The Last Man at the Inn

Captivated with a different perspective from the night of Jesus' birth.

We follow the life of Simon, a Jewish spice merchant, who takes the last room in an over crowded Bethlehem the night Jesus is born. We will follow the life of Simon and his family over a span of 33 years. The things he saw and heard would follow him and shape the rest of his life.

I loved this book from the first words. Having travelled to the Holy Land my mind was easily transported to a place I know well. Inwardly, I was challenged with thoughts, "Who really was the last person to take that room?" "Did they hear the pleas of Joseph?" "Would I have easily believed or been skeptical?"
It's good to read a book that engages you and challenges you as if you were there when history was unfolding.

Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to provide my thoughts on this book.

What a wonderful, wonderful book. The Last Man at the Inn takes us straight into life in Bethlehem, on that night which witnessed the turning point in human history. It’s as if we are right there – experiencing it for ourselves, rather than just reading about it. However, it then leaves us with the question : would we have acted any differently from Simon? Without the benefit of knowing the significance of his action, would I have acted any differently from Simon? I loved this book, despite it’s being a challenge. Guilt can be carried as an unseen burden for many years – for a lifetime – & there is only One who can relieve us of that load. I’m so glad I have let Him : have you?

I LOVED this book! One man's journey to seek and find Jesus took me on my own journey to strengthen my devotion to my Savior. This is a perfect book, especially as we start the "holiday season." I highly recommend this one! It is a must-read for everyone!

I felt like I could relate so well to Simon the Spice merchant. It made me wonder what it would have been like for me, living in the time when Christ was on the earth, from his birth to his death. The whispering, the stories, the miracles, would I have believed? Would I have been like Simon and took my time with it?

I was excited when I realized this was by the same author that wrote Jacob Marley. I love how he looks at these commonly known and loved stories from a different perspective.

This book evoked deep thought and feeling for me. I found myself crying a long with Simon and his family and hoping that I would have been among the believers at that time. The ending was fitting and beautiful considering Simon's journey. I love that it came full circle and brought him back to the Inn in question.

I felt like I had an intimate view of the events surrounding the birth and life of our Savior. I couldn't ask for a more perfect Christmas book.though it could be read at anytime.

This was a wonderful book about what man's experience could have been at the time of the birth of Christ. It reminded me a bit of the book Master by Tori Sorenson. I loved the perspective of seeing the birth of Christ and His ministry from the perspective of a normal person and how it influenced their lives. This book touched my heart for sure and helped remind of our Savior's journey through life and His sacrifice. Beautifully done.

Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC!

This is a fictional account of the life of Simon of Cyrene and the times that his life intersected through the years with the life of Jesus. The author infuses this book with his own obvious love for Christ and faith in Him.

This story captured my imagination and helped me to have empathy with those who were the first to place their trust in Jesus as Messiah. I could identify with Simon’s struggle to comprehend the facts of Jesus’ life and ministry and believe that Jesus is Who He says He is. It’s a great book to read not only during the Christmas season, but at any time of year when you want a faith-based story to read. This book will touch your heart and encourage your your faith.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I was expecting this to be more of a Christmas story, but while Simon does see Jesus shortly after His birth, most of the story takes place in later years of Christ's life and it's much more a story about coming to know and follow Christ, to decide whether or not to seek Him and believe or not. I really enjoyed that journey and there were parts of Simon's experience that I could relate to really well on my own journey to know and follow Christ. So it wasn't the Christmas story I was expecting, but it was definitely worth reading.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

# TheLastManAtTheIinn #NetGalley

A novel based on a family, living at the time of Christ. Simeon is a merchant who sells spices. When Simeon starts hearing the rumors, that the long awaited Messiah is preaching, Simeon is skeptical. When his family starts to believe, Simeon questions, what his own beliefs are. Follow the teacrhings of Jesus, a book that can be a part of your family traditions,

A wonderful tale of discovering faith through a mans life. Simon is merchant who happens to be in Bethlehem the night of the Saviors birth. The journey s just begun for the man who is a Jew but must eventually decide does he believe or live like one?
A well, written engaging story (finished in one afternoon). I felt the author did a nice job describing the feelings of personal struggle but felt the build up or description of the resolutions and happiness were a bit downpayed. Made for a bit of a let down at times.
I give 4 stars instead of 5 because the title, cover and description lead you to believe this is a new take on the 4th wiseman tale. I expected the book to have a Christmas tone. It isn't a Christmasy book but an enjoyable book to be read anytime of the year.