The Last Man at the Inn by R. William Bennett
Book Description:
Simon considers himself fortunate after securing the final room at the inn in Bethlehem. While eating his supper, he sees a younger man and his pregnant wife denied lodging at the door of the inn. Simon momentarily considers giving up his space, but he is weary from his travels as a spice merchant and turns away from the thought.
Over the ensuing years, Simon traverses the popular trade routes, and each time he passes Bethlehem, he is reminded of that evening and plagued by guilt.
In time, the Savior begins his ministry, and Simon begins the life-changing process of trying to understand and believe the teachings and miracles of this man called Jesus—said to be the promised Messiah.
The Last Man at the Inn is the story of a journey of conversion we all take in one form or another, told through the eyes and heart of a common man. It is written to affirm the believer, to lovingly beckon to the undecided, and to call out to those who may not even know they are looking for something—only that there is a space in their soul that somehow needs to be filled.
Review:
One of my favorite books to read at Christmastime is Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett. I absolutely love the message and have recommended it and given it as gifts. When I heard that the author had a new story, I was very excited. I didn't read The Last Man at the Inn as quickly as I would have liked, but I blame that on how busy my life has been the past few months. I think under regular circumstances it would have been a fast read.
I really liked thinking about the other people who were around at the time of Christ's birth. It was eye opening to think about how I would have felt if I were in Simon's position. Sadly I think I would have acted the same way as he did when Mary and Joseph sought room where he was staying. It's so easy to have the selfish "I got here first" mentality, instead of the charitable, giving mentality.
While this is a great story to read at Christmastime, the bulk of the novel takes place after the birth of Christ, thus making it a good read any time of year. We get to follow Simon's life during the time of Christ's life, and Simon's eventual conversion. Simon was never a bad man, but it was wonderful to read about his change of heart.
About the Author:
R. William Bennett grew up on the Jersey shore and in Connecticut. He is the author of the best-selling Christmas novella Jacob T. Marley and the award-winning book The Christmas Gift. He works as a division president of Franklin Covey. He and his wife are the parents of four children, and they live in the Southwest.
Advance Praise/Endorsements:
“Bennett (Jacob T. Marley) recreates the life of the cross-carrying Simon of Cyrene in this enchanting historical...Simon struggles to accept this new faith—until he is visited by the words of the Holy Spirit. Now preaching Jesus’s message, he follows his family toward Jerusalem. Fans of Mesu Andrews will love this earnest exploration of Simon of Cyrene’s struggle with faith.”
-Publishers Weekly
“Not just a Christmas book, The Last Man at the Inn is the story of a man who is experiencing a crisis of faith and his path to conversion. Beautifully told with a surprise ending.”
-Jason F. Wright, New York Times best-selling author of Christmas Jars
“Both riveting and poignant, this book gives the reader a glimpse into what it might have been like to live as one of the first Christians and followers of Jesus Christ. The story left me pondering the path of discipleship and gave me a deeper desire to stand more firmly as a witness of Christ in my own life.”
-Emily Belle Freeman, author of A Christ-Centered Christmas and A Christ-Centered Easter
“The Last Man at the Inn is a wonderful invitation to look at Christ’s birth, life, and death through new eyes. I appreciate William Bennett’s timely reminder that true disciples come to Christ and stay.”
-Brad Wilcox, author of The 7-Day Christian
Author: R. William Bennett
Publisher: Ensign Peak
Published: October 2019
ISBN: 1629726036
Source: Advanced reader copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are our own.
Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book | Barnes & Noble
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