Notes from the Shelf

Welcome to Notes from the Shelf

Thoughtful reviews. Curated reads. Literary love.

Blog

  • September 2025 Reading Wrap-Up featuring The South Wind by Alexandria Warwick and Out of the Ashes by Courtney Peppernell

    September 2025 Reading Wrap-Up

    In my September 2025 reading wrap-up, I read two books, a fantasy book and a poetry collection.

  • Book of the Month October 2025 selections and add-ons

    BOTM October 2025 Selections

    It’s that time again! Dive into [this month’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!

  • fall TBR bingo challenge

    Fall TBR Bingo Challenge

    Join my Fall 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 fall-inspired challenge.

  • O. A. Bhatti, author of The Unlinked Prince and Veilrender

    Author Interview: O. A. Bhatti

    Discover indie author O. A. Bhatti, author of The Unlinked Prince and Veilrender, in this written Q&A on his journey, process, and advice for writers.

  • summer TBR reading challenge wrap-up

    TBR Summer Reading Challenge Wrap-Up

    Join me as I recap my TBR Summer Reading Challenge! I tackled prompts from beach reads to thrillers, finished 6 books, and learned what works (and doesn’t) for future challenges. Perfect inspiration for your own TBR.

  • bookstores Raleigh North Carolina

    Bookstore Adventures in Raleigh, NC

    Discover the best bookstores in Raleigh, NC! Explore So&So Books, Quail Ridge Books, and Dog-Eared Books for cozy vibes, signed books, and great deals.

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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!

Currently Reading