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

The other day I talked about authors of whom I’ve read all they write. And, seriously, they are few and far between. Why, because they become predictable in a negative way.

Well, Jennifer E. Smith is a Young Adult author who is predictable in a positive way. I think I came across her from a VOYA review and gave her first book, The Comeback Season, five stars. All I’ll tell you about that is that Ryan and Nick meet behind Wrigley Field and become friends. They both lead complicated lives.

Her second book was You Are Here, which is about a self-discovery road trip. I gave that four stars. In my Librarything comments, I said “OK, I do have one criticism though.  The road trip takes place in two Mustangs and the cover photo is a Cadillac.  Hey, what’s with that, Jennifer???”

Now comes her new book, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. I’ll split the difference and give this one 4 and a half stars.  I couldn’t wait for it to be issued and ordered it without reading reviews. Hadley is flying to London for her father’s second marriage, having not really forgiven him for breaking up her family. Oliver, a Brit, is flying home for some unknown reason. They meet at the airport, and as fate would have it, they are seated together on the 8 hour flight. They talk for most of the flight and use the remainder of it alternately sleeping with their heads on each other’s shoulders. When they must split up at Customs, Hadley looks for him but doesn’t see him again. She’s thought she’s seen the last of him until a wedding guest makes an offhand comment, which sets her on a short trip of London.

Readers will love both Hadley and Oliver immediately. Ms. Smith has the uncanny ability to create wonderful characters. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight takes place within 24 hours, and while not unique, fits the story perfectly well. While this book, too, is a book of self-discovery, the story, the setting, the characters all make it flow smoothly, enjoyably. I love books that put a smile on my face as I turn the last page and this book fits into that category. The cover might make you fall in love at first sight, but if not, start reading the first page and you’ll be hooked.