Join us to discuss this month’s selectio, "The Frozen River" by New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction Ariel Lawhon.

Inspired by the Pulitzer Prize-winning diaries of Martha Ballard, Lawhon’s new book tells the tale of the renowned 18th century midwife and healer who finds herself at the center of a shocking murder that unhinges her small community of Hallowell, Maine.

Ballard had just finished delivering a baby in the early morning hours of November 1789 when she was called to examine a body found in the Kennebec River. Upon her arrival to the scene, Ballard instantly recognized the body — it belonged to one of two men accused of having assaulted her friend Rebecca Foster. Unfortunately, the other man accused is local judge Joseph North — who was firmly determined to discredit Ballard and Foster’s account. When the locals begin to point fingers as to who is to blame for the murder, Ballard’s son falls under suspicion. It later became clear that to save him, she would have to track down the killer herself. As the wheels of justice turn, Ballard bears witness and must fight against the puritanical forces that will stop at nothing to tear her family apart.
 All are welcome, even if you didn’t read or finish the book. Grab a bite to eat or something to drink while waiting for others to arrive.

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