Customer Reviews

Destined

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Destined continues the saga between estranged half brothers, Don and Joel. Don returns to DMI, the company left by his father to his younger half-brother, to rescue it from Joel's mismanagement and poor judgment. In the mix is the continued shenanigans of Madeline, Don's mother, a marriage of convenience, and some semblance of new love.

Considering all, the story dragged on endlessly with little reason. Mrs. Haley is a good writer, but a so-so storyteller. Her stories lack the "umph" that would make them great. The endings lack any real finality or result, something readers desire to see in a story.

Even at the book's end, several story lines remain unresolved. Not sure I have the energy to read the next sequel in the series to find out. Will there be a true ending?

To Mrs. Haley's credit, the tone of her writing is consistent and she is creative.

Patricia Haley has hit the mark yet again! In this, the sequel to Chosen, we see the continuation of the story of the sons of a modern day David and the dysfunction their father's actions brought upon their family. Don, the oldest, fled to South Africa to heal after his father chose his younger half-brother over him to run the family ministry. Now he is forced to choose between South Africa and Detroit- between keeping the peace he found overseas and returning home to answer God's call on his life.


I couldn't put this book down- the characters are believable and compelling. It's all too easy to put myself into Don's shoes, or Joel's and understand why each man does what he does. I enjoyed this immensely, and I hope there will be a third book in this series so I can see more of this family's ups and downs.

I tried to like this book, but the movement of the storyline was so slow. I read "Chosen", and wanted to continue to read to find out how the story ended up between the siblings. I felt as if I was just reading to pass the time away. I couldnt' keep up with it either. Don't know if I'll buy the 3rd installment. But I will credit the author with giving the readers a modern-day biblical story about David and his children.

After being rejected for being the CEO of the family's business, DMI, Don Mitchell decides to flee and go to South Africa. During his stay on the African continent, Don realizes that it was God's will that he let go of the disappointment and find his purpose in life. He creates his own company called LTI and finds the solitude that he needed. Dave Mitchell thought that it was best to put the company in the hands of his youngest child, Joel. As CEO, Joel sought the guidance of God on how to run the company. But the more he got wrapped in the power of being CEO of one of the largest companies in Detroit, the less he started to listen to God. Soon, Joel would put God on the back burner and started to run the company as he thought it should be ran. When the financial reports started to look a little shaky the CFO of the company, Abigail, decided something had to be done to stop Joel and the tirade on DMI. If she didn't, all would be lost. Don's mother, Madeline, was one of the founders of DMI and was determined to get Joel fired and put Don in charge of the company. They decide to call Don and tell him what Joel has been up too. Will Don make it in time to save DMI? Is he destined to take the rightful place as CEO?

Author Patricia Haley did a phenomenal job writing the sequel to Chosen. If you read the first book, you will understand what I am talking about. The storyline of Destined started exactly where Chosen ended, and that was something I love about this book. The author continues the story on the same path. Redemption and forgiveness are once again the focus of the storyline. Ms. Haley has no problem keeping your interest throughout the book. The way the author goes in detail about each character makes you understand the path they took and why they did it. And in all honesty, if you have not read Chosen, you really don't need to because Destined could be read as a standalone book. You never wonder what happened in the pervious book because there's enough dialogue for you to understand what is going on. Destined shows you that the Word of God never changes, but you have to change to understand what you are destined to do.

Reviewed by Jackie for Urban Reviews

This was a wonderful travel from South Africa to the city of Michigan. The Mitchell clan, Madeline, Don and Joel are an exciting family blessed with the gift of money, and power. Abigail is a dedicated employee caught in the middle of passion of the heart and loyalty to the company built on a Christian foundation. I enjoyed traveling from one climate with a view of beautiful water, peace and serenity into the hustle and bustle of city life filled with turmoil, greed, and good old fashioned out of control family feuding. Joel the youngest son and unfourtunate air to the family business DMI, is a "Hot Mess" of arrogance; and totally out of control. Joel and Madeline along with the rest of the crew will keep you flipping the pages of this spirit filled journey.

Much Respect, Linda Washington-Johnson
JMRC Bold Reviewer President

It is said that delay is not denial. That may be, but in the case of Don Mitchell, delay may be the ultimate price to pay for the possibility of obtaining the coveted position of CEO of DMI.

In Chosen, the first in this Biblical trilogy from veteran author Patricia Haley, readers became privy to the in-fighting and personal tragedy that fragmented what should have been the solid Mitchell dynasty. Destined continues the saga of the embroiled family as it reveals the pitfalls of the arrogance and disobedience of Joel Mitchell - the Chosen one. On the opposite side of the struggle for control are two mothers fighting for what they believe is the birthright of different sons; a traumatized daughter on the run and one caught between affections for family, two women and obedience to God.

With precision Ms. Haley weaves an international tale of intrigue that is compelling, entertaining and provocative.

Dr. Linda F. Beed/Reviewer
On Assignment Reviews for Let Us Bear Fruit

*Book provided courtesy of publisher.

In Patricia Haley's Destined, Don Mitchell leaves Detroit and heads to South Africa to flee the embarrassment that came when his father chose his younger brother, Joel Mitchell, to run the family business, DMI. Their business is based on sound biblical principles and morals. Some where along the way, Joel forgets that and starts to make horrible business decisions. The board, especially Don's mother, Madeline, believes there is no other decision left but to call Don back to take over. Don and Joel have always been at odds. Their father left Don's mother to be with Joel's mother. Of course, that leaves nothing but disaster. But if they want to keep DMI as a successful company, they must somehow agree on who should lead it. Everyone believes it is Don's destiny. Who is really destined to be the leader?

Although this was a sequel to Haley's first book, CHOSEN, I was able to understand what was going on without having read the first book. DESTINED is a story of forgiveness. It may take many years, but ultimately forgiveness is for you. At times it was very predictable. Then at other times totally unbelievable. But I enjoyed the modern day play on the biblical story of David and Solomon.

This book was provided courtesy of the publisher for review purposes.

Donnica Copeland
APOOO BookClub
Sista Talk Book Club

Destined by Patricia Haley is a story of love, rejection, forgiveness and faith. Offering the perfect blend of faith and romance, this is the second novel in the Chosen series, inspired by the popular biblical kings David and Solomon.

Destined picks up where Chosen left off and follows the life and struggle of Don Mitchell. Don the rightful heir of a multi-million dollar ministry who was overlooked by his father who left the business to his younger brother, Joel. Needless to say, Joel is running the ministry into the ground. Like many of use who experience terrible rejection, Don flees the hurt and exiles himself to his home in South Africa. Don is faced with a decision to either stay away, or to intervene and save the ministry. Will he allow his hurt feelings to get in the way, or will he realize that his destiny is inescapable and this future lies in his family's legacy?

One of the most poignant lines in the book was "God's word didn't change because of circumstances. Circumstances changed because of God's word." Destined is a book that displays the power of God at His best. I was encouraged to turn over my own current situations to God and let Him show up and show out!

Reviewed by Tamika Hall, Gospel Book Review- Tamika Hall is the author of seven books including the bestselling Love Me to the Altar and Love Doesn't Leave Bruises. She resides in Maryland with her husband and four children, where she also works in education.

Destined is the second in Patricia Haley's Chosen series. Inspired by the biblical kings David and Solomon. The battle for power was started in Chosen. In Destined, brothers Joel and Don Mitchell battle for control of their late father's multimillion dollar ministry, DMI. Don is the eldest son on Madeline and the late Dave Mitchell. Dave and Madeline built their forty year old ministry together, and Madeline continues to work for the ministry. Don, Dave and Madeline's eldest son, was groomed by his father to one day run the family business. Joel, Dave's son with second wife, Sherry, also worked for the company. As Dave's health quickly falters, he appoints Joel as CEO of this ministry. This comes as a surprise to everyone, but Dave contends that God spoke to him and instructed him to appoint Joel. Don, feeling robbed, hurt and betrayed, flees to South Africa and starts his own business, which quickly thrives.

Joel, driven by power and wealth, quickly puts the ministry at risk. Don returns from South Africa to help his mom save the ministry from Joel's path of destruction. Along the way, there is romance, broken hearts, and a marriage of convenience or in better terms a business marriage.

Destined is a must read. This was my first time reading Ms. Haley's work, but it will not be my last time. However, before you read Destined, I would strongly suggest reading Chosen, so that you will have the background information on the characters, their relationships, etc. I am anxiously awaiting Broken, the third book in the series. I highly recommend this book, and I promise you will not be disappointed.

Reviewed by Deniece C. Shelman
About the Reviewer
Deniece Shelman is a member of SistahFriend Book Club and the Site Leader for the Greenwood, SC branch of the club. She is married and has three children. To learn more about SistahFriends visit their site at [...]

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purposes of a review.

In Destined, the saga continues pretty much on the same path as Chosen. I like the idea of the story, but it felt like it was missing something. In Destined, we learned a lot of the back story, but not all of it there's still more to come which makes the book drag. Again, I enjoyed reading this book, but felt as if I was reading just to see what Madeline was going to do next and even she fell short on delivering the drama her character was portrayed to bring.

I am going to read the third installment only because I like the discipline Don has when faced with adversity, plus I'm rooting for the brothers to come together as well as their sister. I would like to see Madeline heal from her hurt filled past and give Sheri a break, she's suffered enough. Madeline is still my favorite, I'd just like to see her bring the heat that she's teased us with being able to deliver since book one.