This is the story of Jess a struggling single mum to Tanzie and Stepson Nicky. Jess holds down two jobs whilst trying to raise her two children with no help from the children's father. Jess's husband left one year previously to live with his mum because he was depressed and is still there one year later. He is constantly making excuses as to why he cannot support her and his children.
Teenage Stepson Nicky is being bullied by a local family that is terrorising the neighbourhood.
Tanzie aged 8 is exceptionally gifted at maths and is offered a place at a private school. Her only chance of being able to go to the private school is to win a big maths competition which is being held in Scotland. Unfortunately Jess cannot afford the train fare.
In steps Ed Nicholls, Jess's rich employer who she cleans for. Ed's life is in chaos and the last thing he wants is to be stuck with a group of strangers and their smelly dog. Seeing how much the competition means to Tanzie he volunteers to take Jess, Tanzie and Ed and their dog to Scotland in his car so Tanzie can participate in the competition. There starts the road trip which will change all their lives.
I would like to begin by saying that I normally do not like books that I can predict the ending to. I knew what the ending was going to be quite early on in the book. The difference with this book is that the characters, in particular Jess, Tanzie and Nicky are so well written that you are really rooting for them and want them to get a break.
There were times when I disagreed with things that Jess said and did with regard to her family but I felt a great empathy with her.
I felt parts of the book were long winded and sometimes a little far fetched which is why this book did not get the full five stars. I look forward to reading more from this author.
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