BjLucas book reviews

By Ariel Lawhon

This epic historical novel about Martha Ballard a midwife in 1789’s Maine. Not only is she called to do midwifery work but is called as a healer; often called for illness/injury of the public. Martha is called one night to exam a man found frozen in the river. She determined that the man was hung prior to being placed into the river to simulate he drowned. This man is one of two accused of sexually assaulting the wife of the minister. Martha has to contend with a young physician who has little experience with child birth. The physician is arrogant and doesn’t appreciate Martha’s ability and work. This sets up the plot for the rest of this novel. This excellently written and descriptive novel is a mystery that includes the well being of numerous characters and Martha’s family. I rated the book a 4.5 ⭐️ with closed door romance. I would highly recommend this historical mystery to all readers.