The Sunday Post #20: Nice and Easy

Happy February! Wednesday I returned to work, which pretty much has me exhausted. Most nights I was asleep by six. This means I didn’t make progress on much of anything. I’m officially half-way done with the knit chevron blanket but I didn’t make any progress on the  Sun & Sky Wrap. Despite the fatigue, I spent most of the day shopping Saturday. It was nice to do something with Jason besides sitting on the couch. Plus, you know, new wardrobe.

In my reading world, I finished Misgivings, I’m reading Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals (barely made a dent on it) now. When I’m done with that, I plan on reading When Stars Light the Sky.


The Sunday Post #19: Blog Housekeeping: Blog Glow-Up Alert! Last week, I worked on revamping my blog for ultimate ease and fun! Check out the new Book Directory with jump links for quick browsing. Plus, I’m sprinkling in this feature for book round-ups too! In reading, I devoured The Hunted Heir (WOW!) and can’t wait to share my thoughts. Oh, and I cast on a stunning wrap—because you can never have too many cozy wraps and throws. Dive into my updates, book news, and knitting adventures!

-See more Sunday Posts-

New-to-Me Authors I Discovered in 2024. Discovering new authors is like unwrapping a gift you didn’t know you needed! In 2024, I stepped out of my comfort zone and found gems in Amish romance, fake dating tropes, and suspenseful holiday reads. Some were instant favorites, while others left me debating a second chance. Will these authors make it to my must-read list in 2025? Swipe to see the hits, the maybes, and the surprises! Who were your standout authors this year? Let’s compare notes!

See more Top Ten Tuesday Posts

January 2025 Clean Romance Book Reviews: Amish Edition. Ready to cozy up with some heartwarming Amish romance? In January, I dove into my favorite genre and shared three reads that will make you swoon, laugh, and maybe even rethink your TBR pile! From a photojournalist navigating Amish culture to a marriage of convenience, and even a baking contest mystery, there’s something for everyone. Plus, one of these books is my ultimate recommendation for Amish romance newbies! Curious? Hop in the buggy and join me for January’s Amish Romance Roundup!

See more book reviews

The Hunted Heir by Jayna Breigh: Book Review & Giveaway. Mystery, romance, and legal drama collide in The Hunted Heir by Jayna Breigh! When private investigator Nona Taylor takes on a case involving a surprising inheritance, she never expects to end up in a fake engagement with ambitious attorney DeMarcus Johnson—or to be targeted by a dangerous enemy. As secrets unravel and the stakes rise, can they work together to uncover the truth before it’s too late? In this book review I dive into what makes this romantic legal thriller a must-read—plus, their is an exciting giveaway! 🎉 One lucky winner will receive a signed copy of The Hunted Heir and a $25 Amazon gift card! Don’t miss your chance to enter! GIVEAWAY OPEN through February 5, 2025.

See more giveaways


  • 2024 Must-Read Books I Haven’t Read Yet
  • Where I Found You by  Betsy St. Amant: Author Interview & Giveaway
  • Misgivings by Anne Gibson: Book Review & Giveaway

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  • As Sure as the Sea by Jamie Ogle. This one is for a Bookstagram tour through JustRead! I will be posting on February 13th.

    NetGalley Approvals:
  • Amish Weddings: From Courtship to Celebration by Beth Oberholtzer with a foreword from Suzanne Woods Fisher. This one is a NetGalley approval. Although I don’t typically read nonfiction (other than cookbooks), how could I not request this?

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.

36 responses to “The Sunday Post #20: Nice and Easy”
  1. Vicki Avatar

    After seeing what Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals is about, I got a copy. Thanks for sharing it.

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Yeah! I really enjoyed the book. I hope you did as well.

  2. Lindsi Avatar

    Yay for new wardrobes! Sometimes just getting out and doing something makes me feel better. 🙂

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      That’s true, Lindsi.

  3. shelleyrae @ Book'd Out Avatar

    I wish I could get to sleep before midnight but I never can, no matter if I’m working or not.

    I’m using my first pay to get new glasses but I hope to buy a few more things to wear for work from the next one.

    Wishing you a happy reading week

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I can rarely stay up past nine, even when I’m 100%. I love getting new glasses! So many choices. I hope your week has been great!

  4. Emily Jane Avatar

    I hope you manage to catch up on sleep.

    Enjoy your books.

    Have a great week!

    Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog 

    My post:  

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Thank you, Emily.

  5. Lisa R. Howeler Avatar

    I hope you will be able to find some time for reading this week and can get some of your energy back! I have so many blog posts to catch up on, including yours, so I hope I can do that this week.

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I’m behind on blog posts almost all the time. I just try to catch up by end of day Saturday. Maybe one day I’ll figure out a system that works.

  6. Anne Bennett Avatar

    I bet your energy level is related to your recent health procedure. Make sure your doctor is aware of what is going on. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself time to heal.

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Probably. I’m not as tired this week. Thank you for all the support, Anne.

  7. Literary Feline Avatar
    Literary Feline

    Work days are tiring, aren’t they? I hope you are able to get some rest! I am glad you were able to get out with Jason for a bit. That’s how I felt yesterday–we did something fun as a family. Today’s been more of less a lazy day, getting chores done around the house and my trying to fit in some blog time while I can. I find it’s hard to do during the week. I hope you have a great week and enjoy your reading!

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I hope you’ve had a great week!

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

    Hope your energy returns to normal levels soon! Looks like you have a lot of nice new reading to look forward to. Have a great week!

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I hope you’ve had a great week, Rachel!

  9. yvonne473 Avatar

    Enjoy your new wardrobe! I hope you’re able to get some rest. Have a great week!

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Thanks, Yvonne!

  10. Aj @ Read All The Things! Avatar

    Enjoy your new wardrobe! I recently donated almost all of my clothes, so I need new ones.

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      You should get new ones! I try to get things I’ll wear for a very long time so I don’t donate very often. But I do when I can.

  11. Cindy Davis Avatar

    I hope you get your energy back soon!! It sounds like you are doing the right thing, getting extra rest. I can’t wait to hear what you think of Grandma Ruth! Have a great week!

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I adored Grandma Ruth! I’ll have the review up next week.

  12. BooksofMyHeart Avatar

    I need to start working towards an earlier bedtime and less tv. Maybe not 6pm but earlier than I’ve been. I hope next week is easier.

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Yea, 6pm is way too early. I usually go to bed at 9 pm.

  13. buffywnabe Avatar

    I understand that being tired! Mine was because I came home from work every day this week (a full week for a change) and had something going on that I had to leave in an hour and a half, and then came home with an hour or two maybe before I like to go to bed and read, but I was too tired! Here’s hoping the first week of February is better for both of us!

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      That’s way too much activity for me! I hope you’ve been able to slow down this week.

  14. Samantha @WLABB Avatar

    I hope you are getting the rest you need and that you enjoy your new wardrobe. Have a great week!

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Thank you, Samantha!

  15. mjeanpike Avatar

    It sounds like you did just what you needed to do last week 🙂 With this cold/flu/ear infection I have been in bed by six every night too, lol.

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Oh my goodness, Jean! I hope you’re doing better now.

      1. mjeanpike Avatar

        A little better every day, thanks 🙂

  16. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar

    I had to look twice at Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals. My husband actually had a Grandma Ruth!

    1. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar

      Sorry to post twice, but my first comment disappeared. This happened on another blog this morning. Not sure why!

      But I also wanted to say that I hope your tiredness diminishes soon!

    2. Carla Bruns Avatar

      LOL! I just finished this one. It was so cute and fun.

  17. the bookworm Avatar

    Yay to shopping, I ordered new jeans from Target last week and I love them. When work has me mentally exhausted I tend to watch mindless tv a little then go to sleep early also. Enjoy your books this week, I like the cover on As Sure as the Sea.

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      The jeans from Target are so comfy. I hope you’re getting some good reads in!

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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.

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