by Crystal Caudill | Apr 16, 2024 | Character Interview
I had the pleasure of meeting Daisy Harper when I read His Treasured Bride for endorsement, and I am excited to introduce her to you now—first, a little bit about her story.
His Treasured Bride by Patti Stockdale with Jodi Hedlund
In twenty-four hours, marriage, mystery, and mayhem.
After recently arriving in Vancouver Island on a bride ship, aspiring seamstress Daisy Harper is determined not to rush into a hasty and quarrelsome marriage, a mistake her parents made. To avoid choosing the wrong man, she creates a rigorous list of ten requirements for a potential husband.
Mapmaker Seth Ryann moved to the colony to assist his partially blind brother, a local missionary. They’ll soon return to Ireland, but first, Seth is tasked by a friend to find a treasure of gold hidden in the mountains. Seth has the map to the treasure, but he’s missing the key.
When he discovers Daisy somehow has the key, the two agree to search for the treasure together. They’re left with little choice but to quickly enter a marriage of convenience. As they venture into the wilderness and work together to overcome danger, an undeniable attraction grows. But will they find the treasure only to lose what matters most?
Purchase Links: Amazon | Sunrise Publishing
Now for our interview with Daisy.
DH: I’m so excited to introduce you to my readers, Daisy. Would you mind telling them a little bit about yourself?
DH: You can call me determined, whimsical, brave, and leery when it comes to men.
CC: Ah yes, all traits needed for this adventure you’re being pulled on.
What is your biggest problem in life?
DH: It’s hard to know where to start. I tried to do a favor for a friend by returning a rumored treasure chest key to its rightful owner. Instead, I landed in the wrong place at the wrong time—hiding under a stranger’s bed one minute and running for my life the next. Suddenly, I’m tangled in a marriage of convenience, pressed to find a treasure chest, and chased by wily villains. It’s a pile of problems, all right.
CC: Most certainly it is. I’d wager that it’s the adventure of a lifetime, and what adventure doesn’t come with trouble?
How would you describe your relationship with God?
DH: I sometimes wonder if God has forgotten me. Therefore, I tend to take matters into my own hands too often. Indeed, I am impatient. Do you ever feel like your timetable and His bump against each other? Well, I certainly do. Thankfully, Mrs. Butterwick, my landlady, reminded me that trusting God in big and small matters is key. Also, she pointed out that everyone is imperfect, so why should I hope to find a perfect husband? She didn’t say, “Daisy, you’re being a hypocrite,” but she could have.
CC: Oh boy, do I ever struggle with my timetable bumping up against God’s. I, like you, am impatient.
Tell us a little bit of the personal journey you go on throughout the story. What areas of growth do you find yourself facing?
DH: When I was a girl, my papa left home after a big fight with Mum. He never returned. I created a list of ten desirable traits in a future husband to ensure I avoided a quarrelsome man. Then I met Seth, and we entered a marriage of convenience lickety-split. I held onto the fact the arrangement was only temporary, driven by the need to get me safely out of town. But being together all day, every day, my husband-requirement list started to become a little less important. Seth was imperfectly perfect in every way, and why would I want him to change?
CC: It’s amazing how love reframes our long-held lists of requirements.
How would you describe Seth to others?
DH: I’d never met a mapmaker before meeting Seth Ryann. He’s highly educated, highly adorable, and highly hard on himself because of his past. He never intended to leave Ireland but did to accompany his brother Theo, who is partially blind and a missionary. They’ve been on the island for three years and are ready and eager to return home in a few months.
Some people call me whimsical. Seth is the opposite, not to mention the best man I ever met. But that doesn’t mean we belong together.
CC: He does, indeed, sound like a good man. Learning to live with another person is definitely hard, and determining if you are a good fit is no easy thing.
If there is one thing you could tell the reader, what would it be?
DH: Not every woman gets to follow their dream, especially in Manchester, England, where I’m from. I hopped on the brideship in search of a better life. Eventually, my mum and I hope to open a sewing shop on the island. But first, I must pay back the Immigration Society for my ship’s passage to Vancouver Island, and then I need to save enough money for Mum’s fare. I’d been wondering how we’d fund our new business. Then a golden opportunity arose—if I help find the treasure, I’ll get a cut of the proceeds.
CC: That certainly makes a marriage of convenience an easy thing. Especially if you believe there is hope for an annulment afterward. Thanks so much for dropping by and telling us a bit more about you.
Reader, I highly recommend reading His Treasured Bride, especially if you are in search of a fun, light read that will leave you satisfied at the end.
About Patti Stockdale:
Patti Stockdale is a historical romance author and freelance writer who lives in Wisconsin. She creates tangled-up characters full of heart and hope. Patti married her high school sweetheart and has two kids and four grandsons. When she’s not plotting stories, she loves to travel somewhere new, plant flowers, drink tea, read fiction, and dance with her family.
Connect with Patti: Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | GoodReads | BookBub | Twitter
Have you ever been on a treasure hunt or found a treasure while out shopping? What was it? Why was it so special?
by Crystal Caudill | Mar 26, 2024 | Book Reviews
His Treasured Bride
by Patti Stockdale
Review:
I had the pleasure of reading Patti’s book, written in conjunction with Jodi Hedlund, for endorsement. This darling treasure hunt/marriage of convenience story was a fun adventure sprinkled with suspense and danger. With a mapmaker hero and a seamstress heroine–both determined on marriage for love only–teaming up together, what could be better? Watching their romance bloom and realization dawn was a sweet experience I’m happy to add to my bookshelves to revisit again.
Marriage of Convenience fans will love this sweet story, filled with adventure, romance, and a couple who grow together and as individuals. Like Daisy and Seth, you’ll find a true treasure when you read Patti Stockdale’s bride ship romance.
Genre: Historical Romance, 1860s Canada
Plot:
After recently arriving in Vancouver Island on a bride ship, aspiring seamstress Daisy Harper is determined not to rush into a hasty and quarrelsome marriage, a mistake her parents made. To avoid choosing the wrong man, she creates a rigorous list of ten requirements for a potential husband.
Mapmaker Seth Ryann moved to the colony to assist his partially blind brother, a local missionary. They’ll soon return to Ireland, but first, Seth is tasked by a friend to find a treasure of gold hidden in the mountains. Seth has the map to the treasure, but he’s missing the key.
When he discovers Daisy somehow has the key, the two agree to search for the treasure together. They’re left with little choice but to quickly enter a marriage of convenience. As they venture into the wilderness and work together to overcome danger, an undeniable attraction grows. But will they find the treasure only to lose what matters most?
Author Website: https://pattistockdale.com/
Purchase Link: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
What is the most recent book you’ve read? What did you like about it? Who would you recommend it to?
by Crystal Caudill | Mar 10, 2020 | Book Reviews
Three Little Things by Patti Stockdale
Three Little Things is Patti Stockdale’s debut novel set in Spit Falls, IA during WWI. This fascinating read really opened my eyes to the struggles German-American faced during this very anti-German period in American history. It was a sweet romance that started as a childhood friendship but developed into more through letters and brief meetings during the War. It’s a story of everyday heroes and the lives they lived at home, in camp, and eventually across the ocean.
Even better, this story has its inspiration from Patti’s grandparents’ love story. My favorite part? The exchange of “three little things” in each of the letters you read. Read below to find out more about this wonderful story.
Genre: Historical Romance, World War I, 1916-1917, Split Falls, IA
Plot Overview:
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 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.
What I loved: The exchange of three little things between Arno and Hattie. It was such a sweet way of getting to know each other and so special. It made me want to start exchanging three little things with those I love.
Favorite Character and Why: Hattie and Arno really stole my heart. Their struggles to decide what they wanted and who they were so true to life. They were real to me and I understood each emotion they felt. Karl also deserves a mention. That man was a hoot and a great counterpart for Arno.
Who would like this? Anyone who enjoys sweet, everyday romances; stories with a light touch on war and a view of life on the homefront; and relatable characters that feel like your best friend.
Rating and Why: Four and a half stars. It’s sweet, full of historical tidbits, and well written. It’s a story I will reread and recommend to others.
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon.com Barnes and Noble Book Depository Books-A-Million Walmart
by Crystal Caudill | Feb 19, 2020 | Author Interviews
Hello my lovelies!
Long time no see. If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been absent for a few weeks and for good reason. The marvelous, amazing, newborn Momma, Savanna Kaiser was hard at work developing my new website. I didn’t want to add any more content and make her job harder so I’ve held off.
BUT NOW I get the incredible honor and joy of introducing you to my critique partner and friend, Patti Stockdale and her debut historical romance, Three Little Things.
TO CELEBRATE PATTI’S DEBUT, BE SURE TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY AT THE END OF THIS POST
Patti Stockdale has returned to her home state of Iowa after moving around the country for years. She’s a freelance writer and previously worked as a director at a nonprofit, an administrative assistant, and a corn detasseler – a big challenge since she’s five foot one. Love letters her grandparents exchanged served as the inspiration for Three Little Things.
It is such and honor and blessing to have you here to celebrate the release of your debut! Before we dive in to the detailed questions, I would love to hit you with my fast five.
CC: Sweet or Unsweet Tea?
PS: Unsweetened and decaffeinated. Loose-leaf blueberry is my favorite.
CC: Oh, blueberry sounds interesting! I’m going to have to find some and try it!
CC: Beach Vacation or Mountain Getaway?
PS: The beach is my go-to vacation spot.
CC: The older I get, the more I like the beach. It is so relaxing!
CC: Homebody or Love to Travel?
PS: I’m a homebody who loves to travel.
CC: That is a sweet combination! The best of both worlds.
CC: Morning Person or Night Owl?
PS: My husband rises at 5:30 for work, so that’s usually when I start my day too.
CC: Bless you, friend. No one should be up that early. LOL
CC: Bookmark or Dog-ear Pages?
PS: I love bookmarks, but I can’t ever find one when I need it.
CC: You created some beautiful bookmarks for your release! Of course, you probably mailed all of those out.
I feel like even though I’ve known you for a couple of years now, that I know you even better after that. So now to the even more fun stuff!
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
PS: I either wanted to be a ballerina or operate the cash register at Van’s Grocery.
CC: That is so adorable! I can see a younger version of you dressed in a tutu playing with a toy cash register.
CC: What is your favorite Bible verse? Why?
PS: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 Whenever I’m struggling, either physically or emotionally, the verse delivers peace.
CC: That is such a powerful verse. I agree it’s one to turn to in times of struggle for a measure of peace.
Now for one of my favorite parts! Introducing your book! So here is the blurb for Three Little Things.
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 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.
CC: So, Patti, which character was the most fun to create? What made them fun?
PS: My favorite character to write was Jeb, the protagonist’s brother. He dropped out of school early and starts reading the dictionary to expand his vocabulary.
CC: I did love Jeb and his sort of know it all attitude, too. Just like a brother.
This story has a special place in your heart. Can you explain why?
PS: Three Little Things is inspired by letters my maternal grandparents exchanged. Initially, I tried to tell their story. But there were too many gaps, and I couldn’t assign flaws to my grandparents.
CC: Grandparents are always perfect in our eyes aren’t they. I love that they exchanged letters and you can follow their romance through it. What a sweet way to get to know them better.
How did you select the names of your characters?
PS: To honor my grandparents, I used their first names: Arno and Hattie in Three Little Things. Another character is named after my paternal grandmother: Lena. I also ask friends to tell me their grandparents or great-grandparents’ names. Then, I pick my favorites.
CC: Thank you so much for taking the time to participate in this interview. I just have one more fun question for you. What would be your writer mascot and why?
PS: I’d choose a sweet teddy bear as my mascot. They’re snuggly, friendly, and make me smile.
CC: Awww, that sounds an awful like someone I know. Except we don’t cuddle, but I’ll take one of your hugs any day.
GIVEAWAY TIME
Now to my reader friends, in order to celebrate my wonderful friend’s debut, I’d like to offer you a chance to win an e-book copy of Patti’s debut. This giveaway is open internationally and will end on March 2nd at 11:59 PM (EST). To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
