From the Bookshelf of Reading with Style…

The Frozen River

Ariel Lawhon

Start date: March 1, 2025

Finish date: May 31, 2025

Find A Copy At

Libraries

Group Discussions About This Book

No group discussions for this book yet.

What Members Thought

Jun 16, 2024 Connie G rated it it was amazing

Shelves: book-club, mystery, thriller, historical-fiction, maine

Author Ariel Lawhon was inspired to write "The Frozen River" after reading about the life of the real midwife, Martha Ballard. Set in 1789 Maine, Martha was an experienced midwife and healer who had never lost a mother in childbirth. She had recently documented the account from a pastor's wife, Rebecca, who was raped by two men when her husband was out of town. Then, one of the men was found dead in the frozen river with possible rope burns around his neck. Did someone take justice into their ow ...more

42 likes · Like · see review

Jun 11, 2025 Dot rated it it was amazing

The Frozen River is based on the real life story of a late 18th century midwife and Ariel Lawhon's telling of Martha Ballard's story is stellar. The book gives a remarkable glimpse into life shortly after the Revolutionary War. Her characters are so well done that it is not hard to love or really dislike them, depending on their place in the novel, of course. This is brilliantly done and the story of Martha Ballard will stay with me. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, my first for Ariel Lawhon. ...more

Like · see review

Oct 24, 2024 Kim rated it really liked it

Shelves: audio, historical-fiction, midwives, libby, maine

I have read other stories about Martha Ballard, this is one of the most interesting to read. I have long been fascinated with midwives, having given birth at home with my last child. It can be a very triggering book to read so be forewarned.

Like · see review