Inspired by the life and diary entries of Martha Ballard, a midwife in the late 1770s/80s this was an interesting tale - a mixture of actual events and Ariel Lawhon's imagination. Well told and described, if a little slow in places, the pace picked up as it continued. Martha Ballard, it appears, was drawn into delivering babies by a midwife who knew she would not be around for ever! Martha and Ephraim's relations are a little repetitive and don't really add anything to the story. Her relationships with her offspring and how they approach adulthood are interesting.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Ariel Lawhon/Swift Press for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you Swift Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

It seems that every book recommendation page I have read in the past months have recommended “The Frozen River” so I was absolutely excited to receive this ARC.

The Frozen River is set in late 18th Century Maine. The landscape is harsh and the community is even harsher, particularly if you’re a female “healer”.

Inspired by the actual midwife and healer from that time, Martha Ballard, the main character is a strong, likeable and incredibly competent midwife, healer in her community. Martha has a strength, physically, morally and intellectually that is recognised by many but feared by more.

This masterpiece takes us on a journey commencing at the Kennebec River and the town of Hallowell, Maine.
Martha is called upon to help the local women and childbirth and has never lost a mother in all her years doing so.
She keeps a journal to record her daily observations which become critical as the story progresses.

The characters are well developed, some are so intensely unlikeable and others are awe inspiring.
The plot is well woven together beautifully, all coming together to present the reader with a delicately presented package to unravel.

I don’t tend to read a lot of historical fiction and when I do I have unusually high expectations.
Ariel Lawhon thank you, you absolutely exceeded these and your fabulous book will stay with me safely nestled with my all time favourites.

I cannot recommend this incredible book highly enough. There is a reason everyone is raving about it. I can’t wait to read the backlist of Ariel Lawhon.
Thank you so much for this ARC and the opportunity to give my honest review.

I had high hopes for The Frozen River after hearing glowing reviews from my American bookish friends. The premise is undeniably strong: inspired by the real-life midwife Martha Ballard, the novel is set in 1789 Maine, a time and place rarely explored in historical fiction. When a man is found frozen in the Kennebec River, Martha is called to examine the body. Months earlier, she had recorded an alleged rape involving two respected men—one of whom is now dead. As tensions rise and a trial looms, her meticulous diary becomes central to the case, forcing her to weigh truth, loyalty, and justice.

I loved the focus on a midwife and the spotlight on an unsung woman in history. I'm always drawn to stories that reclaim the forgotten roles women played, and the setting—newly formed America—was refreshingly different.

But while the foundation was promising, the execution left me wanting. The dialogue felt too modern and occasionally cheesy, which pulled me out of the story. The narrative was overly repetitive—making the same points about societal double standards every few chapters. I fully agree with the themes, but the heavy-handed delivery started to wear thin.

I also took issue with some of the historical references. Paul Revere’s name gets tossed in as if he were a pop culture figure of the day, when in truth, his legendary status didn’t emerge until much later. It just added to a sense that the tone didn’t quite match the period.

Overall, I admire what Lawhon set out to do, and I’m glad Martha Ballard’s story is being told. But between the tone, the pacing, and the lack of subtlety, this one didn’t quite live up to its potential for me.

Only heard good things about this book so was keen to read this. And it did not disappoint.

A beautifully engaging historical fiction read that combined a strong female MC, the courage of women at the time and everyday life at the time.

This is such an engaging tale, I adored Martha and her strength of character as she tries to help victims of men the time and seek justice. Her partnership with her husband was beautifully written and provided an endearing element to the alternative darkness of what women t the time were expected to put up with.

I was totally immersived into the the story throughout. Fantastic read.

‘’Bon courage. Be of good courage. Courage is good.’’

1789, Maine. It is a bitter winter. The body of a vile man is discovered trapped in the frozen river. Women fight to bring their children into a world where men dictate your fate. They fight to clear their name froma gossiping mob, to find justice within a society where rape victims are accused and the guilty party walks free.

Not much has changed, eh?

Within this whirlwind, a midwife has dedicated her life in the service of good, aiding mothers and children in their hour of need while trying to put some sense into the heads of imbeciles. Meet Martha, one of the most interesting, best-written characters in recent years, in a novel that does absolute justice to the much-abused Historical Fiction genre.

Based on real-life diaries, Ariel Lawhon creates a masterpiece. The setting is brilliant. You can almost feel the cold clawing your heart, the freezing wind on your face, and the crunching sound of the snow. The small community and harsh nature come alive in front of the reader’s eyes, and we are immediately transported to an era that isn’t much different to our own. The same values are defended by good people, the same prejudices are shared by people whose actions cannot but condemn them to damnation. Vivid dialogue, elegant, haunting prose, clear direction of the plot, warmth found in the domestic scenes between Marta and her family, evil found in the actions of abominable perpetrators.

‘’It is one of those winter afternoons that is so bright the sun reflects off the snow and hurts my eyes if I look at it directly. [...] He insists that he no longer feels the cold. I know that he’s lying, but he says it anyway. This is the game we play - a dance of concern and denial.’’

The characters? My God, aren’t they perfect! I cannot praise the character of Martha enough. Seldom have I found such a wonderful balance between the writing itself and the characterization of the protagonist. She is honest, determined, unyielding, true to her principles. She is the perfect example of a heroine in a bygone time brought alive for today’s audience without being changed into a male counterpart wearing skirts. She is the definition of the strong female character that hasn’t been masculinized. A rare thing to be found in today’s Literature. Ephrais is a perfect match for her, a true model for the male protagonist. From the villains to the virtuous, the entire cast of characters should be taught in Creative Writing classes. Period.

Apart from the brilliant plot, Ariel Lawhon enriches her novel with references to Folklore, old wives’ tales, the joys of reading and writing (and Shakespeare’s plays are given a pivotal role since both Martha and Ephraim are ardent admirers of the Bard). Moreover, she doesn’t shy away from commenting on thorny issues such as pre-marital relations, children born out of wedlock, the legal system, exploitation and racism.

I could go on and on about how utterly perfect this novel is, but words are wind. You need to add this masterpiece to your reading list and read it as soon as possible. It is a true literary treasure.

Many thanks to Swift Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Nothing I say will do justice to this remarkable novel.
I am currently in a sort of book-coma, wondering how best to put together some coherent thoughts.

The Frozen River is a compelling work of historical fiction featuring Martha Ballard, inspired by her diaries and real events that took place within her own life and her community. This novel is fascinating, educational and intriguing. The events that take place are brutal at times, but there is such a lot of perseverance, courage and loyalty - through personal pain, through court trials and through the harsh winter conditions.

Martha is perhaps one of the most devoted people I have read about - thoroughly devoted to both her family and her profession. As a midwife and healer in the late 1700’s; and a woman that could read and write, she was quite possibly ahead of her time - and I find her incredible and inspiring. Martha’s midwifery work is portrayed beautifully in this book - exactly describing how vulnerable a woman is during labour and the trust required in the midwife. Having had my own personal experience of a midwife much like Martha, whose care I will never forget, I could really relate to what I was reading.

I cannot review this book without mentioning Martha’s husband, Ephraim. He is so loyal, patient and his wife’s biggest advocate. Martha and Ephraim’s love, companionship and dialogue that is humorous and sarcastic at times, really did make me smile.

Do read the author’s note at the end of the book (not before you’ve read the novel though!) for further details of her inspiration and the historical facts.
Martha Ballard was an astonishing woman who left a remarkable legacy and her story deserves to be remembered. I will certainly remember her story and The Frozen River has my highest recommendation.

Thank you to the publisher, Swift Press, for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon in exchange for an honest review. In this historical fiction, inspired by a true story, we follow midwife and mother Martha Ballard. It is 1789 and Martha is called to examine a body found under the frozen river. Martha makes it her mission to uncover the truth about what happened. I enjoyed following Martha as she was called upon to deliver the town's many babies and to heroically support the women and families around her.

Led by a remarkable main character, this novel brilliantly balanced a gripping murder mystery with an emotional community drama. The plot was always in movement, whether it was forwards to uncover clues or backwards to delve into the past. The story's characters drew me in and got me invested, and its secrets kept me utterly hooked.

Would I recommend?... Definitely yes! I finished the book with the urge to reread it immediately, just so I could fully appreciate the subtle hints and clever foreshadowing woven throughout.

Read if you like:
- historical fiction set in 1700s USA
- compelling small-town murder mystery
- strong cast of characters
- genuine sense of jeopardy
- dash of romance

I have heard too many glowing reviews and recommendations for The Frozen River, not to read it. The book is set in 1789, with occasional flashbacks of 35 years, during a very hard, long winter.

Martha Ballard is a midwife, healer, a wise literate woman in tune with Mother Nature. As a woman in 1789, to stand out from crowd, to give a voice to those who are invisible at best, or marginalised and taken advantage of at worst, takes spirit and courage.

The Frozen River is a beautiful, character led story. The sort of book you drift away in, becoming lost in the pages. Their lives become yours, their concerns crowding your thoughts. The characters are written so well, they were alive in my mind and heart.

A friend of mine told me that I would love Martha, she was absolutely right. Martha is loyal, kind and loving, unless you make an enemy of her, then you should be very careful. If I lived in Martha’s time, I would hope to have her courage, her determination to be more than her gender was allowed to be in that era.

I always read every word of a book, including the author’s note, and I would recommend you do the same. Knowing that Martha was a real person, has deepened how I feel about this wonderful book. I can’t recommend this story highly enough, and would give more than 5⭐️ if I could.

The Frozen River is a longer read, 517 pages, but I genuinely didn’t realise, as I was so absorbed. It will definitely one of my favourite reads of this year, I can guarantee that, despite it only being April. The Frozen River covers the minutiae of Martha’s days, through her diary; conversely it also shows the magnitude of her life, all that she achieved, all she was. I mean this sincerely, now I have turned the last page, I will really miss her.

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is an amazing book that brings into attention the power, knowledge and the importance of midwives in a person's life. The plot, the characters, the setting are so well written that all these together will make the story more alive, real and powerful. I loved the and anyone who loves historical fiction will love this book as well.

Absolutely riveted by this book, a read which completely and utterly absorbed me from the offset. It a stunningly written piece of historical fiction with exquisitely drawn feisty characters and if you enjoy great character development, you’ll absolutely love this. It’s a work of fiction (you must read the author’s end notes!) with some very harrowing events, but one inspired by the life events of 18th century midwife Martha Ballard.

5 stars from me and one which I will be recommending to my friends who enjoy historical fiction for sure. Big thanks to NetGalley for an ARC.

Ariel Lawhon's The Frozen River is an exquisitely crafted tale that weaves together history, mystery, and raw emotional depth. From the first page, it is clear that Lawhon’s writing is nothing short of perfection. This novel isn’t just a story; it’s a journey—a haunting exploration of love, loss, and resilience set against a backdrop of unforgiving winter landscapes.

While it took me a little while to make my way through the pages, I cherished every moment of this experience. The pacing, though deliberate, allows the intricate layers of the plot and characters to unfold slowly, building tension while keeping readers fully engaged. The author’s ability to evoke such powerful imagery and emotion reminds me of the writing style of Kristin Hannah, with similar themes of familial ties, survival, and the strength of the human spirit set against harsh backdrops.

Lawhon's portrayal of complex, multifaceted characters is one of the highlights of the novel. She allows us to see the intimate struggles and triumphs of her characters, making them feel incredibly real and relatable. Whether it’s the cold, harsh environment or the warmth of human connection, the narrative pulses with life and raw truth. The emotional impact is undeniable, and it’s a testament to Lawhon's ability to write with such sensitivity and authenticity.

If you’re a fan of gripping, evocative stories—especially ones that tug at your heartstrings—The Frozen River is a must-read. It's a beautiful piece of writing that deserves to be experienced. Highly recommend, and without a doubt, a solid 5 stars.

Set in the late 18th century, midwife Martha Ballard find herself in an unexpected predicament when the body of a man found trapped beneath the ice proves to be linked to a case concerning allegations of rape that Martha documented a few months prior.

When the man's suspicious death is dismissed as an accident, Martha is forced to investigate for herself. But there are hidden forces at play and unfortunately, Martha's efforts are going to open up a can of worms that she is not entirely equipped to handle...

An interesting, intelligent historical novel with a fascinating pertagonist, this one is worth checking out.

this book felt so real and fleshed out. its like watching real life occurrences from a moment in time somewhere out there in the real world. i dont know how to escribe it. it just felt so perfectly put. you could feel the emotions. you could feel the sense of place and you could feel the story unfolding.
it goes way beyond a murder mystery which in itself was well written. but the thoughts and feeling also mounted themselves off the pages. i felt like i was getting to people and the place. and the story and what comes up from this murder sparks so much more than a crime that has been committed and to solve. and there feels with each page yet to come into the open.

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is a historical fiction thriller set in 1789 Maine. The story begins with the discovery of a frozen body in the Kennebec River. Martha Ballard, a midwife, identifies the corpse as Joshua Burgess, a man recently accused of raping the parson’s wife, Rebecca Foster. Rebecca had also accused the local judge Robert North of being an accomplice in the attack.

As Martha investigates, tensions rise in the community as she navigates societal prejudices, familial loyalty, and her pursuit of justice, all while facing challenges to her authority as a woman in a male-dominated society.

Ariel Lawhon's The Frozen River is an evocative piece of historical fiction that immerses readers in the harsh realities of frontier life while delving into the intricacies of human resilience and morality. Lawhon crafts a gripping tale that captures the tension between individual desires and societal expectations.

One of the novel's standout features is its rich depiction of the natural world and its relationship with the characters. The frozen landscape mirrors the icy justice system and underscores the isolation faced by Martha and those around her.

Beyond its historical significance, The Frozen River provokes contemplation about the role of women in history and the often-overlooked contributions they made to their communities.

If you're drawn to stories that examine the intersection of history and human nature, this novel will leave a lasting impression.

Thanks to Swift Press and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review

The Frozen River is a brilliant book. It’s fairly simple premise of a man being found dead in in the frozen Kennebec river and Martha who is the local midwife is called to examine the body and give a cause of death.
The death of this person unravels secrets that are kept in this small town.
The best thing about this book are the characters. The Ballard family are wonderful and Ephraim and Martha’s relationship is so beautiful.
I didn’t really until the authors note that Martha Ballard was a real midwife and her diary which features heavily in the book was the inspiration for this novel.
A definite 5 star read for me and I’ll be looking out for some of her other novels. Thanks NetGalley for approving my request!

4.5*
There are plenty of reviews summarising the plot, so I’m not going to add to them.
Here are my bullet points:
- fascinating historical fiction. I love it when a book draws me in and immerses me in the life of the characters. Set in 1780’s Maine, I got a real sense of what life was like.
- the writing is good. Really good.
-it made me feel. Outrage at the hypocrisy and double standards applied to men and women. Relief when a healthy baby was born, saddened when one was lost.
- the author’s notes at the end which provided a lot of information about the real Martha Ballard.
The only thing keeping it from a solid 5* was that that there were a couple of wee unresolved storylines.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Swift Press and Ariel Lawhon for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

‘Outside her own diary, Martha has no history. No independent record of her work survives. It is her husband’s name, not hers, that appears in censuses, tax lists, and merchant accounts for her town’.

Inspired by a true story, Lawhon certainly makes sure that the life of Martha Ballard lives on into the 21st century. What an absolutely fascinating tale of (mostly) true events. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautifully written historical fiction - particularly the main event that is threaded through her diary entries. I was THRILLED to see that at Lawhon’s hands, North was served some justice - that horrible, nasty man - I only wish it had been the case in real life. My heart was in my mouth at the end there!

I absolutely love this depiction of Martha. She’s talented, family-oriented (a fierce mama bear) and someone that isn’t written as a perfect person. She has her flaws - but that is what makes her so likeable. In fact, I love the whole family - Ephraim and Martha make such a realistic but idealistic partnership. I adore his protectiveness of her, whilst he still encourages her to have her own independence. It’s so sad that Cyrus never married, and I would have really liked to find out what happened to Rebecca’s baby in the end.

This journey through the lives of quiet, everyday people felt just as vital as the version of history heard through large voices.

There were a few dips in the flow of this for me, but overall it kept me on my toes and thoroughly immersed me in the small American town and its residents.

Stunning novel, highly recommended!

It wasn’t until I had finished this book that I realised it was based on a real life person. Martha Ballard was a notable midwife in the eighteenth century whose diaries give us a wealth of information about the era. Martha was also involved in the trial of the rape of Rebecca Foster and the issues it raised around the way women were treated my men at the time. Lawhon has produced an excellent murder mystery novel that is enhanced by well researched historical fact.

Thank you to Net Galley and Swift Press for a kindle copy of this book. This novel is set in 1789 and based on the true story of Martha Ballard who delivered over 1000 babies and never lost a mother in childbirth. When a local man James Burgess who had being accused of rape is found dead in the Kennebec river Martha is called upon to examine the body.. Her conclusion upon examination is contradicted by the new ‘modern’ Harvard educated doctor in town. An interesting look at the clash between traditional and modern forms of medicine. Martha is able to read and write and records in her diary daily which is unusual in those times portraying her to be an intelligent woman. The story carries you along life in those times, how the juridical system worked and ultimately Martha’s discovery of the truth about James’ s death. Martha’s character leaps from the pages as a devoted mother, wife, and midwife. A well researched compelling novel. Trigger warning of rape scenes.