Soul on Fire book review

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Stars!
I finished Soul on Fire by Courtney Whitaker, and I really enjoyed it! ❤️📖
One of my favorite things about this book was how each chapter went back and forth between the different characters’ points of view. I loved getting to see the story through each character’s eyes, and once I got to know everyone, the chapters flowed together so well.
At first, I’ll admit I was a little confused trying to follow the story because I didn’t know all the characters yet or understand how they fit together. But once I got to know them and their connections, the story became really easy to follow—and it was definitely worth continuing!
I really loved the plot and the characters. They felt real, and I enjoyed seeing how all of their stories came together.
I’m giving Soul on Fire 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’m so glad I kept reading! 

Where My Writing Journey Began — With a Tiger Named River

I recently started Bre’s Writing Space Podcast, a place where I can talk about something that has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember: writing!

On the podcast, I plan to share writing tips, updates on stories I'm working on, behind-the-scenes looks at my books and characters, and both the joys and struggles that come with being a writer.

For my very first episode, I thought there was no better place to begin than at the very beginning of my writing journey.

And believe it or not, it all started with a tiger named River.

I Started Writing at Seven Years Old

I learned how to read when I was six years old, and by seven, I was already writing my own stories.

One of my biggest inspirations was River, my stuffed tiger puppet. I absolutely loved tigers, and River quickly became much more than another stuffed animal to me.

He became a character.

My imagination was filled with ideas about River and the adventures he could have, so I started putting those ideas onto paper.

Once I started writing, I didn't want to stop!

Out of everything I wrote as a child, I probably wrote more stories about River than anything else. Looking back, I think those little River stories were where my love for creating characters and telling stories really began.

More Than 50 Stories by Age 10!

As I got older, my love for writing continued to grow.

By the time I was ten years old, I had written more than 50 stories! Some were little stories, while others were actually pretty long.

Of course, seven-year-old me had no idea where writing would eventually take me.

I wasn't thinking about becoming an author or what I might be doing years later. I simply knew one thing:

I loved telling stories.

My writing has changed a lot since then. I've learned more, grown as a writer, and created many different characters and stories.

But it all traces back to that seven-year-old girl sitting down and imagining adventures about her tiger.

And I think there's something really special about remembering where God allowed it all to begin.

Just Start Writing

If you're a new writer reading this, I want to give you the same encouragement I shared on my podcast:

Just start writing.

Your first story doesn't have to be amazing.

It doesn't have to be perfect.

You don't have to understand everything about writing before you're allowed to call yourself a writer.

Do you have a character you love? Write about them.

Do you have an idea that keeps popping into your head? Put it on paper.

Is there a story living inside your imagination? See where it takes you.

You never know what God might do with something that seems small right now.

For me, it started at seven years old with a stuffed tiger named River. Years later, River became part of a ministry through YouTube and books.

I'm incredibly thankful to God for taking those little beginnings and allowing them to grow into something much bigger than I could have imagined.

And I'm excited to see where the next page takes me.

Write with faith. Create with purpose. And trust God with your story.

I'll see you on the next page! 📖❤️

Book Update: Soul on Fire

I’m on Chapter 26 of Soul on Fire by Courtney M. Whitaker.

Instagram: @authorcourtney1, 

I LOVE this book! It’s SO good. ❤️

I love that each chapter is told in first person from a different character’s point of view. It really helps you get to know each character and understand what they’re thinking and going through.

The story moves along really well, too! There’s always something going on, which keeps it interesting and makes me want to keep reading. 📖 I also love how real and relatable the characters feel. I think a lot of people will be able to see a little bit of themselves in them.

I’ll update you when I’ve read more!

UNFORGIVENESS IS SERIOUS

 As Christians, we cannot claim to follow Christ while choosing to live in unforgiveness.

Jesus gave a very serious warning:

“But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” — Matthew 6:15 KJV

If we refuse to forgive others, yet expect God to forgive us, we are ignoring the words of Jesus.

Forgiveness is not optional for a follower of Christ.

This doesn't mean what someone did to you was okay. It doesn't mean you have to trust them again or put yourself back into a harmful situation. Forgiveness means you refuse to hold hatred and bitterness against them, and you surrender the matter to God.

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:” — Matthew 6:14 KJV

We cannot knowingly live in unforgiveness and assume everything is right between us and God. If we will not forgive, Jesus says we will not be forgiven. And without God's forgiveness, we are not saved.

Examine your heart. Is there someone you have refused to forgive?

Give that hurt to Jesus. Ask Him to help you forgive—even when it is difficult.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” — Ephesians 4:32 KJV

Don't allow unforgiveness to separate you from the forgiveness you desperately need from God.

Bible Journaling & Study Notes

There is something special about slowing down, opening your Bible, and spending time really thinking about what God’s Word says. 💕 Sometimes it can be easy to read a chapter and move on with our day without stopping to think about what we just read. That’s one reason I enjoy Bible journaling and taking study notes.

Bible journaling doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need beautiful handwriting, expensive supplies, or a perfectly decorated Bible. You can simply grab your Bible, a notebook, and a pen and start studying. 🌷

✨ Why Take Bible Study Notes?

Writing things down can help us slow down and pay closer attention to Scripture. Instead of simply reading the words, we can stop and ask ourselves, “What is this passage teaching me?”

Sometimes I’ll write down a verse that really stands out to me. Other times, I may write down something I learned, a question I want to study further, or something I want to remember.

You could even keep a special Bible study notebook where you collect your notes over time. 📓💕

📖 What Can You Write Down?

If you’re not sure where to begin, here are a few simple ideas:

📖 A verse that stood out to you
Write down a Scripture that caught your attention and think about why it stood out.

💭 What the passage is teaching
In your own words, write down what you believe the passage is saying.

❓ Questions you have
It’s okay to have questions! Write them down so you can look at other Scriptures and study the subject more deeply.

❤️ Something God’s Word reminded you of
Maybe the passage reminded you to trust God, forgive someone, pray more, show kindness, or be thankful.

✏️ How you can apply it to your life
Ask yourself, “How can I live this Scripture out today?”

🙏 Write a prayer
You can finish your study by writing a simple prayer about what you’ve read.

🌷 Your Bible Journal Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

Don’t compare your Bible notes with the beautiful Bible journals you might see online. Your Bible study isn’t about creating the prettiest page.

It’s about learning God’s Word, hiding it in your heart, and allowing Scripture to guide the way you live.

The Bible says:

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” — Psalm 119:105 KJV

God’s Word gives us direction. The more time we spend reading, studying, and thinking about Scripture, the more familiar we become with what God has said.

💕 Let’s Talk!

Do you take notes when you study your Bible?

What does your Bible study routine look like? Do you use a notebook, write in the margins of your Bible, highlight verses, or do a little bit of everything?

Share your Bible journaling and study ideas in the comments! 📖✏️💕

What does James 5:16 mean?

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Here’s what that means:

• Effectual — effective; prayer that truly works or accomplishes something.
• Fervent — earnest, sincere, and deeply engaged rather than careless or merely going through the motions.
• Righteous man — someone seeking to live rightly before God in faith and obedience.
• Availeth much — has great power or accomplishes much.

So, in simple words: The sincere, earnest prayer of a person who is walking with God can accomplish much through God.

The next verses give Elijah as an example. James 5:17–18 says Elijah prayed that it would not rain, and later prayed again and God sent rain. James also emphasizes that Elijah “was a man subject to like passions as we are,” showing that he wasn’t some superhuman person—he was a man who earnestly prayed to God.

How I’ve Been Loving My Kindle E-Reader 📖🤎

Lately, one of my favorite things has been reading on my Kindle. I’ve always enjoyed books, but having a Kindle has made reading feel even easier and more enjoyable for me.

One of the things I love most about my Kindle is how simple it is. Instead of having my phone in my hand with notifications and other distractions, I can pick up my Kindle and just read. There’s something peaceful about that.

I’ve also been trying to spend less time on my phone and social media, so my Kindle has been a great way to replace some of that screen time with something I actually enjoy. Instead of automatically reaching for my phone when I have a few free minutes, I can reach for my Kindle and read another chapter. 📚

Having So Many Books in One Little Device

Another thing I love is being able to carry so many books with me without actually carrying a stack of books!

I can finish one book and have another one ready to start. I can also change the font size, adjust the screen to make it comfortable for my eyes, highlight things I want to remember, and easily pick up right where I left off.

What I’m Reading Right Now

Right now, I’ve been reading Soul on Fire by Courtney Whitaker, and I’ve really been enjoying it. 🤎

I especially enjoy Christian books that encourage me in my walk with the Lord and give me something to think about after I’ve finished reading for the day. Sometimes I’ll read something that sticks with me even after I’ve put my Kindle down, and those are some of my favorite kinds of books.

I love that my Kindle gives me a place where I can slow down and focus on what I'm reading.

Making More Time for Reading

One thing I want to continue working on is making 

reading a regular part of my life.

There are so many things competing for our attention these days, especially our phones and social media. 

I'm learning that I don't always have to fill every quiet moment by scrolling.

Sometimes I can read.

Sometimes I can write.

Sometimes I can study my Bible.

And sometimes I can simply enjoy a little quiet time. 🤎

My Kindle has become a small part of helping me do that.

So yes, you could definitely say I love my Kindle! 😂📖 I'm looking forward to all the books I'm going to read on it and hopefully discovering some new favorites along the way.

Do you have a Kindle or another e-reader? And if you do, what are you reading right now? I'd love to hear your book recommendations! 📚✨

You can comment your book recommendations below!