Earth's the Right Place for Love by Elizabeth Berg

In this prequel to Berg's series of novels set in Mason, Missouri, Arthur is sixteen years old in 1947 and is in love with classmate Nora. Nora, though, gives her phone number to Arthur to pass along to his older brother, Frank, whom she is fond of. Arthur is crushed, but doesn't give up--especially since Frank isn't interested in Nora and is there to offer advice to Arthur to help him win Nora's heart. Arthur's feelings for Nora never waver despite her only seeing him as a friend. When will Arthur's patience be rewarded for Nora to be his wife? A gentle novel that provides background of Arthur's life.