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About In Feast or Famine

Thrust into an arranged marriage, the daughter of ancient Egypt’s high priest plays a pivotal role in Joseph’s biblical narrative in this powerful novel from the award-winning author of Potiphar’s Wife.

After four-year-old Asenath’s mother is murdered by Egypt’s foreign rulers, the child is raised to be a priestess by her overprotective father—high priest of Egypt’s sun god. For fifteen years, Asenath is sequestered in the upper levels of Ra’s temple, convinced it is her destiny to heal the land by becoming queen to the next Egyptian pharaoh. But when Egypt’s foreign king instead gives her as a bride to the newly appointed vizier—a Hebrew named Joseph—her entire world is shaken. 

Beyond the walls of her tower, Asenath discovers treachery, deceit, and conspiracy that force her to redefine her destiny and weigh where her true loyalties lie. Can she still trust the gods of Egypt? Or is Elohim, the foreign God of her husband, the one who will heal her nation during the feast and famine to come?

Praise

“Mesu’s talent for intertwining extensive research with riveting storytelling breathes freshness into the ancient and beloved story of Joseph. I highly recommend this fascinating glimpse into his life and faith journey, along with that of Asenath, the often overlooked Egyptian woman at his side.”—Connilyn Cossette, Christy Award–winning and ECPA bestselling author

“In the pages of In Feast or Famine, Mesu Andrews shines light on the little-known but beloved wife of Joseph. With deftness and deep insight, she brings her characters to vivid life, lifting Asenath from obscurity to multifaceted daughter, wife, future mother, and ultimately a believer in Elohim. Well researched and richly presented, this latest offering is a literary feast!”—Laura Frantz, Christy Award–winning author of The Rose and the Thistle

“Mesu Andrews possesses the ability to pull aside the curtain to the past and bring biblical characters to life. Although long familiar with the biblical story of Joseph and his transition from slave to powerful leader, I was mesmerized by the journey this story laid out for him. My deepest takeaway can be found in a single line of dialogue: “Elohim meets us in our pain.” Truth indeed, painted eloquently by this author’s gifted pen. I highly recommend this novel.”—Kim Vogel Sawyer, bestselling author of Freedom’s Song

“The second half of Joseph’s story comes to life in this exciting sequel to Potiphar’s Wife. The spotlight shines on Asenath, Joseph’s Egyptian wife, giving us a firsthand look at her journey. Palace intrigue, political drama, romance, and inspiration are all woven together in this inspiring story. Those who are looking for well-written biblical fiction with exceptional research will be delighted with this new novel from bestselling author Mesu Andrews.”—Carrie Turansky, award-winning author of The Legacy of Longdale Manor and No Journey Too Far

In Feast or Famine invites us to experience a familiar story come to life. As an unlikely romance blooms amid political machinations and ruthless ambition, one woman learns to trust the God who has a plan for her life, even when the future is uncertain. This novel is a treat for all those who are fascinated by ancient Egypt, love the rags-to-riches story of Joseph, and are ready to step into experiencing the faithfulness of God to every nation.”—Tracy Higley, author of A Time to Seek

“Imagine if the entire foundation of your life turned out to be a lie. That’s the essence of Egyptian priestess Asenath’s story in In Feast or Famine by Mesu Andrews. Forced into an arranged marriage, Asenath tries to remain true to her beliefs until Elohim, her husband Joseph’s one true God, reveals His worthiness to her. The author’s thoughtful research moves this fascinating slice of biblical history along like a fast-moving river. A riveting page-turner!”—Suzanne Woods Fisher, author of the bestselling book The Moonlight School

About Mesu Andrews

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.

Product Details

448 pages | Published by WaterBrook

On Sale Date: May 9, 2023

Trim Size: 5-1/2 x 8-1/4

Carton Quantity: 24

Sneak Peek

Start reading today! 

In this powerful new installment of the Egyptian Chronicles, from the award-winning author of Potiphar’s Wife, the bride of Egypt’s new Hebrew vizier confronts treachery, deceit, and conspiracy. Asenath thought herself destined to be the mother of Egypt. But Joseph’s God has something far greater and better in mind.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Elizabeth Groening, Publicity & Marketing Assistant
egroening@penguinrandomhouse.com

In Feast or Famine
By Mesu Andrews

A WaterBrook Trade Paperback | On May 9, 2022

“Mesu’s talent for intertwining extensive research with riveting storytelling breathes freshness into the ancient and beloved story of Joseph. I highly recommend this fascinating glimpse into his life and faith journey, along with that of Asenath, the often overlooked Egyptian woman at his side.” —Connilyn Cossette, Christy Award–winning and ECPA bestselling author

“In the pages of In Feast or Famine, Mesu Andrews shines light on the little-known but beloved wife of Joseph. With deftness and deep insight, she brings her characters to vivid life, lifting Asenath from obscurity to multifaceted daughter, wife, future mother, and ultimately a believer in Elohim. Well researched and richly presented, this latest offering is a literary feast!” —Laura Frantz, Christy Award–winning author of The Rose and the Thistle

Award-Winning Author Mesu Andrews Returns with the Highly Anticipated Sequel to Potiphar’s Wife: The Captivating, Spellbinding Tale of Joseph’s Marriage

Fans of faith fiction flock to Mesu Andrews’ storylines for her unique ability to bring lesser-known women of the Bible to life. Her notable 2022 release, Potiphar’s Wife, continues to receive praise for riveting storylines, complex characters, and well-researched details on one of the Bible’s most misunderstood women. Her forthcoming release, In Feast or Famine (WaterBrook; 5/9/22), follows Potiphar’s Wife as the highly anticipated second installment of the Egyptian Chronicles series and will capture the imagination of readers eager to understand more about women who lived in biblical times.
 
Andrews’ new work of historical fiction follows the life of Asenath, daughter of a powerful Egyptian high priest, from her tumultuous childhood into early adulthood. Having tragically lost her mother at the age of four, Asenath has always trusted her father, even during the many years he kept her locked in a tower. But when her father forces her into an arranged marriage with the newly appointed vizier — a Hebrew named Joseph – Asenath is forced to redefine her destiny and choose where her loyalties lie.
 
Readers will be captivated as Asenath awakens to her true self amid treachery, deceit, and conspiracies, and the surprising romance that develops over time between Asenath and Joseph will woo even the brokenhearted.
 
Andrews’ readers should expect the unexpected when it comes to plot twists in this remarkable work of scripture-based fiction. With fascinating parallels between the rights of ancient and contemporary women, In Feast or Famine provides a thought-provoking page turner for today’s female audience.
 
In Feast or Famine is a perfect pick for Bible studies seeking a fresh angle on Old Testament stories or for anyone looking for an engrossing, eye-opening summer read. Utilizing a wide array of sources, such as the Antiquities of Josephus and The Political Situation in Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period c. 1800-1550 B.C., remarkable historical details will make this novel a new favorite among Andrews’ loyal fanbase, while capturing the attention of a new audience as well.
 
For more information, visit www.waterbrookmultnomah.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mesu Andrews is the author of Isaiah's Daughter, the winner of a Christy Award in the Historical Fiction category, which is the highest honor in Christian fiction. She is the author of numerous other novels including Isaiah’s Legacy, The Pharaoh's Daughter, Miriam, and Love Amid the Ashes. Her deep understanding of and love for God's Word brings the biblical world alive for readers. Andrews lives in North Carolina with her husband, Roy, and enjoys spending time with her tribe of grandchildren. For more information, visit www.MesuAndrews.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MesuAndrews 
Instagram: @MesuAndrews  
Twitter: @MesuAndrews

IN FEAST OR FAMINE
By Mesu Andrews
A WaterBrook Trade Paperback | On Sale May 9, 2022
ISBN: 9780593193785 | e-ISBN: 9780593193792

Suggested Interview Questions for Mesu Andrews

1. What inspired you to write In Feast or Famine?
 
2. What did your process for this book entail, from the original idea to researching, outlining, and writing?
 
3. What parts of the writing process did you find to be the most challenging and why?
 
4. What did you enjoy most when writing about the character of Asenath? What about Joseph? How would you describe these two and their romance?
 
5. What do you hope readers take away from Asenath’s journey, from her mother’s death to her arranged marriage and beyond?
 
6. In what ways do you think contemporary female readers will connect with Asenath?
 
7. What interesting facts did you learn about arranged marriages through your research?
 
8. Why do you think it’s important for us to reflect on and imagine what life was like for women in biblical times?
 
9. What message do you hope readers take away from In Feast or Famine?
 
10. Do you have more books planned for the Egyptian Chronicles series?
 
For an interview or review copy request, please contact Elizabeth Groening at egroening@penguinrandomhouse.com.

Contact Publicist

Elizabeth Groening, egroening@penguinrandomhouse.com