By Book Club Team 
If The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon captivated you with its blend of historical intrigue, a resilient female protagonist, and richly detailed storytelling, there are plenty of other books that offer a similar mix of mystery, historical depth, and strong women navigating difficult circumstances. Whether you’re drawn to novels about midwives and healers, historical crime and mystery, or books inspired by true stories, here’s a list of recommendations that will transport you to another time and place.
If you liked The Frozen River, you must read these
If The Frozen River captivated you with its rich historical detail, compelling mystery, and strong female protagonist, then you’ll love these must-read books! Each one delivers an unforgettable reading experience, blending real-life history with gripping storytelling. If you liked The Frozen River, you must read these—they’ll transport you to different eras where resilience, justice, and courage take center stage.
Historical Mysteries with Strong Female Leads
These books combine rich historical settings with gripping mysteries, featuring intelligent and determined women who challenge the expectations of their time.
The Paris Library – Janet Skeslien Charles
Set in WWII Paris and based on true events, this novel follows Odile, a young librarian at the American Library in Paris, who risks everything to join the Resistance. Decades later, her story intertwines with that of a lonely teenager in 1980s Montana, revealing secrets that have been buried for too long. A poignant tribute to books, bravery, and the power of knowledge.
The Woman in the Castello – Kelsey James
A mesmerizing gothic mystery set in 1960s Italy, this novel follows a struggling American actress who lands a role in a horror film being shot in a remote castle. As she settles into her eerie surroundings, she uncovers dark family secrets and the chilling history of the castello, making her question whether she’s trapped in a film—or a nightmare.
The Second Mrs. Astor – Shana Abé
A beautifully written historical drama about Madeleine Force Astor, the young wife of the wealthy and powerful John Jacob Astor IV. Swept into a glamorous but scrutinized marriage, her life changes forever when she boards the Titanic. This novel explores love, loss, and survival in the aftermath of one of history’s most infamous tragedies.
The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter – Hazel Gaynor
Inspired by the real-life Grace Darling, this novel spans generations to tell the story of a courageous lighthouse keeper’s daughter in 1838 England, whose daring sea rescue makes her an unlikely hero. A century later, a young pregnant woman arrives in Rhode Island, carrying secrets that connect her to Grace’s legacy. A moving tale of bravery, duty, and resilience.
The Tobacco Wives – Adele Myers
Set in 1940s North Carolina, this atmospheric novel follows Maddie, a young seamstress who is suddenly thrust into the world of the powerful wives of tobacco executives. As she discovers shocking truths about the industry’s effects on women’s health, she must decide whether to keep their secrets—or expose the truth, no matter the cost.
Books Featuring Midwives, Healers & Witches
If Martha Ballard’s role as a midwife in The Frozen River fascinated you, these books explore similar themes of women’s hidden work in medicine and healing throughout history.
The Wonder – Emma Donoghue
Set in 19th-century Ireland and inspired by real cases of “fasting girls” who claimed to survive without food, The Wonder follows English nurse Lib Wright, who is sent to observe an 11-year-old girl supposedly living on air alone. As she investigates the truth behind the girl’s condition, Lib confronts deep-rooted religious beliefs, scientific skepticism, and her own past. A haunting, suspenseful novel that explores the clash between faith, medicine, and the power of belief.
The Healer’s Daughter – Charlotte Hinger
In post-Civil War Kansas, former enslaved woman Bethany Herbert becomes a healer, using her knowledge of herbal medicine and midwifery to serve her community. But in a world still marked by racial tension and betrayal, her skills are both revered and feared. As she struggles to protect her family and her place in society, Bethany must decide how far she’s willing to go to defend her life’s work. A deeply moving novel about survival, legacy, and the power of healing.
The Witch’s Daughter – Paula Brackston
Blending historical fiction and fantasy, The Witch’s Daughter tells the story of Elizabeth Hawksmith, a woman who has lived for centuries due to the dark magic she once used to escape a deadly fate. As she teaches a young girl the ways of a healer and a witch, Elizabeth’s past begins to catch up with her. Spanning different historical periods, from the witch trials of 1628 England to modern-day life, this novel is a mesmerizing tale of magic, secrecy, and survival.
The Hummingbird’s Gift – Sy Montgomery
A beautifully written true story that explores healing in a different way—through the care of nature’s tiniest creatures. Sy Montgomery introduces readers to Brenda Sherburn, a woman who rescues and rehabilitates orphaned hummingbirds, nursing them back to health against incredible odds. Through its lyrical storytelling, The Hummingbird’s Gift reflects on the delicate balance of life, resilience, and the connection between humans and the natural world.
The Lady of the Rivers – Philippa Gregory
For fans of historical fiction infused with mysticism, The Lady of the Rivers tells the story of Jacquetta of Luxembourg, a powerful noblewoman during England’s Wars of the Roses. Rumored to have mystical abilities inherited from her ancestor, the legendary water goddess Melusina, Jacquetta uses her foresight and influence to shape the course of history. A gripping novel about power, destiny, and the often-overlooked role of women in political intrigue.
Books Inspired by True Events & Strong Women in History
Ariel Lawhon has a talent for bringing real historical figures to life, and if that’s what you loved about The Frozen River, these books will give you more stories of extraordinary women in history.
The Rose Code – Kate Quinn
A gripping World War II novel that follows three women working as codebreakers at Bletchley Park, the secret intelligence hub in England. Osla, Mab, and Beth form a deep bond as they decipher enemy communications, but as war tensions rise, betrayal threatens to tear them apart. Inspired by the real women who helped crack the Enigma code, The Rose Code is a fast-paced, thrilling story of friendship, espionage, and resilience.
The Marriage Portrait – Maggie O’Farrell
Step into the dazzling yet treacherous world of Renaissance Italy in this reimagining of the life of Lucrezia de’ Medici, a young woman forced into marriage at 16 to a powerful duke. When she mysteriously dies just a year later, questions swirl around her fate. Was she simply a pawn in a political game, or did she fight back against the forces that sought to control her? Maggie O’Farrell’s lush, immersive prose makes this historical mystery both heartbreaking and mesmerizing.
The Personal Librarian – Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray
This compelling novel tells the true story of Belle da Costa Greene, a Black woman who passed as white to become the personal librarian of J.P. Morgan in the early 1900s. A brilliant curator and art historian, Belle rose to power in the rarefied world of elite New York society while keeping her identity a secret. Her journey is one of ambition, resilience, and the sacrifices women of color have made to succeed in a world that tried to erase them.
The Kitchen Front – Jennifer Ryan
A heartwarming and uplifting novel set in WWII Britain, where food shortages and rationing have made daily meals a struggle. When the BBC launches a cooking contest to inspire wartime housewives, four very different women—an aristocrat, a kitchen maid, a war widow, and a trained chef—compete for a chance at a better future. As the competition heats up, friendships form, secrets are revealed, and these women discover their own strength and independence. Perfect for fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
Band of Sisters – Lauren Willig
Inspired by real-life events, this novel tells the story of a group of American women from Smith College who traveled to France during World War I to provide aid to civilians caught in the conflict. Facing unimaginable hardships, these women build makeshift hospitals, repair war-torn villages, and form a sisterhood that will change their lives forever. Band of Sisters is a testament to the power of female friendship and the courage of those who step up in the face of adversity.
More Ariel Lawhon Books You Might Like
If The Frozen River was your first book by Ariel Lawhon, don’t stop there! She’s written several other fascinating historical novels.
Flight of Dreams – Ariel Lawhon
A thrilling, suspenseful reimagining of the final flight of the Hindenburg, the iconic German airship that met a fiery end in 1937. Lawhon weaves together multiple perspectives—passengers, crew members, and a mysterious stowaway—to create a tense, character-driven novel that reads like a ticking time bomb. As secrets unfold and tensions rise onboard, the novel builds toward its inevitable, tragic climax, making you feel like you’re witnessing history in real-time. Perfect for fans of Titanic-style historical dramas with a mystery twist.
Code Name Hélène – Ariel Lawhon
A riveting World War II novel based on the extraordinary true story of Nancy Wake, an Australian journalist who became one of the most daring spies of the French Resistance. Told through multiple timelines, the book follows Nancy’s transformation from a glamorous socialite to a fearless leader who outsmarts the Nazis at every turn. With a mix of espionage, romance, and gut-wrenching bravery, Code Name Hélène is a must-read for fans of Kate Quinn’s The Alice Network or Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale.
I Was Anastasia – Ariel Lawhon
Did Anastasia Romanov, the youngest daughter of Russia’s last tsar, really die in 1918? Or did she escape and live under the name Anna Anderson? I Was Anastasia is a masterfully written dual-timeline novel that flips back and forth between the tragic final days of the Romanovs and the decades-long battle of Anna Anderson to prove her identity. Lawhon keeps readers guessing until the very end, unraveling the legend of one of history’s greatest mysteries with breathtaking storytelling.
The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress – Ariel Lawhon
Set in the glitzy yet corrupt world of 1930s New York, this historical mystery is based on the true-life disappearance of Judge Joseph Crater, a man who vanished without a trace in 1930. Lawhon reimagines the story through the perspectives of three women connected to him—his loyal wife, his ambitious mistress, and his street-smart maid—who each hold pieces of the puzzle. With crime, secrets, and noir-style glamour, this novel is perfect for fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo or The Girls in the Picture.