This is the second book today that I have finished that I am glad I read but I couldn’t connect with so, therefore, did not love it, I think as much as I want to give high marks for the books that I receive from NetGalley this might be my first two-star reads. I’m sorry. The tale is spun around Girl One who was born in 1971 without any kind of male DNA. She would be the first of nine daughters. She was being raised in an experimental commune called “The Homestead” with her creator, Dr. Joseph Bellanger, and the other mothers and daughters until a suspicious fire takes two lives, and those remaining scattered across the USA, choosing to distance themselves from the experiment and each other. Then we fast-forward to 1994 where Jose 1994, Josephine is studying in Chicago with the hope of following in her “father’s” footsteps until she learns of her mother Margaret’s disappearance on the news. She returns to her mother’s home and finds that again there has been a fire, and her mother’s car and purse are there even though she is not.
An interesting concept so far, right? Girl One returns to find her mother with not much to go on. The only clue to her whereabouts-a phone # for a reporter from the Kansas City Telegraph-named Thomas Abbott. This sparks a road trip where more mother-daughter pairs are discovered that rather stay hidden. At this point, you might be thinking why did I request this book if I am being so harsh? Every so often I am intrigued by a plot that changes or challenges the status quo of society so this caught my attention. But despite my interest, I found the pace slow and the chapters very long! That being said it does pick up in the second half and you do get a sense of resolution at the end. If this is your genre of choice then you will love it. For me personally, I was glad I stepped out of my comfort zone but I didn’t connect with it. I will be out on the lookout for more from this author just out of curiosity.
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Really great concept. This was an original idea telling the story of a scientist, the women he helped become mothers and the creation of their daughters. Great read for lovers of strong female characters. The character development had me gripped, and the end was satisfying. I'm excited to read this author's future novels ( )

Fans of the X-Men and The Umbrella Academy will love this tale of superwomen “conceived” on a rural Vermont commune and slowly realizing their full capabilities while trying to fully understand their origins. The ultimate story of girl power, finding inner strength, learning the truth and achieving full potential. With numerous twists and a delicious slow burn, this story will keep you riveted from beginning to end.

An advanced copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher. The opinions are my own. ( )

This was a great dystopian read. I really enjoyed so many things about it - the plot was intriguing, the pacing was good and the characters were likeable. The book was described as Orphan Black meets Margaret Atwood and I couldn't pass that up. Glad I didn't - it lived up to my expectations. ( )

Josie, Girl One, was the first of nine babies conceived through a virgin birth. When she was 6, the Homestead burned, the experiment ended, and the mothers and children scattered. As an adult, Josie is away at medical school when her mother disappears. Determined to find her, Josie begins tracking down the other babies and mothers.

This was a quick read that kept me turning pages long into the night. However, I wanted to know more about the homestead and the virgin birth process. I wish the girls had been pre-teens or teenagers when the fire happened and everyone scattered. Josie, and the other characters seemed a bit flat. They were not very dynamic or well developed. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars. ( )