I felt like this book was just okay. I thought it was cute but it felt the majority of the book was kind of slow. I did think all of the characters were sweet though. Just not a lot happened. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own. Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy of the arc in return for an honest review!

I enjoyed the way this book explored many heavy themes but also incorporated light-heartedness and humor. Gemma is a high school social studies teacher with a secret - at 16, she became a birth mother and placed her daughter for adoption while she herself was in foster care. Now as her daughter's 18th birthday approaches, Gemma gets a new student who she believes could be her long lost daughter. She becomes anxious at the idea of finally connecting with her, while also contemplating reaching out to her own estranged mother.

This story asks tough questions like, what is family, and what does it mean to be a mother and a daughter? What does it mean to love and be loved?There is comedy woven throughout with Gemma's quirky personality and characters like her older neighbor and love interest, Karim. I felt there was a good balance of thoughtfulness and lightness that kept the story moving.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a beautifully crafted story that delves into the complexities of Gemma's life, expertly weaving together themes of anxiety, identity, and the power of human connection. With a unique blend of humor, empathy, and vulnerability, the author masterfully explores Gemma's journey towards self-discovery and peace.

Gemma's character is relatable and endearing, with her quirks and flaws making her all the more human. The supporting cast, particularly Margie and Karim, add depth and warmth to the story. The plot is engaging, with a perfect balance of tension and resolution, keeping readers invested in Gemma's life and her search for Baby.

The writing is evocative and immersive, making it easy to become fully absorbed in Gemma's world. The author tackles sensitive topics with care and nuance, creating a narrative that is both poignant and uplifting.

Overall, this book is a triumph, offering a powerful exploration of what it means to find oneself and connect with others. It's a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled with anxiety, identity, or the complexities of human relationships. With its uplifting message and memorable characters, this story will linger in readers' hearts long after the final page is turned.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this! I was enticed by the blurb, and I was hooked from the prologue. I was enamoured by the facts sprinkled in between, and connected with Gemma deeply. Her actions and thoughts felt realistic, as well as Karim's characterisation.

I can't wait for this to publish so I can buy a copy for my shelf.

Nice story but I am an American and reading the British English made it less enjoyable. If I reas this book as an audiobook, I would likely like the story more but I just couldn't wrap my mind around the different language usage.

This was a decent read overall once you get past the first two chapters. Despite this I still had some issues really getting into the story as it felt like the pacing was all over the shop.

The first two chapters are exploring a mature theme from the mind of a 16 year old who has mature ideas yet expresses them like a 12 year old. I seriously contemplating dnfing after that letter.

I found the rest of the book fine, nothing was super gripping or hooked me. Instead I just casually made my way through the story, which is fine, just not a book I would reread.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Muse for the arc. After recently having a baby myself, the blurb really peaked my interest. I have to immediately start off by saying this book was beautiful.

I loved this book. The sisterhood was everything. The characters were all so likeable and I had a soft spot for all of them and how they treated one another. Such healthy depictions of female friendship. I loved the exploration of our main character struggling with her own shortcomings and weaknesses that she has to overcome. It felt very real, her coping mechanisms didn’t feel quirky but felt like something I could understand. She was a product of her environment, but she was learning and it was beautiful to read.

The author did a perfect job at exploring the realities of a life that many people live, it was in my opinion a very authentic exploration that I feel a lot of other books miss the mark on. So many books talk about trauma and different ways of coping in unrealistic ways or often shallow depictions. But this book felt real, seeing Gemma explore her past and how it impacts her present was raw. I often couldn’t put this one down. I think it could of been a bit shorter, but each chapter really added something to the story. It was a lot more than a woman who counts objects as a coping mechanism. This book actually made me cry (a single sad but happy tear) which is no easy feat for me. I highly recommend this one. 4.5 stars

Statistically Speaking by Debbie Johnson
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 3 December 2024

"Statistically Speaking" by Debbie Johnson is a poignant and introspective novel that delves into the complex emotional landscape of Gemma Jones, a high school history teacher whose life is shaped by past decisions and present anxieties. At the heart of the story is Gemma's struggle to reconcile with her decision to give up her child for adoption as a teenager, a choice that continues to haunt her as she approaches her daughter's 18th birthday.

The author skilfully weaves Gemma's love for historical facts and statistics into the narrative, using it as a metaphor for her desire for certainty in an uncertain world. This unique approach adds depth to Gemma's character, highlighting how she uses her passion for history as a coping mechanism for her anxiety and unresolved feelings about her past.

Gemma's character development is the novel's strongest asset. Her journey from a woman paralysed by "what-ifs" to someone who begins to embrace life's uncertainties is portrayed with nuance and authenticity. The author doesn't shy away from depicting the messy, often contradictory emotions that come with facing one's past, making Gemma a relatable and sympathetic protagonist.

The supporting cast adds richness to the story, each character serving a purpose in Gemma's journey of self-discovery. Karim, the PE teacher who catches Gemma's eye, is particularly well-drawn. His own personal struggles and how he uses them to support Gemma showcase the author's ability to create multidimensional characters. The relationship between Gemma and Karim evolves naturally, providing a sweet romance subplot that complements rather than overshadows Gemma's personal growth.

The novel also excels in its exploration of different types of families. Through Gemma's relationships with her neighbour Margie, her students, and her potential birth daughter, the author presents a nuanced view of how family can be both biological and chosen. This theme adds depth to the story, challenging readers to consider their own definitions of family and belonging.

While the book primarily focuses on Gemma's internal journey, it also touches on broader themes such as the impact of adoption on all parties involved, the challenges of navigating relationships with a mental health condition, and the importance of self-forgiveness. These elements are handled with sensitivity and insight, adding layers to the central narrative.

"Statistically Speaking" is a compelling read. It offers a thoughtful exploration of how our past shapes our present and the courage it takes to confront long-buried emotions. The author's ability to balance heavy themes with moments of humour and hope keeps the story from becoming overwhelmingly somber.

In conclusion, "Statistically Speaking" is a well-crafted novel that goes beyond the typical romantic fiction formula. It offers readers a meaningful examination of personal growth, the complexities of family relationships, and the journey towards self-acceptance. While it may not appeal to readers looking for a light, escapist romance, those who appreciate character-driven stories with emotional depth will find much to enjoy in this book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Harper Muse, and the author, Debbie Johnson, for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book was a good read. It was a sweet story that shows the importance of having a “tribe” to support you throughout your life. It was wonderful to follow Gemma on her path of self discovery and growth. The characters were delightful- I wanted to be friends with them!

Statistically Speaking follows Gemma's life, starting with teenage pregnancy, the guilt of giving her child up for adoption, and her journey into adulthood and self discovery. Gemma deals with a lot of anxiety of not being enough and slowly learning she is worthy of other people’s love.

This book was okay. The title doesn't really fit the book in my opinion. Gemma definitely has OCD and likes facts, but she's a history teacher and does not deal with statistics at all. Pacing was fine, ending was nice. I dunno, maybe just not the vibe for me.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse for the arc of this book!

I loved being on this emotional journey with Gemma and I loved seeing her change and grow and open herself to the people around her who really did love her, even tho she was afraid. I also enjoyed the secondary characters and their stories. I learned a whole lot about adoption and the feelings of mother and child as well as adoptive parents. The novel as a whole was thoroughly enjoyable and kept me turning the pages. I will be recommending this to my readers.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Statistically Speaking is a thoughtful and wrenching showcase of a woman’s isolated attempt to survive - a daily look at someone freed from the care system, undergoing a teenage pregnancy and adoption, and her life as she ages attempting to get it right.

I was lucky to receive this book as an ARC reader from Net Galley. This book releases in December of this year. This book follows Gemma Jones whose life seems to be perfect and all put together but this year is different to all the others, but this year Baby turns eighteen and she might finally meet her daughter. I saw a lot of myself in Gemma’s character which was great to see as someone who struggles with anxiety and OCD. The plot of this book is literary fiction with a subplot of romance. I would have rathered the romance not become a huge part of the book and it focus solely on Gemma’s character development and her dealing with the her past trauma. I found this book quick and fast paced but when the romance plot entered I did find myself getting quite bored as I was more focused on other storylines playing out. It was still a fun read and I would recommend it if you like literary fiction, with some romance, found family and characters with mental health.

Love the cover, the title, and the story! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. This book is enjoyable and well written.

Blending themes of adoption, found family, and romance with an endearing and eccentric cast of characters--including a rescue dog named Bill--Debbie Johnson's emotional and funny women's fiction novel explores what it means to really grow up and open your heart to love.

First, I would like to thank Netgalley and Harper Muse for giving me this opportunity to read this free arc. It's a nice book I picked from Netgalley, and I've had a good time reading this one. It's a woman's fiction, which I like, and it has a little bit of romance. I would like to recommend reading this book, so I'm going to give it 4 stars in total. I like the main character here, which is Gemma; she's a high school history teacher. Her students adore her. She lives in a cute beachside cottage next door to the world's sweetest neighbor, Margie. And she's definitely caught the eye of Karim, the resident hot PE teacher at her school. But every day of her life, she can't get one thing out of her mind: the baby she gave up for adoption when Gemma was just sixteen years old.

Gemma is a teacher who had given a baby up for adoption at the age of 16, 18 years ago. This being the main plot point, and her journey through grief and self acceptance. I found this book to be a bit of a hard read as my expectation were for a stronger romance aspect although I do respect Gemma’s personal journey through the book. It was a good read!

Thank you NetGalley for the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so lovely! I really enjoyed everything about it but I especially liked the way the characters were written. Like I was happy when Margie, Erin or Katie came up. And Gemma was a very relatable character that you like as soon as the book starts.

Rarely you come across a story where it is as easy as it is to read as a rom com and it is within the same space in terms of writing and you know yes there is a love story there but it is a sub plot and the main story is about something bigger.

What you read in the synopsis is only half of what more there is. Dealing with teenage pregnancy, the story deals with the guilt of giving it up while hoping there is better life ahead and the repercussions of that guilt that affect in moulding the individual. The story also tries to understand the nature versus nurture and delves into the feelings of both biological and adoptive parents.

However most importantly it dives deep into the recess of our main character’s mind and her traits. It explores how parental and generational trauma can have ripple effects and how one tries to break that cycle. It deals with self reflection, overthinking and then with a bunch of really good friends shown the other perspective too that there is an another way to see things as well (and some tough love). The book celebrates and revels in these moments of female friendships of different generation of women. They argue but also support each other but are not afraid to dish out tough love either.. they are each other’s Wonky Cushion (read the book to get that)

Yes there is a love story in there too and thank goodness, even though it is an interfaith and probably interracial, those things are never brought up coz there is no space for it in the story to contribute. It is just told as two people falling in love and also being human as well without resorting to usual tropes - bow to the his majesty King I Love You the First. (Again read it to get that)

However in places, the writing does resort to broad strokes. Given the length and plot progression it is understandable but a little more would have been nice after that climax and its progression… as overthinker as the character was in the beginning and mind you there is a lot of that, it can be a bit much but again she is an overthinker, there is bound to be much lol but it can get a tad tedious. The beginning took me a while to get into it but then it really picks things up.

Nevertheless, despite these minor inconveniences it is a delightful read. Our heroine goes into as dark places but also learns and navigates it all with a certain humour. As much as planned and calculated one can be, the story celebrates that life is meant to be lived and sometimes it is good to throw caution to the wind. Sometimes we are often are our worst enemies and need to recognise those patterns and as well as need and can rely on good friends and chosen family to get us out of it.

It is wholesome and definitely worth a read. Thank you Harper Muse and Net Galley for the eARC in exchange for the review

Fine, but nothing to get excited by.

"Statistically Speaking" by Debbie Johnson follows Gemma whom, 18 years ago had a baby she chose to give up for adoption. At 16 she was ill-equipped to raise a child, and coming from a childhood in the system, chooses to change the pattern. However, this choice has significant implications on her present self, she is self-reliant, anxious and constantly distances herself from having intimate relationships with friends or partners.

This book is more of a journey of self-discovery and realising that it's sometimes the family we make along the way that shape the people we become. The romance is definitely there, but it is not the whole plot. I think this worked well for Gemma's pathway to self-discovery.

I thought the characterisation throughout the novel was well done. The emotions of Gemma, and all those around her felt real, and well constructed. I particularly liked Karim, and his ability to use the learnings from his own personal struggles to help Gemma through this difficult period of her life.

The pacing of the book fluctuates, with moments of intense action interspersed with slower, passages. While this variation can enhance the emotional rollercoaster of Gemma's journey, it occasionally leads to a lack of narrative cohesion. I did not particularly love how this book started, and felt that elements of the first couple of chapters could be woven throughout the book which might have made it more engaging for readers.

Whilst this was not my favourite read, I feel that there were elements to appreciate in Gemma's journey of love, loss, and rediscovery. This book was a 2.5 stars for me.

Thanks NetGalley and Harper Muse for the complimentary ARC in exchange for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It took me a while to get into this book, but once I did it was really good. I do recommend it given how the main character, Gemma deals with certain situations. Her counting socks, that's a good way to keep her mind off of things, that's for sure.