‘SOMBODY LIKE YOU,’ BY BETH K. VOGT

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.

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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?  

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

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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 my first impression of him is 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.

About the Book:

Author: Beth K. Vogt
Publisher: Howard Books
Source: Publisher Provided
Publication Date: 2014
Find the Review elsewhere: Goodreads | Novel Crossing | WordPress
Genre: Fiction; Inspirational Contemporary / Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5 

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.