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.

I hadn’t planned on reading this book, but the hype around it was impossible to ignore. When the audiobook became available on my Libby app, I decided to give it a shot—and I’m so glad I did! I absolutely LOVED this book. It’s easily one of my top three reads of 2024. The audiobook was phenomenal, with a narrator who brought the story to life through distinct, immersive voices. It’s also a perfect winter read.

What captivated me most was how this fictional tale is rooted in the life of a real historical figure. The story follows Martha Ballard, a midwife in 1700s Maine. While little is known about the real Martha, this book paints a compelling portrait of her life and work. Be sure to read the author’s note at the end—it adds so much depth to the character and the historical context. Yes, there are some graphic birthing scenes, but they didn’t feel excessive and actually enhanced the story’s authenticity. It reminded me a lot of the BBC series Call the Midwife, so if you’re a fan of that show, this book will likely resonate with you.

The story blends mystery, thriller, historical drama, and a touch of romance. It explores themes like justice, resilience, and the power of a woman’s voice in a time when women were often silenced. The author doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the era, particularly the challenges and dangers women faced in a male-dominated society.

Martha herself is an incredibly inspiring and relatable protagonist. She’s portrayed as deeply human, with a heroic strength that shines in a time when women’s opinions were dismissed. Her high morals, confidence, and determination to stand tall in a patriarchal world make her an unforgettable character. I also loved the inclusion of her diary entries—they added an extra layer of authenticity and made her voice feel even more powerful. The details about her work as a midwife were fascinating, offering a glimpse into the lives she saved and the impact she had on her community.

Another highlight was Martha’s relationship with her husband. Their marriage was so heartwarming and supportive—truly #marriagegoals. I adored how her husband never diminished her strength but instead championed her, which felt so refreshing and endearing.

This book is more than just a historical mystery; it’s a heartfelt tribute to an extraordinary woman whose contributions have largely been overlooked by history. I can’t recommend it enough—especially the audiobook! Now I’m excited to explore more of this author’s work.