Mesu Andrews has written many biblical fiction books, this is the first I’ve read but it most definitely won’t be my last.
An absolutely intriguing “might have been” story of Joseph’s Egyptian wife, given to her by the Pharaoh, rich with well researched biblical and cultural history. The story is captivating, unexpected, detailed and beautiful exploring how God used the daughter of a pagan high priest both in Joseph’s life and in His plan for His people.
In Feast or Famine is an outstanding work of biblical fiction, and a don’t miss read.
Thank you to NetGalley and WaterBrook Multomah for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

Mesu Andrews is one of my go-to authors for biblical fiction. In this latest release, she brings ancient Egypt to life at the time of Joseph. This is the 2nd book in The Egyptian Chronicles series, following Potiphar's Wife. If you haven't read that book, you might be a bit confused by some of the relationships portrayed in this book, but this story will stand on its own and can be read as such. However, to get the full effect of the characters' depth and relationships, I'd recommend reading both books. This was yet another book by this author that really brought scripture to life for me.

Told in alternating voices - chapters in first person from Asenath's perspective alongside third person chapters for Joseph and Potiphera, the reader gets a few different points of view that help propel the story along even when all of the characters aren't in the same place at the same time. Though Asenath is listed in scripture as the wife that Pharaoh gave to Joseph, we know nothing about her in scripture other than the fact that she was daughter of Potiphera, the priest at On. Using both research and tradition, Ms. Andrews fleshed out a fully believable Egyptian heroine. Her struggles with faith were relatable and her dreams taking a different course than she expected is a theme that we can all relate to, I'm sure. I enjoyed her relationship with Joseph and how they balanced each other out. Joseph felt a bit "whiny" in some parts of this book. I remember him being a stronger character in Potiphar's Wife, but when we got to the point in the story where Joseph's brothers come to Egypt for grain (not a spoiler alert if you've read the Bible, lol) and he disguises himself and makes up stories, his earlier petulance makes sense and I actually really like the explanation the author gave for his antics towards his brothers during that time. I've always wondered why he responded in the way that he did and this theory makes a lot of sense. I also enjoyed the subtle reminder that even before Christ, there were several (such as Asenath) who received Abraham's covenant blessing who were not Hebrews.

Though there were parts of the story that got bogged down in details (tedious times in the feast preparing for the times of famine and Joseph's role was tedious as well - can't be helped), this was overall a thoroughly enjoyable story that really brought that place and time in ancient history to life. I enjoyed reading the familiar details of scripture and learning more about the context of the story and imagining with the author about character motivations. I was a bit surprised by the book's villain, but every good story has a bad guy and this one made as much sense as any. If you enjoy biblical fiction, or simply want to glean more on the life and times of Joseph, this is one I'd heartily recommend. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Mesu Andrews has long been one of my favorite Biblical fiction authors. She underscores why with her newest novel, In Feast or Famine. With her incredible depth of research; attention to detail; skill as a master storyteller; and ability to paint complex, relatable characters, Andrews has penned yet another book that is nearly impossible to put down.
The second installment of the Egyptian Chronicles series, In Feast or Family flows seamlessly from the first book, Potiphar’s Wife, with some familiar characters and many new ones. It looks at the rise of Joseph to the powerful position of Vizier of Egypt, his marriage to Asenath and the growing trust in their relationship, and his reunion with his family years after his brothers had sold him into slavery.
I was familiar with the story of Joseph in Genesis, but I had never really thought about the woman he married and the possible reasons behind their union. By delving into this aspect, Andrews has crafted a novel that stands apart from all others I have seen about this important figure in the Bible.
In Feast or Famine pulled me in from the very first page and held my interest with its intriguing plot and multiple surprises along the way. As with all books by Andrews, reading it was like stepping back in time and becoming an eyewitness to the events taking place. I loved the strong focus on the power of faith, forgiveness, and redemption and how God can change hearts.
I highly recommend this novel to all Biblical fiction fans. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley but was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Can we redefine our destiny? Does realigning our trust play a part in this?

Grab your bible and reacquaint yourself with Genesis 40-50 and then delve into Mesu Andrews’ biblical fiction story, In Feast or Famine. We may remember Joseph and his coat of many colours as well as the betrayal story of how his brothers sold him into Egypt, but I doubt many of us have ever considered his wife, mentioned in Genesis 41.

This was an amazing opportunity to uncover the deeper truths of Joseph and Asenath’s story. I loved the examination of Asenath as being both a hindrance and a blessing in Joseph’s life. There’s a lesson in this story for all of us.

Asenath, the daughter of the high priest of Egypt’s sun god, thinks she has her future all planned out: she’ll be the queen to the next Egyptian pharaoh. However, God has different plans for her and soon Asenath discovers she’s being offered in an arranged marriage to a Hebrew.

After reading Mesu’s creative fiction on her imagined life of Asenath, I have a greater appreciation of what it could have been like for Joseph during his years of feast and famine. I enjoyed Andrews’ exploration of Joseph’s middle years and a chance to meet a woman I’ve never considered. Asenath’s aspirations and influence left me with plenty to consider.

I was gifted this copy by WaterBrook & Multnomah and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

What a thought provoking and wonderful book! Mesu has once again taken a biblical woman's perspective to help us see God's hand in unlikely ways and places! The story of Asenath, Joseph's Egyptian wife (and the daughter of the priest of On, no less!) is fleshed out in a fascinating manner, giving us a deep look into Egyptian culture, history and politics. Woven through is God's hand in Jospeh's life, and the growth of Asenath to know God despite the surrounding challenges and very real political threats. I was kept on the edge of my seat for some scenario's, frustrated, fascinated and brought to tears with this wonderful book and still thinking about it days later. This is a MUST read- the cultural details, the theme of God reigning in all circumstances, no one being outside His love and grace and familial forgiveness made this book an amazing read and one i know I'll read again. Thank you Mesu!

I have always loved Mesu Andrews' books and was excited to get my hands on her upcoming release, In Feast or Famine. This one does not disappoint. I loved it. Five stars.

I loved this book. I may have even liked it better than book one, in all honesty. I found the characters compelling, and the depth given to people the Bible mentions only in passing is fascinating. I loved Asenath and her journey. I felt for her so much, and I loved getting to know her. I thought the way that this story interweaved with Potiphar's story was incredible. The rich historic detail caused me to be immersed in the land. I was fascinated by everything, though equally repulsed by other bits. (Looking at you... Crocodile-toothed priest!) The story had it's share of laughter and grief and was, I believe, a fair representation of how Genesis could have played out. I was sad to see the book end. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

"Elohim loves."

"Trusting Elohim is always a choice between doubt that sends us spiraling or faith that reveals an awe-inspiring aspect of God's character."

"Elohim meets us in our pain."

"Elohim - who is the same yesterday, today, and forever- still chooses the unlikely and those less than perfect to partake in His promises."

I loved this book immensely, I just slightly preferred Zully's story over Asenath's. If I had not read the books back-to-back, this would have been a five-star read.


Published review goes live the afternoon of 29 April 2023.

I LOVED this book! I absolutely could not put it down. I am so taken by the way Mesu Andrews is able to make characters come to life with stories of their own, and I really enjoyed seeing some of my favorite characters from the first book in this story make a reappearance. This was a beautiful representation of the power of God to change hearts and of forgiveness the reunited families.

I would absolutely recommend this if you like Biblical Fiction, and maybe even if you don't!

Thanks to Netgalley and Waterbrook & Multnoma and the author for an ARC. All opinions are my own!

I was drawn into Joseph’s Egyptian world in Mesu Andrews’ latest novel, In Feast or Famine. It’s fascinating to read Joseph and Asenath’s initial opposite perspectives of the other one and how Elohim will draw their lives together in His plan. Their interpersonal relationship, along with those of other characters, engaged me from the start. The author’s research forms a foundation for a strong fictional story based on biblical truth. Andrews’ novels are the best way to learn biblical history and spiritual insights! Highly recommended.

"Elohim meets us in our pain."

This book is very different from the other biblical fiction I've read centered around Joseph. It's largely a fascinating look at Egyptian culture and its political climate during Joseph's imprisonment through his reunion with his family during the famine. Betrayal and deception lie in wait at every turn but Elohim's love and grace triumph over man's evil and scheming. I've often wondered about Asenath, how and why Joseph would have married the daughter of an Egyptian god's priest, and Joseph's confusing reaction to his brothers when they come to buy grain. Mesu Andrews weaves an enchanting and captivating story to address these wonderings and so much more. Told in Asenath's first person narrative as well as Joseph and Potiphera's third person voices, the book will draw you in from the first page and leave you pondering about God's incredible love and what true forgiveness means.

This book is a flawless extension of the first novel in the series (Potiphar's Wife). I loved connecting with Potiphar, Pushpa, Ahira, and Hami from the first book; the numerous surprises in the plot kept the story moving at a fast clip. Joseph, though a follower of Elohim, is just a man trying to forget his ugly past and move on with his blessings but also weighed down by responsibilities. Asenath is a stubborn, spoiled, emotional, impulsive, manipulative child at the beginning but matures with faith and motherhood. Joseph and Asenath traverse the entire gamut of human emotions but always find their grounding in Elohim, often helping each other to do so. It was a great example of what a marriage based on faith looks like.

I received the book from WaterBrook Multomah via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

Mesu Andrews is becoming one of my favorite authors, though I did enjoy Potiphar's Wife more, this was still really good.

Riveting story of Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt. If you enjoy Biblical fiction this novel is for you. The author’s take on his life after prison and his marriage to the daughter of a priest is quite interesting and even though nothing is really known about these years – it could have happened this way. 😊

The book works as a stand-alone, but I would recommend reading Potiphar’s Wife first. It will make the reading of this novel all the richer.

I am always amazed at the depth of Mesu Andrew's story lines. It is obvious that she does a great deal of research, which she has admitted is a passion of hers. Egypt's history is fascinating and I appreciated learning more about it. I will just say there is a part involving an onion that caused shock and wonder. How did they discover that? That's all I'll say about that.

I also appreciated her take on what Joseph may have felt as he was reunited with his brothers. I have seen his feelings portrayed differently in other stories, but I think Mesu's version is more well thought out.

This is an amazing book. You hear the names of these women in the Bible, or some are just referenced as the wife of so and so, but you don’t always think about them further. This is an author who makes you feel the emotions of the characters that she writes about and makes you wonder if these are really the things they felt and thought. I have read everything she has written and every time I feel connected to the characters she writes about. Mesu Andrews is a fantastic writer and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

In Feast or Famine, by Mesu Andrews, is an intriguing, romantic, biblically based novel. I was impressed with the amount of research that was put into this thought provoking novel. I do wish that the novel hadn't focused mosty on the main characters' courtship and early years together. It would have been more interesting, for me, if the focus was more on their lives together during and a bit after the famine.
Asenath has spent most of her life being kept in a gilded cage. Her domineering father, the high priest of Ra, has been grooming her to become a priestess ever since her mother was murdered. Her father has convinced her that it's her responsibility to heal Egypt by marrying an a Egyptian pharaoh and becoming a queen.
When one of Egypt’s kings decides that she's to marry Joseph, the newly appointed vizier, her father's plans begin to crumble before their eyes. Now she's beginning to see her world for the illusion it is. Soon she's at odds with her father and he'll do anything to bring her back under his control. Anything.

In Feast or Famine, in my estimation, is a very interesting take on Joseph's life story in Egypt, including everything surrounding his wife, Asenath.

Whereas the Bible doesn't go into detail, so of course, all is speculation, here we have a story of Joseph, initially a slave in Egypt, and then a prisoner, and ends up becoming the vizier of Egypt. Upon becoming Vizier of Egypt, he marries Asenath. After this marriage is really where the story begins and goes through the many trials and tribulations of Joseph and Asenath - both as individuals and as a couple in many realms while preparing and then being an administrator of aid of the predicted famine. Packed with action, treachery, romance, relationship issues, and of course, what we call descriptions of Biblical history, I found this book a,pleasure to read. Despite knowing the scriptural base of the story, seeing everything fleshed out with additional material made for a more interesting and entertaining read! For lovers of Biblical fiction, this book is for you!

In Feast or Famine is the second in the spellbinding Egyptian Chronicles series, written with beautiful insight, careful research into ancient details, skilful characterization and draws attention to God's saving grace. Author Mesu Andrews consistently writes believability in her novels while highlighting Biblical truths. The spectacular setting, names, clothing, food, sociopolitical stances, customs and traditions....ordinary and extraordinary...are so rich and captivating. It is easy to become immersed and transported into the stories, much better than merely being a fly on the wall.

Asenath's father Potiphera is obsessed with protecting his daughter, a priestess and crucial to the future of Egypt and the happiness of the gods. After the death of her mother, she is sequestered in an upper floor of sun god Ra's temple, not out of cruelty but for protection. She is adamant she is to marry a man of her beliefs and standing. But Eloim has other plans as He is wont to do.

Joseph is no longer a prisoner and after interpreting dreams and proposing a plan for the prophesied seven-year drought becomes the unlikely but God-ordained new Vizier, a high ranking advisor only second to Pharoah in power. Hebrews are despised and his new position rankles some. An arranged marriage between Joseph and Asenath is made and both must give up their dreams. Their beliefs are juxtaposed at first but they both remain true to their character and values. Joseph believes God told him to marry her, an Egyptian priestess of all people, to unite Egypt and bring others to God, especially before the upcoming drought. He doesn't understand it but obeys God anyway. Talk about powerful!

Christian Fiction and General Fiction readers alike have much to look forward to in this series. Though reading the first book gives background information, it is not absolutely necessary to glean meaning and fulfillment from In Feast or Famine.

My sincere thank you to WaterBrook & Multnomah for providing me with an early digital copy of this outstanding novel. I am besotted with everything Mesu Andrew writes and am always thrilled when another title is announced!

Mesu Andrews book “In Feast or Famine” was very well written! She tied in Egyptian culture and history into the storyline beautifully. The book was written a little more from the perspective of Joseph’s wife Aseneth, which was an interesting twist. Some of the minor characters in the story were brought to life a little more in this retelling of the Bible story. A very enjoyable read that kept you on the edge of your seat wondering what was going to happen next.

I give this book a million stars!!!
This is book 2 in the series and it covers Joseph's rise to the second most powerful man in Egypt to the immigration of the sons of Israel to Egypt because of the 7 years of Famine.

I had tears in my eyes reading the concluding pages of this book. The story was gripping from the beginning pages till the end. I was invested in it. The characters brought robust life and flavor to the book. The story line was captivating. The author did an amazing, amazing job putting this story down.

I saw forgiveness, God's faithfulness and miracles lived out in this book so beautifully.

Highly, highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.