Ariel Lawhon weaves an intriguing story around the diary entries and gives a view of life in the small town of Hallowell.
The story begins in Maine during the winter of 1789 when the Kennebec River froze, entombing a man's body. Later, a woman accuses the dead man and one of the town's most respected gentleman of rape. Martha is soon wrapped up in court trials along with her duties as a local midwife. Her diary becomes instrumental in showing local events and timelines.
