The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Hadley Sullivan is about to find out that sometimes, the smallest things can make the biggest difference. Well, particularly the four small minutes that cause her to miss her flight to London. So instead of flying over the Atlantic on her way to her father’s second wedding to a woman Hadley has never net, she is forced to wait an additional few hours for the next available flight, stuck in a crowded airport by herself. But then Hadley meets Oliver. He’s beautiful and British and also on his way to London. He’s also two assigned seats away from Hadley on the plane. Because of Oliver, what could have been a miserable flight and an even more miserable wedding become something else, something bearable and even enjoyable, and that’s enough to make Hadley believe in something greater—in first love and in second chances.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is an utterly charming story that’s a little bit about fate and a lot about forgiveness. I think what originally made me like this book so much is because I’m a person who thinks a lot about chance and what ifs, and I fully believe that the smallest things can have enormous rippling effects. But that’s really only half of this story; the other half is a little more serious but nevertheless, still completely heartwarming. Smith sorts through all the complex and competing emotions that Hadley associates with her father’s wedding and new start and, though Hadley’s interactions with Oliver, gives Hadley the strength and hope to find acceptance. My only problem with this book is that it went by way too fast! The twenty four hour time period of this novel flew by in only a couple hours for me, though I wished the story would go on. Despite this small disappointment, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is a completely sweet story of grand gestures, near misses, and serendipity that is sure to warm every reader’s heart.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is sure to be enjoyed by fans of Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, The Miles Between by Mary E. Pearson, and Wish by Alexandra Bullen.

Rating: 4.5

Review copy from BEA