About The Novel
Fans of popular media fiction, such as the series The Chosen or movies like The Nativity Story and Risen, will love Michael Hume’s short “gift” novel, The Innkeeper of Bethlehem.
“You can read it in less than an hour,” one advance -reader commented about The Innkeeper of Bethlehem, “but you’ll be thinking about it all season long. Maybe forever!”
This novel is a re-imagining of the birth and earthly life of Jesus, but also an imagining of the experiences of some of the “characters” surrounding Christ during his time in the flesh.
“Ben-Jacob,” the name assigned to the old Innkeeper, who has passed his business down to his son “Lemuel.” “Dimasz,” the shepherd boy who ran ahead to warn Ben-Jacob to make room in his inn for three venerated wise men from the east. “Timoth,” Ben-Jacob’s little grandson… even he has a part to play in the story of The Innkeeper of Bethlehem.
From wise men to black-hearted criminals… from humble servants to haughty kings… and from astonished witnesses to God Himself… The Innkeeper of Bethlehem is a story which invites the reader to go beyond the traditional story of Jesus’ birth, and to explore a deeper and more personal meaning of Christmas.
The Innkeeper of Bethlehem is sure to be a favorite, and a cherished gift, for anyone who watches Christmas movies all year round – especially if they love the more spiritually-based stories of Jesus and Christmas.
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Reviews
“A Resonating Ending”The Innkeeper of Bethlehem is a retelling of the birth of Jesus by Michael Hume. After relating the second chapter of Matthew, Hume takes his readers to a night close to Mary and Joseph’s arrival in Bethlehem as three wise men prepare for their journey. Thirty years later, an older innkeeper answers the door to a former shepherd and his companion. The innkeeper and the former shepherd speak about the night they met three decades prior and the miraculous event that brought them together. They were unaware of the sorrow that would follow the glorious event or that their actions on that night would determine the paths of the rest of their lives.Many people are familiar with the story of the birth of Jesus, but some may wonder about the other people in the story. Oral and written traditions clearly state Jesus’s death, but what happened to the innkeeper, the wise men, and the shepherd boy? Michael Hume unwinds a tale that will draw in Christian readers as they see another side to the night Christ was born. With facts from the period and songs by the author, Hume expands on scripture, narrating a tale that may not be too far from the truth. Readers can expect a twist in the story and a strong theme of forgiveness. Lovely illustrations reminiscent of Don Quixote amplify this interesting tale. The Innkeeper of Bethlehem is a good selection for readers who enjoy retellings about biblical characters with a resonating ending.
–Courtnee Turner Hoyle
Reader’s Favorite, December 21, 2023
“A Fresh and Inspiring Perspective”The Innkeeper of Bethlehem by Michael Hume is an intriguing Christian historical novel that follows the biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ in an innkeeper’s stable. Illustrated by Sherry Olson, it takes readers back to Bethlehem on that momentous day a long time ago, from the perspective of one who had witnessed the event. The story unfolds as the three kings, Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, with their swordsmen, prepare to travel to Bethlehem to follow the Great Star and welcome the birth of Jesus. The plot then continues thirty years later when Ben-Jacob, the innkeeper who had witnessed the star and led his royal guests to the stable, where he had given shelter to a desperate man and his pregnant wife, reminisces about a day that he will never forget.Michael Hume’s The Innkeeper of Bethlehem vividly brings to life the birth of Jesus, with in-depth character development and an engaging plot. The author seamlessly weaves together a biblical story and personal stories of faith and man’s quest for redemption. Hume’s novel explores themes of self-discovery, relationships, and the complexities of human emotions. This makes the story relatable and engaging. It’s also an easy and enjoyable read. I found the character of Dimasz intriguing, who turns out to be the one who bade the old innkeeper make room in his inn for Gaspar and his venerated companions. The Innkeeper of Bethlehem brings a much-celebrated event in biblical history to life with a fresh and inspiring perspective. I highly recommend this novel to all readers.
–Maria Victoria Beltran
Reader’s Favorite, December 21, 2023
The Innkeeper of Bethlehem brings us a journey of a lifetime!
Using the timeless story of Jesus’s birth, this book opens our eyes as it takes us on a thought-provoking deeper dive into the interplay and consequences of our challenges and actions. The author expands our perspective as he leads us on this adventure to imagine if we had only been there.
–Thomas (via Amazon)
Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2023
Looking at the Biblical stories we have learned through the lens of our new perspectiveStorytelling and writing have been with us for centuries and generations. Now we have the possibility to join these storytelling times with Michael Hume’s new book…This Holiday season let ‘The Innkeeper of Bethlehem’ take us on this unique and special journey of discovery, reflection and thoughts, as we discover our spiritual side through Michael’s creative writing and [Sherry Olson’s] original illustrations. The Biblical stories we have learned since our childhood now looked form a new perspective will give us the moment of reflection for this special season.
[The Innkeeper of Bethlehem] is a fictional tapestry that elegantly complements the sacred Scriptures and allows you to see Famous Biblical characters are given imaginary names, contextualizing them as fiction to offer a truly immersive reading experience. This new book invites you to embark on an introspective undertaking full of inner reflection, personal exploration, and creative visualization of historical events. As you turn the pages of this captivating book, you will be motivated to explore the Bible, imagine how your own life may have been touched, and consider what it would have meant to witness the miraculous birth and life of Jesus Christ. Each chapter beckons you to study and observe faith with imagination as you experience the story of Christ’s advent in a new light.
–Luis Vicente Garcia (via Amazon)
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2023
Heighten Your Spiritual Experience
Author Michael Hume takes you on a unique journey that delves into the birth and life of Jesus. This book enables you to explore Biblical stories that instills faith and allows spiritual introspection.
–(Amazon Customer)
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2023
… “Deeply Emotional and Thought-Provoking”
Ben-Jacob once ran an inn in Bethlehem. Now, he is old and tired. His son, Lemuel, is the new innkeeper. Ben-Jacob keeps the fire in the inn’s Great Room and remembers the miraculous events that occurred there more than thirty years ago. Two strangers approached the inn and asked Ben-Jacob to shelter them for a night. He let them in, and the younger of the two, Dimasz, told Ben-Jacob that he was twelve when the three kings stayed in this inn. Dimasz and Ben-Jacob shared stories about the night that changed their lives forever. That night, the brightest star they had ever seen shone over Bethlehem, and a family of a husband and his pregnant wife asked for a room but was directed to the stable. The Innkeeper of Bethlehem by Michael Hume is for fans of historical fiction, drama, and stories based on the Bible.
The Innkeeper of Bethlehem revives the beloved biblical account of the birth of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. Michael Hume presents this story from different points of view. The author adds well-researched historical background that shows how the people of Judea, occupied by Rome, lived in anticipation of the Savior. Michael gives us an interesting explanation of the Great Census that caused the Holy Family’s journey to Bethlehem. Michael highlights the most important events described in the New Testament, skillfully intertwining them with the lives of his characters. The Innkeeper of Bethlehem speaks about the inner metamorphosis we experience when we realize the true meaning of wealth and power. Michael’s beautiful writing style and perfect editorial work make this fascinating story a page-turner. Sherry Olson created wonderful, concise illustrations. I appreciated an uplifting twist at the end. I highly recommend this deeply emotional and thought-provoking read to those who seek ways and inspiration to strengthen their faith.
–Nino Lobiladze
Reader’s Favorite, January 4, 2024
