A book review of The Frozen River by New York Times and USA Today’s bestselling author Ariel Lawhon. This historical fiction mystery read is a favorite among women sleuths fans and book clubs.
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The One with the Midwife!
This post is my personal, honest review of The Frozen River!
THE FROZEN RIVER
A Novel by Ariel Lawhon
Happy New Year! I am excited to start the year with a novel that combines two of my favorite genres. THE FROZEN RIVER is a historical fiction and mystery novel, featuring a woman sleuth, and a midwife, no less. Inspired by a true story THE FROZEN RIVER by the New York Times and USA today, bestselling author Ariel Lawhon takes us to 1789 Maine. From the stunning cover to the gripping story, The Frozen River is sure to become a favorite among readers.
Fans of Outlander will love this one. It tells the story of Martha Ballard, a midwife and a healer whose quest for justice leads her on a quest to uncover a crime overlooked by the authorities. So with no further ado, I can’t wait to review and discuss this month’s book club pick. Whether you are a member of our online IVI’S READS BOOK CLUB or looking for your the next favorite read, here is our official JANUARY BOOK CLUB PICK – THE FROZEN RIVER.
Book Synopsis & Details
– from the publisher
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.
Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community. Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen—one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.
Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.
Clever, layered, and subversive, Ariel Lawhon’s newest offering introduces an unsung heroine who refused to accept anything less than justice at a time when women were considered best seen and not heard. The Frozen River is a thrilling, tense, and tender story about a remarkable woman who left an unparalleled legacy yet remains nearly forgotten to this day.
Book Details:
Title: THE FROZEN RIVER
Author: Ariel Lawhon Publisher: Doubleday
Print Length: 420 pages Publication Date: December 5, 2023
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Women Fiction
Where to Buy: Amazon; Bookshop; Barnes & Noble
THE FROZEN RIVER
BOOK REVIEW
WOW! What a vivid, gripping read! Martha Ballard’s story is that of a strong, resilient, brave woman, who deserves to be known, remembered and admired. There is so much about this book I love. First, the writing, pace, and character development. Then, the relationships between the characters and the research that went into the novel. Last, but not least, the mystery, which kept me on my toes and guessing up to the very end.
Ariel Lawhon’s vivid descriptions transport the reader to 1700s Maine and provide an engaging and what felt like an immersive experience. One could almost see, feel and hear everything the characters do as if right there beside them. Furthermore, the use of Martha’s journal entries throughout the book and the seemless transition between fact and fiction make THE FROZEN RIVER a reading gem for historical fiction fans.
“This is the part no one talks about anymore. Not in civilized company at least. When a war is over, you stop discussing the cost.”
–Ariel Lawhon, THE FROZEN RIVER
Since our book club normally picks lighthearted, uplifting, happy stories I don’t usually have to list content warnings but in this case I must. As life in the 1700s was not an easy one in America and violence was prelevant so it can be a difficult and emotional read at times. Note that potential triggers include scenes of sexual assult, death of children, still born babies, foul language and a detailed description of a dead body.
Given the time period and the fact that the main character is a midwife, however this is the historical reality. And still Ariel Lawhon crafts an uplifting, empowering story of a woman who against all odd perseviered. Of a man who loved his wife and supported her in all her endevors. Of a family that loved each other no matter what. From the tender romance to the curious silver fox in the woods THE FROZEN RIVER is a masterfully written story and one I know I will be reading again and again.
About the Author and What to Read Next
Ariel Lawhon is a critically acclaimed, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. She is the author of THE WIFE THE MAID AND THE MISTRESS, FLIGHT OF DREAMS, I WAS ANASTASIA and CODE NAME HELENE. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and have been Good Morning America, Library Reads, Indie Next, One Book One County, Amazon Spotlight, Costco, and Book of the Month Club selections. She lives in the rolling hills outside Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and four sons. She splits her time between the grocery store and the baseball field.
Book Recomendations for Fans of
The Frozen River
If you loved this book you should check out these other holiday titles from Ariel Lawhon.
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