Welcome to Notes from the Shelf
Thoughtful reviews. Curated reads. Literary love.
Blog
-
Book Review: The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr.
A powerful and heartbreaking review of The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr., exploring love, cruelty, beauty, and survival in a lyrical historical novel.
-
Everything I Read in January (Ratings, Stats & Biggest Surprises)
In my January 2026 reading wrap-up, I cover three books, two romances and one thriller.
-
BOTM February 2026 Selections
It’s that time again! Dive into February’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!
-
Book Review: 59 Minutes by Holly Seddon
59 Minutes by Holly Seddon is a visceral, time-driven thriller that captures the chaos, desperation, and moral collapse sparked by a looming nuclear threat.
-
Author Interview: Joseph Asphahani
An in-depth author interview with Joseph Asphahani recorded in late November 2025, discussing creative inspiration, Dungeons & Dragons, fantasy influences, publishing struggles, writing advice, and a new dystopian novel exploring AI and political violence.
-
Book Review: The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
A thoughtful review of The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon, exploring its rich worldbuilding, diverse cultures, evolving religions, and why this epic standalone fantasy is so deeply satisfying.
Make your reading life intentional.
Subscribe to Notes from the Shelf and get my free Book Review Printable Template, designed to help you reflect, rate, and remember every book you love.
Join the community of thoughtful readers.
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 