Top marks must go to the author for her creative and imaginative story that is yet based on what appears to be meticulous research. In feast and famine conjures up the sights, sounds and smells of ancient Egypt, and is full of drama and intrigue. Mesu Andrews is so good at portraying villains! This is the second book of hers where I have despised the bad man!

I don't know what it is though - I couldn't quite get myself into the story and did not feel like I could picture the two main characters,

So this is a 3 stars for me. But 5 stars for the creativity!

In Feast or Famine by Mesu Andrews
Publication Date: May 9, 2023, by WaterBrook & Multnomah
Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction
5 Stars!

Summary/Description: Thrust into an arranged marriage, the daughter of ancient Egypt’s high priest plays a pivotal role in Joseph’s biblical narrative in this powerful novel from the award-winning author of Potiphar’s Wife. After four-year-old Asenath’s mother is murdered by Egypt’s foreign rulers, the child is raised to be a priestess by her overprotective father—high priest of Egypt’s sun god. For fifteen years, Asenath is sequestered in the upper levels of Ra’s temple, convinced it is her destiny to heal the land by becoming queen to the next Egyptian pharaoh. But when Egypt’s foreign king instead gives her as a bride to the newly appointed vizier—a Hebrew named Joseph—her entire world is shaken. Beyond the walls of her tower, Asenath discovers treachery, deceit, and conspiracy that force her to redefine her destiny and weigh where her true loyalties lie. Can she still trust the gods of Egypt? Or is Elohim, the foreign God of her husband, the one who will heal her nation during the feast and famine to come?

Mesu Andrews, Christy Award-winning author, is amazingly gifted with a creative imagination and terrific research skills. She definitely achieves her goal of imaginatively writing Biblical characters who walk off the beautifully penned pages and into the reader’s expectant heart and mind. I highly recommend In Feast or Famine to everyone!

Immediately and masterfully In Feast or Famine lures the reader into an Egyptian prison where two prisoners, Joseph and Ahira, are discussing Ahira’s request to quietly slip into Pharoah’s throne room to see if the cupbearer mentions Joseph as he had promised. The story progresses through the rest of Joseph’s remarkable life and those closest to him and concludes with the details of Genesis 47.

Each character is superbly developed with physical traits, morals and values, strengths, weaknesses, spiritual beliefs, backstory, flaws, goals, personality, and worldview. The story is cleverly told by multiple point of views. In Feast or Famine God’s sovereignty, guidance, protection, and love are center stage!

In Feast or Famine includes Scripture and keeps within the boundaries of God’s Word which is the author’s “unalterable foundation of every story” she writes. We are commanded to never add to His Word or subtract from it (Deuteronomy 4:2 and Revelation 22:7). Prior to reading this book, fear stopped me from reading this type of story where Biblical individuals were the main characters. The fear was that I would mix up the fiction with truth thereby adding or subtracting to His Word -- at least in my mind. Then, as God would orchestrate, I heard the phrase “retelling” -- which is when an author puts a unique spin on a story. That clicked in my mind -- I so needed to understand that type of storytelling. Stay with me a minute longer, please, as I hope this helps at least one reader. This author did not add to Scripture. She writes fiction for us in incredible ways that empowers Scripture to expressively come alive in stunning ways while drawing us closer to God, His Word, and His ways! It is called Biblical fiction because it is a work of fiction that is based on the “unalterable foundation!”

This author’s deep understanding of and love for God’s Word certainly brought the Biblical world and truths alive! Sincere gratitude to this author and all authors who share her ultimate goal of creating stories which compels each of us to pick up the Bible --- and read God’s Word!

This is my honest review. I greatly appreciate the eArc of In Feast or Famine received from Waterbrook and Multnomah through NetGalley.com. I am not required to write a review or paid to do so. Within thirty days prior to In Feast or Famine’s release date (05.09.23), I will post this review to Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and ChristianBook.com, my blog, and each of my social media platforms.

In Feast or Famine: A Novel (The Egyptian Chronicles Book 2) by phenomenal wordsmith Mesu Andrews is a Christian Biblical Fiction Novel. This captivating book was just as good, if not better, than Book 1 in this amazing series.

I love the author’s style of writing. It is smooth and flows at an even pace. She researches the era, land, and people, as well as scripture to compose a beautiful retelling of what have been Joseph’s story when he was in Egypt. Her words are so vivid they almost jump off of the page. With a deft pen she brings the Bible to life, helping readers to better under the ancient people and our Almighty God.

In this story we meet Joseph as he is released from prison in Egypt. He has interpreted a dream for Pharaoh and is richly rewarded. We meet the High Priest, Potiphera, and his daughter, Asaneth, soon to be the High Priestess. The story alters from the point of view from these three main characters. There is even a small monkey that livens things up.

When Joseph travels to the various cities during the “feast” portion, it is very interesting to learn about the land and customs. I loved the faith message that Elohim is the one true God, and He is always with us. It is our choice to turn to Him.

If you have ever wondered how Joseph’s story might have played out, I urge you to read this book. The author has a clever idea on what might have been. I enjoyed her perspective and appreciated all of the research she did. It is a brilliant book that had me captivated from the beginning.

I highly recommend this amazing novel. It will whisk you away to ancient Egypt to experience the time of pharaohs and crocodiles. Long after finishing it I am still pondering some of it. This is a novel that stays in your mind. I give this a 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by NetGalley, but these are my honest words.

I enjoy reading Christian books and this is no other. You learn a lot from this one mostly about Joseph story and about thr lack Iof food and that around Egypt. If you like a good biblical story this is a book for you. . This book is approved by netgalley and the publisher for me to read and review

Ever wondered what happened during and after the famine of Egypt in Joseph's time? This is the book for you?!
This author delves into more detail and adventure about Joseph and his wife Asaneth and their travels.
I was excited when I seen this book! I was NOT one bit disappointed!
I enjoyed every minute being as Biblical fiction is my favorite!
So much going on in this novel that u will want to keep turning the pages to see what happened next.
I just couldn't put the book down because I loved it so much!
My favorite was that it was being told from Joseph and Asaneth's point of view without missing a beat.
Andrews did such a beautiful job with this book and for drawing me in from the beginning. Her writing is excellent and each character got the same amount of attention they well deserved.
I felt full and satisfied after reading this book.
She also has done a marvelous job in reminding us all that Elohim is always there no matter what. It's our decision whether or not to accept Him. I'm so glad that I did.
He's so worth it!
5 stars for an awesome job! Beautiful cover too! I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.