Book Review: The Visionary - By Pamela S Thibodeaux

If there really is a just and loving God, how can he allow us to suffer agonizing situations? Pamela Thibodeaux’s newest book, The Visionary, is a story of healing after suffering from horrific abuse.

Twins Taylor and Trevor Forrestier move to Lake Charles, Louisiana in hopes of a fresh start. They establish T & T Enterprises, an architectural and interior design firm. Trevor’s strong sense of obligation as well as his ability to balance work and family time for his employees makes him a loved boss and friend. Taylor has a kind heart and the visions she receives while working on a project have earned her the esteem of industry professionals who call her “a visionary with an instinct for beauty and an eye for the unique”.

The twins appear to be confident and successful business associates. They enjoy a close personal as well as professional relationship – something normal for fraternal twins. Or is it? Each remains haunted by the abusive childhood they fled from, a murder, unresolved pain and shame. One turns to God, the other away. The reader will watch each twin find romance, but freedom from the past isn't without a price.

A pulse at the base of her skull began to throb and familiar vibrations stole over her. She had no choice but to ride out the sensations and buried her face in her knees. What ensued was no vision, but a nightmare. Like the din of bees around a hive, the low drone of voices thrummed in her ears. Evil lurked in every corner and assailed her from all angles. The shadows came alive. She began to whimper and crawl around, desperate to find a way out.  – The Visionary pages 223-224.

While Taylor is still tormented by night terrors, her ability to move forward with God’s help contrasts her brother’s heart rending struggle as he confronts God. The promise of true love for both brings a new hope into the twins' lives, but the fear of letting others in escalates into dramatic moments of confrontation, with devastating consequences.

Thibodeaux weaves a powerful tale of struggle, faith, and forgiveness; especially the need to forgive yourself in order to heal. Her lovable characters, increasing tension and strong redemptive message make this book a page turner. The message of faith flows into the story without being preachy, just honest and true. Despite the dark subject matter, I found this story to be a book of hope and healing that I highly recommend.

To learn more about this author, please see my previous post.