On the shelves - Feb. 18

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.

“The Valet’s Secret” by Josi S. Kilpack. Rebecca Parker had a good life, but now widowed, working for a living, and her only child grown, she feels invisible, tired, and lonely. That is until the day a valet speeding by on a horse nearly runs her off the road. Mr. Malcolm Henry is apologetic, gentle, and handsome. She’s instantly drawn to him, which is why, rather than stopping him from kissing her, she kisses him back. But love at first sight only happens in fairy tales. She sees Mr. Henry again and feels the possibilities growing until she sees the valet she kissed sitting at the right hand of the baroness. Mr. Henry is not the earl’s valet; he is the heir to the earldom―Kenneth Winterton. Heartbroken, angry, and betrayed, Rebecca does not trust Lord Winterton. But when Lord Winterton proves he is as kind and gentle as “Mr. Henry” was, she finds herself willing to give him a second chance. But will he take a chance on her?

“The Missing Witness” by Allison Brennan. Detective Kara Quinn is back in Los Angeles to testify against a notorious human trafficker, finally moving past the case that upended her life. But when the accused is shot in broad daylight, the chaotic scene of the crime turns up few reliable bystanders. And one witness—a whistleblower who might be the key to everything—has disappeared. After another person close to the case is killed, it’s clear that anyone who knows too much is in danger, and tracking down the witness becomes a matter of life-and-death. But as explosive secrets surface within the LAPD and FBI, Kara questions everything she thought she knew about the case. Now with FBI special agent Matt Costa’s help, she must race to find the missing witness before it’s too late.

“Not So Perfect Strangers” by L.S. Stratton. Tasha Jenkins has finally found the courage to leave her abusive husband. But escaping isn’t so easy, and Tasha soon finds herself driving back to her own personal hell. As she is leaving, a white woman pounds on her car window, begging to be let in. Behind the woman, an angry man is in pursuit. Tasha makes a split-second decision that will alter the course of her life: she lets her in and takes off. Tasha and Madison Gingell may have very different everyday realities, but what they have in common is marriages they need out of. The two women want to help each other, but they have very different ideas of what that means. They are on a collision course that will end in the case files of the D.C. MPD homicide unit.

“Shark” by Paul De Gelder. We have a perennial fascination with sharks. Portrayed in the media and popular culture as killing machines, we are awed by their power and strength. But the shark is so much more. Bringing balance to the ocean’s ecosystem, our planet is at serious risk when these amazing creatures are threatened.

“Farmhouse Entertaining Cookbook” by Taste of Home. Whether you live in or long for the country, you can now share your love of farmhouse foods with everyone on your invite list. From down-home Thanksgiving dinners to finger-licking barbecues perfect for Independence Day, the ideal menus, buffets, and party-pleasers are here. Easy ideas for party décor, tables toppers and more make this a must-have for today’s hosts.

“Right At Home” by Bobby Berk. The way your home makes you feel matters. After all, it’s your ultimate safe space and needs to be able to host your most intimate conversations and memorable celebrations. So, setting it up for comfort, style, and authenticity is essential to your self-care. In Right at Home, Bobby shows you how designing your space has an impact that’s immediate, visceral, and undeniable.

— Summaries provided by library staff