Charlene Ann Baumbich
Partonville is “a circle-the-square town in the northern part of southern Illinois,” and its leading citizen is Dorothy Jean Wetstra, the “Dearest Dorothy” of the books’ titles. She’s a feisty octogenarian who is a whiz at the computer (her screen name is “Outtamyway”) and drives a 1976 Lincoln Continental (“The Tank”). She has a host of friends young and old. That includes Jessica Joy (she and her husband Paul own the Lamp Post Motel); and city slicker Katie Durbin and her teenaged son Josh; and, of course, Dorothy’s best friend May Belle and her adult son Earl. The Dearest Dorothy books are just lovely, gentle fiction, set in farming town (population: 1423) that has more eccentrics per square mile than just about anywhere else in the fictional – or real – world. Sometimes categorized as Christian or inspirational fiction, the religious messages in the Dearest Dorothy books are conveyed with a light hand and good humor. Although the main character is in her late 80s, the books have a very diverse cast of characters which appeal to readers of any age. Although each book stands on its own, I’d suggest starting with the first one and reading in chronological order. They’re all in print and easily available. Make sure to visit the author’s website (www.welcometopartonville.com) and subscribe to the author’s “Twinklegram.” Or you can go directly to www.twinklegram.com. For a Cozy Times article on Charlene, click here.
Books:
Fiction
- (2009) Stray Affections See Review
Dearest Dorothy Books (Fiction)
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(2007) Dearest Dorothy, If Not Now, When?!
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(2006) Dearest Dorothy, Merry Everything! See Review
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(2005) Dearest Dorothy, Who Would Have Ever Thought?
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(2004) Dearest Dorothy, Help! I've Lost Myself!
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(2004) Dearest Dorothy, Slow Down, You're Wearing Us Out!
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(2004) Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet?
Non-Fiction
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(2001) 365 Ways To Connect With Your Kids : No Matter What Their Age (Or Yours)
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(1997) The Book of Duh
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(1996) The 12 Dazes of Christmas: (& One Holy Night)
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(1995) Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This (But She Never Said Just How Many)
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(1993) How to Eat Humble Pie & Not Get Indigestion
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(1991) Don't Miss Your Kids: They'll Be Gone Before You Know It!
Author Profile:
Charlene is wife to George (her complete opposite since she's an ACTIVATOR! and he's an engineer—enough said?); mom to grown sons Bret and Brian (who don't need mothering any more – wahoo!); novelist; nonfiction author; award-winning journalist; AND (drum roll please) she was a 1996 Celebrity Judge for White Castle Hamburgers' Fifth Annual Cravetime Recipe Contest! (Hey! That's gotta be worth something—even if nothing else has impressed you yet!)
Author Websites: www.dontmissyourlife.com and www.welcometopartonville.com
