Welcome to Notes from the Shelf
Thoughtful reviews. Curated reads. Literary love.
Blog
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5 Fantasy Books that Hit What ‘A Language of Dragons’ Missed
Explore five fantasy books that capture the magic, romance, and political intrigue A Language of Dragons promised, but with richer characters and plots.
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Author Interview: Tara N Gabrys
Discover Tara N. Gabrys’ insights on writing romantic fantasy, her discovery-writing process, overcoming writer’s block, and advice for aspiring authors in this in-depth interview.
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Book Review: Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen
Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen is a magical, character-driven novel set on Mallow Island, where secrets, ghosts, and found family intertwine in an enchanting story of healing and hope.
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Bookstore Review: Red Dog Books in Indianapolis, IN
Discover Red Dog Books, Indy’s largest independently owned used bookstore. Budget-friendly and packed with books, records, and even a resident dog.
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Judging August 2025 Books by Their Covers
Join me as I judge August 2025’s upcoming fiction releases purely by their covers—sharing first impressions, wild guesses, and bookish vibes for every genre from historical fiction to fantasy.
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Book Review: Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Daisy Jones & The Six is a captivating 1970s rock-and-roll novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid, blending love, music, and fame into an addictive, documentary-style story. Perfect for fans of Fleetwood Mac, it’s a raw and emotional look at the rise and fall of a fictional band you’ll wish was real.
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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 