*I was granted an ecopy from the publisher. This does not affect my review. This review is voluntary.*

I've heard Mesu Andrews mentioned several times, but have only recently really started reading Biblical Fiction and haven't read any of her stories, so I thought I would try this one. I tried to enjoy this one, and even did a little digging and found another complaint about the loose take on biblical fact, and the perchance to blur or outright change something from the account we know in the bible. I don't know about an of her other books, but I didn't even make it past 5% before I knew this book wasn't a good fit for me. I was unsettled in my spirit and the Holy Spirit warns me when there is a book, song, show, person, or otherwise that HE does not want me around, this was one of those. I absolutely could not keep reading, which pains me, because I had hoped to enjoy this one and possible have a new author to enjoy and was looking forward to reading some of her older books... Guess not.

Please pray about this, as I pray over everything that GOD guides me in all wisdom, discernment, and Truth, and that's exactly what HE does. I really wanted to enjoy this one, and had a feeling there might be a reason when I kept trying to start it, and something always came up, so I kept putting it off. I know why now.

My note upon DNFing this one:
"I can't. I wanted to read this one, and knew there were a few things that weren't exactly biblical or at least weren't mentioned in the Bible, but I'm only 5% in and it's just too much. Too many liberties were taken, and I can already tell it's not a good fit for me." ( )

Wow! Once again, Mesu Andrews pens a story full of history and some fiction! I've often wondered about Joseph's wife. Yes, this is fiction, but there's a lot of true facts sprinkled throughout.

Asenath is a great character! She's innocent and held under her father's thumb. She's been manipulated her whole life and has trouble trusting people. Joseph is amazing! He's one of my favorite Bible characters! His faith in God is noteworthy!

I truly enjoy Mesu Andrew's writing and I can't wait to read her next book! ( )

“To agree would betray the abi who saved my life. To contradict would betray my heart.”

Mesu Andrews is one of the giants in the realm of Biblical fiction writers. She always amazes me with how she can take a character who is close to a well-known Biblical hero, and make a plausible, could have been, within the confines of what Scripture actually says, novel!! Asenath, daughter of the priest of On and Egyptian wife of Joseph is just another perfect example.

Many Christians, like me, might want to say, how could a faithful man of God like Joseph be married to a pagan wife? God does not give us all the details. Where Scripture speaks, Andrews holds true. But where it doesn’t, she uses well-researched ancient history, customs of the time, and her fertile imagination to come up with a novel so intricate in detail I’m in awe!

I would suggest this book for both men and women. Politics are a huge part, as are shrewdness, scheming, emotions, faith that both wavers and grows, and suspense. And add ancient history in to boot!!

Poor Joseph. Torn between his love for his God, his first love, and now Asenath, plus managing an unstable, divided kingdom. Then throw his ugly past with his brothers into the mix. Andrews many times is wise enough to make Joseph’s path very difficult, and what a relief to see him portrayed as less than perfect.

As for Asenath? I had no idea what to expect, but I was thrilled with the way Andrews drew her and developed her character. And how I hurt for the underlying choice that she had to make over and over again- her father (“He’s a Hyksos,” he whispered. “Never forget that.”) or her stranger- husband, worshipper of a different God! (“Trusting Elohim is always a choice between doubt that sends us spiraling or faith that reveals an awe-inspiring aspect of God.”)

So much to love in this story!! Andrews throws in great curveballs you’ll never see coming and makes the resolutions believable! And, of course, you’ll love Jandayi!

Extra points for the glossary at the beginning, where I can easily flip back without being tempted to read the end of the story. Also points from me for a map and a list of characters!

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

Notable Quotables:

“I don’t believe in Elohim because I’m ignorant. I believe because the one true God has proven Himself real and active in my life.”

“I think facing my past is the path for you and me to have a future.”

“we keep moving forward and leave the hearts of men to the One who created them.”

“Only Elohim can change a heart, love, and He never forces His will over ours.”

“Ahira, there are too many what ifs to consider in a day. If we feared every what if, we’d have a life of if onlys.”

“Anger is a weak weapon, Joseph.” “Forgiveness is an archer’s bow with unlimited arrows. They can pierce even the hardest heart.”

“...you and I rest in calm assurance that Elohim meets us in our pain.” ( )

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. ( )

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. ( )