Three Little Things by Patti Stockdale

Three Little Things by Patti Stockdale
Stand Alone Novel
Independently Published, July 5, 2024

REVIEW BY KELLY GOSHORN

I absolutely adored Patti Stockdale’s debut historical romance, Three Little Things, which is based on the real WWI era love letters between the author’s grandparents.

Hattie Waltz, a wholesome American gal from a small town in Iowa, wishes to do her part for the men going off to war in 1917. She’s always been sweet on her best friend’s brother, Arno, but her father doesn’t want her anywhere near the young man whose got a reputation for using his fists to settle differences.

Arno blames himself for his brother’s death and, as a result, he’s decided he will never marry and have children. Instead, he’s ready to head off to battle in World War I. Before getting on the train to boot camp, Arno runs into Hattie, a girl he’s always been sweet on–but one with her own dream of becoming a wife and mother someday.

Arno and Addy begin exchanging letters, and in each, they share three little things about themselves the other doesn’t know— their hopes and dreams, their fears, and life’s joys and disappointments. The letters serve to deepen the attraction between these childhood friends and help them deal with the war, anti-German American discrimination, and family opposition to their romance. Through their correspondence, the pair unwittingly fall in love.

Stockdale’s writing is charmingly vivid. Her whimsical turns of phrase like “whip-thin” and “homely as a cow pie,” infuse her characters with larger-than-life personalities. The latter still makes me grin. Her prose is filled with historically accurate slang pulling the reader deeper into the setting.

Not once in eighteen years had Hattie Waltz considered praying for a plague. But if a swarm of locusts intervened, she’d not complain.

Patti Stockdale, Three Little Things

Although Three Little Things is primarily an endearing romance, the author paints an authentic picture of a time when life was difficult and people suffered deep pain and loss. Beneath the surface are layers that explore the bias German American soldiers faced from their countrymen, the trauma of the battlefield, and a glimpse into the American home front through the heroine’s eyes.

Despite all the uncertainty of war, this tiny sliver of hope prevails. The author masterfully weaves in the spiritual message that God is on His throne and is ultimately in control, so we can rely on Him amid our battles.

Three Little Things is a beautiful, poetic, and heartwarming story that will captivate readers. Any fan of inspirational romance won’t want to miss this one. For all these reasons, I give Three Little Things five fish.

I was given a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to write a positive review.