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In this story, three couples, each with lives tied to the process of varying scientifically advanced forms of birth, are all dealing with the complications of such procedures that are typically not discussed by the average person. Mirabelle and Bud are using a surrogate to bring their baby to term, despite Mirabelle's mother's distaste.
When the surrogate's ex-boyfriend reappears, it creates a whirlwind of headaches for the otherwise joyful occasion. Jerome, said ex-boyfriend, is suddenly taking a keen interest in the surrogate pregnancy and manipulating the situation to his advantage. Nancy and Frank are busy entrepreneurs (ironically in the baby stroller industry) who have been unable to conceive because of Frank's low sperm count, placing a great strain on their marriage. Nancy begins to consider sperm donors behind Frank's back, who already feels inadequate because his sperm are not up to the task of fertilization. Frank would prefer they go the route of adoption, but Nancy is more insistent on either raising Frank's sperm count or finding a donor. Susan and Michael have a two-year-old daughter Abby who is naturally theirs, but the in vitro fertilization that led to Susan's birth becomes an issue when Abby requires a bone marrow donation and has no compatible relatives. Now Susan is desperate to either hunt down her donor parents or go through a second pregnancy in the hopes of saving her first daughter's life. Their stories intertwine as they navigate the complex side of modern methods of conception, faced with awkward conversations and hurt feelings as they each try to solve their own, individual problems.
The author frames this story as a docu-novel: while all of the momentum and development of the book lies in the hands of its six main characters, it also serves as a vessel to share information on in vitro fertilization, sperm/egg donors, surrogacy, and similar methods of fertility alternatives that is not often considered by people considering these avenues. The data shared is backed up by a list of related articles at the end of the story, as well as a list of references cited throughout the book when characters are talking about their concerns and woes.
From a fictional standpoint, the story feels relatable. Marriages and family bonds are tested by differing viewpoints and necessities, and that interpersonal tension hangs in the air as situations become complicated. The most palpable element of this story is the tension that each couple is dealing with. Though their circumstances are rather different, particularly Susan's and Michael's, the same kind of bristling conflict that married couples have to deal with leaps right off the page. In scenes where characters are interacting with other couples' stories over coffee or dinner, the slightest careless word can create an immediate rift that the audience can feel as much as the characters. These interactions go a long way to not only humanize the characters but relate the tension that decisions regarding fertility can bring with them.
The blend of scientific data and emotional storytelling create an experience that grips the reader and educates them while having them care about the situations unfolding on the page. That emotional investment inspires a desire to do more research on the matter or retain the information more fully. Readers with an interest in these procedures, a cross of fiction and nonfiction, or strong characters will be pulled into these three entangled stories.