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The Stand-in Dad

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What to expect

A joyful story about found family and the courage to embrace love’s true colours.

'A book with spring in its step… I read this with a big smile and a soaring heart.' JACK STRANGE

‘A love letter to queerness and the family you get to choose.' PJ ELLIS

Forty years ago, sixteen-year-old David was heartbroken when his family rejected him for coming out. Since then, he has vowed to always help anyone in need. So, when he finds a tearful young woman outside his flower shop, he can’t just walk away.

Meg is newly engaged to the love of her life, Hannah. She should be overjoyed, but her conservative parents have made their disapproval painfully clear – leaving Meg devastated and wanting to call the whole wedding off.

But David won’t let another young person be rejected. He offers to be Meg’s ‘stand-in dad’, diving headfirst into dress fittings, cake tastings, and venue visits to make sure Meg’s special day is unforgettable.

Yet Meg’s parents’ absence looms large – and when disaster strikes, can David save the wedding in time?

The Stand-in Dad is a joyful story about found family and the courage to embrace love’s true colours, perfect for fans of Matt Cain, Mike Gayle and Ryan Love.

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AUTHORS LOVE THE STAND-IN DAD!

'Joyful, uplifting and full of heart – I loved it.' SARAH TURNER

'A thoroughly heart-warming read, full of lovable characters and with a resounding message of hope for our times.' KATE STOREY

'Sweet, uplifting and deeply touching… a delight.' JUSTIN MYERS

'A tender, heart-warming story of friends, family and the unexpected joy that's waiting in the spaces in-between. Gentle and uplifting.' JULIETTA HENDERSON

‘Moving and uplifting, THE STAND-IN DAD is HEARTSTOPPER for adults; a love letter to queerness and the family you get to choose.' PJ ELLIS

'A breath of fresh air. Powered by kindness, community and love, this book is lots of fun and absolutely full of joy.' ELEANOR RAY

‘A sweet and touching story that highlights that true friendship comes in many forms.’ CHARLOTTE BUTTERFIELD

'What a joy! A vibrant, warm and hopeful story, with a cast of characters I'd love to be friends with and a flower shop I wish was on my street. Loved it.' PENNY MIRREN

'A book with spring in its step… I read this with a big smile and a soaring heart.' JACK STRANGE

'A gentle heart-warming story… with a dash of humour whisked in to delight.' CHARLIE LYNDHURST

READERS LOVE THE STAND-IN DAD!

'This was just beautiful. Literally, my heart hurts… This will forever live in my mind. Absolutely stunning.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ NetGalley review

'This is an uplifting and joyful story about love, acceptance and overcoming adversity… Heartily recommended as a queer pick-me-up.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ NetGalley review

'A lovely and heart-warming book.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ NetGalley review

'Gosh, what a read… A lovely ending.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ NetGalley review

'I really enjoyed this book and will be looking out for others by this author. Very impressed.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ NetGalley review

Critics Review

PRAISE FOR THE STAND-IN DAD:

'Joyful, uplifting and full of heart - I loved it.' SARAH TURNER

'A thoroughly heart-warming read, full of lovable characters and with a resounding message of hope for our times.' KATE STOREY

'Sweet, uplifting and deeply touching... a delight.' JUSTIN MYERS

'A tender, heart-warming story of friends, family and the unexpected joy that's waiting in the spaces in-between..' JULIETTA HENDERSON

'A love letter to queerness and the family you get to choose.' PJ ELLIS

'A breath of fresh air. Powered by kindness, community and love, this book is lots of fun and absolutely full of joy.' ELEANOR RAY

'A sweet and touching story that highlights that true friendship comes in many forms.' CHARLOTTE BUTTERFIELD

'What a joy! A vibrant, warm and hopeful story, with a cast of characters I'd love to be friends with and a flower shop I wish was on my street. Loved it.' PENNY MIRREN

'A book with spring in its step... I read this with a big smile and a soaring heart.' JACK STRANGE

'A gentle heart-warming story... with a dash of humour whisked in to delight.' CHARLIE LYNDHURST

Readers love The Stand-In Dad!

'Smiled throughout and teared up towards the end.'

'Loved this heartwarming book about found family and friendship. It was impossible not to fall in love with the characters'

'Gosh what a read and it gave you plenty to think about. A lovely ending.'

'What makes the story work - and gives it its sweetness - is that the reader feels like a part of that found family.'

'This was a book of inclusion, community, and friendships - both new and old. I loved it!

'This is one of the loveliest stories that I've read in a while.'

'I loved this book! A truly uplifting, yet honest insight into the world of relationships, romantic and platonic.'

'Excellent debut novel from this author. Delightfully written with characters that come to life on the page.'

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