An excellently researched, well plotted novel that is inspired by the historical figure of Martha Ballard, a mid-wife.

This was an extremely absorbing and enjoyable read. I particularly enjoyed reading about the brave women and midwifery in history. The relationship between Martha and her husband is a beautiful one, filled with love and care.

It is quite a long novel and I thought it could have benefitted with developing some of the characters further, I am thinking here especially of Martha's children.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

I was lucky to receive a paperback copy of The Frozen River from my daughter who bought it for me in New York. The book was a bestseller there and all the bookshops had displays in their windows. Then I received an arc from Netgalley for an honest review.
As Ariel Lawhon explains The Frozen River is inspired by real events as opposed to being based on them. Martha Ballard was a midwife in Maine in the late 1700’s who delivered over a thousand babies in her career and never lost a mother in childbirth..
The story begins in 1789 when Martha is summoned to examine a body entombed in the Ice. This is a remarkable story which I really enjoyed. I have taken one star off because I don’t like romance in a good story and though some of it is necessary I found it a bit too much. Just my preference.
Thank you to Netgalley and a big thank you to my daughter for my early paperback.

5⭐️

I was drawn to this book from all the buzz on social media. The hype is real, it really is one that you don’t want to miss out on.

Historical 17th century fiction with the main character a midwife and healer inspired by Martha Ballard who also kept a diary providing historians great insight into the life of Colonial women. This is a fictional account of a 6 month time frame in her life one winter while the river was frozen.

There’s a mystery which falls into Martha’s lap. It immediately drew me in, I love the writing style which has an informal chatty style about it, it gives a feeling of the era without all the old English, so it’s an easy read.
There are quite a few references to Shakespeare who was popular in the US at the time, but it doesn’t detract from the story’s premise.

I was absolutely drawn into Martha’s world, the harshness of the life, the struggle of women to have a voice, the mystery created. I loved this book so much! It’s in my books of the year.
It’s worth reading the authors notes to see how much is based on fact and how much fiction. X

You don’t need to love historical fiction to love this book. It’s very character driven, the characterisation is superb. I’m now keen to read more by this author.

Ariel Lawhon’s *The Frozen River* is a beautifully crafted historical novel that blends mystery, resilience, and rich period detail. Set in 18th-century Maine, the story follows Martha Ballard, a midwife whose meticulous record-keeping and sharp instincts lead her to uncover the truth behind a suspicious death. Lawhon captures the challenges of a woman navigating justice in a world dominated by men.

The Frozen River is a gripping and thought-provoking novel. The novel seamlessly weaves themes of justice, gender, and survival, making it a compelling read for historical fiction fans. Martha’s story lingers long after the final page—a testament to Lawhon’s talent for breathing life into the past.

The Frozen River follows the story of a midwife, Martha Ballard, in 18th Century Maine as she goes about her life in her local town. I found this book to be well researched and coherently written, it really gave you a taste of life, especially for women, in colonial America. The world building really helped you picture life along the Kennebec River and how ordinary town residents lived their lives.

The story was riveting, with the plot twist of a murder thrown in, as well as showing how the early American justice system worked for its citizens. It really highlights the mysogany faced by women in this society and the strength that they had in such adverse conditions. The more I read, the more I was compelled by Martha's story and that of her family. Martha is portrayed as a strong woman, a pillar in the local community and one that seeks to best support others anyway she can. Some of the side characters, especially those in her family, also stood out in this story and I found myself rooting for some of the fledging courtships

Overall, this book really reminded me of why I have such a love of historical fiction and the importance of telling the stories based in the past. I would thoroughly recommend it to any historical fiction lovers, or those who enjoy stories based around strong women.

With thanks to NetGalley and Swift Press for an early Kindle copy of The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon.

It is a thoroughly enjoyable read, perfect for fans of historical fiction based on true events.

Martha Ballard, a midwife and healer in 1600s Maine, is a strong and resilient character. Despite her troubled past, she dedicates herself to her community and is a devoted wife and mother.

The story begins with a rape and murder—a body found in the frozen Kennebec River during one of Maine’s harshest winters. As events unfold, the novel explores the early justice system and the deep-rooted misogyny that shaped women’s lives, often making them bear the consequences of men’s actions.

This would probably have been a five-star read last year but I am trying to save that honour for only a very few outstanding novels, this would be a 4.5 if I were allowed!

A historical mystery based on true events set in the early years of colonial America. Beautifully researched, I enjoyed the storytelling and the resilience of women in a male dominated society. My late mother, a midwife, would have been absorbed as was I in the medical details and the role of healer.

The story of Martha Ballard, a midwife in the late 1790s in a rural town in Maine, USA. Martha’s work is delivering babies and caring for the community around her, making medicines, giving advice and treating ailments. She deeply cares about the women she aids, has a close and loving bond with her family and a mutually supportive relationship with her husband Ephraim. This is one of my favourite depictions of a marriage. It is so sensitively and realistically drawn.

The community is experiencing an extremely harsh winter and the mighty Kennebec river has frozen over, this lasts for months. In the course of that winter a body is discovered trapped in the ice, held in place by their hair. How they got there and events leading up to this are a compelling mystery. Martha sets out to determine what exactly happened. As the blurb states this is no cosy mystery; there are graphic descriptions of an assault, and also difficult childbirths, which some readers may find upsetting.

I very much enjoyed Ariel Lawton’s style of writing, the pace is good, Martha is never still for long and events move swiftly on. I always enjoy historical fiction and after reading learnt that in fact Martha Ballard was a real life midwife in this period and area of the United States. I will definitely seek out more of Lawhon’s novels.

The Frozen River was chosen as a bookclub read and the paperback was quite difficult to obtain. I was really pleased to see that it will be more widely released in the UK when it’s re-published in April.

A note of caution: I initially listened to the audiobook and disappointingly narrator Jane Oppenheimer’s attempts at Scottish accents are woeful. They made me turn to the paperback and then NetGalley’s e-book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

One small town, so many secrets.

Ah yes, the way things are supposed to be for men and how they differ from women's rights. With alarming similarities to the world we live in today.

The Frozen River by Lawhon is a story of bravery, feminism and love.

The story follows Martha Ballard, midwife, healer, and (in my opinion) feminist. She delivers babies, tends to the ill and fights for women's rights by solving a murder and multiple sexual assaults and rapes. The setting of the book and the well-developed characters made this a joy to read. I felt like I was transported back to the 18th- century, the harsh winter and dire conditions of life. At the same time, the characters in this book made me realise that even in times of great distress, crisis, and injustice, love can be found in friends and family, and people will always take care of others even when you least expect it. Some parts were difficult to read: rape, misogyny, social class injustices etc. But Martha's reactions to these situations are exactly what made this book amazing. She was ahead of her time, always on the run for other people - women -, always trying to combat stigma and overall doing her best whenever she could. I'm so glad the world sees women different now, as compared to back then. We're still not there yet, there's work to do, always. But it was great to see Martha being a pioneer when it comes to women's rights and justice.

I'd call this historical fiction, but the author emphasizes that the novel is inspired by - not based on - historical facts about Martha and diary entries Martha wrote herself. I found the author's note at the end of the book a valuable supplement to the book, which explained more about the Ballard family, where they ended up after the story ended, and which parts of the novel were facts or fiction.

I had never before read a book by Lawhon, but I'm sure more will follow after this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Swift Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

The Frozen River is a captivating, thought-provoking historical mystery based on the life of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife who defied societal norms and left an indelible mark on American history.

Set in 1789 Maine, the story begins when a man is found frozen in the Kennebec River. Martha, a midwife and healer, is called upon to examine the body and determine the cause of death. As the keeper of a detailed diary documenting births, deaths, and the hidden secrets of Hallowell, Martha’s account includes an earlier crime: an alleged rape involving two of the town’s most respected gentlemen—one of whom is now dead.

But when the local physician dismisses her findings, claiming the death was an accident, Martha embarks on her investigation, determined to uncover the truth. As the trial looms, Martha’s diary becomes a focal point of the scandal, forcing her to confront the difficult question of loyalty in a world that silences women.

This story is so powerful, and it’s astonishing how relevant Martha’s fight for justice still feels today. In a world where those in power manipulate and silence victims, Martha stands out as a fierce, morally driven woman who never compromises her principles. She’s a true role model and a character that will stay with me long after the final page.

If you’re looking for a rich, layered story about justice, resilience, and a woman who refused to be silenced, The Frozen River is a must-read.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Absolutely loved this historical fiction novel.
I enjoy a book more when I learn something about history and this doesn’t disappoint.
The writing flows and the characters are relatable.
Thank you for the advance copy

Storytelling at its best!

Martha Martha what a warrior you was, fighting the fight of all the women being suppressed by men in power.

I am a true historical fiction fan and this has to be one of the best yet, set in the 18th century and loosely based on a midwife Called Martha Ballard.

The writing in this book is beautiful, you feel immersed in the story as if you was there inside the book.

High praise indeed, a book that will stay with me and will be recommending to everyone.

All the stars for this!

Historical Fiction at its best!

Thank you NetGalley and Swift Press, for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I simply devoured this book, and if I could have read it more quickly than I would have done.

Based loosely on a true story about a midwife, Martha Ballard, in the 18th Century. Martha is a mother of six children and lives with her husband Ephraim, who is running a mill on the banks of the Kennebec River. They are a strong family unit, living and working within the realities of the times.

As part of Martha’s midwifery role, she is also used for determining cause of death and standing in Court to confirm details of unwed mother’s and birth’s out of wedlock.

In Winter 1789, she is summoned to view a body and declares murder. Martha gets drawn into events and discovers much more to this story than originally thought. She ends up fighting the courts in male dominated times, and here you see how the law was predisposed against the female of those times. Martha was a strong role model for women but still had to abide by societal norms at the time.

A riveting, historical read with a mystery unravelled through the pages. I loved every moment, from the historical description of the times, together with discovering the truth of what had happened to Joshua Burgess and why.

The writing was incredible and drew me into every page and scenario. I had waited a long time for this book, and it was definitely worth the wait in the UK.

Ariel details the changes to this story and her reasons for this at the end of the book. This was of great interest too and this really bought Martha and her story to life.

Great Book and thoroughly and utterly recommended! My best book so far in 2025. Due to be published 10 April 2025.

I’ve been reading more Historical Fiction recently and after seeing the buzz around this book and all the rave reviews I had to read it.

Set in Maine, 1789, Martha Ballard is a seasoned midwife, privy to all the town’s secrets. She keeps a diary. There’s a suspicious death, and allegations of a rape committed by two respected gentlemen.

The character of Martha Ballard is inspired by the real life Martha Ballard, midwife and diarist. There’s plenty of historical detail, and I’d say a good sense of the times. It’s not the fastest book but it is a very entertaining read. There’s a strong sense of social justice and restrictions imposed on women by society at the time.

Recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley and Swift Press

An excellent work of historical fiction, based on Martha Ballard who practised as a midwife in late eighteenth century Maine. Martha kept a journal and this forms the basis of Ariel Lawhon's latest book. Whilst there is some creative licence most of the events happened, from the excessively long and cold winter, to the brutal attack which plays a large role in the plot. All the characters are three dimensional and all too human, with their foibles. I really can't praise this book highly enough. It throws the light on an important profession which, although saving thousands of lives and being an important part of the community, was undervalued because all midwives were women.

Recommended to anyone who enjoys a good book.

With thanks to NetGalley and Swift Press for an ARC.

This was a wonderful read. Martha Ballard actually being a real 18th century midwife only enhanced it. It had it all from a murder mystery, exploration of the rampant sexism of the life in that era in Maine, to the minutiae of small town life. The legal practices of the times were perfectly laid out to enhance the plot, dotted about with the labours of the townswomen. The consequences of the accusation of rape on all the characters were fascinating, including on the women who turned away from the trusted ministrations of their midwife to the inexperienced doctor who smugly butchers two births. It was a great detailed portrayal of the period and I loved it.

Absolutely beautifully written, I am in awe at how the author managed to make imagine the 1700s world so well. It is quite a triggering book but I did read that it is based on true story, a true story that is harrowing but has definitely been done justice through this book!

When a body is found trapped in the ice of the Kennebec River, Martha Ballard is called in to determine the cause of his death. As the town's matron, this isn't the first time. The man lying lifeless on the table was accused months earlier of brutally raping the minister's wife. And his death was no accident. The journals Martha keeps could be the key to solving the crime. Throughout the winter, Martha will unravel the truth about what happened that night, making powerful enemies along the way, while continuing to care for the women of Hallowell. The narrative occasionally goes back in time to unravel the story of love and loss between Martha and Ephraim, her husband (and one of my favorite characters in the novel). It's a gripping story that grips you from the first page, impossible to put down. Although there's no time travel or anything like that, I think Outlander fans will enjoy it because Martha and Claire share many traits: strong women knowledgeable in natural remedies, completely dedicated to their patients, and with a forward-thinking mindset for their time. The protagonist, Martha Ballard, actually existed, and through her diaries, she documented her daily life as a midwife in the late 18th century. I hope to get my hands on one of her biographies, because I've been fascinated by them.

Thoroughly enjoyed this historical novel based on the true story of Martha Ballard, a midwife in the 1700s. It's part biographical and part murder mystery. Although it's quite a long book it kept me hooked to the end.

The Frozen River is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read.

Based on the life of Martha Ballard, a midwife in Maine in the late-1700’s, all I knew about the book beforehand was that a midwife is called to examine the body of a possibly murdered man found in the frozen river and it turns out that that same man had been accused of raping a local woman. Soon the novel evolved into so much more than just a murder mystery or a historical fiction novel - this is a story about the cruelty of man, about the choices you get to make and the choices you don’t have because other people make the decisions for you, and about standing up for what you know to be right but also realizing that sometimes things don’t turn out for the best no matter how hard you try. And in the heart of it all is the story of a wise and strong woman and the love of a good man.

I absolutely loved everything about this heartbreaking, tender and captivating novel.

“… these markings of ink and paper will one day be the only proof that I have existed in this world. That I lived and breathed. That I loved a man and the many children he gave me. It is not that I want to be remembered, per se. I have done nothing remarkable. Not by the standards of history, at least. But I am here.”

This is an excellent read! Ariel Lawhon takes the bones of history and fleshes them out beautifully into the story of a woman who is a wife, mother, midwife and healer in a harsh winter in 18th Century east coast America. Strong and principled, Martha loves her husband and children and is well-regarded by the community. When a young woman is raped and a body is discovered, Martha is thrust into the centre of a puzzle. I loved the style of writing and the cast of characters that Ariel Lawhon has assembled. One of my top books of 2025.

This captivating book, based on a real person has an odd feeling of everything happening and nothing happening simultaneously. I was drawn to read it due to the setting in Snowy Maine, and because of the profession of Martha. From the very beginning, I felt a sense of calmness that the prose bestowed, I loved that Martha felt strong and capable. I hadn't heard of her before but am so glad that the author has chosen to speak about this remarkable lady and give a voice to just one of many women who have been underestimated and forgotten throughout history because of their gender. The story unfolds very slowly, but because of this, the reader is able to fully immerse in the setting and the characters. A big recommend for anyone interested in past times healthcare and the role of women., or just looking for a really good story.

I first heard of this novel when it was published in the US last year and added it to my TBR list, partly because it ticked the 'set in Winter' prompt for the 52 books reading challenge. I did recently come across some less positive reviews, mostly based around the historical accuracy of the novel, however, perhaps because I knew going in to reading it that the novel is based on actual historical events, this was one of the reasons I loved the book so much!

The Frozen River is the story of a community in Maine in the late 18th century, somewhat cut off due to the frozen river and in turmoil following a rape and then murder. But it's really the story of Martha Ballard, local midwife, who finds herself at the centre of both legal cases whilst continuing to deliver babies and care for her own family. I found Martha's story engrossing and inspriring, and whilst I did wonder about historical accuracy in places, it didn't jar with me the way it seems to have done for other readers. Then I read Lawhon's author's notes and was even more interested and impressed by both Martha Ballard and Lawhon's writing. She is clear about the parts of the story she made up and which parts (the majority) are based on Martha's own diaries and other historical records.

Ariel Lawhon transported me to 18th century New England and I loved how vividly descriptive her writing is in this novel. She conveys clearly the cold of that winter of 1789 and the pain of childbirth as well as creating characters who felt completely believable. I love historical fiction where I learn something and this taught me a lot about life at the time. Life was tough out in small towns that were still growing and especially so for women. Martha was privileged to a certain extent because of her status as midwife but other women seemed to have almost no legal rights whatsoever.
Martha is a brilliant character. She is a woman who is secure in her position and is lucky enough to be married to a man who values and loves her. She is determined to do the best for the women that she treats as well as discovering the truth about the murder. Her husband taught her to read and write which is very unusual for the time and she uses that skill to keep a daily journal of all the things that she does. This journal actually exists and has provided the inspiration for the author to write this story.
I really enjoyed reading the author’s notes at the end of the book where she explains how the story grew out of Martha’s journal and which parts were historical facts and which were fiction. To me, The Frozen River is historical fiction at its best where an author combines historical information with their creative skills as an author to produce a book that can transport a reader to another place and time.
This was an excellent read and I am very grateful to Net Galley and the publishers, Swift Press, for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I know it's only March, but I believe this will be the best book I read this year.

Frozen River is a remarkable historical fiction novel set in the 18th century Maine inspired by the life of a midwife called Martha Ballard. Martha is a well-established 54 year old midwife and a healer in her hometown. She is called to examine a dead man who was found in the local river. He is one of two men who were recently accused of rape of a local woman and it appears that the dead man has been murdered. The local judge, the second of the two men accused of rape, does not believe Martha’s professional judgement and rules that the man died of drowning.

I have not heard of Martha before and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her and reading her captivating story. Set mostly in the late 18th century with some flashbacks to younger Martha, this book is very atmospheric and haunting. Martha is married with 6 living children and reading about the love between Martha and her husband Ephraim reminded me a little bit of Jamie and Claire from the Outlander.

This book was a real treat to read and my hope is that the author will consider writing a sequel.

Phew, life was tough in Maine in the late 1700s when rivers were frozen solid and winters seemed to last forever. This historical fiction is closely based on facts. The Kennebec river and the towns mentioned do exist and Martha Ballard the midwife healer did keep a diary and was a hugely significant character.
Tough life for the women also , as they all had huge families in and out of marriage and the risk of rape was high and then they were treated like scum if they fell pregnant. It might appear that this was book was heavily promoting a feminist point of view but I never felt I was being brow beaten into certain opinions, rather things were simply being described as they were.
I liked the conflict between the Martha and the Harvard trained doctor who comes to live in the town. She has to withstand much pressure to not bow to the wishes of the “superior” doctor in various areas. Martha certainly was a very feisty lady which is in much contrast to other women in the tale. The men are nearly all rotters.
The book starts off with a body being found in the frozen Kennebec river and it is satisfying as the facts slowly come to light and some of the mysteries are solved at the very end of the book.
In a separate story line cases of rape come to court and there are several different levels of hearings.
So plenty of midwifery, plenty of legal process and plenty of sleuthing make for a very enjoyable read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Swift Press for the ARC

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is nothing short of phenomenal. This contained historical mystery had me gripped from beginning to end and though the story was compelling and at times heartbreaking for me the real strength of this story is in the characters, most notably Martha Ballard, the midwife at the heart of the tale and her husband Ephraim. As the author explains her her notes at the end of the book it is inspired by the true story and the diaries of Martha Ballard, a woman who lived in 1700s Maine and was renowned for never having lost a woman in childbirth. Unlike many women of the time she could read and write and kept a diary or day book which was used as a source in the creation of this book. I really appreciated not only the amount of work and research that the author had put into the book, but also her clear explanations of when and why she deviated from the historical facts.
I described this as a contained mystery because not only is it set in a small settlement but it also takes place over a relatively short period of time, spanning just one winter. The book opens with Martha being summoned to examine the body of a man found trapped in the ice of the now frozen over river, and it does not take long for her to realise that the death was not accidental, there is clear evidence that the man was dead before he entered the water. However not everyone in the town agrees with her assessment, most notably the young doctor who has newly arrived and the local judge who may have reasons of his own for wanting a quick verdict of accidental death. It soon emerges that the dead man, along with the judge was implicated in the brutal rape of a local woman and as Martha continues to push for an independent trial she risks not just her reputation but also putting herself and those she loves in danger when her own son is arrested as part of the investigation.
I cannot stress how much I loved this book, I did not want to put it down. I immediately warmed to Martha as a character, who does not love a strong independent woman who uses her knowledge and skills to help her community, but as her story unfolded in a series of flash backs I grew to love her as I learned of the struggles and hardships she had faced . Her relationship with her husband is marriage goals, they are such a wonderfully written couple, it is clear that they have been through much yet the love and joy that they share is just beautiful, and that tenderness is something that we don't see enough of in my opinion. In fact this book is populated by a wealth of excellent secondary characters, even the ones you hate feel incredibly believable. This is absolutely a contender for my book of the year and is one that I will be recommending widely.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

I just loved this slow-burning read. I enjoyed reading about this era on time and how life was, especially for the women. Very enjoyable and well written

The Frozen River begins with a body being dragged from the frozen Kennebec river. Martha Ballard, the local midwife, is asked to inspect the body. The dead man turns out to be a suspect in a serious legal case. There is a lot that happens in this little town and Martha finds herself looking for answers.

This book has a little bit of everything that I like a murder mystery combined with a lot of complex characters and it keeps you guessing.

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction based on true events.

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.

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 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!

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.