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.
Newly engaged, Meg 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?
Alex Summers is the pseudonym for Jake Williams, a queer and neurodivergent writer from Milton Keynes who now lives in London with his partner. When he is not writing, he is reading or swimming. The Stand-in Dad is his first novel. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram under @jakeshaker.
Praise for THE STAND-IN DAD ‘‘The Stand-In Dad is a thoroughly heartwarming read, full of loveable characters and with a resounding message of hope for our times.’ Kate Storey, author of The Memory Library
‘The Stand-in Dad was sweet, uplifting and deeply touching. It handles the heavier aspects of navigating the world as a queer person with great care – even today, coming out is a life changing event. The cross-generational friendships at the heart of the story were a delight, the perfect antidote to rudderless connections culture wars – and a reminder that whatever our age, whatever our stage, we’re all in it together. As I say, a delight.’ Justin Myers, author of The Last Romeo
‘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, author of Love and Other Scams and We Could Be Heroes
‘The Stand-in Dad is a breath of fresh air. Powered by kindness, community and love, this book is lots of fun and absolutely full of joy.’ Eleanor Ray, author of Everything is Beautiful
‘This is a gentle heart-warming story of intergenerational gay friendship, found family, and overcoming rejection and prejudice from a range of people. Being a parent isn't easy, but acceptance and love should be. David is a perfect father figure for Meg in so many wonderful ways when her parents just *cannot*. The wedding preparations are a delight to see as Meg and David's friendship sparkles and grows. The romances between Meg and Hannah and David and Mark are nuanced and made interestingly different by their ages, with a dash of humour whisked in to delight.’ Charlie Lyndhurst, author of Finding Our Family
‘A blossoming story of found family, community spirit, and intergenerational understanding. The Stand-in Dad is a book with spring in its step, offering a fresh look on people at different stages in their lives, connecting over what makes them who they are. This story is an ode to how life should be: accepting, friendly, supportive and encouraging, with great narrative arcs of education that don’t feel shoehorned in to make a point. A true reflection of the queer life and lived experiences. I wish I’d had a David when I was growing up, like Benji does, and a connection like Meg finds. I read this with a big smile and a soaring heart.’ Jack Strange, author of Look Up, Handsome
'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, author of The Unretirement
‘Alex Summers has done a wonderful job of creating characters the reader can't help but care deeply for. Joyful, uplifting and full of heart – I loved it.’ Sarah Turner, author of Stepping Up
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