Welcome to Notes from the Shelf
Thoughtful reviews. Curated reads. Literary love.
Blog
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Book Review: Tilt by Emma Pattee
A heart-pounding story of survival, Tilt by Emma Pattee follows a pregnant woman navigating the chaos of a massive Portland earthquake. Read my full review of this gripping, one-day thriller about courage, human connection, and life-changing choices.
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Book Review: The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
My review of The Tainted Cup explores a world of murder, magic, and corruption. A must-read for fans of dark fantasy and intricate mysteries.
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August 2025 Reading Wrap-Up
In my August 2025 reading wrap-up, I cover five of books mostly across fantasy and contemporary fiction.
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Book Review: Culpability by Bruce Holsinger
A review of Culpability, a gripping family drama exploring AI ethics, secrets, and accountability in a world of autonomous cars, chatbots, and moral dilemmas.
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BOTM September 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!
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5 Fantasy Books that Hit What ‘A Language of Dragons’ Missed
Explore five fantasy books that capture the magic, romance, and political intrigue A Language of Dragons promised, but with richer characters and plots.
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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 