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Humbled
Exhausted by constant fighting, the Mitchell family is basking in the midst of an unexpected truce. Joel has fled to Chicago to escape his failed marriage and business ventures. Excited about climbing out of his pit of despair, Joel is eager to get divorced and start over. Tranquility is fleeting when he finds out that his wife, Zarah, is pregnant. Now he's faced with doing the right thing, but the only problem is he doesn't know what that is.
Meanwhile, Zarah is willing to pine over Joel until he returns, certain the baby is going to solve their problems. Tamara, the fiery Mitchell heir who's obsessed with empowering women, refuses to watch Zarah grovel for the affection of an undeserving man, even if it is her brother. As Joel teeters with a decision, Tamara prods Zarah to take the reins. Tamara's commitment isn't purely altruistic. She wants to buddy up, gain allegiance, and ultimately undermine the family business.
Is there hope for the Mitchell family as layers of strife begin to shed? Will God be able to soften their hearts?
Meanwhile, Zarah is willing to pine over Joel until he returns, certain the baby is going to solve their problems. Tamara, the fiery Mitchell heir who's obsessed with empowering women, refuses to watch Zarah grovel for the affection of an undeserving man, even if it is her brother. As Joel teeters with a decision, Tamara prods Zarah to take the reins. Tamara's commitment isn't purely altruistic. She wants to buddy up, gain allegiance, and ultimately undermine the family business.
Is there hope for the Mitchell family as layers of strife begin to shed? Will God be able to soften their hearts?
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
8 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Haley
32 books55 followersPatricia Haley, an award winning national bestselling author, earned the title of ‘trailblazer’ after achieving remarkable success with her first faith-based novel. She self-published her debut novel, Nobody's Perfect, in 1998 and immediately sold nearly 20,000 copies in an industry where selling 5,000 copies at the time was highly regarded. The novel was the first of its kind to repeatedly make numerous national best sellers list, including #1 on the Essence (national African-American) list. Her next book, No Regrets, was popular among readers and followed Nobody’s Perfect onto the best seller’s list.
Originally from Rockford, IL, Patricia now lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Jeffrey and their daughter. With an engineering degree from Stanford Univ. and an M.B.A. in marketing and finance from the Univ. of Chicago, readers are often surprised to hear that Patricia is writing novels, given her technical and business background.
When asked what led her to writing, her response is, "I was always good at creative writing in high school, but my interest was in math and science. I wasn't big on writing classes in college either. Engineering and graduating in four years was my primary focus. In the 90s, I went through a time of personal challenge. Writing became an unexpected tool of therapy. My first attempt at writing was a non-fiction (self-help) book. I got about halfway through it in 1994 and stopped. I set the book aside because a relationship storyline kept playing in my head. So I just sat down one day and wrote the first page. A few weeks later, another page and so on until nine months later I had completed my first novel, Nobody's Perfect. I questioned whether it could be any good, because the writing came very easily. Everything flowed so well. Without consciously trying, I was basically writing what I wanted to read and wasn't able to find in the stores -- clean fiction (without the sex and profanity), set in modern day, addressing real issues, and filled with a spiritual twist that honors God and gives people hope that they can get through their tough times. Everybody is bound to have at least one challenge in their life. "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33 (NIV Holy Bible). My writing is intended to remind people of the hope and peace that come from personally knowing Christ Jesus. I knew God had called and equipped me to write from the beginning. However, I realized in 2007 that God called me to write not for the sake of becoming a career author, but for the explicit purpose of encouraging others through motivational speaking, one-on-one mentoring, writing workshops, and of course the messages in my books. So writing is my gift and encouraging others is my purpose. In case you're wondering what is the difference between the two, gifts, talents, and strengths are the tools you're given to help fulfill your purpose."
Her published titles are Chosen (2009), Destined (2010), Let Sleeping Dogs Lie (nominated Best Inspirational Fiction of 2006), Still Waters, No Regrets, Blind Faith, short stories in Blessed Assurance and the Midnight Clear anthologies, and her trailblazing bestselling first novel, Nobody's Perfect (1998), which is currently out of print. Her future plans include releasing a revised as well as a sequel.
Beyond her literary endeavors, she is a born-again believer in Christ Jesus and has a great love for the Lord, her beloved husband, daughter, family, and membership in Delta Sigma Theta Public Service Sorority, Inc., where she previously served as Chaplain in the Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter as well as a past committee chairperson. She is honored to be a charter member of both the Omicron Chi Collegiate chapter at Stanford University and the Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates (IL) Alumnae Chapter. Patricia spends part of her time working in Corporate America as a project manager. Formerly a member of the gospel choir, building committ
Originally from Rockford, IL, Patricia now lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Jeffrey and their daughter. With an engineering degree from Stanford Univ. and an M.B.A. in marketing and finance from the Univ. of Chicago, readers are often surprised to hear that Patricia is writing novels, given her technical and business background.
When asked what led her to writing, her response is, "I was always good at creative writing in high school, but my interest was in math and science. I wasn't big on writing classes in college either. Engineering and graduating in four years was my primary focus. In the 90s, I went through a time of personal challenge. Writing became an unexpected tool of therapy. My first attempt at writing was a non-fiction (self-help) book. I got about halfway through it in 1994 and stopped. I set the book aside because a relationship storyline kept playing in my head. So I just sat down one day and wrote the first page. A few weeks later, another page and so on until nine months later I had completed my first novel, Nobody's Perfect. I questioned whether it could be any good, because the writing came very easily. Everything flowed so well. Without consciously trying, I was basically writing what I wanted to read and wasn't able to find in the stores -- clean fiction (without the sex and profanity), set in modern day, addressing real issues, and filled with a spiritual twist that honors God and gives people hope that they can get through their tough times. Everybody is bound to have at least one challenge in their life. "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33 (NIV Holy Bible). My writing is intended to remind people of the hope and peace that come from personally knowing Christ Jesus. I knew God had called and equipped me to write from the beginning. However, I realized in 2007 that God called me to write not for the sake of becoming a career author, but for the explicit purpose of encouraging others through motivational speaking, one-on-one mentoring, writing workshops, and of course the messages in my books. So writing is my gift and encouraging others is my purpose. In case you're wondering what is the difference between the two, gifts, talents, and strengths are the tools you're given to help fulfill your purpose."
Her published titles are Chosen (2009), Destined (2010), Let Sleeping Dogs Lie (nominated Best Inspirational Fiction of 2006), Still Waters, No Regrets, Blind Faith, short stories in Blessed Assurance and the Midnight Clear anthologies, and her trailblazing bestselling first novel, Nobody's Perfect (1998), which is currently out of print. Her future plans include releasing a revised as well as a sequel.
Beyond her literary endeavors, she is a born-again believer in Christ Jesus and has a great love for the Lord, her beloved husband, daughter, family, and membership in Delta Sigma Theta Public Service Sorority, Inc., where she previously served as Chaplain in the Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter as well as a past committee chairperson. She is honored to be a charter member of both the Omicron Chi Collegiate chapter at Stanford University and the Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates (IL) Alumnae Chapter. Patricia spends part of her time working in Corporate America as a project manager. Formerly a member of the gospel choir, building committ
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 24, 2015
Well it's been awhile since I read the last book via series but seems to be rather interesting how I can pick up the memories.
Although Joel wants to dissolve his arranged marriage based on a business decision he soon finds out that his wife is pregnant with his child. Regardless of his bad business decisions, nearly losing everything, I was a bit skeptical to how he was able to stay at the Westin while his wife is at home in the estate home. Therefore, I thought his rationale (or under the impression) for coming back to Detroit from Chicago get-a-way was because his funds ran out, and seeing that he asked his brother DON for a job like the prodigal son (wiling to start at rock bottom to get a foot back in the company) as well as Sheba, his female confidant, willing to lend a large sum of money to enable his money troubles--he refused. So with all of this, just a logical thought, to how he can afford the Westin when he should be at home with his wife. However, pages later states he has assets (or money on paper) and willingness to borrow from others if need be.
"...conform his will to God's leading (108)." This is not an easy task nor waiting to hear from God but in most cases changes doesn't happen immediately but it is inevitable. SO will see how this plays out for Joel and Zarah.
If you have invested in these characters, then this is a MUST read.
For me, there are some passages I am so lingered or attached to such as Joel taken aback by what a mother in the church said to him. He reminiscences on the nugget of wisdom given by his father, battling with his weakened spirit to get a solution from the Lord or believing he can fix his own issues and problems he has already created, and not ready to turn to God since his determination is more important than surrendering to Father (Jesus). Many of us can relate to part or all these terms.
Leisure read 2015
Adrienna Turner
Author of God is in the Equation
adriennaturner.net
Although Joel wants to dissolve his arranged marriage based on a business decision he soon finds out that his wife is pregnant with his child. Regardless of his bad business decisions, nearly losing everything, I was a bit skeptical to how he was able to stay at the Westin while his wife is at home in the estate home. Therefore, I thought his rationale (or under the impression) for coming back to Detroit from Chicago get-a-way was because his funds ran out, and seeing that he asked his brother DON for a job like the prodigal son (wiling to start at rock bottom to get a foot back in the company) as well as Sheba, his female confidant, willing to lend a large sum of money to enable his money troubles--he refused. So with all of this, just a logical thought, to how he can afford the Westin when he should be at home with his wife. However, pages later states he has assets (or money on paper) and willingness to borrow from others if need be.
"...conform his will to God's leading (108)." This is not an easy task nor waiting to hear from God but in most cases changes doesn't happen immediately but it is inevitable. SO will see how this plays out for Joel and Zarah.
If you have invested in these characters, then this is a MUST read.
For me, there are some passages I am so lingered or attached to such as Joel taken aback by what a mother in the church said to him. He reminiscences on the nugget of wisdom given by his father, battling with his weakened spirit to get a solution from the Lord or believing he can fix his own issues and problems he has already created, and not ready to turn to God since his determination is more important than surrendering to Father (Jesus). Many of us can relate to part or all these terms.
Leisure read 2015
Adrienna Turner
Author of God is in the Equation
adriennaturner.net
April 21, 2015
Joel is reaping the unwanted repercussions of his ludicrous proverbial marriage of convenience. His also realizing that his "naive" clingy, wife has a backbone.
Tamara is quite an annoying character who seems bent to just cause unnecessary drama with her family members especially her mother. Have an adult conversation, get counselling and move on!
Feel sorry for Don who has to deal with all the drama. Go to SA already and make a life with Naledi.
Enjoyed reading the series but its now getting too long to even remember some plot lines and what happened when.
Abrupt ending.
Tamara is quite an annoying character who seems bent to just cause unnecessary drama with her family members especially her mother. Have an adult conversation, get counselling and move on!
Feel sorry for Don who has to deal with all the drama. Go to SA already and make a life with Naledi.
Enjoyed reading the series but its now getting too long to even remember some plot lines and what happened when.
Abrupt ending.
April 7, 2016
Madelynne, Don, Joel and Tamara finally get it together in the end story of the Chosen series. Joel is back at the head as the CEO, Don is finally on is way home back to Africa where he can concentrate and focus on L.T.I. But this time, he's not going alone, he has invited his family and they have accepted, including Tamara. Finally the Mitchell clan seems like they are at peace.
Read: March 2016
Read: March 2016
August 6, 2014
Humbled by Patricia Haley….Great read….The Mitchell family are a piece of work with several issues. There are times when greed will cause a family to become dysfunctional. The Mitchell family is back in the same city again. Joel has been through some hard times, lost job, bad business decisions, and an arranged marriage. The only hope for Joel is to be humble and give his life back to God.
March 17, 2017
Wow.
This series has my full attention. The Mitchell family is full to the brim with dysfunction and mistrust, but there's still hope for them to get it together.
Don, the oldest son, stepped in and saved DMI from ruin after his younger brother Joel almost ran it into the ground. He enjoys running the company his father created, but his heart is in South Africa, where he also has a thriving company. His assistant and love interest Naledi keeps things running there, but he's torn between Detroit and South Africa.
Joel willingly stepped aside as CEO to let Don fix what he broke, but now he wants back in the game. None of his plans have come to fruition, including getting out of his arranged marriage. Zarah is pregnant, and he's now torn between doing right by her or getting out of a loveless arranged marriage. He's feeling torn between pursuing his own plans further or submitting to God and following His plan.
Tamara is back from hiding overseas and determined to get her piece of the family pie. Having failed at her attempt at working for DMI, she's now determined to start her own company and make her own way. She has her sights set on the West division of DMI, which Joel foolishly sold to Zarah's father in an attempt to take DMI international. Her problem is that Don and their mother Madeline want it back for DMI, where it belongs.
Zarah is alone in the world except for her husband and determined to please him and her gods by being the best wife to him that she can and by giving him children. She hated the fact that he neglected her, and now revels in her pregnancy, which she sees as the salvation of their disintegrating marriage. Now she, as owner of the West division of DMI (bequeathed to her by her late father) is beset on all sides by offers to buy it. Don and Madeline want it back in their fold, Tamara wants it to start her own company and Joel wants it as leverage to get back into DMI.
I enjoyed watching each character grow beyond where they were, realistically and still beset by their personal demons. I can't wait to read the final installment and see how this comes out.
This series has my full attention. The Mitchell family is full to the brim with dysfunction and mistrust, but there's still hope for them to get it together.
Don, the oldest son, stepped in and saved DMI from ruin after his younger brother Joel almost ran it into the ground. He enjoys running the company his father created, but his heart is in South Africa, where he also has a thriving company. His assistant and love interest Naledi keeps things running there, but he's torn between Detroit and South Africa.
Joel willingly stepped aside as CEO to let Don fix what he broke, but now he wants back in the game. None of his plans have come to fruition, including getting out of his arranged marriage. Zarah is pregnant, and he's now torn between doing right by her or getting out of a loveless arranged marriage. He's feeling torn between pursuing his own plans further or submitting to God and following His plan.
Tamara is back from hiding overseas and determined to get her piece of the family pie. Having failed at her attempt at working for DMI, she's now determined to start her own company and make her own way. She has her sights set on the West division of DMI, which Joel foolishly sold to Zarah's father in an attempt to take DMI international. Her problem is that Don and their mother Madeline want it back for DMI, where it belongs.
Zarah is alone in the world except for her husband and determined to please him and her gods by being the best wife to him that she can and by giving him children. She hated the fact that he neglected her, and now revels in her pregnancy, which she sees as the salvation of their disintegrating marriage. Now she, as owner of the West division of DMI (bequeathed to her by her late father) is beset on all sides by offers to buy it. Don and Madeline want it back in their fold, Tamara wants it to start her own company and Joel wants it as leverage to get back into DMI.
I enjoyed watching each character grow beyond where they were, realistically and still beset by their personal demons. I can't wait to read the final installment and see how this comes out.
August 26, 2017
This series has been good but I'm a little tired of the woe is me attitude of Tamara. It is sad what happened to her but this blaming her mom and having such a nasty attitude is becoming old. Yes she was raped yes there was tragedy and loss but get the help you need to conquer the demons and hurt and try to move on. I agree Don has to put his desires first because he's not getting younger. As with my thoughts on Tamara, I feel the same sentiments with Abigail, deal with your issues and make a sound decision. Joel has made the best decision by finally putting God first not sure if he and Sarah's marriage will survive. Madeline has a lot to let go of to be free as well. I'm still on the fence about reading the next book. I think I'm going to give it a rest and maybe return to it at a later date. Overall a good series.
January 25, 2018
This was a pretty good book. I will probably continue with the series as well as go back to the beginning of it. The Mitchell's have a whole lot of family drama. They are all schemers. The only one that seemed to have his act together (at least in this book) is Don. Boy did I like Don.
Tamera hates Joel but she's really wasn't that different from him or her mother for that mattter. And Joel ugh talk about a jerk. Everything he was about was focused on himself. His character defined selfishness. He turned it around in the end but the question is 'will it last?' I have my doubts.
Tamera hates Joel but she's really wasn't that different from him or her mother for that mattter. And Joel ugh talk about a jerk. Everything he was about was focused on himself. His character defined selfishness. He turned it around in the end but the question is 'will it last?' I have my doubts.
March 22, 2014
I can always count on Patricia Haley is give me a solid read. This book was no exception.
I feel like I've waited on this installment of the series. For. Ever! I simply couldn't wait to get my hands on it ever since the last installment ended with Joel finding out that Zarah was pregnant.
The Mitchell Family series has become one of my all time favorite book series simply because I love the characters, the story line, and their seemingly endless family drama. They're all crazy, yet so irresistable to me.
I love how Mrs. Haley is able to write from each character's perspective seamlessly without really incorporating that Split Point of View style of writing that a lot of authors use; each character has their own distinct voice and presence in the series.
Now, about this particular book. Joel was a hot mess, but I still love him. Don was Don. Zarah became more interesting. Tamara became more of a nuisance. Madeline is still a spit fire.
My favorite story within this book was Don's dilema. I'm having mixed emotions in regards to the Don, Abigail, and Naledi situation. I'm kind of leaning towards the idea that Don is still going to end up with Abigail after it's all said and done...but who knows?! I'm most excited to find out what happens with them in the next book.
I would read it again, and I always recommed Patrica Haley books to people.
P.S. I don't have to wait another year for the next installment, do I?
I feel like I've waited on this installment of the series. For. Ever! I simply couldn't wait to get my hands on it ever since the last installment ended with Joel finding out that Zarah was pregnant.
The Mitchell Family series has become one of my all time favorite book series simply because I love the characters, the story line, and their seemingly endless family drama. They're all crazy, yet so irresistable to me.
I love how Mrs. Haley is able to write from each character's perspective seamlessly without really incorporating that Split Point of View style of writing that a lot of authors use; each character has their own distinct voice and presence in the series.
Now, about this particular book. Joel was a hot mess, but I still love him. Don was Don. Zarah became more interesting. Tamara became more of a nuisance. Madeline is still a spit fire.
My favorite story within this book was Don's dilema. I'm having mixed emotions in regards to the Don, Abigail, and Naledi situation. I'm kind of leaning towards the idea that Don is still going to end up with Abigail after it's all said and done...but who knows?! I'm most excited to find out what happens with them in the next book.
I would read it again, and I always recommed Patrica Haley books to people.
P.S. I don't have to wait another year for the next installment, do I?
April 21, 2014
A very good read but ended a little early. I want to know what happens once the baby is born?
May 18, 2014
Totally love this series; I was so excited when the author added this book to let us know what happen to Joel and his wife. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
November 18, 2014
Was a good book!!!!!
January 20, 2017
This book is full of Drama, sometimes I wasn't sure who was doing what. A blended family that's in turmoil . Interesting read
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews