What an amazing story about women finding their strength and creating a family of their own!

Gemma is just sixteen years old when she makes one of the most difficult decisions of her life: to provide her newborn baby with a life Gemma knows she can't give her. Gemma herself has been in and out of foster care having grown up with a single mother who battled with bipolar disorder and addiction. Before Gemma officially passes her baby girl off to the much-too-kind social worker, she writes a letter to her baby; one she had practiced over and over again until she felt her words captured her feelings. Taking in the beauty of her newborn, Gemma knows that image of perfection will be one she holds with her forever.

Gemma is now 34 years old working as a history teacher when she meets a delightfully smart, unique, and inquisitive student named Katie. It seems Katie has the same passion for history that Gemma has and the two quickly form a wonderful teacher/student relationship.

Not long after meeting Katie, Gemma meets Erin at a yoga class. Erin instantly connects with Gemma after Erin lets a rather noisy and long "gust of wind" rip during the calm down portion at the end of class. While the namaste-esqe teacher and fellow students look horrified, Gemma realizes she has the same sense of humor as the students she teaches and collapses into a fit of laughter with Erin soon following. The two agree to get a coffee together after bonding over the humorous experience. Erin mentions her daughter is meeting her at the coffee shop and Gemma is shocked with Katie comes through the door and sits by her mother - Erin!

The three become close but Gemma can't help but notice that Erin and Katie look nothing alike. That's when she's told Katie is adopted. Katie has the same tall, thin build as Gemma and the same red hair. Using her connections at school, Gemma is also shocked when she finds out Katie shares the exact same 18th birthday as the baby girl Gemma gave up. Could it be?

Readers are also able to delight in the budding relationship Gemma forges with a fellow teacher - the handsome and swoon worthy PE teacher. Additionally Gemma has cultivated a closeness with a 65 year old woman (and the woman's dog) who lives in her building.

As Gemma's life begins to tilt and twist in ways she's tried so hard to avoid, she learns to rely on the others in her life. The approaching date of Gemma's birth daughter's 18th birthday brings up many emotions and thoughts of her own childhood. While she contemplates her daughter's life and happiness, she also begins to think of her own mother. Gemma wants her birth daughter to understand her decisions and that prompts Gemma to search for her own mother.

Is Katie the baby girl Gemma gave up 18 years ago? And if so, knowing she's friend with Erin, does she have any right to interrupt the close relationship Erin has with her adopted daughter? And will Gemma be able to find her mother? The mother who was also 16 when she gave birth to Gemma. How will the people in her life support her during this emotional time? Will they stick with her or confirm Gemma's worst fears - that she's "too much" and worth leaving behind?

This is certainly a FIVE STAR read! I have quickly fallen in love with the two other books I've read/listened to from Debbie Johnson this year - Jenny James is NOT a Distaster and A Very Irish Christmas. If you've not had the pleasure of reading any of her books, you must immediately find one! You won't regret it! I can't wait to explore the expansive catalogue of Johnson's other books and I'm not sure I can handle the excitement of future stories from her!

This book brought out all the emotions. I loved all the characters and the growth Gemma goes through once she lets people in. Loved the found family and touch of romance.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the narrator.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced audio copy.

Gemma got pregnant at 16 and gave her baby up for adoption. 18 years later, she is a high school history teacher and acknowledges that her daughter could be a student of hers, although statistically unlikely. Katie, a new student, shows up on the first day of school and Gemma is convinced that Katie could be her daughter. They share the same hair color, body stature, and birthday. Will this be the year that Gemma finally meets her daughter?

It's extremely rare for me to get hooked on a book after one chapter but this one did it. The opening birth scene was on point followed by pure devastation. This book started really strong and then slowed down a bunch, still great though. I've only ever cried during 2 other books, and I cried toward the end of this book. Although I do not share a similar background as Gemma, I am a mother and I 1000% respect the decision that she made. Gemma's story is so rare, for a child to come out of foster care and be successful, thank goodness for Gemma's tribe (Margie, Erin, Katie, and Karim). I loved this book because it followed Gemma's journey through processing trauma, building unconventional relationships, and overcoming obstacles.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Harper Muse for the advanced audiobook, it was amazing!

Statistically speaking is a heartwarming and uplifting story, perfect for fans of authors such as Beth O’Leary.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but thoroughly enjoyed this emotional and hopeful ride. Gemma was such an endearing character, and I loved her vulnerability and openness throughout the story. This is a novel about friendships and family, love and sacrifice. It dealt with heavier topics with care and respect, and I found the different perspectives on the adoption storyline interesting. Karim was such a sweetheart, and his relationship with Gemma had a maturity which was refreshing to read.

I had the pleasure of enjoying this story in audio and ebook form, and enjoyed both. The production for audio was excellent, and the narrator perfectly captured Gemma’s character and emotional experience. They brought the cast of supporting characters to life, making for a wonderful listening experience.

Thank you Haper Muse for an early copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

I went into this book completely blind and was pleasantly surprised by it.

The story follows Gemma, who gives birth at sixteen and gives the baby up for adoption, but it is so much more that that, this book explores the complicated relationships between parents and their children, the way that the emotional shields Gemma creates during her childhood to protect herself can become a harmful habit in her adult life, strong female friendships, mental illnesses and so much more.

It's a book full of hope and it made me shed quite a few tears. I will definitely reread this book in the future and read other works by this author.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse for the arc.

I absolutely devoured this book! Gemma is a history teacher who finds comfort in numbers - counting and specifics bring order and certainty to her life - especially when deep down, her life is full of questions. As a kid, she ended up in the system because her mom wasn’t able to care for her. She also gave up a baby for adoption at 16 - a daughter she’s wondered about ever since. This is the year her daughter turns 18 and can find her — and while she’s found a chosen family through neighbors and work, the idea of completing her family leaves her reeling.
I couldn’t stop reading this and found myself emotional at parts. This was a beautiful story and I felt myself rooting for Gemma at all turns. The narrator was great at portraying the emotions and experience Gemma has throughout the novel.
Thank you to Harper Muse for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Debbie Johnson’s Statistically Speaking is an absolute gem of an audiobook that captivated me from the very first chapter. As someone who loves heartfelt stories, I was drawn to this book by its premise —a 30-something history teacher embarking on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and love. The book opens with a poignant moment: Gemma, at 16, giving birth and placing her baby for adoption. Fast-forward almost 18 years, and we follow Gemma as she navigates the complexities of her past while searching for connection and meaning in her adult life. It’s a story of healing and growth.
Gemma is incredibly relatable. Her emotional depth and vulnerability make her feel like someone you could easily connect with. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way as moved out of her comfort zone, embraced the unexpected, and learned to open up to love and friendship. Her journey was both inspiring and comforting, reminding me that it’s never too late to change your life and take risks.
The writing style was spot-on—thoughtful, witty, and emotionally resonant without feeling heavy-handed. Johnson’s ability to blend humor with deeper emotional moments kept me fully engaged throughout, and I truly appreciated how seamlessly the narrative balanced Gemma’s past and present.
The narrator was absolutely fantastic and really brought the story to life. Her performance pulled me into Gemma’s world, perfectly capturing the emotional nuances of the story. The pacing was spot-on, and I couldn’t stop listening once I started. Her voice made the characters feel real, and I was invested in Gemma’s journey from beginning to end.
With a perfect blend of warmth, humor, and heart, Statistically Speaking is an audiobook that I would wholeheartedly recommend. It’s a beautiful exploration of love, life’s uncertainties, and finding yourself at any stage in life. This one definitely deserves a five star+ rating—if you’re looking for a story that will make you laugh, cry, feel deeply, this is the one!!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.*

WOW. i started this book earlier today, and it immediately captured my heart. 5 stars all around for the found family, the beautiful writing, the romance subplot, the subtle humor, the cute dog, and the wholesome feeling. i’ll be thinking about these characters for a long while :’)

thank you netgalley & harper muse for the arc of this audiobook!

Statistically Speaking is a heartbreakingly, beautiful, realistic, character-driven story of women helping each other find their strength on their lowest days. It’s a multigenerational story about found family, friendships, brutal truths, forgiveness, self discovery, healing, and hope.

The FMC, Gemma, is an over thinker with high anxiety who finds safety and comfort in statistics, specific dates, facts, and numbers which help keep her ‘fictional anxiety’ brain calm. Due to a traumatic childhood, she has a hard time trusting people, but, rightfully so, also craves love and acceptance. As a child, she was raised in a foster home because her mother was dealing with mental illness and addiction. At the age of 16, she became pregnant and made the hard decision to give her baby up for adoption, fearing she would turn into her mother, so she felt adoption was what was best for the baby. Now, many years later, still trying to deal with her past, she finds herself consumed by the “what-ifs” and wanting to know more about her child. I originally chose this book for its adorable cover, but the story inside was so much more.

The story was so realistically true that it was very easy to connect with the MC and the plot. As a teacher, many things she said and described were very much on point in the current world of education.

The narrator’s voice was clear, easy to listen to and understand. Williams did an amazing job with distinguishing between characters, especially considering that the story was heavily character driven, and really brought the story to life.

Thank you to @netgalley, @harpercollinsfocus, and @harpermusebooks for the #gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book by this author that I've listened to, and I have come to the conclusion that I really like the way Debbie Johnson tells a story. Her characters are fully human - flawed, quirky, funny, and ultimately so relatable. Her stories are women-centered without feeling fluffy or superficial. They are deep and thoughtful while being simultaneously humorous and handled with a light touch that helps you reach a conclusion without hitting you over the head with overwhelming sentiment or sentimentality.

This one was particularly fun because of the math. It was also particularly poignant because of the adoption angle. I have stumbled upon several stories with that as a major theme lately and have really enjoyed the thought-provoking considerations of such a complex issue that has largely remained outside of my personal bailiwick.

I thoroughly enjoyed this listen. The narration was excellent and perfectly suited to the story. I think it's time to explore her back catalog!

I simply ADORED this lovely book! I absolutely could not get enough of it. If it went on for 1,000 pages, I think I would have finished it just as fast and loved it all the same. With memorable characters, laugh-out-loud humor, heartfelt life lessons, and a storyline you won't forget, Statistically Speaking quickly soared to one of my favorite reads this year. I cannot recommend it enough for fans of books like Lessons in Chemistry and Remarkably Bright Creatures; it contains the same quirky charm combined with excellent storytelling as these hits--and deserves the same level of popularity!

Thank you to Debbie Johnson, HarperMuse, & NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

My first Debbie Johnson book and it was a delight.

Gemma is a teacher. Moves often. Has no attachments. All of this thanks to the baby girl she placed for adoption when she was 16. (And maybe her less than delightful childhood.)

Then, she gets to know her neighbor and her dog. She makes a friend. She agrees to go out with a co-worker. Attachments are made and life gets better. Gemma realizes how life can be good with others in it. But she still cannot stop thinking of Baby.

The audio version of this book was very good.

Advanced listener copy provided by Harper Muse but all opinions are my own.

Gemma is a high school history teacher. She grew up in the foster care system, as her mother struggled to provide consistent care for her. At 16, she got drunk at a party and ended up pregnant, even though she used a condom. The father was from out of town. She ended up giving the baby girl up for adoption.

This year her baby to turn 18 and it seems there's a chance her baby is one of her students named Katie.. She looks like her, is about to turn 18, and is also adopted. Gemma's never stayed in one location long when there's a problem, she always moves. However, this time, she may just stay and figure out who she is... Regardless of Katie's birth mom's identity. A wonderfully engaging book and you can't help but root for Gemma. The narrator does an excellent job!!

I loved this book. It was heartbreaking and heart-warming all at the same time. The characters development was wonderful. I was fully invested from start to finish and only stopped listening to sleep. I enjoyed the narrator immensely. I felt as if I was actually listening to the characters themselves. The subject matter is difficult and touchy to write about but I thought it was exquisitely done with so much thought, feeling, and emotion. I will be recommending this title and looking for other books by this author!

I just finished listening to Statistically Speaking by Debbie Johnson, and I have to say, it was such a fun and heartwarming audiobook! The story had the perfect balance of wit, romance, and a touch of real-world relatability. The main character’s obsession with numbers and probabilities was such a unique angle—who knew math could weave into a love story so well?

The narrator really brought the characters to life, making the humor and emotional moments hit even harder. I found myself laughing out loud one minute and tearing up the next. Plus, the pacing was just right—never dragging, but also giving me time to soak in the moments that mattered.

If you love smart rom-coms with quirky characters and a bit of an emotional punch, this one’s worth a listen. Highly recommend for fans of uplifting love stories with a twist!

The found family! The friendships! The romance!
This book was everything!

The story follows Gemma, a high-school teacher who had given a child up for adoption 18 years prior. And this was the year she could potentially finally get in contact with said child.

I listened to the final chapters of this book in public and I was fighting for my life to not cry...

I loved the characters in this book and the plot was enjoyable!


Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an audio-arc in an exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! It was such a heartwarming read and really explored the foster care system, adoption, and OCD. Highly recommend to everyone! And the narrator did an amazing job!

--I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.--

Debbie Johnson is a new author to me, and I was excited to discover she has so many other books to explore! Statistically Speaking was heartwarming yet a bittersweet story that drew me in right away. I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook, narrated by Louise Williams, who did an excellent job.

Publication Date- December 3, 2024
#StatisticallySpeaking #NetGalley

This is another fabulous book from Debbie Johnson that sensitively deals with the complex emotional issues as well as the trials and tribulations of youngsters being in care, mental health issues, alcoholism, unwanted pregnancy and adoption.

This is not a predictable story, it's very poignant and heartwarming whilst also touching upon the very real traumas that occur for lots of youngsters when put into care. I instantly cared for the characters and there were twists and turns in the book which stopped it from being predictable and superficial.

Having read many of Debbie Johnson's books I feel that this was a grittier story than the other books that I have read/listened to by her (that I also loved) I highly recommend to others that they give it a listen too!

This book was absolutely adorable!!! Loved the audiobook. The main character was incredible. It was so sweet

Statistically Speaking is a wonderful story that details real-world struggle, anxiety, and guilt as told through our main character Gemma. She's instantly relatable, a woman who has made choices at a young age that deeply changed the foundation of who she was. She vows to become a better human, constantly striving for perfection, riddled with fear and anxiety along the way. What she finds as she matures, however, is that softness and vulnerability aren't always a bad thing. She leans into the friends who become family and we watch as she opens up about her past to those who love and support her. This book is a slow-burn tale of connection, vulnerability, and strength- one I highly recommend!