The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

 I LOVED this book! Martha Ballard was a real midwife in 18th century Maine. As a midwife and often the only medical professional available, she is well respected in the community. Her connection with the women means that she is often the listening ear to cases of rape and unintended pregnancy. This time she has been asked to attend to the body of a man hacked out of the frozen river that runs through town. None of that is part of the real Ballard story but much of this fictional tale draws from Martha's real diary (A Midwife's Tale) also available in book form. Some things are surprising like the fact that the Puritans were a pretty randy lot. Some are expected like the fact that women as a whole have no legal standing in the community - Martha having a slightly different role. There is a scene between Martha and Ephraim her husband right after they rush to get married (it's complicated) that is one of the sexiest scenes ever and they never actually have sex. Tender, suspenseful, so well written. Yep one of my favorites.