Review: One Plus One

One Plus One

By Jojo Moyes

Published: July 1, 2014

One single mom. One chaotic family. One quirky stranger. One irresistible love story from the New York Times bestselling author of Me Before You
 
American audiences have fallen in love with Jojo Moyes. Ever since she debuted stateside, she has captivated readers and reviewers alike, and hit the New York Times bestseller list with the word-of-mouth sensation, Me Before You. Now, with One Plus One, she’s written another contemporary opposites-attract love story that reads like a modern-day Two for the Road.
 
Suppose your life sucks. A lot. Your husband has done a vanishing act, your teenage stepson is being bullied and your math whiz daughter has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you can’t afford to pay for. That’s Jess’s life in a nutshell—until an unexpected knight-in-shining-armor offers to rescue them. Only Jess’s knight turns out to be Geeky Ed, the obnoxious tech millionaire whose vacation home she happens to clean. But Ed has big problems of his own, and driving the dysfunctional family to the Math Olympiad feels like his first unselfish act in ages . . . maybe ever.
 
One Plus One is Jojo Moyes at her astounding best. You’ll laugh, you’ll weep, and when you flip the last page, you’ll want to start all over again.

My review:

I really felt for Jess and all the hardships she and her kids face. She has a horrible ex and she is struggling financially while trying to be mom and dad to her daughter and stepson. Of course Jess makes some bad decisions sometimes but only because she is desperate to provide for her family. Her daughter Tanzie has earned a place in a top private school but Jess can't afford the tuition. Then they find out about a Math Olympiad with a cash prize...

Ed's life is in shambles because of a bad decision and he is being investigated for inside trading. He didn't plan to take a road trip with a strange woman and her kids and their smelly dog but ensuring that they make it to the Olympiad is a chance to do the right thing for once. 

Jess is an optimistic character and the reader can't help but root for her. It took me a little longer to warm up to Ed but he and Jess work well together and I liked how their relationship developed. I loved the kids, even Nicky whose sullenness masks his hurt over his dad's neglect and the bullying he faces. He is protective of his little sister and even appreciates Jess who has been more of a real parent to him than his own. Then there is Norman who is a little scene-stealer and makes the road trip an unforgettable experience. 

One Plus One reminded me of the writing of Sophie Kinsella and Liane Moriarty and I think fans of those authors would really like it. The novel has a much lighter tone than Me Before You with plenty of humor and some really touching moments too. I think this would make a great movie though Hollywood would probably ruin it. If you haven't read anything by Jojo Moyes yet, I hope you will give this one a try. 

Note: I received an e-ARC for review courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss