Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street

A Father's Memoir of First Love, Sacrifice and Perseverance (The Fairhaven Series, Book 1)

By: C.J. Hudson

Narrated by: Marcus Barton

Length: 6 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Winner of Over 14 Book Awards

His abusive family tore him away from her. Would destiny be enough to bring him back?

At ten years old, Chris didn't have good looks, a caring family, or a bright future. But what he did have for three years was the love of Danielle, his beautiful neighbor on Fairhaven Street who showed him a glimpse of a life he desperately wanted.

To escape his abusive father, Chris was forced to move out of state with his mother to the icy hills of Michigan. All he could leave Danielle with was half of a heart-shaped pendant and a promise that he would one day return for her. To have any chance of getting her back, he would have to end over one hundred years of abuse in his family, something his mother claimed he was destined to carry on. For eight years, all he had to keep going was his half of the pendant, which had tarnished heavily from years of his refusal to take it off.

Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street is a touching multi-award-winning memoir from author C.J. Hudson of his eight-year journey of preparation to return to the love of his life. Written to his twin sons, his story is a testament to the power of devotion and proof that the life you've always wanted is possible if you never give up.

©2023 Black Rose Writing (P)2023 Black Rose Writing

Unvarnished and raw tale of overcoming trauma

"Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street: A Father's Memoir of First Love, Sacrifice, and Perseverance" by C.J. Hudson, narrated by Marcus Barton, is an audiobook that took me by surprise in the most heartwarming way. At first glance, it seemed to be a departure from my usual reading preferences, but within moments of listening to Marcus Barton's captivating narration, I found myself immersed in a poignant journey of love, sacrifice, and triumph.

Let's begin with Marcus Barton's narration, which deserves a standing ovation. His voice is a perfect match for the emotional depth of C.J. Hudson's memoir. Barton's ability to convey the vulnerability, determination, and passion in each word is exceptional. He brings the characters to life, making the audiobook a truly immersive experience. His pacing, tone modulation, and overall performance enhance the emotional resonance of the narrative, making it impossible to resist being drawn into the world of Fairhaven Street.

Now, about the story itself – "Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street" is not your typical love story. It's a memoir, a heartfelt letter from a father to his twin sons, revealing a life marked by abuse, loneliness, and the transformative power of love. C.J. Hudson, or Chris as he is known in the narrative, takes us through his tumultuous childhood, where he lacked good looks, a caring family, or a promising future. However, for three precious years, he found solace and love in Danielle, his neighbor on Fairhaven Street.

The audiobook explores themes of abuse, perseverance, and the enduring power of destiny. Chris is forced to leave Danielle and move to Michigan with his mother to escape his abusive father. The promise he makes to return for her becomes the driving force behind his eight-year journey of preparation and self-discovery. The narrative beautifully weaves together the challenges Chris faces in overcoming over a century of family abuse, as his mother insists that destiny has chosen him to carry on this legacy.

The uniqueness of this memoir lies not only in its portrayal of a deep and enduring love story but also in its exploration of the impact of abuse on a young, awkward, and bullied teenager. Hudson's vivid descriptions of the abuse may be intense for some readers, but they serve a purpose in portraying the harsh reality that Chris had to endure. The clever titling of chapters, which becomes apparent as the story unfolds, adds an extra layer of depth to the narrative, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the next chapter.

What makes "Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street" truly remarkable is its portrayal of resilience. Instead of succumbing to the cycle of abuse, Chris embarks on a courageous journey to overcome his traumatic past while navigating the complexities of first love. The raw and unvarnished account of his troubled childhood is difficult to read at times, yet it is ultimately uplifting and rewarding as Chris transforms into the father he never had.

One of the book's impactful aspects is its illustration of the power and depth of young love. It challenges the notion that young experiences are inconsequential, showcasing how first loves can shape and redefine our lives. In Chris's case, his first love becomes the driving force that propels him to rewrite his destiny and break free from the shackles of a painful family heritage.
"Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street" is a compelling and inspiring audiobook that transcends genres. It's a story of triumph over adversity, of love's enduring power, and the resilience of the human spirit. C.J. Hudson's masterful storytelling, coupled with Marcus Barton's exceptional narration, makes this audiobook a must-listen. Even if, like me, it's not a story you would have normally chosen, give it a chance – you might just find yourself captivated by the beauty of destiny on Fairhaven Street.

WOW

Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street
A Father's Memoir of First Love, Sacrifice and Perseverance (The Fairhaven Series, Book 1)
By: C.J. Hudson
Narrated by: Marcus Barton

5 STARS


C J, otherwise known as Chris,uses this forum in a letter to his two sons to share his life story with them. He lived a life of abuse as a child.
The time came when he made a friend, but after 3 years his mother and step father chose to move to another state. He had to leave his friend and her family. None of the adults thought they could possibly love each other, but he promised he would come back for her.
Chris called her on the phone often until his step father threw the paper with her number away. She told him the last time they talked they had moved. But there wasn’t time to tell him the new address.


After many years he went back to find his love, but will she be available?


Has he grown to be the man he wants to be?

The narration was well done, by Marcus Barton. He brought this story to life, as emotional as it was.




I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Powerful, Resonates, and Poignant

Chris, formerly known as CJ, is a young man trapped in an abusive relationship. His father is physically abusive and when he escapes his father, his mother is equally verbally and emotionally abusive. Chris, 10 years old, turns to his new neighbor, and love at first sight ensues! Chris is seen and treated by most as weak. He learns strength, confidence, and determination will get him back to Danielle and on to a better life. Then destiny decides something else for Chris and Danielle.

The author, C.J. Hudson through the power of his words, his vivid descriptions, and true-life experiences a captivating journey that resonates vividly and deeply with his audience. The characters are detailed in a clear and visual writing style. His down-to-earth writing style is unique and poignant, revealing heartfelt emotions realistically. His message is powerful and thought-provoking as he so clearly shows the growth of his main character, Chris. It is through this growth that he reveals powerful emotions, multifaceted loss, and strength of love and sacrifice.

The narrator, Marcus Barton, is perfect for this audiobook. He slipped into the character of Chris easily and smoothly. His ability to project the emotions and atmosphere of the situations was true to life and graphic. He masterfully used pauses, cadence, and tone to further the storyline poignantly. When I heard Barton vocalize his fears and thoughts, it seemed completely natural.

This is an intimate and captivating journey for one boy as he heads into manhood. His story is not yet done; I look forward to hearing more about his journey.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.