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

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€

-- www.faithfulreader.com

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€

-- www.faithfulreader.com

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