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The Frozen River: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel

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 investigates a shocking murder that unhinges her small community.

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Published Nov 5, 2024

448 pages

Average rating: 8.37

3,814 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Stephanie Roose
May 28, 2025
7/10 stars
Interesting, violent and twisted, but good.
JT Penguin
Apr 15, 2025
7/10 stars
This was the April Book Club pick at my work and it's not the type of story I would have ever picked up on my own. But I did enjoy it. I loved the authenticity of the history, even though women had it so rough back then. And I loved the mystery throughout. Idk if I'd willingly dive into this genre again on my own but it was an interesting read and kept me engaged.
monicaroush
Apr 08, 2025
8.5, 8.5, 9, 9, 9, 8, 8, 9, 8.5 (Monica's)
Doodlebugsjuju
Mar 30, 2025
5/10 stars
This was a great story about a midwife and her journal, which she kept as a daily log.
ljzsreadsandreviews
Mar 05, 2025
9/10 stars
I very much enjoyed this book and I had actually rated it a little bit lower but what ended up making me love it even more was the author’s note at the end. This is my first Ariel Lawhon book so I didn’t know anything about her writing style so although I knew this was historically based, I didn’t realize how closely based this was on true events. I loved Martha Ballard’s character and the strength she shows in a time period where women are uneducated and under valued,, so to find out later that Martha was a real person had me obsessed. I want to read more about her now! Although fictionalized, so much of this could’ve been a possible truth and reading it really makes you think twice about how far we have come. I loved the plot and the characters and thought everything was beautifully written and represented. I felt like certain pieces were a bit slow but overall the story kept progressing so I never felt unfulfilled. Something I found so appealing was the description of the town and area. It very clearly provides a picture of the setting even if I personally couldn't stop picturing the setting of Little House on the Prairie. I will say I couldn’t help picture the setting of Little House on the Prairie! 10/10 recommend.
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