Blood, Bones and Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton

Subtitle:The Inadvertant Education of a Reluctant Chef -- Hamilton lead an interesting life.  In her youth her family broke up and she became a bit of a wild child.  She lied about her age to get work, stole things and even did drugs.  Once out of high school she travelled a bit and did get in some college.  She lived in New York City and worked in kitchens and with catering services.  It was a rough and tumble life and she learned a lot.  Eventually she purchased her own restaurant and did very well for herself.  There were a lot of ups and downs and many lessons learned.  She put her thoughts together well and there was good continuity throughout the book.

An Owl Came to Stay by Claire Rome

Claire took in an owl, Wooly.  She gave him a good life and worked hard at making sure he could go back in the wild.  He had a great studio to explore and an amazing yard.  He did go back, but always came to visit.  She took in a few more and only one made her studio his permanent home.  Claire draws great pictures and is a wonderful story teller.  I love owls and love how she was able to interact with them yet let them be wild.

X Marks the Spot by M. J. O'Shea

Jack is trying to keep his TV show on the air and his job.  Alo  just wants to be academic, write his paper and keep his head above water through graduate school.  Alo is gifted his great grandfather's papers and there has always been talk of treasures left behind during World War 2.  Alo does not really want to get involved, but as he looks further into things he can't help himself.  Through a series of events he ends up with Jack and they travel the world, they also hook up.  There are many twists and turns along the way and it was enjoyable and not all of it predictable.