Okay so The Frozen River completely swept me away—pun slightly intended. I gave this one a solid 4 stars, and honestly, it’s only because I reserve 5s for books that completely wreck me emotionally. But this came very close.

Let’s talk about Martha. OH. MY. GOD. Martha is the kind of female protagonist that makes you sit up straighter, pull your shawl tighter (if you’re wearing one), and think “how can I channel this woman’s energy in my daily life?” I genuinely wish I could be her when I grow up. She’s fierce, sharp as a tack, and absolutely relentless in the pursuit of truth—while also navigating the heavy, often suffocating weight of being a woman in her time. Truly one of the most badass characters I’ve read in a long, long time.

The writing? Gorgeous. Ariel Lawhon doesn’t just tell a story—she paints it. The setting felt so vivid, like I could hear the crunch of snow under Martha’s boots and feel the chill seep into my bones. There’s so much to unpack in this book—from justice and morality to the devastatingly persistent issues surrounding how women are treated. And the worst part? So many of the struggles Martha faces are still relevant today. Like, how have we not moved past this yet?!

This book made me feel a lot—rage, admiration, heartache. And even though it’s historical fiction, it felt very present. If you’re into smart, gutsy heroines, tightly woven plots, and stories that don’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, The Frozen River should be on your list.