Landscape of a Marriage

Central Park was only the beginning...

Fiction - Historical - Personage
315 Pages
Reviewed on 07/31/2021
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

Author Biography

Gail Ward Olmsted was a marketing executive and a college professor before she began writing fiction on a fulltime basis. A trip to Sedona, AZ inspired her first novel Jeep Tour. Three more novels followed before she began Landscape of a Marriage, a biographical work of fiction featuring landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, a distant cousin of her husband’s, and his wife Mary. Her latest book is Miranda Writes, a contemporary novel with a legal twist. Watch for it 9/8/22!

For more information, please visit her on Facebook and at GailOlmsted.com.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite

Frederick Law Olmsted is known as the “father of American landscape architecture.” He designed large city public parks as well as the grounds for private estates, academic institutions, and other famous sites. What is not as well-known are the facts about his wife, family, and other elements of his personal life. Olmsted felt obligated to marry his brother’s young widow, who had three young children, and Mary was determined to have a loving marriage. He soon fell deeply in love with her. In a historical novel based on true people and events, researched and penned by Gail Ward Olmsted, a compelling story is told. Landscape of a Marriage: Central Park was only the Beginning comprehensively portrays Fred and Mary’s life together, journeying through their marriage and his highly successful career.

One of the best features of this historical fiction novel is the seamless blend of personal and professional aspects, spanning over forty years of real life. Fred’s business partner and his wife became best friends, presenting challenges when the partnership dissolved. The Olmsteds had a large family which unfortunately suffered great losses. His frequent travels, often stretching for weeks at a time, were challenging for Mary. Author Gail Ward Olmsted writes in a smooth, flowing style, making this a captivating and easy-to-read book. It engages the reader from the first page to the last with its atmosphere and dialogue. Landscape of a Marriage: Central Park was only the Beginning, crafted by Gail Ward Olmsted, is truly a gem. It is a good reminder that talented, accomplished people also have personal lives filled with love, joy, and sadness, not unlike other families. An excellent read!