To say Gemma Jones has Abandonment issues would be an understatement. Gemma’s mother gave her away at a young age and growing up in foster care is all she’s known. Also following in her mother’s footsteps and getting pregnant at a young age, Gemma had a baby, but unlike her mother decided to give her up for adoption. Counting down the years, Gemma predicts this would be the year of her baby daughters 18th birthday. When a new student arrives in her classroom, something eerily seems familiar to her. Will she finally meet her daughter?

I loved this book!!! I fell in love with the characters from the beginning, and it was just so cleverly written. Such a sweet story.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in written and audiobook format

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.

Statistically Speaking is a heartfelt and deeply moving story that slowly crept into my heart. At its core, it’s about Gemma, a woman who has spent years alone, navigating life without the support she needed. As the story unfolds, we watch her grow—emotionally and mentally—learning that true strength lies in accepting the love and community around her, something she never had as a young girl. Gemma is at a crossroads, torn between the ambitions she’s always pursued and the possibility of embracing a new kind of life, one where she’s supported and cared for. This internal battle is the heart of her journey, and I was captivated by her evolution throughout the book.

The book struck a nice balance, offering just enough romantic tension to keep me invested. The small, sweet moments between Gemma and Kareem added a lovely layer to the story. Kareem, with his patience and kindness, was the ideal counterpart to Gemma’s emotional walls, and I loved seeing how their connection grew. What really stood out, though, was Gemma’s development—her internal monologues provided such a rich window into her growth, especially as she comes to terms with her past and her coping mechanisms. The book also explores important themes like mental health representation and found family, which I appreciated.

The narrator was a great fit for the story, voicing the characters with warmth and depth that enhanced the experience.

Gemma loves to control things - and she is such a sweet, beloved teacher. She was a well-developed FMC who was beautiful and quirky - it was great getting into her head. When Gemma was 16, she gave a baby up for adoption - and Baby will turn 18 this year.

There was a lovely romance, but it wasn't the focal point - I loved the women supporting women theme. I cried A LOT reading this book, but it was worth it and the ending left my heart so full.

Louise Williams did an excellent job with narration, she really brought the characters to life.

Statistically Speaking by Debbie Johnson was equal parts "UK-based beach read throwing Notting Hill vibes" and "Oh wow this is a bit heavy and suspenseful and I'm hanging on the edge of my seat." I didn't expect the second part of that so much. The thing is, I do like to guess what the ending will be when it comes to suspenseful reads and I'm often close-to-correct. I wasn't on this and I was surprisingly upset about it! I won't say more because it would truly give it away but the twists and turns didn't lead where I thought they would. Overall it was an enjoyable read though! :)

at first glance i wasn't sure what to expect, maybe a lil rom com or something but it ended up being this really emotional journey about life and the choices we make. i don't want to give too much away but it truly pulled on my heartstrings and kept making me either tear up or just opening weep, especially towards the end.

this was such a heartwarming book. you immediately fall for a girl in the toughest of situations. at the young age of 16, she was making the most mature decisions even though they were hard.

even though this book covered difficult topics, it was done in a way that you understood where the character was coming from and could put yourself in her shoes.

i feel in love with each character as they were introduced. i continuously thought to myself, i wish i had someone like this in my life. in other reviews i’ve seen people thinking the mc was repetitive/annoying; i couldn’t disagree more. yes, her actions were repetitive, but this is how people react to stressful situations. we rerun things in our mind over and over to protect our heart. i really connected with her on that, maybe not with the same habits.

finally, the narrator was EVERYTHING. she really made the perfect voices for each character. normally I get the ick when narrators do this, but i honestly forgot it was even the same person.

i would highly recommend this to those who love found family and a fmc who overcomes a dark past.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC. another 5/5 added to my list🩷

An engaging read, I enjoyed hearing the search for the daughter as well as how the MC moved on from such a traumatic childhood.

I really loved this. As an adoptive parent, I am often apprehensive about books dealing with adoption, foster care, birth parents, and the like because it is so complex. But this book was sweet and hopeful, without being trite. It approached everything with both gentleness and authenticity. I really loved the concept of found family and I absolutely adored the romance subplot. I would definitely recommend this book!
The audiobook was very well-done.

Gemma’s life, by all accounts, is a statistical anomaly. She grew up in and out of the foster care system and got pregnant at sixteen. Knowing the likelihood that teenage mothers fall into a cycle of poverty and hardship without a strong support system behind them, Gemma made the impossible decision to surrender her daughter for adoption, to give them both a fighting chance at a normal life. Gemma went on to graduate from university, and later, to teach all over the UK. Now, eighteen years after giving up her baby, Gemma teaches A-Level History at a secondary school in Liverpool. She has a flat to call home, a friendly (if inquisitive) neighbor with an even friendlier dog, and a cohort of bright, engaged students. When she learns that her new student is adopted, and that she was born on the same day as Gemma’s baby… Well, what are the odds?

This story hooked me from the beginning. The first two chapters open with Gemma at sixteen, meeting and subsequently saying goodbye to her daughter. It grounds Gemma as a character, giving the reader insight into her guilt over her decisions, and her hesitance to make herself vulnerable - emotionally, financially, or physically. But then, little interactions help her to come out of her shell. She offers to walk her neighbor’s dog. She meets a coworker for a trivia night. She grabs a coffee with a lady from her yoga class. On the surface, these are small moments, but they combine to give Gemma a sense of community, a group of people she can lean on. This book reminded me to reach out to my loved ones in times of stress.

I received the audiobook e-ARC for Statistically Speaking. The narrator, Louise Williams, skillfully navigates the accents across Great Britain. Her voices across different characters were distinct, easy to tell apart, and she delivered the humorous and serious scenes with equal skill. I really enjoyed experiencing the book in this format.

The themes of the story - making connections with others and supporting them with little acts of kindness, giving yourself grace for mistakes you’ve made, and that happiness involves taking a risk that you’ll be hurt - will ring true for most readers. If you’re looking for a cozy, wholehearted story about a woman healing from childhood trauma and finding family in a city by the sea, Statistically Speaking is a great novel to pick up.

**Thank you to Harpercollins Focus (Harper Muse Imprint) and Debbie Johnson for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.**

A wonderful story about Gemma. Her life is stacked against her. Her mom is a drug addict, she finds herself pregnant at 16 and trust no one. She is doing life on her own, inviting no one into her life until she ends up in on the coast of Wales, and suddenly she has people in her life that start to matter to her.
It is a kind of coming of age book, but for someone who is 30 years old. It is also a very interesting look at adoption, not only from the child's perspective, but also from a mother who did the right thing, knows she did the right thing, but still wonders what happened to Baby.
Debbie Johnson, through her writing, made me spend some time in the shoes of a birth mother who just wanted to know that her child was okay. She loved her from the moment she saw her, but knew she still could not offer a life that would be great. Mostly because she herself was living that life and knew what a struggle it is.
This is the second book that I have read written by Johnson, I recommend them not only because they are well written, but because they are real life. Maybe not your own, but maybe someone you need to understand a bit better.

✨ Statistically Speaking by Debbie Johnson ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book took me on such an emotional rollercoaster! 🎢 Statistically Speaking is a heartwarming, feel-good story that blends humor, family drama, and self-discovery. It follows Gemma Jones, a high school teacher who’s built a life around her love for history and order—until the chance to reconnect with her long-lost daughter shakes everything up. A journey of second chances, redemption, and realizing that sometimes the numbers don’t add up the way we expect!
The characters are lovable, especially Gemma and her adorable neighbor Margie, and the writing is filled with both heartfelt moments and laughs. The connection between Gemma and the people around her made this a truly heartwarming read.

📝 What you’ll find:
Second-chance family
Hidden identity
Slow-burn romance
Adoption
Self-discovery
Unlikely friendships
Quirky small-town vibes

What I loved most was the emotional depth of Gemma’s journey, especially her reconciling with the past while building new relationships. It was the perfect balance of romance, laughter, and touching moments.

If you're a fan of character-driven stories with a lot of heart, this one's definitely for you!

I really enjoyed this audiobook. The narrator was fantastic. It was quick paced and kept me listening!

**3 stars**
"Statistically Speaking" offers an emotionally rich exploration of identity and the unresolved complexities of the past. Gemma's journey as a teacher with a deep love for history contrasts poignantly with the uncertainty surrounding her own life story. While the premise of potentially reconnecting with her birth daughter adds an intriguing layer, the pacing felt uneven, and some of the connections between characters leaned on predictable tropes.

The novel shines in its depiction of Gemma's struggles with anxiety, her endearing relationship with her neighbor Margie, and her charming yet hesitant romance with Karim. However, the resolution felt rushed, leaving some emotional threads underexplored. A solid read for fans of heartfelt contemporary fiction, but it didn’t quite reach its full potential.

Oh, Gemma. This main character is one not to be missed. The audio version narrated by Louise Williams will have you immersed in Gemma’s life of order that behind the scenes is not so orderly. Early on in her life, she has learned that life can be a bit messy. In her youth, her mother was unpredictable, and she experienced life in foster homes. As a teen, Gemma gave up her infant daughter who she has never forgotten. Through the support of a heartwarming cast, she navigates the eighteen year anniversary of the birth of her daughter and the uncertainty it brings. This found family with a small dash of romance was an enjoyable read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

What a beautiful story! Gemma is the heroine you really want to root for, and it was just such a wonderfully told tale, the narration was perfect!

This book had me on the edge of my proverbial seat in so many different ways. Just when you think you know the twist and you're mentally going through the same process as the MC, there's a slightly different twist and the way all the different things are handled and all the different friendships, the relationships, the past and present dynamics are all beautifully explored and wonderfully written in human ways, not just the magic of the story. I loved it and have recommended it already several times.

#arc
#netgalley
#statisticallyspeaking

This book (and audiobook) has so much to love. Debbie Johnson is one heck of a writer! Sometimes, I wish I was one of those reviewers that comes up with all the big fancy words to describe books…but then I remember that I set out to NOT do that. So, I’ll try to explain what I love about Johnson’s writing in plain, uncomplicated English.

Here goes.

Johnson’s writing is just so…smooth. Her descriptions are detailed but not overdone, everything has a flow to it that made sense to me, and the characters are believable. There’s also a lot of wit, which I really appreciate.

Let’s take a peek at an excerpt. Here’s the opening paragraphs of chapter 11:

The Royal Albert dock is glittering in the early evening dusk. Lights from the busy bars and restaurants are dancing shadows across the grand colonnades and the covered walkways. And the wind is whipping up the dark water–eddies bumping the moored boats up against the dark walls, flags snapping, bells tinkling. It’s been a moody day with dark gray skies and wind that made the sand howl along the beach this morning. It is almost October, and it is showing.

We are a small and battered group, fighting the breeze as we walk. The students are chattering and excited, still on a high from our tour of the old dock. Discovered and excavated during the construction of the new shopping center, it was built in 1715, a precursor to the grand venue we are now exploring.

The docks have always been a favorite place of mine, the sense of immense history, of the coming and going of humanity over hundreds of years. Of the trade, the hope, the dreams. The sometimes dark past, the constant change and evolution. Of course, I also enjoy the numbers: the statistics of space and time. 23 million bricks, 3 football pitches, cast iron columns that are 25 feet high.

These passages, when read aloud by narrator Louise Williams, were just plain captivating. I loved them.

Now, our main character, Gemma, is also an object of my affection. Having gone through a pretty traumatic childhood, she allows one night of poor decision making and ends up pregnant. We meet her about 18 years after giving birth to the child and promptly giving her up for adoption. Although broken in some ways, she still manages to have a decent (although quite sequestered) life as a school teacher.

Gemma has the same problem as a lot of women protagonists seem to have in not being able to properly let anyone into her life. However, she’s unique enough to make that totally okay in my book. She clearly has some neurodivergence in her love of statistics and counting things, and can remember numbers and dates easily, making her an awesome team member for trivia night. At any rate, she was super likable and I was very much in her corner.

After finishing the book, I read a few reviews written by others, and they mention a bit of a slowness in the middle of the book. I didn’t notice anything like that–probably because I was so wrapped up in the beautiful writing and just swept up in the whole experience of the audiobook.

Overall, I highly recommend this audiobook! The story itself is heartwarming without being cheesy, there’s a lovely friendship with the older lady next door (and did I mention she has a cute dog?), a love interest, a very loud yoga fart, a very charming student, and more. I fully enjoyed the whole thing and recommend it to anyone who likes heartwarming and slightly quirky fiction like Remarkably Bright Creatures.

A full 5 stars from me!

This story was a cute finding family story- biological and who she surrounds herself with. I liked seeing a character that has OCD with her anxiety but still loves her life. I also enjoy that she finds herself in more ways than one!