The story starts with foster child Gemma, a new mom at sixteen who gives her child up for adoption. Cut to 18 years later and Gemma has a fulfilling job as a high school school teacher, but is detached from other's lives by choice. She has always wondered about the baby she gave away, but never more so than now after she realizes a new student could potentially be her biological daughter. There's a lovely romance here, yes, but this book is more about all of Gemma's relationships and how her past has impacted how much she allows others into her life. This is a cautious and anxious woman with a troubled familial history, who feels that by avoiding others she is avoiding hurt. But what is she giving up in return? Throughout the story there are nice messages of support and acceptance, especially if you're brave enough to open yourself up to it. I loves the focus on found family and on forgiveness, both for yourself and for others. And I don't usually pay attention to chapter titles but I liked these, they were fun sign posts in navigating each chapter. This is a great book for those needing a literary hug, for those recovering from their past while allowing themselves to be hopeful about the future, and for those that sometimes need a nudge to open their hearts to others. New-to-me author, I'd read her again. Ebook ARC provided by NetGalley for this review.

I absolutely adore everything Debbie Johnson writes and this heartwarming story was perfect for a holiday weekend in the sun.
33-year-old Gemma is quite content with her life, for the first time ever. After growing up in the care system and giving birth and giving up her daughter for adoption when she was only 16, she has finally found a place that feels like home. She loves her job as a teacher, enjoys spending time with her elderly neighbour and her dog and there might even be a man in her future, when a new student enrolls in her history class with the same date of birth as the daughter she gave up, the same red hair she has and she also turns out to have been adopted… could this be het daughter?


I loved the found family, the characters and the humour in the story. As a teacher, I particularly liked the descriptions of teaching as well and even highlighted some sentences. They are absolutely spot on!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I enjoyed it very much!

I enjoyed this book, a real roller-coaster, but with a lovely ending making it all worthwhile.

Gemma reluctantly gave up her baby girl for adoption when she was a teenager, and now this 'baby' girl is about to turn 18 and so will officially be able to search for her birth mother, which Gemma is waiting for every second of every day. There are various twists and turns and Gemma thinks a recent pupil (Gemma is a teacher) could be her daughter, which is initially made more awkward as she had just befriended this girl's mother without realising.

I loved all the quirky characters, Gemma's downstairs neighbour Margie was fabulous and one of my favourites, but they were all great in their own way and really helped Gemma come out of her shell.

The story is all about Gemma waiting for her daughter to (hopefully) contact her, but in the meantime she's slowly becoming a bit less solitary and being dragged into peoples lives, which she finds she actually enjoys, after resisting it for so long.

A very satisfying read, with highs and lows, but ultimately a lovely ending.

The only thing that really, really annoys me - and of course I didn't realise this until I started reading it - is that this book has been published under two names - 'Forever Yours' published in 2022 and 'Statistically Speaking' this one in 2024. All through it I kept thinking I'd read it before, and flipping pages, but I couldn't think what it was and thought it was just me going mad! Different titles for the same book are a real bugbear for me, I think it's just ridiculous to have different titles for different countries. Please authors just stick to the one title for a book!!

this was fine at first, fine at the end, and the middle was a bit of a jumbled mess. gemma was messy, albeit somewhat entertaining. the pacing felt a bit off, especially around the halfway mark, and it made it a bit hard to even WANT to get through the book.

I would recommend Statistically Speaking. I loved Gemma, the main character. This story definitely had its ups and downs but I found I was right there with Gemma along the way. As a mother of an adopted daughter I was not so sure I wanted to read the book. Often books about adoption are just not written well or accurately. This book handled the topic of adoption sensitively and I appreciated that.

This one was just okay for me... Wasn't bad by any means, just never pulled me in completely. Thank you for the ARC

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.

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.