Gemma had a tumultuous childhood with a mom who struggled with mental illness, sporadic and then a ping term stay in foster care, and having her own daughter at 16, whom she chose to place in an adoptive home.

Despite this beginning Gemma is more or less successful now in her 30s. She’s a teacher and is mostly stable, although she has some questionable coping skills. But she struggles with relationships and is afraid to depend on anyone or put down roots.

These days she’s terrifyingly close to doing just that when she believes she’s met her daughter when a new student arrives at her school.

Throughout her story Gemma learns to be vulnerable, give and take, and the importance of chosen family beyond that just of birth.

A sweet, heartwarming story that is mostly hopeful.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Thank you so much NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for allowing me access to this ALC in exchange of my honest opinion.
This audiobook is going to be released on Dec 3rd!
Gemma Jones, a high school history teacher struggling with anxiety, is haunted by the memory of the baby she gave up for adoption at sixteen. As her daughter’s eighteenth birthday approaches, Gemma suspects Katie, a new student with uncanny similarities, might be her child. While searching for answers, Gemma discovers the importance of finding peace with her past and herself.
I love the narrator Louise Williams, she gave a powerful voice to this character!
It was my first dip into the women's fiction's pool and it won't be my last, I enjoyed this story, very touching!

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!

The story starts with a 16 year old giving birth and then placing that baby for adoption. Despite the character’s significant childhood trauma, she is a successful adult. She’s a likable character. Unfortunately the plot fell flat for me.

3/5
The opening really set up for a great book. Loved the flash back to laboring. The middle felt laggy and heavily worded. The ending fell flat as well.
Well narrated