Charlene Ann Baumbich is a popular journalist and speaker who is beloved for her humorous inspirational books. Like Jan Karon's Mitford series, the Dearest Dorothy books are set in a small town filled with unforgettable characters. Dorothy Jean Wetstra, 87, is the town matriarch in Partonville, Illinois. Fully aware of both her strengths and flaws, she often asks "the Big Guy" in heaven for help: "Dear Lord, DO SOMETHING!" Fans rave, "I haven't read anything in a long time that made me feel like this."
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"Charlene Ann Baumbich has created a wonderful small town rife with interesting and quirky characters - my favorite kind. I hope when I'm in my 80s I am a lot like Dorothy. She is fun, kind and all around fabulous. There is a touch of inspirational to this series, but it is done with a light hand and will appeal to all readers who love small town stories with a sense of fun. I am excited to read the rest of this series."
— Joelle (5 out of 5 stars)
" Not a particularly difficult or educational book to read, but it was definately fun and funny. Enjoyed the easy reading. "
— Dawnelle, 2/17/2014" Has all the charming characters of a cozy mystery but no murder. The mystery is will Dorothy sell her farm? Dorothy is an eighty-something dynamo who drives a car known in town as "The Tank." She is surrounded by a bunch of delightful small-town characters with their own unique personalities. Into this mix, through a big city realtor who must come to the little village to close down her elderly aunt's property after the aunt dies. The question is, "Will this sophisticate's heart be warmed by small town charm and generosity?" You can probably guess the answer, but let me tell you, there are many unexpected twists and turns before the happy ending. The book reminded me of the old television series "Touched by an Angel." "
— Patricia, 2/7/2014" Sweet story, though not my usual fare. A bit too "praise Jesus" for me, but I know a lot of people who would love it. "
— Stephanie, 2/5/2014" This was an OK book. I'd like a grandma like Dorothy. Or maybe I'll BE like Dorothy should I live to be 87! She has a lot of life left in her. "
— Mary, 1/24/2014" I laughed out loud reading this book! I am hooked and will be continuing the saga of Dorothy and the town of "Pardon-me-ville" to see what's next for this plucky stouthearted 87 year old woman and her friends. A story of friendship, missed opportunities, opportunity found, small town life, family, humor and heart. "
— pdarnold, 1/21/2014" I loved this book - it made me feel good. Another reviewer was exactly correct to describe this book as a Cozy but without the murder. I've already requested Dearest Dorothy Book 2 from the Library. "
— Diane, 1/13/2014" This was a fun book to read. I am looking forward to the second book in the series. "
— Mary, 1/10/2014" Easy, quick read. Kind of fun and entertaining. Not my favorite, but pretty good. "
— Bonnie, 1/8/2014" I have read this as well as the next six in the series. All of the books are nice light reads taking place in a small town with fun characters. "
— Carolyn, 12/17/2013" I loved this book. Katie learning to overcome her bias about small towns and their inhabitants. "
— Krystal, 11/28/2013" Similar to the Harmony series by Philip Gulley, although not nearly as good. "
— Martha, 11/25/2013" This book wasn't everything that I hoped for. "
— Travis, 11/20/2013" This book has a charming, sweet elderly protagonist, but it just wasn't my kind of book. "
— Jennifer, 11/16/2013" Thought this would be charming, but it was just awful. Boring story. Poorly written. Trite, annoying characters. "
— Sarah, 10/20/2013" finished and on book 4 in series "
— Martha, 7/28/2013" Ok this was just cute and a day brightener easy bus read! "
— Denise, 7/28/2013" Cute small town story. Nothing too profound or deep, but a nice, quick read. "
— Alice, 5/29/2013" Partonville is where family and friends find that sharing their highs and lows makes the highs more exhilarating and the lose more bearable, Love the characters and the plot. "
— Esther, 1/7/2013" I needed some fluff and this is was the answer. Fun. Clean. Brain vacation. "
— Becky, 12/14/2012" i wasn't really into this book but i would probably slog thru the next one just to see what happens next~to Josh anyway. "
— Sue, 4/10/2012" Delightful series, special relationships, longtime friends, Christian theme. First in series. "
— Jill, 10/5/2011" Love these books1 can't say enough good things about them. You will not regret reading this series! "
— MommaLaura, 8/22/2011" small town Illinois story "
— Debbie, 11/10/2010" Book #1 in a hilarious series about an 87 yr old former bandleader( still has her spunk ;) ) who marches her way into the hearts of a small town..with her wit, humor and tidbits of faith :) Wonderful series! "
— Dawn, 10/11/2010" Cute story. Quick read. I am looking forward to reading all in this series. "
— Melissa, 10/7/2010" The Dearest Dorothy book are wonderful. They are a light read and funny. Highly suggest if you would like a quick read. "
— Annette, 7/30/2010" I liked this first book so much that I've ordered and received the next two already. I want to be Dorothy when I grow up...er, I mean when I'm in my 80s! "
— Cindy, 4/20/2010" Very quick and easy read. Dorothy is very interesting and worth reading. "
— Joyce, 3/17/2010" If you want a book to read and not have to think too hard about the plot...this is the book for you! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. "
— Anne, 2/6/2010Charlene Ann Baumbich is the author of the previous three books in the Partonville series. A popular speaker, journalist, and author, for several years she has lectured to women’s groups. Baumbich is also an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Today’s Christian Woman, and numerous other publications. She is the author of six nonfiction books of humor and inspiration.
Cynthia Darlow’s unusual voice makes her devotion to the spoken arts a natural fit. As a narrator and veteran of Broadway, off-Broadway, regional theater, film, and television, her characterizations and facility with dialects are unforgettable. Her audiobook narrations have earned her seven AudioFile Earphones Awards. She is a member of The Actors Company Theatre (TACT), whose mission it is to present concert performances of long-neglected, language-driven plays.