Click on each book to the left for more information.
Don't Miss Your Life!
When was the last time you kicked off your shoes, twirled in a circle, threw your head back and freely laughed yourself silly?
Do you feel like you need a "get out of jail free†card for your fun-impaired, spiritually-constipated, fear-laden self?
Do you wonder how you became so bound up in deadlines, fear, and fretting when you'd rather be jazzed, energized, and refueled by curiosity and awe?
Does it seem that even a hermit crab has a cheerier life than you? But like the hermit crab, you climb from one dark shell right into the next?
Charlene Baumbich has news for you. God is wooing you to live life to the fullest! Don't Miss Your Life! shows you how to slow down, wake up, let go, hold on and LIVE!
"We are so busy running our lives that we often aren't enjoying them, giving thanks for them, or realizing our joy and potential," Charlene writes. "But if you learn the lively, releasing art of listening to and mining your own stories, you'll discover that your life is far better than you think!
Enjoy real-life stories that will fire your imagination, soothe your jangled mood, remind you of your identity, and renew your hope. Stories that, like parables, present you with your own ah-ha! moments and help you laugh, especially at yourself, even if you don't remember how. And guess what? God is writing your story, too--and it is a great story! Discover how to create your own Memory Portfolio (and no, this is not about scrapbooking), as you explore your own special moments, recognize God's hand at work in your life, and emerge with more freedom, grace and laughter than you can imagine.
Enjoy the most important gift you've been given- a mega gift that is so easy to forget-your one and only, true-self, God-breathed life. Don't miss it!
After Don't Miss Your Life! releases, watch for the picture page to go live at www.dontmissyourlifebook.com You'll be able to see some of the fun things I talk about!
Stray Affections
Do you ever wonder if God can melt the pain that holds you captive? Discover the beauty of a mysterious snowglobe, God's surprise timing, and a few unlikely furry heroes.
The last thing that Cassandra Higgins expects out of her Sunday is to be mesmerized at a collectors' convention by a snowglobe. She's enjoying some mommy time, with husband Ken at home tending their brood of four young boys, when she's utterly charmed by the one-of-a kind globe containing figures of three dogs and a little girl with hair the color of her own. She can't resist taking the unique globe home-even if means wrestling another shopper for it!
The beautiful snowglobe sparks long-dormant memories for Cassie, of her beloved Grandpa Wonky, the stray dog she rescued as a child, and the painful roots of her combative relationship with her mother, "Bad Betty" Kamrowski. Life in Wanonishaw, Minnesota is never dull, though, and Cassie keeps the recollections at bay, busy balancing her boys, her home daycare operation, and being a good friend to best pal Margret. But after a strange-flurrious, as Cassie deems it-moment happens with the remarkable snowglobe, Cassie and the people she loves, including her mother, are swirled into a tumultuous yet grace-filled and life-changing journey.
With the quirky, close-knit Midwestern small-town feel that made Charlene Ann Baumbich's acclaimed Dearest Dorothy novels so popular, Stray Affections invites readers to experience the laughter and the healing of second chances, and the reminder that God never gives up on our dreams.
Don't Miss Your Kids It happens in a finger snap--even though a colicky baby's wailing can make one late afternoon seem a week long. And a stubborn three-year-old simply will not potty train, striking fear in you that someday his bride may have to change his diapers. And you are convinced you're locked in a time warp with your mouthy adolescent (who just nearly killed someone). And your teenager is two hours late for curfew, but it seems like a year because it's after midnight and raining and you're wired from numerous cups of caffeine and--in a finger snap, they're grown and gone.
"In these pages," writes Charlene Baumbich, "I'd like to share with you some of my memories about our children. They range from 'Triumph!' to 'Egads!' I present them not just to hear myself rattle, but in hopes that through them you will see the importance of embracing these years with your children."
"She (Charlene) cascades sunshine on parenting woes while writing away any readers' emotional blahs on a gloomy day. If your adulthood did not bring parenthood, try this book for amusing insights into your lost childhood."
--- The Christian Reader
"Charlene Baumbich has a special ability to put the problems and the frustrations of parenting into perspective...to find humor and love in family situations that seem so grim...and to show a new slant on the age-old dilemma of the empty nest.â€
-Guideposts Book Club
How to Eat Humble Pie & Not Get Indigestion is not about food. It's about humility. It's about learning about what humility really is (once described as "a primer on humility"), and what it is not. And what it is not might gleefully surprise you since seeking humility doesn't mean you have to become a boring dweeb, and seeking humility, true humility, helps you learn to appreciate that you are a unique, one-and-only child of God who doesn't need to be any more or less than exactly who God created you to be. Humility is FREEING and draws you closer, blessedly closer, to the One who urges you to seek it. The One who whispers, "I love you, Child of Mine."
Charlene's hilarious wit makes this book fun to read. Beyond that, you will discover that humility is not the same as humiliation. This book will relieve you of living up to unrealistic expectations so you can enjoy yourself, others and God.
"Refreshing! I LOVED this book. It helps us discard our false piety and just know we are loved by God-even without all that varnish. It is a delight!" --- Barbara Johnson, author, Stick a Geranium in Your Hat & Be Happy
Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This (but she never said just how many) is about ... just that. Days like this (Sigh. Groan. Yelp. Hide.) and days like that (Ahah! Wonderful! Beautiful! Amazing!). And boy, don't we all have them! Fifty short stories (great bathroom reading; not too many characters) range from memories of training bras to the wonders of menopause, and run the gambit of emotions from bizarre to bountifully beautiful. Whether Charlene's talking about a shocking discovering regarding her husband's handkerchief habits or her beloved mother's apron, this book speaks to and from the heart-and the funny bone.
A great gift for hurting people, sick people, menopausal people, cranky people, parenting people, old people, young people, questionable people ... You get the idea!
"Charlene's outrageous humor will tickle you with life-giving laughter! Don't miss guffawing at the captured Cannibals or being wrapped in the warm memories of the Little Apron. Truly a book of emotions-all good!" --- Patsy Clairmont, Author of God Uses Cracked Pots and Under His Wings
The Book of Duh People ask Charlene, "So what's The Book of Duh about?" To which she wants to reply, "Duh! It's about DUH! It's about those Duh! moments we all have (yes, even you). It's about learning we're not alone in them. It's even about learning to celebrate them since hey!, if you never have that moment of Duh!, you never get the point and will therefore go through life clueless. And DUH!, who wants to do that?â€
This little book contains stories about Duh! and Double Duh and Duhsn't it make you crazy when ... And it has been written by the self-proclaimed Queen of Duh!
And if you haven't figured out by now what this book is about ... DUH!
* This book is officially out of print, but copies can still be found on the internet, or by emailing Charlene
365 Ways to Connect With Your Kids is not an activity book. (Okay, there are a few activities, but mostly there are mini stories.) It is a book about connecting. Although parents today work on communicating and carpooling and educating and ... I often hear them saying, "I just don't feel connected! What does being connected look like? Feel like? Live like?" Well at long last, there's a book SHOWING you rather than just telling you!
Charlene says in her forward, "The ideas, thoughts, meditations, activities, humor, examples, and occasional rantings in this book are my endeavor-and that of other parents as well-to help you connect with your children in a positive, fun, thought-provoking, rewarding way for both of you.
"No matter what the age of your child (even if they are now adults) or yourself, it is never too late to try something new or revive something old and meaningful. Some thoughts may seem obvious; others may seem silly. A few dip from the deep well of honor; some may make you groan. Some will touch and inspire your soul while others...well they might add a bit of sparkle to your lives, causing you to spontaneously scream, "aha!"
"365 Ways To Connect With Your Kids by mother, author, speaker, journalist, and humorist Charlene Ann Baumbich is an engaging collection of a variety of ways for adults and children to bond and share, ranging from sharing the fun of an audiobook during a car ride, together to ringing in the new year, to learning how to let go of grudges. A valuable read for parents, grandparents, sitters, and just about everyone else, 365 Ways To Connect With Your Kids is very highly recommended and accessible reading.â€
-- Midwest Book Review
* This book is officially out of print, but copies can still be found on the internet, or by emailing Charlene
The 12 Dazes of Christmas (and One Holy Night) There are the Twelve Days of Christmas, and then there are the Twelve Dazes: Cooking, shopping, cleaning, wrapping, company, family-that family ...
If you're like Charlene, the chaos of the holidays makes you feel organizationally impaired. (And if you're looking for a book about how to get organized during the holidays, keep looking. Charlene is clueless.) But Charlene helps you find the holy amidst the Ho Ho Ho and the hustle-bustle crazies. She tells hilarious tales about stringing the outdoor tree till it gloriously twinkled (well, two-third of it twinkled) with lights; surviving-and sweating-the Christmas shopping; getting ready for company ("Don't use the guest towels!"-all with the help of a husband, two kids and Wonderdog Butch (RIP).
In these pages, Charlene helps us look beyond the chaos and see the Christ. Read this book any time of year to help you remember what's important. But especially read it the beginning of November to help set your heart in the right direction for the holidays.
* This book is officially out of print, but copies can still be found on the internet, or by emailing Charlene
Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet? For the legions of readers who enjoy books that celebrate life's simple pleasures, eighty-seven-year-old Dorothy Jean Wetstra and her beloved farming town of Partonville, Illinois, will become instant favorites. In this hilarious, touching series, Charlene Ann Baumbich introduces readers to Dearest Dorothy, who tools around town in a 1976 Lincoln Continental nicknamed "The Tank," plays bunco regularly with her pals, and grabs a stool at Harry's counter often enough to stay on top of the latest-breaking news-which she is often creating. In the series debut, Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet?, Dorothy faces a decision that may change her town forever, and her gift for shaking things up comes in handy. In the second book, Dearest Dorothy, Slow Down, You're Wearing Us Out!, the town's irresistible cast of characters is back in full swing as they confront some of the many surprises life sends their way. So pull up a chair and get ready for fireworks, laughter, and we'll-get-through-it-all-with-faith friendships.
"...her ability to craft characters as interesting as Karon's does will cause them to sneak into your heart and take up residence there. Fans of the "Mitford" series should take to this new one from the same parent company like ducks to water.â€
Dearest Dorothy, Slow Down, You're Wearing Us Out! For the legions of readers who enjoy books that celebrate life's simple pleasures, eighty-seven-year-old Dorothy Jean Wetstra and her beloved farming town of Partonville, Illinois, will become instant favorites. In this hilarious, touching series, Charlene Ann Baumbich introduces readers to Dearest Dorothy, who tools around town in a 1976 Lincoln Continental nicknamed "The Tank," plays bunco regularly with her pals, and grabs a stool at Harry's counter often enough to stay on top of the latest-breaking news-which she is often creating. In the series debut, Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet?, Dorothy faces a decision that may change her town forever, and her gift for shaking things up comes in handy. In the second book, Dearest Dorothy, Slow Down, You're Wearing Us Out!, the town's irresistible cast of characters is back in full swing as they confront some of the many surprises life sends their way. So pull up a chair and get ready for fireworks, laughter, and we'll-get-through-it-all-with-faith friendships.
"...be warned --- this series is addictive. You'll soon be hooked on the small town of Partonville and its cast of assorted characters.â€
Dearest Dorothy, Help! I've Lost Myself! (Dearest Dorothy Series #3) Charlene Ann Baumbich's two heartwarming Dearest Dorothy novels have transported thousands to a little Midwestern town where the ups and downs of everyday life have charmed readers and left them clamoring for more. Of course, the character everyone has come to love is the feisty former bandleader, 87-year-old Dorothy Jean Wetstra. Now in Dearest Dorothy, Help! I've Lost Myself! Partonville marks its centennial plus thirty-by arguing over the best way to celebrate it. Meanwhile, the acting mayor is trying to change a vital part of the town square (but it's always been that way!) and a newcomer named Katie can't avoid the suspicion that she's grown far closer to this quirky little place than she had ever intended. Delightful and touching, this tale is every bit as addictive as its predecessors.
"Fans of Jan Karon's Mitford or Philip Gulley's Harmony will revel in the antics of the residents of Partonville ...the characters are quirky and charming; there are several laugh-out-loud moments; and Baumbich offers gentle inspiration without hammering readers over the head with God, whom Dorothy delightfully calls 'The Big Guy.'â€
-- Publishers Weekly
Dearest Dorothy, Who Would Have Ever Thought? Charlene Ann Baumbich has won a loyal following of readers with the first three booksin the Dearest Dorothy series, featuring the amusing and touching adventures of the townspeople of Partonville. Now Charlene Baumbich uses her wonderful gift of storytelling to celebrate the simple pleasures of life in this heartwarming and hilarious story. The fourth book in the series finds the residents of Partonville preparing for a festive Thanksgiving dinner at the local church. Amid assigning duties and preparing recipes, everyone tries to ignore bossy acting mayor Gladys McKern. Meanwhile, Jessica Joy struggles with an unexpected turn of events, Katie Durbin considers another real estate project, and Dearest Dorothy doles out advice and love in equal amounts to everyone.
Author Biography: Charlene Ann Baumbich is the author of the previous three books in the Partonville series. A popular speaker, journalist, and author, for several years she has lectured to women's groups and retreats. Baumbich is also an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Today's Christian Woman, and numerous other publications. She is the author of six nonfiction books of humor and inspiration.
Publisher's Weekly Pick for Funny Faith Series The Dearest Dorothy novels by Charlene Ann Baumbich (Penguin Books)."The fourth novel, Dearest Dorothy, Who Would Have Thought? (Summer 2005) will pick up the series that began charming readers back in 2002 with Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet? In a sea of CBA heroines who are unfailingly young and beautiful, readers identify with Dorothy, the plucky 80-something grandma who's a demon at the wheel. Baby, you can drive our car.â€
Dearest Dorothy, Merry Everything!
Even though this looks like a "Christmas book,†it is really and simply the fifth "regular†book in the series. To miss this one is to miss much about the characters. It can be read any time of year.
Baumbich's fifth entry in the gentle-read "Welcome to Partonville" series (after Dearest Dorothy, Who Would Have Ever Thought?) finds the residents of the fictional small Illinois town getting ready for Dearest Dorothy's annual Christmas party. The death of the town's sole attorney has folks shook up, but Dorothy's prayers and spunky attitude rally the town back into the holiday spirit. For collections where previous series titles are popular. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
"Another fantastic chapter in the continuing saga of Partonville, Crooked Creek Farm, The Happy Hookers, and Dearest Dorothy. One of the most phenomenal aspects of Charlene's writing is her ability to create developing characters that are both unbelievable and wholly believable at the same time, and, in this book, she employs that talent to the max... You can't read one of Charlene's "Dearest Dorothy" books without recognizing the characters, empathizing with the characters, and gaining new insight into your own heart; Thank You Charlene!â€
-- Epitaph-News, Reviewer Will Kilkeary
Dearest Dorothy, If Not Now, When? Home is where the heart is-and this Partonville homecoming will warm the hearts of all Dearest Dorothy fans this fall
The colorful characters of Partonville, Illinois, are back once again to delight Charlene Ann Baumbich's ever-growing legion of fans. Dorothy is thrilled that her attorney son Jacob is moving back to their hometown and wonders if he might help Katie Durbin with more than legal matters. Meanwhile, Partonville's mayoral elections have just heated up. Incumbent Gladys McKern is being challenged by Sam Vitner, owner of Swappin' Sam's, whose campaign slogan is "McKern's had her turn! Time to SWAP! VITNER for Mayor!" And the contest to name Katie's new mini-mall incites competition and a mad dash of entries. Through it all, Dorothy's spirit and the Partonvillers' antics will keep readers wanting to circle the town square again and again.
"Wow! What a book! What Charlene has done is to prove that you don't need murder and mayhem to create an engrossing page turner of a book. What is threatened is the small town of Partonville, located in the northern part of southern Illinois, and the way of life for the local inhabitants. The near by town of Hethrow has already been gobbled up by developers and large chain stores; and Partonville is the next open square on the Monopoly board. In most cases, this would not be cause for locking up a reader's attention, but the magic of Charlene's work is that she does such an extraordinary job of developing her characters, that they become your best friends (and some enemies too), and your empathy for them makes you truly care what happens to both them and their town. What happens in this, the sixth book in the Dearest Dorothy series, is acting Mayor Gladys is up for reelection, and the town and quality of life of its inhabitants may depend on her winning.â€
--Epitath-News, reviewer Will Kilkeary
NEWEST RELEASES:
Nonfiction
Don't Miss Your Life!
An Uncommon Guide to Living with Freedom, Laughter & Grace
Finally, after more than eighteen years of speaking on the topic Don't Miss Your Life!, the book is available, any way you want it: trade paperback, audio (read by Charlene), ebook ... Check out the description (click on the cover to the left), then get yourself a copy by shopping at your local bookstore, or, if you're the clicking fingers type, shop online using the surrounding links.A this moment in time (June 13, 2009) it's #5 on The Chicagoland Indie Bestseller list for paperback nonfiction. YAY!
Full 4/13/09 Publisher's WeeklyReview for Don't Miss Your Life!: Baumbich, an award-winning journalist and author of the Dearest Dorothy fiction series, has set out to accomplish what few Christian humorists have succeeded in achieving: making her readers laugh deep from the belly while simultaneously trouncing on their faulty “religious” beliefs. Baumbich’s writing style is such that readers will feel as though she's conversing with herself and they are her most fortunate eavesdropping audience. The author’s comic rehashing of life’s more ironic and bizarre happenings will be valued by readers of both genders. Baumbich encourages her fans to create their own memory portfolios of treasured moments to see God’s bounty at every turn (or detour). Readers are also treated to poignant essays on the power of imagination, the importance of questioning assumptions, awakening every sense, living in a balanced way or falling with a splat. Baumbich’s text is just what the doctor ordered for a time such as this; laughter is good medicine indeed and there are plenty of guffaws to be found on every page.
To whet your appetite, check out a few pictures from the Real Life stories in the book. Please bookmark that link once you get there and check back once in awhile. I keep finding more pictures!
Fiction
Stray Affections
YAY! The first book in the 3-book Snowglobe Connections series released September 15, 2009. Give the book cover a click for the description. You can see me read an excerpt here. What wonderful endorsements! (Stay tuned. DIVINE APPOINTMENTS, Book #2 in the series, releases 9/14, 2010!)
“In this heartwarming, soul-searching novel, Baumbich has created an amazing story around a woman’s passion for collecting snow globes and what happens when childhood dreams are all but forgotten.”
--Romantic Times
“Inspirational novelist Baumbich (Dearest Dorothy series) presents readers with a lovely story of forgiveness, restoration and a dash of hopeful whimsy thrown in for pure pleasure. Baumbich, whose nonfiction is frequently self-deprecating and thoroughly comedic, offers her fiction fans a tale that is “flurrious” with the unexpected and unimagined as Cassandra Higgins, mom to four young boys and day-care provider, sets upon a course of self-discovery after purchasing a snow globe. Cassandra, whose father committed suicide and whose mother barely, and bitterly so, continues to face life one day at a time, revisits her childhood pain as she gazes into this glass globe containing three dogs and a girl resembling herself. This young mother realizes that even with a loving husband, children and a life absent of any major catastrophe, the past continues to wield a mighty force that shapes present-day attitudes and lingering emotional afflictions. Baumbich reaches deep into the heart’s recesses, but does so with the precision of the most skilled emotional physician. For that, her readers will feel nothing but gratitude.”
--Publishers Weekly
“STRAY AFFECTIONSis a story so joyous and so magical that it should come with a warning label: Do not pick up this book unless you, like Cassie and the unforgettable characters who are part of her world, are prepared for a journey that will change your life!”
--Cassandra King, author of THE SUNDAY WIFE
“What a bundle this book is! A combination of mystery, magic,
joy, second chances, quirky characters, and the blessings of
God….all brought to light by the purchase of a snow globe at a
flea market. This is an ideal book to read on a snowy winter
day, snuggled up in a blanket, with a cup of hot chocolate beside
you.”
--Nancy Simpson, Book Vault, Oskaloosa, IA (As seen in Midwest Connections winter catalog)
DEAREST DOROTHY series
aka Welcome to Partonville series
A Publisher's Weekly "pick" for FUNNY FAITH SERIES.
Each title begins with Dearest Dorothy, and they are listed (left) in the order of their publication. The six books cover one year in the relatable lives of the every-day folks who live in the circle-the-square town of Partonville, located in the northern part of Southern Illinois. Laugh, cry and find yourself and those you love among the pages. Let Dearest Dorothy mentor you and Arthur fix your car. Please click through the titles to see what readers are saying, andclick here if you are looking for info about a Dearest Dorothy Book #7.
How to Eat Humble Pie & Not Get Indigestion is not about food. It's about humility. It's about learning about what humility really is (once described as "a primer on humility"), and what it is not. And what it is not might gleefully surprise you since seeking humility doesn't mean you have to become a boring dweeb, and seeking humility, true humility, helps you learn to appreciate that you are a unique, one-and-only child of God who doesn't need to be any more or less than exactly who God created you to be. Humility is FREEING and draws you closer, blessedly closer, to the One who urges you to seek it. The One who whispers, "I love you, Child of Mine."
Charlene's hilarious wit makes this book fun to read. Beyond that, you will discover that humility is not the same as humiliation. This book will relieve you of living up to unrealistic expectations so you can enjoy yourself, others and God.
"Refreshing! I LOVED this book. It helps us discard our false piety and just know we are loved by God-even without all that varnish. It is a delight!" --- Barbara Johnson, author, Stick a Geranium in Your Hat & Be Happy
Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This (but she never said just how many) is about ... just that. Days like this (Sigh. Groan. Yelp. Hide.) and days like that (Ahah! Wonderful! Beautiful! Amazing!). And boy, don't we all have them! Fifty short stories (great bathroom reading; not too many characters) range from memories of training bras to the wonders of menopause, and run the gambit of emotions from bizarre to bountifully beautiful. Whether Charlene's talking about a shocking discovering regarding her husband's handkerchief habits or her beloved mother's apron, this book speaks to and from the heart-and the funny bone.
A great gift for hurting people, sick people, menopausal people, cranky people, parenting people, old people, young people, questionable people ... You get the idea!
"Charlene's outrageous humor will tickle you with life-giving laughter! Don't miss guffawing at the captured Cannibals or being wrapped in the warm memories of the Little Apron. Truly a book of emotions-all good!" --- Patsy Clairmont, Author of God Uses Cracked Pots and Under His Wings
