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The Egyptian Chronicles #1
Potiphar's Wife
The drama of the Old Testament comes to life as one of the Bible's most infamous women longs for Joseph, her husband's servant, in this riveting novel from the award-winning author of Isaiah's Legacy.
Before she is Potiphar's wife, Zuleika is a king's daughter on the isle of Crete, where the sisterhood of women rules in the absence of their seafaring husbands. Now that she's come of age, Zuleika knows she will soon be betrothed. Her father believes his robust trade with Egypt will ensure Pharaoh's obligation to marry his daughter.
But Pharaoh refuses and gives her instead to Potiphar, the captain of his bodyguards--a crusty bachelor twice her age, who would rather have a new horse than a Minoan wife.
Abandoned by her father, rejected by Pharaoh, and humiliated by Potiphar's indifference, Zuleika yearns for affection. But when her obsession with Joseph, the Hebrew chamberlain with the face and body of the gods, goes terribly wrong, she discovers the truth: Only the God of Joseph can heal her wounded heart.
Before she is Potiphar's wife, Zuleika is a king's daughter on the isle of Crete, where the sisterhood of women rules in the absence of their seafaring husbands. Now that she's come of age, Zuleika knows she will soon be betrothed. Her father believes his robust trade with Egypt will ensure Pharaoh's obligation to marry his daughter.
But Pharaoh refuses and gives her instead to Potiphar, the captain of his bodyguards--a crusty bachelor twice her age, who would rather have a new horse than a Minoan wife.
Abandoned by her father, rejected by Pharaoh, and humiliated by Potiphar's indifference, Zuleika yearns for affection. But when her obsession with Joseph, the Hebrew chamberlain with the face and body of the gods, goes terribly wrong, she discovers the truth: Only the God of Joseph can heal her wounded heart.
416 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2022
121 people are currently reading
1382 people want to read
About the author
Mesu Andrews
36 books1,906 followersMESU ANDREWS is the Christy Award-winning author of Isaiah’s Daughter whose 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. She stays connected with readers through newsie emails, fun blog posts, and frequent short stories. For more information, visitMesuAndrews.com.
Her first novel, Love Amid the Ashes (Revell, 2011, the story of Job) won the 2012 ECPA Book of the Year for a Debut Author. Love’s Sacred Song (Revell, 2012) relates the poetic Song of Solomon in story form, and Love in a Broken Vessel(Revell, 2013) sets the story of Hosea and Gomer in biblical Israel. In the Shadow of Jezebel (Revell, 2014) displays God's sovereignty over Jezebel's daughter, Queen Athaliah. The Pharaoh's Daughter (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2015), unveils Moses' early years, and Miriam (2016) introduces Yahweh's prophetess during the ten plagues and the Exodus. Isaiah’s Daughter (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2018) introduces readers to the prophet Isaiah's captivating daughter, and its sequel, Isaiah's Legacy (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2020) , provides the redemptive end to her life and her son Manasseh's reign. To follow Yahweh's progression toward the Messiah, By the Waters of Babylon (August 2018) continues the story of the prophets and kings through the exile, and Of Fire and Lions (Waterbrook/Multnomah 2019) tells Daniel's compelling story. And The Reluctant Rival: Leah's Story tells of Leah, Jacob's neglected wife, and how God used her to change the course of history. And when Joseph's brothers sell him into a life of slavery in Egypt, Jacob's favorite son encounters one of the Bible's most infamous bad girls in, Potiphar's Wife (Waterbrook/Multnomah 2022).
Her first novel, Love Amid the Ashes (Revell, 2011, the story of Job) won the 2012 ECPA Book of the Year for a Debut Author. Love’s Sacred Song (Revell, 2012) relates the poetic Song of Solomon in story form, and Love in a Broken Vessel(Revell, 2013) sets the story of Hosea and Gomer in biblical Israel. In the Shadow of Jezebel (Revell, 2014) displays God's sovereignty over Jezebel's daughter, Queen Athaliah. The Pharaoh's Daughter (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2015), unveils Moses' early years, and Miriam (2016) introduces Yahweh's prophetess during the ten plagues and the Exodus. Isaiah’s Daughter (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2018) introduces readers to the prophet Isaiah's captivating daughter, and its sequel, Isaiah's Legacy (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2020) , provides the redemptive end to her life and her son Manasseh's reign. To follow Yahweh's progression toward the Messiah, By the Waters of Babylon (August 2018) continues the story of the prophets and kings through the exile, and Of Fire and Lions (Waterbrook/Multnomah 2019) tells Daniel's compelling story. And The Reluctant Rival: Leah's Story tells of Leah, Jacob's neglected wife, and how God used her to change the course of history. And when Joseph's brothers sell him into a life of slavery in Egypt, Jacob's favorite son encounters one of the Bible's most infamous bad girls in, Potiphar's Wife (Waterbrook/Multnomah 2022).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
March 5, 2022
I'll start by saying that this book was not quite what I expected. Those who know the Bible stories in Genesis, know the story of Potiphar's wife, who was the consummate bad girl of the Bible as the one who begged our hero Joseph for sex and then claimed attempted rape when he refused her. This book follows Zuleika (Potiphar's wife) and shows her motivations behind these happenings. This book was filled with themes of redemption as Zully continued to make bad choices in search of her dreams. Also a large theme of belonging was included in this novel as Zully seeks out her place in the world. There was a great deal of rich culture included in this book, both Egyptian (as a majority of the book takes place in Egypt) and Minoan as Zully is a Minoan Princess from the island of Crete. While I sympathized with Zully, I never did come to like her as a character, and that influenced the liking of the book for me. However, it was well written and an enjoyable delve into what could be behind the stories in the Scriptures about Joseph's time serving in Potiphar's house. I would definitely recommend reading the author's note at the end to show what was fact and what was fiction in the story itself. All in all, an enjoyable read and one I would recommend to fans of Biblical historical fiction or those that enjoy ancient cultures. Special thanks to the author and publisher for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
June 4, 2022
I have read several books by this author and she really does biblical fiction right. I always look forward to reading her new books when she releases one.
I can imagine biblical fiction would not be easy to write and I can see this is well researched.
The author brings to life what may have happened, why and the effects of these decisions.
Very well done mixing fact and fiction into a compelling read.
Published May 24th 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
I can imagine biblical fiction would not be easy to write and I can see this is well researched.
The author brings to life what may have happened, why and the effects of these decisions.
Very well done mixing fact and fiction into a compelling read.
Published May 24th 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
March 11, 2023
A gripping drama of a Cretan Princess thrust into a marriage of convenience to Pharaoh's most trusted friend, she longs for her homeland while struggling to find a place among the Egyptians.
A fictional novel of redemption and faith. I found this book to be an engaging read that explores the characters of the people typically remembered as the villains in Joseph's story. Well researched, this book brought the contrasting cultures to life, I loved how Ahira and Joseph showed love to Zuleika, and despite it all I found myself grudgingly rooting for the anti-hero.
A powerful story of redemption, belonging, and forgiveness, great for fans of ancient history. In some ways this was a more difficult read for me because I knew where it was headed, but it also took me by surprise. This book has a more mature content due to the subject matter, but I think that the author dealt with it well. I am excited to read the next book in Joseph's story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A fictional novel of redemption and faith. I found this book to be an engaging read that explores the characters of the people typically remembered as the villains in Joseph's story. Well researched, this book brought the contrasting cultures to life, I loved how Ahira and Joseph showed love to Zuleika, and despite it all I found myself grudgingly rooting for the anti-hero.
A powerful story of redemption, belonging, and forgiveness, great for fans of ancient history. In some ways this was a more difficult read for me because I knew where it was headed, but it also took me by surprise. This book has a more mature content due to the subject matter, but I think that the author dealt with it well. I am excited to read the next book in Joseph's story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 13, 2022
Mesu Andrews never disappoints with her Biblical fiction. It is always obvious that she has done a lot of historical and Biblical research before ever putting a pen to paper, and she always brings the time period and Biblical characters to life. Her additions to flesh out the story always build on the Bible as a foundation.
Potiphar's Wife, Zuleika, who is only mentioned by name in the Koran not in the Bible, was an interesting character, and is best known for chasing Joseph and having him committed to jail by Potiphar when Joseph would not respond to her advances. But little did she know that this was part of God's plan for Joseph as Joseph's life was a testimony to Yahweh.
Excellent Biblical fiction that I highly recommend for anyone who likes this genre.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
Potiphar's Wife, Zuleika, who is only mentioned by name in the Koran not in the Bible, was an interesting character, and is best known for chasing Joseph and having him committed to jail by Potiphar when Joseph would not respond to her advances. But little did she know that this was part of God's plan for Joseph as Joseph's life was a testimony to Yahweh.
Excellent Biblical fiction that I highly recommend for anyone who likes this genre.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
April 19, 2022
Not your typical Sunday school story!
I did not want to empathize with Potiphar's wife. I did not want to understand why she might have done what she did.
But I have learned to trust this author who does tons of research, and truly challenges her readers to think about things differently.
Do I think that these proposed circumstances justify her actions? No. Was it a logical outcome? Yes. Do they make you have a bit of compassion? Yes.
I love how the different characters grew and made understandable choices. How God can work with whatever we give him, and use the worst situations for good.
Even in the midst of a pagan culture and a story almost completely filled with unbelievers, you can find justice, and mercy, and honor.
Pushpa may be my favorite character in the whole story. As "mother" to Potiphar and Pharaoh, she had lots of options. But she chose to be in the kitchen and involved in the lives of her household, in the most beautiful way.
I absolutely loved the way the author turned such a familiar story on its head, letting you see a brand new perspective, while still honoring the text.
I received a copy of the book from #netgalley and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.
I did not want to empathize with Potiphar's wife. I did not want to understand why she might have done what she did.
But I have learned to trust this author who does tons of research, and truly challenges her readers to think about things differently.
Do I think that these proposed circumstances justify her actions? No. Was it a logical outcome? Yes. Do they make you have a bit of compassion? Yes.
I love how the different characters grew and made understandable choices. How God can work with whatever we give him, and use the worst situations for good.
Even in the midst of a pagan culture and a story almost completely filled with unbelievers, you can find justice, and mercy, and honor.
Pushpa may be my favorite character in the whole story. As "mother" to Potiphar and Pharaoh, she had lots of options. But she chose to be in the kitchen and involved in the lives of her household, in the most beautiful way.
I absolutely loved the way the author turned such a familiar story on its head, letting you see a brand new perspective, while still honoring the text.
I received a copy of the book from #netgalley and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.
March 26, 2022
Curiosity surrounding this biblical bad girl had me reaching for this book! I wanted to see how the author would reimagine her backstory and/or provide a plausible reason for her behaviour.
The author’s research has revealed a name for Potiphar’s wife - Zuleika. For those familiar with Joseph’s journey in the bible, she is Joseph’s master’s wife who accused him of sexual misconduct. Andrews has provided Zuleika (Zully) with a historically rich background and crafted her as a Minoan princess whose seafaring soulmate and new husband is tragically killed. Suddenly, this endearing character’s whole future is shattered. As was often the case with marriages in ancient times, Zully is offered to the Pharaoh of Egypt in a trade alliance. When she’s further pushed aside by Pharaoh, she finds herself married to a man 20 years older who is the polar opposite of her first husband. Essentially, to save her beloved Crete she needs to sacrifice her future plans and shelve the idea of marrying for love.
This is a heart-wrenching reimagining that gives readers a foot in the door to a plausible situation that could explain Zully’s treatment of Joseph. One can only imagine the inner turmoil and sadness that Zully is experiencing. For someone who had planned her whole future and that of her people, to experience such devastation and lack of control, it is understandable how she lashed out. None of us is exempt from challenges. We all work to overcome challenging plan changes and the struggle is what defines us. We have the choice; bitter or better.
There are many unresolved issues that I’m certain Andrews will address in her final installment of this trilogy. I was glad I picked up this book and gained a different perspective on the familiar bible story. Although I don’t condone what Zully did, I can appreciate how her human nature got the best of her. It’s a daily battle for us all to keep it in check.
I was gifted this advance copy by Mesu Andrews, WaterBrook & Multnomah, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
The author’s research has revealed a name for Potiphar’s wife - Zuleika. For those familiar with Joseph’s journey in the bible, she is Joseph’s master’s wife who accused him of sexual misconduct. Andrews has provided Zuleika (Zully) with a historically rich background and crafted her as a Minoan princess whose seafaring soulmate and new husband is tragically killed. Suddenly, this endearing character’s whole future is shattered. As was often the case with marriages in ancient times, Zully is offered to the Pharaoh of Egypt in a trade alliance. When she’s further pushed aside by Pharaoh, she finds herself married to a man 20 years older who is the polar opposite of her first husband. Essentially, to save her beloved Crete she needs to sacrifice her future plans and shelve the idea of marrying for love.
This is a heart-wrenching reimagining that gives readers a foot in the door to a plausible situation that could explain Zully’s treatment of Joseph. One can only imagine the inner turmoil and sadness that Zully is experiencing. For someone who had planned her whole future and that of her people, to experience such devastation and lack of control, it is understandable how she lashed out. None of us is exempt from challenges. We all work to overcome challenging plan changes and the struggle is what defines us. We have the choice; bitter or better.
There are many unresolved issues that I’m certain Andrews will address in her final installment of this trilogy. I was glad I picked up this book and gained a different perspective on the familiar bible story. Although I don’t condone what Zully did, I can appreciate how her human nature got the best of her. It’s a daily battle for us all to keep it in check.
I was gifted this advance copy by Mesu Andrews, WaterBrook & Multnomah, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Want to read
May 23, 2022*trying vaguely to figure out how this could possibly be a thing but so curious that I have to read it*
May 9, 2022
I’m always excited for a new Mesu Andews story. This author has a way of bringing characters I’ve briefly read about in the Bible to life and making me care and feel for them.
Potiphar’s Wife was no different. This fictional story about someone I rarely thought about did make me wonder about who the person behind the scenes to Joseph's road in Egypt was as well as giving me more meat about Potiphar as well.
Zuleika’s decisions frustrated me and at one point towards the end I was so irritated with her that I wanted to stop reading! This is evident of great writing because my emotions were due to the author making Zukeika feel real. It was sad to see a bold, courageous full of life woman become so lost and broken and ending up making lost and broken decisions.
The story did feel a bit more ‘steamier’ than previous books read by this author.
I loved Bushpa and Ahira and the way Joseph trusted Elohim even though everyone else around him was lost and worshiped idols.
I think fans of Mesu Andrews and Biblical fiction will enjoy this story.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Potiphar’s Wife was no different. This fictional story about someone I rarely thought about did make me wonder about who the person behind the scenes to Joseph's road in Egypt was as well as giving me more meat about Potiphar as well.
Zuleika’s decisions frustrated me and at one point towards the end I was so irritated with her that I wanted to stop reading! This is evident of great writing because my emotions were due to the author making Zukeika feel real. It was sad to see a bold, courageous full of life woman become so lost and broken and ending up making lost and broken decisions.
The story did feel a bit more ‘steamier’ than previous books read by this author.
I loved Bushpa and Ahira and the way Joseph trusted Elohim even though everyone else around him was lost and worshiped idols.
I think fans of Mesu Andrews and Biblical fiction will enjoy this story.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
June 24, 2022
Is she truly the villain we think she was..?
I've held off writing this review for awhile now. For the simple reason that I've been digesting it, thinking about, pondering it... I knew from the get-go that Potiphar's Wife wouldn't be the easiest read. Face it, who do you know that's actually sympathetic to her? Yeah, me either. We always think of her blip in the Bible from Joseph's perspective. He's the good guy of the story and she's the villain. End of story. But, leave it to Mesu Andrews to take that stereotype and toss it right out the window while staying historically accurate and also true to the Bible.
From the outset I wasn't sure if I could ever like Zully (Zuleika). As I read her fictional story I found myself sympathetic, frustrated, annoyed, hopeful, and even a touch horrified a time or two. To me, she came across as young and naive, two things that, along with circumstances beyond her control, cause her to repeatedly make bad decisions in the name of following her own self-absorbed dreams. While I couldn't exactly connect with our anti-heroine personally, more than anything I wanted her to finally find the redemption and peace she longed for.
Right here I will note that because of some of the heavier themes this story is for adults and much older teens.
Mesu Andrews has a God-given knack for writing Biblical fiction in such a vivid way that you come to feel like you are somehow a part of the story and not just reading words printed in black ink on a white page. Potiphar's Wife is definitely a pretty good example of just that as both the Minoan and Egyptian cultures came to life and almost leaped off the page.
If you are up for a little assumption upsetting and love a story that will engage all of your emotions and the senses of your imagination, you should pick up Potiphar's Wife from the very talented Mesu Andrews...It will make you think long after you've finished...
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
I've held off writing this review for awhile now. For the simple reason that I've been digesting it, thinking about, pondering it... I knew from the get-go that Potiphar's Wife wouldn't be the easiest read. Face it, who do you know that's actually sympathetic to her? Yeah, me either. We always think of her blip in the Bible from Joseph's perspective. He's the good guy of the story and she's the villain. End of story. But, leave it to Mesu Andrews to take that stereotype and toss it right out the window while staying historically accurate and also true to the Bible.
From the outset I wasn't sure if I could ever like Zully (Zuleika). As I read her fictional story I found myself sympathetic, frustrated, annoyed, hopeful, and even a touch horrified a time or two. To me, she came across as young and naive, two things that, along with circumstances beyond her control, cause her to repeatedly make bad decisions in the name of following her own self-absorbed dreams. While I couldn't exactly connect with our anti-heroine personally, more than anything I wanted her to finally find the redemption and peace she longed for.
Right here I will note that because of some of the heavier themes this story is for adults and much older teens.
Mesu Andrews has a God-given knack for writing Biblical fiction in such a vivid way that you come to feel like you are somehow a part of the story and not just reading words printed in black ink on a white page. Potiphar's Wife is definitely a pretty good example of just that as both the Minoan and Egyptian cultures came to life and almost leaped off the page.
If you are up for a little assumption upsetting and love a story that will engage all of your emotions and the senses of your imagination, you should pick up Potiphar's Wife from the very talented Mesu Andrews...It will make you think long after you've finished...
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
May 5, 2022
Princess Zuleika of Crete is presented to the Pharaoh of Egypt as a bargaining chip and she’s willing to do anything to save her beloved country. But instead of becoming Pharaoh’s third wife, she is given to his best friend and Captain of the guards, Potiphar. Throughout the book Zully is treated poorly by the Egyptian nobles, is betrayed by someone she trusts, and makes many bad decisions. But her servant Ahira and Potiphar’s chamberlain Joseph are great examples of kindness, forgiveness, faith and mercy. This is an excellent story and the historical details definitely make the time period come alive.
I received a complimentary ebook from the publishers via NetGalley. I was not required to provide a positive review and all opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary ebook from the publishers via NetGalley. I was not required to provide a positive review and all opinions are my own.
May 6, 2022
I have to say that this is a book written by an excellent author which is a fictional account of what could have happened. Potiphar's wife is mentioned in the Bible as a way to show more of what Joseph endured when a slave in Egypt.
That being said, it is a colorful, imaginative and interesting story. The beginning was filled with action and emotion. It gave reason for this woman Zully to be a humanized version of what we who have read the Biblical account know her to be evil. The descriptive writing of the area, buildings, customs and possible attitudes of people from Crete to Egypt was interesting to me. What becomes of Joseph and Zully is a bit of an odd story to lead up to her demanding sex and lying which puts him in prison. Again, it's a fiction story, Mesu Andrews take on what could be. I can't even begin to imagine the work that goes into a book like this.
I want to thank Waterbrook and NetGalley for my advanced reader's copy of this book. Overall, I liked the story. I could envision what the author had described. It was very interesting to me. This kind of story makes me think. This is my own unsolicited opinion.
That being said, it is a colorful, imaginative and interesting story. The beginning was filled with action and emotion. It gave reason for this woman Zully to be a humanized version of what we who have read the Biblical account know her to be evil. The descriptive writing of the area, buildings, customs and possible attitudes of people from Crete to Egypt was interesting to me. What becomes of Joseph and Zully is a bit of an odd story to lead up to her demanding sex and lying which puts him in prison. Again, it's a fiction story, Mesu Andrews take on what could be. I can't even begin to imagine the work that goes into a book like this.
I want to thank Waterbrook and NetGalley for my advanced reader's copy of this book. Overall, I liked the story. I could envision what the author had described. It was very interesting to me. This kind of story makes me think. This is my own unsolicited opinion.
June 2, 2022
I don't even know where to start with this amazing story! While I thought it would center more around Potiphar's wife lying about asking Joseph to sleep with her, it was more about what "brought" her to that point. Obviously it's fictional, but Mesu Andrews created a story that brought the time of Potiphar's time to life!
The story is told through the eyes of four people who we come to love on differing levels: Zuleika (Potiphar's wife), Potiphar, Joseph, and Ahira.
Zully goes through a lot of emotional upheaval throughout this entire story. I do want to make note that she has a traumatic assault that I want you to be aware of. My heart went out to her, but unlike the characters she comes into contact with, my heart for her only went so far. THAT'S what I loved about the characters who were impacted by her because they were exceptional examples of mercy and forgiveness.
I thought Potiphar was a complex character as Pharaoh's closest friend and protector, then as Zully's husband. I went back and forth on how I felt about him. His world is upended and how he adjusts has a trickle down effect on the other characters. I ended up really liking him and understood the complexities of who he was and his position in Pharaoh's court.
Joseph... it was such an interesting time in his life getting to "know" him in a fictional way. I have to say, when authors bring Biblical characters to life for me, I end up really having a soft spot in my heart for their place in the Bible. This makes the Old Testament more alive for me when I read it.
Ahira, who also has a traumatic experience plays such a pivotal role for all of the characters in this book. Her transformation in her faith is beautiful and she is one of my favorite characters in the story.
An element I love in stories is when an author gives us a side character who loves authentically and makes me want to be a better person. That would be Pushpa. She's the Ommi (adopted mother) of Potiphar and Pharaoh.
Of course, it goes without say, that there is a Gospel message woven throughout the entire story that is absolutely beautiful. I love that God is shown as El Roi, the God who sees. It's so powerful, especially in how it truly applies to our lives as well.
I truly can't say enough about how incredible this story was! If you love Biblical fiction, you are going to want to read this asap!
*I received this book for review. This is my personal review.
The story is told through the eyes of four people who we come to love on differing levels: Zuleika (Potiphar's wife), Potiphar, Joseph, and Ahira.
Zully goes through a lot of emotional upheaval throughout this entire story. I do want to make note that she has a traumatic assault that I want you to be aware of. My heart went out to her, but unlike the characters she comes into contact with, my heart for her only went so far. THAT'S what I loved about the characters who were impacted by her because they were exceptional examples of mercy and forgiveness.
I thought Potiphar was a complex character as Pharaoh's closest friend and protector, then as Zully's husband. I went back and forth on how I felt about him. His world is upended and how he adjusts has a trickle down effect on the other characters. I ended up really liking him and understood the complexities of who he was and his position in Pharaoh's court.
Joseph... it was such an interesting time in his life getting to "know" him in a fictional way. I have to say, when authors bring Biblical characters to life for me, I end up really having a soft spot in my heart for their place in the Bible. This makes the Old Testament more alive for me when I read it.
Ahira, who also has a traumatic experience plays such a pivotal role for all of the characters in this book. Her transformation in her faith is beautiful and she is one of my favorite characters in the story.
An element I love in stories is when an author gives us a side character who loves authentically and makes me want to be a better person. That would be Pushpa. She's the Ommi (adopted mother) of Potiphar and Pharaoh.
Of course, it goes without say, that there is a Gospel message woven throughout the entire story that is absolutely beautiful. I love that God is shown as El Roi, the God who sees. It's so powerful, especially in how it truly applies to our lives as well.
I truly can't say enough about how incredible this story was! If you love Biblical fiction, you are going to want to read this asap!
*I received this book for review. This is my personal review.
May 24, 2022
How on earth can anyone make an even semi-palatable character out of one of the most infamous women of the Bible?! Potiphar’s Wife by Mesu Andrews will open your eyes to possible reasons why this much-maligned lady acts as she does. Your attitude may be more sympathetic as you consider this well-researched historical novelty that is careful to agree with any actual Biblical truth we are provided of her and her times. Well-done, Ms. Andrews!!
This novel is unique in that it employs first-person and third-person POV’s. Only a very skillful writer can successfully carry this off, and Andrews soars with this style.
What a wonderful chance to glimpse the inner workings of an Egyptian courtroom. I loved the intrigue and the fine line between friendships and servants. Also, the relationship between friends that changes when one of them becomes Pharaoh, a god, yet obviously with human foibles.
Cultural differences are such a huge part of this breathtaking story. I kept saying, “Why doesn’t this character do this or that?” But Andrews opens my eyes to how training and environment make a huge difference in the way a person views and responds to a situation.
And the multiple love relationships within this novel are compelling. Some friend for friend, some husband for wife, some familial, some lovers. Ah… so well-depicted, yet clean enough to not feel shame for reading.
Since I have a penchant for picking favorite supporting characters, I will give two. Pushpa, Potiphar’s surrogate mother, and Ahira, who is Zuleika’s personal maid. Both are so wise, gentle, and care so much for others.
Oh, one other thing I loved that I must mention. Thank you for showing Joseph to be human, not perfect as we sometimes are either taught or caught!
I loved that the maps, glossary, and character list were all at the front!! I was also pleased with such well-organized author’s notes at the end. These were the best or at least most useful reader’s helps in a book I’ve yet read!
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Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of the book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
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A slave doesn’t always wear chains, nor does a master possess all power.
“No one should know everything about anything.”
“I can’t tend the wounds inside you, dear one, but they will heal. I promise. They may leave scars—ugly ones. But you can choose how those scars affect your future. Will you use the ugliest memories as the focal point, weaving every future event tightly around it with its repetitive themes? Or will you weave your scars into a larger tapestry with more variegated experiences that can comfort or instruct others?”- Pushpa
Don’t assign the sins of men to a faithful God. Elohim will never betray you, and He can protect you in ways I never could. Trust Him, Ahira.”- Joseph
“What if I don’t like your god’s plan?” She squeezed my hand. “Then we trust Him together for a future we don’t understand and perhaps see His goodness when we recount our past.”-Ahira
but let mercy and forgiveness become the ruins on which a stronger house is built.”
Sometimes God’s favor is simply a spark that keeps hope alive in utter darkness.
Trust His presence in the dark, but never stop hoping for light.
“Honesty is telling the truth. Transparency is telling the whole truth. Some are honest but become deceitful in the things they choose to hide.”— Pharaoh Khyan
This novel is unique in that it employs first-person and third-person POV’s. Only a very skillful writer can successfully carry this off, and Andrews soars with this style.
What a wonderful chance to glimpse the inner workings of an Egyptian courtroom. I loved the intrigue and the fine line between friendships and servants. Also, the relationship between friends that changes when one of them becomes Pharaoh, a god, yet obviously with human foibles.
Cultural differences are such a huge part of this breathtaking story. I kept saying, “Why doesn’t this character do this or that?” But Andrews opens my eyes to how training and environment make a huge difference in the way a person views and responds to a situation.
And the multiple love relationships within this novel are compelling. Some friend for friend, some husband for wife, some familial, some lovers. Ah… so well-depicted, yet clean enough to not feel shame for reading.
Since I have a penchant for picking favorite supporting characters, I will give two. Pushpa, Potiphar’s surrogate mother, and Ahira, who is Zuleika’s personal maid. Both are so wise, gentle, and care so much for others.
Oh, one other thing I loved that I must mention. Thank you for showing Joseph to be human, not perfect as we sometimes are either taught or caught!
I loved that the maps, glossary, and character list were all at the front!! I was also pleased with such well-organized author’s notes at the end. These were the best or at least most useful reader’s helps in a book I’ve yet read!
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Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of the book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
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A slave doesn’t always wear chains, nor does a master possess all power.
“No one should know everything about anything.”
“I can’t tend the wounds inside you, dear one, but they will heal. I promise. They may leave scars—ugly ones. But you can choose how those scars affect your future. Will you use the ugliest memories as the focal point, weaving every future event tightly around it with its repetitive themes? Or will you weave your scars into a larger tapestry with more variegated experiences that can comfort or instruct others?”- Pushpa
Don’t assign the sins of men to a faithful God. Elohim will never betray you, and He can protect you in ways I never could. Trust Him, Ahira.”- Joseph
“What if I don’t like your god’s plan?” She squeezed my hand. “Then we trust Him together for a future we don’t understand and perhaps see His goodness when we recount our past.”-Ahira
but let mercy and forgiveness become the ruins on which a stronger house is built.”
Sometimes God’s favor is simply a spark that keeps hope alive in utter darkness.
Trust His presence in the dark, but never stop hoping for light.
“Honesty is telling the truth. Transparency is telling the whole truth. Some are honest but become deceitful in the things they choose to hide.”— Pharaoh Khyan
May 13, 2022
Typically Biblical Fiction is not the type of genre that I gravitate towards but when I read it by someone that truly knows how to capture it I am completely hooked. This is my first book by Mesu Andrews and it will definitely not be my last. We all know the story of Joseph but she managed to place my in Egypt and into a world that I could've never have imagined by myself. Now, let me re-state this is Biblical fiction so obviously she has taken liberties with the story however you can also tell that she has done extensive research and she even has author's notes at the end of the story where she tells you where information has come from and where she added her fiction flare to the story.
It does however give you a "perhaps" or "what-if" thoughts regarding Potiphar's wife, Zuleika or Zully as she is known throughout the story. When reading the Bible story of Joseph we see her as this bad girl but really we don't even know anything about her. This story makes you see her in a new light and although we can't excuse her behavior the fact remains that we all fall short of God's grace. Lucky for us he is a forgiving God.
I mean while reading you have to feel compassion for her. She is a princess who has just lost both her husband and mother in an earthquake. She sacrifices herself and is willing to go to Egypt and marry Pharaoh in order to rebuild her city which she loves. She gets to Egypt and instead of Pharaoh he gives her to Potiphar and although he is kind to her he doesn't know what it is to be a husband. His main job is to keep Pharaoh alive and although he is kind to Zully he leaves her to tend to his responsibilities. In the midst of all this her best friend Gaios betrays her and she becomes a shell of a woman. There is so much more that happens that I am not going to divulge because you should really read it but all I could see was a broken woman, searching for something that would take her out of the situation she was in.
I want to believe that there was someone like Ahira and Joseph that may have shown her who Elohim truly was and that she repented and learned to serve Him but we will never know until perhaps our time in Heaven with out Creator where we can ask all the questions of the people in the Bible we have been reading about all this time.
If you enjoy Biblical Fiction I definitely recommend this one. It will take you on a journey of forgiveness, redemption, mercy and faith.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
It does however give you a "perhaps" or "what-if" thoughts regarding Potiphar's wife, Zuleika or Zully as she is known throughout the story. When reading the Bible story of Joseph we see her as this bad girl but really we don't even know anything about her. This story makes you see her in a new light and although we can't excuse her behavior the fact remains that we all fall short of God's grace. Lucky for us he is a forgiving God.
I mean while reading you have to feel compassion for her. She is a princess who has just lost both her husband and mother in an earthquake. She sacrifices herself and is willing to go to Egypt and marry Pharaoh in order to rebuild her city which she loves. She gets to Egypt and instead of Pharaoh he gives her to Potiphar and although he is kind to her he doesn't know what it is to be a husband. His main job is to keep Pharaoh alive and although he is kind to Zully he leaves her to tend to his responsibilities. In the midst of all this her best friend Gaios betrays her and she becomes a shell of a woman. There is so much more that happens that I am not going to divulge because you should really read it but all I could see was a broken woman, searching for something that would take her out of the situation she was in.
I want to believe that there was someone like Ahira and Joseph that may have shown her who Elohim truly was and that she repented and learned to serve Him but we will never know until perhaps our time in Heaven with out Creator where we can ask all the questions of the people in the Bible we have been reading about all this time.
If you enjoy Biblical Fiction I definitely recommend this one. It will take you on a journey of forgiveness, redemption, mercy and faith.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
April 14, 2022
3 STARS! I am glad I finished Potiphar’s Wife, but I am left with a mediocre feeling about the story.
The things I liked about the book: 1. I loved being transported back in history to the Egyptian era. I’ve always been fascinated by Egypt! 2. Joseph’s sweet relationship with Ahira was a highlight in the story .3. Pushpa was a delightful character as well. 4. The repentance and forgiveness woven into the story was refreshing.
The things I didn’t like: So we know Potiphar’s wife was an evil woman as described by Scripture, so she’s not going to be a very likeable character from the get-go. But her obsession with Crete, and her refusal to be content and make the best of her situation with a kind husband was an annoyance for me. Also, the way the story played up to the “big moment” (aka her inviting Joseph to her bed) just didn’t fit with her character in the story. It seemed like something out of left field, and we didn’t really see a big build up of her desire for Joseph (and I mean, he’s engaged to her best friend in all of Egypt for goodness sake!)
Overall it was an entertaining story. I enjoyed the author’s notes at end explaining the research that went into the fictional account.
The things I liked about the book: 1. I loved being transported back in history to the Egyptian era. I’ve always been fascinated by Egypt! 2. Joseph’s sweet relationship with Ahira was a highlight in the story .3. Pushpa was a delightful character as well. 4. The repentance and forgiveness woven into the story was refreshing.
The things I didn’t like: So we know Potiphar’s wife was an evil woman as described by Scripture, so she’s not going to be a very likeable character from the get-go. But her obsession with Crete, and her refusal to be content and make the best of her situation with a kind husband was an annoyance for me. Also, the way the story played up to the “big moment” (aka her inviting Joseph to her bed) just didn’t fit with her character in the story. It seemed like something out of left field, and we didn’t really see a big build up of her desire for Joseph (and I mean, he’s engaged to her best friend in all of Egypt for goodness sake!)
Overall it was an entertaining story. I enjoyed the author’s notes at end explaining the research that went into the fictional account.
May 14, 2022
Wow. There is SO much to say about this book! First off, Potiphar’s Wife is some of Mesu’s best work to date and is possibly my new favorite of her books–I’m still really partial to The Pharaoh's Daughter after reading it earlier this year, so it’s hard to decide! Mesu brought the story of Joseph to life like never before and made me see it in a new light. Even though I know the story of Joseph well, I found myself anxiously waiting to see what would happen!
From the first chapter, I was sucked into Zully’s island world. I felt her horror and pain as her life was quickly turned upside down and she was thrust into an uncertain future. Which really surprised me!
I have always disliked Potiphar’s Wife in the Bible–I mean, who doesn’t dislike her when they read the story of Joseph? At first glance, you can only assume that she is nothing more than a terrible villain, and you may even hope that she got her “just desserts” for what she did. But in this book, Mesu brings to life a complex and layered woman that has many good qualities, and you can’t help but care about her. It's the hard hand that life deals her, and her choices she makes in response, that slowly morph her into the villain of her own story. It’s a perfect example of how villains are not born, they’re made over time.
As Zully’s life spiraled out of control, bringing her ever closer to that fateful encounter with Joseph, I kept marveling at Mesu’s writing skills. To create such a complex character that starts out very lovable and gradually becomes so twisted and broken is a feat. It’s more than just writing a character who does bad things for the sake of being bad, or putting a character through difficult things just for the sake of drama. She made me feel everything alongside Zully and somehow understand, if not agree with, her motives. I even found myself hoping for grace for the real life wife of Potiphar. She’s still a villain in Joseph’s story, but now I genuinely hope that she somehow found redemption.
As for if Zully finds redemption in Mesu’s version of the story… Well, you’ll just have to read the book to find out! 😉
There is so much more I could say about this book–how I loved Joseph, Ahira, and Pushpa, the complex plot, the fascinating historical details, the fact that everything felt so real, etc. But then this review would be a mile long!! So just know that Mesu has crafted a masterpiece here, and you need to read it! 😆5/5 Stars!
PS: I CANNOT WAIT to read the sequel, Of Feast and Famine!
From the first chapter, I was sucked into Zully’s island world. I felt her horror and pain as her life was quickly turned upside down and she was thrust into an uncertain future. Which really surprised me!
I have always disliked Potiphar’s Wife in the Bible–I mean, who doesn’t dislike her when they read the story of Joseph? At first glance, you can only assume that she is nothing more than a terrible villain, and you may even hope that she got her “just desserts” for what she did. But in this book, Mesu brings to life a complex and layered woman that has many good qualities, and you can’t help but care about her. It's the hard hand that life deals her, and her choices she makes in response, that slowly morph her into the villain of her own story. It’s a perfect example of how villains are not born, they’re made over time.
As Zully’s life spiraled out of control, bringing her ever closer to that fateful encounter with Joseph, I kept marveling at Mesu’s writing skills. To create such a complex character that starts out very lovable and gradually becomes so twisted and broken is a feat. It’s more than just writing a character who does bad things for the sake of being bad, or putting a character through difficult things just for the sake of drama. She made me feel everything alongside Zully and somehow understand, if not agree with, her motives. I even found myself hoping for grace for the real life wife of Potiphar. She’s still a villain in Joseph’s story, but now I genuinely hope that she somehow found redemption.
As for if Zully finds redemption in Mesu’s version of the story… Well, you’ll just have to read the book to find out! 😉
There is so much more I could say about this book–how I loved Joseph, Ahira, and Pushpa, the complex plot, the fascinating historical details, the fact that everything felt so real, etc. But then this review would be a mile long!! So just know that Mesu has crafted a masterpiece here, and you need to read it! 😆5/5 Stars!
PS: I CANNOT WAIT to read the sequel, Of Feast and Famine!
May 15, 2022
This was a very powerful novel. I am thrilled that my husband and I have been reading the Old Testament recently so I knew the story very well. The author did a wonderful job of meshing real history and fictional content. This is the second Biblical fiction that I have read from this author. I have enjoyed both of these books very much.
This Bible story totally came to life as I read it and was very entertaining as Potiphar's wife, Zully, tries to seduce Joseph and he wants nothing to do with that. There is so much historical information in this book, you know the amount of research that goes into a work such as this. I found myself totally captivated by the entire book as each of the characters truly are amazingly well written and you feel as you are right there experiencing their stories with them. I love that Zully tells her story in her words and with her own feelings and thoughts.
This is a book I recommend. It was very good!
I received an ebook copy from WaterBrook through NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
This Bible story totally came to life as I read it and was very entertaining as Potiphar's wife, Zully, tries to seduce Joseph and he wants nothing to do with that. There is so much historical information in this book, you know the amount of research that goes into a work such as this. I found myself totally captivated by the entire book as each of the characters truly are amazingly well written and you feel as you are right there experiencing their stories with them. I love that Zully tells her story in her words and with her own feelings and thoughts.
This is a book I recommend. It was very good!
I received an ebook copy from WaterBrook through NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
June 27, 2022
4 1/2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mesu Andrews is one of my all time favorite authors, and this book was such a treat. Mesu does a great job with character development and this book even had me rooting for the bad guys.
Little is known about Potiphar's wife, she is the one who was trying to tempt Joseph to her bed and when he refused she told Potiphar that he had tried to rape her.
I was in love with the way Mesu wrote Potiphar's character, at first I thought I was going to hate him but he proved me wrong. Even the minor characters in the story held my heart and wouldn't let go.
The only reason I gave it 4 1/2 instead of 5 stars, was I felt the beginning a little slow for me but it quickly picked up and had me wanting more.
Thank you to #NetGalley for a copy of this book #potipharswife
Mesu Andrews is one of my all time favorite authors, and this book was such a treat. Mesu does a great job with character development and this book even had me rooting for the bad guys.
Little is known about Potiphar's wife, she is the one who was trying to tempt Joseph to her bed and when he refused she told Potiphar that he had tried to rape her.
I was in love with the way Mesu wrote Potiphar's character, at first I thought I was going to hate him but he proved me wrong. Even the minor characters in the story held my heart and wouldn't let go.
The only reason I gave it 4 1/2 instead of 5 stars, was I felt the beginning a little slow for me but it quickly picked up and had me wanting more.
Thank you to #NetGalley for a copy of this book #potipharswife
April 10, 2022
This book was read for my Biblical Fiction Reading Challenge A Joyfilled Journey Through Scripture
During my 2021 Biblical fiction reading challenge, I discovered many new authors. Some were good enough, but one emerged to become a new favorite author. And that was Mesu Andrews. I read every single one of her books and couldn’t get enough. I loved Andrews’ weaving of Biblical narrative, ancient historical context, deep character development and moving plotlines. When I saw that Mesu Andrews was releasing a new book this year, Potiphar’s Wife, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.
Little is known Biblically about Potiphar’s wife, but she’s a pivotal character in the Joseph narrative in the book of Genesis. Mesu Andrews consults many historical sources to provide this woman not just a name, but a rich backstory that paints new colors on this portion of Scripture.
Princess Zuleika is daughter of a king on the island of Crete, but tragic circumstances send her to Egypt seeking the heart of a Pharaoh…only to find herself wed to the captain of his guard. Princess Zuleika (or Zully) is in a foreign land with foreigners for friends, specifically two Hebrew servants and an Egyptian cook. Zully continues to make choices that hurt those around her, until she finally reaches rock bottom. Zully reaches out for Elohim, the God of the Hebrews, but is it enough to redeem her in the eyes of those she’s betrayed?
I love the story of Joseph in the Bible, and I was so excited to read this. I love how Mesu Andrews wrote this from multiple points of view, from Zully to Potiphar to Joseph and Zully’s Hebrew handmaid. I found myself struggling to like Zully for most of the novel, even when I knew her biggest betrayal was yet to come. I was heartbroken realizing how mental illness must have been dealt with in these ancient times, and tried to find sympathy for this character. Most of this novel is political intrigue and conspiracy, at times which I found difficult to follow. I loved the immersion in Egyptian culture and how Joseph would have been viewed in the midst of this culture. At times, this novel reminded me of The Pharaoh's Daughter, which is maybe my favorite of Mesu Andrews’ novels. Overall, I was a big fan of this book and can’t wait for the sequel in 2023!
My rating – 4.5 of 5 stars
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher. This did not influence my review and the opinions in this personal blog are entirely my own.
During my 2021 Biblical fiction reading challenge, I discovered many new authors. Some were good enough, but one emerged to become a new favorite author. And that was Mesu Andrews. I read every single one of her books and couldn’t get enough. I loved Andrews’ weaving of Biblical narrative, ancient historical context, deep character development and moving plotlines. When I saw that Mesu Andrews was releasing a new book this year, Potiphar’s Wife, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.
Little is known Biblically about Potiphar’s wife, but she’s a pivotal character in the Joseph narrative in the book of Genesis. Mesu Andrews consults many historical sources to provide this woman not just a name, but a rich backstory that paints new colors on this portion of Scripture.
Princess Zuleika is daughter of a king on the island of Crete, but tragic circumstances send her to Egypt seeking the heart of a Pharaoh…only to find herself wed to the captain of his guard. Princess Zuleika (or Zully) is in a foreign land with foreigners for friends, specifically two Hebrew servants and an Egyptian cook. Zully continues to make choices that hurt those around her, until she finally reaches rock bottom. Zully reaches out for Elohim, the God of the Hebrews, but is it enough to redeem her in the eyes of those she’s betrayed?
I love the story of Joseph in the Bible, and I was so excited to read this. I love how Mesu Andrews wrote this from multiple points of view, from Zully to Potiphar to Joseph and Zully’s Hebrew handmaid. I found myself struggling to like Zully for most of the novel, even when I knew her biggest betrayal was yet to come. I was heartbroken realizing how mental illness must have been dealt with in these ancient times, and tried to find sympathy for this character. Most of this novel is political intrigue and conspiracy, at times which I found difficult to follow. I loved the immersion in Egyptian culture and how Joseph would have been viewed in the midst of this culture. At times, this novel reminded me of The Pharaoh's Daughter, which is maybe my favorite of Mesu Andrews’ novels. Overall, I was a big fan of this book and can’t wait for the sequel in 2023!
My rating – 4.5 of 5 stars
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher. This did not influence my review and the opinions in this personal blog are entirely my own.
April 13, 2022
Step back into ancient Egypt and the palace of a mighty pharaoh in this beautifully crafted, meticulously researched historical novel where the writing is as elaborate as Potiphar’s apparel and the story is as exquisite as his bride’s finest crystal vase.
Before she’s Potiphar’s wife, Zuleika “Zully” is the daughter of a king and the wife of a prince. She rules the isle of Crete alongside her mother in the absence of their seafaring husbands. But when tragedy nearly destroys Crete, Zuleika must sacrifice her future to save the Minoan people she loves. (Scene stealer: Pushpa, Potiphar’s “omi” with a heart of gold.)
Zuleika’s father believes his robust trade with Egypt will ensure Pharaoh’s obligation to marry his daughter, including a bride price hefty enough to save Crete. But Pharaoh refuses and gives her instead to Potiphar, the captain of his bodyguards. He’s a crusty bachelor twice her age, who would rather have a new horse than a Minoan wife.
Abandoned by her father, rejected by Pharaoh, and humiliated by Potiphar’s indifference, Zuleika yearns for the homeland she adores. In the political hotbed of Egypt’s foreign dynasty, her obsession to return to Crete spirals into deception. Enter Joseph. Everything goes sideways from there, except for Elohim…
There’s also plenty of palace intrigue. Duplicity and deceit. Greed and corruption stalk every step. Betrayal, distrust, and double-crosses slither around every corner. And trust is an illusion. Or is it?
Marinated in mercy, grace and forgiveness, Potiphar’s Wife is a rich and wonderful read, offering a fresh and fascinating take on an old story.
Before she’s Potiphar’s wife, Zuleika “Zully” is the daughter of a king and the wife of a prince. She rules the isle of Crete alongside her mother in the absence of their seafaring husbands. But when tragedy nearly destroys Crete, Zuleika must sacrifice her future to save the Minoan people she loves. (Scene stealer: Pushpa, Potiphar’s “omi” with a heart of gold.)
Zuleika’s father believes his robust trade with Egypt will ensure Pharaoh’s obligation to marry his daughter, including a bride price hefty enough to save Crete. But Pharaoh refuses and gives her instead to Potiphar, the captain of his bodyguards. He’s a crusty bachelor twice her age, who would rather have a new horse than a Minoan wife.
Abandoned by her father, rejected by Pharaoh, and humiliated by Potiphar’s indifference, Zuleika yearns for the homeland she adores. In the political hotbed of Egypt’s foreign dynasty, her obsession to return to Crete spirals into deception. Enter Joseph. Everything goes sideways from there, except for Elohim…
There’s also plenty of palace intrigue. Duplicity and deceit. Greed and corruption stalk every step. Betrayal, distrust, and double-crosses slither around every corner. And trust is an illusion. Or is it?
Marinated in mercy, grace and forgiveness, Potiphar’s Wife is a rich and wonderful read, offering a fresh and fascinating take on an old story.
June 26, 2025
Potiphar’s wife is one of the bad girls in The Bible. She framed and sent Joseph to jail because he rejected her advances. In this retelling of the infamous event, Mrs. Andrews gives Potiphar’s wife a voice. Through Potiphar’s wife’s eyes, the reader gets to know her background and her motivations for framing Joseph. She also has a name that was not mentioned in The Bible. Her name in this novel is Zuleika.
Zuleika was once the crown princess of Crete. Her husband and mother die in an earthquake and the kingdom is destroyed by the natural disaster. With hopes of rebuilding her homeland, she travels to Egypt and offers herself as a bride for the pharaoh. However, the pharaoh gives her to his best friend, Potiphar. There she meets Potiphar’s right-hand man named Joseph. This unleashes a chain of events that would lead her to commit her horrible act of framing an innocent man.
Zuleika is a sympathetic but not often likable protagonist. Because she was once a princess and comes from a culture where women ruled when their husbands were absent, she often assumes that Potiphar will let her run the estate when he is away. However, Potiphar makes Joseph ruler in his stead. Zuleika is not happy with being powerless and confined to her rooms as a docile wife. She also wants the power to manage her own household. Therefore, Zuleika and Joseph are wrapped in a power struggle. Zulieka goes through many tragic events. However, she’s made many bad choices. These bad choices really made it hard to like her. She also can be ruthless at times. Still, she suffered through so many hardships that she becomes a pitiful woman by the time she frames Joseph. Thus, Zulieka was an unhappy woman who was trying to find her happiness.
The supporting characters are more fascinating than Zuleika. My favorite character in this story is Joseph, who is the true hero of this novel. His faith is tested by God, and he remains very faithful to him. With God’s love, he becomes stronger no matter his hardships. Thus, Joseph is a very admirable character. I also like Zuleika’s Hebrew maid, Ahira. Ahira suffered many hardships. However, she finds healing through God’s love and mercy. Potiphar is also an interesting character who is faithful to his best friend, the Pharaoh. Thus, all the supporting characters are very complex and realistic.
Overall, this novel is about loss, repentance, and forgiveness. The message of this book is that God has a plan for everyone. There are a few drawbacks to this novel. The plot is very simple and because of it seemed drawn out. It could easily have been shorter. The pacing of the story is also uneven. It moves at a slow pace from the beginning to the middle. The last part of the novel seemed very rushed. Nevertheless, Potiphar’s Wife gives readers a deeper look at the infamous villainess. I recommend this novel for fans of The Red Tent, The Dream Weaver’s Bride, and Asenath!
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)
Zuleika was once the crown princess of Crete. Her husband and mother die in an earthquake and the kingdom is destroyed by the natural disaster. With hopes of rebuilding her homeland, she travels to Egypt and offers herself as a bride for the pharaoh. However, the pharaoh gives her to his best friend, Potiphar. There she meets Potiphar’s right-hand man named Joseph. This unleashes a chain of events that would lead her to commit her horrible act of framing an innocent man.
Zuleika is a sympathetic but not often likable protagonist. Because she was once a princess and comes from a culture where women ruled when their husbands were absent, she often assumes that Potiphar will let her run the estate when he is away. However, Potiphar makes Joseph ruler in his stead. Zuleika is not happy with being powerless and confined to her rooms as a docile wife. She also wants the power to manage her own household. Therefore, Zuleika and Joseph are wrapped in a power struggle. Zulieka goes through many tragic events. However, she’s made many bad choices. These bad choices really made it hard to like her. She also can be ruthless at times. Still, she suffered through so many hardships that she becomes a pitiful woman by the time she frames Joseph. Thus, Zulieka was an unhappy woman who was trying to find her happiness.
The supporting characters are more fascinating than Zuleika. My favorite character in this story is Joseph, who is the true hero of this novel. His faith is tested by God, and he remains very faithful to him. With God’s love, he becomes stronger no matter his hardships. Thus, Joseph is a very admirable character. I also like Zuleika’s Hebrew maid, Ahira. Ahira suffered many hardships. However, she finds healing through God’s love and mercy. Potiphar is also an interesting character who is faithful to his best friend, the Pharaoh. Thus, all the supporting characters are very complex and realistic.
Overall, this novel is about loss, repentance, and forgiveness. The message of this book is that God has a plan for everyone. There are a few drawbacks to this novel. The plot is very simple and because of it seemed drawn out. It could easily have been shorter. The pacing of the story is also uneven. It moves at a slow pace from the beginning to the middle. The last part of the novel seemed very rushed. Nevertheless, Potiphar’s Wife gives readers a deeper look at the infamous villainess. I recommend this novel for fans of The Red Tent, The Dream Weaver’s Bride, and Asenath!
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)
May 27, 2022
Mesu Andrews has done it again! Careful historical and biblical research combines effortlessly with riveting characters. Zully as the infamous bad girl is so real. I was constantly torn between wanting to shake her and give her a hug! I was captivated by the side characters, the glamour of ancient Egypt, and the very real message of God’s love.
May 24, 2022
Received a copy for review from the publisher.
Warning: this does talk about rape, manipulation, mental abuse, loss of a child.
This was an interesting story. I wasn't fully connected to the story or the characters, but I appreciated and enjoyed the plot and how Mesu weaved scripture into this biblical fiction. The writing was superb and the atmosphere made me feel as if I was there at Potiphar's house or the palace.
Zuleika aka Zully was a determined, loud mouth brat to me. Spoiled in every way, but also hardworking. I was saddened by the lost of her mother and betrothed. I was heartbroken by all the things she experienced. I didn't connect to nor really care for her. She upset quiet often along with Gaios. I felt sorry for her. I will say the ending she got was beautiful.
Joseph was amazing. Seeing him as the chamberlain for Potiphar, working behind the scenes, was so exciting to read about. He was headstrong and hardworking. He made God the center of it all. He never abused his power or overstepped boundaries. He was kind to everyone and helped where and how he could.
Joseph's romance with Ahira annoyed me at first, but I loved how they both made sure that the other knew God would see them through their darkest hours. It was absolutely cute.
Potiphar seemed like a rude guy at first, but then as he began to open up I started to like him. I enjoyed his perspective a lot, but was sadden by the fact that he realized his love for his new wife too late. Potiphar was also very dedicated to his job and role of bodyguard so I feel like his job was more of his wife than anything else.
Pharaoh seemed a good friend, but sometimes I feel like he overplayed his role as ruler. Gaios was dog from start to finish. He was manipulative, controlling, deceitful and the list goes on. Very much a narcissist from start to finish. King Rehor wasn't a terrible father, but I didn't like how he abandoned his daughter, Zully. He could have done a bit more rather than try to manipulate her into "helping" her people.
Overall, this was a good read and I would recommend it to others to read. I really enjoyed my read of this new release.
Warning: this does talk about rape, manipulation, mental abuse, loss of a child.
This was an interesting story. I wasn't fully connected to the story or the characters, but I appreciated and enjoyed the plot and how Mesu weaved scripture into this biblical fiction. The writing was superb and the atmosphere made me feel as if I was there at Potiphar's house or the palace.
Zuleika aka Zully was a determined, loud mouth brat to me. Spoiled in every way, but also hardworking. I was saddened by the lost of her mother and betrothed. I was heartbroken by all the things she experienced. I didn't connect to nor really care for her. She upset quiet often along with Gaios. I felt sorry for her. I will say the ending she got was beautiful.
Joseph was amazing. Seeing him as the chamberlain for Potiphar, working behind the scenes, was so exciting to read about. He was headstrong and hardworking. He made God the center of it all. He never abused his power or overstepped boundaries. He was kind to everyone and helped where and how he could.
Joseph's romance with Ahira annoyed me at first, but I loved how they both made sure that the other knew God would see them through their darkest hours. It was absolutely cute.
Potiphar seemed like a rude guy at first, but then as he began to open up I started to like him. I enjoyed his perspective a lot, but was sadden by the fact that he realized his love for his new wife too late. Potiphar was also very dedicated to his job and role of bodyguard so I feel like his job was more of his wife than anything else.
Pharaoh seemed a good friend, but sometimes I feel like he overplayed his role as ruler. Gaios was dog from start to finish. He was manipulative, controlling, deceitful and the list goes on. Very much a narcissist from start to finish. King Rehor wasn't a terrible father, but I didn't like how he abandoned his daughter, Zully. He could have done a bit more rather than try to manipulate her into "helping" her people.
Overall, this was a good read and I would recommend it to others to read. I really enjoyed my read of this new release.
April 26, 2022
Ok so I have never not wanted a book to end as much as I did Potiphar's Wife by Mesu Andrews, but seriously, I didn't want it to end!!! This book was one of the most interesting historical biblical fiction books that I have ever read. There was real history, love, mystery, and what I cherish most about Mesu's books, there is a message of love and hope that always draws me closer to the Lord God, Creator of all!
In her other books, all of which I have read too as I am a big fan, Mesu takes a well-known biblical story and adds some characters and situations that stays true to the biblical story, but brings in her own imagination right along with it, sort of what she thought could have happened, but she never takes the story out of context, meaning she stays true to God's Word. She does the same again for Potiphar's Wife.
Mesu did intense research for this book, as she does for all her books to keep the accuracy of the times, and she found the true name of Potiphar's wife was actually Zuleika. Here's an excerpt from her "Note to Readers" she wrote before the book begins:
"Though I researched intensely and made every effort to be biblically accurate, I am neither an Egyptologist nor a scholar. The story you’re about to read is faith-based and informed fiction. As with all my books, you’ll find more information about the research and creative decisions in the Author’s Note at the end of the book. But beware! It contains spoilers. For now, I hope you’ll simply turn the page and meet Zuleika, Potiphar’s wife, as you’ve never known her before."
And that's exactly what happened to me, and I literally loved every minute of it!
In the beginning, we find Princess Zuleika at her home on the Isle of Crete freshly married to the love of her life, helping her father King Rehor with ruling, and handling a very success trade operation with other nations to keep Crete prosperous so that one day her and her royal husband can step into the role she has been groomed for since birth, and everything couldn't have been better. She was loved by her new husband, she had parents who loved her, and her island was thriving, and its people who she loved more than life itself was about to be hers to care for completely for the rest of her life.
One day, Princess Zuleika's world came crashing down literally! On the small isle of Crete the ground began to shake, and it didn't stop until most of the small isle and her mother and beloved husband were dead, just like that. She and her father survived the great earth shake as they called it back then, but their poor isle looked as if it had literally been picked up, shook, and thrown back down, hence many people, animals, and the beloved crops died that day. So King Rehor had to do something to save his beloved Crete.
You may have guessed it, the idea he had was to take his royal daughter and offer her as a wife to the greatest man during that time, a man who many thought was a god, and who was king over the most prosperous nation in the entire world - Pharaoh Kyhan of Egypt. You might think this sounds like a horrible father, but this father did something many fathers didn't do back then when they needed money, he asked his daughter if she would be willing to do this, and Princess Zuleika, who loved her beloved people, was willing to lay down her life to save them, and so off to Egypt they went knowing that if Pharaoh married Zuleika, then he would help rebuild Crete!
When they get to Egypt, God had another plan for Princess Zuleika. In the story, Pharaoh already had two wives, and he didn't want another one because he believed in being true to them, and that marriage was important. He had a best friend since childhood who was the captain of his guard, and can you guess who that was? It was Captain Potiphar, who was currently unmarried, and in Pharaoh's eyes needed a wife, so Princess Zuleika was given in marriage to him, and they go to live in Potiphar's villa, and that is where we find Joseph.
Joseph, as we know from the Bible, was the beloved son of Jacob and his second but most beloved wife Rachel, and Jacob was the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the patriarch of Israel. Joseph's brothers were very jealous of him because they thought their father loved him and showed him special favors, and not them. (You can read Joseph's story in Genesis 37 in the Bible to learn more.). Because of their jealousy, they sell him to some Midianite traders, and they in turn sell Joseph to Potiphar's household where he begins as a shepherd and works his way up to Chamberlain because the favor of Elohim (God) is with him and upon his life.
If you know the Bible story, then you know what happens between Joseph and Mistress Zuleika, but in this story, Mesu weaves a story that isn't so cut and dried. Mesu weaves many characters into this story, all whom change significantly throughout it; all of whom have their own personal battles, so when thrown together, there is some earth shaking that goes on in their lives in Egypt... Princess Zuleika has left her homeland to save it, and is grieving her husband, and is given to a man she's never met. Potiphar knows how to handle a battle, but had no ideas how to be a husband. He has to travel right after they are married, so to make it easier for Zuleika, he buys a slave that was actually a street rat, as he was called, from Crete who helped her father with business, and who became her best friend, and his name was Gaios. He turns out to be a completely different man than the one Zuleika knew on Crete, but you'll have to read to find out how.
Another character we meet in the story is one of my favorites. Her name is Ahira, and she becomes Zuleika's handmaid, and best friend. She is Hebrew like Joseph, whose father was chief shepherd for Jacob, Joseph's father, and she has had dealings with Joseph's brother Simeon, but again I won't ruin the story...she believes in and loves Elohim, as she grew up listening to him alongside Joseph's family, but she had thought Elohim had abandoned her until she found herself on a slave block, and Joseph buys her as he remembered her, and she becomes Zuleika's handmaid, and maybe more to Joseph but you'll have to read to find out.
The last character I want to tell about is Potiphar's Ommi, Pushpa. She took Potiphar in as a child when his parents died, and she loved him and cared for both him and young Pharaoh. Pushpa is old in this story, but she still lives with her beloved son Potiphar, and she is filled with such love and tender care that reminds me of my own grandmother. She could act like a queen, yet she stays humble and loves all, and shows it by cooking for all. Her and Joseph develop a beautiful relationship, and Pushpa welcomes, loves, and accepts Zuleika and Ahira, and helps them adjust to their new lives with live and care. She is a one of a kind!!
So all these characters are woven together into one of the most beautifully written books that I have ever read. Before this book, I never thought of Potiphar's Wife as anything but a bad woman, but through this story, I saw that maybe I shouldn't be so quick to judge her or anyone without knowing the back story a bit, even though this is mostly fiction!
I learned so much that I never knew before, and I had to stop reading several times to look up things Mesu mentioned in the book. I learned about water clocks, which ancient Egyptians used to tell time, and about the precious faiance they used to make jewelry and art pieces, about the different languages spoken at the time like Akkadian, and I even learned how to play a game she mentions called Senet, and I am going to play that with my grandson as I learned how to make the board. There's even an online version which I am getting pretty good at!
What I especially loved about this book is that it shows first of all that God cares for all people, and in this story we see how the Lord is actually working in each of the characters, even if they know it or not. I loved how King Rehor of Crete didn't see his daughter as a pawn, but really cared for her, and wanted what was best for his country. I loved the friendship between Pharaoh and Potiphar, even though some try to come between them, their honesty and transparency with each other is so refreshing! Also seeing how God uses Joseph's talents to help run Potiphars vast empire is fun to watch. Through Joseph and all the characters we see Elohim's love and tenderness, and willingness to forgive and restore! We see how He loves even the unloveable! So I guess you could say I absolutely loved this book! It gets 5 out of 5 stars, and I wouldn't change a thing!!!
I hope you will read this book, because you won't regret it, as this book is rich in history, mystery, love, a little romance, faith, hope, heartache, fear, but eventually restoration. I highly recommend this book!!!!
In her other books, all of which I have read too as I am a big fan, Mesu takes a well-known biblical story and adds some characters and situations that stays true to the biblical story, but brings in her own imagination right along with it, sort of what she thought could have happened, but she never takes the story out of context, meaning she stays true to God's Word. She does the same again for Potiphar's Wife.
Mesu did intense research for this book, as she does for all her books to keep the accuracy of the times, and she found the true name of Potiphar's wife was actually Zuleika. Here's an excerpt from her "Note to Readers" she wrote before the book begins:
"Though I researched intensely and made every effort to be biblically accurate, I am neither an Egyptologist nor a scholar. The story you’re about to read is faith-based and informed fiction. As with all my books, you’ll find more information about the research and creative decisions in the Author’s Note at the end of the book. But beware! It contains spoilers. For now, I hope you’ll simply turn the page and meet Zuleika, Potiphar’s wife, as you’ve never known her before."
And that's exactly what happened to me, and I literally loved every minute of it!
In the beginning, we find Princess Zuleika at her home on the Isle of Crete freshly married to the love of her life, helping her father King Rehor with ruling, and handling a very success trade operation with other nations to keep Crete prosperous so that one day her and her royal husband can step into the role she has been groomed for since birth, and everything couldn't have been better. She was loved by her new husband, she had parents who loved her, and her island was thriving, and its people who she loved more than life itself was about to be hers to care for completely for the rest of her life.
One day, Princess Zuleika's world came crashing down literally! On the small isle of Crete the ground began to shake, and it didn't stop until most of the small isle and her mother and beloved husband were dead, just like that. She and her father survived the great earth shake as they called it back then, but their poor isle looked as if it had literally been picked up, shook, and thrown back down, hence many people, animals, and the beloved crops died that day. So King Rehor had to do something to save his beloved Crete.
You may have guessed it, the idea he had was to take his royal daughter and offer her as a wife to the greatest man during that time, a man who many thought was a god, and who was king over the most prosperous nation in the entire world - Pharaoh Kyhan of Egypt. You might think this sounds like a horrible father, but this father did something many fathers didn't do back then when they needed money, he asked his daughter if she would be willing to do this, and Princess Zuleika, who loved her beloved people, was willing to lay down her life to save them, and so off to Egypt they went knowing that if Pharaoh married Zuleika, then he would help rebuild Crete!
When they get to Egypt, God had another plan for Princess Zuleika. In the story, Pharaoh already had two wives, and he didn't want another one because he believed in being true to them, and that marriage was important. He had a best friend since childhood who was the captain of his guard, and can you guess who that was? It was Captain Potiphar, who was currently unmarried, and in Pharaoh's eyes needed a wife, so Princess Zuleika was given in marriage to him, and they go to live in Potiphar's villa, and that is where we find Joseph.
Joseph, as we know from the Bible, was the beloved son of Jacob and his second but most beloved wife Rachel, and Jacob was the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the patriarch of Israel. Joseph's brothers were very jealous of him because they thought their father loved him and showed him special favors, and not them. (You can read Joseph's story in Genesis 37 in the Bible to learn more.). Because of their jealousy, they sell him to some Midianite traders, and they in turn sell Joseph to Potiphar's household where he begins as a shepherd and works his way up to Chamberlain because the favor of Elohim (God) is with him and upon his life.
If you know the Bible story, then you know what happens between Joseph and Mistress Zuleika, but in this story, Mesu weaves a story that isn't so cut and dried. Mesu weaves many characters into this story, all whom change significantly throughout it; all of whom have their own personal battles, so when thrown together, there is some earth shaking that goes on in their lives in Egypt... Princess Zuleika has left her homeland to save it, and is grieving her husband, and is given to a man she's never met. Potiphar knows how to handle a battle, but had no ideas how to be a husband. He has to travel right after they are married, so to make it easier for Zuleika, he buys a slave that was actually a street rat, as he was called, from Crete who helped her father with business, and who became her best friend, and his name was Gaios. He turns out to be a completely different man than the one Zuleika knew on Crete, but you'll have to read to find out how.
Another character we meet in the story is one of my favorites. Her name is Ahira, and she becomes Zuleika's handmaid, and best friend. She is Hebrew like Joseph, whose father was chief shepherd for Jacob, Joseph's father, and she has had dealings with Joseph's brother Simeon, but again I won't ruin the story...she believes in and loves Elohim, as she grew up listening to him alongside Joseph's family, but she had thought Elohim had abandoned her until she found herself on a slave block, and Joseph buys her as he remembered her, and she becomes Zuleika's handmaid, and maybe more to Joseph but you'll have to read to find out.
The last character I want to tell about is Potiphar's Ommi, Pushpa. She took Potiphar in as a child when his parents died, and she loved him and cared for both him and young Pharaoh. Pushpa is old in this story, but she still lives with her beloved son Potiphar, and she is filled with such love and tender care that reminds me of my own grandmother. She could act like a queen, yet she stays humble and loves all, and shows it by cooking for all. Her and Joseph develop a beautiful relationship, and Pushpa welcomes, loves, and accepts Zuleika and Ahira, and helps them adjust to their new lives with live and care. She is a one of a kind!!
So all these characters are woven together into one of the most beautifully written books that I have ever read. Before this book, I never thought of Potiphar's Wife as anything but a bad woman, but through this story, I saw that maybe I shouldn't be so quick to judge her or anyone without knowing the back story a bit, even though this is mostly fiction!
I learned so much that I never knew before, and I had to stop reading several times to look up things Mesu mentioned in the book. I learned about water clocks, which ancient Egyptians used to tell time, and about the precious faiance they used to make jewelry and art pieces, about the different languages spoken at the time like Akkadian, and I even learned how to play a game she mentions called Senet, and I am going to play that with my grandson as I learned how to make the board. There's even an online version which I am getting pretty good at!
What I especially loved about this book is that it shows first of all that God cares for all people, and in this story we see how the Lord is actually working in each of the characters, even if they know it or not. I loved how King Rehor of Crete didn't see his daughter as a pawn, but really cared for her, and wanted what was best for his country. I loved the friendship between Pharaoh and Potiphar, even though some try to come between them, their honesty and transparency with each other is so refreshing! Also seeing how God uses Joseph's talents to help run Potiphars vast empire is fun to watch. Through Joseph and all the characters we see Elohim's love and tenderness, and willingness to forgive and restore! We see how He loves even the unloveable! So I guess you could say I absolutely loved this book! It gets 5 out of 5 stars, and I wouldn't change a thing!!!
I hope you will read this book, because you won't regret it, as this book is rich in history, mystery, love, a little romance, faith, hope, heartache, fear, but eventually restoration. I highly recommend this book!!!!
April 10, 2022
I enjoyed the way the author told this story and the human-ness that it brought to people from the Bible. People dealt with the same emotions in Bible times as we do now - grief, despair, loneliness - but the way that God works in their lives and the redemption stories are just as beautiful.
May 29, 2022
I can honestly say that I have never thought much about the woman who seduced Joseph before this book. It was such an interesting concept and I had no idea what kind of journey I would on when I started Potiphar’s Wife. It made me look at a “villain” of the Bible and think with compassion. I love that this is a Bible story that you can know like the back of your hand and Mesu Andrews makes you take pause and think about the people involved. I connected with Zully in a way that was unexpected. I wanted to help her and show her the way but all I could do was turn the page and keep reading. Joseph was so interesting as the story progressed and I wanted more after the last page! I really want a sequel to follow up on Joseph’s story but I am also so happy with how Zully’s journey finished.
I received an arc via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
I received an arc via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
December 5, 2022
Shock after shock after shock. The whole thing was full of big shock value twists under the name of being a page turner. It felt very cheap and overdone, and no characters were consistent or sympathetic. I was looking for a study of human nature as Zully's morals declined and desperation/brokenness increased, but this was far from the sensitive and realistic story I thought I was picking up.
June 23, 2023
I struggled the first half wasn’t sure if I would finish. Historical Biblical fiction can be tricky. The research Mesu Andrews has done is impressive. If you are looking for a Bible story enhanced this is not the one for you. However, this work in its entirety was good, just kept reminding myself it’s fiction even though it has Biblical truth woven in.
June 24, 2022
I love the depth of research that goes into Andrews’ books. However, this one seemed too much of a stretch for me, even for Biblical fiction. It was entertaining and well written, but the main character wasn’t likable to me, which brought it down a notch.
May 24, 2022
Received a copy for review from the publisher.
Warning: this does talk about rape, manipulation, mental abuse, loss of a child.
This was an interesting story. I wasn't fully connected to the story or the characters, but I appreciated and enjoyed the plot and how Mesu weaved scripture into this biblical fiction. The writing was superb and the atmosphere made me feel as if I was there at Potiphar's house or the palace.
Zuleika aka Zully was a determined, loud mouth brat to me. Spoiled in every way, but also hardworking. I was saddened by the lost of her mother and betrothed. I was heartbroken by all the things she experienced. I didn't connect to nor really care for her. She upset quiet often along with Gaios. I felt sorry for her. I will say the ending she got was beautiful.
Joseph was amazing. Seeing him as the chamberlain for Potiphar, working behind the scenes, was so exciting to read about. He was headstrong and hardworking. He made God the center of it all. He never abused his power or overstepped boundaries. He was kind to everyone and helped where and how he could.
Joseph's romance with Ahira annoyed me at first, but I loved how they both made sure that the other knew God would see them through their darkest hours. It was absolutely cute.
Potiphar seemed like a rude guy at first, but then as he began to open up I started to like him. I enjoyed his perspective a lot, but was sadden by the fact that he realized his love for his new wife too late. Potiphar was also very dedicated to his job and role of bodyguard so I feel like his job was more of his wife than anything else.
Pharaoh seemed a good friend, but sometimes I feel like he overplayed his role as ruler. Gaios was dog from start to finish. He was manipulative, controlling, deceitful and the list goes on. Very much a narcissist from start to finish. King Rehor wasn't a terrible father, but I didn't like how he abandoned his daughter, Zully. He could have done a bit more rather than try to manipulate her into "helping" her people.
Overall, this was a good read and I would recommend it to others to read. I really enjoyed my read of this new release.
Warning: this does talk about rape, manipulation, mental abuse, loss of a child.
This was an interesting story. I wasn't fully connected to the story or the characters, but I appreciated and enjoyed the plot and how Mesu weaved scripture into this biblical fiction. The writing was superb and the atmosphere made me feel as if I was there at Potiphar's house or the palace.
Zuleika aka Zully was a determined, loud mouth brat to me. Spoiled in every way, but also hardworking. I was saddened by the lost of her mother and betrothed. I was heartbroken by all the things she experienced. I didn't connect to nor really care for her. She upset quiet often along with Gaios. I felt sorry for her. I will say the ending she got was beautiful.
Joseph was amazing. Seeing him as the chamberlain for Potiphar, working behind the scenes, was so exciting to read about. He was headstrong and hardworking. He made God the center of it all. He never abused his power or overstepped boundaries. He was kind to everyone and helped where and how he could.
Joseph's romance with Ahira annoyed me at first, but I loved how they both made sure that the other knew God would see them through their darkest hours. It was absolutely cute.
Potiphar seemed like a rude guy at first, but then as he began to open up I started to like him. I enjoyed his perspective a lot, but was sadden by the fact that he realized his love for his new wife too late. Potiphar was also very dedicated to his job and role of bodyguard so I feel like his job was more of his wife than anything else.
Pharaoh seemed a good friend, but sometimes I feel like he overplayed his role as ruler. Gaios was dog from start to finish. He was manipulative, controlling, deceitful and the list goes on. Very much a narcissist from start to finish. King Rehor wasn't a terrible father, but I didn't like how he abandoned his daughter, Zully. He could have done a bit more rather than try to manipulate her into "helping" her people.
Overall, this was a good read and I would recommend it to others to read. I really enjoyed my read of this new release.
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