Dearest Dorothy, Merry Everything!

Dearest Dorothy #5

by Charlene Ann Baumbich

Just in time for the holidays-a Partonville Christmas story that all Dearest Dorothy fans will have on their wish list.

Through four Dearest Dorothy novels, Charlene Ann Baumbich has beguiled a growing legion of readers with the humorous and endearing denizens of Partonville, Illinois. Her latest heartwarming addition opens with everyone pitching in to help a local family rocked by tragedy. Meanwhile, Katie Durbin worries that her ambitious plan to revitalize Partonville's shopping district will crumble under the bullheaded doubts of a few townies-unless a Christmas miracle (and a few of Dearest Dorothy's prayers) can help her to win those stubborn folks over.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christmas, Humor, Christian

255 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

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]

Katie is along on Thanksgiving, her son taking their only car to visit his dad, when he is late getting home, she is very worried. She also realizes how trapped she is at the farm so decides that she will buy a second car for Josh. One reason Josh is late is because he was behind a fatal accident of the town's only lawyer. Luckily Dorothy's lawyer son is there to try to make sense of the mess of paperwork. Katie is still involved into trying to get a mini mall going, with some of the town against her. There is also the problem of Dorothy's annual Christmas party, usually held at the farm Katie now owns.

[Marsha Rafalski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came across this series of Christian-themed books and after reading it (#5 in the Dearest Dorothy series) found it a cozy read. At this point there are 6 books in the Dorothy series and there is a second series called the Snowglobe Connection series with 3 titles in that one. This is my first reading of a work by this author. Since I am reading #5 of the series, there is a lot of backstory in the first 4 books. However this one can also be read as a standalone.

Here Dorothy has recently sold her farm and moved into town. However this leaves her in a quandary regarding her annual Christmas party for most of the town. With the farm there really wasn’t a space issue. She hopes that the new owner will allow the party to go on as in the past.

Katie Dunbar is the new owner. She and her teenage son are getting used to the realities of country living and one of those is that one or the other being stranded at the farm. The solution would seem to be getting her son his first car. Katie also has a problem with a plan to create a mini-mall to provide for some economics growth in the small town that some of the townspeople object.

Finally, the one lawyer in town dies in a fatal traffic accident. Dorothy’s grown son who is a lawyer himself is visiting and available until after the holidays to help his secretary begin to dig into the unique filing system used by the deceased attorney.

I think you got it from here. It was an entertaining read and I will probably try another one in this series. There is a strong Christian thread throughout the book but it is skim-able if that bothers you.

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a long time since I visited the circle-the square town of Partonville. A Christmas audiobook seemed like the perfect way to get reacquainted with old friends/characters. Dearest Dorothy, Merry Everything! by Charlene Ann Baumbich is a book in the similar vein as Jan Karon’s Mitford series. Small town setting, endearing and oftentimes quirky characters, humor, poignancy, and a heartwarming story all point to an enjoyable reading experience. There’s not a lot of drama, and certainly no car chases/shootouts in this Christmas-y book. Just a look at real hometown life and real hometown struggles, doubts, and hopes. Change is hard for anyone, and especially for the populace of Partonville. They are experiencing some growing pains, but I like the direction the author is taking the characters and the story arc. Main character Dorothy is not as big a catalyst in this story, but she is the element that glues the town and the books together. Listening to the audiobook brought a sense of returning home to me.

Dearest Dorothy, Merry Everything! is a sweet, small-town contemporary read that is filled with feel-good! I do recommend you begin with book 1, though. You won’t feel as invested in the doings of Partonville without beginning at the beginning.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(This audiobook was included in my Audible subscription. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

You would think that after 5 books I would get tired of the simple story of Dorothy. Nope! I love it more and more. I am a member of the Pardonville community... or so I think. I love that in this series the story picks up right where it left me from the previous book. Not much time lapses between and in the books.
This story picks up right after the Thanksgiving feast and events. And now setting up for Christmas and wondering if traditions will remain or be different now that Dorothy doesn't live out on Crooked Creek Farms. Katie is also in the middle of the community drama with the mini mall she is trying to plant in her fellow neighbor's hearts. It isn't easy to push a mule. She has to go about things in a creative and heart driven way.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

How nice to see that I had something on hand, a book loaned by a friend, that was just right for several days of draining illness. How nice to just rest in a return visit to a small town full of imperfect people, some less imperfect than others. The story has just enough suspense and action to keep it moving and interesting without becoming. I sometimes like to think that things can all turn out for good.

[Virma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Several laugh out loud moments but the series has turned from the feisty old lady being main character to the city slicker rich girl having to deal with locals and i wish there were more mad cap adventures where Dorothy is the lead. But will continue to last book as I hope will close a few loose ends. Still
A good series.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read one of my Dearest Dorothy books to fight off the depression brought on by another book I didn’t finish. I love spending time in Pardon-me-Ville and enmeshing myself in town life. Their lives are much more interesting I
And comforting than mine. I have one more book left in the series and I’m holding on tight for just the right time.

[Bobbie N · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the fifth of an endearing series, Katie continues working on her plan to revitalize Partonville's main square, the town mourns the loss of one of its leading citizens, an unlikely pair of old folks find themselves falling in love, and Dorothy's eldest son finds himself at a crossroads about his work and his future.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet, sappy Christmas story of small town life. I was sad when I had finished that it was over. Perfect holiday reading!

[♏ Gina☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #5 in the Dearest Dorothy series. Please see my review of Book #1 (Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet?) for more info.

[Susy Skidmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed reading these books. They are fun and entertaining.

[gayle powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following friends…

I’m going to be reading the last installment of Partonville… or is it Pardon-me-ville?
These are my new friends and I’ll miss them..

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I could expect what may occur in the story, it still is a nice, down-home, heart warming story from farm territory in the mid-west.

[Ro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas in Pardon Me Ville; not much to say about this one.

[ML Couch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun!

This authors stories are delightful, light entertainment. This story was a quick read as all the Dearest Dorothy books are. The characters are fun and easily visualized.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun visit with Dorothy, her family and friends in Patronville!

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whispersynced on Kindle/Audible (Included).

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so fun!! Clean humor, sweet relationships and conversations, logical resolutions to problems -- I love it!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will miss Dorothy and the gang from Partonville once I finish this series.

[Jamie’s Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4

[Monkeyface · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to Dearest Dorothy Merry Everything by Charlene Ann Baumbich this book starts with everyone pitching in to help a local family rocked by tragedy. Meanwhile, Katie Durbin worries that her ambitious plan to revitalize Partonville’s shopping district will crumble under the bullheaded doubts of a few townies -- unless a Christmas miracle (and a few of Dearest Dorothy’s prayers) can help her to win those stubborn folks over.. I enjoyed this book it was funny and so inspirational . I give it 4 stars and a 8. Good and fun read.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my third Dearest Dorothy book. Can't help but enjoy these goodhearted books about the town of Partonville, Illinois and its favorite citizen, Dorothy Wextra (not sure about the spelling). Dorothy is an 89 year old deeply religious lady who holds the town together, with the right word and prayer for everyone who needs it. This is not great literature, but it does meet my needs when I want to remember that there are good people in this world. I plan to read others in the future.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th in the series of Dearest Dorthy books and it was great. I love stories about people from small towns and how they care and share and get into everyone's business, maybe because that's the kind of place I grew up. The story reminds me of Jan Karon's the Mitford series, just everyday stories about everyday people!

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

How AMAZING this book series is

This is officially my FAVORITE book series EVER! I HIGHLY suggest this book series to any and everyone who is looking for a good laugh. This book series will CERTAINLY give you a TON! These books are GREAT! If there was a 1000 star option,that's what I would give it!!!!☺. I

[Pjbookhoarder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of southern charm though Southern Illinois is about as far as it gets. A cozy, funny, feel good book. Should appeal to those who enjoy Jan Karon's Mitford series. Quirky characters and small town appeal. I give it 3.5 stars and will read more about Miss Dorothy!

[Anu · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really bad - especially if you have not read any other book in the series. Characters and story plot are introduced badly and confusingly. Took two chapters to figure them out and it was very tedious to read. So gave up after two chapters.

[Lisa]

Dearest Dorothy series / book five

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

More fun from Pardon-me-ville! I truly love these characters!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this while I cleaned and worked on other things over the weekend. I love these little books about small town life.