I just finished reading this amazing book, The Magic of Ordinary Days by Ann Howard Creel. It is also a Hallmark movie of the same name, but goodness they are both amazing. The book delves into the intricacies of life in the 1940s, specifically nearing the end of WWII.

The protagonist, Livvy, is pregnant put of wedlock and send to marry a farmer to preserve her reputation. She learns about farming, about life in the middle of nowhere, friendship, love, and life. ( )

En Colorado, USA, una mujer, testigo de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, ve como su vida da un giro radical.
A pesar de que sus tías le recuerdan constantemente que debería buscarse un marido, la ilusión de Livvy es convertirse en historiadora y viajar por todo el mundo en busca de antiguos secretos. Pero, en plena Segunda Guerra Mundial, se enamora de un soldado que debe partir inmediatamente hacia el frente. Poco después, descubrirá que está embarazada y su padre la obligará a aceptar un matrimonio de conveniencia con un humilde granjero de la América profunda al que ni siquiera conoce.
Allí, tan lejos de la vida que había soñado, descubrirá que hay otras formas de ser feliz.

“Sometimes you do find what you're looking for closer than you think”
― Ann Howard Creel, The Magic of Ordinary Days

This was a beautiful exploration of love and self. I read this because I had previously seen the movie which was outstanding. It's rare when a movie does a book justice but this one did. And I read the book AFTER seeing the Hallmark film.

I liked the character of Olivia. It was wonderful to watch her emotional growth throughout the book. The relationship between the two main characters felt so real and the book does not take any shortcuts. It's a poignant read filled with lush descriptive writing of the characters and their surroundings in a sleepy Colorado town.

The friendships depicted here are realistic and there is just nothing here that I did not love. I kind of wish I'd read the book BEFORE seeing the movie but it was still a wonderful and stirring read anyway and I highly recommend it to all Historical Romance fans. ( )

A warm, easy to read but very enjoyable book. The characters come to life in their simplicity and "ordinary days" which yield so much. Well researched and developed. Strong recommend. ( )

I was browsing for new books to read or listen to when I saw this book, The Magic of Ordinary Days by Ann Howard Creel. I've loved the Hallmark movie for years and really wanted to read the book behind the movie. Thankfully, I was able to find the audio-book version on Audible.

As usual, I can honestly say the book is so much better than the movie (and that is saying a lot as I still love that movie). The narrator for this audio book was excellent and I was riveted by this beautifully crafted story.

The Magic of Ordinary Days is one that I will read/listen to again and again throughout my lifetime. I highly recommend it! ( )