Stacking the Shelves – September 5th, 2026

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Reading Reality. It is all about showcasing all the books you are adding to your shelves, whether it be physical, electronic or audio. As long as it can be enjoyed in some shape or form, it belongs on Stacking the Shelves!

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This week, I was approved for one ARC and an already published book on NetGalley!

I am starting to focus more on Christian fiction/ historical fiction ARCs on NetGalley since I have discovered several romance books that just do not line up with my no spice preferences. If I see authors that I know I can trust, I will still apply for their books of course 🙂

*Affiliate Link Used*

The Portal by Melanie Bower published back on February 23rd, 2026 with New Heaven Publishing. This is a Christian mystery/thriller with a rather creepy cover lol.
Per part of Synopsis:
“She has been praying since before she could speak. Now she is the only thing standing between the ones she loves and a darkness determined to destroy them. For readers who love spiritual warfare, suspense, and authors like Frank Peretti, Jamie Jo Wright, and Ted Dekker, The Portal is a heart-pounding supernatural thriller about prayer, courage, and the unseen war that lurks far nearer than anyone dares believe.”

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What the Mirror Sees by Steven C. Sorenson is set to publish on November 10th, 2026 with Koehler Books. This is a Christian fantasy/magical realism involving a mirror, so that seems intriguing for sure.
The Synopsis:
“Still reeling from the tragic loss of his wife, Piper, thirty-six-year-old contractor Mason Daniels is merely trying to survive the quiet ache of grief. But a chance visit to a local auction changes everything when he encounters an enigmatic, 150-year-old wood-framed mirror. Instead of showing a simple reflection, the glass reveals startling, altered images-reflections that shift based on truth, vulnerability, and the hidden state of his soul. Spurred by the mirror’s mysterious nature and guided by an eclectic circle of friends, Mason is forced to confront the unresolved questions surrounding Piper’s fatal workplace accident. As hidden secrets unravel and his fragile sense of reality is tested, Mason must decide whether to remain trapped in his sorrow or embrace a path toward faith, truth, and unexpected healing.”

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What have you stacked your shelves with this week?

12 responses to “Stacking the Shelves – September 5th, 2026”

  1. Looks like some creepy reads… just in time for October?

    1. I think so lol! It has been a bit since I have read anything too creepy so getting a bit into the spooky season.

  2. They look good. I am not a fan of spice and get annoyed when it starts to overtake the story. Interesting getting approved for a book that is already published. I didn’t know that was a thing. You learn something new all the time!!

    Have a great weekend!

    Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
    My post:
    https://budgettalesblog.wordpress.com/2026/09/05/stacking-the-shelves-166/

    1. Same! As someone who admittedly used to intake a bunch of spicy books, it would annoy me even then when those scenes became the main focus of the story. On top of the ones in which the writing was incredibly atrocious so the spice was literally the only reason people were reading them. Nowadays, I honestly cannot stomach it.

      Yeah! Apparently authors can still have books on NetGalley a good amount after it is published. I think it is mainly independent authors who do this to maybe push more people to read them?

      Have a great weekend yourself and going to your post!

      1. I have read things like 50 Shades of Grey. I just get bored and want more storyline. It seems that they add spice for the sake of it these days.

        I see. That is interesting. I suppose it does generate more interest and get people reading it again.

        Thank you ☺️

      2. I read that whole series once upon a time as well and yeah it was way too much but not enough at the same time. I agree, especially when it comes out of seemingly nowhere, changing the entire mood of the story…Just stop lol

        For sure!

    1. Thank you so much for visiting 🙂
      On to your post!

  3. Hello there fellow NetGalley reader. These two books sound good and creepy at the same time.

    1. Hello! I thought so to. Hopefully they keep me on edge a bit lol.
      Thank you for visiting 🙂

  4. I can recommend a gazillion clean, no spice romance stories, LOL! I hope you have a great week!

    1. I have so many on my TBR, its just more difficult to screen ARCs since there are not as many reviews and most people do not think it is important to disclose if there is any spice in a book. It is also a whole issue of everybody having different ideas of what spice is with the varying levels. it can be honestly aggravating.

      I appreciate you Cindy as it seems like we have very similar reading interests 🙂
      Have a great week yourself!

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About Me

Hello! I am Ashley and I simply love to read, and hope you do to!
I am currently 29 years old and living in the state of Texas, USA.

My favorite genres to read and review include romance, fantasy, mystery, and many subgenres of those as long as it is clean. I mainly get my books from my Kindle Unlimited membership, but I also found myself checking out library books on Libby as well.

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