Two things really interested me about reading this book. First, I teach statistics so a tie in from a novel is always interesting to me. Second, I am an adoptive mother so I definitely relate to that plot line. Gemma is a teacher. On the surface, she has an ideal life with a cottage on the sea. But she continually confronts the reality of her upbringing and the baby she gave up for adoption. Ms. Johnson masterfully interweaves these two plot lines, the picture perfect life with the trauma of adoption. What I truly treasure is that Ms. Johnson's words are realistic. Adoption does involve the trauma of giving up a precious life, but the beauty of following the trail where it leads.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

📚 #BOOKREVIEW 📚
Statistically Speaking by Debbie Johnson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Pages: 384 / Genre: Fiction
Release Date: December 3, 2024
🥳#HappyPubDay!🎉

Gemma Jones grew up with a mother on drugs until she was put into the foster care system. When she wound up pregnant at 16, she knew she couldn’t be the mother she needed to be to her baby girl, so she gave her up for adoption. Eighteen years later, Gemma is a successful, but lonely school teacher. And when a tall, red-headed new student, who looks remarkably like Gemma, walks into her classroom, she’s almost positive she’s her baby girl. What follows is a search for self, the acceptance of help from others, and the joy and forgiveness that can be received from family regardless of where they came from.

Although I tend to read a lot of murder mysteries, this subtle mystery of who Gemma’s daughter is plus the search for her mother, not only had me riveted but gave me all the feels as well.

Thank you @HarperMuseBooks and @NetGalley for my gifted copy.

BOOK: STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
AUTHOR: DEBBIE JOHNSON
PUB DATE: 03 DECEMBER 2024
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REVIEW- 4.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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This book was amazing, and it put me on an emotional rollercoaster, especially the first chapter. I almost cried reading it. My heart broke for poor Gemma, giving birth alone at 16 without any family or friends beside her. It was heartbreaking because she loved her baby but would have to give her up for adoption. It was sad but necessary.
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My favorite thing about this book was Gemma re discovering herself. She held herself off from others, and it was really nice to see her with friends who would later turn family. And Karim, he was the perfect guy for Gemma, he was exactly what she needed, and he was definitely my favorite character.
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The main theme of this book was Adoption and Gemma's heartbreak over what she had to do. Gemma's decision was the best for her. She lived as a foster child, and there was no way she could have managed a newborn at 16. But, I liked that Gemma was anle to forgive herself and move on. I also liked that she was able to meet her mom again on neutral grounds.
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I liked the found family Gemma found for herself, including Margie, her landlord, Erin, and Katie. Katie is Erin's daughter, and Gemma thought she was her 'Baby' because of her red head and birthday. The one thing I didn't like was how Gemma easily told her new friends her story, but I figured she had kept it bottled up inside for too long.
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I really liked this book and I would definitely recommend it! Plus, have you seen the beautiful cover?

Absolutely stunning. Tore through the pages. I want to be best friends with Gemma Jones. I want to be part of her inner circle of friends who love and support her exactly as she is - nervous counting and soothing facts and all.

You meet Gemma when she is the most closed off emotionally. She has survived an unstable childhood, the guilt of giving up a child for adoption when she was only a teenager, and making a life for herself with no family support of her own. Surviving has taken its toll though and Gemma is wracked with guilt and sadness with no outlet for them other than her logic based coping mechanisms.

Luckily, we drop into Gemma's life just as she's become a bit complacent. She's been in a stable job in a single place long enough shes developed a bit of a friendly routine with her neighbor and a flirty routine with her fit coworker. These cracks in her armor, shrinking the distance she holds people away for fear of being hurt, is not the weakness she fears. It's what saves her from having to face all her trauma alone.

The writing of Gemma's trauma is handled with such care. There is a natural good-natured humor surrounding Gemma's more outlandish coping mechanisms (counting socks and ordering pens on a desk) but there is never judgment or derision. We're following along not to see her "fixed" but to introduce healing, acceptance, forgiveness to her world and breakup the anxiety spiral. She is worthy of all that and love just as she is.

Gemma's growing support system is so beloved. A neighbor that allows joint custody of her dog. A student and her mom that can offer more than platitudes of support because they share lived experiences. And a dishy flirty cheeky coworker that enjoys a challenge. These very real relationships help Gemma sort out the perceived rejections that fuel her anxieties and ground her in present loving reality. Oh they are all a joy to read.

And the romance! Yes, I'll shout his name now - Karim! This man had rights! He is more than a few well placed chat lines. He's patient and kind and hilarious and life-seeking. I cheered for every emotional and relationship milestone they cross with each other.

I fight my own anxiety daily. I share many of the same coping mechanisms as Gemma. And I similarly worry if I'm "too much". STATISTICALLY SPEAKING offers validation that the mental health struggles are real while offering the encouragement to be brave. I appreciate this book so much and will hold Gemma's story dear in my heart.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins | Harper Muse for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Muse for the advanced readers copy of this novel.

This novel pulls at one's heartstrings from the very first chapter! Prepare yourself with tissues. Though this is probably considered a rom com book, it tackles some serious issues like mental health, addiction, teen pregnancy, and the foster care system. The novel is described as a quirky british book and it definitely is. I found our main character rather relatable despite not having been through all the trauma she had throughout her life. She's definitely quirky. The supporting characters were just as lovely.

I would definitely recommend this to others to read.

This was a decent read! The story starts off strong but I found it kind of meandered in the middle and was a bit repetitive overall. Good mental health representation and themes of found family. It's not your typical romance read!

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.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

Debbie Johnson has done it again! I am definitely a fan...

We start off immediately with sixteen-year-old, Gemma, giving birth. Not only is she young, but she is living in "the system" due to her mother's inability to parent her. She makes the selfless, and heartbreaking choice to give her daughter a chance at living a full, happy life. Fast forward to the current timeline, almost eighteen years later.

This was such an emotional story! There are sub-stories besides the main plot of Gemma's baby turning 18. I adored all the side characters and our romantic lead, Karim. Book boyfriend alert! What a kind, and patient man. The friendships established and the "found family" was just so lovely to see. Gemma finally had a strong support system. Her character growth was a joy to watch as she finally let herself be brave and happy.

I wish we had an epilogue! I would love to see years down the road...

4.5 stars

ARC Review: Statistically Speaking by Debbie Johnson ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Publishing for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Statistically Speaking opens with sixteen year old Gemma Jones giving birth to a healthy baby girl. As a child of the foster care system with a single mom who struggles with substance use, Gemma decides that the best decision she can make for is to give her child up for adoption. Then the story shifts forward to almost eighteen years later. Gemma is now a dedicated history teacher and is filled with an odd sense of unease, because this is the year her baby would be old enough to be one of her students. Gemma struggles to navigate her commitment issues and feelings of displacement her with her desires for a fulfilling life. These feelings are further complicated by the arrival of a new star student, who shares Gemma’s hair color, enthusiasm for history, and the birthdate of Gemma’s baby.

This wasn’t a book I typically would’ve chosen for myself but I am very glad I had the opportunity to read it! I felt affected by the characters emotionally and thought Johnson did an excellent job of providing empathy and understanding for all the complexities around adoption. I found it to be a little lengthy, and felt that the romantic subplot felt like a distraction created to add unnecessary drama.

Statistically Speaking will release December 3rd 2024!

This is a beautifully crafted, heartwarming story that effortlessly blends humor, emotional depth, and self-discovery.

The protagonist, Gemma Jones, is relatable in her quirks and vulnerabilities. Her compulsion to count socks--a coping mechanism for her anxiety--acts as both a charming metaphor and a poignant reminder of the ways we all try to find order amidst chaos. This was especially relatable to me as someone who struggles with OCD. As a history teacher who thrives on the certainty of the past, Gemma’s struggle with the unresolved chapter of her life--the baby she gave up for adoption at sixteen--adds a layer of raw, emotional complexity to the story.

Debbie Johnson does a masterful job of weaving Gemma’s journey with themes of motherhood, identity, and reconciliation. The supporting cast, including the sweet and supportive neighbor Margie, the swoon-worthy Karim, and the enigmatic Katie, enriches the narrative with warmth and humor. The tension surrounding Katie’s potential connection to Gemma’s past is handled with sensitivity, keeping readers guessing while rooting for Gemma to find closure.

The novel’s tone strikes a perfect balance between lighthearted humor and heartfelt moments. Gemma’s inner monologue is witty and relatable, reminiscent of characters like Bridget Jones, yet the emotional stakes keep the story grounded and deeply moving.

For fans of character-driven stories that explore life’s messiness with a mix of laughter and tears, *Statistically Speaking* is an absolute delight. It’s a story about finding peace with one’s past, embracing imperfection, and discovering that the most important numbers in life aren’t found in statistics--they’re the moments and people who truly count.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an advanced reader copy of this book!

Once I got into this book, I just couldn't stop reading. Gemma is a young woman who has had a tough life. She was in and out of foster care because her mother struggled with addiction and mental illness. Then, at 16, she found herself in a difficult situation, pregant while still infoster care.

She decided to do what she thought was best and give the baby up for adoption, even though she has thought about her daughter every day since.

Gemma does very well for herself but has a really hard time connecting with others. That is until she has some friends thrust upon her and she starts unintentionally putting roots down.

This book was so full of light, love and difficult situations. The connections and relationships were showing support and showing up for people you care about. I LOVED her relationship with Karim as it just showed emotional maturity versus lust you often see in many books.

I'm excited for Debbie on her release week!

4 out of 5 Stars!

Gemma Jones is a high school history teacher that has everything going for her. Her students adore her, she lives near the beach, and the PE teacher has eyes for her. But even with everything, she cannot stop thinking about the baby she gave up for adoption when she was 16. This year will be unlike the past. This year, her baby will turn eighteen and could be meeting Gemma. With a lot of uncertainties, Gemma is faced with hard decisions and questions. Will her daughter want to meet her? And, has she already met her?

“Statistically Speaking” by Debbie Johnson caught my attention with the cover, title, and synopsis! First, what a cute cover. The images really capture who Gemma is and make you question what these images have to do with the novel. The title is so clever and really hooks the reader. Lastly, the synopsis sounded so refreshing and new! And I can confirm, this book captivated me with refreshing themes and important messages throughout.

Gemma was an amazing character. She was strong, resourceful, relatable, and interesting. I was really interested in what she had to say and how she carried herself. She had such a gripping backstory that made the reader want to figure her out. Not only did I want to figure out the adoption story, but I wanted to figure out what Gemma went through to be where she was now.

I think the author did a perfect job intertwining important stories throughout this book while keeping the reader hooked. I felt like I knew where the story was going, but twists kept popping up in unexpected ways. I also really loved the ending of this story. Obviously, I don’t want to spoil it, but I think the author put a lot of thought into the ending.

Pick up “Statistically Speaking” by Debbie Johnson on December 3rd, 2024!

Thank you to Harper Muse, Debbie Johnson, and Netgalley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A moving women's fiction story about Gemma, a young teen mother struggling to survive growing up with a mentally ill and drug addicted mother and who chooses to give her baby daughter up for adoption. Then later when Gemma has her life more in order and is doing well as a high school math teacher she tries to connect with her daughter once she turns eighteen.

This was good on audio, and blended humor and heart seamlessly while tackling some tough topics. I thought the neurodivergent (OCD) rep was well written and overall really enjoyed this. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

I really fell in love with Gemma, she had so many relatable moments coupled with growth and development. Great read overall.

I really enjoyed this one!
The story of a former foster child, whose life was fraught with difficulties from a very young age. At 16, things took an unexpected turn with an unplanned pregnancy, after a night of “music and vodka”.The young mother decides that the best, most unselfish thing she can do for her Baby is give her up for adoption.
Flash forward almost 18 years:
That little red-haired girl is about to have her eighteenth birthday. And the mother that let go with her arms, but never her heart, is thinking that she could live the rest of her life less anxiously if she just knew for certain how “Baby” turned out…
I suggest not reading this before bed, because all the twists, turns, and surprises will keep one turning those pages!
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Debbie Johnson’s Statistically Speaking is a delightful and heartwarming novel that blends humor, self-discovery, and the complexities of family relationships. This quirky British tale is a testament to Johnson’s talent for creating relatable characters and engaging narratives.

This story follows Gemma Jones, a high school history teacher who finds solace in the certainty of the past—specific names, solid dates, and proven statistics. However, her own life is far from orderly. Gemma’s anxiety often leads her to count socks in her drawer, a coping mechanism that highlights her need for control.

Johnson excels in character development, particularly with Gemma. Her journey from a woman hiding behind routines to someone willing to confront her past is both touching and inspiring. The supporting cast, including the charming PE teacher Karim and the sweet neighbor Margie, add depth and warmth to the story. Katie’s presence brings a mix of tension and hope, driving the narrative forward.

Johnson’s writing is witty and engaging, capturing the essence of British humor while addressing serious themes. Her ability to balance light-hearted moments with emotional depth makes the novel a compelling read. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, reflecting the characters’ personalities and the dynamics of their relationships.

Statistically Speaking explores themes of identity, family, and the courage to face one’s past. It delves into the emotional complexities of adoption and the impact of unresolved issues on one’s mental health. The novel also highlights the importance of community and the unexpected ways in which people can come together to support each other.

Statistically Speaking is a charming and thought-provoking novel that offers both laughter and heartfelt moments. Debbie Johnson’s skillful storytelling and well-crafted characters make this book a standout in contemporary women’s fiction. It’s a story about finding peace with the past and embracing the uncertainties of the future.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a mix of humor and emotional depth. Fans of novels like Bridget Jones’s Diary and The Amazing Grace Adams will find much to love in Statistically Speaking.

I enjoyed this light read.

Gemma enjoys a quiet life as a single 30 something teacher. She grew up in chaos and was forced into foster care. She has trouble dating and connecting with others. She meets this incredibly likeable mom in yoga and they hit it off immediately. When she sees her new friend’s daughter she is suddenly thrust back into memories of giving up her child into adoption.

I enjoyed this book. It was very realistic and relatable for a rom com. I enjoyed watching Gemma grow as a person. Work on forgiving her mother and learning how to develop healthy relationships.

Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book and audiobook as well.

I love stories that are rooted in self-discovery. The ones that acknowledge that things aren't always easy - life is messy and we make mistakes. But there can also be opportunities to learn, to change and to grow. Statistically Speaking by Debbie Johnson does just that.

When we meet Gemma she is sixteen years old and giving birth to a baby girl. She can't totally wrap her head around how she got pregnant, but she knows that she is in no position to be a mother. She has grown up with a lot of instability - her own mother suffers from addiction and other rmental health issues and Gemma has been in and out of foster care her entire life. So when she holds Baby and gives her away, she is both heartbroken but confident in her decision.

Eighteen years later, Gemma is a teacher in Liverpool. She doesn't have a relationship with her mother and has moved around a lot. She has found ways to cope with her anxiety - most of which revolve around counting items. She has slowly formed a friendship with her downstairs neighbor and humors the flirting of her coworker. She has built a nice little life for herself - but as it approaches what would be her daughter's 18th birthday, she can't stop thinking about what her life is like.

This was quirky, sweet, heartbreaking, funny and uplifting. I got very invested in Gemma, her friends, and their journeys. I thought author Debbie Johnson handled sensitive topics well. A very enjoyable book that is out in the world on TUESDAY!! Big thanks to my friends at NetGalley and Harper Muse for the sneak peak!

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

Content warnings for STATISTICALLY SPEAKING: teenage pregnancy, adoption, drug abuse by parent, mental abuse, foster care, mental health struggles

At the young age of sixteen, Gemma made the heartbreaking decision to give her baby (and herself) a chance to break the poverty/abuse cycle by placing her newborn daughter up for adoption. And since that day, Gemma has been haunted by the what-ifs of her unknown daughter's life. After graduating from Uni, Gemma has rarely spent more than two years in a single place, traveling and working all over the United Kingdom as a history teacher; running from settling down and running from her own heartbreak.

However, after eighteen years of wondering, Gemma suddenly finds herself face-t0-face with a young woman who could be her daughter; while every instinct tells her to run, Gemma decides to stay. Stay and see if this student is her child, stay and continue her friendship with her unconventional downstairs neighbor, stay and find what happens with the P.E. teacher, stay and watch what happens when she starts to place roots in a community.

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING is the tender tale of Gemma Jones' life and her struggle to love. Johnson tackles the importance of found family and what it means to 'grow up' when struggling with childhood trauma. The cast of characters is delightful and funny, and the ending was everything I could have hoped for.

Some readers may find the story slow, and Gemma's back and forth attitude frustrating, but it felt realistic to a person's growth journey. Healing is not a straight line, it takes time and work and there are often set backs, but I thought Gemma (and her found family) were great examples of being patient with yourself and others while healing and changing for the better.

This is on my top 3 favorite books list this year! Just a really sweet story with lovely characters. Explores the mistakes we make while young and how doing the right thing can be the hardest decision. This has all the feels. Love it!