The Magic of Ordinary Days Pg. 243-End

By: Ann Howard Creel

Summary:

Livvy finally met Rose and Lorelei's boyfriends. Steven (or Stephan) and Walter. Surprisingly to Livvy they barely speak. She drives then to the canyon so the boys could go camping. It's winter and they barely brought clothes for "camping". But this still didn't catch Livvy off guard, she just thought it was because Rose and Lorelei were in love. When Livvy returned home Ray was waiting for her. Later Livvy had a feeling that something was wrong with what happened that day.

The next day Ray brought down the rest of the memories from the attic. Livvy sorted through the collections of Ray's mother's buttons and his old bassinet. During this exploration they were listening to the radio. News spread that two German POWs have escaped and were found walking by the canyon. Livvy started to panic, they could have been the men she took to the canyon. Ray instantly could see something was wrong. Like Livvy, Rose and Lorelei would do anything for love. The soldier's loved them. That night Livvy couldn't sleep so she went to Ray's room. She was welcome with open arms.

The next morning Ray was very happy but Livvy was worried for Rose and Lorelei. Through a blizzard Ray tried to drive Livvy to the phone. But they couldn't make it. They returned home, Livvy left Ray and ran out into the storm. Ray was worried because she could have froze to death. Livvy was completely frozen when she return, but was still able to tell Ray how Livvy's love for Edward was not really love. 

Livvy told Ray about the POWs and how she helped them to escape but she did not know it was them. He believed her. She told the Sheriff the truth too. Walter and Stephan were captured not much after the news spread. Later that day, she told Martha the she loved Ray. When the baby was born Daisy and other flowers were popping up in the soil. Livvy and Ray named their baby Daniel after Ray's brother. Rose and Lorelei held 3 years in jail with a $10,000 fine for helping the POWs escape. Finally, Livvy was happy with her life.

Response:

If it was me, I would have been asking more questions about the men. If they didn't speak then something is definitely wrong. I though it was very touching when Livvy wanted to keep Ray's old bassinet. I was so delighted that Livvy confided in Ray when was confused. Having them sleep next to each other made my heart soo happy and Ray's too. I laughed when she woke up and found Ray happy and dressed in his "work" best. I can't believe that Rose and Lorelei used Livvy to help with the escape of the POWs. They were her best friends. Not only did they lose Livvy but Walter and Stephan too. But Livvy understands that they would do anything for love. Except I disagree. Friends shouldn't be used no matter what.

Movie version

At the end of the book Livvy finally loves Ray. I loved how Livvy honored Daniel by naming her baby after him. The memories that would have been kept away are finally coming out. I bet Livvy and Ray are going to be happy forever!