The Sunday Post #29: Fantasy Book Wins, Audiobook Joy, and Amish Romance Escape

You’ll see that this week my new arrivals are low but in a weird series of events, I have won 18 paperback books through three different giveaways on Instagram. I honestly don’t spend much time entering giveaways but will randomly through my hat in the ring here and there so it was a shock of all shocks when I won these: two are romance, and sixteen are fantasy. Among the fantasy books, I won The Lightness of Water and the second in the series, The Way of the Water. I’m so excited that the second one will be arriving soon. I suspect my two oldest granddaughters may want to read many of these books, as they really enjoy fantasy. Now, if only this luck would carry over to my next lottery ticket!

I finished The Lightness of Water (audiobook). So good! I also read Discovering Dahlia which was a solid four star read. This is going to sound weird, but sometimes I take a break from reading…by reading Amish Romance. It always lights my soul. So I grabbed Her Amish Refuge and was so incredibly happy and pleased with it that I’m still thinking about it.

I’m a whopping 10 pages into Some Like It Scot but I haven’t been in a reading mood. Typically—as I mentioned above—I reach for an Amish romance when I’m not in a reading mood. But this time, I don’t really have time for that, because my review for this book is due Wednesday. Talk about cutting it down to the wire.

I’ll be picking up Lizzie’s Little Mouse which will make my heart happy because it’s an Amish romance. I also want to read Amish Weddings which is a nonfiction book about well, you guessed it, Amish weddings. But first, I need to read Some Like It Scot.


The Sunday Post #28: Writer’s Block, Recent Reads, and Bookish Plans: Some weeks are quiet—filled with work, books, and knitting. Other weeks bring laughter, challenges, or unexpected inspiration. But what happens when the words don’t come? Last Sunday, I reflected on whether I’m a writer or just a blogger who writes. Plus, I shared my latest reads, upcoming bookish plans, and a few exciting giveaways!

–See More Sunday Posts–

Frayed Promises by Lynn U. Watson: Author Interview & Giveaway. Discover the inspiration behind 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒔 in a conversation with author Lynn U. Watson! She shares how faith, family history, and storytelling come together in her writing, offering a glimpse into the heart of her latest novel. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win a 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒔 prize bundle. GIVEAWAY OPEN through April 7, 2025.

-See More Giveaways-

March 2025 Clean Romance Book Reviews: Contemporary Christian Edition: Love is in the air, and these contemporary Christian romances are proof that heartwarming stories never go out of style! Whether it’s a librarian playing matchmaker, a Mother’s Day setup gone awry, or a marriage of convenience with unexpected feelings, these books deliver swoon-worthy moments and faith-filled journeys. Plus, one of them made me laugh, cry, and fall completely in love. Which one will be your next favorite? Keep reading to find out!

-See More Romance Book Lists –

An Unexpected Companion by Mindy Obenhaus: Book Review & Giveaway: Widow Tessa Wagner is doing her best to help her grieving son, but when a troubled moment leads them to Dirk Matthews and his loyal service dog, Molly, an unexpected connection begins to grow.Will shared loss bring healing—or are their hearts too broken to try again? Mindy Obenhaus delivers a touching story of faith, second chances, and love. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win a signed copy of An Unexpected Companion and a $25 Amazon gift card! GIVEAWAY OPEN through April 9, 2025.

-See More Book Reviews-

March 2025 Wrap-Up: March came and went in a blur of books, giveaways, and a little knitting therapy! With eight reads (and a unique mix of formats), my reading stack was full of heartwarming Amish fiction, swoon-worthy romance, and a few surprises. Plus, my blog hit some milestone pageviews—thank you, giveaways! But what really caught my eye? The surprising way most of you are reading my posts (spoiler: it’s not on mobile!). Curious? Dive into my March wrap-up for bookish stats, top posts, and a peek at my latest cozy knitting project.

-See More Wrap Ups-


For JustRead Tours:

  • Winning Over the Baker by Danielle Thorne — Danielle sent a signed copy for me to read and review. It’s a Love Inspired title, and since it involves baking, I’m extra excited to dive in!
  • The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch. Jessica is going to be at Rendezvous 2025 and I’m trying to prioritize those authors as much as possible. Even if she wasn’t this is also a Love Inspired imprint but it’s a dark and twisty (as Jessica describes it on Instagram) thriller. Yes, please!
  • Written on My Heart by Heidi Gray McGill. This ebook came in from Heidi through JustRead Tours. I’m excited to be doing an author interview with Heidi!

  • Wrestling with Faith: Doubt, Christianity, and the Search for Truth
  •  Some Like it Scot by Pepper Basham: Book Review & Giveaway
  • Lullaby by the River by Temperance Johnson: Author Interview & Giveaway
  • Collision Course by Jorgia Yates: Author Interview & Giveaway
  • The Sunday Post

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 hosts Stacking the Shelves.


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31 responses to “The Sunday Post #29: Fantasy Book Wins, Audiobook Joy, and Amish Romance Escape”

  1. Leah's Books Avatar

    Congrats on all your new books! It sounds like you really hit the jackpot (okay, pun intended) with that giveaway, and I hope you and your granddaughters really enjoy them. This sounded like quite a busy week, I hope you’ve gotten to enjoy some downtime since this post.

    Like

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      LOL! My older granddaughters took home some of the books yesterday. I think they’ll enjoy them. I’m still waiting on others but I have no intentions of bugging the authors about them. I have slowed down blogging and Instagram. As I see time, I’ll increase again but I need a better handle on my life rhythm first.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Leah's Books Avatar

        That makes total sense. I hope your granddaughters love the books, and I completely understand about slowing down. As far as instagram, I’ve stopped pressuring myself to post and only post pics if I really want to. It makes a big difference in my stress levels.

        Like

  2. lindseyreads Avatar

    Congrats on winning so many books! I’ll keep my fingers crossed that this luck will indeed carry over to your next lottery ticket too :)

    Like

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      The luck did not continue. LOL!

      Like

  3. mrshofer Avatar

    I’m so excited you won all those books! I look forward to hearing about some of them as you get to them. :) I’ve been struggling at the beginning of this month with reads too. I’m hoping that things change as the month gets further in. Thankfully I’ve had a few push back their release a few weeks so I have less to read this month than I expected.

    Like

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I’m cutting back on my blogging while the book situation is evening out. I didn’t post a Sunday post this week and may not go back to this post ever. At least not without moving it to a different day of the week. I want to spend my Sundays doing something besides blogging.

      Like

  4. Anne Bennett Avatar

    Wow. What a lot of books. I’ve only won a book once.

    Thanks for swinging by my Sunday Salon. I hope you pop back since I have written quite a bit more after I got home from church. https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/2025/04/sunday-salon-day-of-action.html

    Like

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Hi, Anne! I did go back to your blog but whenever I tried to post a comment, I would get an error message that “comments can’t be blank.” Technology isn’t liking me this evening.

      Like

      1. Anne Bennett Avatar

        Darn. I have trouble with comments on others’ blogs often, too. Not sure if it is my settings, or Blogger, or WordPress. Gr…

        Like

        1. Carla Bruns Avatar

          That is frustrating!

          Liked by 1 person

  5. Carla Avatar

    Wow, congratulations on those wins, Carla. When I need a break I either read Amish Fiction or a Cozy Mystery. Both are light but always uplifting and fun. Have a great week, Carla

    Like

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Thanks, Carla. Amish fiction is always a win for me. Enjoy the rest of your week!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Cat @ Cat's Wire Avatar

    Congratulations on winning all of those books!
    I have been reading so much lately that my TV has been hardly on at all. I usually use it for background noise when I’m crafting, but haven’t done that much of that.

    Like

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I’m continuing to try to get in more knitting time. I need it for sanity purposes.

      Like

  7. Samantha @WLABB Avatar

    I hope you played the Lotto. You have to harness that good luck!

    Like

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I think the luck is over. I got two scratchers totaling $3 and only won back $2.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar

    Congratulations on your book wins! I can’t tell you the last time I won a book…so you should be in awe, as I am, of winning three times in one week. Enjoy.

    Like

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I am! It’s not the norm for me either.

      Like

  9. BooksofMyHeart Avatar

    Sometimes, especially if I am stressed (pretty much full time since 2020), I want to read my favorite genre. So I get wanting to read a certain kind of book. My ARCs have definitely drifted until they are mostly that genre (some kind of mystery) until I read very few romances any more. Since we got a tv at Christmas I have been knitting and reading after dinner instead of reading.

    Anne – Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post

    Like

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I’m glad someone gets it! Right now I really only have two TV shows I watch every week otherwise the TV is just a background noise. I also have SiriusXM but sometimes I just listen to that app on my TV. I really don’t get a lot of knitting done while I’m watching TV.

      Like

  10. buffywnabe Avatar

    I am the same on Instagram, and occasionally I win! Some Like it Scot is on my TBR, so I’ll be eager to read your review. Hope you have a good week!

    https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2025/04/06/weekly-wrap-up-218-april-6th-2025/

    Like

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      It’s always fun to win! I’d say it’s the luck of the Irish but it’s March and I’m a third generation German-American. 😂😂

      Like

  11. yvonne473 Avatar

    Wow, this was your lucky week winning all those books! Congrats! Have a great week!

    Like

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Thanks, Yvonne! You too!

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Cindy Davis Avatar

    Wow, that is a lot of books to win at once!! Congratulations. I loved Some Like it Scot, i hope you find your reading mojo and end up enjoying it as well. Have a good week!

    Like

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I know, I believe all the fantasy are YA so I’m happy that they’ll likely get read by someone sooner rather than later. Thank you for the support, Cindy! Sometimes I really need to have a cheering squad for life.

      Like

  13. Erin @ Cracker Crumb Life Avatar

    Wow way to go with winning all those books! That is awesome! I get so excited when I win a book. Lol.

    Like

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I love winning and getting free stuff regardless of what it is. 😂

      Like

  14. mjeanpike Avatar

    How fun for you to win all of those books! I would almost rather win a book lottery than a money lottery :)

    Like

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      It depends on how much money! If I win millions I can buy all the books I want. LOL

      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.

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