Blog Tour: The Last Man at the Inn by R. William Bennett

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

Title: The Last Man at the Inn
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

Blog Tour: Deborah: Prophetess of God by H.B. Moore

Reviews * Giveaway

Deborah: Prophetess of God by H.B. Moore

Book Description:

After years of mistreatment, the Israelites prepare to defend themselves against the oppressive Canaanites. Readying for war not only takes secret military training but also an Israelite leader who is willing to both stand against generations of oppression and follow God.

Deborah, a young Israelite woman, lives a quiet and isolated life with her father and brothers. As a shepherdess in the hills near her home, she knows well the perils of her work. But when faced with incredible danger, she witnesses a series of remarkable events that preserve her life. The hand of the Lord is apparent, and it is clear that hers will be no ordinary life.                

Years later, Deborah is a faithful wife and mother when she learns that the Third Judge of Israel has died--and she has been called to take his place. It is a tumultuous time in history, and soon, Deborah--prophetess, judge, and military leader--faces a seemingly insurmountable task: alongside the commander of the Israelite army, Deborah must lead ten thousand soldiers in their final campaign against their Canaanite oppressors with only her faith in God to guide her.

Rorie's Review:

I honestly don't think I've ever heard of Deborah before. None of the story was familiar to me at all, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Reading this book made me very curious to read her story in the Old Testament.

I will admit, a good portion of the story was kind of slow moving for me, and I could easily put it down to go do something else before coming back to it. Once the final battle neared though, I became a lot more invested in the story.

I thought this story was very well done and appreciated the chance to learn more about a person that I might not have learned about otherwise.

Andrea's Review:

I have enjoyed many of Moore’s historical novels based on scriptural prophets, so even though I didn’t know much about Deborah, I was excited to read her story. The book has two parts. In the first part (the part that I enjoyed most) we meet Deborah and her family and learn of their struggles. Deborah showed her strength and courage, falls in love and becomes the next Judge in Israel. The second half of the book jumps forward 15 years and sets things up for battle. This part moved quite a bit slower for me, which I realize sounds funny what with some intense moments regarding a pending battle, but it didn’t pull me in as much as the first half (except for the part about Jael-hard to not be pulled in by that). Part of this may have to do with a lot more focus on another character, Barak. He was important but not who I was really wanting to focus on.

As usual with Moore’s historical novels, I came away with a desire to read Deborah’s story directly from the Bible. Moore helps readers get a feel for the people behind the Biblical story. Yes, it’s fiction, but the scriptural characters are definitely more humanized when considering their families and other struggles they may have had.

Tour Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Title: Deborah: Prophetess of God
Author: H.B. Moore
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: September 2019
ISBN: 1524409995
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book