one of which is now being cut outbid the ice.Starts the search for who killed him and why.Like a diary, the events unfold, places play an as important role as each character. Family life, both Martha’s and that of the townspeople shows the hardship they have to endure, the difference between rich and poor, men and women and how easy it is to twist the truth.I could not put this book down. Told from Martha’s point of view it felt very personal, intimate. And although the murder plot moves slowly, it never lacks mystery, and is accompanied by the many parallel and past stories that only make this book feel more real.

Loved this book

B.J.G. · April 11, 2025

A very interesting story based on the life of a woman who was a mid wife in the mid1800's in Massachusetts . I really enjoyed it.

A Superb Read

A.C. · April 5, 2025

This is an amazing story. It is captivating on to many aspects to mention Martha is a true inspiration Ephraim is every woman’s dream as a husband and it’s a shame that Judge North didn’t get the punishment in real life that Martha gave him in the bookRead this it is wonderful.

WOW! One of the best novels I’ve ever read

S.B. · March 1, 2025

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.