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.

found family and romance are fun. i liked the vibes and gemma, but it felt like her character was a bit stereotypical and not as deep and realistic but idk i guess

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.

4 stars

Just finished reading 'Statistically Speaking' and I'm really glad I did. This novel was surprisingly wholesome even with dealing with grief, pain, loss, and suffering. It follows teen pregnancy, found family, motherhood, and the impact of our youthful years. The story felt very original, like a breath of fresh air.

Gemma, the protagonist, is a history teacher who had a baby when she was 16. She's still dealing with the guilt and pain of not choosing to raise her child. The start of the book hooked me, the letter for the baby (Geoff with a G), and everything.

The plot was a bit slow, I'd say, and Gemma's monologues sometimes seemed never-ending (skimmed through those a few times). Despite the slow pace, the book covered everything, from Margie's story to the hot PE teacher, Karim.

The side characters were hilarious and quirky. I loved the bond Gemma shared with Margie, Katie, and Erin, not to forget Bill, her walking buddy.

The way Gemma dealt with anxiety and stress with statistics and counting was really real and relatable, sometimes funny too. I liked the bond between Karim and Gemma; their romance was simple. I also loved that the book wasn't solely focused on romance; it was women's fiction, and every woman in the story had a tale to tell, from Margie and Katie to Gemma's mom as well.

I devoured this book, but felt the ending could have been a bit more. It felt predictable, and I wanted to see more of Gemma and her daughter.

Overall, this was a good read anyone can enjoy on a quiet evening. For me, it's a one-time read, but I would recommend it to anyone who feels guilty, sad, or suppressed. This novel offers closure that many need.

This book deals with sensitive content: miscarriage (3rd person), drug addiction, teen pregnancy, adoption/fostering, childhood trauma/abandonment, drug and alcohol mentions/addictions, mental health issues (bipolar disorder, OCD).

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Muse and Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This novel follows Gemma, 18 years ago, having given birth to a child as a teenager, she decides to give her up, to provide her with better opportunities but she never really let go of her. This follows teen pregnancy, (found) family, motherhood and the impact of our youthful years on us.

This novel was very touching. I really enjoyed the themes, motherhood, adolescences, family, friendship and love. This story felt very original, like breath of fresh air.

The tittle did not make sense to me, I expected statistics, but nothing was there, some counting but I would say that was not enough for it to be part of the title. The start of the novel was quite shocking (first chapter) but the letter was wonderful and really got be attached to Gemma.

The pacing was nothing exceptional, but I never felt bored, which is always wonderful. Similar to the writing style, I really enjoyed the letters, I wish that had been implemated more within the novel. I really enjoyed the setting, as an British reader, knowing the places really helped me visualise the story.

Gemma and the characters around her, supporting her were wonderfully written. The characters felt real, with human emotions, behaviours and struggles. I enjoyed the representation of copying mechanisms for anxiety, like the counting. This novel did not feel like a romance but I lit-fic with some romance, which really made the romance that much better as they were really connecting and being human. The different relationships that were descripted really made this book amazing, from the found family, the friendships and more.

It emotional touched me but nothing like most books, I believe certain readers will feel greatly touched by the story and the characters.

I really enjoyed the ending; it left us hopeful and asking for more.

I enjoyed my read very much. I would recommend to many readers.

Statistically Speaking is as much a story of coming of age through intense adversity, as a story of Girl Power and friendship with a lovely little romance thrown in. Gemma's story has a heart wrenching start leading to empowering relationships sprinkled with clever humor. An engaging and fantastic read!

Statistically Speaking is a heart-warming and hopeful book about chosen family and not judging a book by its cover.

The red-headed main character, Gemma, has had a difficult upbringing, struggles to make genuine connections and mostly keeps things to herself. Most importantly: giving up her daughter for adoption at birth when she was only 16 years old, which has been haunting her ever since. Did she make the right choice? How did her daughter turn out? Is there resentment? As her daughter will soon have her 18th birthday, Gemma is anxious whether she will try to contact her. When she meets a red-headed student that has been adopted herself and shares the same birthday as her baby, she starts to wonder whether this might be her.

The book at times reads like a journal, being written from Gemma's perspective. Not a lot of statistics though (except for some compulsive keeping count of steps and drinks). So if you're curious about what are the odds of this story, you'd have to do your own research. It is generally a fun read though, and at times a bit sad.

This book is labeled as romance, which is not a genre I typically read, and I wouldn't classify it as such myself. It is much more about the different types of relationships between families and friends, opening yourself up and seeing things from different perspectives.

I received an ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

2.5 stars. Thank you, NetGalley for the arc. I just got really bored of this book, but the ending was really heartwarming. It was hard to get through and I just found myself not really wanting to read.