Anointed by Patricia Haley Kicks off Mitchell family drama series
#1 Essence bestselling author Patricia Haley takes family drama to a riveting new level as one man tries to build a legacy for his family in this compelling series based on popular biblical kings King David and Solomon. Chosen starts the war. Destined rekindles the feud. Broken takes family discord to a new level with sister pitted against brother in the ultimate duel over who will assume control of their father’s multimillion-dollar ministry. Anointedgoes back to the beginning of the Mitchell family saga, when Dave and Madeline build the infamous DMI from nothing, only to see the fruits of their labor end up in divorce court, setting the stage for years of fallout.
A man of faith, Dave Mitchell is passionate about starting DMI, a leadership training company. Relishing a time of success, Dave Mitchell has been married to Madeline for eleven years. Success, however, has come at a tremendous sacrificial price on the home front. The closeness the couple once savored has diminished. Dave spends most of his time working, while Madeline, a vibrant businesswoman, has found herself stretched between balancing home and office, fully committed to both but struggling. With a toddler and three other school aged children at home, Madeline elects to take some time off now that DMI is finally thriving. She suggests that Dave hire an assistant to help offset the workload in her absence.
Unfortunately, her suggestion lays the foundation for a path of marital demise as Dave hires and befriends Sherry Henderson, a much younger woman going through her own personal challenges. Revered by others as a man with incredible anointing and favor professionally, Dave is not above temptation and personal shortcomings. Saddled with four children, including the son they adopted after Dave's best friend died seven years ago, Madeline digs her heels in, refusing to give up her marriage, her family, the company, or her place in Dave's heart. Against wise counsel, Dave leaves his wife and children hoping the separation will bring clarity. Far removed from the notion of forgiveness and restoration, Dave, Madeline, and Sherry lay the foundation for much Mitchell anguish to be realized for decades to come with control of DMI being at the center of the drama.
"Amen," Dave echoed, closing out his prayer as he opened the office door and asked the gentlemen sitting in the hallway to come in. "Mr. Jefferson, please have a seat," he said, gesturing for him to take a seat at his conference table. "I know you've been working with Madeline, but she's not able to join us today."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, but I'm sure I'll be in good hands with you."
"That's for sure. Can I get you anything?" Dave asked, allowing his client to get comfortable before swooping in like a hawk to close the deal. Jefferson had no clue as to how close he was to being caught in the DMI net.
"Nothing for me," Mr. Jefferson said.
"Then let's get down to business," Dave said, straightening the cuff of his sleeve and glancing up at the photos of Presidents Carter and Reagan. He'd met both of them during the last election. "Your church is drowning in bills and money problems. You need help and I'm the one to give it to you."
"Maybe, but at what price?"
"Well, how much is a credible reputation worth to you?" Dave grabbed a pad of paper from his desk and a pen. He jotted down several numbers. "Let's see here. You have forty churches and at least half your staff needs to be trained," Dave said, getting his calculator. "By the time we lay on a few administrative costs, we're looking at three twenty-five thousand."
"Come on, where are we going to get that kind of money?"
"What were you expecting?" Dave asked, laying his pen down and locking his fingers. He'd seen guys like Jefferson countless times. They wanted something for nothing and he wasn't the one to give it to them.
"I was expecting something more like ten thousand dollars to get nine or ten people trained."
"Well thanks for stopping in. Sorry we can't help you," Dave said, extending his hand to Mr. Jefferson.
"What, that's it, no negotiation?" Mr. Jefferson asked, appearing surprised.
"Nope, that's not how this works," Dave said.
"Okayyy," he responded. "You got me, I'm listening."
"I'm not here to sell you a boatload of services. I'm not here to twist your arm, but it seems to me that you're the one with the financial problem and need my help. If that's true, fine, let's work a deal," Dave said, leaning his elbow on the table. "However, I'm not going to waste your time, and I'm certainly not going to let you waste mine. Ten thousand isn't even close to what I'm looking at for the kind of mentoring and training that you need. If you can't come up to six figures, this conversation is over. No harm, no foul," Dave said, dropping back in his chair, sporting a grin.
"That's fair. I can come up to one hundred and fifty thousand," Mr. Jefferson said, as Dave anticipated.
"Great, now we're getting somewhere."
"Are you saying that's a number you're willing to accept?"
"No way," Dave said, laughing loudly, then cutting it off instantly. "But at least it lets me know that you're serious and not here to waste my time, because that, my friend, would end up costing you."
"You're a tough cookie."
"I have to be if I'm going to help clients like you," Dave said, relaxing in his chair, silently thanking God that there would be one more band of churches getting their acts together and averting bankruptcy. Another one down, many to go before he could rest.
PATRICIA HALEY-GLASS, who writes under the pen name of PATRICIA HALEY, is award winning, #1 Essence National Best-selling author of eight novels and a contributor in two anthologies. She’s a graduate of the University of Chicago, Stanford University, a born-again believer, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The trailblazing author is also a senior project manager who lives in the Chicago area with her husband, Jeffrey Glass, and their daughter.
Broken, Destined, and Chosen are the first three titles in her modernized series loosely depicting the popular kings David and Solomon. The stories centers around a business mogul leaving his wife for a younger woman and subsequently letting her child run the family business. A feud ensues combining family drama, corporate intrigue, faith-based themes, and a dash of romance. Readers will be riveted until the stunning conclusion, when the entire fate of a family rests on their ability and willingness to forgive. Visit her on http://www.patriciahaley.com/home or become a friend of Patricia Haley-Glass or join the fan of Author Patricia Haley on Facebook.
BPM: What books or authors made a difference in your life?
Two books have especially impacted me over the years. I read “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Dr. Maya Angelou when I was in the 8th grade. I was intrigued to see a little black girl on the cover. In the early seventies, there weren’t a lot of books out there written by and about us, African-American women.
The second book is “This Present Darkness” by Frank Peretti (my all time favorite) which was the first faith-based novel that I read. It was a page turner and I was amazed at how the book could be so entertaining while incorporating a heavy dose of religious themes. When I finished the 400+ page book in less than a week, I was hooked. It forever changed my prayer life and what I look for in novels. I guess, in a way, my novels mesh the two with African-American characters and faith-based themes. You could say that I write what I enjoy reading.
BPM: What are some of the benefits of being an author that makes it all worthwhile?
My purpose for writing is to glorify God while entertaining and reaching every single person that needs to be encouraged and/or inspired. So, as an author, I am blessed to hear many stories about readers who have been encouraged, positively impacted, or genuinely entertained by my books. There is no greater satisfaction for me than knowing someone’s day has been improved or faith strengthened as a result of my writing. It makes the literary journey worthwhile for me.
I’ll never forget a specific situation. I was doing a literary event in Ohio. Everyone had purchased books and I was ready to leave. A young lady came up to me and said she couldn’t afford a book but wanted me to sign her postcard. Instead I felt led to give her a book and told her to send me the money later. Honestly, once I left, I didn’t expect to hear from her again. Exactly a year later, I got a card with the money inside. She noted that I had met her at the lowest point in her life, at a time when she needed someone to believe in her. When I gave her the book on faith, it lifted her spirits. I don’t always give away books. I sure am glad that I did that day. Encouraging others, that’s what it’s all about for me.
BPM: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
I want my readers to be entertained first. Then, before closing the book, I’d like for them to get the message that in spite of challenges and dysfunction, a person’s ability to forgive, to love, to forget the pain of the past, and to exercise a tad bit of diplomacy can get them through any situation, no matter how tragic the circumstances.
BPM: How do feel about selling digital books vs. selling in a brick and mortar store? What impact do you think electronic book sales will have on published authors? On indie authors?
With the huge increases in e-books and stores like Borders going out of business, there’s no doubt the industry is changing. All authors are going to be impacted. This is the time when authors have to know why they’re writing. If it’s for the money, good luck with that one. If it’s purely for the notoriety, good luck with that one too.
If, however, you’re writing because you’re fueled by your gift or passion, then the changes are for the positive. The more ways to get the books into the hands of readers, the better from my perspective. E-books offer yet another way to reach my audience. As long as readers can still get my books, I’m happy, whether it’s paper, hardback, or digital. As a matter of fact, this is a wonderful time for independent authors. The door of opportunity is wide open.
BPM: We are here to shine the spotlight on your new book, but what's next?
I’m pleased to announce that Broken made #1 on the national Black Christian bestseller list in September 2011. The series continues with books four and five - Anointed (Fall 2012) and Betrayed (Spring 2013). These novels will take you back to the beginning of the saga, when Dave meets Sherry and lines the path of family destruction.
BPM: How may our readers follow you online?
Readers can visit me at www.patriciahaley.com for a full listing of events, chapter excerpts, book trailers, or to join her mailing list. They can also become a Facebook friend at Patricia Haley-Glass or join my fan page at Author Patricia Haley.
BPM: Thank you, Patricia Haley, for sharing a little bit about yourself, your journey and your book with our readers!
Broken by Patricia Haley
Chosen started the war. Destined rekindled the family feud, which blended sibling rivalry, marital problems, corporate intrigue, and a bit of romance. Then comes Broken, where the bitter family war between the two half brothers and their mothers subsides, until the estranged sister unexpectedly returns home, secretly intending to wage her own war regardless of who gets hurt. This modern tale of biblical kings David and Solomon ends with a shocking revelation, forcing the Mitchell family to remember what’s important. This modern-day interpretation will keep readers riveted until the stunning conclusion, when the entire fate of a family rests on their ability and willingness to forgive.
Genre: Faith-based Drama Series; Read first 3 chapters, click here. Topics: Sibling rivalry, marital challenges, corporate intrigue, and a bit of romance!
Don Mitchell is certain the Lord has a plan for him to reconcile his family, when his younger half brother, Joel, suddenly resigns as CEO of their father’s company. The gesture comes after Joel has nearly sent the enterprise into bankruptcy. Don’s first order of business as newly appointed head of DMI is to bring his estranged older sister home. It isn’t easy. Tamara has been running from the past for years. But once she is home, she plans to claim her rightful place in the multimillion-dollar family ministry—no matter what it takes or who gets hurt.Joel, meanwhile, is regretting his decision to step down and is doing everything in his power to resume his path to greatness. As Don finds himself waist-deep in the corporate mess Joel left behind, his love life is also in flux. He must balance a complicated friendship with Abigail, his right-hand woman at DMI, with a budding romance involving his beautiful business partner in South Africa. Just as Don begins to realize that forgiving and forgetting may be his greatest weapon, a terrifying ordeal rocks the family to its core, and they must turn to God and to one another for the answers.
BROKEN: Excerpt from Chapter 3
They were gone and Tamara could breathe easy again. She'd reclaimed her space. The walls were no longer closing in. She heated a teapot, replaying the words exchanged during the visit. Mixed emotions filled her. Madeline was her mother, an undeniable piercing reality. She was born to love her, but that didn't mean she had to like her, not with her constant pushing and attempts to force Tamara to accept the Mitchell family on Madeline's terms. Madeline made it hard to like her, but it didn't stop Tamara from loving her. Seeing Don was comforting, honestly, seeing her mother was too.
She poured the water into a cup, constantly replaying the words like a recorder set on repeat. The anger had vanished and a pinch of loneliness was setting in. Having her family there wasn't so bad, she thought, taking a seat on the small sofa. The phone rang but she didn't answer, unwilling to release the warm feeling she was experiencing toward her family. It was rare, unexpected, but well received. The euphoria forced her to rethink her decision about going home.
The more she reflected, the less eager she was to push her mother away. She had to forget the whole idea. When Don first asked her to consider returning home, there was interest. Seeing how distraught her mother was changed her mind. She wasn't out to crush Madeline, not really, although there were times when the pain carved deep in the pit of her soul cried out to be shared with the perpetrator. Andre clearly was her rapist, but he hadn't been alone in crafting the destruction within her mother's mansion. There were many contributors who helped create the perfect environment for hell to dwell on earth.
The phone rang so much that it wasn't readily noticeable to her anymore. Whether it was Don, Madeline, or Remo didn't make a difference. Her brief slice of euphoria was certain not to last, but she'd cling to it for as long as possible by blocking out the sounds, tastes, and smells around her. Tamara was simply trying to survive.
The phone wouldn't stop. Caving to reality, she snatched it up, consumed with frustration. "Remo, what do you want?"
He spoke in English mixed with Italian. His dialogue was as random and confusing as his actions. He spewed demand after demand at her. The frustration she felt at the beginning of the call quickly converted to tension.
"You can't walk away from me. We are for life. I won't let you go so easily with my heart." His ranting was fueled by escalating rage. She could feel the heat.
"I'm not going to let you control me anymore. I can't do it. We're done, Remo. You have to accept this. It's over for good," she said, mustering her courage but not sure how he'd accept her betrayal.
"We can't solve this on the telephone. I need to see your face when you tell me these things. The telephone won't work. I can jump on the rail and be in London by afternoon. I'll see you. Ciao," he said, and disconnected.
Tamara held the phone, unable to move, scared. She hadn't told him her new address. How did he know? she wondered. Probably the same way that Madeline had, by hiring a private investigator to keep track of her, selfishly violating her space. Her thoughts swirled out of order with no continuity. She jumped to her feet, realizing that getting out of the flat was critical. Remo was unpredictable and she couldn't take a chance on letting him catch her. She scurried around the tiny space desperate for a plan. Peering at her checkbook and the cell phone again, she realized she didn't have much choice. Maybe it was time to go home. Her brother had made the offer and she couldn't discount it this time, so long as her nonnegotiable term was honored. Her mother couldn't be anywhere near Detroit or the state of Michigan, just to be safe. Mother wasn't a physical threat like Remo but her ability to orchestrate emotional despair was just as deadly to Tamara.
She fumbled through a small stack of papers on the two-seat table and stopped when she got to her checkbook. Seeing the equivalent of a $1,314 balance was sobering; she couldn't run too far with that amount. A plane ticket alone was around $600, which didn't leave enough for an apartment deposit and the first month's rent. Tamara plopped down on the sofa sleeper, fingering through her hair, searching for answers that weren't falling from the ceiling, no matter how she stared. There was only one option. As much as she hated the notion of going home to Detroit under duress and to her dysfunctional family, it didn't compare to the trauma that could come from Remo running around somewhere out there ready to do her harm.
Tamara removed her luggage from the wardrobe. She checked the time, careful not to let two hours catch her in the flat. Remo was definitely on his way, taking every possible shortcut to get to her. If he was going to be there in a few hours, she had to be out in one. Twenty minutes had already evaporated while she was calculating the remaining dollars in her skimpy account. Although she desperately needed help, Tamara was not going to let Madeline or Don know the full extent of her troubles.
She scrambled to get packed, constantly peering out the window and keeping a tight grip on every second. Clothes were scarce. Carrying excess from town to town had grown exhausting, and each move shaved away some of her belongings. Upon leaving France, she'd opted to bring only the two pieces of free checked luggage allowed on her flight to London. After ten or eleven moves, Tamara was sure she was at the core of her existence and only had items of value remaining.
She looked around the room, a stark contrast from the plush accommodations that enveloped her childhood. Tamara stuffed the suitcase, not quite able to get in all five pairs of pants, eight shirts, her jacket, and her underclothes. She'd only take along one of the larger suitcases, plus the smaller knapsack as a carry-on. The other suitcase, along with a few shirts, would have to be sacrificed and stay behind. What else? she thought, looking around, combing the room while simultaneously keeping track of the time. Forty-five minutes gone. Her nerves were flaring up. Remo couldn't be taken lightly. She had to hurry. Suitcase zipped, knapsack latched and tucked under her arm, she was ready. Tamara opened the door and began pulling it shut. Wait. She rushed back in and snatched open the wardrobe, dropping the knapsack. She didn't have her passport.
Tamara rustled through the papers and trinkets left behind. She got to a huge clasped envelope and breathed a sigh of relief, drawing in a long stretch of air and slowly releasing it. She pressed the envelope to her chest. This represented the grand sum of her independence: passport, birth certificate, a copy of the first check she'd received for one of her paintings, and her Swiss bank account details. She extracted the papers partially, checking to make sure none were missing.
Focused on her travel documents, her key to freedom, Tamara was unprepared for the photo at the bottom of the stack. She looked away, letting her bottom plop down to the floor. There was the family photo taken at Disney World with Dave, Madeline, Tamara, and her three brothers, Sam, Andre, and Don, right before her father left them. She held it, peering at the strangers on the paper. She was five years old when it was taken. The memory was raw, like it was yesterday. The time represented one of the rare moments when she recalled being happy, safe, and normal. The rest was a blur. Tamara shoved the papers and photo into the envelope. Fifty-five minutes gone. Time had run out. She dashed out of the flat with her suitcase and knapsack. Move number twelve was under way. She'd feel more secure when the plane was taxiing down the runway and there was no sign of Remo on board.
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