I really did not expect to like this one (or even finish it) because it’s about a midwife, and I despise hearing birth stories. However, the murder mystery sucked me right in. And I trust Ariel Lawhon- I’ve loved all of her books that I’ve read. The Frozen River was no exception.

Set in the newly founded United States, with flashbacks to pre- Revolution, Martha Ballard serves her community as a midwife and healer.

She literally sees it all- the good, bad, and the ugly. 

Also as a midwife, and therefore a medical professional, she is one of the few women in those times who could testify in court (only if her husband was with her though).

Cyrus, her son, who could not speak after an influenza swept through the family early in his life, broke my heart. You can tell he wants a family of his own so badly. 

Overall, The Frozen River ends with so many satisfying endings for (most of) the plot threads. 

Age Recommendation

TW: rape, infant death

Definitely Adult only.