Notes from the Shelf

Welcome to Notes from the Shelf

Thoughtful reviews. Curated reads. Literary love.

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  • 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.

  • Tilt cover Emma Pattee book review

    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.

  • The Tainted Cup book cover Robert Jackson Bennett Shadow of the Leviathan series book 1 book one

    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.

  • what I read in August 2025, books, fiction

    August 2025 Reading Wrap-Up

    In my August 2025 reading wrap-up, I cover five of books mostly across fantasy and contemporary fiction.

  • book cover Culpability Bruce Holsinger

    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.

  • BOTM book of the month selections and add-ons September 2025

    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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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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