Welcome to Notes from the Shelf
Thoughtful reviews. Curated reads. Literary love.
Blog
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Hot Weather, Cold Cases: 10 Mystery & Thriller Picks for Summer
Chilling mysteries, twisty thrillers, and unputdownable suspense—these 10 books are perfect for your summer reading list. Get ready to cool off with a killer read.
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Book Review: Play the Fool by Lina Chern
A fun, snarky mystery with tarot, twists, and a tough heroine. Play the Fool by Lina Chern delivers wit, suspense, and surprises you won’t see coming.
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Bookstore Review: Grayslake, IL
Discover the best independent bookstores in Grayslake, IL—from a hidden gem to a cozy shop filled with used books, local authors, and budget-friendly finds.
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Book Summary: Choose FI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence
Discover key takeaways from Choose FI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence—a practical guide to saving more, spending smarter, and investing wisely on your path to financial freedom.
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June 2025 Wrap-Up
In my June 2025 reading wrap-up, I cover five of books, mostly fantasy as well as mystery and business nonfiction.
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BOTM July 2025 Selections
It’s that time again! Dive into this month’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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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 