Welcome to Notes from the Shelf
Thoughtful reviews. Curated reads. Literary love.
Blog
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BOTM March 2026 Selections
It’s that time again! Dive into March 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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Book Review: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
A spoiler-light review of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab—an unforgettable story about immortality, memory, love, and the cost of making a deal with the dark.
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Author Interview: Audrey Wilson
Award-winning author Audrey Wilson shares her journey from writing her first novel at 17 to landing an agent, handling rejection, and publishing Dear Unrequited Love Girl in 2026. Read the full author interview.
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Book Review: Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino
Honest review of Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino. A thriller set during the COVID housing crisis featuring an unlikeable female protagonist, satire, and morally gray choices. Here’s why it didn’t fully work for me and who might enjoy it.
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Romance Tropes I Love and Hate (With Book Recs)
A Valentine’s Day book blog post discussing favorite and least favorite romance tropes, including enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, and second chance romance. Perfect for romance readers looking for trope recommendations.
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Supporting Minneapolis Through Its Independent Bookstores
Support Minneapolis by shopping its independent bookstores. A look at Milkweed Books, Moon Palace Books, and Boneshaker Books—and how to help from anywhere.
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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 