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PATRICIA HALEY is the trailblazing, #1 Essence bestselling author of seven faith-based, novels, including Let Sleeping Dogs Lie, No Regrets, and Chosen. She’s a  project manager with degrees from Stanford University and the University of Chicago. She is a born again believer and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Patricia lives with her husband and daughter in Philadelphia.

 Visit her on www.patriciahaley.com or become a fan of Author Patricia Haley on Facebook. 

 What inspired you to write this book bringing in another country and conflict in the family?

Of all my seven novels and two short stories, Destined and Chosen most reflect a blend of my background and interests. I’m a businesswoman with a deep and unconditional love for family, coupled with a passion for traveling. My husband and I plan to visit all seven continents and the fifty states. We’ve done five so far (S. America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and of course N. America) and 35 states. Traveling abroad has been such an integral part of my life and experiences, yet, I’d never really brought any of those international perspectives to my stories. So, my Chosen series seemed like the natural place to combine corporate intrigue, family drama, and snippets of South Africa, a place where tolerance and forgiveness is exemplified through the life of Nelson Mandela (one of my modern day heroes) along with the South of France, a memorable spot for me and my husband.

Of your books what is your favorite character and why?

My favorite character, who happens to show up in all my stories, is a little old lady named Emma Walker or Big Mama as she is affectionately labeled.  I love her presence because Big Mama always brings words of wisdom and spiritual guidance with dashes of humor and sincerity.

What suggestions or advice would you give writers about the process of writing?

Read, Write, and Relax.  The ability to tell a story is a God-given talent –either you have it or you don’t. However, the ability to tell a story better comes from mastering the craft.  That’s the part that comes from discipline, practice, teachings, mentoring, and attending workshops.  The more you read, the more you learn about different styles as well as what works and what doesn’t.  In order to get better at writing, like most other areas in life, you have to practice —write, write, write.  Some say you need to write every day.  I believe you have to figure out what works for you whether it’s every day, every other day, or whatever schedule you establish, be committed and stick to your routine.  People often ask, “How do I get started?”  That’s such an easy answer, “Just start.  Sit down and write the first word. Doesn’t matter how good it is getting started, just push aside distractions and procrastination obstacles and get started.” Lastly, take a deep breath and relax, enjoy the literary journey.  Being an author is about more than just cranking out a manuscript.  It’s about the process of taking an idea and forming it into something tangible that others can read and ideally be blessed, inspired, enlightened, or encouraged as a result.

 About the Book

Destined by Patricia Haley is the second novel in the Chosen series, inspired by the popular biblical kings David and Solomon. 

Don, the eldest son and rightful heir to the ministry, returns from South Africa after three years of self-imposed exile. With a renewed zeal to reclaim the leadership of his late father’s multi-million dollar ministry, his plans are short-lived when a stock transfer agreement goes wrong, rendering Don powerless. Don’s little brother Joel continues as CEO, careening down the path of personal, professional, and spiritual demise, as he drags the ministry down with him. The only hope to save their father’s legacy is Don’s intervention, and so clinging to his self-worth and faith, Don is torn between fighting for a company he wasn’t chosen to run and fleeing back to his South African refuge, a place where his peace, his growing relationship with Naledi, and his dignity aren’t in question. After much soul searching, Don comes to realize that his destiny is inescapable and that his future lies in his family’s legacy.

Combining spiritual themes with family tension, corporate intrigue, and romance, this series is an exciting addition to the faith-based fiction market.

 Book Review  by Linda Fegins

Destined combines spiritual themes such as unforgiveness and taking steps of faith to pursue one’s destiny with  issues of family conflict, corporate intrigue , lust and romance. Don, the rightful heir of a multi-million dollar ministry was overlooked by his father who left the business to his younger brother, Joel, who is the son of a second wife. Joel’s leadership has caused the ministry to spiral downward.  After experiencing the pain of rejection, Don flees to South Africa to nurse his hurt and to rebuild his life with a thriving new business. Don is faced with a decision to either stay away, or to intervene and save the ministry.

Watching how God worked in this corporate and family drama to allow Don to recognize his destiny was exciting and inspiring.  It reminds one that God “can work all things together” for one to pursue their destiny.  

This riveting storyline stretched my imagination, as it embraced other cultures, although some might question the plausibility of some aspects of the book.  Not I.  Destined is an intriguing read with a subtle inspirational message woven into the story. The manner of how the book ended was a surprise to me. Not the result, but the twist in how the result was achieved. Haley engages one with subtle intrigue and touches of comedy, just as in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie. I am awaiting Broken; the third book in the series because I need to know more about the self-exiled sister Tamara.

View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/DestinedBlogTour.