Zully (Princess Zuleika) has her life all planned out. She and her husband Minas are slated to take over the ruling of their beloved countries once their parents are gone, and their marriage joined the two countries together making them a strong alliance. Zully has the brains to run everything, even if her artistic spirit beckons her. Then one day Zully's world literally comes crashing down around her, and in an effort to save Crete she finds herself the wife of Potiphar. Her new husband's extended absences leave her feeling neglected and unwanted, so even the unwelcome attentions from her best friend seem acceptable after awhile. Once Potiphar learns though, it sets off a jealous streak that eventually finds Zully more isolated than ever before. When the kind and caring Joseph is the only friendly face she sees in a day, her imagination starts to run wild, and starts her down a trail that only Joseph's Elohim can save her from.
As a Christian I grew up reading the story of Joseph, and am well versed in knowing how Potiphar's wife tried seducing Joseph and failed. I would wager that even most non-church goers are familiar with the story, with stories like Joseph and the Technicoloured dream coat. However, I've only considered his wife the villain, not who she was or how she got to that point in life. Mesu Andrews, however, did. While little is known of Potiphar's wife, she did some investigating and found a name, then discovered all she could about that woman. She will admit that most of the story is pure conjecture, but I still found myself caring for Zully, and wanting her to succeed in life even though I knew her story wasn't a good one. I would highly recommend this book to anyone

Excellent, mentally stimulating historical fiction about Joseph's time in Potiphar's house. An insightful read with creative storytelling.

In every book Mesu Andrews writes, you can be sure it is rich in Biblical truth and historical facts. She loves to research which makes her stories true to the historical period they represent. In Potiphar’s Wife she takes us inside the back story of the woman we all love to hate…the woman who was responsible for Joseph ending up in prison.
But what if there is more to her story. Mesu has given Zuleika a story of her own. One filled with love, loss, loneliness and betrayal. How did a princess from Zakros end up as a wife to the Pharaoh’s bodyguard? And who really was Potiphar? What is his story? Was Zully always so selfish and vain and cruel or were there circumstances that helped shape her?
In Potiphar’s Wife we are given intriguing characters besides Zully, Potiphar and Joseph. There is a slave girl, Ahira, King Rehor -Zully’s father, Pushpa- Potphar’s surrogate mother and villa cook, Gaios who you may dislike tremendously along with other people of Pharaoh’s household and army. This story is rich in history and running through it all is Joseph’s love for Elohim and Elohim’s love for all people. It truly is a story of forgiveness and redemption.
You will be thinking about this story long after you read the last word.

Without a doubt, Potiphar’s Wife is Mesu Andrews’ best work. It is full of biblical truths, history, emotion, and so much more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mesu Andrews has once again written an absolutely amazing Biblical Fiction novel.
The story of Potiphar’s Wife, as written by her is just amazing. I feel as though amazing doesn’t quite describe this book enough…it is so well written, so creative, and such a literally adventure. I was drawn in from page one.
You feel sympathy, compassion and anger towards Zulieka (Zully) throughout this story—she is a very complex character.
The numerous character developments woven throughout this story are so well written and so well done. You feel as though you know each character, and you will either love or dislike them.
I will warn you, I did not put this one down until I finished the last page. Your family may have cereal for dinner while you finish it.
I was given an advanced copy of this by NetGalley. I was not required to provide a review. This review is my own honest opinion.

This book was somewhat of a surprise to me. I did not expect to have compassion on the main character in the book as much as I did. She made some poor decisions but then don't we all? 'Mesu Andrews has done some amazing research for this book. Never have I heard the name of Potiphar's wife. Most Bible stories have made her the villain instead of a woman used as a bargaining pawn.. But Potipher's Wife presents a backstory that is both heartbreaking and believable. The story if filled with tragedy, deceit, and the hand of God. I was provided with an Advance Readers Copy of this book for my honest review.

A gripping drama of a Cretan Princess thrust into a marriage of convenience to Pharaoh's most trusted friend, she longs for her homeland while struggling to find a place among the Egyptians.

A fictional novel of redemption and faith. I found this book to be an engaging read that explores the characters of the people typically remembered as the villains in Joseph's story. Well researched, this book brought the contrasting cultures to life, I loved how Ahira and Joseph showed love to Zuleika, and despite it all I found myself grudgingly rooting for the anti-hero.

A powerful story of redemption, belonging, and forgiveness, great for fans of ancient history. In some ways this was a more difficult read for me because I knew where it was headed, but it also took me by surprise. This book has a more mature content due to the subject matter, but I think that the author dealt with it well. I am excited to read the next book in Joseph's story.

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

This book which focuses on Potiphar's wife, Zuleika, is Biblical fiction. Mrs. Andrews does a lot of research into this time period, and it definitely reflects in the writing. The plot was tightly woven together, the characters were dynamic, and I could relate to them (or get really frustrated with them), and there was a faith element present throughout the story. I really enjoyed reading this piece of Biblical fiction and recommend it!

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from NetGalley (WaterBrook and Multnomah). All opinions and thoughts are my own.

It's interesting history about Potiphar's wife about whom we can find only short story in the Bible. Author draw a picture of her life before she tried to seduce Joseph and what lead to this decision. Book is very good written and easy to read. If you like biblical fiction you should read this book.

Potiphar’s Wife by Mesu Andrews was an unexpectedly captivating read. It was nothing like I expected yet the author engrossed my attention in the first few pages. I could not put this book down! I loved the opening scenario. It gave the book clear direction and purpose. I particularly love the way the author of this book tells a story with deeper meaning and a message., This is conveyed naturally and powerfully. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Thank you to WaterBrook & Multnomah, WaterBrook and to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I really love Biblical Fiction especially when it is done well. This one is done really well. This book was really well researched and it shows. I always loved the story of Joseph so when I saw this one I knew it was one that I needed to request. The story blends the fiction with the Bible story really well. This is definitely one I will recommend.

I just wanted to say that this book, Potiphar's Wife by @mesuandrews is AHHH-mazinggg! 😍
I didn't know what to expect since I only knew Potiphar's wife in the Bible as the woman who seduced Joseph unsuccessfully.
As I continued reading, I was like, "when will Zully stop?!" 😅😂
I mean, Potiphar seems nice. I do get that she is depressed on what happened but her problems just won't stop. She keeps on making bad decisions one after another.
But I remembered, she doesn't know the one true God. And most of the times, us believers always makes wrong decisions because we didn't trust Him.

I also liked the reminder that God sees me. That whatever I may be going through, He knows, and He is there. 💕

This is the first Mesu Andrews book that I have read and definitely won't be the last.

Mesu Andrew's Biblical Fiction never disappoints. Always well researched and the characters are well developed.

The tale of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife is a well-known Old Testament story. In the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Potiphar’s unnamed wife is described as “beautiful but evil.” Andrews’ book dives headlong into the life of a villainized, strong-willed woman confined by cultural and social expectations.

Circa 1700 BCE, after tragedy destroys her home, Zuleika decides to barter herself to Pharaoh for Egypt’s aid. She has ruled in her father’s stead during his seafaring absences and believes her skills could benefit her people and Egypt’s. While promised the sought-after help, she is instead given to Pharaoh’s captain of the guard. The day after Zuleika marries Captain Potiphar, he’s sent away to combat border skirmishes. Zuleika’s efforts to introduce her culture to the royal women ends in disaster and starts rumors about her sanity. Kindness is given by few, including Potiphar’s mother, Joseph, and the Hebrew maid Ahira, who tries to teach Zuleika about Elohim. Instead, Zuleika relies on a childhood friend whose own abuse at the hands of slavers causes him to manipulate and betray her in both mind and body.

Writing with multiple points of view, Andrews reimagines the second intermediary period of Egypt with strong detail and characterization. Little phrases like “a warning shofar” (versus “bell”) help emphasize her period knowledge. Zuleika isn’t always a likeable character, but neither are the circumstances binding her. While Ahira tries to teach Zuleika to trust, emerging hardships put their faith to the ultimate test. Political and personal tensions will keep readers engaged. The book is a powerful examination of a woman abandoned and rejected by society and family, stifled in her creativity and intelligence, who simply wants to be seen but is remembered otherwise. Zuleika’s choices will challenge readers in the very themes of the novel: forgiveness, understanding, and redemption. Would you find her worthy?

A fascinating perspective on a woman everyone loves to hate in the Bible. Her circumstances and trauma proposed in this version explain her actions well. There are many gut-wrenching moments for each of the four characters involved. You get Joseph's perspective, Potiphar's, Zully's (his wife's), and a slave girl Ahira who knew Joseph as a child (she's my favorite and I wouldn't mind a book about her someday).
I learned so much about the Minoans, Crete, Bedouins, and Ancient Egypt. I absolutely love this time period, but cannot imagine how difficult it must have been to research. The book is a treasure. It makes the history and theology of that time easier to understand while adding fiction. The wars, earthquake/tsunami on Crete and all the gods are things I never would have thought of in reference to Potiphar's wife. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to dig deep into the history surrounding Joseph and Egypt. If you enjoyed her book about Leah and Love Amid the Ashes you'll find some nods to those stories.

When I first started this book I didn’t think I would like it or get into it. But I was very wrong. It did take me several chapters but once I got into this book I was hooked.

I will be honest, I didn’t like Zully for most of this book. She was so emotional and irrational. I kept wondering what would push her to try to get Joseph in trouble and why? Nothing really gave any indication of how the author would make that happen. However, with Zully’s emotional state nothing would really surprise me.

Even though I didn’t care for Zully, Joseph is a good character and Zully’s maid was a sympathetic character as well.

Overall, a very interesting and good book.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

POTIPHAR'S WIFE - Mesu Andrews

Great book I received to my Kindle for review purposes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I will admit I struggled getting started because I knew it was historical fiction. But, once I took that to heart I enjoyed the book.

Ms. Andrews tries to research her historical fiction before completing it.

The story had intrigue, mystery and of course, truth of who Elohim was to Joseph and how that had made his way prosperous. Not without challenges but God-Elohim is faithful and blesses Joseph in many ways and we don't even see the brothers.

I strongly recommend this book as it is enjoyable and also gives a little picture of life before all the trappings of today. Truly people had to trust God by faith because they didn't have the scriptures.

So, enjoy and be sure to check out her other books.

Potiphar’s Wife by Mesu Andrews
Who hasn’t wondered about the woman who was married to Potiphar but attempted to seduce Joseph? Mesu Andrews uses the skeleton of the biblical account to create a well-researched story that will linger for a long time in the reader’s memory.
Set in Crete and then in Egypt, this book was different from other biblical fiction that I had read. At first I found it difficult to get into, but I kept reading and was soon absorbed by the story. It was very complex and layered, not at all what I had imagined as being a straight-forward attraction of Potiphar’s wife to Joseph. She spends much of the book building the scaffolding for the event and then it occurs quickly near the end of the story. She covers Zuleika, Potiphar’s wife, thoroughly, but the book ends with most of Joseph’s story untold. A sequel, perhaps?
Readers who enjoy biblical fiction will enjoy this book. It covers some new ground by being set in Egypt and focusing on the rich culture of Egypt. It develops the characters outside the biblical narrative so that they feel “real.” It contains many twists and turns in the plot so that the reader doesn’t have a clear view of exactly how the biblical narrative will take place. It concludes with hope for the main character, Zuleika and for Joseph. I am curious to see what Mesu envisions as a sequel to this beginning of Joseph’s life.
I enjoyed this book and am grateful to the publisher for a complimentary copy in exchange for this, my honest review.

Have you ever read the story of Potiphar's wife in the Bible? I suppose I have (because I've read the Bible cover to cover before), but it was not a story that I remembered. Mesu Andrews' novel Potiphar's Wife takes the story and expands it to weave a fictional tale that gives an explanation to the wife's actions - and gives her a name.

When Princess Zuleika's home in Crete is destroyed by an earthquake, killing her mother and her husband, Zuleika offers herself as a bride to the Egyptian Pharaoh in exchange for the funds to help Crete rebuild. But the Pharaoh doesn't want another wife - he already has two - so he accepts Zuleika as a bride to the captain of his bodyguards, Potiphar. Thus begins a dark time in Zuleika's life, alone in a strange land married to a man she didn't want to marry and wishing she could just go home. Her only friends are Ahira, her maidservant, and Joseph, Potiphar's chamberlain. Zuleika is desperate to find a way back to Crete, so desperate that she'll do anything.

Through it all, she keeps hearing about Elohim, Ahira and Joseph's God. Can Zuleika see her way out of her darkness and see her place in God's plan?

I would highly recommend reading a physical copy of this book instead of an e-book because there is a guide to who the characters are in the very beginning, and with a physical book, it would be easier to flip back to that guide whenever you can't remember who someone is. There are A LOT of characters. You're never going to keep them all straight.

I like that the author created a new story for "one of the Bible's most infamous women", but the original story has Zuleika lusting after Joseph, and I gotta be honest - I wasn't really getting that vibe from this novel. There wasn't a whole lot of build-up to that. There were two episodes where Zuleika asked Joseph to "bed her" and he refused, and each time it just seemed so random.

That said, I enjoyed reading about Egyptian history, especially because my husband and I were watching the Disney+ series "Moon Knight", which takes place in Egypt and involves Egyptian gods, so it was cool to understand the references in the show thanks to this novel's historical explanations.

Potiphar's Wife is published by Waterbrook Press and will be available to purchase tomorrow! I received a free e-ARC in exchange for this review.

Mesu has done it again! This book is so good! Ms. Andrews took the story of Joseph and explored. The reader receives a rich picture of the biblical world. You really feel you are in that world at points. The author always has some redemption written into her stories. She did not fail with this one. The author provides some of her research details, those are interesting on their own. I read an electronic copy for review purposes.