Plot Summary
Secrets Beneath the Surface
Brooke and Peter West, respected doctors and loving parents, have carried a secret for over two decades: their eldest daughter, Maddie, was born from a donated frozen embryo. The couple's struggle with infertility led them to a rare, experimental procedure, and Maddie grew up believing she was their biological child. The secret, meant to protect her and honor the donor family's wishes, becomes a silent burden, especially as Maddie approaches adulthood. The lie is a tumor in Brooke's heart, threatening to rupture as Maddie graduates college and prepares for her future. The family's love is genuine, but the foundation is fragile, built on a truth withheld for too long.
London's Last Day
In Portland, London Quinn lives vibrantly, her days filled with dance, animals, and her best friend Dawson Gage. Their relationship is deep but complicated—Dawson loves London, but she keeps him at arm's length, wary of his faith and her own wildness. On a day of adventure, London and Dawson share laughter, music, and honest conversation about faith and life's uncertainties. London's mother, Louise, is gravely ill and needs a kidney transplant; London is a match and determined to help. The day ends in tragedy when London, distracted and full of questions about faith, is struck by a truck. In her final moments, she confesses her love for Dawson and asks God for Jesus, finding peace as she slips away.
Maddie's Dream Realized
Maddie West's life seems perfect: she lands her dream job at the Indianapolis Zoo and becomes engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Connor. Her family celebrates her achievements, and Maddie feels secure in her identity as a Baxter and a West. Yet, subtle doubts about her relationship with Connor and her place in the world linger. The engagement party is filled with joy, but beneath the surface, Maddie's parents are haunted by the secret they've never told her. The family's love is palpable, but the truth threatens to upend everything Maddie believes about herself and her future.
Love, Faith, and Distance
Dawson and London's friendship is marked by deep affection and unresolved tension. Dawson's faith is steadfast, while London is skeptical, shaped by her parents' drift from religion. Their conversations about God, suffering, and hope reveal the chasm between them, yet also a yearning for connection. London's impending kidney donation to her mother is an act of love, but her spiritual questions remain. Their last hike together is filled with laughter and vulnerability, culminating in London's tragic accident. Dawson's grief is profound, but her final words—her acceptance of Jesus—offer him a bittersweet comfort.
Shattered Truths
After London's death, Dawson learns from Louise that London was conceived via IVF and that three embryos were donated. Driven by London's dying words about a sister, Dawson begins searching for her siblings. Meanwhile, Maddie's life in Indiana is upended when a stranger approaches her at the zoo, claiming to know her biological family. The revelation that she was adopted as an embryo shatters Maddie's sense of self. Her parents' confession, forced by circumstance, leaves Maddie feeling betrayed and rootless. The family's carefully constructed world collapses, and Maddie flees, desperate for answers.
The Accident and Aftermath
London's death devastates her parents and Dawson. Louise is wracked with guilt over the embryos she donated, wondering if she denied London the sister she always wanted. The family's grief is compounded by the knowledge that somewhere, London's siblings may exist, unaware of their origins. Dawson's search for Maddie becomes a mission to honor London's memory and bring closure to both families. The accident becomes a catalyst for truth, forgiveness, and the possibility of new connections across the country.
The Family Fractures
Maddie's discovery of her origins leads to a rupture with her parents and Connor. She feels alienated from her family, questioning her identity and the meaning of love and loyalty. Her engagement falters as she realizes her feelings for Connor have changed. The Baxter family rallies around her, offering support and prayer, but Maddie needs space to process her pain. She decides to travel to Portland to meet her biological family, seeking answers and a sense of belonging.
Searching for Siblings
Dawson's investigation leads him to the West family in Indiana. He discovers Maddie's identity and travels to the zoo to meet her, hoping to bridge the gap between the Quinns and their lost daughter. Maddie, initially frightened and suspicious, is overwhelmed by the stranger's knowledge of her life. The encounter forces Maddie's parents to finally reveal the truth, setting Maddie on a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation with her past.
Stranger at the Zoo
Dawson's appearance at the zoo is both unsettling and transformative for Maddie. His revelation about her biological family and the existence of a sister named London shakes Maddie to her core. The encounter is the catalyst for Maddie's confrontation with her parents and her decision to leave Indiana. Dawson's sincerity and grief for London touch Maddie, planting the seeds for a connection that will grow as she seeks out her roots in Portland.
Maddie's World Unravels
Maddie's journey to Portland is fraught with emotional turmoil. She meets Louise and Larry, her biological parents, and learns about London's life and death. The similarities between Maddie and London are uncanny, deepening Maddie's sense of loss for the sister she never knew. Maddie grapples with her dual identities, torn between the family that raised her and the family she never had. Her relationship with Connor ends, and she finds solace in Dawson's friendship and understanding.
Forgiveness and Farewells
As Maddie spends time with the Quinns and Dawson, she begins to heal. She learns about London's faith journey and final moments, finding comfort in the knowledge that her sister found peace. Maddie decides to donate a kidney to Louise, honoring the bond she feels with her biological mother. The act of giving becomes a path to forgiveness—for her parents, for herself, and for the past. Maddie reconciles with her adoptive family, realizing that love transcends biology.
Portland Connections
Maddie's time in Portland is transformative. She works at London Coffee, forms a deep friendship with Dawson, and becomes part of the Quinns' lives. The city feels like home, yet Maddie knows she must eventually return to Indiana. Her relationship with Dawson deepens, but both are aware of the complexities and the pull of Maddie's life back east. The experience helps Maddie integrate her past and present, forging a new sense of self.
A Sister Never Met
Maddie mourns the loss of London, the sister she never had the chance to know. Visiting London's grave, she feels the weight of missed opportunities and the strange, profound connection they share. Through stories, photos, and Dawson's memories, Maddie comes to understand London's spirit and the impact she had on those around her. The grief is real, but so is the healing that comes from acknowledging the bond between them.
The Gift of Life
Maddie's decision to donate her kidney to Louise is an act of profound love and reconciliation. The surgery is successful, giving Louise a new lease on life and allowing Maddie to feel she has honored both her biological and adoptive families. The experience cements Maddie's sense of purpose and belonging, bridging the gap between her two worlds. The act of giving becomes a symbol of forgiveness, healing, and the power of chosen family.
Coming Home
After the surgery, Maddie returns to Indiana with her grandfather, John Baxter. The family welcomes her with open arms, celebrating her courage and the journey she has undertaken. Maddie forgives her parents, recognizing that their love for her was always real, even if their choices were flawed. She embraces her identity as both a West and a Baxter, understanding that family is defined by love, not just blood. The homecoming is bittersweet but hopeful, marking a new chapter in Maddie's life.
Love Rekindled
Dawson, unable to forget Maddie, moves to Indianapolis to be near her as his father's company expands. Their reunion at the zoo is joyful and full of promise. Both have grown through loss and forgiveness, and their love is rooted in shared faith and understanding. The story ends with the hope of a future together, honoring London's memory and the journey that brought them to each other. Maddie's heart is whole, and she is ready to embrace love again.
New Beginnings
Maddie and Dawson's relationship blossoms as they navigate their new life in Indiana. The wounds of the past are not forgotten, but they are transformed into sources of strength and compassion. Maddie's experiences have taught her the value of honesty, forgiveness, and the importance of being seen and loved for who she truly is. The couple looks forward to a future built on faith, hope, and the lessons learned from their intertwined families.
Seen and Remembered
The story closes with reflections on the power of being seen and loved. Louise and Larry find purpose in serving others, inspired by the Seen Movement, while Maddie and Dawson honor London's memory by living fully and loving deeply. The families, though changed by loss and revelation, are united by forgiveness and the enduring bonds of love. The narrative affirms that identity is shaped by both heritage and choice, and that healing is possible when truth is faced with courage and grace.
Analysis
Someone Like You is a contemporary exploration of identity, family, and the redemptive power of truth and forgiveness. Through the lens of embryo adoption—a rarely discussed but deeply resonant topic—the novel interrogates what it means to belong and how secrets, even those kept with the best intentions, can erode the foundations of love. The parallel stories of Maddie and London illuminate the profound impact of both loss and discovery, showing that healing often requires facing painful realities. The narrative's emphasis on faith is not merely religious but existential, offering hope that brokenness can be transformed through grace and courage. The story's resolution, with Maddie embracing both her biological and adoptive families and finding new love with Dawson, affirms that identity is not fixed but forged through experience, choice, and the willingness to forgive. In a world where many struggle with questions of origin and belonging, Someone Like You offers a moving testament to the enduring strength of love, the necessity of honesty, and the possibility of new beginnings after even the deepest wounds.
Review Summary
Someone Like You receives mixed reviews, averaging 4.15/5 stars. Many readers praise its emotional storytelling and thoughtful exploration of embryo adoption, while others criticize its predictability and rushed plotlines. A common complaint is the heavy Christian messaging, which some find overpowering and unrealistic. Maddie's character draws criticism for her selfish reactions to discovering her adoption. However, fans of Christian fiction appreciate the faith elements and the Baxter family storyline. Narrators January LaVoy and Kirby Heyborne receive consistent praise in the audiobook format.
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Characters
Maddie West
Maddie is the heart of the story—a young woman whose life is upended by the revelation that she was adopted as an embryo. Raised in a loving, faith-filled family, Maddie's sense of self is deeply rooted in her identity as a Baxter and a West. The discovery of her origins shatters her confidence, leading to anger, confusion, and a desperate search for meaning. Her journey to Portland is both a physical and emotional quest to reconcile her past and present. Maddie's compassion, resilience, and capacity for forgiveness define her growth. She ultimately finds peace by embracing both her biological and adoptive families, understanding that love, not genetics, makes a family. Her relationship with Dawson becomes a symbol of hope and new beginnings.
Dawson Gage
Dawson is London's best friend and unrequited love, a man of deep faith and loyalty. His devotion to London is unwavering, even as she keeps him at a distance. After her death, Dawson channels his grief into a mission to find her lost sibling, believing it will honor London's memory. His journey brings him to Maddie, with whom he forms a profound connection. Dawson's faith is both his anchor and his gift to others, guiding Maddie through her darkest moments. He is introspective, compassionate, and willing to let go of his own desires for the sake of those he loves. Dawson's move to Indiana to be with Maddie marks his willingness to embrace new love while honoring the past.
London Quinn
London is the catalyst for much of the novel's emotional arc. Free-spirited, passionate, and searching, she is beloved by her parents and Dawson. Her skepticism about faith and her reluctance to commit to Dawson stem from her own uncertainties and her parents' spiritual drift. London's tragic accident and her final acceptance of faith become a turning point for those left behind. Her longing for a sister and her questions about belonging echo throughout the story, shaping Maddie's journey. London's legacy is one of love, laughter, and the reminder that life is fragile and precious.
Brooke Baxter West
Brooke is Maddie's adoptive mother, a pediatrician whose longing for children led her to embryo adoption. Her decision to keep Maddie's origins a secret is rooted in love but becomes a source of guilt and anxiety. Brooke's struggle to reconcile her choices with her faith and her desire to protect Maddie is deeply human. Her eventual confession is painful but necessary, paving the way for healing. Brooke's journey is one of humility, repentance, and the realization that honesty is the foundation of true love.
Peter West
Peter, Brooke's husband and Maddie's adoptive father, shares the burden of secrecy. He is supportive, rational, and deeply invested in his family's well-being. Peter's reluctance to reveal the truth stems from a desire to preserve Maddie's happiness, but he underestimates the cost of deception. His relationship with Maddie is tested but ultimately restored through vulnerability and forgiveness. Peter's arc reflects the challenges of parenthood and the courage required to face painful truths.
Louise Quinn
Louise is London's mother and Maddie's biological mother. Her battle with kidney failure and her grief over London's death are compounded by regret over donating the embryos that became Maddie. Louise's journey is one of loss, longing, and eventual redemption when Maddie donates a kidney to save her life. Her renewed faith and commitment to service in the aftermath of tragedy highlight the power of grace and second chances.
Larry Quinn
Larry, Louise's husband, is a steady presence, devoted to his family and supportive through crisis. He shares Louise's regrets and grief, but also her hope for reconciliation. Larry's acceptance of Maddie and his gratitude for her sacrifice underscore the theme of chosen family and the healing that comes from forgiveness and openness.
Connor Flanigan
Connor is Maddie's fiancé, a kind and supportive partner whose relationship with Maddie is ultimately undone by her identity crisis. He represents stability and the life Maddie thought she wanted, but their connection fades as Maddie grows and changes. Connor's acceptance of their breakup is mature and compassionate, allowing both to move forward with dignity.
John Baxter
John is Maddie's grandfather, the spiritual anchor of the Baxter family. His unwavering faith, commitment to prayer, and gentle guidance provide comfort and direction during the family's upheaval. John's presence reminds the characters—and readers—of the importance of faith, community, and unconditional love.
Hayley West
Hayley, Maddie's younger sister, is developmentally delayed due to a childhood accident. Her unconditional love and simple faith are a source of strength for Maddie. Hayley's acceptance of Maddie, regardless of biology, embodies the story's central message: family is defined by love, not genetics.
Plot Devices
Dual Narratives and Parallel Lives
The novel employs a dual narrative structure, alternating between Maddie's life in Indiana and London's in Oregon. This parallel storytelling highlights the similarities and differences between the sisters, building suspense as their worlds move toward intersection. The device allows readers to experience both the pain of loss and the hope of discovery, deepening the emotional impact.
Secrets and Revelations
The central plot device is the long-held secret of Maddie's origins. The tension builds as the truth threatens to surface, culminating in a dramatic revelation that shatters relationships but also opens the door to healing. The device explores the consequences of secrecy and the necessity of honesty for genuine connection.
The Stranger as Catalyst
Dawson's arrival in Maddie's life is the catalyst for transformation. As a stranger with intimate knowledge of her past, he forces Maddie and her family to confront what they have avoided. His presence is both disruptive and redemptive, embodying the idea that sometimes healing comes from unexpected places.
Faith and Forgiveness
Faith is woven throughout the narrative, shaping characters' decisions and growth. London's late conversion, Maddie's struggle to forgive, and the families' reliance on prayer all serve as plot devices to explore themes of redemption, grace, and the power of belief. Forgiveness is portrayed as a process, not a moment, requiring courage and humility.
Symbolism of Adoption and Belonging
Embryo adoption serves as both a literal and symbolic device, raising questions about identity, family, and what it means to belong. The story challenges traditional notions of kinship, emphasizing that love, sacrifice, and choice are the true markers of family. The motif of being "seen" and remembered underscores the human need for connection and affirmation.
