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The Hidden Magic of Ordinary Things
Meira has given everything to protect her village—her magic, her strength, her future.
But it’s still not enough.
Since the founding of Glenmere, Meira’s family has maintained the magical wards that keep the valley safe. The work was never meant to be done alone—each pair of wardcrafters was bonded by both love and magic, their power intertwined.
But after losing her parents, the responsibility became hers alone. Now her magic is wearing thin. Her body is breaking down. And the charm shop she built from nothing—the one piece of her life that’s truly hers—is slipping through her fingers.
When she collapses at her best friend’s wedding, the village council finally intervenes: find a magical partner to share the burden, or step aside.
Panicked, Meira claims she's already being courted—by Calder, the forest fae who appeared the same week everything fell apart and who's been quietly holding her life together ever since.
Calder doesn't hesitate—just steps forward and agrees, like protecting her is the most natural thing in the world. And Meira, who’s been holding herself together for far too long, feels the first thread start to pull loose. Because Calder can’t lie. And Meira doesn’t know if she’s falling into a trap, a partnership… or something far more dangerous to her heart.
The Hidden Magic of Ordinary Things is full of small town fantasy charm, ancient magic, slow-burn tension, and steamy scenes that will make you believe in the power of both truth and lies.
But it’s still not enough.
Since the founding of Glenmere, Meira’s family has maintained the magical wards that keep the valley safe. The work was never meant to be done alone—each pair of wardcrafters was bonded by both love and magic, their power intertwined.
But after losing her parents, the responsibility became hers alone. Now her magic is wearing thin. Her body is breaking down. And the charm shop she built from nothing—the one piece of her life that’s truly hers—is slipping through her fingers.
When she collapses at her best friend’s wedding, the village council finally intervenes: find a magical partner to share the burden, or step aside.
Panicked, Meira claims she's already being courted—by Calder, the forest fae who appeared the same week everything fell apart and who's been quietly holding her life together ever since.
Calder doesn't hesitate—just steps forward and agrees, like protecting her is the most natural thing in the world. And Meira, who’s been holding herself together for far too long, feels the first thread start to pull loose. Because Calder can’t lie. And Meira doesn’t know if she’s falling into a trap, a partnership… or something far more dangerous to her heart.
The Hidden Magic of Ordinary Things is full of small town fantasy charm, ancient magic, slow-burn tension, and steamy scenes that will make you believe in the power of both truth and lies.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2025
524 people are currently reading
2247 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
August 20, 2025
This is a cozy fantasy debut that’s a pretty easy read. It is light on the world-building, which left me with some questions. It also felt incomplete on some of the development related to the characters, their motivations, and a couple plot threads. Overall, it’s sweet with some deeper emotional themes at times that drew some tears from me. I saw opportunities, but I also thought this was a promising debut.
Written in first person, single POV of h. No ow drama, some om drama from h’s ex who’s pushing for a partnership related to the h’s magic/duties, which she’s absolutely not on board with. Other than knowing this ex, no past relationship info or history given, but based on their actions it seemed they both had some degree of experience (ie. They’re not fumbling around lol).
Some tropes/themes:
☆ Cozy fantasy setting
☆ Fae
☆ Small village
☆ FMC is literally pouring all her magic out for others
☆ MMC is a gentle giant who’s “new” to the village still after 2 years
☆ She’s self-sacrificing and feels inadequate
☆ He’s quietly caring and protective
☆ Their best friends are in love
☆ Others thought they were perfect for each other
☆ Fake courting to protect the FMC
☆ Their magic likes each other
☆ Some secrets and angst
☆ Last minute cute animal sidekick that deserved more page time
☆ A council of jerks and a bad guy with none of them getting repercussions *grr*
The reader is basically dropped into Meira’s (h) current issue of being a ward keeper for a village but running low on the magic that keeps everyone safe, along with small tasks she does for her charms shop and others. This role is typically supported by a partner (Meira inherited it from her parents, who worked together). After Meira passes out at her best friend’s wedding (who should not have been asking for all the things she wanted done and should have noticed her bestie was running on fumes), the village council starts pushing for Meira to be paired with someone or be replaced (this was pretty weak imo).
Calder (H) steps up to pretend that he’s courting Meira to buy her time and the two get to know each other better. They have good chemistry and would have potentially been closer previously except Calder discovered Meira after a prior overload event and she’s felt awkward about it since. This fake courting gives the two an opportunity to explore this connection, including how their magic works so well together.
I didn’t love Meira, however I was sympathetic to her grief over her parents and the struggle she found herself in with her role. She felt sometimes like others only saw her for her value over the wards, but then she also had at least two close friends that she could have turned to for support. She has some mental health-like moments of feeling lost and isolated that were super sad. Some of her thoughts and behaviors didn’t feel authentic to the situation though. Same with Calder. He’s lovely but he makes choices that also don’t make sense for what’s happening, especially as he should have seen the trend playing out. Calder also has very little shared about his background, making him far less well-rounded than Meira. One aspect that is shared was also out of left field. I legit double-blinked at my kindle.
They are cute together though and no one questioned their fake courting because it was believable that they would work as a couple. The emotional intimacy is up and down, so I felt like the relationship development reflected that. Something was missing in it for me, perhaps because of the other elements I’ve mentioned that could have been smoother. There is some steam on page, I think it was one full scene.
Some of the other villagers stood out in their scenes. Unfortunately some were memorable because I wanted to shake them. I was very frustrated that a bad guy reveal did not result in severe repercussions. Another side character comes in and immediately shifts the focus elsewhere, while I was wondering where the accountability was. Meira's best friends were fun and the village healer was hilarious.
The ending is HEA/HFN of them having committed to their relationship, they’re moving in together in the epilogue. Meira and Calder are in love and it’s an adorable note that the book ends on. It could have been slightly more closure only because there was friction and reconciliation right before the ending so a further out peek might have felt more solid. I always want those extended epilogues so take that with a grain of salt. I would check out future books by the author to see how her writing journey progresses.
Written in first person, single POV of h. No ow drama, some om drama from h’s ex who’s pushing for a partnership related to the h’s magic/duties, which she’s absolutely not on board with. Other than knowing this ex, no past relationship info or history given, but based on their actions it seemed they both had some degree of experience (ie. They’re not fumbling around lol).
Some tropes/themes:
☆ Cozy fantasy setting
☆ Fae
☆ Small village
☆ FMC is literally pouring all her magic out for others
☆ MMC is a gentle giant who’s “new” to the village still after 2 years
☆ She’s self-sacrificing and feels inadequate
☆ He’s quietly caring and protective
☆ Their best friends are in love
☆ Others thought they were perfect for each other
☆ Fake courting to protect the FMC
☆ Their magic likes each other
☆ Some secrets and angst
☆ Last minute cute animal sidekick that deserved more page time
☆ A council of jerks and a bad guy with none of them getting repercussions *grr*
The reader is basically dropped into Meira’s (h) current issue of being a ward keeper for a village but running low on the magic that keeps everyone safe, along with small tasks she does for her charms shop and others. This role is typically supported by a partner (Meira inherited it from her parents, who worked together). After Meira passes out at her best friend’s wedding (who should not have been asking for all the things she wanted done and should have noticed her bestie was running on fumes), the village council starts pushing for Meira to be paired with someone or be replaced (this was pretty weak imo).
Calder (H) steps up to pretend that he’s courting Meira to buy her time and the two get to know each other better. They have good chemistry and would have potentially been closer previously except Calder discovered Meira after a prior overload event and she’s felt awkward about it since. This fake courting gives the two an opportunity to explore this connection, including how their magic works so well together.
I didn’t love Meira, however I was sympathetic to her grief over her parents and the struggle she found herself in with her role. She felt sometimes like others only saw her for her value over the wards, but then she also had at least two close friends that she could have turned to for support. She has some mental health-like moments of feeling lost and isolated that were super sad. Some of her thoughts and behaviors didn’t feel authentic to the situation though. Same with Calder. He’s lovely but he makes choices that also don’t make sense for what’s happening, especially as he should have seen the trend playing out. Calder also has very little shared about his background, making him far less well-rounded than Meira. One aspect that is shared was also out of left field. I legit double-blinked at my kindle.
They are cute together though and no one questioned their fake courting because it was believable that they would work as a couple. The emotional intimacy is up and down, so I felt like the relationship development reflected that. Something was missing in it for me, perhaps because of the other elements I’ve mentioned that could have been smoother. There is some steam on page, I think it was one full scene.
Some of the other villagers stood out in their scenes. Unfortunately some were memorable because I wanted to shake them. I was very frustrated that a bad guy reveal did not result in severe repercussions. Another side character comes in and immediately shifts the focus elsewhere, while I was wondering where the accountability was. Meira's best friends were fun and the village healer was hilarious.
The ending is HEA/HFN of them having committed to their relationship, they’re moving in together in the epilogue. Meira and Calder are in love and it’s an adorable note that the book ends on. It could have been slightly more closure only because there was friction and reconciliation right before the ending so a further out peek might have felt more solid. I always want those extended epilogues so take that with a grain of salt. I would check out future books by the author to see how her writing journey progresses.
August 13, 2025
Well, this is a tough one to rate because I both liked and didn't like it...so I'm going to say 3 stars and call it a day.
What I liked:
It was a sweet, cozy story, with pleasant characters and some lovely moments. If you're just looking for something smooth and unchallenging, with some romance, this will probably fit your needs. It plays nicely if you just take things at their surface value.
What I didn't like:
When I engage my brain, at moments it was offputting and/or nonsense. And the relationship between MMC and FMC doesn't really hold up to scrutiny.
The primary issue is the whole wardkeeper thing. I don't understand why Calder did what he did, why he kept it secret, and how on earth he imagined it wouldn't make her feel useless.
And my last issue with the wardkeeper thing is: does she even want to do this? There are several scenes in this book where she's fantasizing about going somewhere, seeing the world. But she knows she can never leave the village because the wards need daily maintenance. She does that job not because she loves it, but because her parents did it and so she feels obligated. And because she likes feeling like she's doing something that is needed - it didn't feel like an ego thing to me, just ... like, who doesn't enjoy feeling like their work is necessary? But she keeps circling back to places she wishes she could see. I honestly half expected the book to end with her telling the council they could manage the wards themselves from now on, and btw go fuck yourselves (and how does Nolan not get in trouble for his shit?). And then she and Calder take off into the world to travel and enjoy their lives.
But it didn't, and I ended this book and just thought "huh". Not a thumbs up or a thumbs down, but more of a shrug.
What I liked:
It was a sweet, cozy story, with pleasant characters and some lovely moments. If you're just looking for something smooth and unchallenging, with some romance, this will probably fit your needs. It plays nicely if you just take things at their surface value.
What I didn't like:
When I engage my brain, at moments it was offputting and/or nonsense. And the relationship between MMC and FMC doesn't really hold up to scrutiny.
The primary issue is the whole wardkeeper thing. I don't understand why Calder did what he did, why he kept it secret, and how on earth he imagined it wouldn't make her feel useless.
And my last issue with the wardkeeper thing is: does she even want to do this? There are several scenes in this book where she's fantasizing about going somewhere, seeing the world. But she knows she can never leave the village because the wards need daily maintenance. She does that job not because she loves it, but because her parents did it and so she feels obligated. And because she likes feeling like she's doing something that is needed - it didn't feel like an ego thing to me, just ... like, who doesn't enjoy feeling like their work is necessary? But she keeps circling back to places she wishes she could see. I honestly half expected the book to end with her telling the council they could manage the wards themselves from now on, and btw go fuck yourselves (and how does Nolan not get in trouble for his shit?). And then she and Calder take off into the world to travel and enjoy their lives.
But it didn't, and I ended this book and just thought "huh". Not a thumbs up or a thumbs down, but more of a shrug.
June 7, 2025
Oh my gods, what a book. 🥹
This was everything I could want or expect in a cozy fantasy romance. It was heartfelt, genuine, warm, and, to put it honestly, Calder is swoon-worthy. 😏
If I had to compare the feelings this book evoked for me personally, it would be everything I loved from The Spellshop and Legends and Lattes, but with more romance and more 🌶️. Need I say more!?
I can’t believe this is an author’s debut, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
This was everything I could want or expect in a cozy fantasy romance. It was heartfelt, genuine, warm, and, to put it honestly, Calder is swoon-worthy. 😏
If I had to compare the feelings this book evoked for me personally, it would be everything I loved from The Spellshop and Legends and Lattes, but with more romance and more 🌶️. Need I say more!?
I can’t believe this is an author’s debut, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
June 8, 2025
my new comfort read
This book felt like sunshine peaking through your window on a slow Sunday morning ☀️💕 one I’ll
come back to over and over
This book felt like sunshine peaking through your window on a slow Sunday morning ☀️💕 one I’ll
come back to over and over
June 8, 2025
Loved this
Calder is new to the valley but he has found his stride. He has helped where he could and is willing to lend a hand. He is also the man that Meira is going to get help from. He had saved her two years ago when she drained herself of her magic. He is there for her. He is the strong silent type he also seems shy too. But being a forest fae makes anything he says be a vow spoken unlike the others in the valley. So getting his help as her intended who will help her with her duties is a big deal.
Calder is new to the valley but he has found his stride. He has helped where he could and is willing to lend a hand. He is also the man that Meira is going to get help from. He had saved her two years ago when she drained herself of her magic. He is there for her. He is the strong silent type he also seems shy too. But being a forest fae makes anything he says be a vow spoken unlike the others in the valley. So getting his help as her intended who will help her with her duties is a big deal.
June 22, 2025
What. A. Book. Hands down, my favorite cozy fantasy of all time and easily towards the top of my favorites - the easiest 5 star rating I’ve given in a while.
Meira and Calder were phenomenal MC’s. The slow build from friends to more is perfect, the tension between them feels real, and the coming together again feels real. Their friends and other characters we meet add a subtle depth to the story that adds to that feeling of “realness” in a fantasy setting that I can never get enough of.
I never would have guessed this was the authors first published work. I’ll absolutely be keeping an eye out for her next work(s).
Meira and Calder were phenomenal MC’s. The slow build from friends to more is perfect, the tension between them feels real, and the coming together again feels real. Their friends and other characters we meet add a subtle depth to the story that adds to that feeling of “realness” in a fantasy setting that I can never get enough of.
I never would have guessed this was the authors first published work. I’ll absolutely be keeping an eye out for her next work(s).
June 7, 2025
Huba huba. My first COZY book that did not disappoint! The story really brought the fantasy world to life for me, even though I’m not a regular of the genre. The conversations were believable and fluid. Each character had a natural back-and-forth, making me feel like I was observing their conversations. The friendship between Sorcha and Miera, the tension between Meira and the elders, and the friendship/blossoming between Meira and Calder were dynamics that kept me drawn to the story. Also, I’m Nolan’s number one hater. His character was the embodiment of a con-artist ex many of us wish to forget.
When I had previously tried to get into the genre, other books had dialogue that felt like I was one foot in another place, abruptly jolted out by a vernacular that didn’t seem to fit. In this book, that wasn’t the case, and I understand that it can be challenging to write. The premise was unique and not overly complicated for the sake of being so, unlike some other books where I believe any reader can enjoy this story regardless of their typical reading preferences. The pacing was perfect for an ADHD girl.
The female main character embodied a duality that resonated with me. I found myself drawn to her softer, more vulnerable side, and then balanced by her tough and resilient external. She had to embark on a journey within herself so she could learn to share her heavy burden. I felt the wards to be symbolic of that experience. She would have run herself into the ground, and working with someone else was the last thing she wanted. That resonated with me the most. Specifically, that natural resistance to change, even when it’s necessary. This perspective is relatable/aspirational to many readers, and I appreciated the author’s ability to capture a complex character. I’m titillated to see what this author has in store for us next.
P.S.
🙏🏻I give thanks for every tall (like REALLY TALL), hot, strong, loving man I come across in a book.
When I had previously tried to get into the genre, other books had dialogue that felt like I was one foot in another place, abruptly jolted out by a vernacular that didn’t seem to fit. In this book, that wasn’t the case, and I understand that it can be challenging to write. The premise was unique and not overly complicated for the sake of being so, unlike some other books where I believe any reader can enjoy this story regardless of their typical reading preferences. The pacing was perfect for an ADHD girl.
The female main character embodied a duality that resonated with me. I found myself drawn to her softer, more vulnerable side, and then balanced by her tough and resilient external. She had to embark on a journey within herself so she could learn to share her heavy burden. I felt the wards to be symbolic of that experience. She would have run herself into the ground, and working with someone else was the last thing she wanted. That resonated with me the most. Specifically, that natural resistance to change, even when it’s necessary. This perspective is relatable/aspirational to many readers, and I appreciated the author’s ability to capture a complex character. I’m titillated to see what this author has in store for us next.
P.S.
🙏🏻I give thanks for every tall (like REALLY TALL), hot, strong, loving man I come across in a book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2025
Love love love. It was cozy, warm, romantic. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one day! Just a sweet book that I will definitely read again.
June 25, 2025
3.5⭐️
Loved how cozy and cute this was but I just felt like it didn’t have enough substance to back up the story at times. I wanted a more thorough background for the magic/world building, and I also felt like I didn’t get to know Calder’s character very well because we didn’t get any chapters from his POV. There were also some unfinished plot points, especially with Nolan’s(?) involvement in the story, nothing really came of that entire revelation towards the end.
Overall it was a fun read and I loved the setting, it just needed a bit more depth for me.
Loved how cozy and cute this was but I just felt like it didn’t have enough substance to back up the story at times. I wanted a more thorough background for the magic/world building, and I also felt like I didn’t get to know Calder’s character very well because we didn’t get any chapters from his POV. There were also some unfinished plot points, especially with Nolan’s(?) involvement in the story, nothing really came of that entire revelation towards the end.
Overall it was a fun read and I loved the setting, it just needed a bit more depth for me.
August 6, 2025
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ✰ 3.5 .𖥔 ݁ ˖
i wish this were longer
i wish this were longer
July 16, 2025
The Hidden Magic of Ordinary Things by Olivia McCullough is an enchanting fantasy novel that feels accessible even to newcomers to the genre. The characters are wonderfully nuanced and relatable, and the themes of independence, learning to lean on others, and a beautifully developed romance really shine through. This book is a delightful emotional journey that will have you laughing, crying, and cheering for the characters from start to finish. Highly recommended!
P.S. Calder is literaallllyyy the dreamiest man ever.
P.S. Calder is literaallllyyy the dreamiest man ever.
January 30, 2026
This was a sweet, fast comfort read that felt warm and easy to fall into.
This was a sweet, fast comfort read that felt warm and easy to fall into. I really enjoyed the cast of characters—each one brought something charming to the story, even if not all of them were perfect. While the pacing felt a bit rushed at times, the overall vibe was cozy and gentle, making it a nice book to pick up when you want something low-stress and comforting.
If you’re looking for an easy, feel-good read with mostly likable characters and a touch of everyday magic, this one is definitely worth checking out ✨📖
This was a sweet, fast comfort read that felt warm and easy to fall into. I really enjoyed the cast of characters—each one brought something charming to the story, even if not all of them were perfect. While the pacing felt a bit rushed at times, the overall vibe was cozy and gentle, making it a nice book to pick up when you want something low-stress and comforting.
If you’re looking for an easy, feel-good read with mostly likable characters and a touch of everyday magic, this one is definitely worth checking out ✨📖
July 6, 2025
This was such a cozy romantasy read! I read it in basically one sitting because it was so enjoyable. What an amazing debut novel! Immediately adding to the recommendations/will reread one day pike.
The fantasy world was easy to understand but still incredibly intriguing. The characters were lovely and the friendships were realistic. I loved the fake dating/marriage of convenience aspect of the story but it never felt very "tropey."
The stakes were low but the cozy impact was high. Beware - you may end up hungry while reading this because of great food imagery.
Thanks to the author for providing a copy for me to review. It was so enjoyable, I can't wait to read more from this author.
The fantasy world was easy to understand but still incredibly intriguing. The characters were lovely and the friendships were realistic. I loved the fake dating/marriage of convenience aspect of the story but it never felt very "tropey."
The stakes were low but the cozy impact was high. Beware - you may end up hungry while reading this because of great food imagery.
Thanks to the author for providing a copy for me to review. It was so enjoyable, I can't wait to read more from this author.
July 7, 2025
This debut cozy fantasy had no right to be so adorable. It was precisely what I needed to read. I loved every moment and devoured it.
Would highly recommend!!
4.5 ⭐ rounded up!
Would highly recommend!!
4.5 ⭐ rounded up!
August 28, 2025
As others have said, I both liked and disliked this book. I struggled with wanting to rate or review at all, because I have the utmost respect for an author debuting their first novel, and for the absolute bravery that takes!
For me, it felt like something was missing the entire time, and many interactions and plot points felt hollow. I appreciate brevity and vignettes, they can be amazing, but I just felt like there was more to the story needed for it to feel whole, to me. And it felt like there were a lot of mental inconstancies - things illogical in her that usually are founded in trauma, except these just were impossible to reconcile. I think it’s because our h narrator lays out very plainly an interaction and her perception of it in how she hears H’s words and countenance, but then goes the complete opposite direction, completely contradicting her previous statements. It’s impossible to fully put my finger on/explain, but that’s what I got. Perhaps the book could’ve benefitted more from being written in third person?
I suppose, the miscommunication trope is heavy in this one, but unfortunately not very believable.
The title truly drew me in, but unfortunately I didn’t feel and envision (as many other books can cause one to) the hidden magic in the ordinary things, and when the titular line was delivered, it still felt hollow. Perhaps a more whimsical perspective (again from 3rd person maybe? Was needed.)
We learn some of H’s story while we are bombarded with the entirety of h’s story - all most too much - which, that can be fine, it’s her story written from her perspective. But we’re given maybe three grains that there is much more to H’s story, and we’re only provided detail on one of those. Again, it’s h’s story, it’s not absolutely necessary to have all of H’s, but in this book as I and others have said something felt missing, and I do think that was part of it. I think if there had been more to the story, or even just them having more conversations about it, the story would’ve felt more whole. On the whole it felt too short to be believable. Months are mentioned as passing but it doesn’t feel at all as though they have. I think there was a lot more that could’ve been expanded upon to make the development of the story and relationship feel more realistic. You don’t always get or need that from a story in this genre, I get that, but I think for this one, with such a focus on the ordinary, you do. There’s actually not that much focus on the ordinary things there’s supposed to be magic in.
It took me a shocking two days to finish this book - when I saw the length my kindle told me I could finish it in an hour. It just didn’t draw me in obsessively like many other books have, last night I only had 30 pages left and chose to do something else. Many times I found myself putting it down and going to do something else. But I wanted to see how it concluded to see if it lived up to what I hoped from it. Unfortunately it didn’t but it was still an all right read.
I would like to read this author’s next foray into the genre just to see how she grows and improves.
For me, it felt like something was missing the entire time, and many interactions and plot points felt hollow. I appreciate brevity and vignettes, they can be amazing, but I just felt like there was more to the story needed for it to feel whole, to me. And it felt like there were a lot of mental inconstancies - things illogical in her that usually are founded in trauma, except these just were impossible to reconcile. I think it’s because our h narrator lays out very plainly an interaction and her perception of it in how she hears H’s words and countenance, but then goes the complete opposite direction, completely contradicting her previous statements. It’s impossible to fully put my finger on/explain, but that’s what I got. Perhaps the book could’ve benefitted more from being written in third person?
I suppose, the miscommunication trope is heavy in this one, but unfortunately not very believable.
The title truly drew me in, but unfortunately I didn’t feel and envision (as many other books can cause one to) the hidden magic in the ordinary things, and when the titular line was delivered, it still felt hollow. Perhaps a more whimsical perspective (again from 3rd person maybe? Was needed.)
We learn some of H’s story while we are bombarded with the entirety of h’s story - all most too much - which, that can be fine, it’s her story written from her perspective. But we’re given maybe three grains that there is much more to H’s story, and we’re only provided detail on one of those. Again, it’s h’s story, it’s not absolutely necessary to have all of H’s, but in this book as I and others have said something felt missing, and I do think that was part of it. I think if there had been more to the story, or even just them having more conversations about it, the story would’ve felt more whole. On the whole it felt too short to be believable. Months are mentioned as passing but it doesn’t feel at all as though they have. I think there was a lot more that could’ve been expanded upon to make the development of the story and relationship feel more realistic. You don’t always get or need that from a story in this genre, I get that, but I think for this one, with such a focus on the ordinary, you do. There’s actually not that much focus on the ordinary things there’s supposed to be magic in.
It took me a shocking two days to finish this book - when I saw the length my kindle told me I could finish it in an hour. It just didn’t draw me in obsessively like many other books have, last night I only had 30 pages left and chose to do something else. Many times I found myself putting it down and going to do something else. But I wanted to see how it concluded to see if it lived up to what I hoped from it. Unfortunately it didn’t but it was still an all right read.
I would like to read this author’s next foray into the genre just to see how she grows and improves.
June 9, 2025
Every so often I read a book and, at some point, pause because I realize a sense of calm has settled over me, my eyes sting a bit with shed tears, and I know that story is going to stay with me. It’s going to leave a quiet presence for me to muse over.
‘Hidden Magic of Ordinary Things’ is one of those books.
It starts out as a well written story—Meira overworking herself, spreading her magic thin. Quiet, sweet, handsome Calder helping her when asked. But, with each page that turns, the further author Olivia McCullough pulls you under her spell of rightness. Definitely good stuff here. Beautiful, actually.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
* Calder
FMC:
* Meira
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* HEA
Tropes:
* Fae Romance
* Fake Engagement
* Friends to Lovers
* MF
Triggers:
* 18+
* Sex
* Mild language
Burn Speed:
* Medium
Spice Level:
* 🌶️🌶️ 1/2
‘Hidden Magic of Ordinary Things’ is one of those books.
It starts out as a well written story—Meira overworking herself, spreading her magic thin. Quiet, sweet, handsome Calder helping her when asked. But, with each page that turns, the further author Olivia McCullough pulls you under her spell of rightness. Definitely good stuff here. Beautiful, actually.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
* Calder
FMC:
* Meira
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* HEA
Tropes:
* Fae Romance
* Fake Engagement
* Friends to Lovers
* MF
Triggers:
* 18+
* Sex
* Mild language
Burn Speed:
* Medium
Spice Level:
* 🌶️🌶️ 1/2
June 9, 2025
I don't normally write reviews but this book was perfect and I could not put it down - I read it in less than a day!
🦊 strangers/friends to lovers
🦊 fake dating/marriage of convenience vibes
🦊 interesting magic system, but not heavy (which I liked for a cosy easy feel)
🦊 super cosy vibes, low stakes
🦊 both characters major simps for each other
🦊 a satisfying slow burn with HEA
🌶 tasteful spice, 1/5
I feel like this book had absolutely everything I love and more, I think I'll be obsessed with Calder till I die.
🦊 strangers/friends to lovers
🦊 fake dating/marriage of convenience vibes
🦊 interesting magic system, but not heavy (which I liked for a cosy easy feel)
🦊 super cosy vibes, low stakes
🦊 both characters major simps for each other
🦊 a satisfying slow burn with HEA
🌶 tasteful spice, 1/5
I feel like this book had absolutely everything I love and more, I think I'll be obsessed with Calder till I die.
June 11, 2025
Wow. The hidden magic of ordinary things is one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read! It was a cozy ready but was so genuinely written. I loved the depth of this story! Calder is such a steadfast MMC and Meira had such beautiful growth. This story was so pure and heartwarming I loved it!
June 12, 2025
This is the most beautiful book I've read, possibly ever, the realistic love in this book made my heart so full and I will carry it with me for a very long time.
August 3, 2025
Well that was lovely. I didn't expect this short story about being seen to hit me so hard in the feels.
I love a little romantic palate cleanser.
I love a little romantic palate cleanser.
July 31, 2025
*3.5 stars
I enjoyed this cute and cozy, short, low-stakes fantasy romance.
I would have preferred a bit more detail about the world and a little more from Calder since we don't have his PoV to draw from. There was also a thread of plot that was dropped and not fully resolved, but as the romance was the point, I guess it doesn't matter overmuch.
I enjoyed this cute and cozy, short, low-stakes fantasy romance.
I would have preferred a bit more detail about the world and a little more from Calder since we don't have his PoV to draw from. There was also a thread of plot that was dropped and not fully resolved, but as the romance was the point, I guess it doesn't matter overmuch.
November 11, 2025
[3.5 stars]
Short, sweet, and cozy. Author does an amazing job depicting grief through her writing.
Short, sweet, and cozy. Author does an amazing job depicting grief through her writing.
August 27, 2025
"That’s what real love, real partnership looks like. Two people who make even the most boring things beautiful, just by doing them together.”
“All I thought about that night was what if I’d lost her before I’d even had a chance to know her?”
“I think sometimes we stop taking care of things … not because they didn’t matter.” He paused and tore a handful of weeds from the earth, root and all. “But because they did. And we don’t know how to look at them, or even be in the presence of them, without hurting.”
“You don’t have to do anything for me to stay.” I clenched my jaw and tried to swallow the lump in my throat back down. “You don’t have to be strong. You don’t have to earn it. You don’t have to fix a single thing. I’m not staying because you make life easier. I’m staying because it’s you, even when it’s hard.”
“With you, there’s all kinds of magic hidden in ordinary things.”
“All I thought about that night was what if I’d lost her before I’d even had a chance to know her?”
“I think sometimes we stop taking care of things … not because they didn’t matter.” He paused and tore a handful of weeds from the earth, root and all. “But because they did. And we don’t know how to look at them, or even be in the presence of them, without hurting.”
“You don’t have to do anything for me to stay.” I clenched my jaw and tried to swallow the lump in my throat back down. “You don’t have to be strong. You don’t have to earn it. You don’t have to fix a single thing. I’m not staying because you make life easier. I’m staying because it’s you, even when it’s hard.”
“With you, there’s all kinds of magic hidden in ordinary things.”
October 1, 2025
temu hallmark movie
June 18, 2025
This blew me away, straight up blew me away. I stayed up til 3am reading it!
It's a cosy romantasy that feels like a warm hug, set in the most gorgeous little fae world. It has beautiful character development with the most delicious slow burn romance. A true slow-burn, I want you to think Pride and Prejudice with the hands just touching kind of thing, that's driving the whole story. And there's also this sweet little web of relationships, including incredible female friendship. There's a protective MMC, FMC who feels like she's not good enough, fake relationship, comfort and caring, plus romance-perfect magic.
The whole book reminded me of Taylor Swift's songs - this is a compliment! - where it's a mix of beautiful romantic songs, the songs that make you want to dance, and the emotional songs that make you want to cry, the falling in love and heartbreak and all of it. This is what Olivia's writing is like, it definitely had me feeling all the feelings - it was 3am and I was crying in my bed! The trauma is uncovered and the backstories and how they're coping with it and healing from it.
Are there spicy scenes - yes but I feel like we could have one more (bonus chapter anyone?). I will say this though: their first night together = amazing, their first morning after = perfection, their bond = sublime.
Overall, it absolutely met my five koala rating (5 stars) - it was enjoyable, complete escapism, aaaand it was a little bit like therapy too. Like do I even need a therapist? Probably not, I could just read this book again!
It's a cosy romantasy that feels like a warm hug, set in the most gorgeous little fae world. It has beautiful character development with the most delicious slow burn romance. A true slow-burn, I want you to think Pride and Prejudice with the hands just touching kind of thing, that's driving the whole story. And there's also this sweet little web of relationships, including incredible female friendship. There's a protective MMC, FMC who feels like she's not good enough, fake relationship, comfort and caring, plus romance-perfect magic.
The whole book reminded me of Taylor Swift's songs - this is a compliment! - where it's a mix of beautiful romantic songs, the songs that make you want to dance, and the emotional songs that make you want to cry, the falling in love and heartbreak and all of it. This is what Olivia's writing is like, it definitely had me feeling all the feelings - it was 3am and I was crying in my bed! The trauma is uncovered and the backstories and how they're coping with it and healing from it.
Are there spicy scenes - yes but I feel like we could have one more (bonus chapter anyone?). I will say this though: their first night together = amazing, their first morning after = perfection, their bond = sublime.
Overall, it absolutely met my five koala rating (5 stars) - it was enjoyable, complete escapism, aaaand it was a little bit like therapy too. Like do I even need a therapist? Probably not, I could just read this book again!
June 19, 2025
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I have been on a cozy fantasy kick lately and I will not apologize for it. I’ve been loving it. This one got a bit lost because I read chapter 1 two weeks ago and then blew through the rest today!
Needless to say—loved it. I didn’t want to stop even though I get a sense of melancholy when I have to leave these worlds. It’s worth it for the journey.
I like how this one doesn’t have a villain or even really an antagonist. Not truly. There’s obstacles and trial and conflict but even the “I don’t want to be with him” character isn’t terrible or even that bad. Just annoying.
And that really fits with the book’s theme of love being the most wonderful magic and how it’s found in the simplest of places. I could melt into this book’s overall message. Sweetness abound!
Then there’s the characters. I adore Calder because he actually reminds me a lot of my husband—caring, good listener, wonderful supporter because he wants you happy and thus you want him happy in return. I was cheering for him the whole story.
I very much like the magic system here too. I’m not usually a fan of “fake relationship turns real” but I really enjoyed how there was a reason in the magic system for why it had to happen and it wasn’t just Elders being stuffy rational elders. You see WHY.
This book was a lovely bit of magic and I hope you can share in it as I did.
I have been on a cozy fantasy kick lately and I will not apologize for it. I’ve been loving it. This one got a bit lost because I read chapter 1 two weeks ago and then blew through the rest today!
Needless to say—loved it. I didn’t want to stop even though I get a sense of melancholy when I have to leave these worlds. It’s worth it for the journey.
I like how this one doesn’t have a villain or even really an antagonist. Not truly. There’s obstacles and trial and conflict but even the “I don’t want to be with him” character isn’t terrible or even that bad. Just annoying.
And that really fits with the book’s theme of love being the most wonderful magic and how it’s found in the simplest of places. I could melt into this book’s overall message. Sweetness abound!
Then there’s the characters. I adore Calder because he actually reminds me a lot of my husband—caring, good listener, wonderful supporter because he wants you happy and thus you want him happy in return. I was cheering for him the whole story.
I very much like the magic system here too. I’m not usually a fan of “fake relationship turns real” but I really enjoyed how there was a reason in the magic system for why it had to happen and it wasn’t just Elders being stuffy rational elders. You see WHY.
This book was a lovely bit of magic and I hope you can share in it as I did.
January 25, 2026
5 ⭐️
“You don’t have to be strong. You don’t have to earn it. You don’t have to fix a single thing. I’m not staying because you make life easier. I’m staying because it’s you, even when it’s hard.”
This book was such a good, cozy read 🥰 You’re not getting some heavy plot, work-of-art novel but you’re getting exactly what the book is called…the hidden magic of ordinary things. Most of the book is just mundane tasks with a plot that has the two main characters growing closer together, but it’s somehow so much more than that too. I laughed, I cried, I got to read some unexpected plot twists, and it was a swift read to boot. Normally, small books have a limit to their rating because everything seems overly rushed. This book wasn’t that. There was a bit of rush in the beginning that had me worried, but then it really mellowed out and had me just enjoying what was coming next. I’m glad it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows either. It made it feel extremely real, even in a fantasy setting.
“You don’t have to be strong. You don’t have to earn it. You don’t have to fix a single thing. I’m not staying because you make life easier. I’m staying because it’s you, even when it’s hard.”
This book was such a good, cozy read 🥰 You’re not getting some heavy plot, work-of-art novel but you’re getting exactly what the book is called…the hidden magic of ordinary things. Most of the book is just mundane tasks with a plot that has the two main characters growing closer together, but it’s somehow so much more than that too. I laughed, I cried, I got to read some unexpected plot twists, and it was a swift read to boot. Normally, small books have a limit to their rating because everything seems overly rushed. This book wasn’t that. There was a bit of rush in the beginning that had me worried, but then it really mellowed out and had me just enjoying what was coming next. I’m glad it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows either. It made it feel extremely real, even in a fantasy setting.
October 24, 2025
This felt like the epitome of women writing fictional men. The quotes hit hard, I loved a great big quiet giant who is stable and just there in his acts of service ways.
Is there much plot? No. Is there much spice? A little. Is there complex world building? Not really, though whatever you need to know is explained well enough.…
This is ultimately just a cute love story that you can devour in a night. Less than 200 pages. Loved it.
Is there much plot? No. Is there much spice? A little. Is there complex world building? Not really, though whatever you need to know is explained well enough.…
This is ultimately just a cute love story that you can devour in a night. Less than 200 pages. Loved it.
June 18, 2025
From the beginning you could tell that Calder desired Meira but kept his distance and was respectful. He came to her rescue when she was in danger. He was her friend first going as far to protect her from an unwanted matchmaking posing as her lover. This false relationship grows as the connection between them and their magic became more apparent. Their passion is well written and feels so real. The story is heartwarming and gave me butterflies. I’m a sucker for a cozy love story with a happy ending. I wish I could read it for the first time again!
July 20, 2025
4.25 stars
I just loved this!! I picked it up after seeing an ad for it (I’ve never done that in my life) and I was blown away!!
This was so cozy and comforting. I loved the characters and the world had so much charm. The romance was super cute and even had a little fake dating element (that gets me every time). This is the perfect comfort read and I would love to read more books set in this world!!
I just loved this!! I picked it up after seeing an ad for it (I’ve never done that in my life) and I was blown away!!
This was so cozy and comforting. I loved the characters and the world had so much charm. The romance was super cute and even had a little fake dating element (that gets me every time). This is the perfect comfort read and I would love to read more books set in this world!!
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