"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-wining Coffee Pot Book Club

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"Gail Olmsted's Landscape of a Marriage is the perfect pairing of life and art."

Deborah-Zenha Adams, author & blogger

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"The research of the era is dead-on... the writing is flawless."

Dave Wickenden, author of Mad Dog

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

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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. 

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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. 

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Jeep Tour  
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Guessing at Normal
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Driving on the Left
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Second Guessing
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Landscape 
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