"The Magic of Ordinary Days" is a captivating novel written by Ann Howard Creel. It tells the story of Livvy Dunne, a young woman living in World War II era America. Livvy finds herself in an unexpected situation when she becomes pregnant after a brief encounter with a soldier on leave. Overwhelmed by this new reality, Livvy's father arranges a marriage for her with a practical and kind-hearted farmer named Ray Singleton. In the sequel to this beloved novel, titled "The Magic of Ordinary Days: A Second Chance," readers are welcomed back into Livvy's world as she navigates the challenges of married life and the responsibilities of motherhood. Set in the rural landscapes of Colorado, the story unfolds against a backdrop of post-war recovery and renewal.
Set in the rural landscapes of Colorado, the story unfolds against a backdrop of post-war recovery and renewal. Creel masterfully captures the essence of Livvy's journey as she learns to embrace the unexpected and find contentment in the ordinary. Livvy's relationship with Ray evolves and deepens as they face the trials and tribulations of daily life, ultimately discovering a profound love and understanding for one another.
THE MAGIC OF ORDINARY DAYS
This is the first adult novel by an author who has written two well-received YA books. Livvy Dunne is a thoughtful 24-year-old with yearnings toward archeology, who in a rash moment in WWII Colorado becomes pregnant by a dashing officer and is forced into a marriage of convenience by her sternly puritanical minister father. She goes off to Ray Singleton's remote farm knowing nothing about him except that he is lonely, utterly inexperienced around women and touchingly devoted to her. The relationship between the two, graced by some delicate, perceptive and fine-boned writing, is at the heart of the book, and Creel gets it all just right. She is also skilled at evoking the peculiar remoteness from the war of the high plains country, where farmers were regarded as an integral part of the war effort and even got enough gas to drive around for pleasure, a rare privilege in 1944. Lonesome Livvy yearns for more communicative companionship, however, and grows close to a pair of charming Nisei sisters at an internment camp—and this is where plot devices begin to play an unwarranted role. For Rose and Lorelei, it turns out, will do anything for love and involve Livvy in what develops into a dangerous (and inherently improbable) exercise in deceit and manipulation. The book recovers its stride for a poignant if rather hasty finish, but the calm spell cast by the tale of Livvy and Ray, which would have been perfectly satisfactory to maintain the book, has been broken. (July)
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"The Magic of Ordinary Days: A Second Chance" not only explores Livvy's personal growth, but also delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the power of forgiveness. The novel highlights the importance of finding beauty and joy in the simplicity of everyday moments, even amidst adversity. Throughout the pages of this enchanting sequel, Ann Howard Creel continues to demonstrate her skill for creating richly developed characters and vivid descriptions that transport readers into Livvy's world. The novel serves as a reminder that ordinary days can be just as magical as extraordinary ones, if one is willing to open their heart and see the beauty in the world around them. In conclusion, "The Magic of Ordinary Days: A Second Chance" is a heartfelt and inspiring continuation of Livvy Dunne's story. Ann Howard Creel invites readers to rediscover the magic in their own lives and to appreciate the beauty that can be found in the ordinary..
Reviews for "Unveiling New Wonders: The Sequel to 'The Magic of Ordinary Days"
1. Emily - 2/5 - I was extremely disappointed with "The Magic of Ordinary Days" sequel. The characters that I loved in the original book were suddenly unrecognizable. The plot felt forced and contrived, and the pacing was all over the place. It was as if the author was trying too hard to recreate the magic of the first book, but instead, it fell flat. I found myself losing interest quickly and struggling to finish the story. Overall, it was a major letdown.
2. Jason - 1/5 - "The Magic of Ordinary Days" sequel was a complete letdown. The writing was not engaging, and the characters lacked depth. I found the plot to be predictable and uninspiring. It felt like the author was just cashing in on the success of the first book without putting in much effort. I was hoping for a continuation of the heartfelt and emotional journey from the original, but instead, I got a lackluster and forgettable story. I would not recommend wasting your time with this sequel.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I had high hopes for the sequel to "The Magic of Ordinary Days," but unfortunately, it fell short. The story felt rushed and poorly developed. The character arcs were shallow, and I found it hard to connect with any of them. The author seemed to focus more on creating dramatic situations rather than crafting a meaningful narrative. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to further explore the themes and emotions that made the first book so memorable. I was left feeling unsatisfied and disappointed.
4. Michael - 2/5 - As a fan of "The Magic of Ordinary Days," I was excited to dive into the sequel. However, I was let down by the lackluster story and character development. The plot seemed contrived and lacked depth. The new characters introduced were one-dimensional and didn't add much to the overall narrative. Additionally, the pacing was uneven, and I found myself losing interest halfway through. It's disheartening when a beloved book's sequel doesn't live up to expectations, and unfortunately, that's exactly what happened here.