Dearest Dorothy Books in Order
Part ofCharlene Ann Baumbich Books in OrderExplore the Dearest Dorothy series by Charlene Ann Baumbich in order, with book summaries, Partonville background, and clear guidance on where to begin.
Last updated: July 14, 2026
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you).
Dearest Dorothy books in publication order
6 books
Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet?
by Charlene Ann Baumbich
2001
Eighty-seven-year-old Dorothy Jean Wetstra loves Partonville, her friends, and driving her Lincoln Continental, the Tank. When a decision about her farm could reshape the town, Dorothy's talent for stirring things up may be exactly what Partonville needs.
Dearest Dorothy, Slow Down, You're Wearing Us Out!
by Charlene Ann Baumbich
2001
Dorothy prepares to leave Crooked Creek Farm and settle near her best friend, while Partonville gears up for a rummage sale. Katie Durbin, Jessica Joy, and the rest of town face everyday pressures, new friendships, and Gladys McKern's meddling.
Dearest Dorothy, Help! I've Lost Myself!
by Charlene Ann Baumbich
2004
As Partonville prepares its Centennial Plus Thirty celebration, residents disagree over changes to the town square. Katie Durbin uncovers puzzling family letters while Dorothy finds herself in the middle of a growing swirl of secrets and gossip.
Dearest Dorothy, Who Would Have Ever Thought?
by Charlene Ann Baumbich
2004
Thanksgiving preparations at the local church bring Partonville's competing personalities into close quarters. While acting mayor Gladys McKern takes charge, Jessica Joy faces an unexpected problem, Katie weighs a project, and Dorothy offers steady counsel.
Dearest Dorothy, Merry Everything!
by Charlene Ann Baumbich
2006
At Christmas, Partonville rallies around a local family struck by tragedy. Katie Durbin's plan to revive the shopping district faces stubborn opposition, leaving Dorothy and her neighbors to balance grief, faith, and holiday bustle.
Dearest Dorothy, If Not Now, When?
by Charlene Ann Baumbich
2007
Attorney Jacob's move back to Partonville gives Dorothy hopes for Katie Durbin's future, just as a mayoral race heats up. A contest to name Katie's new mini-mall sends the town's friendly rivalries into overdrive.
Dearest Dorothy books in chronological order
Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet?
by Charlene Ann Baumbich
2001Dearest Dorothy, Book 1
Dearest Dorothy, Slow Down, You're Wearing Us Out!
by Charlene Ann Baumbich
2001Dearest Dorothy, Book 2
Dearest Dorothy, Help! I've Lost Myself!
by Charlene Ann Baumbich
2004Dearest Dorothy, Book 3
Dearest Dorothy, Who Would Have Ever Thought?
by Charlene Ann Baumbich
2004Dearest Dorothy, Book 4
Dearest Dorothy, Merry Everything!
by Charlene Ann Baumbich
2006Dearest Dorothy, Book 5
Dearest Dorothy, If Not Now, When?
by Charlene Ann Baumbich
2007Dearest Dorothy, Book 6
Series background & context
The Dearest Dorothy books take place in Partonville, Illinois, a small farming town where everyone knows the latest news, or thinks they do. At the center is Dorothy Jean Wetstra, an eighty-seven-year-old former bandleader with a pink wardrobe, a big heart, and a 1976 Lincoln Continental known as the Tank. Dorothy likes a good visit at Harry's counter, a regular bunco game, and a chance to help when her neighbors are in trouble.
The series begins when Katie Durbin and her teenage son Josh arrive from the city to deal with a relative's home and belongings. Their visit puts them in Dorothy's orbit just as she faces a decision that could affect her farm and the town around it. Katie expects to leave quickly. Partonville has other ideas.
Dorothy is not built for staying out of things.
Across the six books, the town deals with moves, family questions, local projects, celebrations, holidays, and political squabbles. Acting mayor Gladys McKern has a talent for stirring up opposition, while Dorothy counters with blunt advice, practical kindness, and plenty of prayer. Katie, Josh, Jessica Joy, Jacob, and many other residents return as their friendships and plans change.
The stakes are personal but real. A proposal for the town square, a business idea, a Thanksgiving dinner, or a Christmas project can reveal old hurts and new loyalties. The books care about what happens when a community changes, especially when people disagree about whether change is progress or trouble wearing a nice hat.
Partonville is full of gossip, but it is also full of people who show up.
The tone is light, funny, and faith-centered, with a slow-burn feeling of getting to know a place and its residents. Dorothy's age is part of the point, not a limitation. She has lived long enough to recognize foolishness, grief, stubbornness, and grace when they walk through the door. Start with Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet? to meet the town in order, then follow the characters as Partonville keeps finding new reasons to get together.
Edited by
Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.
Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shaped MRB and its growth.
Comments
Did we miss something? Have feedback?
Help us improve this page by sharing your thoughts