The Frozen River: A GMA Book Club Pick
By Ariel Lawhon

- Release Date: 2023-12-05
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Description
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • 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.
"Fans of Outlander’s Claire Fraser will enjoy Lawhon’s Martha, who is brave and outspoken when it comes to protecting the innocent. . . impressive."—The Washington Post
"Once again, Lawhon works storytelling magic with a real-life heroine." —People Magazine
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.
Reviews
Excellent Writing
4By If it sparklesMy new favorite authorThe Frozen River
5By LencsiAngelCompelling historical fiction… that I couldn’t put down! Loved it!Entertaining but predictable
3By Sabrina AlfinA well-written page-turner, but it won’t be a book that stays with me for years. Save it for the beach.An unusual novel!
5By BubbieJudyA tale told by Midwife Mistress Martha Ballard, is a complex and engaging story. An excellent read!Suspenseful! Read it in three days!
5By british tv fanWonderful writing! A well spun story.Loved it!
5By jeanjamoGreat story. Wonderful characters.Lose yourself in this story
5By DramaCommaI thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, particularly because of the authors, full and complete descriptions. Not to the point of boredom, but truly, thorough and engaging. I loved all the characters and how they were developed over time. I loved The mystery, and how everything comes together in the end. I am about to read another book by the same author, because I enjoyed the Frozen River so much.Trigger warning needed
1By Deleted also1 star because of advertisingA riveting read
5By SFMonetA beautiful and inspiring read at a time when women need to feel emboldened to make bold choices, live bravely and on their own terms.Page turner…
5By B.N.MassThis was a wonderful read. Captivating. Intense. Raw and Real.Frozen River
5By qtaujeThis was s fabulously written book. I could not put it down. I like that these were real people. I’m curious to know what Martha died of❓5 stars
5By Twin B2I couldn’t put this book down. This is the first book I have read by this author. I can’t wait to find another.Good book
4By NatGia7Good readFrozen River
5By hkpmammaEnjoyed this book very much!Pleasure to read
5By &/8:/!:&kzozzmsksksCouldn’t wait to get home to read this novel every day!Quick and engaging story
5By NessiethefoodieI fell into the characters immediately and enjoyed the setting and plot developments. The mother midwife was very probably my favorite character, a woman of her time but she was feisty and determined to make her mark on her world despite respective roles for women of that time period. Her husband to was a great character and their family and relationships were always entertaining.Best Read of 2025 so far
5By MissRx929This is the kind of book that has you wishing you didn’t have to work so you could read all day. Captivating from beginning to end, even for those who don’t typically read historical fiction.Deep characters
5By dooneenThis novel could be used in a writing class for students to learn character development as well as pov. I enjoyed the author’s notes at the end.Excellent
5By TrinaDeboreeI loved this boom. The characters so vivid. The words so beautiful. Thank you!