Welcome to Notes from the Shelf
Thoughtful reviews. Curated reads. Literary love.
Blog
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Book Review: Blood Over Bright Haven
A thoughtful review of Blood Over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang, exploring its dark themes of systemic oppression, power, sacrifice, and the cost of tearing down an unjust world.
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20 Anticipated Fiction Books for 2026
Discover my 20 most anticipated fiction releases for the first half of 2026, featuring upcoming novels I can’t wait to add to my TBR.
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My 2025 Wrap-Up & Yearly Survey
From reading stats to favorite books, here’s my full 2025 reading wrap-up plus a yearly survey reflection.
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December 2025 Reading Wrap-Up
In my December 2025 reading wrap-up, I cover 5 books from a wide range of genres, including a memoir, fantasy, and romance.
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BOTM January 2026 Selections
It’s that time again! Dive into January 2026’s Book of the Month selections add-ons with me—what’s new, what stands out, and what I might (or might not) be picking. Whether you’re trying to decide what to pick or just love hearing about the latest bookish buzz, this one’s for you!
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Advent Book Review: A Heart for Christmas by Sophie Jomain
A review of a Christmas advent-style novel, exploring the plot, YA romance elements, and the unique experience of reading one chapter a day during the holiday season.
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Hi, I’m Sara!
By day, I’m a packaging engineer; by night (and any spare moment in between), I’m a devoted book lover who always has a story close at hand. Whether I’m curled up at home or traveling with a book in my bag, reading is how I explore, unwind, and connect.
Notes from the Shelf is my space to share thoughtful reviews, curated recommendations, and literary commentary across genres—especially fantasy, romance, and nonfiction. But I’m a firm believer that every book has its reader, so you’ll find a wide variety here, from buzzworthy bestsellers to underrated gems.
This blog isn’t just about what I’m reading—it’s about building a community of curious, passionate readers. My goal is to inspire, challenge, and entertain through honest reviews and engaging bookish content that sparks discovery and conversation.
You can explore and purchase many of the books I feature through my Bookshop.org profile. I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you), and your support helps indie bookstores and keeps this blog thriving.
If you’d like to support my work as a reviewer and writer, you can also buy me a coffee. Every bit goes toward creating more content and reaching more readers.
Thanks for being here and happy reading!
Notes from the Shelf 