⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (3.5 stars)
Jojo Moyes packs a car full of lovable misfits in One Plus One and sends them on a chaotic road trip that feels like her version of Little Miss Sunshine. Jess Thomas is a single mom doing the best she can with two kids who come with their own quirks: Tanzie, a math prodigy with a bright future if someone can pay for it, and Nicky, a shy teen dealing with bullies and a serious lack of confidence. When Jess crosses paths with Ed Nicholls, a troubled tech guy with more guilt than charm, the four of them wind up on a journey that’s equal parts frustrating and sweet.
The story is warm, funny, and built on tiny everyday struggles that pile up like laundry nobody wants to fold. Moyes does a nice job showing how love forms in weird places, especially when people are stuck together in a smelly vehicle with nothing but their flaws and a bag of snacks. Still, the romance feels predictable and stretched a bit thin in spots—more cute than swoon-worthy. The emotional beats land, but not with her usual knockout punch.
A pleasant, feel-good read with a messy heart and a quirky cast that wins you over.
(Average rating in my book club was 3.65 stars)