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The Frozen River  By  cover art

The Frozen River

By: Ariel Lawhon
Narrated by: Jane Oppenheimer, Ariel Lawhon
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Publisher's summary

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.

©2023 Ariel Lawhon (P)2023 Random House Audio

Interview: Ariel Lawhon spins a mystery from the journals of an 18th-century midwife

'In a very real sense, Martha wrote herself into American history...'
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  • The Frozen River
  • 'In a very real sense, Martha wrote herself into American history...'

What listeners say about The Frozen River

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Another masterpiece!

I read “I was Anastasia” first and then found this story. I loved it more. Very well-documented historical information woven into a very intriguing novel. Looking for more next.

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6 people found this helpful

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My new favorite book

A story based on a real person, the dedication of her life to her work, and her love of her family is all set in the late 1700’s in Maine. Although the story is fiction, much of the story was based on the dairy of the main character.

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3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Midwife tough historical

Sometimes made me nervous something bad or sad was going to happen. Wanted to read faster.

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3 people found this helpful

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The story telling was wonderful. Kept me wanting more!

From the very start I was completely engulfed! Loved the story, characters and the feel.

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1 person found this helpful

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  • 01-12-24

Great story, great history lesson.

I couldn’t stop listening! I love it when a great reader does justice to a great story.

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1 person found this helpful

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The love we're all looking for

Ephraim and Martha 🥵🥵 there is no spice in this book but the love those two share through trial, error, understanding and supporting one another is a damn dream come true. I loved this book. it was performed perfectly. Her conviction, her softness, her sterness. All of it well done.

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1 person found this helpful

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My new favorite author!

I felt as if I really experienced life in 18th century New England. This was an inspiring tale of a midwife with the crime/legal thread making it very compelling. I will be reading all of Ariel Lawhon’s books!

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1 person found this helpful

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Fantastic HF

Fantastic story about a long forgotten but phenomenal woman! so glad I now know her.

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  • Overall
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historical information

character development of the protagonist and antagonist
also, how some things never change, women's health and wellness issues

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  • Overall
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Loved Martha and Ephram.

This was so well done, i loved it from start to finish! A must read.

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