Scott Roloff

Dreams at Dusk quickly became a book I just could not put down. Unfortunately, it was not because the book was that good, but rather because I just wanted to see how it could possibly get even more absurd than it already was...and somehow, it never stopped doing just that.

Sure, the pacing of the book was off, and Roloff made so many word choice errors (breaks/brakes, past/passed, etc.) that it was clear that he had neglected to have the work edited, but that wasn't the worst part. No, the show more worst part (or rather, the best for keeping me reading) was the utter absurdity of the characters. There wasn't a single one of them that acted like a person would.

Oh, and they were all very crinkly. They crinkled everything that could crinkle -- ears, eyes, foreheads, cheeks, noses, and more. They even crinkled 7,8 or even 9 times a chapter. They crinkled in joy. They crinkled in horror. They crinkled for sex. They crinkled for murder. But more than anything else, they just crinkled. I can only assume that Roloff wrote this book while eating a bag of potato chips. show less

Loved the story and look forward to reading it to my children in December. The way it is set up to read a little everyday leading up to Christmas makes it easier for young children. Some of the concepts and wording may be a little beyond really young ones but once it gets to the Santa Claus and angels part I think they will be quite intrigued.

I received this book for review from the Author through LibraryThing giveaway

I really enjoyed this cute tale about the origins of Santa Claus. I always like to see authors humanizing the dry and dusty Bible characters, and Roloff does this particularly well. I found myself emotionally invested in the situations and personalities portrayed in this book. The Innkeeper of Bethlehem is perfect for Christians searching for a way to include Santa in their Christmas without detracting from the spiritual aspect of the holiday. Even non-religious folk, however, can relate to show more the universal themes of kindness, love and family throughout this story. I feel it is definitely worthwhile reading. show less

When I was a child my mom would sit us down each night for a Bible story. This was our devotional time. It was important to her that we learn the importance of hearing and telling the stories at a young age. This book would be great for parents who want to continue sharing stories nightly with their children. This is a wonderful way to bring Santa Claus into the Christmas story.

The story starts off with a visit from an aunt, uncle and cousin from Jerusalem to their relatives in the United show more States. The kids, Kallie and Pinkie, love to hear their Uncle Aaron tell stories and beg him for one. He tells them that the story he is going to tell them started in Bethlehem. Instead of the usual story of Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus, he tells the story from the perspective of the Innkeepers Shai and Adi. They rent out every available space in the inn, and are forced to sleep in the stable. Adi was not happy about this. Then along come Mary and Joseph. Mary gives birth to baby Jesus. It is shortly after this the story takes a turn. When Mary and Joseph flee from Herod, Shai and Adi travel with them.

Uncle Aaron knows just when to stop a story to keep the audience hanging. That is what he does. He tells them just a little bit each day up to Christmas. That is what is unique about this book. This book is set up so that you can read it in one sitting, like I did, or you can read a chapter a night. I think that this would be the best way to do this with little kids.

Where does Santa fit into all of this? I really think you need to read the book to find out. For those who want a Christian story with no deviation then this might not be the book for you. For those of you who want a book that tells the story of Jesus from birth to death and yet brings in the secular part of Christmas, then this is definitely the book for you. Just remember it is not all fact. That is not what the author set out to do. It is a lot easier to show Santa’s beginnings this way than to fill your child’s mind with the rosy cheeked Santa they see on all of the TV programs then tell them one day. Oh I figured you would be old enough to understand there is no such thing as Santa. At least this book tells the story of Santa’s beginnings as if it is a tale being told to children. I loved it. I can’t wait to share it with my grandkids this year. I am purchasing a copy for my daughter to read to them. I’d like for her to start that tradition each year. show less