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Unthinkable Sins
A family’s darkest secrets are about to be revealed.
Jerome Durham is an up-and-coming black politician who faces a dilemma when his elderly mother starts showing signs of dementia.
Until now, the family and friends of elderly Hattie Durham have known her to be a God-fearing, law abiding Christian woman. But as her aging mind starts to unravel, Hattie begins confessing to a litany of sins she’s committed throughout her lifetime. During several conversations, she tells stories that describe emotional incidents she went through in her life, unconsciously giving the reasons for the terrible things she did in her later years.
Jerome does not know if his mother’s confessional is driven by guilt or revenge, or just an unfortunate random consequence of her illness, but he’s not sure he can wait to find out. His career is at stake if she tells anyone how his own past mistakes are entwined with hers. Neither he nor his wife is about to let that happen.
Jerome Durham is an up-and-coming black politician who faces a dilemma when his elderly mother starts showing signs of dementia.
Until now, the family and friends of elderly Hattie Durham have known her to be a God-fearing, law abiding Christian woman. But as her aging mind starts to unravel, Hattie begins confessing to a litany of sins she’s committed throughout her lifetime. During several conversations, she tells stories that describe emotional incidents she went through in her life, unconsciously giving the reasons for the terrible things she did in her later years.
Jerome does not know if his mother’s confessional is driven by guilt or revenge, or just an unfortunate random consequence of her illness, but he’s not sure he can wait to find out. His career is at stake if she tells anyone how his own past mistakes are entwined with hers. Neither he nor his wife is about to let that happen.
111 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2015
378 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
About the author
Tiffani Quarles-Sanders
6 books52 followersA native of Montgomery, Alabama, Tiffani Quarles-Sanders is an author and the owner of Hollow Bridge Publishing. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Alabama State University. Tiffani retired from the Montgomery Board of Education with over 25 years of teaching experience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
July 1, 2017
This book should be made into a movie! The devious plots and regrets from past mistakes are well thought out. I must read the next book to find out if the truth comes out and everyone who needs to be exposed are.
November 25, 2015
Hattie is aging and so is her mind. As her mind starts to go , Hattie goes back years ago revealing lots of family secrets that her family wants to be kept secrets. Hattie has committed serveral.
Her son Jerome is upcoming politican and definitley don’t want the secrets to get out. His career is at stake if she tells anyone about his past and hers. Jerome does not know if his mother’s confessions His wife will do anything to keep Hattie quiet.
This was a good story.
The ending wasn’t what I expected but it ended good. There is still a story that can be left to tell.
Her son Jerome is upcoming politican and definitley don’t want the secrets to get out. His career is at stake if she tells anyone about his past and hers. Jerome does not know if his mother’s confessions His wife will do anything to keep Hattie quiet.
This was a good story.
The ending wasn’t what I expected but it ended good. There is still a story that can be left to tell.
June 7, 2016
APB Perspective Review:
I wanted something different and this book filled the bill. The author captured my attention from beginning to end . Now I'm going to read the next book to see how the story ends. Every child deserves love.
I wanted something different and this book filled the bill. The author captured my attention from beginning to end . Now I'm going to read the next book to see how the story ends. Every child deserves love.
December 16, 2015
This was actually a very good book. I was surprised how well it was written and how well developed the characters were thought out.
May 3, 2017
Folks in book club had a spirited discussion about this book. Is lying a sin? Will age and dementia bring out our secrets when we are too far gone to keep them? Do sins have varying degrees? Is there ever any reason when killing is not a sin? When is killing justified? If you have sinned, can you be forgiven through confession or must you repent what you have done? We went over the ten commandments. Talked about man's law vs. religious law. Did a bit of comparison of the doctrines of formal Christian denominations. Then got down to the nitty gritty of the story.
Two women care about the same man. One cares as a loving mother. The other cares as a prominent wife who does not want to lose her elevated status. If the skeletons in the closet ever came out they could be on Maury Povitch or Jerry Springer to air the dirty laundry of who did what to whom and why.
I did not enjoy reading this book at all. The women were self-serving. The men just, ugh. It is a quick read of a couple of hours. The Kindle version was only $2.99 which almost made it palatable. This book group has scheduled the second of the series for next month- Unthinkable Sins: Family. I am kicking and screaming as my fingers type in the title to purchase the Kindle edition at $3.99... After all, being part of a book club is supposed to be expansive, sometimes enlightening, even insightful. I would never have chosen this book on my own, so once again, book club has accomplished its mission:o
Two women care about the same man. One cares as a loving mother. The other cares as a prominent wife who does not want to lose her elevated status. If the skeletons in the closet ever came out they could be on Maury Povitch or Jerry Springer to air the dirty laundry of who did what to whom and why.
I did not enjoy reading this book at all. The women were self-serving. The men just, ugh. It is a quick read of a couple of hours. The Kindle version was only $2.99 which almost made it palatable. This book group has scheduled the second of the series for next month- Unthinkable Sins: Family. I am kicking and screaming as my fingers type in the title to purchase the Kindle edition at $3.99... After all, being part of a book club is supposed to be expansive, sometimes enlightening, even insightful. I would never have chosen this book on my own, so once again, book club has accomplished its mission:o
March 27, 2016
I really enjoyed this short definition for a book. I think the author cleverly is selling her book in pieces. The book had me glued to its pages from the very beginning. It was refreshing to read a book where a senior citizen was the main character. Hattie was a pistol in her day, holding on to secrets that would make my hair turn gray. When her illness causes her to start spilling the beans all hell breaks loose within her family. We are however left with unanswered questions when the book ends.
I bought part 2 but if I don't get a readers satisfaction at the end of that book, I guess I will have to write my own ending!!! I hate being conned into buying. My constitution is stronger than that. Having said that, I however must say the writing was excellent.
I bought part 2 but if I don't get a readers satisfaction at the end of that book, I guess I will have to write my own ending!!! I hate being conned into buying. My constitution is stronger than that. Having said that, I however must say the writing was excellent.
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August 31, 2018A short historical fiction read. I believe this book only has about 110 pages. Unthinkable Sins part 1 of 2 books, tells the story of Jerome Durham who on the political trail is faced with a dilemma when the matriarch of his family, his mother become affected with dementia. This disease threatens to jeopardize his future as her disease threatens to unleash dark secrets that could potential damage the Durham family and Jerome’s political dreams if released. Though a short read the story did feel complete, although I was left with wanted to know more about some of the supporting characters. I read this novel for a book club which the author was present. She informed all those in attendance that in book 2 the supporting characters in Book 1 are further discussed and the reader is able to learn more about them. I plan to read the conclusion of this series in the future to see how the story ends.
I would recommend this book.
I would recommend this book.
May 20, 2017
Hattie the sins came home to roost
Unthinkable Sins: Book 1 was chosen by my book club members to read. I had never heard of Tiffani Quarles-Sanders, so I didn't know what to anticipate from her work. However, being a short read I wanted to look beyond the title and discover what depths Ms. Quarles-Sanders would explore.
Thus the journey of reading became. The story is packed with serious subject matters: mental health, caring for the elderly, family secrets, murder, deception and love.
You see the layers unfold and you are constantly wondering what next. The similarities between mother in law and daughter in law, Hattie the former and Susan the latter is surreal. They both are protected of their love for Jerome, but more importantly have deep secrets and willingness to carryout sinful deeds, due to what they believe is based on love.
As choices come home you are just left wondering what makes one do the things they do and how one's skeletons are revealed. For it is said, that even in death, the voices of sin shall rally out and cry.
Unthinkable Sins: Book 1 was chosen by my book club members to read. I had never heard of Tiffani Quarles-Sanders, so I didn't know what to anticipate from her work. However, being a short read I wanted to look beyond the title and discover what depths Ms. Quarles-Sanders would explore.
Thus the journey of reading became. The story is packed with serious subject matters: mental health, caring for the elderly, family secrets, murder, deception and love.
You see the layers unfold and you are constantly wondering what next. The similarities between mother in law and daughter in law, Hattie the former and Susan the latter is surreal. They both are protected of their love for Jerome, but more importantly have deep secrets and willingness to carryout sinful deeds, due to what they believe is based on love.
As choices come home you are just left wondering what makes one do the things they do and how one's skeletons are revealed. For it is said, that even in death, the voices of sin shall rally out and cry.
March 14, 2017
Once I started reading, I found this book to be quite intriguing. Although Hattie's memory took breaks from the present at times, it did not forget the past. I thought this story was well written with clear explanations of Hattie's distress & conduct. Her love for son Jerome was obvious as well as her feelings towards his wife. I thought this was a great read & I'm planning to check out part 2 to see what other secrets unfold....
September 7, 2017
Good book, can't wait to read part 2.
Highly recommended, this book focuses on family secrets,. The lead character had a basket full of them, and could destroy a whole generation.
Highly recommended, this book focuses on family secrets,. The lead character had a basket full of them, and could destroy a whole generation.
August 6, 2016
SINS OF THE MOTHER
This is a sad story of the life of a young woman born in the deep south. Left at her cousin's home, because her father decided that she was to dark to be his child, and that would be one less mouth he would have to feed. Married at fifteen to her cousin from the north, who had to come south on the run from some development he got himself in that probably would result in his imprisonment.
And that still going on asking/begging a relative living in south can if they send their daughter or son to stay with them. The marriage wasn't happy, husband was an abusing alcoholic to his family, which included beatings of both their sons and Hattie. He worked, but living in the south there wasn't that many good paying jobs for the Black man. So Hattie helped support the family in fact she supported the entire family. Lewis, her husband had outside children, and constantly visited the juke joints where he gambled and womanized. So someone BEAT the he'll out of him, which left him in BAD shape the man couldn't walk and was barely breathing. In those days hospitals were for whites only, blacks with any life threatening disease or were critically hurt
we're home treated or if there was a white physician who would treat Black person they went to their home or if there was an office visit you entered through the designate colored entrances. Or you visited a HEALER who gave you teas made out of herbs for whatever the ailments you have. They took care of all types of problems from unwanted births to love potions also roving
mates. This is story of a woman in love with a married man who she has a son from. Hattie tries to kill his wife but instead kills his baby. Hattie would be considered a serial killer...just a sad FAMILY who R hiding deep dark secrets. Well written, THESE types situations have existed throughout history to present day. All you have to do watch FORENSIC FILES(ID) it's all there...can't wait to start BOOK 2...
This is a sad story of the life of a young woman born in the deep south. Left at her cousin's home, because her father decided that she was to dark to be his child, and that would be one less mouth he would have to feed. Married at fifteen to her cousin from the north, who had to come south on the run from some development he got himself in that probably would result in his imprisonment.
And that still going on asking/begging a relative living in south can if they send their daughter or son to stay with them. The marriage wasn't happy, husband was an abusing alcoholic to his family, which included beatings of both their sons and Hattie. He worked, but living in the south there wasn't that many good paying jobs for the Black man. So Hattie helped support the family in fact she supported the entire family. Lewis, her husband had outside children, and constantly visited the juke joints where he gambled and womanized. So someone BEAT the he'll out of him, which left him in BAD shape the man couldn't walk and was barely breathing. In those days hospitals were for whites only, blacks with any life threatening disease or were critically hurt
we're home treated or if there was a white physician who would treat Black person they went to their home or if there was an office visit you entered through the designate colored entrances. Or you visited a HEALER who gave you teas made out of herbs for whatever the ailments you have. They took care of all types of problems from unwanted births to love potions also roving
mates. This is story of a woman in love with a married man who she has a son from. Hattie tries to kill his wife but instead kills his baby. Hattie would be considered a serial killer...just a sad FAMILY who R hiding deep dark secrets. Well written, THESE types situations have existed throughout history to present day. All you have to do watch FORENSIC FILES(ID) it's all there...can't wait to start BOOK 2...
May 23, 2016
I truly am a sucker for historical fiction and when I started this book I wasn't quite sure what to expect but I went in with high hopes. I must say that Ms. Tiffani Quarles-Sanders did not disappoint. The story is centered around the musings of Hattie Durham aka Madea to her sons who is in the later stages of dementia. We are treated to frequent flashbacks of the many things that she did all in the name of love. Of course many of her actions are really misguided and criminal but you can't help but feel a well of empathy swell in your heart for this woman who was mistreated as a child, sold to her husband by her bitter and womanizing father, and then fell in love with an unavailable man. All of these circumstances guided and made her the woman that we see who recounts her memories through a fog of haze and confusion. I think that the author did an exceptional job of painting the picture of the past and affording us the opportunity to feel as if we were in rural Alabama when the events unfolded. I must say that I have to agree with one of the other reviewers that the last 15% of the book did feel a bit rushed as if the author was ready to end the story but all in all this was a pleasant albeit dark at times, read!! Kudos Ms. Quarles-Sanders I'm very pleasantly happy to see that there is a book 2 to the family saga and can't wait to dive right in to see what you have in store for us next.
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February 21, 2017Wow!
This is a short book, only 111 pages, and I read it quickly. The unthinkable sins are mostly sins committed by the mother, Hattie, who spends her life longing for love. I fear saying more than that will give away too much as the book covered a lot of ground with very few words.
The author, Tiffani Quarles-Sanders, used her words for actions and short descriptions of people. There aren't long detailed descriptions of any town, clothing, etc. As a lover of brevity, this worked for me. I'm sure it could cause a problem in other books but it was fine for this particular literary work.
While I am fond of being succinct, the book was shorter than I prefer. Since it's part of a series, the author may have intended to keep the books on the shorter side. I'm looking forward to the second installment.
This is a short book, only 111 pages, and I read it quickly. The unthinkable sins are mostly sins committed by the mother, Hattie, who spends her life longing for love. I fear saying more than that will give away too much as the book covered a lot of ground with very few words.
The author, Tiffani Quarles-Sanders, used her words for actions and short descriptions of people. There aren't long detailed descriptions of any town, clothing, etc. As a lover of brevity, this worked for me. I'm sure it could cause a problem in other books but it was fine for this particular literary work.
While I am fond of being succinct, the book was shorter than I prefer. Since it's part of a series, the author may have intended to keep the books on the shorter side. I'm looking forward to the second installment.
August 26, 2023
An aging mind reveals secrets buried long ago.
Hattie Durham the matriarch of the Durham family is showing signs of dementia. She is admitted to the hospital because she is becoming increasingly confused. She begins weaving tales of long buried sins and while some believe Hattie is simply a confused old woman, there are others who fear she may reveal secrets that could ruin their present and future.
I read this book in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. So much so that I have already ordered the second book in the series. The story telling and the writing style in this book are so on point. Immediately I was interested and invested. I could not wait to find out what was going to be revealed in each chapter. I was there for all the drama and the tension within the family dynamics. I love this author's writing and I can't wait to jump into book two. My only complaint is that I wish this book was longer!
Hattie Durham the matriarch of the Durham family is showing signs of dementia. She is admitted to the hospital because she is becoming increasingly confused. She begins weaving tales of long buried sins and while some believe Hattie is simply a confused old woman, there are others who fear she may reveal secrets that could ruin their present and future.
I read this book in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. So much so that I have already ordered the second book in the series. The story telling and the writing style in this book are so on point. Immediately I was interested and invested. I could not wait to find out what was going to be revealed in each chapter. I was there for all the drama and the tension within the family dynamics. I love this author's writing and I can't wait to jump into book two. My only complaint is that I wish this book was longer!
April 15, 2022
African American Fiction. African American Historical Fiction.
This is my first read by Tiffani Sanders. I was introduced to her books on YT: Ms. Queenie Clem's channel. Tiffani explained that she's rather a storyteller--Her novel exemplifies this.
The story takes place in the south. Hattie Durham's life is reflected upon. As she becomes a liability for her family, some skeletons are at risk for falling out of the closet. Hattie mentions that love causes people to go to great lengths. The author threw in a surprise at the conclusion that we don't see often.
It was a short, get to the point read. I will stick around for part 2 because I want to see what else falls out of the closet.
This is my first read by Tiffani Sanders. I was introduced to her books on YT: Ms. Queenie Clem's channel. Tiffani explained that she's rather a storyteller--Her novel exemplifies this.
The story takes place in the south. Hattie Durham's life is reflected upon. As she becomes a liability for her family, some skeletons are at risk for falling out of the closet. Hattie mentions that love causes people to go to great lengths. The author threw in a surprise at the conclusion that we don't see often.
It was a short, get to the point read. I will stick around for part 2 because I want to see what else falls out of the closet.
December 30, 2021
Fly High Hattie
I'm in complete agreement with Jerome, Hattie and Susan are truly one and the same. They're both calculating women that can be downright treacherous when they deem it necessary. I wanted more for Hattie and Charlie because theirs was a good, mutual love all their own. She deserved a little more happiness with the life she led. I want Susan to get it so bad I can literally taste it but I'll have to read the next installment to see how it all plays out. Abraham's presence could be a bigger threat to Jerome's rise to City Council than Hattie ever was.
I'm in complete agreement with Jerome, Hattie and Susan are truly one and the same. They're both calculating women that can be downright treacherous when they deem it necessary. I wanted more for Hattie and Charlie because theirs was a good, mutual love all their own. She deserved a little more happiness with the life she led. I want Susan to get it so bad I can literally taste it but I'll have to read the next installment to see how it all plays out. Abraham's presence could be a bigger threat to Jerome's rise to City Council than Hattie ever was.
January 14, 2020
Good book
This was a good book. Seems that Hattie couldn't catch a break. I can't imagine being that hated by anyone. I hope ppl like Jerome's wife don't exist in real life. I liked that there was only one profane word. The story was good. Only part that threw me for a loop is the guy finding out about his diagnosis when those types of diagnosis weren't written down. I would recommend you read.
This was a good book. Seems that Hattie couldn't catch a break. I can't imagine being that hated by anyone. I hope ppl like Jerome's wife don't exist in real life. I liked that there was only one profane word. The story was good. Only part that threw me for a loop is the guy finding out about his diagnosis when those types of diagnosis weren't written down. I would recommend you read.
February 1, 2024
Unthinkable Suns
When I first started reading the book I thought it was going to boring. That was a mistake. I could not put it down after further reading. So many of our young Black women are treated poorly by their family for how they look. Hattie had a lot to deal with and her reactions on how to life could have been so different if had had love and guidance from her parents
When I first started reading the book I thought it was going to boring. That was a mistake. I could not put it down after further reading. So many of our young Black women are treated poorly by their family for how they look. Hattie had a lot to deal with and her reactions on how to life could have been so different if had had love and guidance from her parents
November 28, 2016
A page turner
Wow. This book was better than I expected. Once again this book shows the consequences of decisions we make and how it can affect our lives drastically. The main character was tormented by many bad decisions she made in her life. Learning each one made me want to keep reading to find out what would happen next. It was worth every minute.
Wow. This book was better than I expected. Once again this book shows the consequences of decisions we make and how it can affect our lives drastically. The main character was tormented by many bad decisions she made in her life. Learning each one made me want to keep reading to find out what would happen next. It was worth every minute.
January 2, 2017
This book was a pretty good read. I found the ending a little anticlimactic and pat. The "sins" were revealed, but the story really didn't go far with it. The characters were interesting and I would have liked to learn more about them as a back story. All in all, it was a pretty good read, not great.
January 3, 2017
good
this book has lots of potential.i love the story line,but i hate books that has so many supposedly smart,intellectual people,but they are so damn dumb. this wasnt even believable,if everyone knows she didn't like Hattie, how was she able to consistently pull wool over their eyes. Irritating to say the least.
this book has lots of potential.i love the story line,but i hate books that has so many supposedly smart,intellectual people,but they are so damn dumb. this wasnt even believable,if everyone knows she didn't like Hattie, how was she able to consistently pull wool over their eyes. Irritating to say the least.
February 14, 2022
Enjoyed this book it is so true of so many families. I chose this book because erroneous a secret past in their life. I like the book because it seemed to ring true in so many families .
I would recommend it because we all need to be reminded we all have a past but hopefully we will end life me Mattie Durman
I would recommend it because we all need to be reminded we all have a past but hopefully we will end life me Mattie Durman
January 24, 2023
This Book Here!!!
I just could not put it down. I was hoping that I could have it audibly read to me, but they did not have that feature for this book. That’s alright though cause when I got started on this here book I couldn’t put it down. Now of course it wasn’t what I thought it was going to be about, but Hunni it was much more. I guess I’ll go on and buy book 2. 😉
I just could not put it down. I was hoping that I could have it audibly read to me, but they did not have that feature for this book. That’s alright though cause when I got started on this here book I couldn’t put it down. Now of course it wasn’t what I thought it was going to be about, but Hunni it was much more. I guess I’ll go on and buy book 2. 😉
February 5, 2023
Too Short
This was a Great Book..I see it is a 2 part series..
I hate the Way Hattie was treated..The Things She did thru the story left Me speexhless. I would like to have read a Lil bit more about The Others. I see this is a 2 part series with The 2nd book being slightly longer. This could've probably been wrapped Up as 1 book but Who is to say. Let's see about part 2..🤔
This was a Great Book..I see it is a 2 part series..
I hate the Way Hattie was treated..The Things She did thru the story left Me speexhless. I would like to have read a Lil bit more about The Others. I see this is a 2 part series with The 2nd book being slightly longer. This could've probably been wrapped Up as 1 book but Who is to say. Let's see about part 2..🤔
May 3, 2024
secrets and lies can destroy
This book reminded me of my mother without the drama and lies. The book keeps you on edge and at times you can’t believe what just happened. There was so many secrets and all involved told lies. Living such deceiving lives. God don’t like ugly. Can’t wait for the sequel…?
This book reminded me of my mother without the drama and lies. The book keeps you on edge and at times you can’t believe what just happened. There was so many secrets and all involved told lies. Living such deceiving lives. God don’t like ugly. Can’t wait for the sequel…?
June 13, 2017
The story is packed with serious subject matters: mental health, caring for the elderly, murder, family secrets, love and deception. Mrs. Hattie was something else in her younger days...The things and the extent women will go to and do for love.
July 8, 2017
Susan
That Damned Susan Durham. I do not like her. I hope she gets what she deserves and I wish Miss. Hattie had gotten closure from Raymond. I can not wait to read book to I can't even think what else to say bat this book lol. ITS WAS PERFECT!!!!
That Damned Susan Durham. I do not like her. I hope she gets what she deserves and I wish Miss. Hattie had gotten closure from Raymond. I can not wait to read book to I can't even think what else to say bat this book lol. ITS WAS PERFECT!!!!
April 2, 2018
Intriguing
This book will grab your attention from start to finish. I could not get enough if the stories the sick mother had to tell. She was spilling all of the tea! I can't wait to jump right into book 2!
This book will grab your attention from start to finish. I could not get enough if the stories the sick mother had to tell. She was spilling all of the tea! I can't wait to jump right into book 2!
January 2, 2019
Great Read!
Excellent story on how the human mind works. Hattie had a terrible childhood. Adult life was not all great from things she did and things that was done to her. I can't wait to read the second book in this series. Let's see if her secrets died with her.
Excellent story on how the human mind works. Hattie had a terrible childhood. Adult life was not all great from things she did and things that was done to her. I can't wait to read the second book in this series. Let's see if her secrets died with her.
February 10, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It really gives you a clear view of those suffering from dementia and the struggles of the caregivers. Family secrets are at risk for personal gain. It also shows what some people will do to protect love ones and what they will do for love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews