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Chosen
The inspirational first novel from #1 Essence bestselling author Patricia Haley's series based on the popular biblical kings David and Solomon
After Dave Mitchell abandoned his wife and business partner, Madeline, and their four children for a younger woman, the battle between his two families began. Dave's oldest son, Don, had been groomed from birth to take over his dad's business. Nothing prepared Don for the shock of his father's decision to appoint his inexperienced half brother, Joel, as CEO of the multimilliondollar ministry.
Confused, Don flees the country to become his own man, while Madeline won't go down without a fight. Seeking to regain control of the business for her family, Madeline tries to sabotage Joel's every move. But as the ministry grows and charismatic Joel captures the nation's attention, his hunger for power and lust just might be his downfall....
- GenresChristian Fiction
340 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2008
2 people are currently reading
114 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 10, 2013
Well, what can I say about this book.....I liked it....but, that's it. I found the characters to be very shallow and self serving. I did not think that any of them followed "GOD" or tried to live a very Christian type of life....Right from the cheating on wives, down to backstabbing to reclaim a multimillion dollar ministry....I would not have chosen this book but it is a bookclub selection...and I would have shut the book after the first two chapters, but I did want to find out if any of them came away with redeeming qualities...and spoiler alert...nope, only 1 of them remained true to God and her faith throughout....poor little put upon Abigail
March 25, 2015
When Dave Mitchell passes away from stomach cancer, he leaves DMI to his son Joel. The child he had with his outside affair with Sherry. Don, Dave and Madeline's child from their marriage thought for sure, he would be the heir to the throne. He is devastated when Dave names Joel the CEO of DMI. He leaves and goes to Africa to make his own way. As DMI begins to grow, Joel becomes blinded by the media, the money and women. He begins partnering with other organizations that don't believe in God or other Gods. DMI begins to fall and Madeline and Abigail both call on Don to come home to save it. Read: March 2015
June 12, 2017
I really enjoyed this book but I think Dave Mitchell was distorted in his thinking. Joel was too young to lead and really there was no reason to treat his former children the way he did. Sin is sin and there is always a price to pay. Both women needed to live their lives in a way that would be pleading to God. If Joel really was where he was supposed to be he would've recognized the traps set by the enemy. I plan to read the rest of this series.
March 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy to read and very engaging. I love the fact that I could recommend it to younger readers.
January 1, 2012
I enjoyed reading out of the series order with the other two books first and finally after a year or two later, I finally wanted to read the first book in the series. I strongly believe thus far, these are the best books written by Patricia Haley since you feel the emotional roller coaster, intense tension and rivalry between the characters, and understand the complexities of family division based on the father's intimate decision.
Not so sure how it exactly ties into the biblical story of David and Solomon, but I also could relate to the older brother syndrome and the younger brother is the lead or shall rule over the older brother with biblical examples with the prodigal son (older brother syndrome), Esau and Jacob (twin brothers where the younger ruled over older), and Zerah and Perez (twin brothers by Tamar and Judah, where younger ruled), and even Joseph over his 12 brothers.
Moreover, this novel shows that some are not willing to forgive, or live for God. Madeline would not let loose what she felt was rightfully due to her. Sherry tried to prove she was the better wife, longer marriage, but lost her husband to cancer; yet didn't get her final good-bye. Children bickering and battling for DMI, but the daughter, Tamara, doesn't want a part of it due to a hidden secret. Some of the story weaves into the story of David and Solomon as I read further, but love the newness and modern day twist to it! Haley did a beautiful job (some would talk about redundancy but you can feel the pain, agony, and whatever it takes to get what you want--greed instead of meeting the need).
Adrienna Turner,
author of "God is in the Equation" and "The Day Begins with Christ"
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
Not so sure how it exactly ties into the biblical story of David and Solomon, but I also could relate to the older brother syndrome and the younger brother is the lead or shall rule over the older brother with biblical examples with the prodigal son (older brother syndrome), Esau and Jacob (twin brothers where the younger ruled over older), and Zerah and Perez (twin brothers by Tamar and Judah, where younger ruled), and even Joseph over his 12 brothers.
Moreover, this novel shows that some are not willing to forgive, or live for God. Madeline would not let loose what she felt was rightfully due to her. Sherry tried to prove she was the better wife, longer marriage, but lost her husband to cancer; yet didn't get her final good-bye. Children bickering and battling for DMI, but the daughter, Tamara, doesn't want a part of it due to a hidden secret. Some of the story weaves into the story of David and Solomon as I read further, but love the newness and modern day twist to it! Haley did a beautiful job (some would talk about redundancy but you can feel the pain, agony, and whatever it takes to get what you want--greed instead of meeting the need).
Adrienna Turner,
author of "God is in the Equation" and "The Day Begins with Christ"
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
November 25, 2008
I received this book in the mail, and wasn't really expecting it, but forgot I get Ms Haley's books just before they come out. This book based on David and Solomon, looks at a man of God and his family. Dave Mitchell was a man of God with a wife and kids; For some reason, he got caught up with his secretary, and being an honorable man, he divorced Madeline, and married Sherry, amid a lot of protest. Here is where the trouble gets rough. He keeps Madeline on in the ministry, but she keeps upsurping Sherry at every turn even on the day Dave dies. He grooms his eldest son Don for his ministry, but ends up choosing his son Joel(by Sherry)to lead, saying that that was what the Lord stated. At first, Joel is young and inexperienced, but as time goes, he becomes effective and quite powerful in his own right. However, he is tempted and snagged by beautiful women, he sadly chooses to go push for international expansion with a company that isn't Christian and furthermore wants a personal(by marrying the owner's daughter) as well as giving a part of the ministry to them making the folks who were there with Joel from the beginning where his head is at. Madeline, who was against Joel from getting the position in the first place and tried to unsurp him, has started to get more control of the company. Sadly, the book ends in suspense and one doesn't know how this will end up which is why I gave it the stars I did. The book is good. It kept me in suspense, but there are too many questions needing answers, and not too many being answered.
February 25, 2017
Wow! A modern day take on King David and his son Solomon and it's every bit as drama-filled as what you'll find if you read about them in the Bible.
Dave Mitchell left his wife Madeline and their four children for a younger woman years ago, and the repercussions are still resounding throughout two families. His ex-wife still holds a place on the board of directors of his multimillion dollar ministry, and their oldest son Don thought he was in line to become CEO when Dave chose to step down. However, Dave felt led of God to place his second wife Sherry's son Joel in that position, despite Don's greater experience and better aptitude for the role.
Madeline is bitter and determined to put Don in what she sees as his rightful role. Don is hurt and leaves the country to start over, away from all the squabbling. Joel has to grow into his new role faster than he thought, but he has Dave's assistant Abigail to help him along.
There was end to end drama, intrigue and family squabbles to keep even the most bored reader on the edge of his or her seat. The cliffhanger ending didn't shock me- I figured this had to be a series, and I was right. There's way too much going on here to fit into one book :-).
Looking forward to the next installment
Dave Mitchell left his wife Madeline and their four children for a younger woman years ago, and the repercussions are still resounding throughout two families. His ex-wife still holds a place on the board of directors of his multimillion dollar ministry, and their oldest son Don thought he was in line to become CEO when Dave chose to step down. However, Dave felt led of God to place his second wife Sherry's son Joel in that position, despite Don's greater experience and better aptitude for the role.
Madeline is bitter and determined to put Don in what she sees as his rightful role. Don is hurt and leaves the country to start over, away from all the squabbling. Joel has to grow into his new role faster than he thought, but he has Dave's assistant Abigail to help him along.
There was end to end drama, intrigue and family squabbles to keep even the most bored reader on the edge of his or her seat. The cliffhanger ending didn't shock me- I figured this had to be a series, and I was right. There's way too much going on here to fit into one book :-).
Looking forward to the next installment
December 29, 2011
It took me all of 18 hours to read this book; it was awesome--I couldn't put it down! Funny that I just read a re-telling of David and Bathsheba by a different author, and unknowingly I picked up this book which turned out to be loosely based on the life of King Solomon. With the series of events, I figured that there would be another part...I was right! And I can't wait to read it. My favorite character in the story is Don. I think that the book was realistic and we might be able to see a bit of ourselves in the characters--I can appreciate that in a book. I was really able to feel the pain of the characters. I would read it again, and I would recommend it.
August 30, 2016
Chosen is a book that’s a modern day story of King David and his sons. The book is based on a family’s mega business and how it is run after the patriarch of the family succumbs from a terrible bout with cancer.
Want to read
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January 3, 2012
This was a great read. Im looking forward to Destined and Broken by Patricia Haley
December 11, 2011
This was a good read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 5, 2012
I chose to not continue reading after first 2 chapters.
June 3, 2012
Very good book! The start of a series!
January 26, 2013
I had to read this book for my African American Fiction class, and in the beginning it started off slow but once you keep reading, it begins to capture your interest.
September 26, 2013
Loved It! Cant wait to read all in the series
June 22, 2014
I hated the book until I realized it's book one in a series, then I loved it can't wait to start book 2!!!
July 12, 2014
Good book... Cliffhanger ending which I hate... Lol!
May 8, 2014
One of the best book I read this year so far, the cliffhanger prevented me from giving it 5 stars.
November 25, 2015
Off the chain
May 11, 2016
Pat this book was great!!!!
October 31, 2012
I enjoyed the Chosen series. It was an old tale made completely new again!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews