Notes from the Shelf

Welcome to Notes from the Shelf

Thoughtful reviews. Curated reads. Literary love.

Blog

  • Tara N Gabrys, author of Under a Violet Moon, Guard Your Heart Duology (The Fall of Snow and The Rise of Snow), and The Siren and the Guardian

    Author Interview: Tara N Gabrys

    Discover Tara N. Gabrys’ insights on writing romantic fantasy, her discovery-writing process, overcoming writer’s block, and advice for aspiring authors in this in-depth interview.

  • book cover for Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen

    Book Review: Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen

    Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen is a magical, character-driven novel set on Mallow Island, where secrets, ghosts, and found family intertwine in an enchanting story of healing and hope.

  • Bookstore Review: Red Dog Books in Indianapolis, IN

    Discover Red Dog Books, Indy’s largest independently owned used bookstore. Budget-friendly and packed with books, records, and even a resident dog.

  • judging a book by its cover August 2025 new releases

    Judging August 2025 Books by Their Covers

    Join me as I judge August 2025’s upcoming fiction releases purely by their covers—sharing first impressions, wild guesses, and bookish vibes for every genre from historical fiction to fantasy.

  • Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid book cover

    Book Review: Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

    Daisy Jones & The Six is a captivating 1970s rock-and-roll novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid, blending love, music, and fame into an addictive, documentary-style story. Perfect for fans of Fleetwood Mac, it’s a raw and emotional look at the rise and fall of a fictional band you’ll wish was real.

  • Work Simply Embracing the Power of Your Personal Productivity Style by Carson Tate, time management productivity nonfiction book

    Book Summary: Work Simply by Carson Tate

    Discover your productivity style and learn how to work smarter, not harder. Work Simply by Carson Tate offers a personalized approach to getting more done with less stress.

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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!

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