4.5

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an audio copy of this book. I never thought I’d be able to connect to a character like this but the author wrote this story with such care that I felt every emotion that the main character felt. Everything in this book was just so real and compelling and I loved this. Give it a read!!

An excellent read for the holiday season! This is a heartfelt story of personal growth and trust. Gemma, a teacher, has been running from her messy life for years, and counts (literally) to keep herself calm. After giving birth and placing her baby for adoption at 16, she has spent years (18 to be exact) wondering. And a new student has kicked that wondering into overdrive as she shares many similarities with Gemma.

I loved the strong women and strong connections they forged in this novel. There is a bit of a love story, but it takes a backseat to the themes of found family, female friendship, and self-discovery. The audiobook was an excellent choice, as the narrator takes the listener further into the story.

*I was honored to listen to an ARC of this book via
NetGalley and the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.*

Listened to "Statistically Speaking" on audio--it has a strong, compelling opening but then it fell very flat for me. The other thing (for me) is the narration is told in first-person narrative from the FMC with a British accent, which is difficult for me. This may not be an issue for others (personal preference), but something to know if you are going to go with the audio version. Perhaps I would have liked the physical copy better? Regardless, after the opening, I struggled to get into the story. The FMC, gets pregnant at 16 and gives up her baby for adoption in hopes of providing that child with a better life (and likely a better life for herself)...fast forward 18 years, and perhaps our FMC may cross paths with the baby she gave up all those years ago. This book definitely has unique elements, it just didn't hit right for me. *I received a complimentary ARC from the author/publishing company via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

The book began with great promise, diving into Gemma’s complicated emotions and her quest to reconcile her past with her present. However, the pacing of the story was slower than I expected, and at times, it felt like the plot meandered. Much of the narrative focused on Gemma’s journey of self-discovery, her evolving relationship with Karim, and her anticipation of reconnecting with her daughter. While these themes were meaningful, the story lacked the momentum I was hoping for.

In comparison to Johnson’s other works, which often blend humor with heartfelt storytelling, this book leaned heavily on the emotional side. While it was undeniably moving, I felt that a touch more humor could have added balance and energy to the narrative. Additionally, the plot felt a bit scattered, with multiple threads that didn’t always come together cohesively. That said, the ending was beautiful and deeply emotional, tying up Gemma’s story in a way that felt satisfying and heartfelt.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Louise Williams, which was a highlight of the experience. Williams brought a unique voice to each character, making the story immersive and engaging. From the warmth of Gemma’s neighbor Margie to the charismatic Karim, the PE teacher with an interest in Gemma, Williams’ narration added depth to the characters and heightened the emotional impact of the story.

While the book didn’t fully captivate me, I think it’s a story that will resonate with readers who enjoy women’s fiction and character-driven narratives, especially with Louise Williams’ brilliant narration.. The slower pacing and introspective nature of the book may not suit everyone, but for those who connect with Gemma’s struggles and triumphs, it offers a touching and hopeful journey. For me, it was a fine read, but perhaps not the right fit for my current reading mood.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for providing me the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

A honest and raw story about a high school teacher who seems to have the perfect life but is questioning if this will be the year she meets the daughter she gave up for adoption 17 years ago. Gemma is so relatable and honest that I couldn't help but feel like she was someone I could be friends with. The narrator (Louise Williams) does a beautiful job bringing this novel to life in the audiobook in a way that had me feeling like I was sitting in the room at times with the characters.

This novel is definitely a slower novel but I was moved by the story and the character development.

Thank you Harper Collins for the ALC

I listened to the audio version of this novel and narrator Louise Williams does a nice job.

The opening pulled me right in with 16 year old Gemma giving birth and then giving up her daughter for adoption. Fast forward 18 years and Gemma has a solid career as a teacher, however, has never laid down roots. She's running from forming attachments.

I loved her friendship with neighbor Margie and Margie's dog Bill. Gemma showed a lot of heart in the way she interacted with them.

Gemma's story is an engaging one that shows how the impact of adoption and coming from an unstable childhood continue their impact for many years.

Some foul language.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster, and I loved every minute of it! The characters were all fantastic, and watching Gemma grow as she opens up and lets people into her life was truly inspiring. The found family aspect and the hint of romance added an extra layer of warmth and connection to the story.

SO good! This had all the elements I love- a “broken” character that finds her way through life only wanting to do better by learning to love not just herself but others.

This book is a heartwarming story of a teenager, Gemma, giving up her baby for adoption so “baby” has a better chance at life. It is a story of hope, redemption, and community. While there is a romantic relationship that develops in the book, that is a secondary story line that plays very well into the character development of Gemma. Highly recommend this read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.

Gemma is 16, hasn’t had an easy childhood and gives birth to her daughter which she gives up for adoption to give her a better life. As Gemma grows and matures to be a young lady that is respectable and contributes to society, she begins to wonder what happened to her daughter and to her mother whom she hasn’t spoken to in years. So, beings her journey with her wonderful group of diverse friends to find herself and become more confident in her life decisions. This was an emotional story as Gemma pieces together parts of her life. Gemma has some coping mechanisms of counting items in a room that I have seen in other books. I enjoyed reading about Gemma’s journey. I listened to the audiobook and was pleasantly surprised with the narrator in this single POV story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the advanced audio book.

This was a bittersweet story about figuring out how to be family for yourself when your biological family isn't there. Gemma is a lovely main character whose desire to both be connected to the baby she gave up for adoption, when she was sixteen, and the fear of getting close to anyone, creates a tension that pulls the reader through the story.

Gemma is a teacher, living alone and regularly full of anxiety. When she was 16 years old, she gave birth to a daughter and immediately put her up for adoption to break the cycle of the tumultuous childhood that was her own. Now, nearly 18 years later, Gemma can't help but think often about Baby's upcoming 18th birthday. Who has Baby become? Where does she live? And, most importantly, is Baby safe and happy?

Thank you Debbie Johnson and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the ARC in exchange for a thorough and honest review. All thoughts written here are mine and mine alone.

This was a lovely and heartfelt story that had me cheering for Gemma the whole time. Life is never simple, and I appreciated how reality was shown through Gemma's life. I also liked the addition of romance that was messy but sweet. The story flowed well and the characters were flushed out well.

I really enjoyed the audio production of this novel. The narrator was wonderful, giving the characters unique and pleasant voices throughout the story. I definitely recommend this audiobook. I absolutely consumed it and I know you will too!

Statistically Speaking by Debbie Johnson was an excellent listen. I enjoyed the narration, the story, and the story.

I can’t believe Statistically Speaking is my first Debbie Johnson novel. I loved it. The neurodivergent protagonist is immediately endearing and fascinating, and the supporting cast is equally intricate and compelling. I’ll be reading Debbie Johnson’s backlist next because I just need more of her writing. I highly recommend it to fans of women’s fiction, quirky characters, found family, or neurodiverse narrators. So happy to give this book five stars!

This was such a sweet book about forgiveness, family, anxiety, and love. I related with Gemma, our main character, in many ways, especially her desire to run when things got uncomfortable. The found family aspect of this book was so precious, especially knowing the hardships Gemma faced/faces as a mother and daughter. Truly wonderful book.

The narration was very well done. Listened at 2.5-3x speed and read along on my kindle.

Thank you NetGalley for the ALC of this novel!

I truly went in to this one blind. Thought I was going to get a cute rom com based on cover alone but WOW I got so much more than I bargained for.

The narrator has a lovey voice. Full transparency I listened to this on 2x speed and found it to be the perfect speed for listening. Take that information as you will in terms of pace.

This novel touches on motherhood, adoption, mental health, childhood trauma, the foster care system, and the concept of found family. This was so healing and cathartic.

If I had any notes, it would be to acknowledge the FMC’s diagnosis. I feel like everyone else acknowledged their mental illness and/or willingness to seek external help processing emotions.

Honestly though, I loved this so much. Will be recommending it in the coming years.

I enjoyed this one. Even though I usually prefer a stronger romance plot, there was just enough here to keep me interested. Gemma as a character is unique with both her past and her emotional coping processes. She has quite a growth journey over the book. I appreciated her internal monologues as she finds her place in this world. The small romantic moments were a great addition for this romance lover. Kareem was a sweet and patient man as he broke through Gemma’s walls. There is great mental representation and a found family theme.

The narrator was a good choice and I enjoyed her voicing of all the characters.

I received an advanced copy of this audiobook via NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Content Notes: Closed door romance, some strong language

This was such an enjoyable book. Fast paced, easy to follow, and filled with characters you were rooting for!

Statistically Speaking had a slow start as a story about a woman reconciling her past and finding her own path forward. I enjoyed the exploration of adoption, family relations, self-discovery, and found family. The narrator did a nice job presenting the story in an engaging way.

Thank you to Harper Muse Audiobooks for gifting me with an ALC to review! All opinions are my own.

This book was really well done! The anxiety and coping mechanisms that Gemma uses are well written. I loved the way Gemma grew and faced her obstacles as she learned more about herself both in the past and present. The representation of the adoptive parent, child, and biological parent were really captivating and thought provoking. Overall, I loved this. The narrator was phenomenal and gave so much life to the character via her voice.