One forbidden love. Two broken hearts. Three little things.Hattie Waltz should forget the troubled neighbor leaving for boot camp in 1917. He forgot about her ages ago. It had always been the Waltzs verses the Kregers, his family pitted against hers. When she hands him a farewell gift, a chemistry lesson unfolds. The good kind. Arno Kreger can’t leave Iowa or his old man fast enough. He’s eager … enough. He’s eager to prove his worth on the battlefield and stop blaming himself for his brother’s death. Before entering the train, he bumps into Hattie. He’s loved her forever, always from the sidelines, because nobody crosses Hattie’s pa.
One innocent letter soon morphs into many. Arno and Hattie share three little secrets in each letter and grow closer together. But he’s on his way to a war across the ocean, and she’s still in her father’s house. Their newfound love will need to survive dangers on both fronts.
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This book gets my #1 Best Cover award. Seriously – look at that cover! Endorsed by Debbie Macomber, received a positive review by Publishers Weekly, you can’t go wrong with this one. It’s a lovely WWI romance inspired by the love letters written during that time period between the author’s grandparents. It touches on the prejudice against German/Americans at that time, as well as the upheaval of the war on the home shores. This is the author’s first book, but I’ll be watching for what she publishes next!
“Three Little Things” is a delightful story set during World War I. It’s filled with a fetching cast of characters and borne along by the author’s entertaining sense of humor. The narration reminds us that many folks were suspicious of people with German ancestry during the war, even though they were American citizens and even using the common term “gesundheit,” and that children of German immigrants were drafted to fight against their parents’ former countrymen.
Young Iowa men were trained into soldiering, where there were still rivalries–some about girls back home, some about German sympathies–and sent across to fight the Kaiser’s troops in France. Some didn’t return home, some came back with broken bodies. There is a compelling scene with wounded veterans in a local hospital, at least one scarred on the inside and fighting his own private battle.
This winsome story also carries themes of acceptance, forgiveness, strangers becoming friends, reframing troubles from the past, and reveals a nickname for someone named Shamrock. An engaging story on many levels. Highly recommended.
This book is the story of Hattie and Arno, a story of empathy and courage. It is a coming of age story about young hearts. Through their endeavours during World War 1, they grow to discover the true meaning of compassion, of patience and endurance. These very human, flawed characters overcome the enemy: doubts, fear, guilt, isolation, grief, pain and loneliness. The fragments of their story is told in love letters, sent on the wings of love.
More than a romance, this heartwarming well-researched story is memorable, drawing on the realities of the wartime effort.
I love the thematic holism of the text, with Hattie and Arno’s growing knowledge of each other, of each other’s history, mirroring the wider sweep of History in the making.
Hattie and Arno’s characterisation sparkles with believable dialogue and exquisite descriptive detail. Secondary characters each play their own part in “creating” and “retelling” Hattie and Arno’s intimate story, hindering their relationship or helping it along. Dramatic tension and conflict is built with the “three” of the recurring triangle. The hermeneutic gap between the exterior and interior, “thinking” and “feeling,” “appearances” and “reality,” spurs the reader on.
In places, this tale is a tear-jerker. But pages of wartime love letters, the threads of a “string of pearls,” the steps of a dance, the words of a song are there to reveal a romantic, hopeful ending.
Finally, readers discover “three little things” that make the meaning; what is important to Hattie and Arno, what matters in our lives, is true of lasting love.
A fantastic debut novel
I love reading debut books, especially when I find treasures like Three Little Things. The style of writing is very engaging and the language used is simply beautiful. There were so many quotable quotes!
Whisked away to small-town Iowa during the First World War, I was fascinated by Arno, Hattie, their families, and acquaintances. It was so easy to be caught up in their everyday lives, from Hattie caring for her father and brothers to Arno in boot camp and beyond.
The three things they shared in each letter in this epistolary novel were sometimes sweet, sometimes silly, and always perfect. The letters were just the right length – not so long they overwhelmed the story and not so short to be meaningless.
In addition to the romance that blossomed between Arno and Hattie were the realities of war. Not in any kind of detail – it was presented mostly as background and explanation for things happening as they did. Characters I grew to care for suffered from prejudice and injuries as well.
Back at the home front, Hattie and her best friend served in the Knitting Brigade, doing their best to raise money and knit for the soldiers. I loved the way they tucked verses from Scripture in the socks. I was also intrigued by the idea of the number of young men who were not accepted for service and would have been left at home. The various reasons they would have been rejected were not ones I would have thought of.
I am hopeful that Patti Stockdale will write many more stories in the future. I would love to read more.
If you like historical fiction, I encourage you to see why I enjoyed this story as much as I did!
Read my review of Three Little Things by Patti Stockdale at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
A charming love story between Arno and Hattie during World War I. I absolutely loved the author’s debut novel. “Three Little Things” was inspired by her grandparent’s letters that they each wrote to one another during World War I. Hattie and her friends wanted to support the soldiers and spent time together knitting for the them. Loyalty, hard work and love of family are woven throughout the story. You will fall in love with Hattie and Arno and their happy ever after love story.
I had never heard of the author, but glad I read the book and I am looking forward to another book by the author.
“I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This. Book. I absolutely adored Patti Stockdale’s debut historical romance. Set against the backdrop of WWI, the hero and heroine write letters back and forth sharing three little things about themselves — their hopes and dreams, their fears and life’s disappointments. The letters serve to deepen the attraction of these childhood friends and help them deal with the war, anti-German American discrimination, and family opposition to their romance. Stockdale laces her prose with plenty of whit and historically accurate slang. Based on the real WWI era love letters between the author’s grandparents, any fan of inspirational romance won’t want to miss this one.
There is no doubt this story was written with love, not just the love between the heroine and hero, but love from the author as well. Reading the account of the author’s process for research and writing was nearly as stimulating as the book itself.
Three Little Things is a love story that is born during World War I. However, the story encompasses so much more than the central relationship of Arno and Hattie. We watch affection develop between the two as they correspond and share three things that are important to them. In our days of telephone, texting and internet it can be hard to imagine writing letters and the excruciating wait for mail. Arno and Hattie were not only tested by distance, but also by the disapproval of Hattie’s father. These obstacles only matured their love.
While Arno and Hattie learn about each other and fall in love, the reader has an in-depth soldier’s view of the training for war and of war itself, and how the expectations didn’t match the experience. We also learn what it was like to be the ones left behind. The last few scenes in the book are especially touching.
Three Little things is well researched and well written. I felt as if I was part of the scenes at bootcamp and could really picture the surroundings and activities. And I loved the mention of Fort Dix since that’s where my brother started his military life.
If you enjoy historical fiction that is based on a true story, or if you like stories about the lives of people who lived through WWI, Three Little Things is perfect for you. Perhaps you’re looking for a new time period to read about and love small town life. Give this story a read. I loved it.
Three Little Things is a historical romance tale of two young lovers, Hattie and Arno, who grew up together but grow emotionally close while separated during World War I. Their relationship is deepened through the letters they write to one another, in which they share personal and intimate thoughts – “three little things”. While the story is fiction, it was inspired by letters written by the author’s grandparents during the war and is backed by well-researched historical facts. The author’s style and use of local period idioms really help to set the scene of a close-knit, small Midwestern community during war time. The characters – the young couple, their parents and many friends and neighbors – are all well-developed and appealing. I really enjoyed Ms. Stockdale’s writing style which kept me interested and anxious to read on as the sweet story developed. I also appreciated how well edited and proofed this debut novel is. I’m anxious to read more by Ms. Stockdale.
Right from the beginning, I was swept into the story and the lives of these dynamic characters. I didn’t want to put the story down for a moment. Heartfelt and poignant this debut book from Patti Stockdale is sure to keep you turning pages late into the night!
The story takes place at the beginning of World War I. We spend the majority of our time in Iowa, however, we do at one point travel across the pond to France and then Germany with Arno.
I especially enjoyed the letters added seamlessly into the story. They carried such weight and gave the reader an intimate look into the very heart of the characters. The three little things they share with each other through those letters is paramount in allowing us to know these characters on a deeper level, and to feel what they are going through, to see the growth and change in their lives.
I loved the story, and I am eager to read more from Patti Stockdale in the future!
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Patti Stockdale’s debut novel is a wonderfully written tribute to both fictional characters Hattie and Arno, and the real Hattie and Arno (the author’s grandparents) that inspired them.
Three Little Things beautifully depicts the love story (and passing of love letters) between a young couple in the days of World War I–with a special, not-often-seen nod to German Americans living during this tumultuous time. Themes of heartache and forgiveness are woven throughout, while a charming love story blossoms in the midst of the “three little things” Hattie and Arno share about themselves in their letters.
I have no doubt fans of inspirational, historical (war-time) fiction will find it delightful.
I want to go on record as saying I have never written a review before but without question, this book warranted a 5-star review!
From the very first page, I was drawn in! I loved the characters. I loved the story. I love the descriptions! I see a sequel!! I want to know what happened next.
Again, book reviews are not my thing but if you want a very enjoyable story and read, get this book. You will love it!
Three Little Things by Patti Stockdale is a marvellous heart-felt historical Christian novel based on the author’s maternal grandparent’s lives during World War I. Fact meets fiction in this story that is both sweet and powerful. It is sweet because of the love story and it is powerful because of the strength of characters.
The reader experiences WWI from the American perspective – on the home front, in a boot camp and in France. War touches all lives – those who go and those who remain behind.
Life is fragile, love is beautiful and loss is painful. “Those who grieve don’t carry around a calendar.” The novel deals not only with death in war but death in childhood gone by. It is “an ache [that] gnawed him daily.” Loss consumes us with survivor’s guilt. Why him and not me? What right do I have to be happy? We need to bring our guilt to God and learn to live again.
The reader sees life on the home front. There are war initiatives to provide finances, goods and encouragement to the troops. Letters are written to encourage those going to war. My personal favourite was the knitting of socks and putting a proverb inside them. Those left behind worked tirelessly for the troops.
We cannot stop life happening to us but we all have a choice as to how to respond. We can “either light a candle or curse the darkness.” With the help of God we can be the light in a dark world.
With wonderfully drawn characters in a small town setting, there is an atmosphere of community that pervades the novel, enveloping the reader. Needs are met as the community pulls together. There is an air of realism as not everyone you meet is nice and there are some friendship rivalries. There is also some racial tension as those of German origin or with German names are viewed with suspicion and distrust. The ugly side of prejudice rears its head at times but is squashed by those with good hearts and souls.
Three Little Things was a delightful read that warmed my heart and soul. It has left me feeling good about life.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
My Thoughts on Three Little Things:
WWI isn’t a time period I’ve read a lot about. At least not from a stateside perspective. I really enjoyed this book and getting to read a new author as well.
This book is set in Iowa which is about half an hour away from where I live so that made it a bit more personal. I got to thinking about what if I was alive then and could have met these main characters. I’m sure I’d have been friends!
I loved getting to know the characters. They were well developed and really reached out to grab you. The portrayal of the war and what it was like for those back home and those involved was spot on from what I could tell as well.
The cover is eye-catching and made me want to start the book as soon as I saw it. I love the idea of sharing three secrets in each letter as well. That drew me in. Who doesn’t want to learn someones secrets?
Obviously, war is a topic of this book. Other things mentioned in the book include forgiveness, making new friends, and overcoming the past.
This is definitely a book I recommend and I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This story had my attention and stirred my imagination from the start. I could visualize the train waiting for men to board and take them to boot camp. A song being sung. Hugs and goodbyes. Heartstrings pulled to the limit, and knitted socks being handed out by the women.
Reading this historical account based on Stockdale’s grandparents’ relationships will take you back to another time. A time where there isn’t the Internet and modern methods of communication. Instead, there is the excruciating wait for the mail to be delivered.
The central story revolves around Arno and Hattie. A tender love develops as they correspond and begin to share three little things that are important to them.
If for some reason it all sounds a little too predictable, don’t jump to conclusions. Stockdale might have a few twists and surprises that will keep you turning pages.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
What Concerned Me
Nothing
What I Liked Most
The descriptions aren’t overdone. There is just enough to visualize and experience the happenings during WWI. I also like the fact that the romance, mystery, and historical factors weave together beautifully.
What a lovely debut novel!
I loved these characters! Arno and Hattie were both very sweet and admirable characters, while also being flawed and relatable.
I enjoy reading novels that are set during WWI, and I think this is the first one I’ve read set in the U.S. during that time, so it was fascinating to learn a little about what was happening on the American home front during WWI.
I have been knitting since I was a young child, it’s one of my favorite hobbies, and so I absolutely loved that Hattie was a knitter as well!
One of my favorite things about this book was the letters Arno and Hattie wrote to each other, absolutely delightful!
I also absolutely loved the ending! The final page of this story is one of the best I’ve ever read and put a huge smile on my face!
I so enjoyed this story and am so happy I read it! I’m looking forward to this author’s next book, and I’m really hoping Wilhelm will get a story since he was my favorite secondary character!
Highly recommended!
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
For the Historic at heart or for just someone who loves a great story this is a gem. Love conquers all along with Faith and Hope. A story of absolute Friendship growing in to love among the seas, land and a war Hattie and Arno find their friendship blossoming in letters mailed to each other sharing 3 little things they both don’t know of each other. This story of War, History, Love with capture you like no other. Will have you travel with them making you feel like you are right there alongside them. Every detail makes your imagination bring the story to life and capture the story so brilliantly. A story that pulls you in within its covers and doesn’t let go until the last punctuation. I couldn’t not wait to open it each morning to read more about Hattie and Arno. Thank you Patti Stockdale for the ARC to this outstanding story. Inspired by her Grandparents, Hattie and Arno’s are made up… Although I believe there were many of them in that time. Thank you to the Troops who served in that time and now. A book you definitely don’t want to pass by and add to your shelf. 5+ Very Highly Recommended.Patti Stockdale
Patti Stockdale ushered me into Arnie and Hattie’s world. The world of my grandparents where fiddlesticks, dawdling, handwritten love letters, and clichés abound. Phrases and words my grandparents—and probably yours—spoke as common as cow pies and land in early America. The author’s ingenuity to transport a reader to the days of her characters is brilliant. That’s the effect of well-written historical.
I cherished the authenticity and genuine relationships of Hattie and Arno’s time, and I celebrated my grandparents during the walk through the pages of Three Little Things. The characters spoke and felt deeply in a culture quite different from our technology bound society. War affected so many young people, and a soldiers’ trauma affects us today in ways we can’t always verbalize. Yet, Patti Stockdale found a way to celebrate life and love in spite of tragedy. What a fabulous journey these two characters traveled! I shed more than a few tears, longing for one more chance to hear my own grandfather’s voice and talk with him. He would have loved this story as much as young people will in our technical age.
There is a sweetness gathering hope in the memories of our lives. Hope that Hattie and Arnie—or the reader—would find love in the pages of this book based on the letter exchange of the real life grandparents of the author of Three Little Things.
And, so it goes. Generations of insights and wonder would be lost if not for bright, clever writers like Patti Stockdale, Jane Kirkpatrick, and so many more.
Read Three Little Things and let history come alive in your family.
This story highlights the conflict German-American soldiers faced on the home front and the power of letters to connect two hearts that long for one another.
The characters are believable with plenty of surprising twists that are true to the time. What intrigued me most was learning that the story is loosely set on the author’s grandparents.
A good book for lovers of American history and World War I.
Hattie Waltz and Arno Kreger–as children they played together. Each harbors a secret love for the other.
Now, bad blood between their fathers and Arno’s “bad boy” reputation keep them apart, although Arno’s sister, Lena, is Hattie’s best friend.
When Arno joins the Army and goes to war, Hattie and Arno begin a correspondence that draws them into a deeper knowledge and understanding of each other. In each letter they write, Hattie and Arno share three little things.
But Arno’s German heritage makes him a target of some of his fellow American soldiers, and Hattie is being courted by one of them.
I love it that, although fiction, the story is based on Patti Stockton’s own grandparents. Her historical research brings WW1 to life. If you like historical fiction, and you like to read about the era of WW1, this book is a must read.
This book absolutely carried me away. I read a lot of books I don’t want to put down, but this one was a couldn’t put down! Three Little Things is one of the most romantic stories I have read in a long time. Not a flirty love story, although there is plenty of that, but it is the story of two hurting hearts finding their into a deeper friendship that ultimately leads in the kind of love we all long for–one that overcomes obstacles by a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of another. This thread was woven not only through the story of Hattie and Arno, but through the history of WWI and what not only the soldiers, but German-Americans experienced during those trying times. And Stockdale does and absolutely beautiful job of weaving words together to paint a story that will linger for a very long time.