The Sunday Post #21: Overbooked

There are so many shiny, happy books out there that I am now officially overbooked—through May! On top of the Amish romances that I love so much, I have some historical and contemporary romance that I really want to read. Plus, I’d like to start taking a crack at my backlog soon. I’d never request a book that I truly wasn’t eager to read, so the only thing that is a chore about all of this is the speed at which I need to read right now. I’m a slow reader, so… but I don’t miss deadlines. Knitting and crafting are going to be put aside for a while because of this. Luckily, I’m over my reading slump and happy to do so.

This week I finished Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals and am reading When Stars Light the Sky (almost halfway through, so good). I’m also hoping to finish The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry (a bookish book – yeah!) and Small Town Harmony this week.


The Sunday Post #20: Nice and Easy: All about survival mode. Work had me exhausted, my knitting progress stalled, and most nights I was asleep by six. But somehow, I still managed to finish a book, barely start another, and squeeze in a much-needed shopping trip with Jason. On the blog: exciting giveaways, a book that completely surprised me, and more. Plus, an author interview, more giveaways, and other things you won’t want to miss!

-See more Sunday Posts-

2024 Must-Read Books I Haven’t Read Yet. My TBR pile is looking at me with judgmental eyes —especially the books from 2024 that I had to own but still haven’t cracked open. Some are from beloved authors, others caught my eye with their Amish romance charm or irresistible historical tropes. Will I actually read them all before 2025 ends? That’s the goal! Grab a cozy blanket, snuggle up with a cat, and join me as I tackle these long-awaited reads. Which one would you start with first?

See more Top Ten Tuesday Posts

Where I Found You by Betsy St. Amant: Author Interview & Giveaway. Family feuds, buried secrets, and a puzzle that could change everything! Can Noah and Elisa put aside generations of rivalry to uncover the truth—and maybe even find love along the way? Don’t miss this swoon-worthy Southern romance from Betsy St. Amant! Plus, get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look in our author interview and enter the giveaway for a chance to win a paperback copy of the book and a $10 Sunrise Shop Gift Card! GIVEAWAY OPEN through February 11, 2025.

See more author interviews

Misgivings by Anne Gibson: Book Review & Giveaway. A love that won’t give up. A past that won’t let go. Dee thought she could escape, but danger is never far behind. Mark’s control is suffocating, and fear forces her into hiding—until Luke, the one man who truly loves her, refuses to let her disappear forever. Will he find her before it’s too late? Misgivings by Anne Gibson is an unforgettable Christian romance packed with suspense, faith, and second chances. You won’t be able to stop turning the pages! Plus, don’t miss the GIVEAWAY! A print copy of Misgivings and a $25 Amazon gift card could be yours! GIVEAWAY OPEN through February 10, 2025.

See more giveaways


I have been purchasing and loving DaySpring products for many years. I decided to become a DaySpring Ambassador to showcase some of their products. Some I may own and some I want to own but I wanted to be upfront with everyone about this news.

This week, I’d like to let you know that all of their Calendars & Planners are 50% Off all month long! I don’t know about you but sometimes I purchase a calendar, start using it and find I don’t like it so I wind up purchasing sosmething I like better. If you’re like me, here’s your second chance.


  • 10 Romantic Books to Warm Your Heart for Valentine’s Day
  • Right Before Their Eyes by Carrie Walker: Book Spotlight & Giveaway
  • January 2025 Wrap-Up
  • Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go To Funerals by Sharon Mondragon: Book Review & Giveaway
  • The Sunday Post

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  • Her Amish Refuge byPamela Desmond Wright. I am on Pamela’s ARC team and am so excited to read this one. The official release date is April 29, 2025. I’ll be posting more details on Bookstagram this week.
  • Willow Hall by Maggie Bradford. I had entered a giveaway on Instagram to win this book. Even though I didn’t win, Maggie offered to send me a copy anyway. How nice of her!

Tell me something good.

Thank you to the following bloggers for their excellent link-ups!
Caffeinated Reviewer hosts The Sunday Post, Readerbuzz hosts Sunday Salon, and Reading Reality who hosts Stacking the Shelves.


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36 responses to “The Sunday Post #21: Overbooked”

  1. Literary Feline Avatar
    Literary Feline

    I am not a fast reader either. I am glad you are over your reading slump! I understand wanting to read all the books–the new ones and the backlog. I hope you enjoy all the ones you are able to read! Have a wonderful week, Carla!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Rachel @Waves of Fiction Avatar
    Rachel @Waves of Fiction

    Yes, I never request a book that I don’t think I’d love, but it’s hard to squeeze them all in sometimes! Hope you enjoy them all, Carla!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      It is hard to squeeze them in!

      Like

  3. Cat Avatar
    Cat

    I haven’t been brave enough for a book pile anymore since I pretty much crafted every day. Now I’m a crafting slump, so I think I should go back to the books once I’m not so tired anymore. On workdays (three days a week) I’m usually pretty useless, anyway, and the last few months I didn’t have the energy to make plans for the weekend.

    Just reading about all of you reading so much makes me want to get back to it, though!

    Cat
    https://catswire.blogspot.com/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Sometimes I switch back and forth between reading and knitting due to mood and not because of deadlines. I hope you pick up a book you love soon!

      Like

  4. the bookworm Avatar

    I’m glad you’re over your reading slump. I’m a slow reader too and it’s hard to decide whether to read or crochet lol.

    I took a peek at the Day Spring site, they have nice things. Enjoy your books and your week ahead! That’s nice the author sent you a copy of the book even though you didn’t win it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      The pace at which I’m reading makes me feel like I’m almost in a slump but I’ve just been so busy. I like the DaySpring line a lot!

      Like

  5. Carla Avatar

    I am trying to read more of my backlist books as well, Carla. I set myself a goal to read two Amish Fiction on my backlist each week. That means I will only read or listen to 8 this month, but that is a good start. I do not use a planner being retired, but didn;t really use them when I worked either. I probably should have though. I hope you have a good week and get more energy this week.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      The nice thing about Amish fiction, at least for me, is that I can read those very quickly. I have to have a planner for the books or I’ll miss something.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Vicki Avatar

    I have a few Amish books to read.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar

    I feel like I am trying to read too many books at once. But there are so many great reads—it’s hard to settle on just one or two.

    I love the sound of Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Grandma Ruth was a really good cozy mystery!

      Like

  8. Cindy Davis Avatar

    You reminded me I need to get to Small Town Harmony as well. It looks like you have some great books ahead of you, I am so excited for Grandma Ruth as well. I need to see if my library is going to get it. Have a great week!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      It’s been a week and I still haven’t opened up Small Town Harmony. I’m sure I’ll get it read though.

      Like

  9. BooksofMyHeart Avatar

    I normally read quickly but I’ve been worrying and not reading at night, also watching Acorn while we have it. That’s got me back crafting – knitting – though and I’m enjoying that. I need to get back on track with reading. I hate reading for the current week. I used to do that normally but now that I have had some weeks ahead I don’t like it. I will say crafting with audiobooks works well so that lets me do both. Happy reading!

    Anne – Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Yes, audiobooks have been suggested to me for knitting. It depends on the pattern. If it’s involved, I tune everything out.

      Like

  10. Liz Dexter Avatar

    At the moment, I’m trying to read all the books I purchased before the end of 2023 by the end of June this year. It was by the end of 2024 but then I wasn’t getting to read any new books! So good luck with your backlog plan, that sounds very sensible.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      It sounds like you speak from experience!

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Aj @ Read All The Things! Avatar

    I hope you love your new books!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Thank you, AJ!

      Like

  12. yvonne473 Avatar

    I so know how you feel about having so many books to read. I’m a slow reader, too. I’m trying to cut back on the books I request and accept, but it’s hard. They all look so good. I hope you enjoy all your books and have a great week!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      It’s VERY hard!

      Liked by 1 person

  13. buffywnabe Avatar

    There was a planner that I bought for my blogging for a few years and I loved it, but then I either had a ton of extra pages I didn’t use or had to add my own. So then when I saw a librarian who made a Canva planner for her library, I decided to just make my own planner to print out in Canva for my blog, and I love it so far! No extra pages, they all say exactly what I want, and it was basically free! I hope you have a good week!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      That’s a good idea!

      Like

  14. Samantha @WLABB Avatar

    It’s hard to resist all those shiny books, but I hope you enjoy them all.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Thanks, Samantha!

      Liked by 1 person

  15. oliviabeck1 Avatar
    oliviabeck1

    It’s a great feeling when you have so many wonderful books to dive into. There’s no better brand ambassador than one who is a customer. Have a great week!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I hope you had a great week, Olivia!

      Like

  16. Kelsey Gietl Avatar

    Enjoy your book pile! I have a bunch of pre- orders arriving in the next couple weeks and I’m starting to think, “What did I do??” Yet giddy with excitement. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Preorders are fun! It’s like getting a Christmas present.

      Like

  17. Erin @ Cracker Crumb Life Avatar

    Oooo enjoy all of your shiny new books!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I have a problem! LOL!

      Like

  18. mjeanpike Avatar

    This will be a fun and book-busy month!

    Liked by 1 person

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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.

5 Stars – Overwhelmed me in a good way!
4 Stars – Strongly moved me
3 Stars – Entertaining, worth the read
2 Stars – Meh, take it or leave it
1 Star – Nails on a chalkboard