In Touch Daily Readings for Devoted Living October 2021 by Dr. Charles Stanley

 

October's devotionals are themed in sharing the light one has as a child of God. The benefits affect others besides oneself and ultimately praise God. It is such a positive way to start each day and familiarize oneself with scripture that informs and nourishes souls.

We Are All the Same in the Dark by Julia Heaberlin (Goodreads Author), Jenna Lamia (Narrator), Catherine Taber (Narrator), MacLeod Andrews (Narrator), Kirby Heyborne (Narrator)

 

A very good storyline that holds one's interest from beginning to end. The characters have unusual names; however, they are common in Texas. The characters also possess unusual peculiarities that create an unspoken suspense throughout the unsolved mystery, a cold case involving a beautiful little girl, murdered, and an intuitive connection between she and the protagonist, a young female cop who has her own history with the deceased. The elements and characters in the author's mind are believably developed and researched before Julia Heaberlin commits them to We Are All the Same in the Dark. The genuine sense of tragic reality pulses in her pages until closure, or something like it, awaits its conclusion.

In Touch: Daily Readings For Devoted Living: September 2021 by Dr. Charles Stanley

 

5 of 5 stars  *****

These devotionals from Dr. Charles Stanley stop the slide on the slippery slope that is contentment with selfish goals and behavior. It is not peace of mind that comes from obeying and serving God. It is His will that will be done, regardless, and alignment with Him through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit opens the channels for God's graces.

September's issue teaches about living a life that accepts those hungry to hear the Word, sharing it as a light in the world, respecting boundaries, and realizing the earth is our everlasting home once renewed.

Dead Until Dark (Sookie Stackhouse, #1) by Charlaine Harris (Goodreads Author), Johanna Parker (Narrator)

 

 

5 out of 5 stars  *****

A few years ago I binged True Blood, the television series of the Sookie Stackhouse story. I was captivated then and I was just as captured with this Audiobook. The narrator sounded exactly like Anna Paquin portraying Sookie. This added to the delight. I found the story just as provocative and thrilling.

The elements of vampires with humans is very popular these days. That fascination explodes in 2008 with the airing of True Blood. Dead Until Dark brings back the people, geography, and feelings to me. It is easy to listen to a story so well written and performed. The few differences between the book and the HBO series is negligible.

Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell Us About Crime by Val McDermid, Sarah Barron (Narrator)

 

5 out of 5 stars  *****

The history and application of forensics is a very fascinating and revealing subject. Val McDermid takes one on the journey of discovery that takes the high road for truth, a most noble endeavor for humanity. The science is critical and the accuracy demanding if one is to be taken seriously as a valid entry of evidence in courts. If the forensics of the time, along with the scrutiny of judge and jury, is not enough to convict, all evidence is saved as a cold case for future applications of new techniques that shed light onto the subject. This scientific search for the truth is the impetus one needs to seek justice, incarcerate the guilty, and prevent further harm. 

 

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (Goodreads Author), Ann Marie Lee (Reading)

 

5 out of 5 stars  *****

Well written and developed, Sharp Objects, keeps one interested with its macabre plot and fascinating characters. Seen through the eyes of one potential victim, this journalistic journey fleshes out the personalities of the past in order to understand the dilemma of the present. The protagonist is a "cutter" and scarred by that unresolved past. The therapeutic assignment of returning to the hometown where bizarre murders of children resume also reveals closet demons.

NPC by Jeremy Robinson (Goodreads Author), R.C. Bray (Narrator), Jeffrey Kafer (Goodreads Author) (Narrator)

5 out of 5 stars  *****

Fantastic story, excellent writing, intriguing concepts. Jeremy Robinson stretches the imagination with deep philosophical potentials of reality. The story that emerges from NPC is filled with interesting characters of various backgrounds. The plot is engaging but not too revealing as to predict a conclusion. The daring mix of religion with science (fiction) works well on the quest for truth. This gives the story a visceral connection to mankind's dilemma, faith.