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Gail Ward Olmsted
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Katharine's Remarkable Road Trip Kindle Edition

by Gail Ward Olmsted (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,061 ratings

"Kate makes me want to take a road trip. She's lovable and charming, and her voice... SO GOOD." -Kerry Chaput, author of the Defying the Crown series

"An uplifting and heartwarming tale of resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of a life brimming with adventure and purpose." –Booklist

If you loved Landscape of a Marriage by Gail Ward Olmsted, you'll absolutely adore Katharine's Remarkable Road Trip.

In the fall of 1907, Katharine decides to drive from Newport, Rhode Island to her new home in Jackson, New Hampshire. Despite the concerns of her family and friends that at the age of 77 she lacks the stamina for the nearly 300-mile journey, Katharine sets out alone. Over the next six days, she receives a marriage proposal, pulls an all-nighter, saves a life or two, crashes a high-society event, meets a kindred spirit, faces a former rival, makes a new friend, takes a stroll with a future movie mogul, advises a troubled newlywed, and reflects upon a life well lived: her own!

Join her as she embarks upon her remarkable road trip.

Katharine Prescott Wormeley (1830-1908) was born into affluence in England and emigrated to the U. S. at the age of eighteen. Fiercely independent and never married, Kate volunteered as a nurse on a medical ship during the Civil War, before founding a vocational school for underprivileged girls. She was a philanthropist, a hospital administrator, and the author of The Other Side of War: 1862, as well as the noted translator of dozens of novels written by French authors, including Moliere and Balzac. She is included in History's Women: The Unsung Heroines; History of American Women: Civil War Women; Who's Who in America 1908-09; Notable American Women: 1607-1950; A Biographical Dictionary; and A Woman of the (19th) Century: Leading American Women in All Walks of Life and figures prominently in With Courage and Delicacy: Civil War on the Peninsula by Nancy Scripture Garrison.

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  1. Print length
    231 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    June 13, 2024
  4. File size
    3.2 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

woman ahead of her time novel, great character voice fiction, fascinating woman biographical fiction

woman ahead of her time novel, great character voice fiction, fascinating woman biographical fiction

woman ahead of her time novel, great character voice fiction, fascinating woman biographical fiction

woman ahead of her time novel, great character voice fiction, fascinating woman biographical fiction

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An uplifting and heartwarming tale of resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of a life brimming with adventure and purpose." -Booklist

"Embark on the trip of a lifetime alongside Katharine Wormeley, an inspirational and charming historical character - a must-read!" -Sublime Book Review

"A captivating read infused with the essence of biographical historical fiction" as well as "a deep and nuanced exploration of the life and times of a truly remarkable woman." -Literary Titan

"They say the best authors reveal character not by describing it to the reader, but by revealing it through the protagonist's actions. I dare you to find anyone better at this art than Olmsted." -Cam Torrens, bestselling author of Stable and False Summit

"The characters are diverse and well developed, the memories are vivid, and Olmsted's flawless descriptions of early 20th century America will put you in Kate's shoes for the entire journey." -Gary Gerlacher, author of Last Patient of the Night and Faulty Bloodline

"If you love genuine characters and the commentary that's shared, as well as more than a few surprises, be sure to pick up Katherine's Remarkable Road Trip, and join her on the ride of a lifetime." -Mary Ann Noe, author of Water the Color of Slate

"This excellent novel reminds us that there are so many women in history whose stories need to be told. Because Katharine's life was so remarkable, it isn't too far-fetched to imagine that she did indeed have a remarkable road trip like this toward the end of her life." -Diane Nagatomo, author of The Butterfly Cafe

"With surprise turns and encounters along the way, I felt myself going right along on an adventurous ride and loving every minute of it." -Lucille Guarino, author of Elizabeth's Mountain

"The details of her trip will delight the reader as she challenges the mores and manners of the time, with only a nod to the requirements of the road. This novel is entertaining and informative, the best of both." -Shirley Miller Kamada, author of No Quiet Water

"Buckle up and take this quirky road trip with Kate. You'll want to hug her and call her friend." -Linda Rosen, author of The Emerald Necklace

"Kate makes me want to take a road trip. She's lovable and charming, and her voice... SO GOOD." -Kerry Chaput, author of the Defying the Crown series

"I enjoyed reading about Katherine's life. She sounds like a fascinating woman who was slightly ahead of her time." -Jean M. Roberts, multi-genre author

"A novel about travel, discovery and adventurous encounters that prompt new revelations and growth." -D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Gail Ward Olmsted was a marketing executive and a college professor before she began writing fiction on a full-time 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. After penning a pair of contemporary novels featuring a disgraced attorney seeking a career comeback (Miranda Writes, Miranda Nights) she is back to writing historical fiction featuring an incredible woman with an amazing story.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CV2VD98H
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Black Rose Writing (June 13, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 13, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.2 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 231 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 1,061 ratings

About the author

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Gail Ward Olmsted

Gail Ward Olmsted

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Gail Ward Olmsted was a marketing executive and a college professor before she began writing fiction on a full-time basis. A trip to Sedona, AZ inspired her first novel Jeep Tour. Three more novels followed before Landscape of a Marriage, a biographical novel featuring landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, a distant cousin of her husband's, and his wife Mary. Miranda Fights is the third book in the Miranda Quinn Legal Twist series. Olmsted enjoys writing about quirky, wonderful women in search of a second chance at a happy ever after. When not writing, she loves being on the water, especially in a kayak. She is well known for her blonde brownies, and coffee is her love language. For more, visit her on Facebook at gailolmstedauthor.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,061 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's story engaging, with one noting how each chapter kept them captivated. They appreciate the character development, particularly the portrayal of Katharine as an amazing woman who met many interesting people. The writing style receives positive feedback for being well-crafted, though opinions on readability are mixed, with some finding it a very boring read.

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34 customers mention "Story quality"34 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story's historical accounts and find it delightful, with one customer noting how each chapter kept them engaged.

"I so enjoyed traveling with Katherine , she reminded me of .my grandma who lived to be 100 years old and was as feisty as Katherine...." Read more

"The facts of this woman's life, plus the story the author created To showcase her life, resulted in an entertaining, delightful read." Read more

"...The biographical note at the book’s beginning, as well as a map of Katharine’s trip from Newport, Rhode Island to Jackson, New Hampshire, definitely..." Read more

"What an inspiring historical read!..." Read more

28 customers mention "Enjoyment"28 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and incredible, with one noting it's a quick read.

"...What a great read, thank you." Read more

"...plus the story the author created To showcase her life, resulted in an entertaining, delightful read." Read more

"...Rhode Island to Jackson, New Hampshire, definitely helped ready me for the reading journey...." Read more

"...This is a quick and a feel-good read." Read more

21 customers mention "Character development"21 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly the portrayal of Katharine as an amazing woman who meets many interesting people, with one customer noting the refreshing perspective of a female main character.

"...Read this beautifully crafted work of fiction based on a true heroine in American history...." Read more

"Miss Kate was an early example of an independent woman. The story is enhanced by the customs and charming settings...." Read more

"...All the wonderful stories about her old friends, her meeting new friends, and her adventures on the road!..." Read more

"This was one I couldn’t put down. The descriptions of the people, the businesses and homes and especially the scenery were wonderful...." Read more

5 customers mention "Writing style"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, describing it as well-written, with one customer noting its sprightly tone.

"...The style was reminiscent of books written in the time period in which the story is set. A great read!!" Read more

"This was a well written book and it did hole my attention. I wish they had told what was wrong with the woman since it was referenced quite often." Read more

"This was the book I needed right now. Well-written, sprightly, empathetic, to the point. Thank you. Looking forward to reading your other work." Read more

"...And this book does that. The writing was excellent, the characters clever and interesting, and the premise was fun...." Read more

6 customers mention "Readability"4 positive2 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's readability, with some finding it a very boring read.

"...A SHORT LIGHT READ" Read more

"...of her life as a young woman, was boring, slow and a literary torture for me to read. Time would have been better served watching water drip." Read more

"Quick read! Light with interesting characters" Read more

"...Short, fun, and inspiring." Read more

Enjoyable and informative historical fiction
5 out of 5 stars
Enjoyable and informative historical fiction
I thoroughly enjoyed accompanying Katherine on her 1907 road trip from Newport, RI to Jackson, NH, learning about her life and times, and being reminded that the journey is just as important as the destination.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful trip with a remarkable lady
    Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I so enjoyed traveling with Katherine , she reminded me of .my grandma who lived to be 100 years old and was as feisty as Katherine. What a great read, thank you.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars A delightful story
    Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The facts of this woman's life, plus the story the author created To showcase her life, resulted in an entertaining, delightful read.
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  • Susan S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Remarkable Read!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Almost instantly, I felt like I was sitting next to Katharine on her 270-mile road trip in 1907. The biographical note at the book’s beginning, as well as a map of Katharine’s trip from Newport, Rhode Island to Jackson, New Hampshire, definitely helped ready me for the reading journey.

    I was in awe and admiration of the 77 year-old Katharine’s ability to come to terms with a dire medical prognosis. Rather than pulling the covers over her head, she embarks on what she knows will be her last adventure. And why not a road trip? A single woman and fiercely independent, she sets off. And amazingly, she is still able to care for others, and even medically assist those in need, much the way she always had.

    What I love about this novel is that it’s not only a retrospective of a life well lived, but the life of someone still looking forward to more excitement and adventure—despite the odds. Olmsted immediately builds suspense: readers don’t know what obstacles will potentially slow Katharine down. Will it be the road conditions? Her health? A single woman driving along in 1907?

    Despite Katharine being an elderly woman who lived over a century ago, there is something modern about her personality. Maybe it’s because she’s open-minded, frank, and not afraid of dealing with her feelings. I found it fascinating to read about those she loved, as well as her feelings of being single. There is much to be admired about her. Hers was truly a remarkable life! Olmsted has the ability to breathe life into historical figures through her fiction, as we saw in her earlier book, Landscape of a Marriage. I loved how having read it further enriched my reading experience of Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip.

    Read this beautifully crafted work of fiction based on a true heroine in American history. Thank you Gail Ward Olmsted for passing down Katharine’s legacy!
    13 people found this helpful
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  • Bonnye Reed Fry
    5.0 out of 5 stars an incredible trip~
    Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    What an inspiring historical read! I enjoyed every mile of this trip with Katharine in her first unaccompanied 1907 road trip from her home in Newport, RI to her other home in Jackson, NH. There were so many occasions when despair could have been her reaction to the trials and restraints imposed upon her, a single elderly female having the audacity to travel without male accompaniment, but we ride with her on a high of independence and joy. And boy, am I more appreciative of the degree of autonomy we have in 2025 - there are still things that need addressing, but we have come a long way, baby. Gail Ward Olmsted is an author I will follow. This is a book I would encourage anyone over the age of 50 to enjoy reading. You youngsters will get a kick out of it as well, but you might not understand the importance of these 'new' freedoms.
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  • C. Henry
    3.0 out of 5 stars delightful, yet predictable
    Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Miss Kate was an early example of an independent woman. The story is enhanced by the customs and charming settings. This is a quick and a feel-good read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Ann Onymous
    4.0 out of 5 stars simple and lovely
    Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A light tale of casual encounters with a diverse unexpectedly communicative variety of people randomly encountered. A SHORT LIGHT READ
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  • Harold F. Brown
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    If you enjoy being allowed to share the vision an author paints of another place and time, then set aside a few hours and a pot of coffee. This book is a gem.
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  • Andrea Price
    5.0 out of 5 stars Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip
    Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed this book! All the wonderful stories about her old friends, her meeting new friends, and her adventures on the road! I especially enjoyed her times with her one-time lover, and how they spent time reminiscing of old times. It was all in all delightful!
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • LP
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in Canada on March 20, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Enjoyed the story
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  • LenaG
    5.0 out of 5 stars Friendship and Adventure
    Reviewed in Canada on June 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Katharine's Remarkable Road Trip reveals a generous, independent, and skilled protagonist from a time when many women were mainly wives and mothers. "Spinster" Kate lived a full life with few regrets, many accomplishments, and dear friends. If only we were all so lucky as to appreciate what we have, the experiences we've gained, and the friends met along the way-one of Olmsted's finest.
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