Please join me in welcoming one of my favorite people – the precious Mesu Andrews – to the blog today to talk about her new novel Potiphar’s Wife & the heart of a hero!
POTIPHAR’S WIFE by Mesu Andrews
SERIES: The Egyptian Chronicles #1
GENRE: Inspirational Historical/Biblical Fiction
PUBLISHER: WaterBrook
RELEASE DATE: May 24, 2022
PAGES: 453
the heart of a hero
by Mesu Andrews, author of Potiphar’s Wife
In 2008, a worldwide competition began between two mega-heroes in the block-buster film, Twilight.
Are you…team Edward or team Jacob?
I don’t typically watch movies about vampires and werewolves—SHEESH! But I was fascinated that a scrawny, sparkle-faced vampire and a shirtless, muscle-bound werewolf could capture hearts and imaginations all over the world. Logically, it makes no sense to love horrific fictional characters. But it happened. My question is: What was so irresistible in those heroes’ hearts?
The Bible’s Irresistibles
I write novels about biblical characters, REAL men and women whose lives were important enough for God to record in His-story/history—the Bible. If I hope to make the real-life heroes of Scripture more utterly irresistible than any fictional champion or sappy Romeo, I must build their “hero hearts” with care.
Think about some of the Bible’s best-looking leading men:
- David: glowing with health, fine appearance, handsome features (1 Samuel 16:12)
- Daniel: without any physical defect, handsome, intelligent (Daniel 1:4)
- Joseph: well-built and handsome; Potiphar put him in charge (Genesis 39:6)
Heroes Through Suffering
The Bible tells us there was more to all three of these biblical heartthrobs than just a pretty face (or body). David, Daniel, and Joseph each rose to high levels of power through God-given wisdom and courage after significant suffering.
Speaking of suffering—let’s talk about Joseph’s tormenters. His pride was first to betray him when he bragged about his dreams to his ten older brothers. They sold him into slavery, and Pharaoh’s captain of the guard made him chamberlain over his entire estate. That’s when Joseph’s real suffering began.
“After a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, ‘Come to bed with me!’” Genesis 39:7 NIV
The Tormenter Has a Name
The Bible tells us Joseph served Potiphar, but it doesn’t reveal his wife’s name. Both the Quran and Ginzberg’s, Legends of the Jews (Vol. 2), call her Zuleika and reveal more details about her scheming nature and Joseph’s torturous life in her presence. History affirms Joseph’s handsome appearance, but his flawless character also played a part in making him irresistible.
According to the historical tales, Zuleika invited noblewomen to her villa for tea and served the guests oranges with knives to peel them. Evidently, Joseph was in the room, and the women were so enamored by his good looks they unknowingly cut themselves while peeling their oranges! Chaos ensues. The women accuse Joseph of casting a spell over them and Zuleika of conspiring with him.
Of course, I had to include SOME of the crazy story in my upcoming release, Potiphar’s Wife, since it was recorded in both documents, but does any of that tall-tale make Joseph an irresistible hero? Probably not—because we see nothing of his heart.
The Heart of a Hero
Who was the first hero—in a movie or a book—that made your chest ache a little when you read about him? For me, it happened with a movie. I don’t remember the title, but I was in junior high. I’ve never forgotten that achy feeling or the thought: I hope someone loves me like that someday.
The hero wasn’t extremely good looking, but the girl he loved thought he was handsome. He protected her because he cherished her. He was willing to sacrifice anything—everything—to have her. He was fun. Sometimes vulnerable. Always honest. Strong-willed, but not unbending, and when he refused her, it was ultimately the very best thing for them both.
The Greatest Hero of All
I don’t know if you’ve read any of my books—or if you ever will—but I’d like you to re-read the paragraph above and think about Jesus as the Hero of your life’s story:
- Isaiah 53:2: There was nothing in His appearance to make us desire Him—yet He’s all we need.
- Philippians 2: He left heaven (sacrifice) and came to earth to defeat death (protection) so we could live with Him in heaven forever (cherish).
- Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John: Watch for Jesus’s sense of humor, His transparency, and His kindness.
When we see Jesus with the heart of a Hero, we can trust Paul’s words:
“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
Think of your greatest fictional hero and ask, Why do I admire him? Then consider all the very real ways Jesus fulfills those same desires. Today. Tomorrow. Forever. Then vote with me: Team Jesus!
MESU ANDREWS is the Christy Award-winning author of Isaiah’s Daughter and numerous other novels, including The Pharaoh’s Daughter, Miriam, Of Fire and Lions and Love Amid the Ashes. Her deep understanding of and love for God’s Word brings the biblical world alive for readers. Mesu lives in North Carolina with her husband, Roy, and enjoys spending time with her growing tribe of grandchildren.
WaterBrook is offering a print copy of Potiphar’s Wife by Mesu Andrews to one of my readers! (US only. No P.O. Boxes. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.) This giveaway is subject to Reading Is My SuperPower’s giveaway policies which can be found here. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below.
What about you? What makes you want to read Potiphar’s Wife by Mesu Andrews?
I love reading anything by Mesu Andrews!
Me too. I love Biblical fiction, and Mesu Andrews has perfected the art.
I loved this amazing story of Joseph and ancient Egypt!!
I will try this a second time. This sounds like an intriguing story. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
Absolutely want to read this.
Joseph’s story is one of my favorites and Mesu Andrew is an amazing author!
Joseph is one of my favorite Bible characters to study. The book sounds so good.
This Biblical story is a real treasure to enjoy.
I love everything I’ve read by Menu Andrews!
I really enjoy Biblical fiction and wondering about what the Bible characters could have been like. We get a great sense of that reading their stories in the Bible, but Mesu Andrews really seems to draw a story around their real story that makes it come even more to life still while bringing honor and glory to the Father.
Mesu Andrews did such a wonderful job setting the reader into the time and place of Joseph’s life. The emotions I felt while reading it were part of what I found to be so compelling. Her characters are vivid and frustrating, yet you want them to find Jesus all the same.
Joseph has always been one of my fave stories.
I always learn when I read Mesu’s books … in this case, learning more about many of the women.
Crazy stories? that pulled me in…
This book was wonderful!
I want to see how she feels after betraying Joseph!
Mesu Andrews is one of my MUST read authors!
I have heard wonderful things about this book!!
This book sounds good. I enjoy Mesu Andrews books. Thank you for the giveaway.
looks interesting
Sounds really great
I’ve read another of Mesu’s books and it was amazing, I’d love to check this one out!
Sounds wonderful