Their “arrangement” becomes an opportunity to express themselves to one another in ways they haven’t been able to with others. The growing bond between the main character, Gracie, and the actress, Wei Fangli, is absolutely beautiful. However, the novel’s so much more than a “switcharoo” or “celebrity romance” trope. The Stand-In follows the story of a young woman who’s provided the opportunity to help pay for her mom to have a better home by being a stand-in for a famous actress who she looks identical to, after losing her job.

In the end all the lists in the world won’t be able to help Gracie keep up this elaborate ruse without losing herself…and her heart.Ĭhu’s The Stand-In went above and beyond my expectations! With an absurdly clichéd synopsis, I wasn’t expecting it to be so mindful and emotional. But resisting Sam, and playing the role of an elegant movie star, proves more difficult than she ever imagined-especially when she learns the real reason Fangli so desperately needs her help. Soon Gracie moves into a world of luxury she never knew existed. If it means getting the money she needs for her mother, Gracie’s in.

The catch? Gracie will have to be escorted by Sam, the most attractive-and infuriating-man Gracie’s ever met. The famous actress has a proposition: due to their uncanny resemblance, Fangli wants Gracie to be her stand-in. Sure, she was fired by her overly “friendly” boss, and yes she still hasn’t gotten her mother into the nursing home of their dreams, but she’s healthy, she’s (somewhat) happy, and she’s (mostly) holding it all together.īut when a mysterious SUV pulls up beside her, revealing Chinese cinema’s golden couple Wei Fangli and Sam Yao, Gracie’s world is turned on its head.

The stand in lily chu book review