Will I love The Frozen River?

A wonderful piece of historical fiction with a strong female character.

This book proves that real-life factual history taken from Martha Ballard’s diary can be exciting and hold a history lover’s fascinated attention.

Midwives always seemed to hold the pulse of a community. Lawhon’s characters are compelling and keep the plot moving forward. The story is set post-Revolutionary War in New England.

What I loved the most about this book was setting and time-period of colonial America.

Since I’ve written some historical fiction, I know how much research it takes to create a plot in a different era, and this book not only entertains, but educates! It’s chock-full of history and mystery – and kept me guessing until the end.

The author also has a very distinct writing style that is a joy to read.

I thought the author did a wonderful job of recreating the world of 1700s Maine and the character Martha.

I felt like I was THERE at that icy river facing impossible odds but trusting that all would be well in the end. I love a story inspired by real people that sends me to the internet to research and learn more. Plus, an absolutely propulsive story that's expertly written!

This is a layered story based on historical events that is told in a fresh and engaging way. The characters are detailed and very relatable and the murder mystery . . . excellent.

I appreciated the fact that the main character was based on a real person and the main plot line was based on real events. Martha Ballard, the midwife and healer, was a true hero, using her journal notes as evidence to support the victim's claims and speaking up for her in court. Abuse of power and the place of women are just two aspects of this rich and complex novel.

This book was so good. Martha is a real person, and I enjoyed the author's portrayal of this historical figure. I adored Ephraim, her husband. My gosh, he really was something! The author, though she used some phrases that are more contemporary in her writing, immerses the reader into the time period and setting. Very descriptive. Additionally, the characters were all strong and jumped off the page. Finally, the plot was quite gripping. It really happened, and happened much worse than what was detailed in the book, and I was on the edge of my seat hoping that justice was… show more.

Set in 18th century Maine, the book fully convinced me I was there too, and since it was based on the true story of a midwife, I found it even more compelling.

I love The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon because even though it’s fiction, the main character is based on a real midwife who kept a diary of the happenings in a small town in Maine.

During the time in the 19th century when women’s everyday life was a struggle, I found Martha Ballard inspiring as someone who challenged the patriarchal order of the day by searching for the truth behind a murder despite the serious threats to her safety and well-being.

I was fascinated by the vivid details portraying daily life for women in a harsh physical environment constantly hemmed… show more.