Ariel LawhonThe Frozen River: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel

This book offers a compelling narrative that centers on an extraordinary female protagonist who dedicates her intellectual prowess and personal time to transforming her community. Through her unwavering commitment and strategic efforts, she works tirelessly to enhance the safety, quality of life, and overall well-being of every resident. Her character embodies resilience, compassion, and a profound sense of social responsibility, making the story not just an engaging read but also an inspiring testament to the power individual action in creating positive societal change.

The Frozen River gripped me from the very first page. Ariel Lawhon weaves a suspenseful, atmospheric historical fiction that’s as chilling as the icy Kennebec River at its heart. Set in 1789 Maine, this novel is inspired by the real-life Martha Ballard, a midwife and healer whose diary became an invaluable historical record—and here, Lawhon transforms her into a formidable protagonist who’s part detective, part mother, and entirely unforgettable.The plot centers around the murder of a man found frozen in the river, and as Martha pieces together what happened, secrets about the townspeople (and even her own family) unravel like threads in a quilt. It’s layered with mystery, grit, and quiet resilience. I found myself admiring Martha’s strength, especially as a woman navigating a male-dominated world—and not just surviving, but outsmarting them.

I have always loved historical fiction. This book was recommended to me by someone I don’t know on Threads and it DID NOT disappoint.I was invested at every step and turn.I even had to take several days away because I was so invested and nervous about what was going to happen next.I felt so much reading this book and the writing was fantastic.Lawhon clearly knows how to write a story and truly capture the essence of her characters.The writing was descriptive, but not overly flowy and I felt like the character herself was writing the story. I could really sense her.Highly recommend!

There are not enough stars for this fine book. Family, love, rape, murder, politics, women's rights (or lack thereof) , animals, medicine, and on and on, all told in a riveting manner. Be sure to read the authors notes, AFTER you read the book. Even a friend of the lead character's husband, Paul Revere, is thrown in casually. You need your phone, ipad, or laptop as you read. This is the story of a real person living in the 1700's and checking the photos and facts is just plain fun. What a wild ride! Highly recommend!

This was a good book with a story that was both interesting and informative. It gave some insight into life in the late 1700’s in the US. And this was a book with a bit of mystery woven in. I read this quickly and it pulled me to the end.

Really enjoyed this. 4.5 stars. Loved the perspective of the midwife, and the details about archaic 18th century justice. I thought the ending was a little “neat”, but nonetheless found it satisfying. Interesting characters, purposeful historical detail, and a compelling plot made for a terrific read.

Set in Maine in the late 1700s, this tale of a courageous midwife, her solid, unflinching husband, their family and the hard lives of their neighbors makes a very compelling read. Love and lust are in full supply as the heroine helps the women of the Hook deal with the results of both love and lust. This period piece is not my typical type of read, but the author draws you in and never sates your interest. You cannot help wanting to know more about the midwife and the denizens of the hard land they inhabit. I wholeheartedly recommend Frozen River.

This book captured me, the characters, the plot, the writing. I didn’t want to put it down. I highly recommend it.