Thanksgiving Blessings to All!

I've been busy the past week or so working on edits for my April release, but have come to the surface this morning to take time out to thank God for His bountiful blessings of grace, mercy, and redemption through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross for all who come to faith in Him.

One thing I know to be certain, no matter what each day brings. God is still on His throne and He is in control.

Habakkuk 2:3 came to me as I was writing this. I usually don't use the King James Version, preferring the more modern translations, but I like the wording of this verse in the KJV:

For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

As I said God is in control and that gives me peace.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

The Voice Bible - A Fresh Translation

I'm a self-described Bible addict when it comes to acquiring new translations. When Thomas Nelson alerted me to their new translation titled The Voice Bible, I looked at a sample and immediately became intrigued enough to agree to sample it for myself and review it.

The first thing I noticed right away was the different formatting. In some parts where dialogue occurs, it is formatted like a play, while in other parts, it is laid out similar to most other Bibles. I did not have difficulty adjusting to this unique format.

I can be a stickler for translation, preferring it to be as close to the original Hebrew or Greek. If a translation is too paraphrased I become uncomfortable, but I also want one that is easy to read and understand. I love the poetic feel of the King James version, but I do not care for that version for everyday reading. In the Voice Bible, I like that when they do insert a word here and there to help clarify the translation from Hebrew or Greek to English, the added words are in italics, alerting the reader that the words were added.

After I used The Voice Bible for several days alongside my favorite translation, the ESV (English Standard Version), I became so intrigued by the New Testament that I wanted to see how the Old Testament read, and I purchased a hard cover version of the complete Voice Bible! Since then, it has been a very enlightening and useful resource to use alongside the ESV.

Another helpful resource is a blog that the editors use to discuss the reasons for their choice of certain words or phrases and other thought processes that led to the publication. In fact, there is a whole website just for the Voice Bible that is there as a resource. But rather than just describe this version in words I'm going to do what we authors are encouraged to do all the time with our writing, not tell, but show. This video's entire script is word for word from The Voice translation of the well-known parable about the Sower and the Seed.

You can get The Voice Bible in ebook format, paperback or hard cover.







As stated below, I received a complementary copy of The Voice Bible in ebook format for review purposes only. I purchased my own copy of the entire Voice Bible. All opinions are my own and not anyone else's.

Placebo - Mystery-Thriller Not for Faint of Heart

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I enjoy a good mystery thriller and I was very excited to have a chance to read Steven James’ newest release, Placebo.

The publisher’s description of the story intrigued me: While covertly investigating a controversial neurological research program, exposé filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms. After giving up his career as an escape artist and illusionist in the wake of his wife and sons' tragic death, Jevin is seeking not only answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program, but also answers to why his family suffered as they did.

Rooted in ground-breaking science and inspired by actual research, Placebo explores the far reaches of science, consciousness, and faith. Readers will love this taut, intelligent, and emotionally gripping new thriller from master storyteller Steven James.

Unfortunately, when I received the book, I realized that I would have done better with a Kindle edition on my iPad. Reason being that the font in the print version is very small. I am sure it’s because the book is over 400 pages long in a trade-sized book. If they used a larger font the book would have been as thick as War and Peace! I can’t read the book for long before my eyes start to tire. Therefore, if small print is troublesome for you, my recommendation is to get the electronic version.

I must also warn that the first chapter is not for the faint of heart. It involves the death of the main character’s family. That’s all I’m going to say, just to give fair warning. Know that the following chapters aren't like that. After I got past the first chapter the story pulled me in, and I became intrigued. If only the print weren’t so small. (And I’m not one who needs large-print editions—at least not yet!) I had to stop reading not too long into the book. And such a good story, too. Maybe I will order it on Kindle so I can adjust the font size.

Steven James has an excellent reputation for writing page turners, and I recommend the book to anyone who enjoys mystery-thrillers. You won’t be disappointed. Just get the electronic edition if you have a problem with very small print.

Note: I received a complementary copy of this book from Revell Publishing for purpose of review. All opinions expressed here are my own.