I've read through At Home with God and will use the material with my school-age children. As a single parent, it is hard to find ways to spend devotional time with younger elementary kids. Too much is going on and I'm tired at the end of the day, but this book's premise is based on my scenario--and the ways all families operate today! We'll be able to pick up the book, turn to the day's devotional, read it together, do the suggestions, and enjoy ourselves as a little church.

The devotions are biblically based. They explore the Bible instead of delving into complex or ridiculous theological discussions (such as how many angels can dance on the head of a pin).

I'm looking forward to having faithfilled fun with my children.

I found this book while searching for works on Crested Butte and bought it not knowing what I would find. Having fallen on love with the Town of Crested Butte and the surrounding wilderness I have tried to learn about the area. As a enter the book, I found myself walking the town through her characterizations. Having spent many days in town, I could feel the places and people of the old town and the lives of the early settlers. I could walk the Elk Avenue of old, envision the miners housing, the whistle of the train and the danger of the mines. Her research of Crested Butte brings life to her story. Although her characters are fictional the lifes they lived were real and can be seen even today in the twon. For anyone who has been to Crested Butte, the book is a great read about a special place and for those that have yet to see the jewel of Crested Butte, the book will give you the feel of the type of people that clung to a life in the hard times of the novel. After reading the novel, if you visit Crested Butte you can sense the history in seeing the CB Cemetary, the Old Town, the Forest Queen, The Company Store, the old Catholic Church and Donita's restaurant (built in the first floor of the original Elk Mountain Lodge). Read the book, visit the town, and fall in love with the beauty of both.

Growing up, my Father and Step-Mother lived in Crested Butte and I would visit every summer and winter. Even though this novel takes place in the late 1800's (when Crested Butte became a town), it brought me back. I remember seeing the old mines, the Elk Mountain Lodge, the cemetary - and Main Street. It felt like I was there again in a warm cabin on a quiet snowy winter night or, a cool summer afternoon with the bluest sky with the 'Red Lady' - Crested Butte Mountain - towering over the quaint and romantic little town.

The town is unique and special - has obviously changed over the years - and makes a great backdrop for this historically congruent novel. I happened upon this novel and I was very surprised at how instantly it gripped me. I loved the characters, the plot was interesting and unpredictable, and the historical accuracy was a nice bonus. I highly recommend it.

Crested Butte is a novel that not only entertains, but educates. History comes alive and the reader is there, living it right along with Oden's characters. The main character, Vini, takes up residence instantly in the reader's heart. You can't help but love her and cheer her on. You cry with her. You laugh with her. And, you grow to love Crested Butte right along with her. Vini's life in Crested Butte keeps one turning pages. You can't put this novel down! Oden is a master with her pen--or nowadays, I should say with her keyboard. It's obvious she's researched this town and knows its history inside and out. Trust me, this novel will not disappoint. Buy it, read it and cherish it.
Diane Meholick, author of A SWITCH IN TIME

Marilyn Oden has demonstrated again her remarkable gift for capturing the images of the season! By weaving together daily scripture readings, superb quotes and well-told personal vingettes, Marilyn guides us through Advent with gentle joy. This is a lovely book for personal reflection or for a group to read together in preparation for the birth of the babe in the mystery of a manger. Find a quiet corner and a cup of tea for a time of reconnecting with God and yourself. It's a wonderful adventure!