The magic of ordinary days is a novel written by Ann Howard Creel, published in 2001. The story is set in rural Colorado during World War II and revolves around the life of Livy Dunne, a young woman who finds herself in an arranged marriage with a shy and reserved farmer named Ray Singleton. Livy, who is initially resistant to the marriage, gradually discovers the simplicity and beauty of her new life on the farm. As the seasons change, Livy begins to appreciate the magic of ordinary days - the small moments that make up everyday life, such as tending to the garden, cooking meals, and taking care of the animals. During her time on the farm, Livy becomes friends with her sister's husband, an army lieutenant named Roy, who is recovering from an injury. As Livy and Roy spend time together, they develop a deep connection and embark on a romantic relationship, despite Livy's marriage to Ray.
As Livy and Roy spend time together, they develop a deep connection and embark on a romantic relationship, despite Livy's marriage to Ray. However, Livy's newfound happiness is shattered when she discovers that she is pregnant. Unsure of the child's father, Livy is torn between her feelings for Ray and her love for Roy.
THE MAGIC OF ORDINARY DAYS
A YA author’s nicely written adult debut novel blends historical richness and a fine sense of place to tell the story of a woman’s developing love for her husband—and for his Colorado farmland—over the course of six months in 1944.
In wartime Denver, Olivia Dunne becomes pregnant after a one-night stand with a departing American soldier. With the help of a local church, her father arranges her marriage to Ray Singleton, a beet farmer in faraway La Junta. Olivia’s first days on the isolated farm are awkward, and Ray, a shy, reticent man of good intentions, isn’t very adept at small talk. Precluded from contributing anything useful to the running of the farm, whose harvests are cultivated in part by labor from the local internment camp, Olivia takes long solitary walks. During one of them she meets Rose and Lorelei Umahara, Japanese-Americans from California who have been evacuated to confinement in Colorado. Young, enthusiastic, and passionate about butterfly hunting, the sisters introduce Olivia to the thriving, emotionally rich life of the camp. She keeps her friendship with the girls secret; Ray, whose brother was killed at Pearl Harbor, displays no fondness for the Japanese who work his farm. Creel does a delightful job of evoking first the dreariness of the Singleton farm and Olivia’s unnerving loneliness, then the slow ripening of her affection for Ray, a simple but profoundly kind and gentle man. Rose and Lorelei, meanwhile, hint that they have begun dating a pair of American soldiers, and Olivia drives them to meet the men in secret. But the “soldiers” turn out to be German POWs escaping with the help of the sisters, who make Olivia an unwitting accomplice. The author gives her heroine a satisfying emotional depth, moving Olivia through phases of affection and disappointment with assured confidence before closing with a tranquil scene after the baby is born.
A light, precisely observed novel.
Pub Date: July 9, 2001
ISBN: 0-670-91027-9
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2001
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More by Ann Howard Creel
- BOOK REVIEW
Through Livy's journey, the novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of ordinary moments. It depicts Livy's struggle to reconcile her desires with her sense of duty and responsibility, ultimately leading her to make a difficult decision for the sake of her child. In the end, Livy chooses to stay with Ray and raise the baby as his own, embracing the magic of ordinary days and finding contentment in her everyday life on the farm. The magic of ordinary days is a captivating story that reminds readers of the beauty that can be found in the simple moments of life. It highlights the importance of embracing and cherishing the everyday experiences that often go unnoticed, and serves as a poignant reminder that true happiness can be found in the most unexpected places..
Reviews for "A Heartwarming Journey: Brief Summary of The Magic of Ordinary Days"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Brief Summary of the Magic of Ordinary Days". The plot had so much potential but it fell flat. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to connect with them. The writing style also seemed amateurish and disjointed, making it difficult to follow the story. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and uninterested.
2. Sarah - 3/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Brief Summary of the Magic of Ordinary Days", but ultimately, it didn't live up to my expectations. While the concept was interesting, the execution left much to be desired. The pacing was slow and dragged on at times, making it difficult to maintain my interest. Additionally, some of the plot twists felt forced and unnatural. I would have liked to see more development in the characters and a stronger storyline. Overall, it was an average read for me.
3. Michael - 2/5 stars - I found "Brief Summary of the Magic of Ordinary Days" to be quite underwhelming. The story lacked originality and felt cliché. The romance seemed forced and unrealistic, and I didn't feel any real connection between the characters. The writing style was also not to my taste, with choppy dialogue and awkward phrasing. Overall, I was left unimpressed and wouldn't recommend this book to others.