Three Little Things by Patti Stockdale Review
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:Â 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:Â 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.
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