One Plus One by Jojo Moyes

An enjoyable read about a "down on their luck" entirely dysfunctional family with an eternally optimistic "Mum". An English author, Ms. Moyes writes convincingly of what it is to be financially strapped and not being able to get your head above water -- with 2 kids, and a husband who has walked out. The characters are authentic, though a bit unique, and Jess, the mom, has the same deep love and fiercely protective feelings for her kids as any mom. Unsure how the story would end, I was pleasantly surprised -- as I love happy endings. My only difficulty, as often is the case, is the very common usage of language that I feel could just as well be left out.