Gateway News asks Linda Blandford about her new book
1. Tell me about yourself
I’m Linda Blandford, born and raised in Port Elizabeth (good ol’PE and now called Gqeberha). Growing up with parents who dedicated their lives to Christ just as I was born instilled in me a lifelong love for God and His Word. After spending years as a school counsellor and educator, I took a joyful leap of faith to leave the school setting and free myself up for even more Bible learning and teaching. One of my greatest passions is making the timeless truths of Scripture accessible, alive, and practical for everyday life.
The decision to stop working full-time turned out well as it resulted in me writing and publishing my first book The Bible: Timeless and True in August 2026.
I have been married to Greg for 28 years this December (2026) and we have two beautiful adult daughters. I am now enjoying a new phase of my life of being a published author and promoting God’s Word!
2. Why did you write your book?
My book grew out of my love for God and His Word. A few years ago, I completed a comprehensive three-year Bible course compiled by Grace School of the Bible (GSB). This in-depth theological training deepened my appreciation for God’s Word and filled me with a desire to share what I had learned with others. Much to my joy, I soon discovered that there was a real openness and positive response from others wanting to learn more about the Bible. Some of these discussions led to me starting a weekly ladies’ Bible study group and planted the seeds to begin writing answers to the questions they were asking.
My husband and I also became empty nesters over this time when both our daughters left home. I decided that the time was right and the motivation was there to begin writing the book that had been taking shape in my heart for years.
It took one year of writing, followed by six months of formatting and editing, to bring my manuscript to life. I completed the writing in August 2025 — a moment bittersweetly marked by the loss of a very special friend on August 21st, to whom I dedicated a tribute in the book.
Exactly one year later, on August 21st, 2026, my “book baby” was officially born as we celebrated the book launch. Holding the finished book on that exact anniversary made the journey feel deeply meaningful and complete.
3. What is in the book?
I use the analogy in my book of the Bible being like a large jigsaw puzzle with 31 102 pieces. The precise number of pieces matches the exact number of verses in the King James Bible. Individual Bible verses are like puzzle pieces. They fit together next to other verses within a specific context and section. So instead of reading isolated random Bible verses, I explain to the reader the framework, structure and layout of the Bible according to a timeline. This approach helps the reader to understand where any individual Bible verse fits into God’s bigger picture and stops us from making things apply to us that weren’t meant for us.
I also include in my book factual background information on where the Bible came from in an easy-to-understand way and strongly motivate and provide reasons for why it is worth our time and effort to study the Bible. The book ends with practical ways and suggestions to study the Bible
4. Who should read it?
It is tailor-made for new Christians looking for a solid foundation on where to start reading. However, even seasoned believers will discover fresh insights on how to place each Scripture verse in its correct context — understanding that while the whole Bible is written for us, not every verse applies directly to us in the same way. It’s also written with teenagers and curious seekers in mind, featuring clear explanations, colour, and visual graphics to bring the pages to life.
5. Where is it available?
You can order a copy directly from me for R250 through the order forms on my Facebook page (Linda Blandford) or Instagram (linda.blandford_). It is also stocked at a slightly higher retail price of R320 at the following Gqeberha venues: The Book Lounge at Baywest, The Book Café in Lorraine, Idalette Printers in Summerstrand, Ocean Brew Café in Summerstrand and Harvest Library in Walmer.
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