Good Living 123

Destiny of Dreams: Time Is Dear has been receiving a delightful number of early reviews and testimonial comments.  I will try to post more here from time to time.  The bottom line is one of great encouragement. I can’t include the multiple paragraphs of some of the reviews, but I am pleased to share some excerpts. (The full texts are showing up all over the Internet, from Amazon and Goodreads to various reviewers’ websites and blogs.) Though “Destiny” is dark and haunting, we are touching hearts and minds!

“It is beautifully written, the type you can’t put down and that you want to read to the finish hoping it will never end. Being an Armenian, whose father and other relatives escaped the genocide, I was extremely interested in what was written, especially that it was based on truth.”

— Marian Murachanian Major, Past President, American Association of University Women, Clearwater Branch

“The story was so compelling I could hardly put it down… Horrific, but true; sad, but inspiring.”

— Nancy Keller, Owner, Boston Polo Publishing Company

“Not all paths are graceful or full of love, but there is a grand strength and determination throughout the family’s history. This is one magnificent journey and written so well, that I was right there next to her, even if just a shadow listening intently. Destiny of Dreams: Time Is Dear is a definite recommendation by Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews. It’s a story I won’t soon forget. This was just a wondrous story of life, love, and determination for survival. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author.”                                                                                                                              — Amy Shannon, Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews

“A graceful story about a family who values peace, education, and equality, the historical novel Destiny of Dreams covers a genocide that led to heartbreak, but whose survivors expressed love and perseverance. The book’s style is eloquent, with vibrant language used to illustrate the physical and emotional landscapes of 1915 Armenia.”

–Foreword Clarion Reviews

“Author Cathy Burnham Martin is a master at storytelling, balancing the darker and more disturbing aspects of the story with hope and positivity. The flow of events made the book hard to put down despite the darkest and most difficult moments. The characters were well developed with revealing dialogue, making investing in them, their stories, and their journeys easy and exciting.”

— K.C. Finn, Readers’ Favorite

“Elegantly intertwined journey through time periods intersects in ways both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The characters and culture are rich and warm, in stark contrast to the cold world where they find themselves, a world divided by deep-seated religious beliefs and prejudices. Two stories unified by one spirit, Destiny of Dreams: Time Is Dear is not simply a story of strife, but it is a beautiful portrayal of faith, inner strength, and dignity.”

— Indies Today

“Destiny of Dreams is a must-read for history lovers. Author Cathy Burnham Martin masterfully incorporates real-life events and people to craft a moving tale that showcases the brutal aspects of war without pulling any punches. The real-life events that inspired this tale provide a sense of depth and authenticity to the narrative, and it leaves a lasting impression long after you’ve put down the book. The characters feel real, making them thoroughly compelling to read.”

— Pikasho Deka, Readers’ Favorite

“It was absolutely harrowing to read about it, but also very important because these stories need to continue being told. If you want to know more about the history then I’d recommend you read this book. It’s about a true story, and you just don’t hear enough about the Armenian genocide.”

— BookFever, Belgium

“It is a book about survival and how to see the light at the end of the tunnel even in the darkest of times. The author, however, focuses as much on the positive aspects as on the negatives. I really liked the writing style of the book as well. The pictures towards the end were just an added bonus that made this story even more heart-touching.”

— Alex the Shadow Girl

“Cathy Burnham Martin has created a novel that sustains the all-important emotional connection in a story that moves between the past and the present. The narration of the characters is natural, convincing, and sticks in your mind.”

— Vincent Dublado, Readers’ Favorite

“While focusing on her own family, she capably weaves historical details and events into the narrative and delves into cultural differences between Turk and the Armenian populations, such as the treatment of women or the roles of arts and education. The journey of the Gulumian family to Russia to the U.S. is fast-paced and richly enhanced by Martin’s depictions.”  — BookLife

Thanks to all readers and reviewers!  I appreciate your time and honest reviews. This helps me to serve you better with future books.

     Very exciting to see the cover is now completed for Destiny of Dreams: Time Is Dear.  While I had loved seeing my grandmother’s photograph of a part of the city of Van in Armenia, such personal mementos would likely hold little meaning to a typical reader.  So, the old 1915 photo is now on the back cover.

Of course, Hubby was sad that it replaced the photo of Yours Truly.  I assured him that my smiling puss brings nothing to the story and would not be missed.

Further, the working draft cover was quite plain, which was rightly noted by one advance reviewer. The cover now presents a depiction of the Armenian flag, which is appropriate for this utterly Armenian event. I love the deep, dark tones, too, because they aptly set the stage for what is a very intense and foreboding, albeit true story.

The “buzzzz” is true!  Though noted for my non-fiction works, my first novel is now ready to go!  Quiet Thunder Publishing will release Destiny of Dreams: Time Is Dear on August 31, 2021.

This historical fiction, set in the early and mid-20^th Century, serves up a very difficult slice of my family history “pie.” It tells my grandfather’s story, my family’s story of faith and fortitude.

While the spirited Armenian boy sings and dances passionately, danger swells, threatening his family, friends, and future.  Set amidst religious intolerance, political instability, and social injustice in the waning days of the Ottoman Empire, Destiny of Dreams: Time Is Dear links past and present with mystifying clarity.  In this painfully poignant, true story, young Hrant and his family struggle to withstand unthinkable circumstances and survive extraordinary chaos and violence.  Love and courage must prevail, or all will be both lost and forgotten.

Written for Young Adult and Adult audiences, this historical fiction contains some explicit descriptions and a couple disturbing, though not graphic, violent scenes. While not gratuitous, the depictions may be unsuitable for young readers, even though the budding protagonist is a Middle Grade youngster himself. Destiny of Dreams: Time Is Dear would be apt to get a PG-13-type rating.

Regardless, Dr. David Green, Chief Medical Officer (retired) at Concord (NH) Hospital read an advanced copy. He shared his belief that the book should be required reading for every high school student! Well, I won’t argue that. Especially during modern times of intolerance and political divisiveness, I believe shining a spotlight on the importance of accepting differences is vital.

The Kindle edition is available for Pre-Order on Amazon.  Both the digital and paperback formats will be available August 31^st.