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 a 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.)
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.
Charlene Ann Baumbich is an award-winning journalist, author of the Dearest Dorothy series of novels, author of the nonfiction titles The Book of DUH! and How To Eat Humble Pie and Not Get Indigestion, and a motivational speaker who makes frequent media appearances across the country.
Great review! Thanks for pointing out to start with the first of the series 😉