Welcome to Notes from the Shelf
Thoughtful reviews. Curated reads. Literary love.
Blog
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Book Review: Widow’s Point by Richard and W. H. Chizmar
Discover why Widow’s Point: The Complete Haunting stands out as a uniquely terrifying read, with a review that covers its creepy visuals, emotional impact, and unanswered questions.
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BOTM December 2025 Selections
It’s that time again! Dive into December 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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Trying Out a New Kind of Advent Calendar: A Chapter-a-Day Book
Discover my first impressions of a unique Advent book that lets you read one chapter a day leading up to Christmas, and why this simple idea feels more sustainable than traditional Advent calendars.
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Author Interview: Janis M. Falk
Discover author Janis M. Falk, writer of Not Yet Lost, as she shares her journey from business career to historical fiction novelist. In this in-depth Q&A, Janis discusses her inspirations, writing process, publishing experience, and what’s next in her literary second act. Perfect for fans of author interviews, creative insights, and historical fiction.
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Kenosha’s Cozy Book Crawl: Studio Moonfall & Blue House Books
Discover two charming indie bookstores in Kenosha, Wisconsin: Studio Moonfall and Blue House Books. Explore community events, bookish finds, and tips for planning your visit in this cozy book lover’s guide.
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Book Review: Discontent by Beatriz Serrano
Explore Discontent by Beatriz Serrano, an incisive novel about corporate burnout, millennial anxiety, and the pressure to succeed.
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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 