The Sunday Post #14: It Just Scrolls and Scrolls and Scrolls

I didn’t realize how close I was to my surgery date until the nurse called to go over my medical history this week. I did have to laugh when she got to the part about past surgeries. She says, “I was going to ask you if you have any had any past surgeries but I see that you have. It just scrolls and scrolls and scrolls. How about if I just ask you if you have had any of the major surgeries they are looking for?” I haven’t had those surgeries. We’re all good.

Because it’s so close to my surgery, Christmas is canceled at my house. With 11 GKids there’s always some germs waiting to get their hands on me. I guess GKid birthday is the last celebration at my house until February – or March if my recovery is slow. Monday was my birthday and 25th wedding anniversary. My husband gave me sweet cards with lovely sentiments that he wrote for me. I gave him the glory of my presence in his life. I received some fun stuff from author, actor, and narrator Wendy Rich Stetson. Currently reading: Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor.


The Sunday Post #13: Early to Bed:

-See more Sunday Posts-

My Winter 2024-2025 Reading List. Looking for the perfect reads to cozy up with this winter? My Winter 2024-2025 reading list is here! From heartwarming Amish romances to captivating dual timeline historical tales and edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense, these books promise to transport you through time and tug at your heartstrings. Whether you’re craving small-town charm, historical intrigue, or a touch of mystery, there’s something for every romance readers mood.

See more Top Ten Tuesday Posts

2025 Fiber Arts Goals. After an hour of frogging a blanket and organizing my craft space, I feel inspired and ready to tackle my 2025 fiber arts goals. From using up my stash to learning new skills and finally diving into long-dreamed projects, this year is all about creativity, intention, and making space for what’s to come—like treasures from the Midwest Fiber Festival. Ready to set your own goals? Let’s embrace the joy of crafting and turn our aspirations into reality!

Rescued at Christmas Book Review & Giveaway. When Devon Fairchild heads to Maple Glen to fulfill a promise, she plans to leave within the week. But an injury lands her in firefighter Finn McAllister’s care, surrounded by holiday warmth she never expected. Will she risk her guarded heart for love, or will fear send her running again? GIVEAWAY OPEN THROUGH 12/18/2024. Prize: (1) winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card, a print copy of A Small Town Fourth of July (first book in series), and maple syrup/sugar treats!

See more reviews


Ambush on the Ranch Giveaway and Book Tour.  I partnered with JustReads! for this one. (1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift card! Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on December 24, 2024. Click the photo above for all the details on how to enter.

-Join me on Bookstagram-


12/24/2024 Ten Books I Want Santa To Bring Me. Santa, the jolly man in red, hasn’t visited me in a while, but I’m hopeful this year he’ll bring some literary magic. From Amish romances and historical mysteries to a cookbook with recipes as comforting as a hug, these ten books are at the top of my wishlist. Whether it’s completing beloved series, exploring new genres, or adding to my grandkids’ library, each book holds a special place in my heart—and maybe, just maybe, Santa will make my bookish dreams come true. What’s on your wishlist?

12/26/2024 The Cookbook That Taught Me Everything. What if one cookbook could completely change the way you cook? This one opened my eyes to kitchen essentials I never knew I needed—like an oven thermometer—transformed me into a soup lover, and inspired me to kick store-bought bread to the curb for good. It’s not just a collection of recipes; it’s a guide to cooking with confidence and joy. Curious which cookbook taught me everything? Grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!

12/22/2024 The Sunday Post: weekly wrap-up of life updates, bookish chatter, and blog highlights. Dive into last week’s posts, get a sneak peek at what’s coming, and explore clean, closed-door romances. It’s your perfect Sunday read to stay in the know and inspired!

See more Sunday Posts


Wendy Rich Stetson reached out to me on Instagram. I’m always a huge supporter of Amish Romance authors. If you look closely at Shooting Sunshine you can see the buggy in the background. It’s a RomCom about a New York photojournalist, Darcy King, who is on assignment in Green Ridge, PA to shoot Amish Life. But the Amish don’t approve of photography. Samuel Rishel, burned by a photographer during his Rumspringa, agrees to help Darcy at his family’s B&B under one condition—no pictures of faces. As sparks fly between them, a single photograph could shatter their fragile trust forever.

I was approved for With this Ring through NetGalley. Amy Clipston is one of my favorite authors. Generally I prefer her Amish romances but, then again, I just prefer Amish romances in general. This one is about Dakota, who thought she had left her dreams of happily-ever-after behind after a painful broken engagement with her high school sweetheart, Hudson. Now the owner of Fairytale Bridal Shop in Flowering Grove, she’s built a life helping brides find their perfect dress, but her world is upended when Hudson returns to town to stop his sister’s wedding. As they’re drawn back together amidst family chaos, Dakota and Hudson must confront their past and question if the love they lost can be rekindled.


Tell me something good.

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. Erin @ Cracker Crumb Life Avatar

    Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary! I am sad you had to cancel Christmas but it sounds like it was the best idea.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Thanks, Erin!

      Like

  2. Anne Bennett Avatar

    So when is the actual date of your surgery? I’ll be thinking of you with positive prayers and thoughts that day!

    Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to you and yours!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      The surgery is January 13th If I picked up anything now, I’d be within the window of when they told me I be sick or they’ll have to postpone. Thank you for positive prayers and thoughts! Merry Christmas!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Tina Avatar

    Santa should bring you literary magic as you’ll be recovering from surgery and need some TLC. That includes books because who doesn’t love getting new books! Wishing you well and look forward to your updates.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Oh, that’s such a sweet sentiment. Thank you so much!

      Like

  4. shelleyrae @ Book'd Out Avatar

    Happy birthday, happy anniversary and happy holidays!

    I hope your surgery goes smoothly

    Wishing you a wonderful reading week

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Happy Holidays! Happy reading!

      Like

  5. Jen at Introverted Reader Avatar

    Happy belated birthday and anniversary! I’m sorry Christmas had to be canceled at your house this year but it sounds like that was the wise choice. I hope your surgery and recovery go well. Merry Christmas!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Merry Christmas, Jen!

      Like

  6. BooksofMyHeart Avatar

    I hope your surgery goes well. Have a lovely holiday and Happy New Year.

    Anne – Books of My Heart

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Happy Holidays!

      Like

  7. mikaschmeing Avatar
    mikaschmeing

    Jason is definitely blessed! lol

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      He truly is!

      Like

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

    I enjoyed Christmas at Sugarplum Manor! It was sweet and festive! I hope your surgery goes well and wish you a speedy recovery!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I just finished the book. I did enjoy it very much.

      Like

  9. Cindy Davis Avatar

    I got Wendy’s book at the JustRead Rendezvous, it was one of the books in my swag bag :) I hope your surgery goes well. Merry Chrismtas!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I’m so excited about Rendezvous being in STL this year. I hope you go again. I’m excited to meet up with other book bloggers.

      Like

      1. Cindy Davis Avatar

        I hope to be able to go as well. It would be lovely to meet you in person!

        Like

  10. Jodie | That Happy Reader Avatar

    Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary. Wishing you a speedy recovery from your surgery as well. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy 2025!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Merry Christmas, Jodie!

      Like

  11. Tammy Avatar

    Good luck with the surgery! It’s sad to cancel Christmas but understandable😁

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I’m still baking the ham and setting it outside the door. LOL!

      Like

  12. yvonne473 Avatar

    Good luck with your surgery. I hope everything goes well, but I’m sorry about Christmas this year. Take care.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Thank you, Yvonne.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. buffywnabe Avatar

    Okay, Shooting Sunshine sounds good! I added it to my Goodreads TBR. Sorry your surgery is keeping you from having much for the holiday. But hopefully when you are recovered you can make up for all of that! I’ve got so many reviews to catch up on, hoping to do that over my break the next two weeks. Happy belated birthday and anniversary! I hope you still have a good holiday!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I’m so happy you added Shooting Sunshine to your TBR. I’m hoping to get it read in January. I have reviews to catch up on as well. I’m hoping to have them done by the end of the week.

      Like

  14. Samantha @WLABB Avatar

    Happy birthday and anniversary! I hope you had a lovely little celebration and that your surgery goes well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Thank you, Samantha!

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Sarah Avatar

    I hope your surgery goes well! Sending good thoughts your way!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Thank you, Sarah!

      Like

  16. mjeanpike Avatar

    Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary! Prayers for a successful surgery and a restful healthful, book filled New Year…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Thank you, Jean!

      Like

  17. joyweesemoll Avatar
    joyweesemoll

    I hope that you can enjoy some quiet, reflective time for Christmas.

    I definitely get it about the germs — I swear my husband is always sick on New Year’s Eve from something he caught at Christmas. We skipped three family gatherings during the pandemic years, and they were the healthiest winters that I ever remember!

    My Christmas wish for you is that the surgery goes well and provides everything that you want from it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Well, Joy, I have to work so I may not get too much reflection time outside of Christmas Day. I think there were many people who stuck with the quarantine and wound up healthier. Should I need to go anywhere in the next two weeks, I will be wearing a mask.

      Thank you for the positive wishes!

      Like

  18. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar

    Carla, I hope your surgery goes beautifully! Happy birthday and happy anniversary! I’m sorry you had to cancel Christmas, but I hope you get to celebrate after you recover.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Thank you, Deb!

      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.