The Last Man at the Inn

The Last Man at the Inn: One Man's Quest to Believe

by 

R. William Bennett

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.

My Thoughts:

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

I was introduced to this author with Jacob Marley. I love this author's ability to see the story around the stories we know. To look at the why and the how. I was swept into this beautiful story that gave me an ending that brought tears to my eyes and peace to my soul. If you get a chance to read it, do. This is for those that don't easily believe and need more of a journey to find your answers. 

The Traveler and the Heavy Burden

Publisher's Description

Others would have given up long ago with burdens such as yours, but you are here. If only you could see the distance you have traveled. Know this: your journey was not without purpose. You shall see.

The road is immense, stretching as far as the eye can see. Among the countless individuals making their way ahead, a lone woman slowly presses forward, carrying a load far too heavy to bear. With no one with whom to share her burden, she yearns to reach the end of her painful journey. Just when she is ready to give up, the miracles begin.

An act of kindness. A word of encouragement. A reminder of her worth. Buoyed by the assistance of compassionate strangers along the path, the woman finds the strength to continue her journey until she finds the One who can offer her greater peace and acceptance than she has ever dreamed possible.

For those seeking respite from the pains and heartache of life, this profound tale of one broken traveler's journey is a powerful reminder of the love of the King of Kings, who is waiting with open arms to offer strength, love, and relief.

My Review

A short read, but what a beautiful parable. Of the books I have received, this one is a definite must read. More so than the others. Lives depend on it. I need dozens of copies to leave in my wake. I will do the review a little better justice. As someone who works with people who struggle with mental health and with a desire to help women with issues on how they view themselves, this is so beautiful and hit me right in the heart. Bravo! Beautifully illustrated as well. I can’t say enough about this book. Also, like I said this is a short read. You don't have to be a huge reader, it took me about 20 minutes and it was well worth it and lifted my day. I don't know that there is anyone who can't relate to the feelings this book evokes. It is essential for every woman that struggles with feelings of worth and with helplessness. Please read this book, then share it with every important person in your life. The message is universal.