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

Great character development. The facts are well intertwined with the fiction. I think many women can relate to Martha Ballard or would want to have her as an advocate. The balance between her hard work and her relationships makes this an easy book to read. Ephraim is a perfect partner.I bought this book for a Book Club meeting but was intrigued by the locations. I grew up in a town next to Oxford, Massachusetts and I spend two weeks in the fall near the Kennebec River. Both locations are dear to me, making it even easier to relate to Martha. Although it takes place more than 200 years ago, the human behavior isn't much different. There are mean girls, bigots, power-hungry angry white men in charge and kind-hearted people. The author created a beautiful picture of being in a small village along the frozen river in Maine. Revenge is a powerful tool.

Ariel Lawhon is an established, best-selling novelist focusing on historical stories. THE FROZEN RIVER is my first experience with her work. The story is set in Maine in the late 1700s, and follows our hero, Martha Ballard, as she plies her trade (midwife) while navigating the political and social structures of that time. It should be noted that Martha and the many characters in this story were real—Martha herself being a famous figure for delivering over 1000 babies without loss of either baby or mother. Many of the events surrounding these characters in the novel are actual historical events. The story itself is fiction, of course, and the author lets us know in an epilogue how she wove both fact and fiction together.The story (kinda) revolves around a body (a man) found in the frozen Kennebec River, which is soon to be determined a murder. We soon discover the dead man is one of two suspects in the rape of one of Martha’s friends. I say “kinda” because the body is soon forgotten in favor of the rape accusation. The other suspect in the rape is a prominent judge (judge North) who is involved in various, nefarious business dealings around the area which connect to Martha and many of the locals. Martha is a key participant in the rape trial as she was the first to examine the victim.The writing is superb, and we can see why Lawhon is a best seller. Her characters (with the exception of North) are beautifully rendered with exceptional attention to personality and motivation. There are no stereotypes here. Lawhon’s writing is flows effortlessly, reveals intimately yet never gets in the way of the story. Lawhon’s not trying to impress us with her ability. So well done.That said, there are a couple of weaknesses to this story. As alluded above, there is not a strong driver—backbone—to propel the events. That is, the plot is weak and almost non-existent. We start with the murder (the body found in the river), but that is quickly gets forgotten in favor or the rape trial. This is all interspersed between the many births Martha attends. I you like “Call the Midwife” you’ll love this book. Even the trial isn’t that big of a compelling factor. I kept asking myself what’s on the line for the main character? What needs to the resolved? Heck, why are we here? Judge North, unlike the other characters is a one-dimensional bad guy from the start. I kept hoping the author would flip something on us, or spring some sort of surprise, but nope.Another weakness (very minor) is over-research. I expect the author to do her research to make it an authentic as possible, but I don’t want to be hit over the head by it. Multiple pages of how to make candles should’ve been rethought.The author has modernized several aspects of the main character and speech patterns of the time. Martha’s morals and attitudes would fit in well today. That’s ok, in this case. The author has to make the story and characters as palatable to readers as possible. It’s all about the sales.

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.

I loved the author’s development of each character. Everybody needs an “Ephraim” in their life— whether friend or lover. He stood out to me as the most loveable character. The Ballard family unity and dynamics was so refreshing to me in this time of disconnect and disrespect for seniors. To see people care for each other was uplifting and inspired me.After finding out that Martha Ballard was a real person who lived in the 1700s and the main crime theme really happened as Martha served others as a midwife, I was thought this story needed to be told. I think there was a balance of arrogant men vs men who had morals and principles. Even though it was a woman-power book, there was no men bashing— only real life scenarios of the GOOD, the bad and the ugly of human nature. I loved, loved, loved this story.

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.