The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

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About the Book

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is a gripping, meticulously researched historical mystery inspired by the real life and diary of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife whose remarkable journal offers one of the most detailed surviving records of colonial American life. Set in Hallowell, Maine, in the depths of winter 1789, the novel opens with a shocking discovery: the body of a local man, found frozen in the river, his death seemingly the result of a violent crime rather than accident.

As the town's only midwife and de facto medical authority, Martha Ballard is drawn into the investigation, her own careful observations and medical knowledge proving crucial to unraveling the truth behind the man's death — a truth entangled with a recent rape accusation, small-town power dynamics, and the precarious position of women's testimony and credibility in a deeply patriarchal colonial society. As Martha pursues justice with quiet determination, she must navigate the dangerous politics of a community unwilling to hold its most powerful men accountable, all while continuing her tireless work delivering babies and tending to her neighbors through a brutal Maine winter.

Blending genuine historical detail drawn from Martha Ballard's real diary with a compelling, slow-burn mystery, The Frozen River has resonated with readers and critics alike for its richly drawn historical setting, its unflinching exploration of justice and gender in early America, and its portrait of a woman whose quiet resilience and expertise made her indispensable to her community, cementing its place as one of the most acclaimed historical novels of recent years.

Why Choose This Book?

• Inspired by a real historical figure: Based on the genuine diary of 18th-century midwife Martha Ballard.
• A compelling blend of mystery and history: Combines a genuine whodunit with rich period detail.
• Explores gender and justice in colonial America: Offers a nuanced look at women's power and vulnerability in early America.
• Meticulously researched: Brings 18th-century Maine to vivid, immersive life.
• A widely acclaimed book club favorite: Praised for its rich characterization and discussion-worthy themes.

About the Author: Ariel Lawhon

Ariel Lawhon is a bestselling American author known for her richly researched historical fiction centered on real, often overlooked women from history. In addition to The Frozen River, she is the author of several other acclaimed historical novels, including The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress and Code Name Hélène, celebrated for blending genuine historical research with compelling, character-driven storytelling.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Fans of historical fiction inspired by real women's lives
• Readers who love mystery blended with meticulous period detail
• Anyone interested in colonial American history and women's roles within it
• Fans of Ariel Lawhon's other historical novels
• Book clubs looking for a rich, discussion-worthy historical mystery

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Order now and bring home The Frozen River — Ariel Lawhon's gripping historical mystery inspired by a real 18th-century midwife's extraordinary diary.