The Frozen River: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon follows Martha a midwife and healer as she navigates motherhood, her career, secrets, and murder in 1789 Maine. She pursues the truth, speaks her mind, and is fiercely loyal!This has been on my TBR for so long and I’m so glad I finally got around to reading it. I read it in one sitting and was absolutely captivated.There are heavy subjects in this but there was also love, compassion, and family. The relationship between Martha and her husband was so heartwarming. They were meant for each other.I cannot recommend this enough. Especially if you love historical fiction, mystery, and a kernel of truth as this was inspired by a real woman in the 18th century.

1. I want to know what happened to Martha just before she married Ephraim that had ruined her reputation.2. What happened to Rebecca's unwanted daughter?you3. What had happened to Joseph North during the French-Indian war that had damaged him so much. Would the scalping of his sister(?) cause him to become so ruthless? They did not have a word for PTSD but surely that was his problem.

I have been in a slump lately when trying to find a good read. I started and stopped several books. I switched genres. I was desperate and re-read a couple of ones again. So I didn't have any great hopes when this was recommended. The first 20-30 pages were slow going as I kept getting interrupted by life in general. So one evening, I was determined to read at least an hour. Which, I will stay up all night for a book I really like. Once I was able to get into it, of course, I was sold on the story. You think you have all the answers for the ending, but you really don't. I highly recommend this book. Well written with great characters. The time frame and setting provide an interesting backdrop.

I had never heard of Ariel Lawhon before but I'll definitely keep her on my radar now.Martha was a great protagonist: smart, witty, driven and had no problem inserting herself into any situation (though, there were a few times where I had to suspend disbelief). On top of that, many of the characters felt distinctive. A few women did blend in a bit but that had more to do with the time period, as most were homemakers and wives.This isn't a murder mystery full of twists where you're trying to play detective. Instead, it's interesting because of Martha's dogged ability to keep searching for answers, despite her role as a woman being a detriment at the time. I found the writing snappy and would pick up the book, even if I only had a few minutes.It's very enjoyable and I'd recommend to any who like books with strong female leads.

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!

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

This is one of the best novels I ever read! Not just a suspenseful page-turner, but a gorgeously written piece of literature that kept me enraptured. A sensuous evocation of life in early America and a lovely portrait of a happy, sexy marriage. The prose is poetic but doesn’t shy away from violence when needed, including a graphic castration scene. I give this masterpiece five stars!

The protagonist, Martha, reminds me of Diana Gabaldan’s Claire. Not only is she a healer, but she is tough, brave, and relentless in protecting those for whom she cares. She even has curly hair! Additionally, the narrative style, which doesn’t shy aware from the sights and smells of the medical profession, reminds me of Outlander books, and I mean that as a compliment as I’ve read the series through several times. Great historical fiction!