On the shelves - Sept. 1

The books listed below are now available for checkout at the Clovis-Carver Public Library. The library is open to the public, but patrons can still visit the online catalog at cloviscarverpl.booksys.net/opac/ccpl or call 575-769-7840 to request a specific item for curbside pickup. 

“Night Falls on Predicament” by Jaime Jo Wright. In 1910, Effie James is committed to doing anything to save her younger sister, who witnessed a shocking murder. Effie must prove what her sister saw, but when a British gentleman arrives, he disrupts Effie’s quest with his attempts to locate his wife, Isabelle Addington, who was last seen at the supposed crime scene at 322 Predicament Avenue. Just as Effie discovers what she seeks, she finds that the blood staining the walls will forever link her to a scandal, and to a woman whose secrets promise to curse any who would expose them. A century later, Norah Richman runs her late great-aunt’s bed-and-breakfast. But Norah has little affection for the house and is committed only to carrying out her murdered sister’s dreams until crime historian Sebastian Blaine arrives to investigate the house’s claim to fame--the murder of Isabelle Addington. When a guest is found dead, the incident is linked to Isabelle’s murder, and Norah and Sebastian must work together to uncover the curse that has wrapped the house in its clutches and threatens far more than death.

“A Fate Inked in Blood” by Danielle L. Jensen. Bound in an unwanted marriage, Freya dreams of becoming a warrior. Freya’s dreams abruptly become reality when her husband betrays her to the jarl, landing her in a fight to the death against his son, Bjorn. To survive, Freya is forced to reveal her deepest secret: She’s a shield maiden with magic. And it’s been foretold that such magic will unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls the shield maiden’s fate. Believing he’s destined to rule Skaland as king, the jarl binds Freya with a blood oath and orders Bjorn to protect her. Desperate to prove her strength, Freya must learn to control her magic, all while facing perilous tests set by the gods. The greatest test of all, however, may be resisting her forbidden attraction to Bjorn. If Freya succumbs to her lust, she risks not only her own destiny but the fate of all the people she has sworn to protect.

“Like Mother, Like Daughter” by Kimberly McCreight. When Cleo, a student at NYU, arrives late for dinner, she finds food burning in the oven and no sign of her mother, Kat. Then Cleo discovers her mom’s bloody shoe under the sofa. Something terrible has happened. But what? The polar opposite of Cleo, Kat is the essence of Park Slope perfection. Or so Cleo thinks. Kat is not just a lawyer; she’s her firm’s fixer. Growing up in a dangerous group home taught her how to think fast, and recognize a real threat when she sees one. And in the days leading up her disappearance, Kat has become aware of multiple threats: demands for money from her soon-to-be ex-husband; evidence that Cleo has slipped back into a relationship that’s far riskier than she understands; and menacing messages from her past—all of which she’s kept hidden from Cleo.

“When Panic Happens” by Charles Schaeffer, PHD. If you struggle with panic attacks, it can feel as if the world is closing in on you. Even if you know it’s all in your head, you can’t shake the feeling that something terrible is about to happen. When Panic Happens provides quick and lasting relief from panic attacks, just when you need it the most.

“Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses” by Melvin Toellner & Matthew Maguire. As popular as birdhouses are, many are designed with aesthetics in mind, rather than the bird’s preferences, needs, and safety. The book beings with a comprehensive introduction on why birdhouses are so important, and why each birdhouse should be created with a specific bird in mind.

“Cottage Cross-Stitch” by Gail Bussi. Whether you live in a cottage or an urban apartment, if you daydream of a simple life in a little house on a hill or near the sea, this book is full of designs that will feed your love of all things homey. Every project includes chart, finished photo, materials, and full instructions.

— Summaries provided by library staff