Afternoon Book Club February Selection
TUESDAY AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB – FEBRUARY 2026
In 1776, 250 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The United States included the thirteen colonies along the eastern coast. The Tuesday Afternoon Book Club read a book set on the eastern coast, Maine, in 1789, only thirteen years after the signing of the Declaration. The book “The Frozen River,” by Ariel Lawhon was inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, an 18 th century midwife who wrote herself into American history.
When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine the cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she learns 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 one of the town’s most respected men – 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 the winter in Maine, as the trial nears, gossip and stories grow. Martha continues to learn the truth. Her diary soon lands her at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves and forcing Martha to make difficult decisions.
The book gives an inside look at a 1790’s Maine community with many of the issues and concerns of the community members. Martha is an advocate for women, even in the early days of our country.
This book, published in 2023, has recently been a popular choice of Historical Fiction throughout the area. The Book Club is able to borrow their books through the Southeastern Minnesota Libraries Cooperating system, but were unable to secure enough copies for its members until now. Author Lawton introduces us to a strong woman who refuses to accept anything other than justice at a time when women were kept in the background. This was a story of a remarkable woman who helped lead her community. Book Club members enjoyed the book and strongly recommend “The Frozen River” to all who enjoy reading. Stop by the LeRoy Public Library to check it out. If you enjoy Historical Fiction this is a book for you!
Request your copy here:
