FI MessiahLifeways UnscriptedMagazine Spring2025 - Flipbook - Page 23
“ THE FROZEN RIVER”
intelligent, determined, and ahead of her time,
B Y A R I E L L AW H O N
making her a compelling character to follow.
Recommended by: Susie Reed, Messiah Village
This was a time in history when women’s voices were not
Resident / Lead Rooftop Library Volunteer
valued or respected, so Martha had to be persistent to be
Who might be interested in this book: Readers
who enjoy historical fiction, particularly stories
with strong female protagonists, a mystery element,
and a well-researched depiction of a bygone era
This piece of historical fiction is inspired by the life
and diary of Martha Ballard, an 18th century midwife
and healer. She kept a diary, as did her mother
before her, and recorded the births, deaths, crimes,
and happenings in her close-knit community. She is
heard. When she comes upon a crime, she is determined
to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrator to justice.
This she pursues with dogged determination at much risk
to herself and her family. The story is a reminder of how
women fought for their voices to be heard in a society
that sought to silence them.
I would recommend this book because it keeps you
engaged with suspense and page-turning revelations.
I enjoyed the tense, thrilling storytelling and often
found myself reading “just one more page.”
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