Ann Howard Creel's book, "The Spellbinding Magic of Everyday Life," takes readers on a captivating journey through the ordinary moments that make up our lives. With her enchanting prose and eye for detail, Creel shows us that there is beauty and magic to be found in even the most mundane aspects of our daily existence. One of the central themes of the book is the idea that we often overlook the extraordinary in our pursuit of the grand. Creel reminds us that there is wonder to be found in the simple act of watching a butterfly in flight or listening to the sound of raindrops on a windowpane. She challenges us to slow down, to pause and really take in the world around us. In doing so, we may discover the spellbinding magic that is hidden in plain sight.
Hannah’s new novel is an homage to the extraordinary courage and endurance of Frenchwomen during World War II.
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. 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.
In doing so, we may discover the spellbinding magic that is hidden in plain sight. Creel also explores the power of human connection in her book. She reminds us that it is the relationships we forge and the love we share that truly give meaning to our lives.
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
Categories:Share your opinion of this book
More by Ann Howard Creel
- BOOK REVIEW
Through her vivid descriptions and heartfelt storytelling, Creel reminds us of the importance of cherishing our loved ones and the everyday moments we share with them. The book is also a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit. Creel weaves together stories of triumph and defeat, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope. She shows us that it is in the darkest moments that we often find our greatest strengths and learn the most valuable lessons. "The Spellbinding Magic of Everyday Life" is a reminder that each day holds its own unique magic and that it is up to us to seek it out. Creel's book encourages us to look beyond the surface and find beauty and wonder in the smallest of moments. It is an invitation to embrace the enchantment of everyday life and to savor the magic that surrounds us all..
Reviews for "The Art of Finding Magic in Everyday Life: Ann Howard Creel's Captivating Novels"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I found "The Spellbinding Magic of Everyday Life" to be a disappointing read. The characters lacked depth and the plot was predictable and unoriginal. The author seemed to rely heavily on clichés and tropes, making the story feel formulaic and uninspired. Additionally, the pacing was slow, making it difficult to stay engaged throughout the book. Overall, I was hoping for more enchantment and magic, but instead, I was left with a underwhelming and forgettable story.
2. John - 3/5 stars - "The Spellbinding Magic of Everyday Life" had a promising premise, but it failed to deliver in execution. While the writing style was pleasant and easy to follow, the plot felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction. The magical elements were introduced sporadically, often without much explanation or purpose. This left me feeling confused and disconnected from the story. Additionally, the characters didn't fully resonate with me, and their actions sometimes felt forced or unrealistic. Overall, while the book had its moments, I was left feeling underwhelmed and somewhat unsatisfied.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was expecting a captivating and enchanting read with "The Spellbinding Magic of Everyday Life," but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The story lacked depth and failed to pull me into its world. The characters were one-dimensional, and their motivations and actions felt shallow. I also found the pacing to be slow, which made it difficult to stay engaged. The writing style, while competent, failed to evoke any sense of wonder or enchantment. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to those seeking a truly spellbinding read.