Patricia Haley

Patricia Haley

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Patricia Haley lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Jeffrey. With an engineering degree from Stanford Univ. and an M.B.A. from the Univ. of Chicago, readers are often surprised to hear that she is writing faith-based fiction, given her technical and business background. Her literary mission is to glorify God while creating ‘clean’ contemporary fiction that provides readers with a message of hope and an unwavering display of love. She is the national best selling author of Nobody’s Perfect, No Regrets, Blind Faith and a short story based on Sarah and Abraham called Baby Blues, which is contained in Blessed Assurance, a collection of six modernized Bible stories.

In addition to writing novels and short stories, Patricia does freelance book reviews for QBR (Quarterly Black Review). Beyond her literary endeavors, she has a great love for the Lord, her family, and membership in Delta Sigma Theta Public Service Sorority, Inc. She is also: employed as a project manager, an IRS tax assistance volunteer, affiliated with Dominion Christian Center (Rockford, IL) and an active participate in the gospel choir, stewardship programs, budgeting, financial counseling, and building development committee at New Covenant Church (Trooper, PA)

As she continues to work in various venues, her desire is that God will get the glory in all aspects of her life. Look for future works from this voice on the literary scene.

Still Waters (Kimani Romance)
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Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: BET; Reprint edition (August 1, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373830734
ISBN-13: 978-0373830732

Laurie Wright is battling marital demons in the form of emotional torture, at the hands of her husband, a man she loves and equally hates. Six sons and twelve years later, she is growing weary. Feeling trapped, Laurie doesn't know how much longer she can cope with his tirades. The torment becomes so frequent that night after night she stands in the bedroom doorway watching him sleep peacefully while she wrestles with her emotions. Those close to Laurie plead with her to leave Greg before something bad happens, but the advice doesn't penetrate. She believes in God and prays on occasion, but doesn't think that He can reach the depths of her despair. She's convinced that there's only one way out for her, and it isn't through the front door.

On the other hand, Greg strives to be a loving father and loyal husband, neither of which he received at the hands of his own father, the mighty Judge Wright. Greg's deep desire to provide for his large family is tough on a graphic designer salary, and the stress of living so close to the brink finally takes its toll. He battles moments of extreme depression, all along yearning for his father's approval, which never comes. In the meantime, the tide turns as Laurie takes a part time job, losses thirty pounds, becomes consumed with independence, even getting caught up in an on-line affair. Through a series of successes and failures, Greg struggles to get his act together. Is it too late to save both his marriage and his life?

Still Waters demonstrates that given the right set of circumstances and deep-rooted hurts and frustrations, anyone can be driven to life-threatening acts beyond rational thinking, but thank God for the grace that covers our mistakes. Love …keeps no record of wrongs… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. ----- 1 Corinthians 13:4-5,7-8.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
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Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Kimani Press (September 1, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1583146245
ISBN-13: 978-1583146248

Angela has reunited with Reese after a recent separation and is struggling with the adjustments necessary to restore the marriage. Letting the dust settle isn't easy, but she's taking the right step given her faith. Choosing to ignore the drama swirling around her immediate household, she also sits in a place of denial regarding the rest of the Reynolds family, whom she holds in high regard. That is until shocking rumors involving her father surface, and her world comes crashing down. The unity blanket and bliss once covering the family are in jeopardy and the ugliness is threatening to erupt. Gossip and accusations of guilt spiral out of control when an issue of paternity arises. Perhaps the weight of pretending could be bearable, but the new rumors about Sylvia crossing the line drives a wedge in their already not-so-sisterly bond, stretching Angela's faith to the breaking point.

Sylvia is nursing her own wounds and refuses to suffer in silence any longer. The day of reckoning has arrived and Sylvia is wielding the ax of judgment. In the past she has masked her hurt and anger, determined to go along with the farce. Convinced that Angela is blind to the truth, Sylvia is bent on giving her sister a view of the real world, even if it requires extreme measures. She plans to expose a slew of devastating truths at the upcoming family event and punish those responsible for her torment. Sylvia is determined to set the record straight, regardless of the lives that are sure to be impacted, including her own.

Relationships appear permanently destroyed, but Aunt Ida Mae, the voice of reason rooted in faith and trust in God, facilitates reconciliation in a family that seems unfixable. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie tugs at the heart of human frailty and family dysfunction, begging the question, Can faith in God's promises and a pinch of unconditional love enable the unforgivable to be forgiven and the painful sting forgotten?

The Midnight Clear
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Paperback: 324 pages
Publisher: KNB Publications, LLC (November 15, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0974220701
ISBN-13: 978-0974220703

Product Description
An exceptional collection of inspirational short stories that walks readers through the everyday struggles and triumphs of Christians during one of the most celebrated times of the year.

About the Author
The twenty-one authors that make up this enthralling anthology come from different walks of life and are in different stages of their writing careers. Some are national bestselling authors whose gifts have withstood the test of times, while others are up and coming novelists with bright futures ahead of them. But each gifted storyteller is bonded by a common thread: the love for writing coupled with a love for God.

Blind Faith
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ISBN: 1583143009
Format: Paperback, 240pp
Pub. Date: June 2003
Publisher: BET Books

Synopsis
COURTNEY YOUNG IS CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO WORLDS.
The first generation to attend college in her family, she's made her way through a prestigious university on an academic scholarship, while still having ties to her inner city, working class neighborhood back at home. Her cousin introduces her to Roger - handsome, black, successful, and a born-again believer. Courtney's family is immediately convinced that she's met her soul mate. But though Courtney knows Roger is a great catch, her feelings for him don't run as deep as she'd like.

THEN THERE'S SEBASTIAN WHITTINGTON.
Wealthy, New England-bred, trumpet-playing law school student -- the differences between them are too obvious for Courtney to consider him romantically. Only when the two spend time together does Courtney start to see him through new eyes, cherishing their common goals and shared beliefs. But the eyes of the world are less approving, and both of their family and friends - even the members of their churches - frown on their budding relationship, particularly after the latest wave of unwarranted police activity.NOW, COURTNEY MUST COME TO GRIPS with the assumptions about race and class that prevail among blacks and whites alike if she's to figure out which path is right for her. It'll take courage, strength, and the faith that Courtney has always possessed to walk away from bias and fear, and into the arms of love …

Blind Faith grapples with the impact racial biases and police brutality can have on a relationship, a family and an entire community. We might not share the same extreme racial views as some of the characters in the story, but any stones we toss into the rivers of discord causes a ripple.

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."
—1 John 4:7"

Quoting scriptures can come easily, but living them, both inside and outside of the church, is a different story. As Blind Faith points, finding true love, particularly with someone from a different race, religion, or socio-economic background, may come at a price so steep that only faith and prayer can bridge the gap.

No Regrets
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ISBN: 1583142991
Format: Paperback, 240pp
Pub. Date: June 2002
Publisher: BET Books

From the bestselling author of Nobody's Perfect, comes a redemptive and rich novel about two people who discover the healing power of love and faith.

Married for eighteen years, Karen and Johnny White have been blessed with an enviable lifestyle, three bright children and the "perfect" marriage. But over the years, their idyllic relationship has slowly begun to unravel. And when Karen is diagnosed with breast cancer, the distance between them only widens. Now the passion they once shared seems like a memory, while Johnny's weakness for other women is pushing them to the brink of divorce.

A woman of faith, Karen turns to the church for insight, wisdom and strength, and finds her beliefs tested in ways they never were before. One thing she does know, no matter what it takes, she must start a new life, with or without Johnny. Karen's two friends, whom she met while they were undergoing treatment for their own illnesses at the hospital are the ones she turns to for comfort and understanding. Together, these three women share a friendship that has weathered sickness and broken marriages.

But when Karen suffers a relapse and finds herself walking the thin line between life and death, she and Johnny begin to discover what really matters. As she struggles to regain her health and belief in God's unconditional love, Johnny must come to grips with his weaknesses and fears -- if he's truly to appreciate the love of a good woman. . .and discover what being a real man is all about.

"No Regrets" is a beautifully told story of renewed love, fidelity and spiritual commitment that will resonate with African American readers everywhere.

Blessed Assurance: Inspirational Short Stories Full of Hope and Strength for Life's Journey
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Contributors: Victoria Christopher Murray, S. James Guitard, Terrance Johnson, Patricia Haley, Maurice Gray

ISBN: 1929642121
Format: Hardcover, 310pp
Pub. Date: June 2003
Publisher: Literally Speaking Publishing House

Patricia's Short Story is entitled "Baby Blues".

With all of the chaos, confusion, and uncertainty of life, we all need to know of the blessed assurances that God has for our lives. Blessed Assurance is an enjoyable, empowering, engaging, and encouraging example of the everlasting truth that God can move us from heartache to healing, burden to blessings, depression to deliverance, and from trials to triumphs.

Fast-paced, witty, entertaining, and inspirational, the writings are modern day renditions of historical stories. In the short story, The Best of Everything, based on Hannah, you gain a better level of appreciation and thankfulness for what God has already done in your life, which will provide you with strength to endure in the midst of a crisis as well as give you patience as you await new blessings. Lust and Lies, based on Samson and Delilah, reminds us of the temptations of lust, the importance of honesty, the dangers of sin and the significance of repentance. Traveling Mercies, based on the parable of the Good Samaritan, teaches us not to place limitations on how and through whom God may send a blessing, and our responsibility to help people whom we often do not know.

Baby Blues, based on Abraham and Sarah, lets us better understand the importance of timing, patience, and consequences of operating in God's permissive will versus God's perfect will for our lives. A Sprig of Hope, based on Tamar, acknowledges that tragedy, sadness and betrayal are an unfortunate part of life, and yet ultimately there is healing, restoration and happiness if you place your trust in God. Sword of the Lord, based on Jephthah, confirms that your past can't define you if you give your future to God and that everyone at some time or another needs to forgive as well as receive forgiveness.

Nobody's Perfect
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Author: Patricia Haley, Keith Grace (Illustrator), Jordan Grancell (Photographer)
Date Published: July 1998
Format: Trade Paper

Patricia self-published her debut novel, Nobody's Perfect, in 1998 and sold nearly 20,000 copies, making many best sellers list, including #1 African-American paperback.

Read chapters 1 and 2

Rachel is 30 and single. She wants to get married soon, but will settle for no less than the perfect husband. She prays to God for Mr. Right, but things aren’t moving fast enough for her. In the interim, she develops a 12-point checklist to help sift through the perpetrators.

When she meets Ken, a nice church-going man, the whirlwind romance is on. All is perfect until Ken’s ex, Sandra, gets wind of it and uses their daughter as a tool to create havoc in the relationship. Ken’s guilt of being an absentee-father allows him to get caught in the trap.

After several surprises, the situation gets complicated. It is only through Big Mama’s spiritual guidance, the unwavering support of her cousin, Roz, and the unconditional love of her best friend, Neal, that Rachel is able to accept the consequences of her decisions.

A touch of reality forces her to stop looking for fulfillment in a ‘Mr. Right’. Once she starts focusing on improving herself, everything falls into place. She finally realizes that nobody’s perfect, including herself. Only then is she able to truly appreciate God’s gift of perfect love.

Nobody’s Perfect vividly illustrates that in our search for perfection in others, we often reveal the imperfections in ourselves.

Related Links

Patricia Haley Official Web Site
http://patriciahaley.com/