The Sunday Post #4: Drum Sounds and Books that Make You Go Oooh

My son got home this past week after spending six weeks in Colombia, and I had forgotten how quiet the house had been. He’s a musician, specifically a percussionist, and now the house is filled with the sounds of jazz drums, whatever musical he’s preparing for, and what I can only assume is some sort of yacht rock for his next cruise. Since he’s in his 30s and only here part-time, I don’t feel too bad for not knowing exactly what’s going on.

Do you ever get so excited about a book that you have to put it down? Like it overstimulates you in the best possible way, and you just need to walk away and think for a bit? I hope I’m not the only one. This is exactly how B is for Bonnet made me feel. It’s not the first book to do this, but right now, this one really pulled me in. I had to reign in the excitement to avoid giving away any spoilers in the review.


Ten Confessions of a Book Lover: Sharing personal confessions about my reading habits, revealing bookish flaws like judging books by covers, being a slow reader, and avoiding classics. It gets worse…I borrow books over buying, don’t have a traditional bookshelf, and often neglect nonfiction. But I do have a genuine love for reading! Come take a look in my closet, I’ve dug almost all the skeletons out. Almost.

See more Top Ten Tuesday Posts

A is For Amish by Shelley Shepard Gray: Siblings Martin, Kelsey, Beth, and Jonny seek to reinvent their lives by exploring their Amish roots after a fragmented upbringing. As they navigate family dynamics and personal aspirations, Martin grapples with a budding relationship with neighbor Patti, challenging his assumptions about love and happiness amidst cultural changes.

The Protector by Wanda E. Brunstetter: The youngest of the Schrock siblings, Jonny Schrock, and local cafe owner Treva Kramer navigate love and family dynamics. Jonny grapples with health news and his desire for an Amish lifestyle, while Treva struggles with independence. Their relationship faces challenges, blending romance with themes of trust and identity.

See more reviews


Book Boost Monday New linkup!! As a fledgling book blogger, I realize this is a risk and may take time to grow but I saw a need and am determined to fill it. What I’ve noticed is that nobody reads book reviews, at least not on blogs. Some of the bigger book bloggers seem to focus on lists over reviews simply for this reason. Or they’ve moved their reviews to a bookstagram account. That’s great but some of still like to write the traditional review and put them on their blog. If you have some clean book reviews you want boost, please come by on Monday and link them up. Please feel free to share the news!

Of course, there will be a Top Ten Tuesday post on, you guessed it, Tuesday. This week is ten books I was assigned in school. There’s quite a few classics on there and ya’ll know how I feel about them. I may get a migraine trying to remember something that’s not a classic.

Book Reviews

With All Her Heart by Kelly Irvin Bonnie runs a successful craft shop but fears her disability keeps men from seeing her true self. Elijah, a shy Amish man, dreams of leaving his family’s auction business to pursue carving. Can their friendship grow into love, helping them both achieve their dreams?

New Arrivals

Just when I thought that the NetGalley fairies were going to skip my inbox and punish me for not being a faster reader, I got the following approvals.

Fa-La-La-La Faking It by by Teri Wilson: Adaline lies about dating to avoid hurting her grandmother, but her childhood crush, Jace, volunteers to play along. As they fake a relationship for the holidays, Jace aims to make amends, and their pretend romance starts to feel real—just like a Christmas wish coming true.

Hunted for the Holidays by Deena Alexander: Shae Evans’ witness-protection cover is blown when she spots a familiar face. Fleeing with her daughter, she turns to former FBI agent Mason Payne—her child’s secret father—for protection. Now, they must evade a vengeful crime family determined to silence Shae before the New Year. Will they survive?


10.15.24
🩷️ ️The Burning of Rosemont Abbey by Naomi Stephens Order
🩷A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber Order
🩷Into the Sunset by Mary Connealy Order
🩷Penalties and Proposals by Anne Kemp Order $3.99 Kindle release!

See more upcoming releases-


What are your plans for the week?

Thank you to the following bloggers for their excellent link-ups!
Caffeinated Reviewer hosts The Sunday Post and Readerbuzz hosts Sunday Salon.


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  1. theliterarylioness Avatar

    I have never read an Amish romance. I visit Pennsylvania fairly often, and there are many Amish stores in that state. I really should read one of these books.

    I also have never read a Debbie Macomber book. I have heard many good things about them, though.

    For “wholesome” or “clean” romances I usually read Betty Neels. They are almost all set in England or the Netherlands. They are a comfort read when things get stressful.

    I have over 1400 books on my Kindle right now. I’m not kidding. I need to start reading!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I think I love the Amish romances the most because they don’t have scenes of people watching TV, movies, or responding to texts most of the time. It forces the people to focus on other things.

      Thanks for the author recommendation!

      I am sure you have books for every mood!

      Like

  2. oliviabeck1 Avatar
    oliviabeck1

    I do know what you mean about a book being overstimulating. For me, it’s both a good feeling and a bad feeling. Ha! I love the idea of Book Boost Monday! See you there!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I agree that the overstimulating thing is both good and bad.

      It’s not too late to link up for book boost Monday! I am commenting on everyone who links up. I’m just slow to getting to everyone this week but it’ll get done. 😃

      Like

  3. buffywnabe Avatar

    I do love when a book is that good and I’m that excited for it! The music sounds fun, but I could definitely be annoyed with it. But then I live by myself and get easily annoyed when I go on vacation with family and can’t do what I want like when I’m at home by myself, lol. Hope you’re having a good week!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      It’s the best when the book is that good. I have gone on vacation with my mom, mother-in-law, and my sister-in-law in the past at different times and I just bow out of the activities I don’t like and do my own thing. I tell them I’ll meet up with them for meals. They are all kind of expect that behavior from me. May be why they haven’t vacationed with me in years. LOL

      Like

  4. Haze Avatar

    I live with a musician too and it’s a mixed blessing. It’s wonderful to listen to the beautiful music he makes, but sometimes I want total silence! Have a wonderful week!

    Haze
    https://thebookhaze.com/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Agreed on the sound. I hope you’ve been having a good week!

      Like

  5. thebookdisciple Avatar

    Ah the sound of drums. I work in a school, so the excessive noise is something I am kind of immune to. My brain has learned to block it out. Glad you only have to experience it part time. But, at least he is good at it! It could be worse!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Yes, a school would do that to you! I think that the combination of working from home and his being gone for long periods of time is throwing me off. He has been playing for over 20 years so it’s not like it’s new or anything.

      Like

  6. WordsAndPeace Avatar

    I could make the confession that I have never read an Amish noel. I love the Amish community and have an opportunity to visit some of their stores once a year, but not in literature

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I read (clearly) mostly Amish novels but I have not been to any of their stores yet. Although there are some only a few hours away and I would like to visit soon. Especially to see some quilts!

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Jamie @ The Fantasy Princess Avatar

    I have never read an Amish themed book. Hope you enjoy them and have a great week!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Rachel @Waves of Fiction Avatar
    Rachel @Waves of Fiction

    Sounds like your son has a fun and noisy career, lol! I’ve enjoyed Shelley Shepard Gray in the past so I’ll check out B is for Bonnet after hearing how much you’re loving it. As far as book confessions, I’ve avoided the classics, too. I find they’re usually a let down. Have a great, week, Carla!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      He does have that! Gray is probably my favorite author at the moment. You may want to read the first book in the series first, A is for Amish, which is every bit as good. You could probably jump in but I think you’ll get more out of it if you read both.

      I hope you have a great week too!

      Like

  9. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar

    I like the idea of Book Boost posts. It sounds like this will be very helpful to get some good books more attention.

    It’s nice to know which books are releasing and when they are releasing. I also like knowing which ones are discounted.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Thanks, Deb! We’ll see if it goes anywhere but it’s worth a shot.

      I only know about the discount because the author posted it! I usually am oblivious to those things.

      Like

  10. Emily Jane Avatar

    How lovely to have your son home.

    Interesting about what you say regarding book reviews on blogs. I hadn’t particularly noticed that. I put all my reviews on there, but as I am a slow reader I only manage 7ish books a month so I like to do other bookish posts around them otherwise my Blog would be bare 😂

    Have a great week!

    Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I don’t do many either but they never get comments or views and when I see others out there they look like they’re in the same boat. Unless there is a giveaway associated with the review.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Emily Jane Avatar

        Or unless they are part of a comment for comment group. I don’t have time to join them so here I am with basically no comments!

        Like

      2. Emily Jane Avatar

        Comment for Comment groups on Instagram – I forgot to say that 🤣

        Liked by 1 person

  11. joyweesemoll Avatar
    joyweesemoll

    Looks like some good reading!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I’ve been enjoying it!

      Like

  12. shanaqui Avatar

    I love it when I find a book like that! It’s a fun experience when a book just feels so perfect.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Northwoman Avatar

    I’m collecting holiday books but I’m not ready to read them until at least November.

    Anne – Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I can read Christmas romances all year round. I really love the holiday!

      Like

    2. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I’ll probably be winding down on the Christmas reads around November! Just joking, I can keep this up well past December. 😀

      Like

  14. Jodie | That Happy Reader Avatar

    Nice to have your son home for a time I’m sure. I’m looking forward to Macomber’s latest! I’ve read over two dozen of her books.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Her books do sound really good!

      Like

  15. mjeanpike Avatar

    I love the sound of drums!

    Looks like a lot of great books, and yes, there’s nothing better than being so moved by a story you have to put it down for a moment and process!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I’m just not musical like my son so without any other instruments I don’t know what he’s playing. If he plays something like a bongo, I can get that. Better than a drumset. I prefer when he plays piano but that’s not his primary instrument or the one that pays his bills.

      I’m very excited about these upcoming reads!

      Like

  16. yvonne473 Avatar

    All those books look so good. I hope you enjoy them and have a great week!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I’m pretty excited about them. I hope you have a great week as well?
      !

      Liked by 1 person

  17. limabean74 Avatar

    Lots of great books! I hope you enjoy them all. I have been over excited for a book and need to calm down a bit before getting into it and take breaks. Honestly it’s a great feeling!

    Have a great week, Carla! Happy Reading!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I hope you have a great weekend as well!

      Like

  18. harvee Avatar

    Thanks for the info on Book Boost Monday. I see it’s not up yet but I might add my Sunday post to it when it is. Have a great week.

    Harvee https://bookdilettante.blogspot.com/2024/10/han-kang-nobel-prize-in-literature-2024.html

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Sounds great! I hope to see you tomorrow. It’ll be up at 5 a.m. CST.

      Like

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Welcome to Carla’s Book Crush where I share my favorite clean, Christian reads. I review everything from Amish and historical romance to suspense, contemporary fiction, nonfiction, and the occasional devotional. If it has heart, hope, and a message that points back to Christ, it’s probably on my shelf. I also love chatting with authors and featuring interviews that give you a peek behind the pages. Whether you’re looking for a new release, a cozy weekend read, or just something uplifting and well-written, you’re in the right place. Clean stories. Encouraging faith. Books worth reading.