Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip by Gail Ward Olmsted | #BiographicalFiction #Historical @gwolmsted @BlackRoseWriting @BRWpublishing
First Thoughts:
My introduction to Katharine came through Gail Ward Olmsted’s “Landscape of a Marriage,” and her latest effort captivated me just as deeply, if not more so. I was thrilled to be offered the chance to review “Katherine’s Remarkable Road Trip” as Olmsted’s books always entertain as well as inform.
Book Details
Katharine's Remarkable Road Trip by Gail Ward Olmsted
Published by Black Rose Writing on June 13, 2024
Genres: Biographical Fiction
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 242
In the fall of 1907, Katharine decides to drive from Newport, Rhode Island, to her home in Jackson, New Hampshire. Despite the concerns of her family and friends, that at the age of 77 she lacks the stamina for the nearly 300-mile journey, Katharine sets out alone.
Over the next six days, she receives a marriage proposal, pulls an all-nighter, saves a life or two, crashes a high-society event, meets a kindred spirit, faces a former rival, makes a new friend, takes a stroll with a future movie mogul, advises a troubled newlywed, and reflects upon a life well lived; her own!
Join her as she embarks upon her remarkable road trip.
Katharine Prescott Wormeley (1830-1908) was born into affluence in England and emigrated to the U. S. at the age of eighteen. Fiercely independent and never married, Kate volunteered as a nurse on a medical ship during the Civil War, before founding a vocational school for underprivileged girls. A lifelong friend and trusted confidante of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, she was a philanthropist, a hospital administrator, and the author of The Other Side of War: 1862, as well as the noted translator of dozens of novels written by French authors, including Moliere and Balzac. She is included in History’s Women: The Unsung Heroines; History of American Women: Civil War Women; Who’s Who in America 1908-09; Notable American Women, A Biographical Dictionary: 1607-1950 and A Woman of the 19th Century: Leading American Women in All Walks of Life.
Source: Received from the author or publisher for review.
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Purchase Links for Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Olmsted, Gail Ward (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 231 Pages - 06/13/2024 (Publication Date) - Black Rose Writing (Publisher)
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My thoughts on Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip
“Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip” captivates readers with the adventures of the late American philanthropist Katharine Prescott Wormeley.
My introduction to Katharine came through Gail Ward Olmsted’s “Landscape of a Marriage,” and her latest effort captivated me just as deeply, if not more so.
One of the joys of reading is when a narrative prompts immediate online research, and this book certainly sparked that curiosity. It led me to delve into Katharine’s life and the more details of Fred Olmstead’s experiences. My research even extended to keeping detailed notes, though I sometimes had to take notes on a second trip through a passage. I became so caught up I could not stop reading.
While I could easily expound upon Katharine’s character and exploits, brevity beckons.
Every aspect of this narrative is captivating, from Katharine’s unapologetic approach to life and her defiance of societal norms to the compelling mystery surrounding her health. The result is a page-turner that refuses to be set aside.
Katharine emerges as a multifaceted character, simultaneously down-to-earth, relatable, sassy, profound, and engaging. She not only defied the conventions of her era but also defined her own path.
Narrated in the first person, Katharine’s unfiltered honesty about her strengths and weaknesses adds a layer of authenticity and depth that elevates the story to new heights. It’s this raw honesty that truly sets the narrative apart.
I would have difficulty assigning a genre to Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip. Let’s just say if you are a fan of narrative nonfiction, historical fiction, biographical fiction, or strong, independent women, this is a book you simply must read.
I received an early digital copy of the book from the author, publisher, or tour company.
This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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I love to read books through my Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription.
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About Gail Ward Olmsted
About Gail Ward Olmsted:
A family trip to Sedona, AZ prompted me to start writing JEEP TOUR, my first novel. I fell in love with the red rocks and blue skies. My second novel is Guessing at Normal, a rock and roll love story. Driving on the Left, a romantic sequel of sorts to JEEP TOUR is based in Ireland. Second Guessing, a contemporary romance, follows Jill's story from Guessing at Normal.
Landscape of a Marriage is a historical fiction on the lives of park builder Frederick Law Olmsted and his late brother's widow, Mary.
I enjoy writing about quirky, lovable women in search of their happy ever after. Second chances, do-overs, fresh starts: whatever you want to call them, our ability to reinvent ourselves is a beautiful thing.
My latest is Miranda Writes, a contemporary novel with a legal twist. You'll fall in love with Miranda Quinn, a disgraced attorney seeking, you guessed it, a career comeback. And her love life could use a jump start too!
A hopeless romantic, I am married to the love of my life. My favorite role is that of mom to two young adults. I enjoy reading, boating, knitting, music, and traveling.
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Purchase Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip online from your local bookstore.
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Reviews of Gail Ward Olmsted Books
Miranda Writes: Legal Twist Book 1
Miranda Nights: Legal Twist Book 2
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Last Thoughts:
Do you enjoy books that feature actual historical figures in a fictional setting? I’m finding this to be one of my favorite types of books. Let me clarify that, as long as the book and real people are historically accurate. Like many readers, if I stumble across words, attitudes, or implements that were not yet used in the time period, it pulls me out of the narrative.
One of the best things about reading a Gail Ward Olmsted story is that you know it’s well-researched and equally as well-written. You can enjoy it from start to finish without losing the narrative. Of course, if you’re like me, you’ll be deep-diving Wikipedia to learn more about the fabulous characters and events included in the book.
Happy reading,
Gina
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This sounds like a fun one. I hadn’t heard of it before, so thanks for the heads-up!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
This sounds so interesting and matches my reading tastes!
I’m sure you will love it. Well-researched narrative non-fiction, or at least that’s what I would call it.
I am definitely intrigued by this book. I love biographical fiction, as I always learn something. Katharine sounds like the kind of lady I would like to be, or at least be friends with. Great review, Gina.
Thanks, Carla. I love biographical fiction too. Katherine’s story and Fred Olmsted’s story go together well. I nearly wore out Wikipedia search while reading them.
I love when a book sends me down that search rabbit hole.
I’m intrigued!
I think you would like it, Carol. Have you read Landscape of a Marriage? It’s not necessary to read one before the other, but they have a nice connection.
No I haven’t.