Gina Rae Mitchell

Landscape of a Marriage: Central Park Was Only the Beginning by Gail Ward Olmsted

 

Book Details

Landscape of a Marriage by Gail Ward Olmsted
Published by Black Rose Writing on July 29, 2021
Genres: Fiction, Clean Romance, Enviromental, Family Life, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance, Saga, Women's Literature, History, Marriage or Divorce, Biography
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 314

A marriage of convenience leads to a life of passion and purpose. A shared vision transforms the American landscape forever.

New York, 1858: Mary, a young widow with three children, agrees to marry her brother-in-law Frederick Law Olmsted, who is acting on his late brother’s deathbed plea to "not let Mary suffer”.

But she craves more than a marriage of convenience and sets out to win her husband’s love. Beginning with Central Park in New York City, Mary joins Fred on his quest to create a 'beating green heart' in the center of every urban space.

Over the next 40 years, Fred is inspired to create dozens of city parks, private estates, and public spaces with Mary at his side. Based upon real people and true events, this is the story of Mary’s journey and personal growth and the challenges inherent in loving a brilliant and ambitious man.

Source: Amazon Purchase, Kindle Unlimited, NetGalley, Received from the author or publisher for review.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My thoughts on Landscape of a Marriage

Landscape of a Marriage is a historical fiction novel based on truth. The story is told from the perspective of Mary Perkins Olmsted, wife of Frederick Law Olmsted. Fred is the creator of Central Park as well as many other famous parks and venues. When dealing with a visionary genius such as Fred, the wife and family play an important role. This tale is no exception.

The historical facts sprinkled throughout the tale make this mesmerizing reading. Widowed Mary travels from Europe to the United States with her young children. When she turns to her brother-in-law for help, she never expects him to marry her for convenience. This marriage turns to love and endures many trials and tribulations over the expanse of years.

Mary works diligently to keep the family together and help her husband with his dreams and projects. Taking place in the 1800s, it’s not always easy for a woman to make decisions and get respect for her work.

While tragedy strikes often within the family, Mary does her best. When she does succumb to a bout of depression, her children and best friend Anne are there to help.

The everlasting friendship between the wives of two brilliant men and business partners is a testament to both women. They may face rocky moments in their friendship, but it endures.

Fred and Mary’s relationship with their children encompasses expectations and learning to let go. Even through tragedy, family is everything.

I had not heard of Fred Olmsted before I read this book. Since reading it, I have found references to him everywhere. I even saw him as a clue on Jeopardy recently.

The story is entertaining and educational. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read and review Landscape of a Marriage.

I may have received this book from the author or publisher to review. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Purchase Links for Landscape of a Marriage

Amazon   Amazon UK     BookShop

Waterstones     The Book Depository

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Purchase Landscape of a Marriage online from a local Bookshop!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you would like to read more about the connection the author has to Fred Olmsted and the amazing research that went into this novel, please take a look at this blog post from Gail.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Amazon Easy Links

Landscape of a Marriage: Ce...Shop on AmazonLandscape of a Marriage: Ce...Shop on AmazonLandscape of a Marriage: Ce...Shop on Amazon

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Similar posts

I am Cuba by Matthew Cost

Yeshiva Girl by Rachel Mankowitz