Historical Fiction · Free kit
The Frozen River
In the brutal winter of 1789, the Kennebec River freezes solid, entombing a man in the ice. Midwife Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. She identifies Joshua Burgess—one of two men accused of raping a pastor's wife four months earlier. When Martha declares the death a murder, not an accident, she sets herself against powerful men who want the truth buried. Over one long, unforgiving Maine winter, Martha's diary becomes evidence in a rape trial, her family is torn apart by secrets, and she must decide what justice looks like when the law fails women. Based on the real-life diary of an 18th-century midwife who delivered over 1,000 babies without losing a mother, The Frozen River is a gripping historical mystery about a woman who refused to stay silent.
“Memory is a wicked thing that warps and twists. But paper and ink receive the truth without emotion, and they read it back without impartiality.”
Complete free book club kit
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Plan your meeting
BookClubee take
Vibe check
Our editorial snapshot of how this book tends to land at club night — not a crowd average.
Craft
- Overall4
- Plot5
- Characters5
- World building5
- Ending4
How it feels
- Spice1
- Tears4
- Surprises5
- Humor1
- Comfort2
What’s in this kit
Everything below is free — open a section, use it at your meeting, or print what you need. No account required.
- Discussion Questions20 book-specific questions labeled warm-up, debate, and deep dive.
- Icebreakers15 fast warm-ups about the reader — not the plot.
- CharactersProfiles, dynamics map, and superlative awards.
- Trivia20 interactive questions from easy to hard.
- Would You Rather25 impossible choices inspired by the book.
- BingoPrintable book-club bingo for reading and live discussion.
- This or That40 rapid-fire choices plus a 60-second speed round.
- Speed DebatesPick a side and defend it against the clock.
- Hosting GuideShopping list, timeline, surprise touch, and wrap-up.
- PrintablesStickers, quote cards, invites, and review sheets.
How to run your meeting
1. Warm up
Start with icebreakers or a quick trivia round.
2. Discuss
Use the labeled discussion questions — warm-up to deep dive.
3. Play & wrap
Would You Rather, bingo, or a speed debate — then rate the book.
Frequently asked questions
Is this The Frozen River book club kit free?+
Yes. Everything on this page is free — discussion questions, games, trivia, and hosting tips. No account required.
Was Martha Ballard a real person?+
Yes. Martha Ballard was a real midwife who kept a detailed diary from 1785 to 1812 in Hallowell, Maine. She delivered over 1,000 babies without losing a mother in childbirth. The rape trial involving Judge Joseph North and Rebecca Foster actually happened. Ariel Lawhon based her novel on Martha's diary but took creative liberties with dates, events, and character details for narrative purposes. The book is inspired by Martha's life, not a documentary account.
Does the discussion guide spoil the book?+
Absolutely. The discussion questions, trivia, character profiles, and debates include major spoilers—especially about who killed Joshua Burgess, Martha's son Jonathan's involvement, the frontier justice ending, and North's fate. Finish The Frozen River before diving into those sections. Icebreakers work spoiler-free.
What's in the Premium Kit?+
The Premium Kit on Etsy is the full printable pack: discussion guide, character cards, trivia, bingo, games, hosting checklist, and review sheets — ready to print for your meeting.
How long should our The Frozen River book club meeting run?+
Plan 75–90 minutes: 10 minutes of icebreakers, 40–50 minutes of discussion (this book generates passionate debate about justice, women's rights, and moral choices), 15 minutes of games, and a wrap-up. The Hosting Guide includes a detailed timeline.
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