Mesu Andrews

*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."… (més)

This added a new depth of perspective to yet another biblical story. I found this story -for the most part- quite enjoyable. However, I enjoyed the first half far more than the second.
In the first part of the story, it focuses on Zibah and Hezi's friendship as it develops over the years.
What I didn't enjoy as much was the second half. Maybe it's because of my age or maybe it was just because. The pacing was a lot slower and my interest faltered a number of times. One thing that was well-done in the second half was the portrayal of marriage. It does not have butterflies and rainbows but instead shows that there are difficulties to work out.
Another aspect of the book that was great was the historical research. Verses from the Bible are at the beginning of each chapter, explaining the events that happen.
Despite the fact that some parts weren't my favorite, I am still looking forward to the release of the next book this year.

Rating: 4 Stars
Content: 2.5 Stars

*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. All views expressed are my own and a positive review was not required.… (més)

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!… (més)