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.
An Interesting & Delightful Read!
A simply marvellous read!
On the death of his brother, Fred acts to fulfil his sibling’s dying wish and marries Mary, his sister-in-law, taking on responsibility for her three young children. Mary doesn’t want a marriage of convenience; she wants her husband to be in love with her and for them to build a life together. This is their story.
Every so often a book comes along where I don’t need to solve a mystery or a murder – or guess where a romance is heading and can just wallow in what I’m reading; this is one of those books!
According to Wikipedia, Fred Ward Olmsted (April 26, 1822 – August 28, 1903) was an American landscape architect, journalist, social critic, and public administrator. Author Gail Ward Olmsted has written an endearing novel encompassing both his professional and their private life and it is a truly delightful read. I must admit, as a Scot, to never having come across Fred Olmsted before so this has been a learning curve and I am in awe of the man’s obvious talents! Like many before him, Fred wouldn’t have done nearly as well in his career – and indeed, in life, without a strong woman by his side and Mary is fascinating in her own right. Such an interesting read and one I have honestly enjoyed from beginning to end through all the ups and downs – and there are plenty of both! Definitely recommended and one I’m happy to give 4.5*.
My thanks to the author for my copy; this is – as always – my honest, original and unbiased review.
Tags: historical biographical fiction
- Format: ebook, paperback
- Size: 315 pages
- Publisher: Black Rose Writing
- Publication Date: 29 July 2021
- Book Links:
- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57441320
- https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/landscape-of-a-marriage-gail-ward-olmsted/1139037070
- https://www.waterstones.com/book/landscape-of-a-marriage/gail-ward-olmsted/9781684337217
- https://wordery.com/landscape-of-a-marriage-gail-ward-olmsted-9781684337217
- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Landscape-Marriage-Central-Park-Beginning-ebook/dp/B0947331QQ
Author Details
I enjoy writing about quirky, lovable women in search of their happy ever after! My newest title- Landscape of a Marriage, is historical fiction. It’s the story of renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted told through the eyes of Mary, his wife of 44 years. Watch for it this summer!
A hopeless romantic, I am married to the love of my life. My favorite role is that of mom to two young adults and I enjoy reading, boating, knitting, music and traveling.
- Website: https://www.gailolmsted.com/
- Twitter: @gwolmsted
- Facebook: @gailolmstedauthor
- Instagram: @gwolmsted
Grace J Reviewerlady 