Landscape of a Marriage - by Gail Ward Olmsted

About the Book

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

Book Synopsis

"Landscape of a Marriage is a historical fiction masterpiece. Mary and Fred's relationship is wonderfully depicted and the history that is woven into this book is done so intricately and commendably." -Ellie Yarde, reviewer for the award-winning Coffee Pot Book Club

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.

Review Quotes

2023 Maxy Awards Finalist - Historical Fiction & Adventure

2021 The Historical Fiction Company - Bronze Medal Winner: Historical Biography

2021 American Writing Awards Finalist - Fiction: Historical

2021 American Book Fest Best Book Awards Finalist - Fiction: Historical

"Olmsted enriches the quotidian family drama with ample historical context, such as the couple discussing the Emancipation Proclamation with their children. Historical fiction fans may want to take a look" -Booklife

"...a good reminder that talented, accomplished people also have personal lives filled with love, joy, and sadness, not unlike other families. An excellent read!" -Readers' Favorite

"Landscape of a Marriage is a historical fiction masterpiece. Mary and Fred's relationship is wonderfully depicted and the history that is woven into this book is done so intricately and commendably. I highly recommend!" -Ellie Yarde, reviewer for the award-winning Coffee Pot Book Club

"Events like the Civil War, Tammany Hall corruption, and the World's Fair, seen through the lens of women and children, offer a poignant, personal glimpse into the past and into families everywhere." -Midwest Book Reviews

"I felt a strong connection to the well-developed characters and their experiences - compelling evidence of the skill of the author, who weaves fact and fiction into an unforgettable novel that should not be missed." -A.J. McCarthy, award-winning author of Faux Friends

"Author Olmsted has composed Mary's life events in short, often sweet, sometimes-sorrowful vignettes, revealing the grit of a heroine rolling with rapidly changing times." -Barbara Bamberger Scott, Editor, A Woman's Write

"Readers who enjoy a good historical setting and a well told family story will enjoy this book. Anyone interested in Fredrick Law Olmsted will definitely want to read this." -Jean Roberts, author of The Heron

"This lovely book features Frederick Law Olmsted, designer of parks, and his wife, Mary. I love stories of the wives of famous men, and it's even better when I learn about men I never knew about!" -Linda Ulleseit, Blogger-Empowering Unsung Women in History

"Landscape of a Marriage is a deeply thoughtful and emotionally charged historical fiction." -Literary Titan