The Sunday Post #26: FOMO Alert

If you recall from my last Sunday Post, I have given up applying for or accepting review books associated with a deadline for Lent. This is going well—I have not applied for any, and I’ve turned down several authors. However, I do have some FOMO because JustRead Publicity Tours has some new sign-ups for Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense books. As long as it’s not an Amish romance, it won’t totally crush me.

I’m trying to slow things down in general. One way I’m doing that is by not posting the This Week On The Blog section. That way, I’m not making a commitment and feeling rushed and stressed to complete it if the post isn’t ready. I’m also stretching myself thin because I post here and on Instagram. There are pros and cons to both communities—perhaps I’ll dedicate a post to that one day.

This week I read an audiobook – An Amish Barn Raising. I’m still working my way through Written in the Deep, I’m about 50% through. For my walks and knitting, I’m reading, The Mother’s Day Bargain. Since I have the pattern on my shawl down, I’m able to read while I’m knitting it now. I also have a print copy of the book and am putting sticky tabs and notes in it. Talk about multi-tasking. In addition to finishing Written in the Deep, I am going to read The Farmer’s Marriage Bargain and hopefully at least start on Her Amish Refuge.


The Sunday Post #25: The Season of Lent: A season of reflection, a shift in priorities, and a journey toward deeper faith. As Lent begins, I’m making a bold decision—one that challenges my bookish habits and refocuses my heart. What am I giving up, and how will it change the way I read, review, and live? Let’s talk faith, fiction, and the unexpected lessons that come with letting go.

–See More Sunday Posts–

A Star Appears by Addison Dixon: Author Interview & Giveaway: Step into the enchanting world of A Star Appears by Addison Dixon, where a single act of courage changes everything. Join me as I chat with Addison about her writing journey, the inspiration behind her magical world, and the deeper themes woven into Riley’s adventure. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card! Dive into the interview and enter for a chance to win—because who doesn’t love a little magic and a great prize?! GIVEAWAY OPEN through March 18, 2025.

-See More Author Interview-

Written in Secret by Crystal Caudill: Book Review & Giveaway: What if your words held the power to spark real-life crimes? In Written in Secret by Crystal Caudill, fiction turns deadly, and danger lurks in every shadow. Don’t miss this thrilling Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance—plus, enter to win a signed copy & a $25 Amazon gift card! GIVEAWAY OPEN through March 19, 2025.

-See More Book Reviews-


Book Launches:

  • Green Pastures by Patricia Johns came in from Bethany House Publishers. Patricia and I talked about me being on her launch team awhile back. I am so excited to finally have the book in my hand! There was also a bookmark hand knit by Patricia.

JustRead Publicity Tours:

  • Some Like it Scot by Pepper Basham came in from Thomas Nelson for a blog tour.
  • The Peacemaker by Wanda E. Brunstetter came in from Barbour Fiction for a Bookstagram tour.
  • This Promised Land by Cathy Gohlke came in from Tyndale Fiction for a Bookstagram Tour.
  • Two Seconds Too Late by Dani Pettrey  came in from Bethany House Publishers for a Social Blitz & Reviewer Tour.

Celebrate Lit:

  • Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher came in from Revell. Suzanne is one of my top three, read without question authors. I had to get the book this way because Revell never approves me on NetGalley. This came in as an e-book from them. Guess where the book is stored? NetGalley.

Author Surprises:

  • Lethal Wilderness Trap by Susan Furlong. Susan had my address because I’m reading another book of hers as part of a tour. She surprised me by sending me this book and a bunch of goodies. You can see all the goodies on my Bookstagram account. This was such a sweet surprise!

–Join Me On Bookstagram–


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.


Love clean Christian reads?

Get them straight to your inbox.

25 responses to “The Sunday Post #26: FOMO Alert”

  1. Jen at Introverted Reader Avatar

    I blogged pretty regularly from 2009 – 2016, then took a break until 2020. When I started back, I decided that I wouldn’t request books for review. I’ve accepted one or two offers from publicists for books that I was truly excited for but I’ve mostly stuck to my resolution. It’s hard when everyone is reading the next best book but I’m happier without deadlines and expectations. Good luck with your goal!

    Like

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      It’s wonderful that you’ve stuck with your commitment and remained true to yourself. Thank you for the support!

      Like

  2. shelleyrae @ Book'd Out Avatar

    I know how that FOMO feels because of work commitments I really can’t take any thing on more for May or June but it’s soo tempting!

    Wishing you a happy reading week

    Like

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I am going to be really limiting what I take on to review going forward. I’m getting more and more clarity with each passing day.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar

    I’m glad you are doing well in your quest to cut back for Lent. I remember being overwhelmed with books at one point in my blog life, and that’s when I decided to stick to only reading the books I really want to read.

    But all those new books sure look good!

    Like

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I am only requesting books I want to read. There are just so many! But I’m starting to see how I’ll move forward after Lent.

      Like

  4. Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer Avatar

    Good for you for setting limits and goals. No sense in burning yourself out. We read because we love it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Yes! Sometimes we love too much though. LOL

      Like

  5. Anne Bennett Avatar

    With Lent this year I am really trying to focus on Bible and the lessons/devotional provided by out church. Today my SS post is dedicated to blessings. It has been a rough few months and I think all of us can stand to feel blessed. Blessings!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      That’s a great focus, Anne!

      Like

  6. BooksofMyHeart Avatar

    I’ve really enjoyed some Susan Furlong books. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

    Anne – Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      That’s great!

      Like

  7. Carla Avatar

    You did well, this week, Carla. It is hard when you get a list of tours you can sign up for and they are authors you enjoy. I hope you are feeling more in control these days, Carla.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I’m slowly starting to feel more in control of my blog and IG. I’m just not sure how I’m going to move forward after Lent. I do know that I will be requesting much less though.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Cindy Davis Avatar

    I was doing pretty good saying no to book reviews. Then I found one for nonfiction, and I keep saying yes. Send help, LOL! Have a great week!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      LOL! If I knew where to get help I wouldn’t be in this boat. 😂

      Like

      1. Cindy Davis Avatar

        So true, LOL!

        Like

  9. Lisa R. Howeler Avatar

    I have been backing off a lot of things as well. I often bring stress on myself by trying to do too much.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I think many of us have a desire to say yes to things for various reasons but then we lose ourselves in that.

      Like

  10. Samantha @WLABB Avatar

    Gold star for resisting those sign ups. FOMO can be tough. I don’t know how people manage blogging, reading, jobs, and multiple social platforms. I found I enjoy blogging and reading most, so I gave up socials. The new Basham looks fun. I enjoyed her last series.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Thanks, Samantha! I only have Instagram for social and I’m mostly just putting the same things on it that I post here.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. buffywnabe Avatar

    FOMO is such a real thing! It is why I keep getting books when I tell myself to stop requesting or signing up for tours. It’s also why I keep buying special edition books too! I’ve got to stop that! Because they’re usually books I’ve already read as e-galleys and just want them on my shelves. Where they sit. lol. Hope you have a good week and continue to do well with your goals. I’m wanting to read Some Like it Scot too!

    https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2025/03/16/weekly-wrap-up-215-march-16th-2025/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I have wanted a few galleys in physical form before but so far I’ve managed to resist that. Amish romances don’t have special editions, if they did I’d be in big trouble!

      Like

  12. Cat @ Cat's Wire Avatar

    Sometimes you just need to take a timeout to re-focus and see what’s important to us and how much.
    I wish you success with your goals.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

Leave a reply to Anne Bennett Cancel reply

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