Welcome to Notes from the Shelf
Thoughtful reviews. Curated reads. Literary love.
Blog
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Author Interview: Taylor LaVonne
Go behind the scenes with indie author Taylor LaVonne. Taylor discusses the importance of finding your voice by using your interests to fill a gap in the market.
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Reading Slump Survival Guide
Have you ever dealt with a reading slump? I’m just getting over my slump from July, so I share my guide to surviving the reading slump.
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A New Indie Bookstore in Springfield, IL: Elderberry & Plumb Bookstore
Elderberry & Plumb, a new independent bookstore in Springfield, IL.
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Dark Academia Starter Pack
I recommend 11 books to start your Dark Academia obsession.
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July 2026 Reading Wrap-Up
I was trapped in a reading slump all of July, so for my July 2026 reading wrap-up, I only read one book, The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer.
Make your reading life intentional.
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Hi, I’m Sara!
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.
Check out the podcast version of Notes from the Shelf wherever you listen to your podcasts! New episodes come out every Wednesday at 7am CT.
Also check out my Benable list, where I share different book recommendations among other topics.
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.
Thank you for being here and happy reading!
