The Magic of Ordinary Days is a novel written by Ann Howard Creel. It was first published in 2001 and tells the story of Livvy Dunne, a young woman living in the 1940s. Livvy finds herself in a difficult situation when she becomes pregnant out of wedlock. Forced to marry a shy and reserved farmer named Ray Singleton, Livvy leaves her comfortable city life to live with him in rural Colorado. Livvy initially struggles to adapt to her new life and the responsibilities that come with it. She longs for the freedom and excitement of her previous life, and resents Ray for forcing her into this situation.
The Magic of Ordinary Days is a Hallmark Hall of Fame production based on a novel of the same name by Ann Howard Creel and adapted as a teleplay by Camille Thomasson. It was directed by Brent Shields, produced by Andrew Gottlieb and stars Keri Russell, Skeet Ulrich, and Mare Winningham.
A corporate Human Resource professional by day, she completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology and is currently completing her MPhil at the University of Cape Town. But underneath the contrasts between Ray s simple ways and Livvy s more cultured upbringing is a binding, universal message about the need to accept the consequences of our acts.
She longs for the freedom and excitement of her previous life, and resents Ray for forcing her into this situation. However, as time goes on, Livvy begins to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of her surroundings. The novel explores the theme of finding joy and contentment in everyday life.
The Magic of Ordinary Days (2005): A Captivating Romantic Period Drama from Hallmark
I went on a Hallmark binge a few years back and made sure I watched at the very least, all the Hallmark Hall of Famers. In my opinion, these stories are generally given better scripts, have a lot more depth, and usually deal with love stories that are a little more complex than the typical fair. As it turned out, The Magic of Ordinary Days did not disappoint.
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Adapted from Anne Howard Creel’s novel of the same name, The Magic of Ordinary Days is one of my all time favourite Hallmark Hall of Fame movies.
It helps that it’s a period drama as well. The reality surrounding the main characters’ circumstances are made more compelling due to the time and place.
Welcome To The Family
Set in rural Colorado during 1944, The Magic of Ordinary Days opens with Olivia “Livy” Dunne (Keri Russell) on board a train. Based on her appearance, it’s obvious that she benefited from a privileged, somewhat pampered upbringing. When a soldier courts Livy, however, the brief indiscretion leads to an unplanned pregnancy. Livy barely knew the soldier and her father, a minister anxious to avert a scandal, arranges for her to marry a stranger to restore her respectability.
Though we have faith and reasonable hope for forgiveness, we must each face the fact that our actions create a banquet of consequences. In your case, you may think this is a mean supper, but you chose it.
Ray Singleton (Skeet Ulrich), a shy farmer lives a modest, simple lifestyle and agrees to marry Livy despite her pregnancy. Ray is all politeness – “Yes ma’am, no ma’am” – a trait that seems to instantly grate on Livy’s nerves. The wedding is awkward and stilted. Ray looks embarrassed and Livy self-conscious, aware of her role in their arrangement. It’s only when they arrive at her new home that the reality of her predicament begins to dawn. The house is miles from town and the closest neighbour. It’s also become more apparent that she and Ray are very different people. A graduate student of Archeology, she tries to talk to him about her thesis on the German archeologist Heinrich Schliemann. Immediately, Ray asks if he’s a Nazi and Livy is left to gently assert that Schliemann lived in the 19 th century.
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It’s clear that while Ray instantly falls in love with her, for Livy, her new life leaves her feeling stifled. Notwithstanding the fact that Ray, his sister Martha (Mare Winningham), and their extended family welcome her, she resents being forced to wed a man she does not know or love. Despite Ray’s best efforts to help Livy settle, the harder he tries, the more he alienates her. The distance of their arrangement begins to wear on Ray and strain their pseudo-cordial relationship.
While the film focuses on the relationship between the down-to-earth Ray and the worldly, educated Livy, there is also a secondary plot around two Japanese women who Livy befriends, as well as a forbidden romance with a German soldier.
Will Livy learn to appreciate The Magic of Ordinary Days, or will she yearn for the life she believes she’s lost?
Is There Anything You Like About Me, Livy?
Keri Russell and Skeet Ulrich shine in The Magic of Ordinary Days. Despite the chasm that divides them based on their differences, they do have some things in common. While they are both introverts and understandably have no idea how to understand and manage the other, watching their relationship begin to progress is exciting to watch. Like most charged romantic dramas, development in Livy and Ray’s relationship begins when they start to argue and disagree – first in small ways and later with some spectacular repartee.
Keri wonderfully captures how trapped Livy feels, balancing that with nuanced glimpses or discreet smiles as she tries to hide her surprise when she is actually enjoying herself.
After mom died, I was so lonely. I gave my life away, just to be held by a stranger. How could I do that?
Skeet, in turn, is perfect as a shy farmer. He tries so hard to make Livy’s life easier and is in many ways, a perfect gentleman and the perfect man. Ray is practical about life and love, grounded in his faith and beliefs. When Livy asks him why he agreed to marry her, he simply states, “When the Reverend come out to see me and told me about your situation, I thought maybe it be God’s will”, much to Livy’s incredulity. “God’s will?” she repeats, completely astounded by what she perceives as his simple way of thinking. However, Ray isn’t stupid; he just isn’t as interested in dreams of distant lands. His land is important to him, something Livy comes to understand as their story progresses.
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Mare Winningham is the voice of reason, Ray’s older sister Martha, and the encouraging Ray/Livy shipper. In fact, Ray’s whole family is supportive, a juxtaposition with Livy’s kin. Tania Gunadi also stars as Florence and Gwendoline Yeo as Rose, the two Japanese women Livy befriends. Yeo in particular, while she has less dialogue than Gunadi, manages to steal the scenes she is in nevertheless. As the older sister, she is wary of Florence’s girlish daydreams and tries to shepherd her wayward sister into safer territory.
I’d Do Anything To Make You Happy
Every romance has the third act confession of love. The Magic of Ordinary Days is no exception. But I’ve got to admit, it’s pretty spectacular. Ray with his heart on his sleeve is hard to resist. Rustle up a few tissues just in case. I can’t promise you’ll make it through without blurred vision.
I’ve learned more about love in my 6 months with this family than I did in my 25 years in my father’s house. I have received love here. And I have received forbearance. And I thank you. I will always remember you. Every one of you.
While the film is very enjoyable, Florence’s secondary romance is underdeveloped and underserviced. While the book the film is based on most likely did it justice, here it’s an unnecessary addition. The film might have done better if it was given proper development, or if it was cut completely. Despite that minor gripe, this film is a winner.
If you’re looking for something sweet to watch, something romantic, but more robust than a passing romance, I highly recommend The Magic of Ordinary Days.
Where to Watch: The Magic of Ordinary Days is available for sale on Amazon or can be streamed on YouTube.
Content Note: The Magic of Ordinary Days is safe for family viewing.
Have you watched The Magic of Ordinary Days? What did you think? Comment below and let me know!
Photo Credit: CBS, Hallmark
OVERALL RATING
“The stuff that dreams are made of.”
ROMANCE RATING
“You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope.
I have loved none but you.”
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Pin this article to read later! And make sure to follow us on Pinterest.About Naazneen Samsodien
Naazneen hails from South Africa and has spent most of her life steeped quite happily in fandom. A corporate Human Resource professional by day, she completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology and is currently completing her MPhil at the University of Cape Town. She spends her nights in a parallel universe where her creative pursuits find meaningful outlets. When she is not doing research, writing fanfiction or reading the latest novel for her book club, she is voraciously consuming information on pop culture and global socio-political issues - or quite simply, travelling the world. She loves words, fangirling shamelessly, Mr. Darcy and rugged beards. a lot.
13 thoughts on “The Magic of Ordinary Days (2005): A Captivating Romantic Period Drama from Hallmark”
Brittaney BThis is such a quietly beautiful story and one of my favorites. You did a great job emphasizing what makes it so emotionally moving. Now I want to watch it again! Reply
Sumaya ParukReally enjoyed it! Especially since I’m a big of the “mail-order bride” trope, and this is sort of a subtrope of that. Didn’t like the P.O.W part, though. Another film that’s very similar to this, but amazing in its own right is “Sweet Land” starring Elizabeth Reaser (of Twilight fame) 🙂 Reply
Livvy gradually learns to find happiness in the small moments and the ordinary days. She falls in love with the land and the community, and discovers a sense of purpose and belonging. Through Livvy's journey, the author also explores the importance of family and the power of forgiveness. Livvy develops a deep bond with Ray and his family, and learns to let go of her past mistakes and embrace a new future. The Magic of Ordinary Days is a heartwarming and poignant story about love, redemption, and the power of ordinary moments. It reminds readers that sometimes the most magical moments in life can be found in the most unexpected places..
Reviews for "The evolution of Tge Magic of Ordinary Days: From book to screen"
- John - 2 stars - The Magic of Ordinary Days felt like a dull and predictable story to me. The characters lacked depth and the plot was unoriginal. It followed the typical formula of a young woman forced into a loveless marriage and finding unexpected love elsewhere. I found myself uninterested and disconnected from the story. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
- Sarah - 3 stars - The Magic of Ordinary Days had potential, but it fell short for me. While the premise of a pregnant woman being forced into an arranged marriage during WWII was intriguing, the execution left much to be desired. The pacing was slow, and I found myself losing interest in the story. Additionally, the characters felt flat and underdeveloped, making it hard for me to connect with them. Though it had some moments that captured my attention, overall, it was an underwhelming read.
- Michael - 2.5 stars - Despite its promising concept, The Magic of Ordinary Days failed to captivate me. The writing style felt lackluster, and the story dragged on with unnecessary details. The romance lacked depth and chemistry, making it hard for me to root for the characters. Additionally, the historical backdrop, which initially intrigued me, was underutilized and felt like a mere backdrop. While the book had its moments, it ultimately left me disappointed and wanting more.