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Destiny of Daring: Never Forget
Destiny of Daring: Never Forget, the concluding installment of Cathy Burnham Martin’s Destiny trilogy, readers are once again immersed in the harrowing narrative of the Ottoman genocide of Armenians. The book intricately details the profound impact of these historical events on the Gulumian family and the broader Armenian community.
The narrative follows Cassie, who, after the publication of her grandmother’s memoir, encounters Nuray and meets Sidika. Sidika, the daughter of Grandpa Hrant’s sister Nazeli, presumed murdered in the genocide, opens a new chapter in Cassie’s understanding of her family’s past. The story delves deeply into the loss and resilience of Nazeli, who had to endure the devastation of losing her family, fiancé, home, and city. Martin’s writing skillfully intertwines the past horrors faced by the Armenian people during World War I with Cassie’s contemporary quest to rediscover her roots. The author’s portrayal of the Armenian community’s struggles is both vivid and sensitive, shedding light on their enduring resilience and the strength found in family bonds and friendships amid political turmoil and violence. Particularly poignant is the story of Nazeli, who finds unlikely refuge and must conceal her heritage for decades. The book not only recounts the history of the Gulumians but also serves as a testament to the broader experiences of the Armenian people. Martin’s extensive research and dedication to assembling this narrative are evident, providing a comprehensive and thoughtful exploration of this period. The story also addresses the broader theme of the consequences of trying to rewrite history. While Destiny of Daring: Never Forget stands on its own as a compelling narrative, readers might find added depth and context by exploring the first two books in the series.
Destiny of Daring: Never Forget offers a blend of historical detail and personal journeys, making it a meaningful read for those interested in understanding the complexities of family histories intertwined with significant historical events.
Pages: 254 | ASIN: B0CK558SZB
Very Emotionally Moving For Me
Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family follows generations of Gulumians and their perseverance, strength, and hope as immigrants to the United States. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
This historical fiction trilogy tells the story of the Armenian side of my family. Initially, I was inspired to write it to capture the heritage for future generations. Once the first book “Destiny of Dreams: Time Is Dear” came out, I quickly learned that the story brought a great deal of information and inspiration to a far wider audience.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
I felt blessed to be able to write books 1 and 2 in the trilogy around facts that were shared with me by the people who lived through the various events. For example, I learned things I had not previously known, such as the fact that my mother nearly died as a preschooler due to a severe, but undiagnosed ear infection. Surprises were also inevitable as I researched the various times and events to ensure historical integrity. Not wanting to be a total spoiler for events in the book, I will share one. My great-grandmother and my grandfather were indeed marked for deportation at Ellis Island due to a powerful language barrier. I had heard this when I was young and had included it in the book. Finding the actual records for this and other events proved very emotionally moving for me.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Themes in the trilogy focus on family, faith, love, and perseverance. Having always presumed that my family and ancestors lived typical, normal lives, I learned that “typical” just may mean extraordinary. Every love story contains drama, heartache, and blessings, if we dare to delve in and learn. The perseverance theme was also meaningful to me. With so much divisiveness and war and seemingly ceaseless examples of man’s inhumanity to man, bigotry, and intolerance continuing all around the world, I hope readers will appreciate the subtle but consistent message that my grandfather lived and taught… that we can and must do better. We need to forgive our human weaknesses, but we also live far better lives, when we make calm decisions and learn to respond, rather than react to the bitter challenges that may be thrown in our paths.
What is the next book in the series that you are working on about, and when will it be available?
I have absolutely no idea how to be bored, as I am regularly working on 2-3 books at a time. Currently, I am hard at work recording and producing the audiobook of “Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family.” The next book will be the Destiny trilogy’s conclusion, which will be released in late summer, 2023. I also have a few more food-oriented projects in the works as well as a couple of mysteries. I keep hoping for that elusive 48-hour day!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
“Destiny” Delivers with Heart and SoulHaving escaped the Armenian genocide, young survivor Hrant Gulumian seeks a new life in America, but social challenges threaten to annihilate hope. Telling her family’s true story as historical fiction, celebrated author Cathy Burnham Martin reveals why reviewers hail her style as vividly compelling and emotionally riveting. Only perseverance and quiet determination can build the family’s chance for freedom and a better life as part of the Armenian diaspora.
Early Accolades:”Another incredible story, masterfully written” — Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews
“Touching sensitivity, heart-stopping moments, compassionately written” — Book Viral Reviews
“Easy to follow yet filled with so much emotion” — D. Very, Readers’ Favorite
“Detailed, loving, and inspirational, with plot twists that totally caught me off guard!” — SD Carter, Goodreads
˃˃˃ Keys to Immigrant Success”Destiny of Determination” reveals the sweetness of family bonds, the necessity of strong faith, and the courageous wisdom of never giving up. Martin invites readers into her family, providing this genuinely up-close experience with a new family in a new world, working hard to build a better life for future generations.
Destiny of Determination
Cathy Burnham Martin narrates the true story of her family in this historical fiction. Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family features generations of Gulumians and their perseverance, strength, and hope as immigrants to the United States. In 1916, after witnessing the brutal persecution of the Armenian Christians by the Ottomans and losing their loved ones, the Gulumians set sail to America. Although not without a few obstacles on the way, they settle and build a life for themselves. The story particularly focuses on the youngest Gulumian, Hrant Gulumian, and his evolution from a young boy who spoke no English to an outstanding young man teaching in an American college.
I have to say, I admire how Cathy Burnham Martin eternalizes her family in print. The story conveys the reality of immigrants and their journey to freedom. It also touches on the vital subject of the struggles of immigrant families to retain their culture in a foreign land and create a close-knitted community. The Gulumians story is sad yet inspiring, and adding descriptive photos of the original families further solidifies the story. Although Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family is book 2 of the series regarding the Gulumians, as the author mentions, it is not necessary to read the first book.
The author’s storytelling technique is unique. However, occasionally the dialogue between the characters sounds unnatural. The author also tells the story of different generations in a concise read, narrated hurriedly like an overview of history. It is a great book to flip through for anyone fascinated by history. It’s very educational, giving insight into the Armenian genocide with facts. On the side, the book also features an interracial romance that is sure to warm the heart of readers.
Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family (The Destiny series Book 2) is a historical fiction novel based on the author’s family. Filled with emotion, inspiration, and even some romance, this is a story that will educate the reader as much as it will entertain.
Pages: 285 | ASIN : B0B6CX1QF8
LITERARY TITAN 