Book Review and Giveaway - The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

by Jennifer E. Smith

Hardcover, 236 pages

Published January 2nd 2012 by Poppy

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?
Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A. 
Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it. (Goodreads Summary)

I thoroughly enjoy a good love story. So, the statistical probability that I would like this book was 99.9%. And oh dear did I love it. This book is so many shades of good. I think it can best be described in the tears that were my constant reading companion. This book (the story and the characters) took root in my heart and forced the tears to help it grow. So not fair. After I finished the last page, Baby Bear (the little girl I nanny), looked at me and asked "Are you happy or sad?" To which I said as I clung to her, "Oh Baby Bear, I am so beautifully and painfully both." 

For all of us romantics out there, this book knows just where to hit us. On an airplane, flying to England, with an adorable Brit -- named Oliver nonetheless. Who doesn't dream of this scenario? He is cute. He is funny. He is chivalrous. He has powder from a donut on his shirt and mustard on his chin. In one word--endearing. I nearly booked a flight to London and planned to miss it by four minutes just to see how good the statistical probability of me recreating this scenario might be.

The romance that blooms between Hadley and Oliver is what the title tells us to expect. What we don't come prepared for are all of the emotions of loss and betrayal that center around Hadley's reservations and embitterment about her father's new marriage. The father/daughter relationship in this book was almost too much to bear. As a reader, we empathize with Hadley. We are right there with her through every hard and worthwhile moment. It was these moments that had my heart aching and my eyes brimming with tears.

No matter what note you relate to Hadley on, the element of moving on and a new stage in life can resonate with all of us. Nostalgia--such a beautiful ache. 

I loved every minute of this heartfelt novel. (Rating 5/5)

Since I love, love, love this book so much, I have decided to share that love with a giveaway. 

The Statistical Probability of Winning a Book Giveaway:

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Giveaway policy:

U.S. entries only, please.

Winner will be chosen at random. 

Winner will be notified by email.

Thanks for participating! May the statistical probability be in your favor!