Happy Thursday, friends!
It’s our second official BOOK CLUB!
Last month’s went SO WELL, so needless to say, I am GIDDY about today!
If you missed it, last month, our book club read and reviewed…
…The Last Love Note by Emma Grey. If you’ve read the book and want to participate in that conversation, you can visit that post HERE to comment/review/be a part of that book.
Before we get to today’s book, let’s revisit the “rules” of Shay’s Book Club:
Here are the details:
1: On the 22nd of each month, I will share a BONUS blog post that is only about the book we read together that month. So, if it falls on a weekend, look for it that day, if it falls on a Tuesday, expect a food post, a normal lifestyle post AND third post just for the book review discussion.
2: I picked the 22nd because I want this post to come out BEFORE our normal monthly BOOK REVIEW POSTS. I will still share my normal monthly book reviews (where I average 4 to 6 books a month) at the end of each month. I will reference said “book of the month”, but I will not be reviewing it on that post, I will be linking back to the BOOK CLUB POST. Why? Because I want all of the content about the one specific book club book in one spot instead of spread out over multiple spots.
3: Each month at the end of the Book Club blog post, I will share what the book will be for the following month. This will give everyone one month to read this one particular book.
4: Let’s be real, I’m going to try to pick new/popular/relevant books every month, but I’m also going to pick books that speak to me. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to share them with me. I’m going to *try* and make the books different genres each month. I would love for us to read a variety of fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, chick lit, thrillers, etc this year. That’s the *goal*.
5: What are the rules of the book club? I know a lot of book clubs have rules and perhaps I’ll add some as we go, but basically, if you want to read along with us, we’d love to have you and on the 22nd we’ll dive a little deeper in the comment section here about that one particular book. Easy as that! That post is the one place where we’ll discuss the book so that all thoughts/opinions/questions/etc can be in one location.
6: In this blog post and in the comment section, WE WILL BE DISCUSSING SPOILERS. If you are interested in reading this book, you might not want to read below this line. In FEBRUARY’S BOOK REVIEW next week, I will give a quick recap and let you know if I recommend the book or not, so if you haven’t read it, you might want to wait until that official BOOK REVIEW because there will be no spoilers and based on that, you can decide whether or not to read the book. Anything below this though will include spoilers as everyone commenting here has already read the book.
Make sense?
Here we go…
What did we read this month?
This…
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS!!!
I said last month that I was going to be really picky about which books I gave 5 Stars to and yet here we are because THIS BOOK WAS BRILLIANT!
From start to finish, I loved everything about this book and just like that…the bar has been set very, very high for me moving forward in 2024.
-Martha was a freaking rock star! I just loved her character so much. She was sassy, funny, witty and a bit sarcastic while also being tough as nails and determined. She brought the levity to the book that I sometimes needed when things were getting a bit serious as well as the heart of the story and the fortitude. She really was one character with “all the traits”. She was, at least in my opinion, the unexpected hero.
– I am the first person to say that I don’t love books written in ye olden times, but this novel did not read “ye olden” to me. It might have been set in the 1700s, but the story and character development read very modern to me which was quite honestly refreshing (as I hate to read new books set in olden times that feel OLD). This might have been set hundreds of years ago, but the relationships, struggles and triumphs felt modern enough to be relatable. I often find it hard to relate to people from the 1700s…but in this book, I did. I loved reading about their homes, their clothes, their lifestyles…I was rooting for their relationships, their businesses…it felt very “present day” even though it was far from it.
– I loved the relationship between Martha and her husband. I was so thankful that he always made it home to her. I was grateful he was supportive of her as an independent business woman. I thought their marriage and home life felt real, and I was thankful the author allowed him to be “her person” instead of making him in any way resentful/uninspired by her profession.
-I thought this book covered so many relevant topics from rape and sexual consent to stereotypes we place on others…it was rich in topics outside of just “who done it”. I loved how layered it was.
-Sarah White was an unexpected character for me. I loved that she didn’t end up with Cyrus but found her own happily ever after.
-The silver fox was an interesting detail woven throughout the entire story. His presence, though minor, was also kind of like an unspoken narrator.
-I loved that this novel was one big mystery built on family, small town living, and a woman with a whole lot of gumption and determination.
I LOVED IT!! Loved it.
Now, I’m excited to see what you thought about it!
I clearly loved this month’s book, but whether you did or didn’t, I think next month’s book might be a totally different read…
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
You guys, I *think* this one is a thriller! Based on the author and the synopsis, I think this one will be totally different than the other two we’ve read so far this year. We shall see in March! Book Club resumes on Friday, March 22nd!
Now, it’s time to discuss! Please head to the comment section to share your thoughts/feels/questions about our February book. Don’t forget! This is just one of three posts today! Make sure you check out MY MINI LEMON MUFFINS and my post on SIMPLE SPRING TOUCHES THAT INCLUDES A PROMO CODE FOR TJMAXX! You won’t want to miss either! xx
Kristen Thompson says
I was SO hesitant to read this book that in fact I did not pick it up until last week when I finally got curious enough to see what it was about and boy was I happily surprised! I am also not usually fond of books that take place in the 1700’s but this was amazing! I loved Martha and Ephraim and all of her kids. I loved the setting. I felt so deeply for all of the characters and was so invested! I liked that the author wove a familiar historical figure (Paul Revere) into the story. And I especially loved that the authors note at the end mentioned that Martha Ballard was a real person and midwife and a lot of the story was based on her real journal. It made me love her even more. 5/5 stars for sure!
Mix and Match Mama says
Me, me, and me in this comment. I could not agree more. I would not have read this book had it not been for our book club, and I am SO GLAD that I did!
Pamela Brightman says
I didn’t. I was hesitant. But now I will. I’m not a “ye olden times” kind of gal either but the reviews look good.
K.K. says
I’m in the same boat… I read the first three chapters already thinking I probably wouldn’t enjoy the time period, and I think it was distracted reading so I just didn’t connect. I let the month take over with other things, but now I’m pretty curious based on the feedback here!
Tiffani says
The book was tough for me to start off as it’s totally not my usual type of read. But the more I read, the more it captured my attention. It was very well written. Definitely stick with it.
Laura Grillo says
I loved this book as well. I wanted to transport myself into the story. I also loved that Martha was a real woman, and how the author used the information she could find about her to create much of the story. Looking forward to next month!
Becky says
I’m excited for March’s book because I am currently reading it! I loved The Frozen River. Five stars for me as well! I agree with all of your points. Ladies: find yourself an Ephraim!
Kelly Strylowski says
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and historical fiction even with a spin is not my cup of tea! I loved reading the author’s note at the end. The book stuck with me and was sad when it was over. Great choice for February!
Ellen says
A big ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me! The Frozen River was all I want in a book, great characters, a bit of mystery and a story so well written that everything comes together seamlessly, no holes or pieces that don’t belong. Thanks Shay, loved the book choice and now look forward to the next!
Mollie Wilson says
Completely agree! Loved this book! I especially loved how well the author allowed Martha to be relatable in her triumphs and mistakes.
Carlin says
I loved it as well! It was a book I would never have chosen based on the time period. The characters were so relatable and well-developed. Martha is a truly amazing woman. And, it wasn’t predictable! I definitely did not see that coming as far as who killed him.
Carin says
I, too, thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved getting to know Martha Ballard. I’m kind of embarrassed to admit that I went into this book not realizing it was based on a real person. After reading the author’s notes, I promptly googled Martha and happily went down a rabbit hole!
I never suspected Cyrus was involved in Joshua’s death and was very surprised to learn the identity of his killers. Part of me wanted Cyrus and Sarah to end up together, but I appreciated Martha’s detective skills in connecting Sarah’s fiance to North’s lies.
Though somewhat brief, I loved meeting Doctor and reading about the way these two women worked together. It was such a contrast to Martha’s experience with the young Dr. Page.
There were so many important and interesting themes woven throughout this book. I agree with the 5-star rating and keep recommending it to friends!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! I wasn’t sure where the Doctor was going to take us in the story, but I loved their relationship.
Annise says
FIVE STARS!! 🌟 I loved this book and was sad when it was over!! This shot to the top as one of my all time favorites!!
Carol Harp says
I thought the authors notes were beautiful! I absolutely loved this book and have recommended it to everyone I know!
Peyton Cline says
At first, I gave this book three stars, but then I kept thinking about the main character and found myself looking up more information about her, so I went back and changed my rating on Goodreads to 4 stars. She truly was a remarkable woman, and I thoroughly enjoyed delving into the life of a 1700s working woman. The only thing that caused me to give it 4 stars was all the characters – it was so hard to keep track of them all!!!
Gianna says
Rating: 2/5. I did not dislike the book, but felt it was very slow and somewhat repetitive. I liked Martha as a person, but felt her journal entries were so repetitive. I felt as though all of the birth stories were similar and there wasn’t anything that made me want to come back for more. The only part I will say that I enjoyed was learning how she became a midwife and the detail of asking the woman’s name before each birth showed what type of person Martha was and wanted to be remembered by.
Gabrielle says
I agree the book was a little slow at parts (even in the audio book version) I enjoyed the story of how she fell into the midwife profession. Did you read the author’s notes in the back? That was a favorite part of mine as well.
Lori Boyett says
Yes I enjoyed finding out that this was based on a true story and Martha was a very real person!!
Laura Costello Grillo says
I have some diaries of my relatives in the 1800s. That is exactly how they are. Repetitive and mostly talking about the mundane. I thought including her actual diary entries was a nice touch. That said, they are not the most exciting parts of the book!
Mix and Match Mama says
Wow! My family has kept nothing, I love that you have those (mundane) diaries!
cindy says
I loved this book. I wasn’t sure I was going to but after the first 2 pages I was hooked.
Mix and Match Mama says
I agree!! This was also me!
Jennifer says
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This was a five star for me! Loved everything about it for all the reasons Shay said. It will be tough to beat this one
Robin Waibel says
I LOVED this book. Also give it five stars. I I hope everyone read the Author’s Note at the end because it was like another mini book! Martha Ballard was a real midwife in the late 1700’s. That made the novel even more special to me!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES! I should have included that detail as well. I was thrilled to know this story had a real hero.
Stacy says
I loved loved this book, I gave it 5 stars. Martha I envisioned as dr Quinn medicine woman riding off to delivery babies in the middle of night coming home and making candles all while protecting women in her community. I loved that it was based on a real person and found the books just so good !
Gabrielle says
You are so right Stacy, She was like Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman! I used to love watching that show; now its making sense why I enjoyed this book so much! Martha was definitely ahead of her time and a jane of all trades!
Ericka says
What a wonderful book! I loved Martha’s strength and independence, while she still had such a sweet and loving relationship with her husband. I was worried when I first started the book that it would make every man be seen as terrible, but that was not the case at all! They had such sweet relationship and you saw her gentleness. I also loved Cyrus and his kind spirit as well. Her sassy personality and wit also made it such an enjoyable read!
I also loved reading about the births! So, so well written. Looking forward to next month’s book!♥️
Laci says
This is not something I would typically read, but so glad I did!
Mix and Match Mama says
I agree!!
Gabrielle says
I also LOVED this book so much! I listened to the audio book of this and the narrator was amazing. Like you Shay, I am not a huge fan of this genre but it felt so MODERN, I had to keep reminding myself, its not. Martha Ballard was so cool and feisty yet also down to earth. The relationship between her and Ephraim was endearing and something that I look for in real life. LOVED the fact the author talked about the real life connection at the end and little fun tidbits to wrap it all up. I was pleasantly surprised by this book! 🙂
Kay says
I am with you! I LOVED THIS BOOK. It is already right in first place for “book of the year,” and it’s going to be very, very hard for something to take its place.
As with you, I loved Martha. And even though the book was set a while ago, her struggles felt like what I face today! Being tired as we age. Struggling with how much independence to give growing teens, while wanting to keep them safe. Worrying about your husband when he’s far from home. Wanting to stand up for women who are being picked on by other women.
Like you said, I loved how positive the relationships were. Between husband and wife, and even between the “doctor” and Martha. I loved how Doctor was mysterious and talented but she worked with Martha in the most supportive and respectful way!
Anyway, LOVED LOVED LOVED this. And I’m looking forward to next month’s read too!
I’m halfway through Kristin Hannah’s newest “The Women.” It’s historical fiction (your favorite lol!). and might be a good read for book club. It’s been very interesting to read about women in Vietnam. Though, I think the Frozen River is much better written.
Love your book club so much-thanks for organizing this!
Jessica says
This might end up being my favorite book of the year. I couldn’t put it down. The author did such a fantastic job. I felt like a could picture the entire town and the characters felt so real. I will admit I spent half the book worried that something was going to happen to Ephraim. I just loved his character and his relationship with Martha so much. What a fantastic book! The ending was so satisfying!
Debbie Lang says
I would also give this a 5 star rating. I absolutely loved the book. It had me from the first few pages, all the twist and turns of the births, rape, trials, and the town relationships. Martha was a hero and I loved her relationship with her family.
Stephanie Gregory says
I LOVED this book! I was worried I would get bored since it takes place in the 1700s, but NO – there was so much to this story. Martha was such a strong and inspiring character. I loved seeing how she navigated her work, her family, her friendships, the hardships that were taking place in her community – all of it. I also loved seeing how supportive her husband was. This book may have took place hundreds of years ago, but it still feels like it resonates with us today.
Candice says
I loved Martha throughout the whole book. I was impressed with how boss she was, her strength and her courage led her far. I was impressed how she stood up to everyone that tried to bring her down. I thought the fox was interesting. I was very hurt in the book when Martha had to take a baby because it wasn’t wanted. Historical fiction is hard for me to get into but this book was very well written. I too found myself thinking how neat it would be to read whatever else there is on her and her diaries. I loved how’d she end her entries with “I was at home”
This was a good read. So many characters to keep track of, so I left it at a 4.
Thanks for doing this. I love this so much!
Mary says
I loved this book! and it being based on a real person makes it all the better- I am a pediatric nurse for over 25 years and work in a teaching hospital and can totally understand the new doctor that come into town and think they know everything 🙂 – I appreciated that relationship Martha had with him; this book also reminded me of Claire in “Outlander”- another nurse in that time era. I am looking forward to next months review- just got the book!
Christina Staggs says
Yes! Same….The whole time I was picturing Martha as Claire!
Leslie R says
I see this as being one of my top books of the year. It was so so good. Loved Martha, her wit, her relationships, everything about her. Thank you so much for including this one.
Sue says
Loved this book. Definitely 5/5 stars for me.
I am enjoying this book club so much!,,,
Amy Ms. Azza says
I loved this book, I loved that the antagonist got his you know what cut off, but I did not love the ending. I thought the last couple of chapters were slow and hoped it ended differently. I did love the author’s note at the end and loved how she gave us update on all of Martha’s kids.. I loved that they were based on real people. I do think that the book was unrealistic about the 1700s.. she made it seem like more modern. But I did love this book and could not put it down.
Yolanda McLean says
I completely agree how this didn’t read too 1700’s! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I enjoyed Martha’s family so much. I so appreciate the way her husband adored and cared for her. I hoped so much for Cyrus! Just all around *****!!!!!
Carolyn says
I also would never have chosen this on my own but I really liked it. Martha was inspiring and I loved her relationships with her husband and family. Did anyone else have a little trouble keeping track of all the characters? Overall, it was a great book!
BeckyM says
I really loved this book! I appreciated that for every truly horrible male character there was an honorable, decent one. Martha and Ephraim’s relationship was so beautiful.
I enjoyed Martha and Doctor’s relationship and how they respected and supported each other!
I liked the flashbacks and how it gave context to current happenings!
I’m not much into historical fiction (certainly not 1700s), but I’m definitely going to read more by this author. I know people loved her book Code Name Helene, so I’m adding that to my list!
Nicole Thomas says
I absolutely loved this book 💜 already looking forward to next months book club discussion!
Katy says
Gave it 5 stars as well! Loved everything about it!!
Kelly McClure says
I give this book 5 stars, as well. I do think there were so many characters, it was hard to keep track of at first. But I loved all the characters. I’m not sad about what happened to North! Martha was a truly remarkable woman!
Brittany Swain says
This was not a book I would have picked up as well! I loved it. As a mom, I loved how she always put her patients first and talked about how trust was so important in who delivered your babies. I loved that she put the doctor in his place and stood up for what she knew was right. However she never acted like she was all knowing and reached out to “Doctor” when needed. She relied on those around her. The section about losing her children to illness was heartbreaking for me. I thought it was depicted in a real and beautiful way. Great pick!
Tracy Robinson says
I was hesitant as well, but I loved it so very much. Thank you for always getting me to venture out of my comfort zone. 🙂 I have talked to everyone in my circle who reads and suggested that they pick it up immediately. I also immediately went to find out about this author’s other books and have started another one of her books, The Wife, The Maid, and the Mistress. It drew me in from the beginning as well. Highly recommend.
Joanne says
I nearly set this book aside when the beginning wasn’t grabbing me but I’m so glad I kept at it because it’s one of those that I keep thinking about and like it more and more now that the whole story is over. I tend to read way more into storylines after I’ve finished and can think the whole book over as one cohesive piece. I liked that this was a part of history and a region of the country that historical fiction doesn’t normally deal with.
Deb says
I loved this book and have recommended to two other book lovers. I checked out the biography from the library after reading because I liked her so much. Some of the relationships were modern in nature and others so frustrating, My granddaughter brought home Yellow Fever from school and I started reading it while babysitting. It’s also 1700 so I think I’m in a time warp!
Erika Slaughter says
WHAT A GREAT BOOK!!! My goodness! I don’t even know how any book will get close to topping this one! I loved it all! The characters, the setting, each and every struggle they faced, the investigation, Martha’s detective skills, etc. SUCH A GREAT BOOK! My only negative was there were so many characters I often got my Sarah’s and Sally’s mixed up and had to remind myself who was who but an outstanding novel! FIVE STARS from me!
Deb says
I loved this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! Martha was a rockstar and inspired me to read her biography. I was concerned the silver fox was doomed and was pleasantly surprised!
Stacy Mathis says
Loved this book so much! And I agree that many times I forgot what year it was in the book as all of the characters were so relatable. Loved Martha’s relationship with her husband. I read on my kindle and wish I had the book to flip back a few times. Definitely a 5 star for me!! Looking forward to next months book!
heather henderson says
I also really liked this book. In addition to everything that’s been mentioned, I enjoyed learning about the laws surrounding women’s rights. It reminded me that while we still have things to overcome, we’ve come a long way.
Diane says
Loved this read! The power of a name is what stood out to me. How knowing and using a persons Christian name (and not their husband’s given name) was so important to the midwives. That in using their “birth” name established trust and respect for the birth journey ahead of them. So so good! 5 ⭐️🫶
Julie Harris says
I had no idea there were Author’s Notes. I read the book on my Kindle and when it said I was finished, I just closed it. Now, because of all of the comments, I am going to go back and read about real-life Martha. Fascinating. Love this monthly book club…keep the great choices coming. 2/2 already in 2024!
Jayne says
I read this in December and loved it! Martha was such a fully formed character, and it was very satisfying that most of the characters were so multifaceted. I loved her relationships with her husband and her children and the mutual respect they had for one another. I’m a lawyer, so the legal aspects of the book were interesting-and maddening (can’t testify unless your husband is in the room! Grrrr). It was evocative and atmospheric. I found it so astonishing that she never lost a mother in childbirth – that would be amazing today but in that time period is almost miraculous – way to go, Martha! In fact, the stories of childbirth in the book were some of the most interesting parts for me. Frankly, I wouldn’t have made it as a 1780s woman lol. This is the first Lawhon book I’ve read but I will definitely be picking up her backlist titles.
Lori Boyett says
I loved this book from start to finish!! Five stars. Unlike others, I would have chosen this book just based on the cover. It had everything I love in a book, thanks for picking it!!
Amy says
Thought the book was really good! I’d probably give it a 4 out of 5 stars overall. It was a little slow “clicking” for me in the beginning. Anytime she’d switch to a new location I was flipping back to that little map sketch in the beginning & going “now wait where are we now??” Haha
I also had a little trouble keeping all characters straight..especially the female names seemed similar. I think there was even something in the authors notes about she even had to change one of the names from Martha’s journal because there were too many girls named ? (I forgot which name)
I think I saw at least one of you refer in your comments to “Outlander”…and yes! Martha reminded me in SO many ways of Claire from Outlander. Though it was 1700’s, such a modern woman perspective..and Claire is also very strong, opinionated, and a healer. (She delivers many babies too ;))
A great read..thanks for choosing this book!
Rea says
Uggg….ok I guess I’m in the minority here when I say – this book was not my favorite. I hate that and I’m so sorry!!! Don’t get me wrong- there were parts that I liked, but overall it just wasn’t for me. There. Were. So. Many. Characters. I found that throughout reading the book it was a lot of work and somewhat exhausting trying to figure out who was who and that just wore me out. When I read I think I just don’t want to work that hard. Did I love Martha and her strength and character? Absolutely loved her as well as Ephraim. Am I glad I read the book? Yes. I’m so happy to be doing this book club. I’m trying to stretch myself by doing this and reading things I might not normally pick up. I give this book 3 stars.
Yley Allen says
I loved this book! I bought it right as I was boarding a flight. I was in a rush to get it downloaded onto my phone, so I didn’t read the book blurb and had no idea what it was about going in. I was initially very surprised to be reading a story that took place in the 1700’s, but I was hooked right away. I loved Martha’s solid sense of self, her intelligence, and her determination. The writer did a great job of painting out the characters and the town. I really felt transported when I read this book. I couldn’t put it down. Learning that it was all based on a real person was a bonus that made the story feel even more special. I hadn’t read anything written by Ariel Lawhon before, but after reading The Frozen River, I had to buy another book of hers. I’m currently reading Code Name Helene and it’s really good so far. Thank you for this book choice!
Amy says
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this book as well! So good and loved the author’s note was great! I also enjoyed January’s book too and now I’m going to download The Heiress! Great books!
Leslie S says
One thing I love about having a kindle is that I can download a sample of the book and decide if it pulls me in — I was hooked so fast with this book. I finished in 2 days and I loved the book, the characters, the plot, the twists and even the end. Martha was such a great character. Thanks for choosing this book Shay bc I wising how read it otherwise. 5 star rating here.
Debbie Dunbar says
I am an avid reader of many genres. I don’t mind historical fiction if it is done well and this one was definitely well done! The subject matter was interesting and relatable! Great recommendation!
Linda says
I loved this book so much, 5 stars for me. I also wanted to read the author’s other books. I just finished The Wife, The Maid and the Mistress. It was another great story, also based on real people in the 1930’s.
Jennifer says
I have to be honest I almost DNF multiple times. By page 35 so mush had happened or was said it was very triggering. I kept telling my daughter that I wasn’t sure I could do it. I kept plugging along though. Seeing how Martha overcame so much was amazing and then to read this was an actual midwife blew my mind. How unbelievable is it that she was so successful in her job given the time period? Just amazing to me. I ended up liking the book but it was tough material.
Alexis says
I absolutely loved this book! An easy 5 stars for me. I agree with all of your thoughts and really want to read Code Name Helene now, too! Loving this book club and the picks!
Sarah Harp says
I’m a labor and delivery nurse of 18yrs and I loved it!!! Couldn’t put it down and would recommend to anyone. Thank you for the book recommendation, can’t wait to read next months.
Emilee says
I loved reading this book with such a strong female lead!
Reading about how Sarah nursed the newborn absolutely gutted me. I’m a nursing mama to my youngest, and have donated lots of my breastmilk. Reading about someone doing basically the same, but lots of years ago really touched me. This was a great book!
Heather Forcey says
I never would have chosen this book from the cover or title. I am so glad I read it! The entire book kept me enthralled from start to finish. I loved Martha’s relationship with her husband. I was terrified he was going to be killed while on that long trip. I also appreciated the scene where he chastised Martha for not helping the one lady with her headaches. Ephraim’s opinion mattered deeply to Martha and it was easy to see the respect they had for one another in their marriage. Five stars and one of the best stories I’ve read in a very long time.
Rayne Osborn says
This was a definite five star for me. I loved her character development-I was so invested in Martha and her whole family! I listened to it on audible and the narrator was very good. Although some of the content was so hard, it was still woven beautifully into a fantastic story.
Twila says
Fantastic read! Martha was a trailblazer of her time, and a very brave, intelligent, trustworthy woman. So many lead characters and so many twists in the story that peeked my interest in every page. Very thankful for the gains women have made in society and the legal progress of our court system.
Tracy says
5 stars for me as well! Being a health care professional myself, I loved reading about her work as a midwife. She was just such a smart independent woman who also had a large family and cared for others. My hero!!
Jordan says
Shay, I went to purchase The Heiress and it is saying it’s not available until November. How did you get ahold of it?! Thanks!! ☺️
Mix and Match Mama says
You must be looking at the paperback option. The hard cover copy and Kindle versions are out right now!
Kim Parks says
I LOVED this book!!! I read it in 3 days and was so sad to be done. Martha Ballard was an amazing woman. I found it so interesting that there were so many illegitimate births, drinking, violence, etc. just like today—not new issues. Reading about the 1700’s makes me thankful to be a woman today and not back then!
On another note, I tried to order The Heiress and it’s not going to be in print until November. Shay do you know where we can get a copy?
Anne Shepu says
I’m somewhat particular about what I read..and was really glad you suggested this book and introduced this author to us. I really enjoyed the book…and the history behind it…the fact that a real midwife lived a story with connections to this one…that’s just gravy! I will look for other Lawhorn books now! Thank you!
Kara says
This is one of the best books I’ve read and I’m so happy you’ve started this Book Club because this is most likely a book I never would have picked out myself. I also give this 5 Stars, I loved it! The writing was beautiful, witty, and you could not skip a beat because you would miss something important or clever that Martha had to say. You feel so many emotions, especially seeing how women were treated but I enjoyed the beautiful love story of Ephraim and Martha. I’m looking forward to starting the next book!
Barb says
At first I thought am I reading the right book. I thought that a second time but I pushed forward. I really like the relationship she had with her husband and vice/versa.
She was very passionate about her patients and
Wanted the best she could give them. I’m very glad I read the book.
Laura says
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!! Ditto to everything you said in your review. This will likely be one of my top books this year. I loved everything about it!
Aparna says
Shay I totally agree with your review a 100%! I am not into historical fiction either but I loved the setting, characters, story, just everything! I loved Martha & her husband (what a man! ;)) I too gave it 5 stars and was really curious what your rating would be…happy to see our opinions match 🙂
Excited to read the march book…looks right up my alley as I love thrillers.
Carolyn says
I didn’t read these reviews until today because I was late reading the book. I too loved it — best in a long time. Can we all agree to hate Judge North and cheered his fate at the end? 😂. I had been told it was based on a real person so was aware of that but so enjoyed the author’s note at the end. Loved Martha’s character and her snappy comebacks.
Terry says
Five stars for sure!! This was an excellent book. The first couple of chapter seemed slow. It was so different from last months is book that it was hard to get into. But once I did, it did not disappoint! Thanks for doing this book club, Shay. Now on to this month’s pick.
Terry says
OMG! I’ve just started The Heiress and was shocked by all the bad language. Not sure if I will continue to read it if it’s like this all the way through.