Welcome to Partonville: The Heartwarming World of Charlene Ann Baumbich
If you are looking for cozy, faith-filled, and humorous stories of small-town life, Charlene Ann Baumbich is an author you will want to dive into. With her signature warmth and "slightly off-center" humor, Baumbich has built a loyal following among readers of Christian fiction and cozy stories. Her books are celebrated for their colorful characters, small-town charm, and gentle faith elements that encourage readers to find grace and joy in everyday moments.
The Best Starting Point: Where to Begin Reading
For most readers, the absolute best place to start is with the first book of the Dearest Dorothy series: Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet?. This book introduces you to the fictional, quirky town of Partonville, Illinois, and its central figure, the feisty 87-year-old Dorothy Jean Wetstra. Starting here allows you to experience the town's evolution, the deep-seated friendships, and the multi-generational dynamics in the exact order they unfold.
Alternatively, if you prefer standalone novels with a light touch of magic and thematic connection, you can start with Stray Affections, the first book in the Snowglobe Connections series. While the Dearest Dorothy series is a continuous narrative with a recurring cast, the Snowglobe Connections books feature entirely separate stories and characters, meaning they can be enjoyed individually without any continuity concerns.
Dearest Dorothy Series Reading Order
The Dearest Dorothy series (often referred to as the Welcome to Partonville series) is a six-book contemporary Christian fiction series. It is highly recommended to read this series in order of publication, as the character relationships, local town events, and personal growth storylines develop chronologically from book to book.
Here is the recommended reading order for the Dearest Dorothy series:
- Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet? (2001 / 2004) - This debut introduces Dorothy Jean Wetstra and the tight-knit town of Partonville. Dorothy faces a major decision about whether to sell her beloved Crooked Creek Farm, a choice that could reshape the entire community. She navigates this with her signature wit and conversations with "the Big Guy" in her bedroom prayer chair.
- Dearest Dorothy, Slow Down, You're Wearing Us Out! (2001) - Following the events of the first book, Dorothy transitions from her lifelong farm to Tess Walker's old house in town. The local residents deal with various personal and community surprises, demonstrating the resilience of small-town bonds.
- Dearest Dorothy, Help! I've Lost Myself! (2004) - Set during Partonville's "Centennial Plus Thirty" and annual Pumpkin Festival, the town enters a state of hilarious chaos. Dorothy mentors a young "city slicker" named Josh who is struggling to fit into small-town life, all while the local mayor pushes for modernization.
- Dearest Dorothy, Who Would Have Ever Thought? (2004) - Focusing on the aftermath of the festival, the town comes together for a community Thanksgiving dinner. This installment shines a spotlight on the "Happy Hookers" (a local rug-hooking and bunco-playing group) and Dorothy’s ongoing mentorship of the town's younger residents, including Jessica Joy and Katie Durbin.
- Dearest Dorothy, Merry Everything! (2006) - A heartwarming holiday-themed book that captures the magic, challenges, and spirit of Christmas in Partonville. It offers a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere similar to Jan Karon's Mitford series.
- Dearest Dorothy, If Not Now, When? (2007) - The final novel in the series. Dorothy is thrilled by the return of her lawyer son, Jacob, and wonders if a romance will blossom between him and Katie Durbin, bringing the series' storylines to a satisfying and uplifting conclusion.
Snowglobe Connections Series Reading Order
The Snowglobe Connections series consists of three books. Unlike the Dearest Dorothy books, these novels do not share the same characters or setting. Instead, they are connected by a shared theme: each story centers around a special snowglobe that brings people together, helps them find second chances, and sparks moments of divine alignment. You can read these as standalones, but the publication order is the most natural way to explore them:
- Stray Affections (2009) - This novel centers on Cassie, a woman dealing with family tension and seeking a fresh start, who finds her path altered by a mysterious snowglobe and the presence of a stray dog.
- Divine Appointments (2010) - A heartwarming tale of unexpected encounters and second chances, showing how seemingly random meetings are often orchestrated from above, connected by a snowglobe theme.
- Finding Our Way Home (2012) - The final book in the trilogy follows Sasha Davis, a 38-year-old former principal ballerina recovering from a career-ending injury and the death of her mother. She retreats to her childhood home in Minnesota and hires an optimistic teenager, Evelyn Burt, as her live-in aide. The two form an unlikely friendship that helps both find new direction.
Charlene Ann Baumbich's Nonfiction & Self-Help Books
Before launching her career as a fiction novelist, Baumbich was a journalist, motivational speaker, and humorist. She published several popular self-help and parenting books that showcase the same warm, humorous, and grace-centered worldview found in her fiction. These can be read in any order, depending on your interests:
- Don't Miss Your Kids!: (they'll be gone before you know it) (1991) - A warm and practical guide for parents on cherishing the fleeting years of raising children.
- How to Eat Humble Pie & Not Get Indigestion (1993) - A humorous, faith-based look at humility, handling mistakes, and finding grace in awkward situations.
- Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This (But She Never Said Just How Many) (1995) - A collection of lighthearted essays and advice on navigating the chaotic and stressful days of adulthood and family life.
- The 12 Dazes of Christmas (1996) - A humorous survival guide for the busy holiday season, focusing on keeping sanity and faith intact.
- The Book of Duh (1997) - A playful look at the obvious yet frequently forgotten truths about life, relationships, and faith.
- 365 Ways to Connect With Your Kids: No Matter What Their Age (Or Yours) (2001) - A book packed with daily actionable ideas to foster deep, lasting relationships with your children.
- Don't Miss Your Life!: An Uncommon Guide to Living with Freedom, Laughter, and Grace (2009) - Released during her fiction-writing years, this inspirational nonfiction book compiles Baumbich's life philosophies on embracing joy, laughter, and divine grace.
Anthologies and Holiday Collections
Baumbich also contributed her unique voice to holiday anthologies. For readers who want a quick dose of festive humor and heartwarming stories, her primary holiday collection is:
- Humor for the Holidays: Stories, Quips and Quotes for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's (2006) - A delightful compilation of short stories, humorous essays, and inspiring quotes designed to bring joy and laughter to the winter holiday season.
What to Know Before You Start
Charlene Ann Baumbich began her writing career in her 40s, drawing heavily on her Midwestern upbringing and experiences raising her family in Illinois. Her books reflect a deeply rooted Christian worldview, but they avoid being overly preachy. Instead, they focus on practical, real-world struggles like aging, career changes, family conflict, and community preservation, solving them with faith, friendship, and humor.
If you are a fan of Jan Karon’s Mitford series, Philip Gulley's Harmony series, or cozy small-town stories, you will find a similar spirit in Partonville. The books are lighthearted, easy to read, and populated with quirky, unforgettable characters. Because the Dearest Dorothy books follow a chronological progression of Dorothy's 87th and 88th years, skipping around can lead to minor spoilers regarding characters moving, changing jobs, or forming new relationships, so sticking to the publication order is highly recommended for the best experience.