Destiny of Determination: The Destiny Series, #2

By Cathy Burnham Martin

Book 1 found Hrant Gulumian relating deeply to his granddaughter, Cassie, when her nightmares precisely mirrored his traumatic childhood experiences. Destiny of Dreams: Time Is Dear shared young Hrant's harrowingly narrow escape from the mass deportations and attempted annihilation of the Armenians in the waning years of the Ottoman Empire.

 

Despite the hauntingly intense and dramatic truths in Book 1, the Destiny trilogy resumes with the powerful hope and strength known only to survivors. Book 2 completes Hrant's voyage and sweeps the reader into his family's new life in the USA, illuminating the vulnerability of the diaspora and all forced refugees in a new and unfamiliar land filled with language, cultural, and discrimination challenges.

 

Author Martin celebrates her family's quiet determination and its refusal to lose faith, despite bigotry and numerous economic woes, eerily paralleled in modern society. Set in the 20th Century, her family's true story shines as a beacon of optimism and comfort for countless other families, hailing from many nations and struggling to endure on the way to freedom and a chance for a better life in this century.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Quiet Thunder Publishing
• Release date: Nov 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9781939220615

Book preview

Early Reviews

"T his is a brilliant blend of both fiction and nonfiction storytelling. The author did an incredible job of relaying the experiences and powerful memories of her family, showcasing the struggles to make a place for themselves in the United States and the hurdles they had to overcome from a society that judged and looked upon them with suspicion and even at times hatred.

"The themes of immigration, family, and the pursuit of acceptance were felt so powerfully here in this narrative and made the story flow smoothly. The author's emphasis on character growth and history and culture was brilliant to read. Captivating, inspiring, and hopeful, author Cathy Burnham Martin’s Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family is a must-read genre fiction meets biography nonfiction style narrative that you won’t be able to put down."      —Anthony Avina, author, journalist, blogger

(On Request Magazine)

"Destiny of Determination is Cathy Burnham Martin’s engrossing true account of her ancestors’ escape from the Armenian genocide and the rebuilding of their lives in America. This multigenerational family saga, told mostly via backstories and history, is full of joy, sorrow, and the miraculous, including a startling miracle at the book’s end."

—SPR

"While highly recommended for historical novel readers, Destiny of Determination should also serve, along with its predecessor, as a starting point for book club and family discussions about Armenian history, family relationships, faith, and perseverance against the changing backdrop of American lives, prejudices, and ideals."

—D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

Destiny of Determination

Faith and Family

Cathy Burnham Martin

Quiet Thunder Publishing

Naples, FL  Manchester, NH  Columbus, NC 

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More Reviews

"A nother incredible story. Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family by Cathy Burnham Martin is a journey through time and ancestry, as the author shares her family's memoirs, love, and strength. It's a very powerful story, and I am so honored to be able to read and share in this family's memories. Take a step back, enjoy the story, as if the author is telling you her family's tale. I am a definite fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I read. This author brings the story to life. It’s one of those embraceable stories. It’s definitely un-put-downable! It is always an honor to read this author's books. This author is a great storyteller. Masterfully written! This author not only tells the story but shows it with words as well. I will definitely add more of this author's books to my bookshelf. Destiny of Determination is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews."        —Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews

"I did not think this trilogy’s book 2 could possibly top book 1’s tough material, which was intricately woven through a true family story. But I loved it! Martin beautifully puts a face on an often-forgotten slice of the human experience from Armenian immigrants’ perspective. Destiny of Determination is detailed, loving, and inspirational with plot twists that totally caught me off guard!"  —SD Carter, Goodreads & Library Thing

America was the land of promise for many refugees from the Great War and in this case, the Armenian ancestors of author Cathy Burnham Martin. Despite all the tragedy that the Gulumians had faced in Armenia, they hope for new beginnings in America. This book draws attention to an aspect of war that is not commonly taught in our history classes. Martin has a unique writing style that is easy to follow yet filled with so much emotion.

—Delene Very, Readers’ Favorite

Destiny of Determination

Faith and Family

Copyright © 2022 Quiet Thunder Publishing

Naples, FL  Manchester, NH  Columbus, NC 

All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the publisher or authors, except for the inclusion of brief quotations

embodied in critical essays, articles, or reviews,

or as permitted by law. 

These articles and/or reviews must state

the correct title and author by name.

Paperback edition:  ISBN 978-1-939220-60-8

eBook edition:  ISBN 978-1-939220-61-5

Audiobook edition:  ISBN 978-1-939220-62-2

Published and printed in the United States of America.

Library of Congress Control Number:

2022910537

ANY REFERENCES TO HISTORICAL events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual events, places, or people, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

More Reviews

I never expected this book to be this mind-blowing. I was astonished at how fascinating this book was. Unlike me, I took this book and made sure I finished it without a break. At some point, while reading, I discovered that true love is all about sacrifice. The Hrant story is a typical example. John and Aram defied all odds to make sure Hrant got a good life. I loved the title of this book because it tallied so much with the book's contents. Life has its bad side. Most of the time, people give up. This book shows the need to always be hopeful and determined. This determination brings us to our dreams. This book has one of the best designs and organization. I loved how the author took the time to make this book so presentable and mind-blowing. The use of pictures and maps proves the authenticity of this book, which is necessary for historical fiction. I commend the author greatly for this amazing work.

—White Edwin, Online Book Club

A moving portrayal of the human spirit and the American Dream. Dripping in strength and hope... a tragic and inspiring tale of second chances and new beginnings.

—Independent Book Review

"Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family is based on true events and is very emotional. The story begins with the present and went back to the beginning when everything started. The pace was fast, and the book was easy to read. I was intrigued from the beginning and could not put it down. The characters were skillfully handled. I could feel the heartache of what happened and the joy of being together again. The story is exceptionally written, and Martin’s writing skills made me part of their life. At the back are delicious recipes that give a better insight into their culture."

—Alma Boucher, Readers’ Favorite

Dedication

Ihumbly dedicate this book to Glenna Burnham, the amazingly wonderful woman I am honored to call my mother. She has dedicated her life to her family, faith, friends, and community without hesitation, question, or complaint. And she has done so with a deeply unwavering love and passion. I could have won a multi-million-dollar lottery and not been any richer than I already am to have grown up under her blessed guidance, unconditional love, and living example.

Author with Glenna Burnham

SHE TAUGHT US TO OPEN our doors, hearts, minds, and lives to others who were in need. She showed us the importance of always doing our best. And when we fell, she made us get back up and try again. She has led more people to healthier, happier, more fulfilling lives than she is likely to ever be aware. But she has never sought recognition or even a pat on the back, although she deserves every possible accolade available and more.

She helped me maintain historical integrity in writing this literary novel about her family. For that and much more, I am deeply grateful.

I am forever touched by her unjaded passion. When someone does or says something sincerely giving or kind or meaningful, she bubbles over with the telling of their wonderfulness. And she does so with emotion cracking her normally steady voice and with heartfelt tears welling in her eyes.

Thank you, Mom for always loving, helping, and encouraging others. I can truly have no greater honor than proudly recognizing you as my mother.

With deepest love forever,

Cathy

Table of Contents

Dedication

Introduction

Some Primary Characters from Book 1

Chapter 1 Dial 9-1-1

Chapter 2 Thieves!

Chapter 3 Treasure Lost 

Chapter 4 Voyage to America

Chapter 5 Liberty Ahoy! 

Chapter 6 Tedium     

Chapter 7 Hello! Good-bye!

Chapter 8 Waiting Game 

Chapter 9 Good Morning!

Chapter 10 Boston 

Chapter 11 Blessings

Chapter 12 The Farm

Chapter 13 Salisbury Life 

Chapter 14 Treaty! 

Chapter 15 More Armenians

Chapter 16 Reflections

Chapter 17 Destiny Knocking

Chapter 18 Love and Longing

Chapter 19 Promised Love

Chapter 20 Determination 

Chapter 21 Mothers

Chapter 22 Challenge and Change 

Chapter 23 Opportunity Knocks

Chapter 24 Partings

Chapter 25 Emergency!

Chapter 26 Growing Up Gulumian

Chapter 27 The Winds of Change 

Chapter 28 Life in York

Chapter 29 Going Goffstown

Chapter 30 Totally Engaging

Chapter 31 Life Marches Onward 

Chapter 32 Loss and Learning

Chapter 33 Farewell 

Chapter 34 Days of Love and Tears

Chapter 35 The Water Will Find Its Way

Final Note 

Author’s Invitation

Gulumian Armenian Family Recipes

Armenian Manti Dumplings

Grampa’s Lamb Shish Kebabs 

Armenian Meatball Soup (Kololik)

Armenian Lavash 

Almost Za’atar 

Rosehip Syrup 

Aghavni Refresher

Pomegranate Molasses

Nazook Pastry 

Armenian Pakhlava

Historic Timetable 

More Family Photographs

Resources and Further Reading

About the Author 

Other Titles by Cathy Burnham Martin

Partial List of Audiobooks Narrated by

Cathy Burnham Martin

Introduction

Just when we think that, as a civilization, we humans might be evolving, we are confronted with yet another wave of forced refugees. Many cultures and countries have suffered this fate. In 2022, the terror featured Ukrainians, literally fleeing for their lives, just as my Armenian family did in attempts to escape the Ottoman Turks’ genocide against them and other Christians early in the 20 th century.

Armenians had lived peacefully in the shadow of the great Mount Ararat for thousands of years, and under the rule of a variety of conquerors. When Armenia became the world’s first Christian nation, however, the Ottoman Turks’ ire remained stirred for generations.

While the first book in this trilogy, Destiny of Dreams: Time Is Dear, focused largely on the suffering of Armenians trying to survive and escape death marches and outright massacres, it also reflected the importance of a family’s love and fortitude. Book one honestly and bluntly shared the brutality of a time in history when the once powerful Ottoman Empire was declining, but it is not essential to have read it before starting here with the second book.

Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family continues my family’s story. And yes, it is a true story. My family’s true story. I write it for you as if you were sitting right beside me, and I was telling you the tale.

Thankfully, unlike the first book, this one needs no warning about violent content. Not all struggles must hail from intrinsically evil places.

Again, for privacy, I have changed the names of those still living among us, but I believe you will see and perhaps even feel the sincere reflections of our deep commitment to faith and family. Primarily, I hope you sense the positive power in a family’s struggle to move from immigration through discrimination on the road to freedom. America offered hopes and dreams to thousands of families, then trying to emerge from harsh political turmoil, religious persecution, economic chaos, and the ever-present threat of extermination.

As a friend of mine often says, every inch of earth is conquered soil. With that in mind, I hope that you, dear reader, feel as proud of the refugees in your ancestry as I do of mine. They fought for survival and a chance for a better life for the likes of us. May their sacrifices continue to prove worthwhile.

While language, religious, and cultural differences may initially feel dauntingly difficult to overcome, we can do it. From each group of refugees come new hopes and dreams, plus our next bounty of inventors, entrepreneurs, teachers, first responders, artists, leaders, parents, and much more.

May we strive to see the good, embrace the dreams, and encourage the very best. Thank you for believing. Thank you for being enough.

Cathy Burnham Martin

Author

Some Primary Characters from Book 1

Destiny of Dreams: Time is Dear

GARABED OHANES GULUMIAN – 1870-1915 Van, Armenia; died April 1915; merchant, tradesman, and tailor; head of household in Van, Armenia; 2nd son of Ohanes Argistis Gulumian; ambushed and executed by Ottoman Turks in late April 1915

Aghavni Gadara Gulumian – born 1871 in Salmas, Armenia; 2nd daughter of Ara and Gadara (Movsesian) Samargian; married Garabed Gulumian in 1887 and bore all his children; set sail from Norway to United States 08/06/1916 with youngest sons Vahram and Hrant. (Aghavni’s mother’s maiden name was Movsesian.) Lost her paternal grandfather in Hamidian Massacres in late 1890s

Ohanes Argistis Gulumian – Garabed’s father; lost his wife during Hamidian Massacres; younger brother of Argistis Gulumian, who moved to Constantinople following Hamidian Massacres at end of 19th century; ambushed and executed by Ottoman Turks in late April 1915

Ohanes Garabed Gulumian – born 11/08/1888 in Van, Armenia; 1st born son of Garabed and Aghavni; emigrated to United States 11/09/1909; filed petition in Boston, MA to become naturalized U.S. citizen

Aram Garabed Gulumian – born 11/28/1893 in Van, Armenia; 2nd son of Garabed and Aghavni; emigrated to United States 6/30/1912

Vahram Garabed Gulumian – born 3/26/1898 in Van, Armenia; 3rd son of Garabed and Aghavni; pernicious anemia, a rare blood disorder left him small, pale, and sickly

Nazeli Gulumian – born 3/26/1898 in Van, Armenia; twin sister of Vahram; engaged to marry Toros Kherbekian; raped and shot by Ottoman Turks in Gulumian home in late April 1915

Anush Gulumian – born 5/1/1901 in Van, Armenia; youngest daughter of Garabed and Aghavni; raped and shot by Ottoman Turks in Gulumian home in late April 1915

Hrant Garabed Gulumian – born 3/6/1906 in Van, Armenia; youngest son of Garabed and Aghavni; 9 years old when he, brother Vahram, and mother Aghavni ran for their lives to escape marauding Ottoman Turkish soldiers in 1915

Hulianna Terlemezian – Aghavni’s best friend; widowed during Hamidian Massacres; sister-in-law of Garabed’s friend Grigor Terlemezian

Dajad Terlemezian – born circa 1890; son of Hulianna Terlemezian; celebrated Armenian hero since, as a teenager, assassinated the Armenian traitor Davajan Davo in March 1908

Toros Kherbekian – 2nd son of Garabed’s merchant friend Kherbekian; engaged to marry Garabed and Aghavni’s daughter Nazeli; forced into Turkish military service; Turks disarmed and shot his entire unit, but he and one other Armenian survived

Dr. Paul Corasian – friend and mentor of Ohanes Gulumian in Boston; witness on Ohanes’ application to be considered for U.S. citizenship

Also introduced to:

Marjorie Rowe Gulumian – born March 22, 1908; Hrant’s future wife

Gabrianne – born June 25, 1930; Hrant’s future daughter

Bob Bishop Burnham – born November 2, 1931; Gabrianne’s future husband

Diana – born September 13, 1951; Hrant’s future 1st granddaughter

Cassie – born May 10, 1954; Hrant’s future 2nd granddaughter; suffered torturous, repeating nightmares in junior high school, leading to many healing months spent with Hrant and Marjorie, followed by them gifting to her Aghavni’s wedding ring, the only item from Armenia that made it to America

More Reviews

"Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family , sees the survival of a fractured family as they struggle to make a new life for themselves in the United States. With a focus on Hrant, the youngest son, this uplifting memoir spans over a Century of love and loss, and of acceptance and discrimination. The family’s inspiring and entrepreneurial journey and their successful integration into the American way of life brings into sharp relief the plight, suffering and inner strength of refugees, along with the challenges a change in cultural surroundings may bring.

A beautiful love story binds the story together. Martin’s compassionately written account is an inspirational testimony to the warm and forgiving nature of this gentle and peace-loving race. A historically fascinating and thoughtfully written memoir it is highly recommended.  —Book Viral Reviews

"Ancestral stories, as found in the Destiny series, are a brilliant way to honor our heritage while entertaining and educating others. In Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family, the author is meticulous about preserving historical clarity and quality, all while charting the admirable course of Hrant Gulumian and his progeny. Besides the rousing adventures of young Hrant, the author has included several touching family photographs, a character directory, a helpful timetable of relevant events, and a comprehensive list of additional resources to expand our knowledge of Armenian history and culture.

"Throughout all the ups and downs, whether victims of crime, intolerance or persecution, Hrant proves time and again that faith and perseverance are rewarded. A moving reminder of the challenges faced by immigrants of any nation and at any time, Destiny of Determination is an impassioned continuation in this imitable family’s saga that is sure to touch your heart."  —Indies Today

Dial 9-1-1

1

CASSIE AND ROY arrived home from work as usual, parking the SUV on the pavement beside the garage attached to their Cape Cod gray, center hall colonial home. The day’s tasks at his telecommunications office had been plentiful.

Darling, Cassie began. Vacation was so wonderful, but today was just not long enough to catch up on all the details. I fear I barely got through the emails and voicemails. 

"I agree. We need a vacation to recover from vacation. Thankfully, the staff had kept the day-to-day