The Accidental Book Club by Jennifer Scott

Jean never planned on a book club but it was something she started looking forward to.  There were always lively discussions and good food.  When her daughter is in an accident and her son-in-law can't handle the daughter she gets shipped off to Jean.  Bailey is a handful and embarrasses Jean more often than not.  It is a rough summer and many good things do come of it as well as realizing you are stronger than you think you are.

Huck by Janet Elder

Subtitle: The Remarkable True Story of How one Lost Puppy Taught a Family -- and a Whole Town-- About Hope and Happy Endings -- This was a fun, quick read.  Michael had wanted a dog forever.  He made great arguments to his parents but they would not budge.  When his mom was diagnosed with cancer she made a decision that after her cancer treatments they would get a dog.  This gave the whole family something to look forward to.  They loved this puppy, he fit in well with the family and brought much joy.  When they decided to go on vacation they left Huck with family in New Jersey.   They barely got the vacation started and were called saying that Huck had run away. This led to an amazing search not only by the family but by all of the surrounding towns.  It was amazing testament to how people and towns can pull together for a common good.

the Zahir by Paulo Coelho

Not sure how I feel about this book.  Very wordy and very heady.  A woman leaves her husband and he becomes consumed with this.  He sees her everywhere and does not know why she left.  It is a long road for him to deal with her leaving and then coming to terms with the situation.   It was well written, just not my cup of tea.

A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle

A wonderful book about a couple that moved to France.  The trails and tribulations of home renovation and learning the ways of the French.  Enjoying the food and wine, meeting the people and just learning to live the way of the French.  I am so glad I finally read this and I don't know why I waited so long to read this.  Now I am looking forward to reading more of his books.

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.