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  • writer Ana Hebra Flaster, author of Property of the Revolution

    Author Interview: Ana Hebra Flaster

    Dive into this in-depth author interview with Ana Hebra Flaster, writer of Property of the Revolution, as she discusses her Cuban American roots, her writing journey, creative process, and the inspiration behind her award-recognized memoir.

  • cover for An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister

    Book Review: An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister

    My review of Jodi McAlister’s An Academic Affair: a charming, slow-burn romance with witty footnotes, distinct POVs, and a heartfelt story about love, miscommunication, and happily-ever-afters.

  • Savannah Georgia bookstore guide

    Shelf-Strolling in Savannah: A Quick Guide to Local Bookshops

    Discover three charming independent bookstores in Savannah, including what to expect, how to plan your visit, and why this walkable literary tour is perfect for any book lover exploring the city.

  • cover for book Katabasis by R. F. Kuang

    Book Review: Katabasis by R. F. Kuang

    Explore my thoughts on Katabasis by R. F. Kuang, a novel filled with academic commentary, surreal imagery, and a deep dive into obsession, identity, and interpretations of hell.

  • Winter TBR Bingo reading challenge

    Winter TBR Bingo Challenge

    Join my Winter Reading Challenge with a fun and manageable TBR Bingo Card! Discover my book picks, get your free bingo card, and read along to complete your own winter-inspired challenge.

  • November 2025 Reading Wrap-Up

    November 2025 Reading Wrap-Up

    In my November 2025 reading wrap-up, I cover 6 books from a wide range of genres, including fantasy, romance, and horror.

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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!