What do you think?
Rate this book
Unforgiving
Sins from the past have left a lingering stench in the Mitchell family. Amidst a tumultuous rollercoaster ride through financial ruin, professional humiliation, personal failure, and marital discord, Joel, the youngest son who was once considered the most eligible bachelor, has finally come to terms with his shortcomings and self-centered decisions. Spurred by his estranged wife's troubled pregnancy, he decides to honor their marriage. Joel reaches out to the most unlikely person, his stepmother and long-time nemesis, Madeline Mitchell, pleading with her to let him back into the family business.
Don, the eldest living son, has other plans and vehemently discounts Madeline's recommendation, not ready to trust his half-brother Joel. Don has paid his dues, suffered years of rejection, and played second fiddle to his father's second family long enough.
Feeling robbed of her rightful place in the company, Tamara, the only remaining heir to the Mitchell fortune, gets wind of what she considers to be her mother's and brother's betrayal. She is outraged that they're considering someone other than her for the CEO role. Refusing to lose out again to the whims of her family, Tamara writes off Madeline and Don as traitors, concocting her own way to get the upper hand.
Harmony seems impossible for the Mitchell clan, with each step toward truce and reconciliation resulting in two backward steps shrouded in conflict. Unforgiving shoves years of conflict and bitterness to the edge, when everyone is forced to set aside their issues and come together in order to save DMI, the Mitchell legacy, and the life of a disturbed family member. They must learn painfully that forgiveness is the only path to restoration, and those who choose another route are bound to face unavoidable consequences.
Don, the eldest living son, has other plans and vehemently discounts Madeline's recommendation, not ready to trust his half-brother Joel. Don has paid his dues, suffered years of rejection, and played second fiddle to his father's second family long enough.
Feeling robbed of her rightful place in the company, Tamara, the only remaining heir to the Mitchell fortune, gets wind of what she considers to be her mother's and brother's betrayal. She is outraged that they're considering someone other than her for the CEO role. Refusing to lose out again to the whims of her family, Tamara writes off Madeline and Don as traitors, concocting her own way to get the upper hand.
Harmony seems impossible for the Mitchell clan, with each step toward truce and reconciliation resulting in two backward steps shrouded in conflict. Unforgiving shoves years of conflict and bitterness to the edge, when everyone is forced to set aside their issues and come together in order to save DMI, the Mitchell legacy, and the life of a disturbed family member. They must learn painfully that forgiveness is the only path to restoration, and those who choose another route are bound to face unavoidable consequences.
288 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2015
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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 3, 2015
What an intense story of great characters! "Unforgiving" laid out well defined effects/results of seeds fueling damaging emotions such as: bitterness, self-entitlement, revenge! ...all these will definitely reap a harvest one day! For the Mitchell family, some received the fruits of their labor sooner than others. I saw so many parallels to little things that people do on a daily basis! We oftentimes think we will have the opportunity later in life to fix wrongs we commit against family/friends! The truth of the matter is, sometimes you only get one opportunity to right a wrong...time is a gift from God! We should use every opportunity to say and/or ask forgiveness...and freely give it when others ask it from us. Tomorrow may or may NOT come for you...or your loved one! Get this book and allow God to speak to the secret recesses of your heart...you will not be disappointed! Another great book by Patricia Haley!!!
March 18, 2017
I'm impressed!
The Mitchell family's convoluted saga of drama and pain has come to an end.
After years of fighting and backbiting, the future of DMI (Dave Mitchell Enterprises) is at stake. Oldest son Don is CEO, but his heart is in South Africa with the company he created there and the woman he left behind to come back to Detroit and save DMI. Youngest son Joel resigned after a disastrous turn as CEO, but he still yearns to get the position back. And only daughter Tamara is back after living overseas for years avoiding her family and wants the top spot for herself.
There are big decisions to be made. Who will be CEO going forward, Don, Joel or someone else? Will Tamera run again or stay and try to reconcile with her family? Will Abigail Gerard (Dave's former assistant and invaluable part of the company) stay with DMI or go out on her own? And perhaps biggest of all, will Joel and Zarah stay married?
The ending didn't feel forced to me, probably because the past several books set it up well. Dave Mitchell was a man after God's own heart, and he let God lead him in all things. Don was the first of his sons to do the same, and Joel once sought God with the same fervor. Now, only God can resolve the mess Dave Mitchell left his family in with his horrible decision so many years ago to have an affair with his then secretary.
The series was an excellent illustration of what happens when we walk with God and what happens when we turn from Him.
The Mitchell family's convoluted saga of drama and pain has come to an end.
After years of fighting and backbiting, the future of DMI (Dave Mitchell Enterprises) is at stake. Oldest son Don is CEO, but his heart is in South Africa with the company he created there and the woman he left behind to come back to Detroit and save DMI. Youngest son Joel resigned after a disastrous turn as CEO, but he still yearns to get the position back. And only daughter Tamara is back after living overseas for years avoiding her family and wants the top spot for herself.
There are big decisions to be made. Who will be CEO going forward, Don, Joel or someone else? Will Tamera run again or stay and try to reconcile with her family? Will Abigail Gerard (Dave's former assistant and invaluable part of the company) stay with DMI or go out on her own? And perhaps biggest of all, will Joel and Zarah stay married?
The ending didn't feel forced to me, probably because the past several books set it up well. Dave Mitchell was a man after God's own heart, and he let God lead him in all things. Don was the first of his sons to do the same, and Joel once sought God with the same fervor. Now, only God can resolve the mess Dave Mitchell left his family in with his horrible decision so many years ago to have an affair with his then secretary.
The series was an excellent illustration of what happens when we walk with God and what happens when we turn from Him.
May 18, 2026
Patricia Haley did amazing wrapping up this series. Everything that needed to be said was said. The series really came together in the end. Grateful I read it. The author addressed characters' beautiful traits and ugly flaws in an open and honest way. I quickly got attached to this family and appreciated how Patricia didn't rush their development. I started this series thinking it was predictable and then Patricia proved me wrong with all the twists and turns that unfolded along the way. This story breeds honest discussions about faith and walking with God.
August 10, 2024
I did not read the books that introduced the Mitchell family. I may go back and read the 1st 6 books since she referred to several incidents related to unforgiveness.
It was my lack of knowledge that made the book appear to not be equally focused on all the characters and their development.
Joel and his wife issues deserved more despite it being a business arrangement. Don, I had no clue.
If you read the other books, then this book wraps everything up nicely.. With forgiveness comes inner peace.
It was my lack of knowledge that made the book appear to not be equally focused on all the characters and their development.
Joel and his wife issues deserved more despite it being a business arrangement. Don, I had no clue.
If you read the other books, then this book wraps everything up nicely.. With forgiveness comes inner peace.
September 29, 2017
The Book was okay. Moved a little bit slow for my liking. Glad in the end forgiveness one out but personally there was too much focus on Tamara and her issues! I really loved how Don & Joel forged a brother relationship as well as Tamara & Joel. Glad the series is final. Glad Abigail moved on her bitterness was exhausting after a while. Over pretty good series. I give this novel 3.5 stars.
August 17, 2019
Relevant series that shows how the love of God and family is not always straight for everyone. Material things are not equal to what God has in store for any of us and Patricia Haley shows us this in her novels!
April 17, 2015
I've been waiting for resolution to this Mitchell family drama for so long. I was so excited to read this installment. There are some things that I loved about it, and there were other things that left me wanting more--which I why I gave it a rating of 3.5
Spoiler alert: Joel got the job, and I'm glad about it. In addition to that, I am thrilled with the decision that he made concerning his marriage to Zarah. I was somewhat surprised, but I am glad that things turned out the way that they did.
As for Tamara, I'm glad that Remo is out of her life once and for all, and that she decided to stay and try to create peace with her family--including accepting Joel as her brother. I would love it if Tamara had her own story so that we could get more of her perspective on everything--including her troubled past. I would also like to know if Tamara will ever find herself in a healthy romantic relationship.
I really enjoyed the scene (can I call it a scene?) wherein Madeline and Sherry talked and cried together about the past. That was necessary and long overdue considering their 30 year history and drama.
Don moving to African permanently was a shocker. I know, I should not have been surprised because the series started with him leaving Africa to help clean up a mess that he didn't make, but I was shocked none the less. I was expecting him to stick around. I was hoping that he stuck around to take care of what I see as unfinished business...
And that takes me to Abigail. I don't like the way that things ended for her. I feel that she got the raw end of the deal. Joel got the job, and his marriage to Zarah is still intact. Don got his fresh start in South Africa along with his sure to be wife, and all Abigail got a going away party. I think she deserved better than that--if nothing more than a talk between Don and Abigail clearing up any reisidual feelings or misunderstandings about their feelings for each other. I feel that there was more to that story. But alas!
I did enjoy it. I'm sure I'll read it again, and I always recommend Patricia Haley books.
Spoiler alert: Joel got the job, and I'm glad about it. In addition to that, I am thrilled with the decision that he made concerning his marriage to Zarah. I was somewhat surprised, but I am glad that things turned out the way that they did.
As for Tamara, I'm glad that Remo is out of her life once and for all, and that she decided to stay and try to create peace with her family--including accepting Joel as her brother. I would love it if Tamara had her own story so that we could get more of her perspective on everything--including her troubled past. I would also like to know if Tamara will ever find herself in a healthy romantic relationship.
I really enjoyed the scene (can I call it a scene?) wherein Madeline and Sherry talked and cried together about the past. That was necessary and long overdue considering their 30 year history and drama.
Don moving to African permanently was a shocker. I know, I should not have been surprised because the series started with him leaving Africa to help clean up a mess that he didn't make, but I was shocked none the less. I was expecting him to stick around. I was hoping that he stuck around to take care of what I see as unfinished business...
And that takes me to Abigail. I don't like the way that things ended for her. I feel that she got the raw end of the deal. Joel got the job, and his marriage to Zarah is still intact. Don got his fresh start in South Africa along with his sure to be wife, and all Abigail got a going away party. I think she deserved better than that--if nothing more than a talk between Don and Abigail clearing up any reisidual feelings or misunderstandings about their feelings for each other. I feel that there was more to that story. But alas!
I did enjoy it. I'm sure I'll read it again, and I always recommend Patricia Haley books.
July 20, 2015
This story has been ongoing for far too long! Although I enjoyed the books, I was kinda hoping that by now some issues would have been resolved ESPECIALLY the one called Tamara! This woman is definitely in need of counselling amongst other psy treatments. Her ability to hold onto the past is uncanny and irritating. Let's hope the next (and hopefully final) book will see an end to her drama. I'm not trying to disregard the trauma of rape but her blaming everyone about it and traipsing around the globe hasn't helped her case. Ridiculous accusations against her mother that she didn't protect her!?!
Glad that Don decided to move to SA to get on with his life. Now, the Don-Naledi relationship is one I would like to read more about as well as how Joel & Zarah fair on, especially her transformation to Christianity.
Abigail was a character that was left out in the cold and not done justice. In the beginning of the series she came across as stong and sensible. This book portrayed her as being bitter and clutching at straws where Don was concerned when clearly she knew he was seeing Naledi. I think she was poorly cast in this book and given a pathetic exit. Glad she declined the CEO role though. I would like to see her start her own company and meet a man who is her equal ie. loyal.
Glad that Don decided to move to SA to get on with his life. Now, the Don-Naledi relationship is one I would like to read more about as well as how Joel & Zarah fair on, especially her transformation to Christianity.
Abigail was a character that was left out in the cold and not done justice. In the beginning of the series she came across as stong and sensible. This book portrayed her as being bitter and clutching at straws where Don was concerned when clearly she knew he was seeing Naledi. I think she was poorly cast in this book and given a pathetic exit. Glad she declined the CEO role though. I would like to see her start her own company and meet a man who is her equal ie. loyal.
June 7, 2015
I love the Mitchell family series. Great book.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews