Title:  Sleeping Daddy

Author:  Nick Westerfer

Published:  December 17, 2024

Source:  ARC received from Torch Lit Ink

Type:  e-copy

Blurb:

A wife’s secret. A husband’s heartbreak. A devastating loss.

For Keith Higgins, the past is a curse, but his present is everything he could dream of… or so he thought. With twins on the way, he and wife, Ella, should be overjoyed. Yet Ella harbors a secret that Keith is about to uncover.

After a traumatic labor, Ella vanishes, thrusting Keith into single parenthood. Haunted by memories of his father’s cruelty and his past mistakes, Keith embarks on a journey to make things right. Starting with his own mother, whose abandonment feels even more burdensome now that he is a single father. The only way to get answers is to track her down. But some questions are better left unasked, and some truths bring more pain than peace.

Sleeping Daddy is a heartfelt tale of a father’s love, loss, and the quest to break the cycle of violence across generations. It’s a journey that reveals the true strength found in love, forgiveness, and the courage to confront our deepest fears.

Check it on Amazon

“Sleeping Daddy” by Nick Westerfer is an emotionally charged novel that delves deep into the complexities of fatherhood, love, and the haunting shadows of the past. Keith Higgins’ life seems like a fairy tale, filled with promise and joy as he and his wife, Ella, await the arrival of twins. However, Ella’s hidden secret casts a dark spell over their happiness, leading to her sudden disappearance after a traumatic labor. Keith is left to navigate the challenges of single fatherhood, haunted by his own past and the abandonment by his mother.

The story mirrors the timeless tale of Sleeping Beauty, with Keith’s journey echoing the prince’s quest for truth and redemption. As he battles his personal demons and seeks answers, he discovers that some questions are better left unasked, and that some truths bring more pain than solace. The story is a testament to the enduring power of love, forgiveness, and the courage to face one’s deepest fears.

The writing is powerful and evocative. We see our main character’s current actions, with flashbacks from his past, to complement them. I was drawn into Keith’s world, feeling every heartbreak and triumph. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles are relatable and deeply human.

Cover Review:  I like the cover, in relation with the story. The (what I believe are) clouds in the upper center of the image, as well as the forest-type plants can symbolize navigating a not so easy life, while the flowers and the colored word in the title show that things are not always bad and that there are beautiful moments to look forward to. I think it’s a smart cover.

This book was another success for me. I dared once again to step out of my comfort zone of Romance and fantasy only to discover another breath-taking read. “Sleeping Daddy” is a must-read for anyone who appreciates stories that leave a lasting impact and explore the true strength found in love and resilience.

Let me know in the comments below if you are interested in reading the story or, if you have read it already, what’s your opinion 😊 Until next time, Happy reading!

About The Author

Nicholas Westerfer is a devoted father of two energetic daughters, Evangeline and Isabelle, and lives in sunny California. Balancing a full-time job with the joys and occasional chaos of family life, Nicholas navigates his days with the kind of grace one might expect from a walrus in a tutu.

His passion for storytelling is deeply rooted in his experiences as a parent and the endless inspiration he finds within his lively, albeit bustling, household. Nicholas writes with a mix of humor and heart, striving to capture both the magic and the messiness of everyday life. His writing reflects the vibrant chaos and profound connections that come with raising a family and managing a busy schedule.