What a revivating story. I love how Mesu Andrews takes history and biblical truths and weaves them into a fiction story. So much to learn in the story of Joseph. Mesu gives you in her story the truth of Scripture to make you think. How would Joseph react to seeing his brothers? How long did it take him to forgive give them? What role did his wife play in the real story? The truth though, how our mighty God wants us to forgive, how he can change the heart of a priestess towards him, and his unconditional love for us all all showed strongly in this story.

This book picks up the story of Joseph where Potiphar's Wife left off, and tells about Joseph and his wife Asenath, given to him by pharaoh. I like this book even better than Potiphar's Wife. It followed Asenath from a priestess of Isis to a believer in Yahweh, and the struggles of loving Joseph but having to unentangle herself from a manipulative father. Very enjoyable story about Joseph and how he kept his faith in the one true God strong in the middle of a polytheistic Egyptian culture, and how Asenath helps him at a critical time to put his family back together in the middle of it all.

A wonderful story and a new perspective on Joseph's story from Genesis with emphasis on his wife and her journey. The author did a wonderful job giving us a tale of Asenath and her journey to become Joseph's wife and her journey to Elohim.

The book is beautifully written with a strong cast of characters and historically sound tie-ins to the bible. As someone who loves Egyptian history, Ms. Andrews gave a wonderful overview of the history, myths, religion, and lore of Ancient Egypt and tied it beautifully with Joseph's biblical story. This is probably one of the best biblical fiction books I've ever read, I look forward to further books in the series.

I received an advance copy from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review

4.5 stars

I’m so thankful for authors like Mesu Andrews who zero in on names and events in Scripture that typically don’t get much attention, cultivate that little stirring of imagination that must spring to life inside them, and are then able to build a plausible and meaningful narrative that still stays true to both history and God’s Word. In fact, Biblical fiction that is written within those guardrails makes me fall in love with the Bible – and with God’s intentional plan to rescue & redeem – all over again. Andrews’ newest novel is a prime example.

The story of Joseph has fascinated me from childhood – his mother, his coat of many colors, being sold into slavery, interpreting Pharoah’s dreams, being made second in position only to the Pharoah, and his emotional reunion with his family. I also knew he had two sons, but I had always glossed over his wife’s name and the intriguing tidbit that Scripture says about her. To be honest, if you’d asked me, I would have said that the Bible never mentions Joseph’s wife. (It’s in there three times. Oops.) Yet, thanks to In Feast or Famine, I will never ignore Asenath’s name again.

I was immediately drawn to Asenath’s story… and immediately wanted to throw her father (Potiphera the priest) to the crocodiles. Oh goodness, my emotions were all over the place in this book! Joseph & Asenath’s journey on these pages is definitely a roller coaster, filled with joyous highs, breathless adventures, swoony romance, and infuriating lows. With this fictional imagining as a backdrop, I was also able to gain a new perspective on Egyptian politics which in turn will shape how I read Joseph’s appearances in Genesis from now on. (Hint: they make American politics look like a little playground squabble lol) But the most moving part of In Feast and Famine is Asenath’s faith story, from the daughter of a priest of Ra to a follower of Elohim. It is not a straightforward nor simple path that Andrews has her walking between the two, but it ends up being exactly what Asenath needs to help bring healing to her own heart, to her husband’s heart, and to the land of Egypt to the glory of God.

Bottom Line: Mesu Andrews has once again taken a familiar Biblical account – one I’ve read untold thousands of times – and opened my eyes in fresh ways to the gospel truths woven into the heart of it. Her meticulous research and care to stay true to God’s Word show on every page, and her ability to help readers see a reflection of themselves in the characters she brings to life is impeccable. Complex themes of forgiveness, belonging, family, and the sovereignty of God – as well as a fascinating look at ancient history – ensure that you will be thinking about In Feast and Famine long after you’ve reached the end.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

I was thrilled to read this one, and I can happily say that is did not disappoint! I loved Mesu Andrews style and quickly fell in love with her characters. This was a fun take on a well known historical event, and I enjoyed seeing her unique perspective on the Biblical events!

Remember Joseph and his coat of many colors and how his jealous brothers threw him in a pit and then sold him to a band of Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver.

Well, now Joseph is the second in command to Pharaoh and gets pushed into a marriage with Asenath. For these two young adults, things are not going their way. In Ms. Andrew's capable hands, she takes the biblical account of Joseph and gives it life by placing the reader right in Egypt. I felt like I was right there with Joseph and Asenath as this beautiful story unfolded.

The theme of healing was woven throughout the book. For Joseph and his family, Asenath, for Egypt, was beautifully done.

Mesu Andrews is a go-to author for me when it comes to biblical fiction. She never disappoints and you can tell from the first sentence that she has completely and utterly immersed herself in the biblical story. She never tries to outdo the Bible instead she wants to add a story that will draw readers to the actual biblical account.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I've been too busy this weekend....hugging the author of this amazing book to be able to write my review until today 😂. If you haven't read Mesu, where have you been?

God's hand on her writing, the intensive research she puts into every single book, I just love her to pieces and no wonder she is my favorite author.

I loved this sequel to Potiphar's Wife, In Feast or Famine shares the story of Asenath the wife of Joseph. This could possibly be my favorite of Mesu's books. I loved the main characters, I loved the love story and how God was in the center of their relationship, it even had the worst villain I've ever seen in a book (which to me is a good thing, I enjoy a good villain.😄)

Well researched historical fiction account of Joseph. Mesu Andrews is the first to admit that the mass amount of research and information is both overwhelming and confusing. Despite this, she uses cunning logic to piece together plausible timelines that bring the Biblical stories to life. I’ve been so ready for this book, to read about Joseph’s journey to second in command in all of Egypt. There were some very difficult threads to reconcile, but she did. Beautifully. I should have known, after seeing what she was able to do with Zully in Potiphar’s Wife. Nevertheless, I was enraptured with Asenath, Joseph, and the plethora of supporting characters. The setting, scenery, palaces, costumes, and foods were richly described and showed me what is was like to be there, rather than telling me. The Spiritual growth of the main characters was encouraging and the premise of redemption and restoration was a blessing in so many ways. If you’re looking to lose yourself in an immersive account of Joseph, you will love this book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

This is a beautifully written book. I loved the retelling of Joeseph's story and how it's full of intrigue, emotions, redemption and forgiveness. If you are a fan of biblical fiction, you will love this book.
I received a complimentary copy from WaterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I love Biblical fiction and especially love that it prompts me to go back to my Bible and reread the story. Continuing the story of Joseph after the end of Potiphar's Wife, Joseph finds himself released from prison and married to Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. I really enjoyed this story of Joseph and Asenath's love and their faith journey. I really appreciate Mesu Andrews' writing and the meticulous research she does into these stories. Highly recommend for those who enjoy Biblical fiction.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Sold as a slave into Egypt by his brothers, Joseph rises to prominence before being thrown into prison on a false charge. But when he's able to not only interpret Pharaoh's dreams but also offer a solution to the problem they pose, he is raised to vizier of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh - and given a wife. Asenath has been raised in a tower for years seeing no men save her father, priest of Ra. She's been taught that her destiny is to become Isis incarnate and heal Egypt, but when Pharaoh gives her in marriage to his new vizier - a foreigner! - all her plans, and worse, her father's plans, are dashed. But her father doesn't give up easily, and he's on a mission to rid Egypt of foreign leadership. Can Joseph win his wife, frustrate his father-in-law's deadly intrigues, save Egypt from the coming famine, and work out God's plans for his family?

This was definitely more politically complex than previous books I've read about Joseph's life, which was interesting and thought-provoking, though it's impossible to know how accurate. However, I definitely appreciated the author's historical note with its details about what was based on fact and what fiction (though it didn't really cover how the author decided when Joseph's story occurred - the dates seemed considerably earlier than I would have thought). The weaving together of Joseph and Asenath's lives, with the complications of her conspiring father, was really well done too. The one thing that bothered me about the story was Joseph's character. It felt like he was a really great guy, popular with almost everyone and winning over even many of his enemies - and yet harbouring a deep, corrosive anger against his brothers, and to a certain extent his father-in-law. Caution felt well and truly warranted in the latter case (and probably also in the former though change should be allowed for), but this felt like it went beyond that to the point where any time such subjects came up, he was yelling. It didn't fit with my picture of Joseph, and I don't think it's a very Biblical picture either (he also didn't seem to have the faith in some areas I felt he should). So from that point of view, I wasn't quite so keen. Nevertheless, it's an interesting story, very well written and thought-provoking like all good Biblical fiction.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

A delightful reimagining of a familiar Bible story. Mesu Andrews added in details to the story that we had never thought of before! We recommend this book for all readers of Biblical Fiction!

If I could I would give this book 6 stars. I really enjoyed reading this, it was a perfect blend of biblical story, history, politics, suspense, romance and faith. A great way to explore further Joseph's story while learning more about the world at that time. This was well written and engaging and probing. A very engaging book that is educational and a walk in faith while being entertaining.

Asenath met the queen’s eyes. “You’ve never used Elohim’s name.”
“I see a great difference in the legends of Egypt and the way your God loves,” replied Queen Hotep.
Author Mesu Andrews is like a maestro when she writes Biblical fiction. She does thorough and meticulous research then carefully and thoughtfully chooses the characters to play the parts and as the story builds into a crescendo and dramatically concludes the reader comes away with a richer knowledge of Biblical and historical facts. The story of Joseph from Book One, Potiphar’s Wife, continues In Feast or Famine. His faith and forgiveness is inspirational. I enjoy Author Mesu Andrews books as she consistently brings the Bible to life.
I received a complimentary copy from Net Galley. The opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this story! Mesu Andrews created a world that I did not want to leave. The characters had great banter and really showed great development. Asenath was my favorite character, and I enjoyed seeing her progression into her life and faith. I will say that I enjoyed the first half of the novel more than the second half of the novel, but the ending was very satisfying.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Mesu Andrews is probably my favourite Biblical fiction author and this book again proved why. This story, though the author did mention some fictional liberties were taken, was based on historical research, and stayed true to Joseph’s story I’ve studied so many times.

Even though I knew how everything would end, I found myself holding my breath reading all Potiphera’s schemes and wondering what would happen. He was a great example of how lost people can get in trying to plan and ensure their own future instead of trusting and relying on God.

I loved how the author used Asenath, an Egyptian, to show God loves all and how someone can change and grow when they commit to God. I enjoyed seeing how God reverse the roles and used Asenath to challenge Joseph in his struggles.

There was a lot of focus on the Egyptian beliefs and traditions. I never really thought about it, but Joseph had to suddenly embrace Egyptian traditions while standing firm in his beliefs. His struggles with meeting his brothers again after 20 years were raw, emotional, and felt realistic.

I am looking forward to the next book by Mesu Andrews.

What an emotional and deep story. This Biblical fiction was an enjoyable read and one I couldn't put down. Very vivid in the descriptions and it was well done in drawing me in to see what would happen next in Asenath's decisions.

Highly recommend this book if you like Biblical fiction.

Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah through NetGalley with no expectation in return. My opinion above I voluntarily give.

Fantastic story that gives the reader a glimpse into the history of ancient Egypt. Mesu Andrews is one of my top go-to authors for Biblical fiction. For many years, I was hesitant to read this genre, afraid that it would detract from the Bible. However, Ms. Andrews links the Biblical stories with expert historical research and her gift of storytelling to fill in the 'might-have beens'. I have found her stories to be a great encouragement to delve deeper into these stories.

In Feast or Famine tells the fictional story of Joseph's role in guiding Egypt's pharaohs through a historical famine. It is also the story of Asenath, his wife and the 'might-have-beens' that filled her story, her love for Joseph and as the mother of his children. I was not prepared to like Asenath as much as I did. Her journey of faith was captivating.

Ms. Andrews definitely knows how to grab hold of her reader's imaginations. She masterfully weaves cultural details of ancient Egypt, the beauty of the country and the darkness of its political struggles, throughout this brilliant story of love and forgiveness. All of this is seamlessly woven with the theme -the power of God's loving presence 'in good times or bad' or as the title aptly states 'in feast or famine'.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

In her latest addition to the Egyptian Chronicles series, Mesu Andrews picks up the story of Joseph ben Jacob in the depths of Potiphar’s prison, where we left him at the conclusion of the magnificent Potiphar’s Wife. Though we know Elohim used Joseph to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams and therefore manage the great years of plenty and following years of famine to provide for nations, eventually reuniting Joseph with his long lost family, we do not know much about what actually happened in that time. With meticulous research and inspired imagination, Andrews takes us there to witness firsthand how political intrigue and the work of Elohim may have played out to heal the land, heal wounded hearts, and glorify the One God.

Layered eloquently within the known biblical story are elements of timeless themes that bring complex characters to relevance: the longing for a parent’s love, the turmoil of seething hate vs the balm of forgiveness, healing of hearts and of nations, a mother’s fierce drive to care for her children and balance those needs with the needs of the household or even a greater population. Asenath, locked away in a tower for fifteen years with only vague memories of the brutal attack that stole her mother and which she barely survived, chantress of On and destined to become Isis Incarnate, with a destiny determined and laid clearly before her must fulfill her purpose to heal the Two Lands. Joseph, restored from prison to become Egypt’s vizier, knows only Elohim can save and heal the nation’s wounds. Commanded to marry by a pharaoh who is wise beyond his years, the two may be committed to working together for the good of the Two Lands, but there are many obstacles to overcome.

Andrews writes with exceptional insight to captivate the reader, who is not merely an observer of one of the great stories in the lineage of Christ, but an active participant and part of the family of the One God. Come into In Feast or Famine prepared to feel the awesome works of Elohim in a soul deep way that, at least for me, often required stopping at the end of the chapter to digest and work through all that had been unpacked before me.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

In Feast or Famine was my first read by Mesu Andrews. I have heard great things about her writing, and I was anxious to see for myself what all the hype was about. And I must admit that I really enjoyed her take on the biblical account of Joseph and Asenath. Taking a different perspective than I have heard from other retellings of this old childhood favorite, I impressed by Andrews’ character development, plot twists, and attention to detail. I came away from the book with new appreciation for the power of forgiveness and also great thankfulness that I don’t live amid the unpredictability of ancient Egyptian palace intrigue!

I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.