Notes from the Shelf

Welcome to Notes from the Shelf

Thoughtful reviews. Curated reads. Literary love.

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  • book cover of Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry with a man and a woman reading books and a mosaic of a sunset.

    Book Review: Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

    Expansive, grounded, and quietly powerful, Great Big Beautiful Life surprised me in the best way. Emily Henry moves beyond her typical romance formula to deliver something more layered—part love story, part character study, part meditation on legacy and truth. If you love thoughtful, character-driven fiction that blends romance with realism, this one’s worth every page.

  • May 2025 Reading Wrap-Up title card with flowers and butterfly and beetle

    May 2025 Wrap-Up

    In my May 2025 reading wrap-up, I cover five books across romance, sci-fi, and nonfiction.

  • logo for Book of the Month

    BOTM June 2025 Selections

    It’s that time again! Dive into June’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!

  • Ten Perfect Beach Reads with umbrella and chair and tote bag with books and sand castle and beach ball on beach

    10 Perfect Beach Reads

    10 perfect beach reads that capture the essence of summer—sun-soaked settings, heartfelt stories, and unforgettable escapes for your summer vacation or lazy afternoon.

  • the book cover of The West Wind by Alexandria Warwick with green leaves and yellow flowers

    Book Review: The West Wind by Alexandria Warwick

    The West Wind by Alexadria Warwick is a darkly romantic fantasy inspired by Greek myth, The West Wind follows a devoted acolyte and a seductive wind god through a perilous realm where love and faith collide.

  • Zee Lacson author of The Woolgathering Trilogy Reverie Revenant Reveil and Twice Removed

    Author Interview: Zee Lacson

    Zee Lacson, author of The Woolgathering Trilogy and Twice Removed, on Folklore, Fanfic Beginnings, and Writing Without Fear

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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!

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