Olisa’s father, Joseph Timmerman, hopes to keep her gift hidden from the world. Unfortunately, things get out of hand when she uses her powers to heal the injured and sick people around her. Word quickly gets out, and Olisa becomes a sort of celebrity in the gang-infested world of Los Angeles and beyond. Joseph is worried about people exploiting her for her gift, especially since she’s being contacted by religious organizations and the media. Still, a supernatural encounter convinces him to accept that her path is being directed by God. One Shining Soul by Joseph Timmerman follows the story of a gifted girl and the healing effect her presence brings to a troubled world. Is our protagonist, Joseph Timmerman, ready to let God have his way in the lives of his family and the people they’re surrounded by?
I liked that the book has many powerful, gripping scenes—the type to make you feel goosebumps on your skin and gasp in awe. Olisa’s gift is very impressive, and I looked forward to its display with others. An example is when she finds out about a man’s secret infidelity and advises him to do better by his family. Olisa is not only a healer. She has other exciting supernatural abilities that fans of books with gifted protagonists would love to follow, including hypnotism and mind reading.
The book thoroughly explores social themes, creating a large plot that involves gangs, politics, religious groups, racism, sexism, violence, economic issues, and other related themes. Biblical themes are also a significant part of the book’s plot. Several inspiring messages are seen throughout its course, like the message that says, “God is available to us the minute we accept the reality of life,” which inspired me to appreciate the beauty of the world around me.
The book seems to deviate too often to disparate issues, which can be distracting at times. It moves at a pace I thought was too fast and busy. For example, a paragraph after Olisa is seen at the beach reveals that she has a golden retriever named Freeloader, while the next paragraph shows her returning home. Also, many conversations felt rushed, and I was frequently confused about which of the characters were speaking.
Overall, One Shining Soul is a subtle reminder of Jesus’ mission on Earth. I was touched by its core biblical messages but struggled with its excessively busy plot. Still, I liked that its characters are enchanting, and the plot reflects many societal issues in today’s world. Wayne merges engaging drama with intense suspense and lifelike situations to create a tale that stands out in many ways.
