Somebody Like You

by Beth K. Vogt

In this beautifully rendered, affecting novel, a young widow’s world is shattered when she meets her late husband’s identical twin—and finds herself caught between honoring her husband’s memory and falling in love with his reflection. Haley’s whirlwind romance and almost three-year marriage to Sam, an army medic, ends tragically when he is killed in Afghanistan. As she grapples with widowhood and the upcoming birth of her son, her attempts to create a new life for herself are ambushed when she arrives home one evening—and finds her husband waiting for her. Did the military make an unimaginable mistake when they told her that Sam had been killed?

After a twelve-year estrangement, Stephen hopes to make things right with his brother—only to discover Sam died without revealing Stephen’s existence to Haley. As Haley and Stephen struggle to navigate their fragile relationship, they are inexorably drawn to each other. Haley is unnerved by Stephen’s uncanny resemblance to Sam, and Stephen struggles with the issue of Haley loving him as Stephen—and not as some reflection of his twin. How can Haley and Stephen honor the memory of a man whose death brought them together—and whose ghost could drive them apart?

Somebody Like You reminds us that while we can’t change the past, we have the choice—and the power through God—to change the future and start anew.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Contemporary, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Christian Romance

368 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2014

About the author

Beth K. Vogt is a non-fiction author and editor who said she’d never write fiction. She’s the wife of an Air Force family physician (now in solo practice) who said she’d never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She’s a mom of four who said she’d never have kids. Now Beth believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” The Best We’ve Been, the final book in Beth’s Thatcher Sisters Series with Tyndale House Publishers, releases May 2020. Other books in the series include Things I Never Told You, which one the 2019 AWSA Award for Contemporary Novel of the Year, and Moments We Forget.
Beth is a 2016 Christy Award winner, a 2016 ACFW Carol Award winner, and a 2015 RITA® finalist. Her 2014 novel, Somebody Like You, was one of Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2014. A November Bride was part of the Year of Wedding Series by Zondervan. Having authored nine contemporary romance novels or novellas, Beth believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us.
An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Learn How to Write a Novel and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people. Connect with Beth at bethvogt.com.

Reviews

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book – Somebody Like You
Author – Beth K. Vogt
Publication Date – May 13, 2014
Type – Stand Alone
Genre – Christian Romance
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review
When I first requested this book from Net Galley, I had no idea it was a Christian Romance until I started reading a few pages and realized that between “God and prayer” being mentioned…I was stuck reading this.  I didn’t give up though…I trudged on and how surprised I was when I got so engrossed in the book that I couldn’t put it down.



I wanted to know what was going to happen next but yes, I did some eye rolling with the mention of faith and religion.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m a believer but I don’t do the preaching and pushing faith in a person’s face.  This book wasn’t like that but maybe 2 instances where I didn’t feel a bit overwhelmed with the mentions of faith.  But as a wise woman once told me ‘Chew the meat and spit out the bone’, I followed her advice and read the story for what it was – a romance with a fantastic storyline.

My emotions were drug through the ringer with this little story between the heartbreak of Haley and losing Sam – then Stephen’s guilt and sadness over never making amends with his mirror twin.



I can’t give too much of the story away – just remember this is about a woman who loses her husband in Afghanistan – and never gets to tell him that she is pregnant with their child.  It’s also about a man who finds out his twin brother is dead but left behind a pregnant wife who knows nothing about him.

He just wants to learn about his brother and figure out why they couldn’t forgive each other after 12 years of separation – he wants answers that Haley can’t give him.

A bond starts to form and ice melts, smiles appear and hearts mend.

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[Emilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read! Compelling. Refreshing. Maybe even weird. All I know is I could not put it down. I wish I could better articulate my feelings on this book but this is the best I can do. I will be reading more by this author for sure.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know those books that just stick with you? The kind that is beautiful in its complexity and yet it’s simplicity. The kind that the characters reach through the pages and twine themselves around your heart. That book is “Somebody Like You”.

From the first page to the last, Halley and Steven wound their way around my heart with their emotions, their struggles and their heart. Steven is one of those heroes that every girl wants to sigh over and prays will walk into her life. My heart yearned to patch his in the rift that has ripped through his and his twin brother’s relationship.

And Haley. I don’t even know how to describe her. The book does such a
better job than my words ever will. There is a complex layer of emotions protecting her-but they are flimsy at best and a shallow shell that only leaves her feeling more lost. There is such a fine balance to walk in this book: can a widow fall in love with her husband’s mirror twin brother?

I have to be honest: I wasn’t sure it could be done. Without feeling rushed. Without feeling as though Haley was betraying her first husband, Sam. I think you can look at my star rating and see that I thought this novel is a success. Beyond a success. A beautiful mosaic of love, forgiveness and second chances and yet…so much more.

Highly recommended. Highly.

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publisher for my copy to influence.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4.5

In this poignant story, Haley is dealing with the grief of her husband's death in Afghanistan as well as being pregnant. She feels lost, alone, and disheartened. When a knock sounds at her door, she opens it to find a man who looks and sounds just like her husband and discovers Stephen her husband's identical "mirror" twin brother whom she knew nothing about. Stephen is dealing with the loss of his twin brother and the 12 year estrangement between them.

This is definitely a story that will bring out the kleenex a time or two. Following Stephen's journey as he finds out about his brother's missing years and comes to grips with his part in their estrangement was a tale of forgiveness and growth. Haley had to learn that she could keep a part of her heart for Sam and his memories, but it was okay to move on. They both had to realize that their only obligation was to live up to God's expectations and not the world's.

I have to admit that the 4.5 rating is due to Haley's character. She drove me crazy so many times. First, why would a pregnant woman who supposedly cares a great deal about her baby make such POOR food choices over and over. Second, why would a pregnant woman be working and practicing at a gun range when studies have shown that repeated loud noises can affect a baby's hearing. Finally, what right did she have to judge Stephen so harshly at times when she didn't know the background of the estrangement between he and his brother.

Overall, the book was a compelling read and I would recommend it for those who enjoy modern Christian romance.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is delightfully written...and you'll probably need a tissue at least once before the ending. It's unexpectedly deep in many ways, facing the definitions of family and what it really means to love someone. It feels like you're right there with Haley as she fights through the grief of losing her husband Sam, the emotions of becoming a mother, and the questions that remain after a mostly long-distance marriage.

Add to that Stephen, who is ready to reconnect with his lost brother just weeks too late, and who feels desperate to find out who his brother became before his death. Is there any hope for this splintered family to find peace and harmony?

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The theme of grief is the front and center theme of this novel. It's not depressing, though, I was touched more than anything. Even with the unique plot, the characters and their interactions with each other felt very realistic. Haley and Stephen both explore their regrets with their relationship with Sam and life up to the point they are at, since they are both at a crossroads. The writing is sweet and tender, raw and real. A perfect balance between hurt, healing, and hope. Highly recommend.

(Thank you to Howard Books for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

[Teresa Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - 4.5 stars. Great storyline, but have your Kleenex handy. The beginning is a little slow, but things pick up at the halfway point. I enjoyed Stephen, but had a hard time getting close to Haley. She was so determined to be one of the boys, that it was hard for me to relate to her; at least in the beginning. The storyline was fresh, not something that I've read in prior books. The ending was good - my required happily-ever-after - minus an epilogue.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beth K. Vogt has written another wonderful story! I found the plot fascinating - how the heroine never knew about her late husband's twin brother until he showed up. It was a crazy and yet so beautiful romance story.

I loved the characters and how the heroine's struggle regarding Stephen was exactly how you'd think someone in her shoes would feel.

All in all, I loved Somebody Like You. It was a moving contemporary read and I recommend it.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

[Rissi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories that take “normal” and cast it aside in their 300+ pages is a sure way to win my heart. In author Beth Vogt’s latest, that is exactly what Somebody Like You sets out to do, and accomplishes.

STORY: Haley Ames' three-year marriage to Sam is cut short by his dedication to the Army. Weighing on Haley's mind is his last decision to re-enlist that then drove a wedge between them just before his death. It was enough distance to hold Haley back from telling Sam that she suspected she was pregnant and now, she is alone, three months from a being a mother and trying to move on with life. This shatters when she sees Sam again on her front porch. Only it isn’t Sam, it’s his twin brother Stephen, a brother Haley never knew her husband had.

Now, a widow tries to prepare for single motherhood. An estranged brother desperately wants to discover who his best friend had become. Will their two shattered hearts be able to find common ground? 

Somebody Like You, by Beth K. Vogt | Book Review

Books like this cannot be a one word summary. The story is unique, poignant, heartbreaking, and in-between the tears these emotions will invoke, inspiring. For some readers I understand this is a story that may not work for them, and I get that. A brothers-falling-in-love-with-the-same-girl doesn’t always seem good yet under the skill of Vogt’s pen, it’s wonderful. It reminds me of another oldie favorite, Tender Vow only if possible, this story was written with more care – both for the characters and for us, the reader, who are give the chance to have this novel experience.

What Beth does in the story is marry two hearts who are hurt beyond just physical loss. The characters of this story are beautifully human. I love seeing Haley blossom into a new version of herself, and coming to realize that regardless of a whirlwind romance, she and Sam may not be good for each other. Then there's Stephen. I’m pretty sure that I had an image of him in mind more like Sam. Instead it's the twin left behind who tenderly cares, who wants to be a part of someone’s life fully; the good, bad and messy. He gives Haley space but doesn't let her brush him off.

Somebody Like You is more than a man who battles guilt for stepping into a protective role of many hats (brother-in-law, husband, father). Or a woman living in the shadow of her now-gone husband. It’s about the fragility of human nature and the means we can draw from to rise above worry. Or fears of being “not good enough.” Everything, from the small details to the beautiful rendering of God’s love has a gentle beauty. This is one of those works of fiction that meets and surpasses expectations. (Plus, I adore the meeting between Haley and Stephen. Go, Haley!) Oh, and Beth has some fun dialogue with Marvel references. All of this makes Somebody Like You one of the best reads.

Sincere thanks to the publisher (Chris) and Casey Herringshaw (thank you a bunch, Casey!) for providing a complimentary copy of this book for reviewing purposes.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Beth K.Vogt's books quite by accident and that is one discovery I am so glad I made. Her first two were wonderful and her novella, recently released, was as satisfying as a full novel.

Haley Ames is a recent widow, her military husband killed in Afghanistan. She is also pregnant and alone. Haley grew up with brothers, so she learned to be tough and take care of herself. But this pregnant widowhood is not for the faint of heart.

One day a man shows up on her porch and turns her world upside down. Is she dreaming? Has Sam returned from the dead? No, it's his twin brother, Stephen, whom Sam neglected to tell her about. She runs him off her property.

Sam and his brother Stephen were estranged for many years and Stephen just wants to know more about his brother, but Haley doesn't want to cooperate. Stephen continues to come around, saying it's to help Haley with needed house repairs, but he is beginning to fall for Haley. How can this be? Is it right to love his brother's widow?

Haley, too, is having issues. She has always been tough and strong and able to take care of herself, but she enjoys the way Stephen treats her. Like a lady who means something to him. But to Haley, this new world is way too weird.

Two people are drawn to each other, but there's someone in the middle that they don't know what to do with. Will they find their way out? Will they truly believe that God works even in the hard times, even when things seem like there will never be any good times?

Beth K. Vogt has written a precious story of two people who learn to let God have His way in their lives even when they don't understand what's happening around them. This one is for the keeper shelf.

I am already eagerly anticipating her next novel. This book was provided to me by the publisher, which in no way influenced my review.

[Pepper Basham · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do if your deceased husband’s twin (a twin you didn’t know existed) showed up on your doorstep? Well, if your Haley Ames you pull a gun and ask questions later.

In Beth K Vogt’s newest novel, Somebody Like You, Haley is faced with her deceased husband’s mirror-image who has come into Haley’s life to make amends for the way he and his brother parted ways. Add into the mix the fact that Stephen is her husband’s identical twin, a gentle, charming, and compassionate guy, plus Haley is about to give birth, and you have a story worth a double take.

Seriously, I think chapter 15 was one of my favorite chapters in the book. Send a poor man home to gather supplies for a woman in labor? Hilarious! Poor Stephen Ames. (And Beth, you couldn’t have picked a better model of super hero. BRING ON the Captain!!)

And chapter 16 was hilarious too. Oh my goodness. Again…poor, poor Stephen Ames.

I think this might be one of Beth’s best yet, partly because she includes some pretty amazing kisses and partly because of the healing process which leads to a much better second chance than the first ever was. The wounded-but-tough heroine, Haley, plays her part well, but Stephen steals the show. If you want to figure out if Haley finally ‘sees clearly’ or not, check out Beth’s beautiful new novel, Somebody Like You.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have probably gotten this book from the library about three times, and I have finally read it. I was not disappointed. The conflicts going on in both Haley and Stephen's heads was so interesting. It was also kind of annoying because you as the reader know what the other is thinking and yelling at the other "follow your heart! Don't be afraid just do it!" This book was the first I have read by this and I plan on reading another.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sometimes that’s all God is asking us to do: make the right choice—over and over again. And before you know it, you’ve walked into the future and hope He has waiting for you.” ~Beth Vogt, Somebody Like You~

A kind truth-teller shares these words with widow Haley Ames, the main character of Beth Vogt’s latest novel.

As the story begins, Haley’s army medic hubby Sam has been killed in Afghanistan, and Haley finds herself in survival mode—simply doing the next right thing to make it through each day. God seems far away, and Haley admits, “Praying feels like trickles of water coming out of a hose when somebody has tied a big knot in it somewhere.”

A childhood spent keeping up with her brothers has made Haley fiercely independent—no whining, no asking for help, and absolutely no crying. But soon Sam’s brother Stephen makes himself practically indispensable in Haley’s life. The man cooks, fixes fences, cleans garages, and somehow always shows up exactly when she needs him.

As Haley struggles to navigate this new chapter in her life, she discovers there is no shame in weakness and that sharing your life with others is a beautiful part of God’s plan.

What I especially loved about this story was how the simple testimonies of believers living their everyday lives—showing kindness, making tough emotional choices, and going out of their way to consider others better than themselves—makes such an impact on Haley’s life.

So at a time when she can barely form a prayer, she is still able to see and know that God is good.

To me, this story seemed very true-to-life in the best ways. Haley’s and Stephen’s struggles and emotions pulled me into the story. And watching how they lived out their subtle inner changes through some BIG events kept me turning pages.

Somebody Like You is a poignant story of life, loss, regret, reconciliation, and second chances. Don’t miss this one, friends!

What I liked best . . .

The scene when Haley first meets Stephen (both heartbreaking & humorous)
Stephen’s strong and tender heart
Haley’s penchants for junk food & John Wayne
Haley’s supportive, insightful, I’ll-rejoice-even-while-you-get-what-I-want best friend, Claire
The final confrontation with Mr. Shelton (Yeah! Take that!)
Stephen’s special spaghetti & meatball dinner (Read with tissues)
Big, beautiful tree house trees
The when-Stephen-and-Sam-were-young stories
The creative business Stephen & his partners start up (Don’t skip to the end just to figure it out!)

My favorite quotes . . .

“The funny thing is, you walk forward to find what you left behind.”

“Am I not the God of more? I’m past all your boundaries. Stop limiting Me. Stop limiting yourself.”

“He teetered somewhere between regret and acceptance. Somehow he had to learn to shoulder his choices—the good and the bad—and keep living.”

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible for a widow to fall in love with her husband’s reflection?

Haley Ames struggles against that question in Beth K. Vogt’s newest release, Somebody Like You. The young widow grieves her late husband, Sam, even as she prepares to give birth to their child. Her heartache multiplies when Stephen Ames, Sam’s mirror twin, shows up on her doorstep. Will Haley be able to look beyond the image of her husband to the fluttering feelings the only living Ames brother stirs within her? Or will she push him away for fear of desecrating her vows to the brother in the grave?

Ever since I heard Beth was working on a story about a young widow, I’ve wanted to get my hands on this book. She wowed me with her first two novels, so I knew this one would deliver what I’ve come to expect from her. But she still managed to surprise me many times over. That’s the signature of a great author.

“Getting lost hadn’t been part of the plan.” That line from the brief prologue seems to be a common theme of Vogt’s books. Life very often doesn’t go as we plan. Beth allows her experience of going with the flow to shine through in her fiction. The journeys her characters go through reveal ways in which we can adapt when life doesn’t go as planned. Sometimes you find solutions to the problems that pop up. Other times you don’t, but other opportunities arise. In every moment, if we seek God, He will guide us in the ways He’s prepared for us. I like how Beth weaves that bit of truth into her stories.

I’ve never been married, let alone widowed, but Beth captured the theme of widowhood so well, my heart ached for Haley Ames and her baby. Not long into the book, it dawned on me just how gut-wrenching it would be to lose a husband, only to be faced with his identical twin months later. I’m not sure how I would have handled it besides crying my brains out all over again. I’d be just as shocked as Haley was, for certain.

Somebody Like You swept into my heart and left me thinking about the relationships in my life. Each one is important for unique reasons, and I cherish every one. Only God knows how long each person will be in my life, so I’ll treasure every moment I’m given.

Thank you to Beth Vogt and her publisher, Howard Books, for a complimentary copy of Somebody Like You in exchange for my honest review. Beth, it’s a pleasure to be included in your group of influencers. This sweet story very nearly pushed Wish You Were Here out of its coveted favorite-Beth-Vogt-book spot. It’s a virtual tie, which makes my job as an influencer that much easier. Thanks for writing such beautiful prose.

[Kathleen E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Somebody Like You by Beth K. Vogt, © 2014

Widow Haley Ames comes home unexpecting to have a visitor who is the identical image of her deceased husband. How can it be? Even with a closed casket, could they have made a mistake?

Stephen Ames awaits the arrival of his sister-in-law, hoping to find out about his brother, Sam, after hearing of his death. Being separated for years following the divorce of their parents and their selection to stay with opposite parents. Living in different states, going to different highschools, losing contact because of separate plans and time later that never came.

Haley has Stephen leave. No one told her Sam had a brother; a twin brother.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and
saves those who are crushed in spirit.
--Psalm 34:18

As I read their story, I reflect on the fragileness of both of them. A brother, lost forever to be unable to reconcile with; a husband who stands before her, but it isn't him ~ a mirror image, alike in so many ways, yet different in pace and deportment.

So well written, their hearts come forth in such a way that you want to shield them from pain yet enable them to learn from each other. A story of hope and reaching out, yet soft and pliable as they begin to trust what they are given. Security and a solid foundation peeks through the haze of every day. Haley has had a close family; Stephen has not. I am amazed at the gentleness and closeness he brings in doing the little things, as she retains a self-protective shield in her grief, seemingly in reverse of their upbringings.

The interchanges between the families are very real and become healing for them. A beginning to move from what might have been to what they relinquish to live today. I thoroughly enjoyed the building and outcome as they trust God to lead. A story hard to put down, with so much to come through in changing circumstances. I applaud the author on how she brought in others to come alongside, as they find strength to go on. Being steadfast and removing barriers they were able to come to common ground.

***Thank you to author Beth Vogt and Howard Books for sending this copy during the book tour of Somebody Like You. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***

[Anna Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I haven't been so irate about a book in a LONG time. If you want to write a book and incorporate Biblical references, FINE, but at least get them right, hello. What a shoddy, horrible representation from someone who obviously doesn't even know what she claims to believe.

First, (and not scriptural, but telling) the author is writing about twin brothers... and doesn't even get to page 40 before she's mixing up their names (pg 38). It's also humorous that three quarters of the way thru, she says that Stephen spoke 'with no trace of Sam in his voice'... while the whole book the identical twins looked and sounded exactly the same. Suddenly they don't have the same sounding voices? Really. That's amazing. She'd say she 'heard Stephen's voice in her head'... how exactly can she tell the difference? They sound the same! It was very contrived and made little sense.

Now on to the glaring Biblical issues. On pg 218 she says the 'spiritual multiplication table' that 'equals forgiveness' is 'seven times seven'. !!! Really? And what Bible is THAT from... because mine says '70 times 7'.

On pg 221 she alludes to some commandment in 'in the time of Joshua or Judges' (who the HECK knows...) having to do with marrying a brother's wife to take care of the kids. ?!?!?!?! Actually, the Bible *never* says anything of the sort - there is no mandate for a brother to marry the sister in law... UNLESS the sister in law is childless. Then it says (in Deut 25:5-6) that the brother must marry the sister in law and provide an heir for his brother's sake. Does this writer even READ the Bible? Or just spout off platitudes and allusions to things that aren't there?! A widow with child wouldn't fall under any Levitical ordinance - the entire congregation was to care for the widows and orphans, not the brother in law. And since when do Christians bother with the Law, anyhow? Seriously? Hasn't it passed away, every 'jot and tittle', negated by Jee-zus' sacrifice?

I didn't like it. Any of it. It was slow, it was full of errors and the characters weren't endearing in the least. Why did she feel like every other woman out there - sloppy, dazed and lacking in taste or care or anything else?

Why would anyone think that this was a good read?

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephen Ames became estranged from his identical twin brother when they were 18 years old, after half a dozen tumultuous years when they were lived in separate states following their parents' divorce. He wasn't happy that Sam decided to join the military instead of following through on their plans to go to college together, and then one thing led to another so that they stopped speaking to each other altogether.

When Sam is killed on deployment in Afghanistan, Stephen feels the weight of regret. Wanting to get to know more about his brother's final years, he seeks out Sam's widow to ask questions and try to make up for missing so many years. But there's one thing he didn't count on, and that was that Sam had never told Haley about Stephen!

Living day to day trying to adjust to widowhood and the idea of being a single mother to her unborn baby, Haley is so shocked to learn about her husband's identical twin that she pulls a gun on him the first time he shows up. There were many things that were not perfect about their marriage, including Sam's frequent deployments, but she never guessed that he would have held back such pertinent information about his childhood. At first Haley wants nothing to do with Stephen, as it's too hard and strange to see the mirror of her husband, but he persists in showing up, bringing gifts for the baby, and helping with projects around the house.

Haley is an independent, tough-it-out tomboy, but Stephen can see that underneath the strength there's a woman who really needs help making sense of this time of her life. As he begins to understand why his brother fell in love with her, he fears she'll never be able to look at him and see anything other than Sam and the shadows that marred their marriage.

This book was a little bit slow taking off, as the characters have a lot of walls around their hearts. As the plot draws you in and the walls start coming down, I found the story impossible to put down and ended up reading the last 150 pages in one sitting. The themes were deep and thoughtful, especially having an estrangement in my own family, and the story was well-written. I quite enjoy Beth. K Vogt's contemporary fiction.

This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com

[E.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Facing the loss of her Army Medic husband, Sam, is one thing, but the thought of being a single mom coupled with the abrupt appearance of her husbands estranged, identical twin brother Stephen is a whole different ball game. One that gun-toting tomboy Haley Ames faces like she does everything else in life - head on and without any help, thank you very much!

But what happens when Stephen becomes more than just an image of her dead husband? What happens when Haley realizes she may not be "fine" like she keeps telling everyone?

I enjoyed this book so much! It's my first introduction to Beth K. Vogt's writing and has me hooked on her sweet yet honest style and genuine characters. I really appreciated the themes she presented as they relate to many women, not just fictional characters.



Haley is at once frustrating and likeable in her stubborn nature, forcing you to plead with her to open up (yes, I talk to characters in books). Stephen is solid and true, his character obvious but his faults present as well.

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance that tackles real-life problems in an honest yet compelling way. Beth will hold you captive to the very end as you root for God's plan to be revealed!

**The themes of military loss are present but dealt with in an extremely caring and understanding way. I would, however, offer a gentle warning to anyone who struggles with reading in that theme.

Originally posted on my blog: http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2014/06...

_______________
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

[Brandi (Rambles of a SAHM) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. I don't put much stock in liking or disliking a book because of its cover. But in this instance the cover just didn't draw me in. There's nothing wrong with it, just not my style I guess. The description on the back left me with the impression that it was going to be a heavy topic that I wasn't sure I would like.

This book does involve the death of a spouse and it does involved the estrangement of family members. It also delves into situations in which the characters wish that they could have a do over. And quite frankly it reminds us that sometimes we don't get a chance to rectify a situation. Sometimes what's done is done and we have to learn to move past it.

Even with all of that I would still classify this book as uplifting. There is a strong theme throughout that God's mercies are new every morning. Through the evolving relationship between Haley and Stephen we are reminded that life is for the living. We can choose to remain mired in the past and wallow in our mistakes or we can move forward and choose to be happy.

Beth's writing voice in this novel is multifaceted. One minute her words leave your heart breaking for Haley and her baby girl Kit. Then a few pages later you'll find your heart racing as Haley and Stephen explore their relationship. I enjoyed the depth of topic and emotion that this book contained. If you are looking for a great read that contains a bit of tragedy but also some stirring romance, look no further. When I closed the cover on this book I released a heartfelt sigh of contentment and I think you will too.

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

[Susan Tuttle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somebody Like You drew me in before I even turned page one. The idea of a widow falling not just for her husband's brother, but his mirror twin? How can that work? For either of them. The hurdles they both would need to overcome emotionally. The faith their love would need to take on, to know that it was based on their relationship and not the "ghost" of the man between them. So, so, so good! And Beth wove these pieces together seamlessly. Ever-so-slowly Hayley and Stephen's love story begins to take root and glimpses of the future they could have are painted over the pages.

I loved the tender hero Stephen was in this book. Beth balanced his strength and compassion in a way that brought sigh-worthy moments readers will love. And Hayley's attempt at being strong while also wanting to be cared for was so well written--as a woman I understood the difficulty in striking this balance. Beth wrote Hayley in such a way that those conflicting emotions came off the page as an authentic struggle that allowed me to identify with Hayley, pulling me in even farther.

All together, I felt this was Beth's best book yet--which is saying a lot because I loved her previous two also. However, between the unique story line, fast-paced (peppered with laughter) dialogue, moving scenes, and two characters who yank you straight into their lives...this book takes first place for me.

Link to my full review:http://www.susanltuttle.com/2014/05/b...

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, a comment about the cover. Does anyone want to move her hair out of her face as bad as I do?! My OCD was in overdrive every time I looked at the cover. ;) Truly, that's the only bad thing you'll hear me say about this book, though!

Somebody Like You deals with a topic that could have went wrong in so many ways. It could have *easily* ended up corny and unbelievable. Thankfully, it was handled with perfection. Many emotions are covered with care and reality as the characters struggle through what is happening. It's no secret that I'm super emotional. I also try not to let anyone see me cry. There's a part involving a restaurant towards the end that made me have to put the book down and go to another room to recover from my need to bawl.

For a large part of the story, I honestly didn't know how things would go. I was quickly flipping the pages, and didn't know if this was a "romance" or not. It is....and a very sweet one, too.

If you enjoy a Christian romance that happens slowly, has a unique plot, and don't mind needing some tissues, give Somebody Like You a chance!

*There is a scene involving a Christian character drinking beer with a friend in case that would keep you from reading this book.

**I was provided a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Kerry Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somebody Like You is a memorable story about loss and love and the beauty God brings out of our brokenness when we let Him. Haley and Stephen are forced to deal with a tragic loss through their mutual relationship with army medic Sam - Haley's husband and Stephen's twin brother.

Both Haley and Stephen are life-like, relatable characters, Haley especially as she grows to realize God's best for her might be right in front of her. Stephen is steady and caring, a much-needed source of strength for Haley. The fact that he's her deceased husband's twin adds an element of risk and difficulty to their relationship, but the author delicately weaves their lives together in a believable fashion.

The story has many emotionally-charged scenes that resonate with the reader; as the mother of two boys (though not twins), the scene with Stephen eating dinner at Villa Stella's in Chapter thirty-six was particularly gut-wrenching for me.

Somebody Like You seems a difficult story to pull off, but author Beth Vogt does so seamlessly and in a believable and gentle way. The ending is sweet and fulfilling for the characters and reader, and the book one I highly recommend.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Beth K. Vogt that I have read and certainly will not be the last! This gentle love story is one I would love to revisit again.

I really felt the state of shock that Haley was living in as the story opened, which was then compounded by the shock of her coming face to face with the image of her dead husband Sam in his twin, Stephen. With very different quests - Haley coming to terms with a life without Sam and the impending birth of their child, and Stephen trying to find out what became of his brother after they parted ways as teenagers - also comes their story of discovering each other. A part of Haley that she had dismissed as a child slowly emerges once again as Stephen becomes to Haley what she had needed from Sam, but never received. And in being to Haley what he thought Sam would want of him, Stephen discovers he is so much more.

This gentle journey of healing and love is a must read for those who love Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Deborah Raney and Susan May Warren.

[Cara Putman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Somebody Like You, Beth Vogt creates characters and a story that will pull you in slowly and then hold you captive until the end. The heroine is still mourning the death of her soldier husband as she awaits the birth of their child...the child he never knew about. Then one day she is shocked and surprised when his twin brother arrives at her door. He'd been estranged from his brother and now he can't mend their relationship.

Their interactions are rocky as they both deal with their grief and regrets. And it's a slow process of coming to terms with the past and how their lives intersect. I found this a story that I kept returning to because I cared about how the characters' grew and evolved through their journey on the pages. There were moments of humor to balance the moments I wanted to cry with or for Haley and Stephen.

This is a book that readers of contemporary romance with shades of women's fiction will enjoy reading.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The idea that this story is based around could so easily have become quite a different story than it did. But Ms. Vogt took such care with her characters and her storyline that I never doubted the gentle way she led them around to each other. Instead of huge dramatics and constant angst, it felt real. Both Haley and Stephen grappled with understanding themselves, how their pasts had shaped them, and where they wanted to go in the future. And as I journeyed along with them, I could appreciate the confusion of emotions they both felt, yet their connection was undeniable. It made me grin and sigh happily once they were finally able to be on the same page! Such a sweet story. (On an extremely shallow note though, I just have to mention that the more I looked at the cover, the more I wanted to push her hair out of her face! Or at least make her turn around so the wind could blow it away from her eyes. :)

[Elizabeth Cottrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a compelling combination of drama, character, and romance. I was grabbed from the beginning when the protagonist, a young widow, comes home to find a man she thinks is her dead husband standing on her front porch. He is, in fact, the identical (and estranged) twin brother of her deceased husband, but since she never knew he existed, she is not quick to want to invite him into her life at all.

The author does a good job of plumbing the depths and complexities of this highly-charged situation, and her character development is highly plausible. Besides the widow's understandable angst at discovering her husband's twin brother, the brother himself is dealing with the guilt of waiting to long to mend fences with his brother.

As with her other books, Beth Vogt does a good job of interjecting Christian values and principles into the way her characters make decisions without it ever being heavy-handed or preachy.

[Savanna Kaiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somebody Like You is one of those beautiful, special stories I know I won’t forget. Delicately complicated and so down-to-earth relatable, this unique tale is an emotional journey for its characters and its readers. To tell you the truth, I wanted to hug the book once I finished it.

Can a young widow find love again with her husband’s reflection? How can one not be intrigued by that? I mean, come on, what a novel question! I loved the fresh and captivating way this story navigated you through its highs and lows, connecting past regrets with future hope and the pains of loss and estrangement with new bonds of love and friendship.

Read the rest of my review here...

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somebody Like You was a big surprise for me. I have never read anything by this author. Oh. My. Goodness. I am a definite fan. This novel has to be one of the most heart wrenching books I have ever read. Haley was such a lovable character and I felt as though I knew her as a person. I was truly rooting for her, laughing with her, and crying for her. And Stephen was such a good guy. He had so much turmoil he had to work through. I could feel my heart clinch for me. I just had to keep turning the pages to see what happens next. I dreaded when life called and made put the book down. I cannot tell how much I enjoyed this book. It is so good and well deserves 5 plus stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books, for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemporary Fiction novel about Haley, a tomboy, gun-toating widow. Her husband died serving in Afghanistan. She soon learns he had an identical twin she didn't know existed. I'm still not sure how I feel about that match. I enjoyed seeing the growth in Haley throughout the story. The twin Stephen has a fabulous character and he was easy to like.

As a side note, I definitely related to her fondness of John Wayne movies. :-)

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Vogt, but I look forward to reading more of her novels.I found Somebody Like You to be a compelling read, that truly sucks you in... One you will find hard to put down. Definitely an enjoyable read!