Welcome to Notes from the Shelf
Thoughtful reviews. Curated reads. Literary love.
Blog
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April 2025 Reading Wrap-Up
In my April 2025 reading wrap-up, I cover five books across science fiction, gothic horror, business nonfiction, and more.
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BOTM May 2025 Selections
It’s that time again! Dive into May 2025’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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Independent Bookstore Day 2025: Visiting About Time Bookstore in Libertyville, IL
Celebrating Independent Bookstore Day 2025 with a visit to About Time, a women-owned indie bookstore in Libertyville, IL — cozy vibes, local authors, and more!
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Book Review: Mickey7 by Edward Ashton
A sci-fi premise with promise, Mickey7 by Edward Ashton was entertaining but lacked depth, with a protagonist who felt more like a placeholder than a person.
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2 Must-Visit Independent Bookstores in Crystal Lake, IL
Discover two amazing independent bookstores in Crystal Lake, IL — Abalabix Books and The Green Read — perfect for book lovers and weekend day trips.
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Book Review: The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister
A haunting gothic novel, The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister explores family, sacrifice, and magical realism.
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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 