Olivia Dunne, a studious minister's daughter who dreams of being an archaeologist, never thought that the drama of World War II would affect her qu...
read full description
reviews
May 14, 2008
Jayci
rated it: 
The oldest of three sisters, Livvy insisted that her life was meant for exploring the world and making new discoveries. As she watched her sisters marry young soldiers, Livvy was certain she could accomplish more than love. However, all plans were put on hold when Livvy's ailing mother took a turn for the worse. Livvy drops everything to see her mother out of this world. Sturggeling with grief, Livvy makes a decision that will change her life. Now, she finds herself in rural Colorado, marri
More...
0 comments
like
(3 people liked it)
Feb 25, 2009
Wendy
rated it:
I enjoyed reading this book. Set in the early 1940's in Colorado. Where a young lady experiences the death of a loved one and her whole life plan changes because of decisions made throughout the few months following. She is able to overcome certain obstacles and be able to trust and love once again.
It's an arranged marriage -- which was interesting enough to read about because anymore the husband and wife to be usually know each other ahead of time, and fall in love. In this sto More...
It's an arranged marriage -- which was interesting enough to read about because anymore the husband and wife to be usually know each other ahead of time, and fall in love. In this sto More...
Mar 23, 2009
Heather
rated it: 
I loved this. Reading each page was like rolling a chocolate around in my mouth. The words and images were that beautiful. The story was artfully and thoughtfully created and I ended up loving these wonderfully human characters with all their brilliance and flaws. As my friend Laura pointed out, it was so great to see the protagonist's attitude change over the course of the book. I think it was because she was surrounded by uncommonly good and kind people, whose words and actions brought me
More...
Mar 24, 2009
Brittany
rated it: 
Set in Colorado, this is a WWII novel about a minister's daughter who becomes pregnant out of wedlock. To save the family's good name, her father forces her into a hasty, arranged marriage to a complete stranger- a shy farmer who lives on the Colorado plains. There she meets two Japanese-American sisters who live in a nearby interment camp and befriends them.
I liked that Livvy's back story is slowly revealed throughout the novel. There are really three stories that come together duri More...
I liked that Livvy's back story is slowly revealed throughout the novel. There are really three stories that come together duri More...
5 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Aug 14, 2011
HRH
rated it: 
In 1943, Livvy Dunne arrives to great her new (and previously unknown) husband, pregnant and anxious to make something grand of her life. Her new husband, Ray, is a good man who talks not much. To occupy her time, she befriends two Japanese sister, interned nearby. It sounds interesting, no? And it is... at the end. It's just a very slow book. Very slow. Let's blame Ray because he doesn't talk much so it's rather difficult to get into a relationship with him. But then Livvy's got some walls up h
More...
Mar 21, 2011
Diane
rated it:
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The author generally writes for juvenile audiences, and I think that shows through a little in this book. I felt there were a few parts that were weaker in terms of the writing; at several points the author gives factual detail about farming or the war that almost reads like a textbook, for example, but these did not dominate the story for me. I found the plot to be engaging, perhaps because the crisis the main character faces is one so many women have faced
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Feb 03, 2011
Hilary
rated it:
I loved this book! I picked it up after watching and loving the Hallmark movie version of the novel. It's even better than the movie! It's set in 1940's Colorado farming country, and Livvy is forced into an arranged marriage by her strict father when she becomes pregnant out of wedlock. She marries a shy, simple farmer she's never met before her wedding day. This book taught a few lessons that I loved:
1. Love between a husband and wife is not just about physical attraction, butter More...
1. Love between a husband and wife is not just about physical attraction, butter More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Jan 11, 2011
Raina
rated it:
I really liked this book. I was a bit disappointed in the ending--not how it ended, just that it was wrapped up a little more quickly than I would have liked.
That said, please don't let the slow beginning turn you off. Trust me on this. Don't give up on it. This book is a love story that kind of sneaks up on you. Contrasts true love with what so many girls think love is and in the end I loved it! It's not an exciting book, but a good book that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. More...
That said, please don't let the slow beginning turn you off. Trust me on this. Don't give up on it. This book is a love story that kind of sneaks up on you. Contrasts true love with what so many girls think love is and in the end I loved it! It's not an exciting book, but a good book that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. More...
Apr 21, 2010
Lauren
rated it:
3.5 stars
a word of caution: this review might be the most biased review i ever write on goodreads.
the magic of ordinary days (from here out TMOOD) is a quiet story of learning to love when you've been betrayed badly by those you've trusted, loved, and lost. i knew i was in trouble when the back cover "applause" included the line "gentle but powerful" - any turn of phrase that could easily grace the box of some feminine cleansing product as it does a bo More...
a word of caution: this review might be the most biased review i ever write on goodreads.
the magic of ordinary days (from here out TMOOD) is a quiet story of learning to love when you've been betrayed badly by those you've trusted, loved, and lost. i knew i was in trouble when the back cover "applause" included the line "gentle but powerful" - any turn of phrase that could easily grace the box of some feminine cleansing product as it does a bo More...
Jan 12, 2010
Adrienne
rated it:
My garbled thoughts: I gave it a four, but I think it's more like a 3.5 or so for me. The lower rating is for the parts where I felt the author was way too obvious. She really felt the need to spell things out several times instead of allowing subtlety and symbolism do their jobs. Like when Ray explains how he and Daniel used to search all over for their shiny, stretched out pennies and finally find them right under their noses. I got that analogy right away, and then found myself annoyed when s
More...
Dec 14, 2009
Nolan
rated it:
This isn't one of those books that will keep you hyperventilating and on the edge of your seat. It's rather a thoughtful, quiet book that deals with love, trust, betrayal, and ultimately sifting through life's numerous distractions to determine what ultimately matters most.
Olivia Dunne is an independent, ambitious young woman who enjoys her life in Denver during World War II. She has dreams--big ones--of ultimately achieving a college education and becoming an archeologist. Since h More...
Olivia Dunne is an independent, ambitious young woman who enjoys her life in Denver during World War II. She has dreams--big ones--of ultimately achieving a college education and becoming an archeologist. Since h More...
Jul 02, 2010
Linda
rated it:
My friend, Mary, suggested this book and I.loved.it ! Just loved it ! There is pathos, humor, introspection, and a whole lot of insight into Japanese Internment camps ( which I have read a whole lot about lately).
It is the story of a young woman in the 40's at the very height of WWII immediately following Pearl Harbor. She becomes pregnant (this is not a giveaway ... you know from the prologue she is pregnant AND unwed), and is sent by her very strict minister Father to marry a farme More...
It is the story of a young woman in the 40's at the very height of WWII immediately following Pearl Harbor. She becomes pregnant (this is not a giveaway ... you know from the prologue she is pregnant AND unwed), and is sent by her very strict minister Father to marry a farme More...
Jan 21, 2011
Shelly
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
May 05, 2010
Kristin
rated it:
***Spoiler***
I suprisingly enjoyed this book. I was a little hesitant to start reading it. But when I opened it up and started reading it, I didn't want to stop.
I love how Ann Howard Creel writes. It was a great spring/summer time read.
I loved the friendship that took place between Livvie and the Japanese American women. And liked reading how their friendship grew and that she was able to have that since she could no longer be around her 2 sisters. I wa More...
I suprisingly enjoyed this book. I was a little hesitant to start reading it. But when I opened it up and started reading it, I didn't want to stop.
I love how Ann Howard Creel writes. It was a great spring/summer time read.
I loved the friendship that took place between Livvie and the Japanese American women. And liked reading how their friendship grew and that she was able to have that since she could no longer be around her 2 sisters. I wa More...
Feb 19, 2010
AnnaMay
rated it:
What began as a regular WWII-type story, the family in Colorado, three sisters and a preacher father, etc. really ended up growing on me. The main character held such hurt inside but the story doesn't let on the details until towards the end, so it kept me going. She's a great main character and I really wanted to learn more, yet the author held so much back just like the main character did.
The farmer (Ray) is so well-described. I felt I liked him from the beginning, but not becau More...
The farmer (Ray) is so well-described. I felt I liked him from the beginning, but not becau More...
Jan 09, 2011
Alcheme
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Aug 31, 2010
Shannon
rated it:
3.5 stars.
During World War II, Olivia Dunne finds herself pregnant and sent off to marry a complete stranger by her father. Olivia, or Livvy, used to dream of being an acheologist. Now, however, she is married to a farmer she doesn't know in the middle of nowhere. Desperate for companionship, she befriends two Japanese American girls who are sent from a nearby internment camp to work on the farm. Even though Livvy is upset about the war and the lives of her friends in the internm More...
During World War II, Olivia Dunne finds herself pregnant and sent off to marry a complete stranger by her father. Olivia, or Livvy, used to dream of being an acheologist. Now, however, she is married to a farmer she doesn't know in the middle of nowhere. Desperate for companionship, she befriends two Japanese American girls who are sent from a nearby internment camp to work on the farm. Even though Livvy is upset about the war and the lives of her friends in the internm More...
Jun 10, 2011
Michele
rated it:
What a gem! Not to be missed. A fab romance and well crafted writing. Very neat to see the war from the West. That is a viewpoint you just don't get in most WWII novels. I really enjoyed that aspect. Also, how the people at home dealt with the war. We read so much about the action and soliders and fighting, but this was people who are watching it through others eyes.
7: I've often wondered, even to this day, why during painful times some people seem to step away from themselves and More...
7: I've often wondered, even to this day, why during painful times some people seem to step away from themselves and More...
Jun 03, 2009
Jeanette
rated it:
There is a blurb from author Susan Vreeland on the cover of this book that describes The Magic of Ordinary Days as "highly satisfying." I'd have to say that is exactly how I felt about this book. This novel did something that few of the books I've read recently has done, it lingered with me. For several days after finishing the book I would think about it and pick it back up to read over certain sections or passages again.
At the height of World War II Livvy Dunne is a strong, int More...
At the height of World War II Livvy Dunne is a strong, int More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 31, 2009
Melissa
rated it:
I really, really liked this book. I was a bit disappointed in the ending--not in _how_ it ended, just that it was wrapped up a little more quickly than I would have liked.
Favorite quotes:
"I miss all the lively conversations, the sharing of ideas. A classroom of students may read the same piece of poetry or the same passage in a novel, and each person will interpret it differently."
"Perhaps someday, we could all make it back to the places where More...
Favorite quotes:
"I miss all the lively conversations, the sharing of ideas. A classroom of students may read the same piece of poetry or the same passage in a novel, and each person will interpret it differently."
"Perhaps someday, we could all make it back to the places where More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
May 20, 2009
Barbara
rated it:
I loved the Hallmark Hall of Fame adaptation with Keri Russell and Skeet Ulrich...and now I love the book too. If you've seen the film, you've got a good idea of how the story works, and they did a good job with the adaptation. The biggest change is that the book includes more of the story of the Japanese-American girls and that goes a little differently. But the core of the story and the characters are very faithful to the book.
Some lovely writing from Ms. Creel; excellent perspecti More...
Some lovely writing from Ms. Creel; excellent perspecti More...
Mar 06, 2009
Rachel
rated it:
I wish I could give this book a 3.5--4 seems a bit too much, 3 a bit too little. Anyway, my favorite thing about this book is the title. That is absolutely a 5-star title. It's so evocative, and it's the reason I wanted to read it in the first place. The book tells the story of an educated (and of course plain) young woman named Livvy who is left pregnant and abandoned by a young soldier in World War II Colorado. She leaves for the Colorado prairie to marry Roy, a lonely young farmer who agrees
More...
Apr 02, 2011
Nicole
rated it:
Loved the movie and had to get the book. Of course, the book has more detail on the relationship between the two Japanese sisters and Livy and I can see why it was not covered in the movie. However, if you love stories about a simpler time where phones were not common in homes and you had a strong faith then this is the book for you (and movie) for you. It deals with love, acceptance and forgivness and most of friendship. Set during WWII on a farm in Colorado you cannot help but fall in love
More...
Oct 29, 2009
Lucinda
rated it:
I decided to revisit this book because I felt maybe viewing the Hallmark movie might have swayed my enjoyment. Boy did it. This was a good book not a great book. I couldn't connect with the characters in the book as I did in the movie. I really couldnt say I liked either of them. The concept was great and was done beautifully by the screenwriters. They brought the characters alive where they were mundane on the page.
Movie review: I loved the movie!! I loved Ray wit More...
Movie review: I loved the movie!! I loved Ray wit More...
Dec 29, 2010
Danae
rated it:
Mixed feelings on this one-- those of you who are also reading this for book club (and you know who you are!) can look forward to some ranting. Mostly I will contain myself by saying that the writing often felt self-conscious ("I'd better throw in some literary embellishments here. How about 'fine lavender light' and 'buttery spring day'?"-- and that's in the first page, people!) and I hate stories where the Big Thing You Need To Know is dragged out for 3/4 of the story. It happened
More...
Mar 08, 2010
Kirsten
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Feb 21, 2010
Emily
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Feb 12, 2010
Pam
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jul 24, 2011
Jen, Sinatra fan
rated it:
I enjoyed this book. It was a nice, light read. I loved watching Ray's character interact with Livvy. I wasn't too big a fan of Livvy for a large part of the book b/c she was just so critical of the life out there and barely gave Ray a chance at all. I know, given the circumstances, that it wasn't the most ideal situation. However, Ray was such a good, kind, gentle, GIVING person. He never criticized her and all she seemed to do was find fault with him.
Also, I was quite disappointed More...
Also, I was quite disappointed More...
Oct 20, 2009
Abby
rated it:
I thought this book was okay. But if you like novels, you probably would like it more than I did. (My reader friend who suggested it to me said it was the BEST BOOK EVER!!! But she also loved Twilight and all the other books that I am ho-hum on.)
My problem is, when I am reading a fictional book I keep thinking, "This is so dumb. It didn't even happen. These people are fake. It's not even real. Why am I even reading this?" I just love awesome non-fiction, where the stories a More...
My problem is, when I am reading a fictional book I keep thinking, "This is so dumb. It didn't even happen. These people are fake. It's not even real. Why am I even reading this?" I just love awesome non-fiction, where the stories a More...
