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The Master's Inn

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A novel of human brokenness and God’s still-unfolding drama of redemption . . .

When two wounded and dysfunctional families wind up unexpectedly at the remote Master’s Inn during a December snowstorm, it’s up to owners Tom and Barb Masters to help—except they’re dealing with their own bitter issues. As the winter snowfall confines them, the three families find themselves coping with their crippled relationships and hard emotions . . . and sometimes tearing one another down in the process.

But when a tragic secret is inadvertently revealed and a rebellious teenage girl takes off into the storm, chaos descends. Will they be tossed into more heartbreak, or will the crisis draw them together against a common enemy?

With a forest in Washington state as the backdrop, join Tom and Barb at their B&B as they strive to show Christ’s love to all who cross their threshold . . . even when it threatens their own sanity and safety.

364 pages, Paperback

Published October 22, 2022

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Deb Gorman

8 books53 followers

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5 stars
16 (64%)
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4 (16%)
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5 (20%)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah Hardisty.
37 reviews
February 10, 2024
Compelling and relatable. The author has done a wonderful job telling you who the characters are, how they feel, and evolving them during the story.

As a wife and mother of 4 children, 3 of them teenagers, I can relate to a few of these characters in a practical way. Deb pulls you into their lives, their history, and brings you out on the other side with much hope and joy.

So dive in. Go deeper with the Lord at the Master's Inn.
Profile Image for Cover Lover Book Review.
1,593 reviews97 followers
January 31, 2023
Oh my. The Master’s Inn is such a moving and meaningful story! The themes of compassion, faith, forgiveness, and hope shine brightly.

Tom and Barb, the owners of the Inn, are special vessels of God. I liked them instantly and rooted for them. I loved seeing God’s hand in their lives and His plans for their visitors. It’s inspiring to see how He works in our lives when we least expect it.

This story has depth and so much meaning. The unexpected guests carry a lot on their shoulders and in their hearts, and when they begin to reveal their issues, the pages turn faster. And the last scene… oh my.

I was deeply touched with these characters and their stories. I wanted to shake one of them and hug several of them. Keep tissues handy. This one is sure to move you as well.

First Line: “Mom! Where’s my iPad?” Joanie bellowed.
Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction
Author: Deb Gorman
Page Count: 364
Content: Loss, Adoption, PTSD, Family/Marital problems

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
Profile Image for Joan.
4,497 reviews132 followers
January 28, 2023
This is a touching novel centered on the power of the gospel to change lives so you had better have your tissues nearby as you finish the book. But the end is a long way from the beginning and potential readers should know there are many possible trigger scenes in between. A dysfunctional family with a great deal of anger and arguing is a big one. Readers who grew up in a similar childhood setting may have difficulty reading about it, as I did. Other issues include teen rebellion, the death of an infant, abortion and a big emphasis on PTSD. There is more of the novel given to those issues than I would have liked but the victory of the gospel in the end made up for much of the uncomfortable reading at the beginning.

Besides the power of the gospel to change lives, Gorman also explores many of the reasons to not believe in God. We read of the struggle to believe God as good and loving. And we also see a good example of the struggle to surrender to God in saving faith.

Gorman's writing style is engaging as we come to know troubled people in need of a Savior. Readers will also see how God can use ordinary people to make everlasting changes in the lives of others. And the setting, well, I got cold just reading about the snow. This is a good novel in the end.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Profile Image for Lucy.
1,208 reviews123 followers
February 1, 2023
3.5 stars. I was torn between three and four stars for this book as it was a great concept but I felt it had to much bickering and teenage manipulation for my personal taste. I was thankful for the redemptive and forgiveness theme that kept it all together but it deals with a lot of trigger points for some people such as death of a child, PTSD from being in the wars, harboring hard feelings, keeping secrets, etc. I loved the descriptions of the Inn and the beautiful countryside that made me want to visit just not in a snowstorm. I enjoyed that it shows how God can put unexpected people in our lives at unexpected times to bring to fruition His plan to set us on the right track. I also liked how the characters learned to talk things out and be honest. All in all a solid read by a new to me author. I look forward to reading more by her. Curl up in a blanket with something hot to drink and enjoy being swept away to the Master’s Inn, which to me is a play on words as it could also mean our Heavenly Master as he takes control.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Profile Image for Cheri Swalwell.
Author 75 books61 followers
November 14, 2022
Reading the back cover of this book, I was intrigued. The Masters Inn is a book I couldn’t put down. Joanie was a little over the top, but unfortunately also very realistic. Samantha was a typical elementary-aged precocious little girl as well. They definitely brought humor (cloaked in sadness) to the story and while I have never dealt with PTSD from war (either with relatives or personally) this book really brings that condition to light. A sad, makes you think, heartwarming, redemptive story that will linger in my mind for years to come. It was exactly what I needed to read at this season in my life and I believe many others will enjoy it as well.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.
Profile Image for Kay DiBianca.
Author 9 books217 followers
December 30, 2022
When three troubled families find themselves isolated in a Bed & Breakfast during a serious blizzard, the tragedies they've allowed to rule their lives become evident. Deb Gorman has written a powerful story of characters who help one another face their past failures and find forgiveness and hope for the future. A worthwhile book for our unsettled world.
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,183 reviews138 followers
January 30, 2023
The setting of Master’s Inn is covered with snow, beautiful scenery and unexpected guests. I loved the owners Tom and Barb who have a gift for hospitality. They weren’t expecting guests since the snow was coming down so hard. God has a plan that was starting to fall into place as the first unexpected guests arrive on their doorsteps. A family stranded in the snow desperately looking for a place to take shelter.

Soon after another family comes looking for a place to stay until the winter snow stops. Tom and Barb find themselves with a full house, no electricity and some unhappy visitors. As we get to see the characters take shape I realize that these two families each need encouragement and God. The author tackles some issues that may be triggers such as PTSD, death and adoption.

It is hard at times to read the book only because the emotions are very realistic. A teenager so out of control that her parents can’t handle her take center stage in the story. The constant fighting in this family was a lot to take in. It took me back to my childhood where every night my dad and brothers would get into fist fights. The family in this story was more emotional abuse which is very damaging. Will this family find a way to communicate and forgive each other?

One of the couples deals with the loss of their three year old daughter. It was years ago, but the pain is still there. They had waited so long to have a child and three years later she passed away. I understand the anger the parents felt. Why would God allow this to happen? After forty years their loss still hurts.

The last couple in the story have two small children. They were traveling to see the wive’s mother who has taken ill. We see a glimpse of worry and blame when their travel plans keep them from getting to her. I didn’t think the author spent too much time on this family and that disappointed me.

I did like how all the families began to open up to each other and start to share their struggles. The author shows how God can work in mysterious ways when these strangers find themselves together at a place where healing, forgiveness, and a fresh start await the. There are a few parts in the story about a bear that I thought was a little to graphic for me and when one character shares the story about his friend and how he died in Iraq it was too much detail for my taste.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
2,118 reviews
February 5, 2023
In The Master's Inn we have a very honest look at human dilemmas and familial issues. We also have a look at when our plans do not play out as we would like them to, sometimes the alternative is more beneficial. But it takes us getting outside of our stinking thinking and looking for the blessings instead.

Tom and Barb Masters own a remote bread and breakfast that they have poured their lives in. Recently they were expecting their nephew and his family for a stay and to help them through some issues. However, the weather had other plans and they were not able to come. In their place were two other families whose plans had also changed, and both were in dire need help.

This was a story that dealt with some emotional drama as each family had lived through some heartbreaking times. All were dealing with broken hearts, anger, selfishness, you name it. Often, they were short with each other, strangers all of them. Until the storm forces them to help one another. None of this was any of their plans, but in time they saw that this was orchestrated by a God who truly loved them and knew the help they could be to each other.

Some of these characters needed a good talking to or worse, especially a certain teenager. However, I think the author wanted to show what the brokenness in her family was doing to her. The others were in ways not much better at times. We should all take some moments to check our attitudes towards our loved ones and strangers in our words and actions. Good life lessons.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/202...
Profile Image for Becky Lewis.
1,114 reviews69 followers
February 2, 2023
“Some things just don’t go away . . . they hid in the darkest corners of the mind, waiting for an opportunity.”

If there could be one quote that might sum up the root of the problems the three couples/ families suffer in The Master’s Inn by Deb Gorman, this would be it. That, coupled with Barb’s observation about the Masters’s marriage, but still true about all three families:
“We’ve torn our house down with our own hands and left it in ruins.”

An unexpected blizzard traps three desperately needy families together. Will the storm outside the inn destroy them, or the eruptions within?

This was a difficult read for me. A belligerent, difficult teen; an emotionally unbalanced, failing family; PTSD from war; two other couples whose pasts threaten their ability to live in harmony and peace. This novel is very true-to-life. Will the characters decide to grow from their experiences and to trust God, or will they remain stuck in their bitterness and downward spirals, shaking their fists at God?

What really impressed me was how flawed and imperfect these characters were, yet God used them to chip away at the imperfections of each other and smooth out the way for each to follow Him in a closer way.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:
“We think our children are our own, and then something like this happens and we realize they aren’t—they belong to God.”


“Grandpa said that’s how life is sometimes—the best path is often the hardest.”

“Hope, indeed, was the only thing that could slay fear.”
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,902 reviews54 followers
February 8, 2023
I really enjoy Christian Fiction books and I especially love reading books from "new to me" authors. The Master's Inn by Deb Gorman is the latest book that I have read that is both of those.

Tom and Barb Masters own a beautiful Inn, Masters Inn. The couple is having some marital issues and a Snowstorm is coming down heavily outside. They are surprised when 2 families come to the Inn during the Snowstorm. The families are booked into the Inn for a stay. Tom and Barb notice how the families are having Family issues and they decide they want to help the families reconcile and get through their issues. The 3 families have plenty of time to gather together and help each other break through the emotions and issues, as the storm rages on outside. Things become even more chaotic when a Teenager from the group runs away, right into the storm and also a secret is revealed that should not have been. Will the teenager be found safely? More importantly, will the families be able to work through their family issues?

WOW, this book drew me in from the First Chapter. I LOVE the atmosphere of an Inn, very family friendly. I LOVE the scenery of a SnowStorm in December. I was encouraged that Tom and Barb Masters wanted to help other families while going through their own issues. The Families were in desperate situations and the teenagers in the story really had so much baggage. The author does a GREAT job at addressing real-life issues like PTSD, Adoption, and much more. I really LOVE how the characters opened up and reconciliation began. The book is about Faith, Redemption, and Forgiveness. God's plan is GREATER than our Plans! FANTASTIC BOOK!
Profile Image for Gail Hollingsworth.
1,048 reviews55 followers
January 27, 2023
This was a powerful story, at least for me. Tom and Barb Masters own a B & B in Washington State. A blizzard strands two families, all strangers, and as they exit the highway they come to The Master’s Inn. The owners invite both families in to warm up although the power just went out and they are using candles.
The drama then begins! A bratty teenager, two small children, separate couples who have their own issues and Tom and Barb trying to make peace, although they have problems as well. All this makes for a dysfunctional few days, not even counting the blizzard outside. When there is a missing person, they all try to pull together and form a search party. Will the snow, darkness, and cold bring about a tragedy or a gradual healing?
There were times when I just wanted to grab the teenager and shake her. She was rude and impossible! The two littles had a great understanding of God and tried to share it but they weren’t perfect either. What a wild ride but kept me interested right up to the end. Reading about the snow falling and seeing the cover of the book made me shiver and grab my blanket and a hot cup of coffee as I read. If you’ve read any of my reviews you know I always want to find out about the book title. The Master’s Inn title had a double meaning and I loved it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
Profile Image for J.A. McPhail.
Author 8 books7 followers
December 17, 2022
Between the gorgeous covers of this book, Deb Gorman has penned a riveting novel taken straight from the real issues of life. From the day to day of running a Bed and Breakfast to dealing with their own and their guests heartaches, family dramas, tragedies, and triumphs, the characters in “The Master’s Inn” bring a myriad of deep emotions to readers. The author deals with the hard issues of marriage, PTSD, adoption, stepchildren, and watching loved ones leave this world. Gorman inspires readers with her honesty and deep conviction that even when we don’t understand, God always has the right answer, and gives peace and comfort if we trust Him with our hearts and lives.

As a mother who has a daughter in Heaven, my heart broke that it took this couple forty years to come to terms with what happened to their child. But this author brought tears of joy flowing down my cheeks as I read her beautiful and perfectly amazing last scene. Read “The Master’s Inn” and discover how the Master can make all the difference in your life, no matter what.
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,940 reviews50 followers
February 6, 2023
The Master’s Inn is a Christian Fiction that is written by Deb Gorman. This is the first book that I have read by this author and it will not be the last. The book is well written and the characters are well developed. The author does a great job with her descriptions to ensure that you feel like you are standing there watching everything unfold.
Barb and Tom Masters are the owners of Master’s Inn. They have some issues that have been brewing and when the snow starts falling, they don’t expect any guests. Then a family that was stranded in the snow shows up. They find themselves with a house full of guests, yet they do not have electricity.
One of the things that I love that the author did was bring some issues that readers may face to the forefront. These topics include: death, PTSD, and adoption. The way she handled these topics is with grace and tact.
I enjoyed this story - I loved all the characters and the storyline. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
1,949 reviews
February 10, 2023
With a primary setting of an inn set with a backdrop of a forest in Washington, The Master’s Inn by Deb Gorman explores two families who find themselves stranded at The Master’s Inn during a winter storm. Barb and Tom Masters run The Master’s Inn. As their plans for the weekend get disrupted, and with issues of their own surfacing, the couple prepares to hunker down during the storm. Then, a family unexpectedly seeks refuge from the storm at the inn.

A little later, a second family with a moody and disruptive teenage daughter also found himself stranded there as well. When a secret unexpectedly gets revealed, the teenage daughter takes off into the storm. Including real-life issues, including PTSD, death, and even adoption, this story kept my interest.

With well-developed characters and a storyline that kept my interest, I could not put this book down. So if you enjoy Christian stories with a redemption theme, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for J.E. Grace.
Author 26 books146 followers
December 26, 2022
Bar & Tom run The Master's Inn. An unfortunate snowstorm leaves a family with canceled flights. Little do they know, God has other plans. Two families traveling and stalled by weather end up at the inn. Both families are dysfunctional and with failing marriages, one with a rebellious teenager.

The time they are stranded will change the lives of everyone. The story is about lessons learned in truth, forgiveness, and healing. Keep the tissues handy because you will need them for this one. This is a very emotional read. The God moments in the story will inspire you and remind you that choices are very important and can dictate your future.

The characters are varied, each one with their own set of issues and appear very real. I found myself rooting for some and not liking others very much. Highly recommended. A amazing storyline and well-written.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it.

6,234 reviews
January 26, 2023
The Master's Inn is my first introduction to the talented Deb Gorman. I thought it was a pretty good read. I found that the characters were relatable and easy to understand as to what they are going through. Their story was a powerful one that shows the beauty of hope and forgiveness. I had to keep reading to find out how it would all end for them all. I loved it.

I am giving The Master's Inn a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean and inspiring fiction that features true to life issues. I would be interested in reading more books like this one from Deb Gorman in the future.

I received a paperback copy of The Master's Inn from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for Carol Keen.
Author 9 books123 followers
January 27, 2023
It's cold, life threatening cold if you wind up in a blizzard. Thus three families are all hunkered down in The Master's Inn. It's here that Tom and Barb Masters find God using them in a new way. All the families have hurt, pain, and issues. They have things that they are angry about, and now they are all trapped, unable to avoid the issues any longer. Will they forgive and heal? Can a rebellious teen stop being rebellious? A grieving wife over come grief? Can a person work through PTSD and be better than they were? This was well written and the characters gripped my heart. It's a fantastic story that lets you watch God move in lives and change them. Hope and forgiveness are big themes and this book is defiantly a five star read.

Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my digital copy of this book. This review is my own and a positive review is not required.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,229 reviews23 followers
February 10, 2023
The Master’s Inn is a great little read. I enjoyed spending the holidays with those in the novel. I have to say as someone who has teenage kids I did sympathize with a bit of this one.

There are several issues within the book that you might have trouble reading if you’ve had issues with infant loss or PTSD, abortion, or teen rebellion. As someone who just suffered a miscarriage, I did have issues getting through the book. It has quite a bit of the bad within it but does bring out the gospel and teaches why we believe in God.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Profile Image for Ashley Dawn.
Author 41 books82 followers
February 24, 2023
This book was so much more than I was expecting it to be. I'm not absolutely certain what I was expecting, but this wasn't it. I enjoyed the story and loved the characters. There were oh so many lessons that could be learned through these pages.

Honestly, I don't know that it is one that I would have picked up in the store had I seen it so I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to read it. There is so much going on that I could talk about but I won't do spoilers. I just completely got involved with this one.

5/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,653 reviews4 followers
February 10, 2023
I reall really love this book. The characters are real life. Yes, there were moments talked about that made my heart sad. This is a story of forgiveness and new beginnings and healed marriages. I recommend this book to anyone who likes inspirational and books that share the gospel message.
I received a complementary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit these opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Ann Nahigian.
71 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2024
A bit dramatic and contrived. Book pick for a Christian book club.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews