Three and a half stars.

Eighteen years ago Gemma Jones decided to give her baby up for adoption. A child of a single mother with substance abuse and mental health problems, and currently living with foster parents, Gemma wanted something better for both herself and her baby.

Gemma is now a history teacher at a school in Liverpool. To stop herself from speculating about young children she made a choice to teach sixth formers a long time ago, but of course now that has backfired because her daughter will shortly be turning eighteen and could (theoretically) be one of her students.

Her mother's issues have given Gemma anxiety, something which she self-soothes with counting items and memorising facts. Now as an adult Gemma is alone, self-sufficient, and avoids allowing other people to get close. She even moves jobs every few years and has worked all over the UK.

But this year events conspire to force Gemma out of her shell: a new student who looks uncannily like Gemma; a colleague who makes it clear he fancies her; a woman she meets at yoga; and her elderly neighbour who needs help walking her dog.

How very typical, I no sooner finish a book about a woman who was given up for adoption by her sixteen year old mother than I start a book about a woman who gave up her child for adoption at sixteen.

I have read and really liked a lot of Debbie Johnson's previous books but I have to say that this one was not among my favourites. First, Gemma's habit of counting things and reciting random facts was really irritating (although a shoe-in for a pub quiz), I get that it was a manifestation of her anxiety but my eyes glazed over every time she started.

Second, there seemed to be a little bit of contradiction about Gemma's childhood, at times the reader is told that she was too embarrassed to invite school friends home and consequently never went to their homes either. Also that she couldn't afford things so never went out or did things like other kids. Yet at other points in the story she talks about going to a friend's house and going to the cinema with a friend - and not as if these were the only times she had ever done such things. It was as though Debbie Johnson couldn't keep up the characterisation and/or it didn't fit with the plot at other times.

Third, Gemma seemed to do a lot of navel-gazing self-diagnosis, pages and pages of her dissecting her behaviour and that of her friends and family. Also (this may be point four), if you have no friends and essentially no family, why wouldn't you stay in touch with your foster mother and your social worker who both helped you enormously? It seems like a huge self-sabotage to cut off people and then whine that you are all alone.

Anyway, I liked it but I didn't love it.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Bumped for release.

[EDIT} Well how odd! I have just received this as an ARC and read it thinking, 'I 've read something very similar before - when I review it I must check to see what that book was, was it by Debbie Johnson?' and by gosh it was because I read this book two years ago! I feel it may have been toned down a bit (or I am calmer) as I didn't find it as annoying as I clearly did two years ago, so I've upped my rating by half a star.

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

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

I’m a sucker for a good adoption story and found family! This was a great palette cleanser and written very well. I was hooked from the beginning and the pace was well done throughout.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

"D he was called, David or Daniel or Dumbeldor. Who knows?" This book had its moments for me. While it was very well written, the story being an interesting look into the eye of someone who gave their child up for adoption for all the right reasons and managed to make a life for themself while never forgetting their child, the book did have parts where it started to feel like it was dragging on and on a bit and then some funny phase the the quote for the beginning of this review would be said and since it made me laugh, I was pulled back in. Overall a good, albeit as mentioned, occasionally slower, story I would still recommend this one for a good sit down, calmer read.

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Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Eighteen years ago, at the age of 16, Gemma gave her new-born daughter up for adoption. She explains her reasons in a letter to her Baby and they are pretty solid reasons. Gemma never forgot about her daughter, who might get in contact with her now that she's about to become an adult. Gemma has mixed feelings about this. Speaking of feelings, Gemma has a hard time letting people in, but the PE teacher could break down her walls.

I liked that the book was pro-choice and that Gemma didn't make the decision to give up her daughter lightly. Yet, this decision has haunted her ever since. There is a lot of growth and self-reflection in this story.

Still, I'm only giving the book 3 stars, because the middle felt like it was dragging on for far too long.

This heartwarming story was just what I needed to read at this time. I love reading about characters who create a found family. Gemma has led a solitary life after growing up in foster care and having given up a baby to adoption when she was only sixteen. Now she has settled into her latest job as a history teacher where the PE teacher would like to get to know her better and her older neighbor Margie tends to mother her. However, she still needs to know if the beautiful daughter she gave up 18 years ago has led a better life than she could have given her. I had not read any of Debbie Johnson's books before, but I definitely plan to read some of her others in the future. Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Muse and the author for a copy to read and review.

I loved Gemma's story. I thought this was so well written and the complexity of Gemma's life and trauma was presented in a really beautiful way.

I was lucky enough to receive an audiobook and earc from the publisher in exchange for my review.

This was a beautiful story that will make you cherish the small moments of life. I thought this novel was a breath of fresh air. If you enjoy Bridget Jones, I would definitely recommend this book. I also thought that the narrator did an amazing job and I really enjoyed her voice

I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it. But maybe have some tissues nearby?!

Debbie Johnson can always be counted on to write heartwarming, sensitive stories, laced with closed door romance, that plumb the depths of emotion and the human experience. In Statistically Speaking, we meet Gemma Jones at age 16, in the process of birthing a baby girl that she’s putting up for adoption. She’s mature enough to understand that she’s not able to raise a child herself, just as her own mother wasn’t. The one thing she leaves for Baby is a long letter, telling her a bit about her life and giving reassurances that she loves her, but wants her to have a chance at a good, loving, and safe childhood.

Fast forward almost 18 years, and we’re seeing Gemma all grown up but still carrying emotional scars from her neglectful childhood and her never-ending doubt about the decision she made. After an adulthood marked by a need to escape relationships of any kind, she starts to meet people who care about her without exception and who just might be worth breaking down the walls she’s built up to protect herself. There’s handsome, lovely Karim, her teacher colleague and perfect book boyfriend, surrogate mom feisty and irreverent Margie, new friend Erin, and Katie, Erin’s daughter and Gemma’s student who bears a striking resemblance to her and shares a birthday with the baby she let go off. Statistically speaking, the odds are very slim that she’s her daughter, but the heart isn’t always logical. You’ll need to read the book to find out more.

This is very much a character-driven novel and Johnson has done a wonderful job developing both Gemma and her chosen family. The pacing is a bit slow at times, but Gemma’s reawakening is a pleasure to behold. Her thoughtful depiction of adoption from the perspective of birth mother, adoptive mother and child is illuminating for those of us who don’t have first-hand experience with it, too. I highly recommend this fine piece of women’s fiction.

Statiscally Speaking is one of the most beautiful books that I've read in 2024. The story deals with unconfortable themes such drug addiction, teenage pregnancy, foster homes, adoption, the right os being happy after leaving a child, and all the mental health issues that end up plaguing most women who give their child for adoption and the children who are adopted. Ms. Johnson is able to show all the opinions that might exist regarding the issue - the mother who gives the child up, the child's, and foster parents' - and even though there's a lot of sadness involved she's able to make the readers always feel a positive touch in her words. The story made me sad, made me laugh, and gave me lots of food for thought!
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for the copy of this book.

This book is exactly what I needed. I was in such a reading slump and the light hearted approach to sensitive topics was refreshing. The characters were relatable and engaging.

I received a free copy of, Statistically Speaking, by Debbie Johnson, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Gemma Jones, gave her child up for adoption when she was only sixteen, Now she is a high school teacher, but has never forgot about her child. This was a good read, I really liked Gemma.

Welp, I didn’t expect to be crying over my tablet at the end of this story, but here we are 😢 My gosh, Statistically Speaking really hit me in the feels. An emotionally rich story about a woman, Gemma, coming to terms with her turbulent childhood and her decision to choose adoption for her child 18 years earlier. Having little order and safety during her formative years, adult Gemma thrives on privacy and routine. She doesn’t get attached to people and likes to move frequently to feel as free as possible. But, as the 18th birthday of the child she lovingly thinks of as “Baby” approaches, Gemma finds that the isolated life she has created doesn’t feel secure anymore. As she starts to let people in she realizes that being alone doesn’t save you from pain and that family comes in many forms.

I loved this book. A hearty dose of emotions and turmoil mixed with quirky characters, a smidge of romance, and a lovely bit of humor. Gemma is an amazing MC with a complicated thought process involving myriad coping mechanisms that are both fascinating and upsetting to witness. This book discusses adoption, mental illness, addiction and estranged family openly and respectfully. Very grateful to netgalley and Harper Muse for this ARC.

I fell in love with this book! The main character was relatable and I felt like cheering her on every time something went right for her. By the end of the book I kept checking out the author’s social media looking for her next book in the hopes this will be her new series. Highly recommend!

Absolutely loved this book! I could relate to the protagonist and lived vicariously through her. I was rooting for her throughout! Debbie Johnson has created a character that will remain with me for a long time to come!

✨ eARC Review ✨

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Statistically Speaking by Debbie Johnson is a contemporary women's fiction telling the story about Gemma, through her journey of self-discovery, familial reconciliation, and dealing with one's past.

What I liked:
I liked the characters.... A lot that I don't remember scrubbing down my thoughts I did in a way I haven't done in a long time. Because, each of these characters are good! It might be the story of Gemma, but the family she gathered around her journey is as good as her! Be it Margie, or Erin, or even Katie, I loved them all... And I haven't forgotten about the green forest, because that exactly what Kareem is... The best written green flag! Even though the story is majorly focusing on Gemma, Kareem stood out a lot more than I thought when he was introduced at first!
The story too was just perfect. The writing style isn't something I usually read, but it's safe to say that it has grown on me! The emotions were put down so beautifully, I enjoyed the book more than I thought I would!

What I didn't like:
Honestly, there isn't anything I didn't like about this book. The only thing I wished for was I should be reading this from a physical copy! It truly is that good!

I think I requested for this book seeing the line, "If you enjoy character-driven stories with a hefty dose of laughter like Bridget Jones or The Good Place, you'll love this book" ! Because I do looveee The Good Place, and for so many reasons. And I know that line was true, because now I do loovee this book! Because it's exactly how that line said it would be!

Thank you to Author Debbie Johnson and NetGalley for this ARC! I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.

Debbie Johnson books have always held a special shelf in my heart. Permanent and special just for her. Ever since my first one of her books. Each one to come just kept reinforcing my adoration of this author and her books.
Debbie manages to bring a romance. But deeper. Yet not to deep. But not cliche or without enoguh depth,lol. It's just the right amount of everything.
I have to admit I have a real admiration for her words.
They've always meant alot.
Books that have helped me alot. At times I've needed them.
This book I was two minds about. Was it too emotional? Was the problems and the way she coped too much even for me?
But then I thought no. I trust Debbie.
And wow. Stunning. And such sensitive and delicately written about some really quite tough subjects.
Adoption, OCD,truama all feature. But in a really really professional way.
I feel honoured to have been able to get one of Debbie's books so soon for release.

I truly found myself absolutely eating this book up. Gemma was so quirky and fun, and I just adored her and the realness in which she faces her past. I loved the overall themes of womanhood - women helping women, motherhood, facing our fears together. It was beautifully written and it just felt real and heartfelt. Cannot wait to read Debbie Johnson's other book now!

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Follow Gemma as she navigates the year her baby turns 18. Only she doesn’t know who her baby is at 18, and what they’re doing, who they are, what they look like. Following giving her baby up for adoption, Gemma learns to grow into who she is as a woman, mother, teacher, friend and neighbor, meeting new people on her journey and expanding what it means to have a community.

I enjoyed Gemma’s journey, the fun characters on the edges of her story, and the romance built into the book. The characters felt a little cliche for me, even as a traditional romance person, but I’m still thinking about some passages in this book 2 weeks after reading it. Dive into this story if you’re looking for some wholesome storytelling this winter.

Gemma is successful high school teacher who enjoys her job helping students and enjoys what she does everyday. The hot PE teacher Karim catches her eye one day but she can't get her past out of her mind as it haunts her every day.