Ariel Lawhon, celebrated for her expertise in historical fiction, has earned critical acclaim and recognition as a New York Times bestselling author. Her literary works, celebrated for their rich historical narratives, have crossed global boundaries, being translated into various languages. Her novels have garnered prestigious accolades, including selections for Library Reads, One Book One County, Indie Next, Costco's Book Picks, and Book of the Month Club. Residing amidst the scenic rolling hills near Nashville, Tennessee, Lawhon shares her home with her husband, their four sons, a loyal black Labrador, and a uniquely eccentric cat. -- This description is pertinent to the paperback edition of her works.


Maine, 1789: In the midst of a harsh winter, the Kennebec River's surface turns to solid ice, tragically capturing a man within its frozen grasp. Called upon to investigate is Martha Ballard, a respected midwife and healer in Hallowell. Her diary, a meticulous chronicle of life's pivotal moments - from births to deaths, scandals to crimes - serves as a mirror to the town's concealed narratives. Notably, months before, her entries detailed an alleged assault by two esteemed men of the town, with one of them now discovered lifeless in the river's icy clutches. Despite Martha's initial findings, a local doctor controversially rules the incident as accidental, propelling her into an unexpected role as a sleuth in pursuit of the stark truth.

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