Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet?

Welcome to Partonville, Book 1

By: Charlene Ann Baumbich

Narrated by: Cynthia Darlow

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!"

©2002 Charlene Ann Baumbich (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC

Disappointment

Not as good as I’d hoped for. Was hoping for another Ann B Ross Miss Julia Or Jan Karon Mitford series which I have loved! This book was ok but I’d had higher hopes. Wish I hadn’t read all the Miss Julias and Father Tim’s so I could read one now to make up for wanting one.

Fun and God with Dorothy

Today I found the first book in an older series that entertained me immensely. 87 year old Dorothy Jean has lived on her 180 acre farm in Partonville (Pardon me ville), Illinois, for her whole life. Her husband and daughter are dead, and her two boys and grandchildren visit infrequently, but Dorothy lives a brilliant life amongst all of the folks in her small town. An old friends's daughter and grandson are coming to town from New York, to close out her aunt's home. And she hopes to get in and out of town as quickly as possible. But she finds her heart strangely opened by Dorothy and her friends.

Baumbich is a Christian humorist and she does a bang up job with Dorothy Dearest, who is always talking to " The Big Guy" with a conclusion of "Dear Lord--Do SOMETHING". The situations are realistic but are handled with a prayerful touch, mixed with a large dash of fun!! Filled will a full cast of strangely lovable people, the is the beginning of more hopefully great reads for me. I listened to this on audio and highly recommend it to everyone .

Delightful story

All main characters had developed personalities. The town and his citizens is one that we all wish existed.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE DEAREST DOROTHY

Dearest Dorothy is one of my all time favorite series. I love Dorothy's relationship with God, and all the people of her town. The stories all have happy endings and that is a plus. These are great books, do miss a chance to read them!

love Dorothy

this is an adorable beginning of a series about Dearest Dorothy. love the character s.

Great!!

What did you love best about Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet??

This was funny and I was sad when it was finished.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dorothy; she's a hip old lady that doesn't mind getting into anything and she has her faith in God that keeps her going.

What does Cynthia Darlow bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I absolutely LOVE how she narrates a story. She really brings the characters to life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh so much! I listened on my commute to work or when I travel and I know people thought I was nuts because I would laugh out loud.

Any additional comments?

Just keep the Dearest Dorothy stories coming! She is hilarious!!

Dearest Dorothy and Partonville for all ages!

Listened to this series years ago. This second go-around was just as enjoyable as the first. On to book 2!!

Delightful pastime

I enjoyed this first book enough to move on to book 2. I found the characters engaging and want to know more of their story. Reading is for information, edification or entertainment… a series like this is, of course, for the latter and it did it’s job admirably. Ms. Baumbich’s storytelling style amuses, comforts and encourages hope. Her characters have the depth of real life. These are like people you know or wish you knew.

This book seemed like the abridged version...

...because all of a sudden it was over. There wasn't any action and not much explanation of decisions made. Strange. It got such good reviews and I was so disappointed. Narrator was good.