Katherine’s Remarkable Road Trip by Gail Ward Olmsted was a blend of truth and fiction. It explored the impressive life of Katherine Prescott Wormely and in particular a rather unconventional road trip she took when she was at the ripe old age of seventy-seven years old. Katherine Prescott Wormely was a woman who embraced life and did things women living in the early 1900’s wouldn’t have dared to do. She was determined to drive herself from her home in Newport, Rhode Island to her home and final destination in Jackson, New Hampshire. Not many women in 1907 owned nor drove cars but Katherine Prescott Wormely not only owned the car she was driving but insisted on driving herself to final destination. She had mapped out her route and had picked particular places to stop along the way. It was on this six day journey of approximately three hundred miles that Katherine encountered several people who impacted her life. It goes without saying that Katherine impacted the lives of the people she met along her journey in a very meaningful way. Over the course of her journey, it became evident that Katherine was a kind, insightful, caring, intelligent and generous woman that made lasting impressions on the lives of the people she met along her route. Her life accomplishments were recognized as she recalled them when she reached out to the strangers she met on her journey.

I knew nothing about Katherine Prescott Wormely before listening to the audiobook of Katherine’s Remarkable Road Trip by Gail Ward Olmsted. She was quite an accomplished woman especially for the time she lived in (1830-1908). Katherine grew up in a loving home with her parents and sister in England. Her family was affluent and that afforded Katherine many opportunities that she might not have had otherwise. She emigrated to the United States when she was eighteen years old. During the course of her rich life, Katherine served as a volunteer nurse on a ship during the Civil War, founded a school for less fortunate girls, was a hospital administrator, an author and a respected translator for several well known French authors. She remained unmarried throughout her life but she had meaningful connections and relationships with a few men. The trip from Newport, Rhode Island to Jackson, New Hampshire was the final thing Katherine wanted to do despite her sister’s concerns, mainly due to her advanced age. Katherine’s Remarkable Road Trip by Gail Ward Olmsted was uplifting and very inspiring. I really enjoyed reading about Katherine’s journey, her accomplishments and her generosity. I recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction books that introduce little known facts about women who were both strong and independent.

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read Katherine’s Remarkable Road Trip by Gail Ward Olmsted through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip by Gail Ward Olmsted

Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip is a historical fiction story about Katharine Prescott Wormeley and her road trip from her family home in Newport, Rhode Island to her second home in Jackson, New Hampshire. The book explores different aspects of her journey, the difficulties of traveling alone in 1907, with a vehicle that’s too speed was 10 miles per hour, as well as her experiences and people she met on the way.

The story was a clean enjoyable story, showing interesting interactions and difficulties of that time period. The book moved fast and kept you engaged. I enjoyed the fact that Katharine did things her way, even if it was against the normal standards of that time period. This had many interesting characters, and I enjoyed her experiences, especially as she was a seventy seven year old woman that decided what she wanted and accomplished it, in an era where women still had few rights. The way that she inspired the people she met was entertaining. Her past was told through reflection and conversations during her trip, giving her character a deeper sense. The book was a quick read.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a great book. I enjoyed it a lot!

Note: Thank you to NetGalley, Black Rose Writing, and Gail Ward Olmstead for the advanced reader copy of the book. What follows is my unbiased review of the book.

When I saw Katharine's Remarkable Road Trip available to read, I was immediately enchanted. This is the fictionalized account of Katharine Prescott Wormeley making a road trip from her family home in Newport, Rhode Island to her second home in Jackson, New Hampshire. She is 77 years old at the time of this undertaking in 1907, driving an automobile that is not yet all that common. Everyone seems worried about her making the journey alone, but the trip ends up being quite fun for the spunky lady.

The book takes us through her adventure at a time when automobiles only went about 10 miles per hour. This meant multiple stops for Katharine (or Kate) along the way. Nowadays, I can make the trip in about 4 hours, tops, and I have.

The book was a delight all the way through. Katharine ruminates on her life. As a society "old maid" she lived a rather progressive life for her times. She served as a volunteer nurse for the United States Sanitary Commission (which became the Red Cross) on a hospital ship during the Civil War, then as Superintendent of a hospital near her home in Rhode Island. She is also noted for her many translations of French works into English, including the writings of Moliere, Balzac, and others.

Along the way, Katharine meets people who are very interesting and saves a life, twice. She crashes a Vanderbilt Society event (not those Vanderbilts), meets a future movie mogul, and confronts a rival she had for a man's affection.

This is probably where most of the material came from that Gail Ward Olmstead used to craft the story. Frederick Law Olmstead, the designer of Central Park and many others, is a distant cousin of the author's husband. When she wrote a book about him, Katharine's name kept coming up. The two were quite close, although no one can say for sure what was between them.

I loved the book and was prepared to give it five stars until I got to the end. Katharine arrives in the area of Jackson, New Hampshire, and talks about seeing the Old Man of the Mountains. Now, I live in the area, and even when I vacationed up here I could have told you that there was no way to see the Old Man of the Mountains from this side of the White Mountains. It's in Franconia. Katharine may have seen it in the past, but that would have been quite a trip back in the day.

I did research to see what became of the home she built in Jackson, her beloved Brookmead. It is now The Inn at Thorn Hill. Back in May, the author hosted an event there, and I'm just sorry I didn't know about it. I would have loved to have attended.

Except for that nitpick and one or two others, I did enjoy Katharine's Remarkable Road Trip. It was a fun, slice-of-life adventure at a time when automobiles were just beginning to change the world. I'll definitely be purchasing the author's book on Frederick Law Olmstead as well.

As a New Englander, I especially enjoyed the story of Katharine and her journey from
Newport to New Hampshire where she plans to retire after a long and meaningful life. Katharine is a strong single (by choice) woman in her 70s who has helped many people as nurse. Her journey to New Hampshire is filled with surprises and adventure just like her remarkable life has.

Thank you @netgalley for the ARC.

I was excited to receive a copy of this book for review. The premise was interesting: as Katharine Wormeley heads up to her home one last time to cap a lifetime of journeys.. Along the way she rekindles old friendships and relationships as well as meet new and interesting personalities who have to still make their way in life.
Set in at the turn of the 20th century, real-life Wormeley is set in an exciting time in America when the television was a newfangled invention, steel bridges were replacing wooden ones, and Filene's Basement was a startling concept. It talks about the food concoctions that are now favorites like Boston Cream Pie, English muffins or toasted crumpet and how the Boston Americans are switching over as the Boston Red Sox.
The amount of historical trivia is enough to draw readers in to this promising novel.
However, what didn't work for me was actually the fictionalized Wormeley. As much as she was a woman of means and is able to support herself by translating French literature to English, a lot of the author's own stance on women's rights is infused through the character which may sometimes seem a little bit much. I hope that in making Wormeley a little on the improper side with regards to personal affairs, the author did not anger those who cherish the charitable works the real Wormeley has contributed to American society.
Also, the fictional Wormeley, in her thoughts, tend to be self-righteous about some of the things she sees in the younger folk, or she tends to think she is always making the right choices and patting herself on the back. I could chalk this up to her being elderly (and perhaps some elderly do think the way she does), but it does become a little heavy-handed at times.
Overall though, the book had a lot of potential, but there are certain elements that could be toned down.

Katharine's Remarkable Road Trip is a historical fiction novel by Gail Ward Olmsted based on the life of Katharine Wormeley. Historical fiction is my favorite genre especially with a powerful female in history who is otherwise unsung. Katharine is a sassy, intelligent, and fiercely independent woman and I loved her! Taking the journey with her along with her insightful introspective narrative was pure joy. I loved reading about her life and how she uses her experiences as she encounters bumps along her way from RI to New Hampshire.
I enjoyed the way Gail Ward Olmsted used an actual journey to shed light on the life journey of Katharine.
Definitely recommend this book! I'm a new fan and I look forward to reading the author's future books.

"Katharine's Remarkable Road Trip" is a gentle story set in the latter stages of the life of an American legend, although not someone who's fame has spread to the UK. This is someone who has led a full and interesting life, and defied convention by not getting married and having children. In addition she has met many famous people during her work and travels, and loves to share anecdotes about them. This is a book to relax with.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I always love a good road trip, and I enjoyed traveling along with Katharine Wormeley from Rhode Island to New Hampshire in 1907. The thing that struck me the most is that simple things, like stopping to get a flat fixed or sitting in a park, turned into meaningful connections. Katharine really got to know remarkable people from all stations of life just by engaging with them. It makes one think about missed opportunities to get to know others better.

Katharine, an author, translator, and nurse, uses all of her skills on this trip. During the trip, She reflects on working with Frederick Ward Olmsted, the designer of Central Park, and her mostly unspoken love for him. She is surprised to meet his wife on her journey. She also visits another love from the past. This is a journey of memories, paths not taken, and a lesson to reach out to others with all of your talents. I came away with a picture of a lovely woman who was also strong as steel. Gail Ward Olmsted has also reached out, to the past, and introduced us to an extraordinary woman. I’m glad I got to meet her.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and publisher via Netgalley. I also picked up the Audible version of this book, which I very much enjoyed. The narrator, Lisa Bozek, did a great job of capturing the spirit of Katharine Wormeley.

What a wonderful journey I took when reading this story!
Katharine Wormeley was a nurse in the American Civil War and this is a trip she drove, when she traveled alone to New Hampshire in 1907 over 300 miles. The sites and places described are amazing!
Although I had never heard of this nurse and all she had done, I truly admired her courage, and strength to live "Her" life at a time when it was not the norm for women to be independent and strong.
This is historical fiction at its best!
I loved going on this ride with Katharine and you will too!
Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Black Rose Writing for this ARC and allowing me to provide my own review.

Based on the life of Katharine Wormeley and set in New England in 1907, this is the story of how Katharine, a seventy-seven year old single woman, drives from Rhode Island to New Hampshire--at ten miles an hour. Katharine has received news from her doctor about a serious health condition and decides it is time to sell off her homes and ask her solicitors to continue to find ways to invest the wealth she inherited from her parents. As a Civil War nurse, Katharine's skills come into play as she assists injured people along the way. Highly recommended as cozy historical reading for high school students as a road trip book. And, also recommended for fans of one of the best road trip novels ever published: The Widows' Adventures by Charles Dickinson.

Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip by Gail Ward Olmsted is a fun narration about Katherine Wormley and her 279 mile road trip to her new home in New Hampshire. It turns out her days are limited, although she’s not given that information to anyone, and the trip is filled with interesting people and situations. I has also given her time to think and review parts of her life. Katharine is seventy-seven years old and has never been married. That does not mean, however that she is inexperienced in love. Along the way she hands out advice to a young wife, saves a couple of lives, and spends time with one of her oldest friends. She also meets Mary, the wife of Frederick Law Olmsted with whom she had worked, and fallen in love with, during the civil war. Olmsted was a married man and although he loved her as well, nothing came of it. She had made a fool of herself but recovered. And now, here was his widow, who turned out to be a lovely woman.

Olmsted is a writer of historical fiction, with Frederick at the center of it all. Katharine Wormley was a real person, and she did know Louisa May Alcott, Samuel Clemens, Clara Barton, and Stanford White, among others. She spent her later years translating French novels into English, never losing the French flavor. She was a scholar, a volunteer, a nurse, and so much more. She was a remarkable woman and it is fitting that she is memorialized in this entertaining story of her road trip. Thanks Gail Ward Olmsted for this entertaining novel.

I was invited to read Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip by Black Rose Writing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BlackRoseWriting #GailWardOlmsted #KatharinesRemarkableRoadTrip

Katharine's Remarkable Road Trip
by Gail Ward Olmsted

4 stars
Katharine's Remarkable Road Trip is delightful and absolutely charming. I loved everything about this book. As a woman, I sometimes forget that older generations paved the way for the overwhelming choices I am afforded in my life. What a life this woman lived. Katharine was a real woman who broke through many barriers for a woman living in the late 1800s – early 1900s.

This is a fictionalized story about her life. The author has done a vast amount of research on Katharine Wormeley's life and has written an utterly fascinating book on it. A must-read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.

Definitely remarkable!

Over the course of a week’s road trip, the reader gets to know the life story of Katharine Wormeley, a character firmly based on the life of a truly remarkable woman. Katharine was ahead of her time all her life, occupying roles that were typically male dominated, never married, yet she had a very fulfilling life.

Katharine is absolutely someone that I would aspire to be when I reach my near 80’s, and a role model for women of all ages. Highly recommend.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Katherine Prescott Wormeley is a force to be reckoned with. This is a fictionalized account of Miss Wormeley's amazing life retold while she makes a 300-mile drive from New York to New Hampshire in 1907. She is in the sunset of her life when she decides to make this trip.

I was not familiar with this lady until I heard about this book.
She was a nurse, hospital administrator, translator, philanthropist among a few other pretty noteworthy achievements. She earned her place his history.

The road trip is made over 6 days. Many interesting encounters happened during this journey. A minor detail, but I found it fascinating at how dusty and gritty she felt at the end of each day from the road dust. But, the reader also learns her backstory as she reminisces during the drive. The author combines real characters and adds fictional characters for the flow of the story. Such a fulfilling and interesting life.

Miss Wormeley accomplished more in her life at a time when a woman's place was considered to be a homemaker, wife and mother than many of us do now.

The author's notes at the end are great. She explains her research and how she created the story. It is a quick and interesting read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
I couldn't put it down from the get go.
Right from page one this book will draw you in. I like that it was told from Katherine's POV. I made feel more closer to her.
Her adventure became mine. I delighted in all the places she visited on the way to Montana. These are places I've never been except for one.
I didn't care much for Sarah's husband at all. What a cad lol. Trying to be something that he's not.
I love road trips! I hadn't taken a good one since 2019. I do miss those so that's one reason why I chose this novel.
My favorite reason I loved that a 70 yr old made an impulsive decision and stuck to it. Her personality made me laugh at times but I really admired her stubbornness.
I loved the the cover of the book too cause I love old cars.
5 stars for a wonderful road trip that kept my attention all the way through.
I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Katherine's Remarkable Road Trip by Gail Ward Olmsted is a combination 'bucket list' and 'what other surprises along the way' type novel. Based upon a real person and some real events in her life, yet fictitious, Katherine Prescott Wormeley sets out on her bucket list of driving solo from her home in Rhode Island to her new home in New Hampshire, nearly 300 miles. Not a great feat in our minds, but in 1907 and at the age of 77 it truly was. Fateful encounters along the trip change the lives of those Katherine meets.

I enjoyed the character of Katherine and her reminisces along the trip but felt the story line was a little slow at times.

Releases June 13th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

An endearing and captivating historical/biographical novel about a strong, remarkable and independent woman. Kate, so ahead of her time, lived life to the fullest and her journey touched me deeply. I enjoyed being a part of her experiences of self reflection and adventures. She’s an inspiration to all women.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It's 1907 and the real-life philanthropist Katharine Wormeley is 77 years old. In this fictionalized story, she plans to live full-time at her second home in New Hampshire and decides to drive there by herself from her residence in Newport, Rhode Island. Given her age and health, she knows this is not going to be easy but wants to make the trip on her own. With a full itinerary set, she sets off. And her adventure begins. This sweet, delightful book reveals parts of Katharine's life as an accomplished, independent, single and very charitable woman and how even at her advanced age, she has the ability to impact everyone she meets.

Author Gail Ward Olmstead has taken a historical figure I knew nothing about and brought this intriguing woman to life in Katharine's Remarkable Road Trip. Through excellent research, Katharine's background is accurately presented noting the famous people she knew, including landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Her fictional road trip is in keeping with the type of woman she was. The strangers she meets along the way are endearing. It's a warm and uplifting read.

Wonderful read in historical fiction about Katharine Prescott Wormely who at seventy seven years old decides to drive herself to her new home in the northeast United States. Along her drive, she recounts her life and her loves. She also makes a positive impact on all those she meets on her journey. Before reading this book, I had never heard of this lady. The author did a tremendous amount of research to bring Katharine to life and show her work as a nurse in the Civil War and later as a philanthropist.
Note--the author's last name--related to the creator of Central Park and much more. Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.