Dearest Dorothy, Help! I've Lost Myself!

Dearest Dorothy #3

by Charlene Ann Baumbich

Charlene Ann Baumbich's two heartwarming Dearest Dorothy novels have transported thousands to a little Midwestern town where the ups and downs of everyday life have charmed readers and left them clamoring for more. Of course, the character everyone has come to love is the feisty former bandleader, 87-year-old Dorothy Jean Wetstra. Now in Dearest Dorothy, Help! I've Lost Myself! Partonville marks its centennial plus thirty?by arguing over the best way to celebrate it. Meanwhile, the acting mayor is trying to change a vital part of the town square (but it?s always been that way!) and a newcomer named Katie can't avoid the suspicion that she's grown far closer to this quirky little place than she had ever intended. Delightful and touching, this tale is every bit as addictive as its predecessors.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Humor, Christian, Chick Lit

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Author, Speaker, Humorist. Seventeen books under her belt (including the Dearest Dorothy series and the Snowglobe Connections series), Charlene is still going strong, finding writing (including grocery lists and brainstorming sessions and eCards to her grandgirlies) more enjoyable than ever. Visit her website at www.charleneannbaumbich.com for more information."

It's awesome when my fictional characters bless me. Like Evelyn in FINDING OUR WAY HOME is fond of saying, "Grace, Amen."

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Partonville is getting ready for it’s 130 birthday, which brings out strong opinions on what should be done. Katie finds out who her real dad was and Josh gets above himself, causing trouble with old friends and new one.

[Shelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fluffy Christian series set in a small town where everyone knows what's going on with the other. On that introduction, I felt #3 is better than #2. I had bought only the first three books, and I see Charlene Ann Baumbich is working on #7. I think I'll skip reading the rest. I would imagine it would be basically the same old, same old, probably too much of a story dragged on, and I would like to just end it here on a good note.

This book seemed not to be so centered around Dearest Dorothy this time around, though she knew the big, dark secret that came to light in this book, not that we knew anything about it prior. And, yeah for Arthur for speaking up and telling off Acting Mayor Gladys for getting upset about it when the people today had nothing to do with the situation of the generation before.

As for Acting Mayor Glady's "trying to change a vital part of the town square". I saw that mess coming a mile away! haha

There were parts that I skipped over like the 3 pages of too much detail of Katie's spa day in Chicago.

"Michelle rubbed the potion between her hands, warming it to body temperature. She began the ninety-minute therapeutic session by carefully withdrawing Katie's left arm from beneath her nest, softly stretching, firmly gliding her hands in long sweeping motions up and down taut chords of muscles, working from shoulder to fingertips before tucking her arm back under the cover and beginning on the next needy appendage - harp music drifting, rolling over and around Katie in the dimly lit room."

Agh!

Three pages later:

"Katie had always purchased "The Total Body Experience" package, even though"......I will spare you the rest of the long and boring paragraph.

I like the back cover of the story's description layout, probably better than the story haha:

Location: ................
Population: ................
Main Attractions: .................
Crabbiest Resident: ..............
Youngest Resident: ...............
Most Well-Known and Respected Resident: ..........(why, our Dearest Dorothy, of course!)

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed dipping back into Partonville and the wonderful characters who live there. This book focused on bringing out some old family secrets and celebrating the town’s Centennial +30 celebration. Fun stuff. Dorothy keeps slowing down and it’s a little worrisome. No love interest for Katie yet, but maybe on the horizon. I’m looking forward to reading the next book. This series is becoming one I have to carefully monitor so I don’t read all the books too quickly. I want to enjoy the journey.

[Jacque Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dearest Dorothy does it again

I enjoyed this book very much. From laughing at the first One Hundred Plus 30 committee meeting to the faithfulness of friendship and power of prayer, grace, and forgiveness when a 47 year-old secret is revealed, this book didn't disappoint. Perhaps because I grew up in small towns in the Midwest, I've come to love the Partonville characters. The blending of humor and faith is 'just-right.' I look forward to the next book!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of this lovely series, this is by far the most mysterious book. It is very "cliff hanging" after each chapter. There is always some adventure going on in Dorothy's life but she has a sworn secret that she's been prompted to reveal. She just doesn't know if it is the right thing to do and, if she does when and how to deliver the heavy information to all parties involved. This is a very fun and enjoyable series for me. I'm in love with the town and the people in it. I feel like I know them and am a bystander myself drinking it all up.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some surprises in this one and I loved it! This contribution to the series offered the opportunity to really see grace, repentance, and forgiveness at work. The author took a chance with the reveal in this novel and I appreciated that so much. I am looking forward to reading the next installment. I have fallen in love with this little town and its characters. Yes, these are very Christian in their approach to life and the world. Consider that a warning if that is a trigger for you.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry to say, I didn't think much of this book. After reading the first two and finding them to be okay, but not great, I was hesitant about getting the third book from the library. But after reading this one, I don't plan on reading the rest of the series. This story dragged so much, I had to skip several paragraphs, including the dull, boring tale of the pew where she sat in church. That and the part about Katie's visit to the spa. BORING!!!!

[Bobbie N · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this third of the series, small town Partonville is gearing up to celebrate the annual fall festival with some additional celebraton for the town turning 130 years old. In the midst all the usual fun, there is a serious plotline in this installment: Katie has discovered a long-held family secret while going through her late aunt's papers, one that Dorothy is able to fill in the blanks for, and one that might upend the lives of many people - or bring forgiveness, with God's grace.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a bit more going on in this book compared to the first two. Dorothy is at the center of it all but a bit quieter about everything. There is the celebration of Partonville's 130 years of town hood, Katie's family disclosures, Josh coming of age. It's a fun book---especially since I'm reading it in 2020!!!!

[Beth Beutler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light but Deep

This book has a wonderful mix of lightness, fun and thought-provoking elements to make it a very valuable and pleasant read. The characters grow on you and the plot helps you stay interested. More importantly, it can help you grow in your faith without being pushy.

[L D B · Rating 4 out of 5]

What kid says "jeepers" and "gad"

Cute, cozy read. It's intellectually unstimulating, which sometimes can be a good thing. The author seems to be totally out of touch with how teens speak. Everytime I can to teen dialogsi would cringe. Also, the folksy language of the adults, "howdy, shucks" but then dropping a "thus I shall" seems rather off.

[Rachel Sides · Rating 4 out of 5]

Partonville certainly grows on you with its varied collection of characters, young and old, mostly old. Dorothy has finally unburdened herself of a 40+ year secret and life has carried on for all effected by the truth.

[Nancy McPherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Dearest Dorothy

This Parton-me-Ville reminds me of the my home town where people are extended family members, they love each other, they disagree, but they are there for each other through thick and thin. What a joy it is to read this series.

[Donna Snyder · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a very long (not in number of pages) preachy small town story and reminded me of a religious tract. Everyone in town knows everyone’s business. I’m not sure what genre it would be in. It’s not a mystery nor a drama nor a romance and certainly not a thriller. Is there a meh category?

[ML Couch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a fun Romp

When I need a break from thrillers and mysteries Dearest Dorothy books are one of my favorites. Love the characters and the town they live in. Always such a fun read.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the fun second book, this one was almost a downer as it deals, as suggested, with people who have lost their way or identity. It's interesting but lacks to humor of the previous book, a detail that might have made it more interesting and even believable.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one had a plot-I loved it!

[♏ Gina☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #3 in the Dearest Dorothy series. Please see my review of Book #1 (Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet?) for info.

[Lisa McGehee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming

[Cindy Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can't put these books down. They are just that enjoyable.

[Melanie Byrnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice gentle read about small town life, community, and forgiveness.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story about faith, family and friends.

[Virma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not as funny as the first two in the series but it is still a fun read. Looking forward to Dorothy’s next adventure and the rest of the Partonville characters.

[Jeanette White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

I like the characters, but I'm afraid this book wasn't as good as the others. It was a slow read.

[Tonsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I feel like I know these characters. Chiming from a small town myself, I now recognize these people. Dorothy is starting to become my friend.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another visit to Illinois. Fall is a wonderful time.

[Annathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy the soothing Dearest Dorothy books.

[Ro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was lightweight, in a good way. Was hoping by book 3 Katie and Jacob would become an "item", but maybe next book? Interesting to find out who Katie's father really was.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love these stories. Uplifting and fun characters. These are great "light stories" I like to read between more intense ones.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Endearing characters, interesting plot, witty dialogue, inspirational messages. I'm loving this series!