Customer Reviews

Dearest Dorothy: Slow Down, You're Wearing Us Out! (Dearest Dorothy, Bk. 2)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

In DEAREST DOROTHY, ARE WE THERE YET? Baumbich introduced readers to the small town of Partonville, "a circle-the-square" town in the northern part of southern Illinois. In this delightful sequel, Baumbich continues her saga of small-town life and the mélange of whacky, loveable characters who inhabit Partonville. After 87 years, Dorothy Jean Westra makes her peace with leaving Crooked Creek Farm, her birthplace and lifelong home. She's sure she hears God whispering "Remember well all you see, for these splendid images will sustain you in the days to come." Taking Him at His word, she stores up memories to help her make the transition to Tess Walker's old place, right smack next door to her best friend May Belle and her mentally-challenged adult son Earl.

Most of the characters from the first book are here. The United Methodist Church's Social Concerns committee is putting together the Fall Rummage Sale, and as usual, Acting Mayor Gladys McKern is throwing her weight around, letting the ladies know who really runs things. Jessica Joy is juggling motherhood and work, nursing little Sarah Sue and feeling like "a wrung-out dairy cow." As she tries to keep the small Lamp Post Motel running while her husband, Paul, works long hours in the coal mines of southern Illinois, she also eeks out time to hone her artistic talent.

Jessica discovers an unexpected friend in city slicker Katie Durbin, who with her teenage son, Josh, has returned for a visit to Partonville. Although the town folks suspect Katie has bought Crooked Creek Farm as a real estate investment for possible development, Katie finds on her return to Partonville that "a quiet ache brewed within. For what, she wasn't exactly sure, but the words "blessed friends and family swirled around her. Tugged, prodded, beckoned." Katie finds herself yearning to become a part of the little community she once scorned as "Pardon-Me-Ville." After living life at dizzifying speed, Katie realizes it might be time to slow down.

Dorothy, on the other hand, is still moving at a brisk pace, earning her online screen name, "Outtamyway." Change is in the air, however, and some of it is bittersweet. Dorothy's "rusty-and-white" Lincoln, a.k.a. "The Tank," is showing signs of decline, and at 87-years-young, Dorothy is dealing with heart problems that threaten to detour her cheerful, optimistic approach to everything. But no matter what challenges she faces, the indomitable Dorothy's philosophy is "We better be living the life we want to live and not wasting our numbered days on what doesn't matter." Whether it's cheering on aging Pitcher Jessie Landers during the community softball team (pom poms in hand!) or playing bunco with the "Happy Hookers," it's a sure bet that wherever the action is, Dorothy will be there also.

How many risks will Dorothy take before she's taken one too many? When the disintegrating "Tank" is set to run in the demolition derby to go out in a blaze of glory, everyone wonders who the mystery driver is behind the wheel. Could Dorothy really be risking so much? Or is there another crazy driver in Partonville?

If you haven't read DEAREST DOROTHY, ARE WE THERE YET, you'll want to read it first. But be warned --- this series is addictive. You'll soon be hooked on the small town of Partonville and its cast of assorted characters.

--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby

I am glad I discoverd the Dearest Dorothy books. I am quite a fan of Jan Karon's Mitford books and Ann B. Ross's Miss Julia books, and these are in the same vein. They are not as long and the other two author's works, but are delightful on their own. They are just so much fun to read and have wonderful spiritual insights. I have read three of them and have the other two in my 'to read' basket. I don't think you'll be disappointed if you purchase either of them. Dorothy is such a hoot.

I'm addicted, I think and new ones aren't coming out fast enough. Very charming characters, I feel that I know them. Highly recommend.

Usually continuation books are a dissappointment, but not this one. The author continued to bring out the best in her characters, while adding new ones, and making me chuckle (and cry sometimes)all the way through the book. I love Dearest Dorothy! Thank you Charlene Ann Baumbich.

What a FANTASTIC series. I am so glad I purchased them all at once. I fell in love with Partonville!! I have passed them on to my mother and then they are going to my mother-in-law. The characters are so well developed! Can't wait for the newest one later this year. =)

A great series to read over and over.

As a young 87 year-old, Dorothy is a lively character who lives on a farm in small-town Partonville. She loves God, her family and friends, and her dog Sheba. Even tho Dorothy has had her share of tragedy, she finds the humor, joy and blessings of life, sticks by her old friends and welcomes new ones. And through Dorothy we become acquainted with many of the town locals. This is an easy-going story and so refreshing to be reminded what's important in life! This is the second book in the series (I enjoyed the first as well), and plan to read the remaining books to find out what Dorothy is up to next.

I have to admit, I don't normally read these type of books, since I'm usually more into the science fiction/fantasy type. I stumbled onto the audiobook version of the Dearest Dorothy series and realized with a shock that I actually liked it! The characters are endearing and can be quite funny sometimes. After awhile, you felt as though you really know these people and are a part of their small community.

I liked Dorothy's cheerful attitude. Her closeness to God is actually refreshing. It blends in well with the plot. I'm now hooked to the series and I'm looking forward to buying the latest book.

I was interested to experience Dorothy's family at last.

The religious aspect is less subtle than the previous story. Also, I couldn't get into all the angst about The Tank, etc. That sub-plot left me cold. The Katie - Jessica parts grew a bit tedious - although they were worth it for me in the end; I really hope that Katie continues to encourage Jessica's creativity.

The next one ought to be interesting. Katie and Josh's arrival in town was kinda rushed toward the end of this book (overshadowed by The Auction, etc.) I'd like to see more of the adjustments they've had to make.