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.
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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.
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Purchase Links for Landscape of a Marriage
Waterstones The Book Depository
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Purchase Landscape of a Marriage online from a local Bookshop!
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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.
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.
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