The Stand-in Dad

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Pub Date Apr 24 2025 | Archive Date Not set

Description

Something old, something new, someone borrowed…

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.

PRAISE FOR THE STAND-IN DAD:

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

'A thoroughly heartwarming read, full of loveable 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

Something old, something new, someone borrowed…

Forty years ago, sixteen-year-old David was heartbroken when his family rejected him for coming out. Since then, he has vowed...


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9780008740672
PRICE £2.99 (GBP)
PAGES 384

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Average rating from 16 members


Featured Reviews

Gosh what a read and it gave you plenty to think about. Meg and Hannah are getting married and you follow their story and a community . Prejudice in any form is just terrible. It was a lovely read. Told in chapters between two of the main character, not my favourite way of reading but it worked.A lovely ending.

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Everything feel a little terrible lately so I was very happy to get to dive into this feel good book.
Meg is getting married to the love of her life, Hannah. But casting a rather dark shadow over what should be one of the happiest days is her parents and the general sense of disapproval they have for Meg and her “lifestyle”. After her mum stands her up at the florists Meg breaks down in tears on a bench outside. David has been running his flower shop for years, and loves people. When he sees a young woman crying outside his shop he tries to help. Meg’s story about her parents disapproval hits a nerve from years back when he came out to his own parents. Deciding Meg deserves support for her wedding he offers to be her person as she plans her wedding. As the wedding draws nearer Meg will find joy in planning her special day while also struggling with her family. David will see some of his own fears and insecurities play out in his new friend and will possibly have to confront some of his own skeletons.
This was a beautiful book about love. From romantic love to friendship to community. The strength of found families plays a huge role in this cozy novel. This is the kind of book I needed to read right now, it beautifully showcases that love wins, and kindness build community.
Thank you so much to @netgalley and @avonbooks for letting me have an advanced copy for review.
Look for #thestandindad April 24, 2025
#read #bookstagram #lovewins #lqbtqbooks #lovestory #readersofinstagram #readmorebooks

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A lovely and heart-warming book about intergenerational friendship, chosen or found family, and an inclusive community. Indeed, just because someone might be slightly different (for want of a better word) doesn't make them other, or even a hassle. There is no such thing as normal.

That said, with the current state of the world, it is easy to feel less or not welcome even if you know you are not. Therefore this book deserves to be on my being-good-enough shelf here on Goodreads.

Indeed, of parents you expect them to be the adult, they are the grown-ups who should be looking after their children, to have their back when facing difficulties. But you don't have to put up with being treated poorly, because no one deserves that - no matter the reason of a disagreement (in my case being ill with ME turning my life upside down).

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