IN FEAST OR FAMINE by Mesu Andrews
SERIES: The Egyptian Chronicles #2
GENRE: Inspirational Historical/Biblical Fiction
PUBLISHER: WaterBrook
RELEASE DATE: May 9, 2023
PAGES: 449
Other Books In This Series
I’m so thankful for authors like Mesu Andrews who zero in on names and events in Scripture that typically don’t get much attention, cultivate that little stirring of imagination that must spring to life inside them, and are then able to build a plausible and meaningful narrative that still stays true to both history and God’s Word. In fact, Biblical fiction that is written within those guardrails makes me fall in love with the Bible – and with God’s intentional plan to rescue & redeem – all over again. Andrews’ newest novel is a prime example.
The story of Joseph has fascinated me from childhood – his mother, his coat of many colors, being sold into slavery, interpreting Pharoah’s dreams, being made second in position only to the Pharoah, and his emotional reunion with his family. I also knew he had two sons, but I had always glossed over his wife’s name and the intriguing tidbit that Scripture says about her. To be honest, if you’d asked me, I would have said that the Bible never mentions Joseph’s wife. (It’s in there three times. Oops.) Yet, thanks to In Feast or Famine, I will never ignore Asenath’s name again.
I was immediately drawn to Asenath’s story… and immediately wanted to throw her father (Potiphera the priest) to the crocodiles. Oh goodness, my emotions were all over the place in this book! Joseph & Asenath’s journey on these pages is definitely a roller coaster, filled with joyous highs, breathless adventures, swoony romance, and infuriating lows. With this fictional imagining as a backdrop, I was also able to gain a new perspective on Egyptian politics which in turn will shape how I read Joseph’s appearances in Genesis from now on. (Hint: they make American politics look like a little playground squabble lol) But the most moving part of In Feast and Famine is Asenath’s faith story, from the daughter of a priest of Ra to a follower of Elohim. It is not a straightforward nor simple path that Andrews has her walking between the two, but it ends up being exactly what Asenath needs to help bring healing to her own heart, to her husband’s heart, and to the land of Egypt to the glory of God.
Bottom Line: Mesu Andrews has once again taken a familiar Biblical account – one I’ve read untold thousands of times – and opened my eyes in fresh ways to the gospel truths woven into the heart of it. Her meticulous research and care to stay true to God’s Word show on every page, and her ability to help readers see a reflection of themselves in the characters she brings to life is impeccable. Complex themes of forgiveness, belonging, family, and the sovereignty of God – as well as a fascinating look at ancient history – ensure that you will be thinking about In Feast and Famine long after you’ve reached the end.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received via the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
My Rating: 4.5 stars / loved it!
KissingBook Level: 3+ / will forget to breathe on occasion
Mesu Andrews is the Christy Award-winning author of numerous inspirational novels including the Treasures of the Nile series, the Prophets and Kings series, and Potiphar’s Wife, the first book in the Egyptian Chronicles series. Her deep understanding of and love for God’s Word help her to bring the biblical world alive for readers. Mesu lives in North Carolina with her husband, Roy, and enjoys spending time with her tribe of grandchildren.
Other Recently Featured Books by Mesu Andrews
WaterBrook is offering a print copy of In Feast or Famine 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 In Feast or Famine by Mesu Andrews?
This looks like an interesting novel
I love Mesu Andrews’ books!
me too!!
Seeing the title, it looks like an interesting topic, one which, as missionaries in Montana, (where my husband is also a minister), we truly have experienced at times, but, as we keep on living by faith, we trust the Lord daily to provide 🙂 Would love to win a print copy! Thanks for the opportunity to enter a giveaway!
amen 🙂
I really enjoyed this book review. I have been hesitant to read biblical fiction books, but after reading this review it definitely sounds like a book I’d like to read. 🙂
thank you, Regina! I’m so glad to hear that 🙂 I’m super picky about the Biblical fiction I read and you can’t go wrong with Mesu Andrews – or Tessa Afshar 🙂
A captivating story which is meaningful and memorable.
She is my sister’s favorite authors, so I know I need to try some of her books out!
This sounds like a fabulous book, part of Joseph’s story seen through a very different lens. I, too, missed Asenath’s name at least once.
I enjoy reading this authors books and I would love to read this newest book of hers. Thank you for the giveaway.
I want to read this because the book blurb is intriguing. It sounds like a great read.
I love Biblical Fiction. Thank you for sharing.
I like to read Mesu Andrews.
I want to read it because I love Biblical fiction!
Because I love all of Mesu’s books that I have read so far. And I have read several of them.
I love Mesu’s books and I Love Mesu. She is so sweet and encouraging and her research is immersive! Thanks for the opportunity
I also enjoy reading Biblical fiction that sticks to the Scriptural account, and it teaches me more if it addresses sections that are little-known.
looks like a fun one
sounds so good.
Sounds really interesting. Thanks for featuring it.
it was a very intriguing story for sure 🙂
I love the cover! This story sounds interesting. I have never read one of her books. I must remedy that! Thank you for this giveaway opportunity.
yes you must! 🙂
I haven’t read any books by this author yet, but I do enjoy historical fiction, well-written Biblical fiction, and I have always had a fascination with Egypt. It will be interesting to get a glimpse into the “what-might-have-happened” story of Joseph’s wife. She, among several other Biblical people who only have a brief mention, is one I wish we knew more about. Did she love Joseph? Did she adopt his faith in the one true God?
i think you’ll really enjoy this one then!
I want to read this book as I find biblical fiction fascinating! Transports me back to a time so profound in history.
exactly!