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Sleeping Daddy
A wife’s secret. A husband’s heartbreak. A devastating loss.
In Sleeping Daddy, Keith Higgins’ life seems like a fairy tale—filled with promise and joy. With twins on the way, Keith and his wife, Ella, should be celebrating their dream come true. But Ella’s hidden secret is a dark spell cast upon their happiness.
Just as Sleeping Beauty’s curse plunged her into an enchanted slumber, Ella’s traumatic labor leads to her sudden disappearance, leaving Keith to face an uncertain future as a single father. As he navigates the challenges of parenthood alone, Keith is haunted by his past—much like the prince searching for the truth behind the enchantment. His quest for answers takes him back to his own mother, whose abandonment casts a long shadow over his new role as a father.
Keith’s journey is a battle against his personal demons, a struggle to break free from the cycle of pain and cruelty that has haunted his family for generations. As he seeks to uncover the truth, he discovers that some questions are better left unasked, and that some truths—like a hidden curse—bring more pain than solace.
Sleeping Daddy is a poignant story of a father’s enduring love and his quest to break free from the chains of the past. It’s a tale that mirrors the timeless battle of Sleeping Beauty, revealing the true strength found in love, forgiveness, and the courage to face our deepest fears.
In Sleeping Daddy, Keith Higgins’ life seems like a fairy tale—filled with promise and joy. With twins on the way, Keith and his wife, Ella, should be celebrating their dream come true. But Ella’s hidden secret is a dark spell cast upon their happiness.
Just as Sleeping Beauty’s curse plunged her into an enchanted slumber, Ella’s traumatic labor leads to her sudden disappearance, leaving Keith to face an uncertain future as a single father. As he navigates the challenges of parenthood alone, Keith is haunted by his past—much like the prince searching for the truth behind the enchantment. His quest for answers takes him back to his own mother, whose abandonment casts a long shadow over his new role as a father.
Keith’s journey is a battle against his personal demons, a struggle to break free from the cycle of pain and cruelty that has haunted his family for generations. As he seeks to uncover the truth, he discovers that some questions are better left unasked, and that some truths—like a hidden curse—bring more pain than solace.
Sleeping Daddy is a poignant story of a father’s enduring love and his quest to break free from the chains of the past. It’s a tale that mirrors the timeless battle of Sleeping Beauty, revealing the true strength found in love, forgiveness, and the courage to face our deepest fears.
- GenresLiterary Fiction
328 pages, Paperback
Published December 17, 2024
10 people are currently reading
1184 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 19, 2024
This book was a powerful emotional roller coaster. It is beautiful and heart breaking all at the same time. It will make you smile and cry. I couldn’t put it down. It has a lot of heavy topics and will have you feeling loss, grief, happiness, love and anger all while the characters embark on a journey of self discovery. It is beautifully written and will definitely stick with me. I can not wait to see what else this author writes.
I highly recommend this book. There are a lot of tuff topics so please be mindful of trigger warnings
May 8, 2025
Nicholas Westerfer’s debut novel, Sleeping Daddy, is a powerful story of fatherhood, domestic abuse, confronting fears, and second chances. The story follows Keith Higgins, who’s anticipating the birth of his twin daughters with wife Ella. However, one of the infants dies during the traumatic labor, and Ella abandons Keith after revealing a long-held secret, leaving him to raise their surviving daughter, Hope, alone. As he navigates single parenthood, Keith is haunted by memories of his abusive father and the unresolved pain from his mother’s abandonment. Determined to break the cycle of generational trauma and find closure, Keith begins searching for his estranged mother. Along the way, he forms a strong connection with Jenny, a colleague with her own trauma to heal. Their shared experiences of pain and resilience become a foundation for mutual healing.
The novel came about from a poem the author wrote for his daughters having the same title and is loosely inspired by the story of Sleeping Beauty. In Westerfer’s nod to the classic tale, Keith’s daughter’s unwavering love awakens him from a frozen state of fear and depression and allows him to confront his past and begin healing. The story is told over a main timeline detailing Keith’s journey, woven with intense flashback scenes of his adolescent abuse by his father, the death of his brother, and his mother’s abandoning him. The story is beautifully written, with descriptive, poetic prose and emotionally charged dialogue that keeps readers fully invested in the characters and their outcomes. The book will especially resonate with anyone who has experienced abuse or trauma or who has embarked on a journey of healing and breaking unhealthy cycles—but it’s also an inspiring and immersive tale for readers who appreciate stories of healing and pronounced character arcs!
The characters are well developed, authentic, and all going through major struggles. Protagonist Keith is a real multidimensional character—he has repressed trauma and fear that manifest themselves as unpredictable rage, making him fear that he’s becoming like his abusive father. As the story unfolds, readers not only learn of the abuse that Keith endured but also the abuse his own father endured. It’s a very accurate portrayal of generational abuse/trauma that many readers will relate to. Keith’s journey is a lesson on how to end this destructive cycle. His unwavering love for his daughter is a central part of the story and from the opening prologue, readers immediately get a sense of the profound reading experience they’re in for! Keith’s relationship with Hope is the foundation of his healing journey, and his immeasurable love for her really shines through!
Another big part of the story revolves around Ella’s secrets being revealed and how profoundly it affects Keith’s life. Readers will feel empathy towards her for having to hide her true identity, but her decision to abandon her daughter makes her a bit unlikable and unstable—the whole scenario feels as raw and uncomfortable as real-life family drama and will keep readers fully engrossed. The subsequent romance subplot between Keith and Jenny is beautifully and organically developed from acquaintances-to-friends-to-lovers through very open and heartfelt dialogue. As both are survivors of abuse and unresolved trauma, their mutual journey gives them the ability to trust again and mend each other’s broken hearts in the process—it really is a compelling love story!
It should be noted that this book contains major triggers, including child abuse, sexual assault, addiction, and mental health issues—readers who are sensitive should proceed with caution. Aside from the triggers, the story provides great commentary on important issues that are very relevant in today’s world—domestic violence, mental health, the complexities of single parenthood, and addiction. Keith’s journey, infused with all of these difficult topics, will take readers through a rollercoaster of emotions and will leave a profound impact on readers afterwards.
The story has great pacing throughout, and the flashback scenes are seamlessly woven into the narrative at just the right moments to give readers a better understanding of Keith’s behaviors and decision-making. The story includes several of Keith’s inner monologues reflecting on the complexities of life and traumatic events that people go through. While some readers may find these scenes slower in pacing, there are a lot of very insightful quotes that you’ll want to bookmark and reread. If listening to the audiobook, it’s recommended to listen at a slower speed to fully take in Keith’s story and the profound lessons that come with it. The story culminates with a very dramatic and devastating confrontational scene that will have readers on edge and filled with dread. Fortunately, what follows are some calmer scenes and an epilogue that will pull at your heartstrings and stay with you.
Overall, Sleeping Daddy is a phenomenal debut novel that deserves all the high praise it’s getting, and it’ll be very exciting to see what Westerfer comes up with next! For those who enjoy thought-provoking stories about the resiliency of the human spirit that are both heartbreaking and hopeful, this book is a must-read!
The novel came about from a poem the author wrote for his daughters having the same title and is loosely inspired by the story of Sleeping Beauty. In Westerfer’s nod to the classic tale, Keith’s daughter’s unwavering love awakens him from a frozen state of fear and depression and allows him to confront his past and begin healing. The story is told over a main timeline detailing Keith’s journey, woven with intense flashback scenes of his adolescent abuse by his father, the death of his brother, and his mother’s abandoning him. The story is beautifully written, with descriptive, poetic prose and emotionally charged dialogue that keeps readers fully invested in the characters and their outcomes. The book will especially resonate with anyone who has experienced abuse or trauma or who has embarked on a journey of healing and breaking unhealthy cycles—but it’s also an inspiring and immersive tale for readers who appreciate stories of healing and pronounced character arcs!
The characters are well developed, authentic, and all going through major struggles. Protagonist Keith is a real multidimensional character—he has repressed trauma and fear that manifest themselves as unpredictable rage, making him fear that he’s becoming like his abusive father. As the story unfolds, readers not only learn of the abuse that Keith endured but also the abuse his own father endured. It’s a very accurate portrayal of generational abuse/trauma that many readers will relate to. Keith’s journey is a lesson on how to end this destructive cycle. His unwavering love for his daughter is a central part of the story and from the opening prologue, readers immediately get a sense of the profound reading experience they’re in for! Keith’s relationship with Hope is the foundation of his healing journey, and his immeasurable love for her really shines through!
Another big part of the story revolves around Ella’s secrets being revealed and how profoundly it affects Keith’s life. Readers will feel empathy towards her for having to hide her true identity, but her decision to abandon her daughter makes her a bit unlikable and unstable—the whole scenario feels as raw and uncomfortable as real-life family drama and will keep readers fully engrossed. The subsequent romance subplot between Keith and Jenny is beautifully and organically developed from acquaintances-to-friends-to-lovers through very open and heartfelt dialogue. As both are survivors of abuse and unresolved trauma, their mutual journey gives them the ability to trust again and mend each other’s broken hearts in the process—it really is a compelling love story!
It should be noted that this book contains major triggers, including child abuse, sexual assault, addiction, and mental health issues—readers who are sensitive should proceed with caution. Aside from the triggers, the story provides great commentary on important issues that are very relevant in today’s world—domestic violence, mental health, the complexities of single parenthood, and addiction. Keith’s journey, infused with all of these difficult topics, will take readers through a rollercoaster of emotions and will leave a profound impact on readers afterwards.
The story has great pacing throughout, and the flashback scenes are seamlessly woven into the narrative at just the right moments to give readers a better understanding of Keith’s behaviors and decision-making. The story includes several of Keith’s inner monologues reflecting on the complexities of life and traumatic events that people go through. While some readers may find these scenes slower in pacing, there are a lot of very insightful quotes that you’ll want to bookmark and reread. If listening to the audiobook, it’s recommended to listen at a slower speed to fully take in Keith’s story and the profound lessons that come with it. The story culminates with a very dramatic and devastating confrontational scene that will have readers on edge and filled with dread. Fortunately, what follows are some calmer scenes and an epilogue that will pull at your heartstrings and stay with you.
Overall, Sleeping Daddy is a phenomenal debut novel that deserves all the high praise it’s getting, and it’ll be very exciting to see what Westerfer comes up with next! For those who enjoy thought-provoking stories about the resiliency of the human spirit that are both heartbreaking and hopeful, this book is a must-read!
June 5, 2025
After escaping a tumultuous childhood, including an abusive father, Keith has turned his life around. With a stable career, a wife, and twin daughters on the way, he’s kept the darkness at bay. But Keith’s stability is about to be challenged. A traumatic labor and delivery cause his wife to withdraw and eventually leave, and Keith feels as if his world is imploding all over again. Seemingly overnight, he is thrust into life as a single parent, and Keith’s confidence wavers as he fears his unstable childhood will affect his ability to be a father.
Then, a work trip takes him back to Detroit, where he escaped the darkness all those years ago. Will he make things right with his mother? Will he come face to face with the monster that is his father? As the past unravels, Keith must face the demons he’d tucked away. Between Ella’s absence and trying not to make the same mistakes his father did, Keith pulls away the mask he’s been wearing his whole life. Can he trust himself, or is he toxic, just like his father?
Sleeping Daddy by Nicholas Westerfer is a stunningly raw novel about identity. Keith’s always been able to put on a facade—push down the ugliness of his wounds, but becoming a father has him suddenly grappling with feelings of unease. He feels like an imposter, and when Ella leaves, it’s like a faucet of hurt has been turned on that cannot be turned off again.
Westerfer has created an emotional story that explores themes of family, love, and self-discovery. Deftly alternating between past and present, Keith’s tumultuous childhood and immersion into adulthood and parenting are woven together to give readers a thorough character analysis of the lovely, albeit troubled, new father. We feel his heartbreak like it is our own, see him hit rock bottom and get back up, and cheer as he loves fiercely. By the novel’s end, I felt I’d known this character my entire life.
Literature about the challenges of motherhood is commonplace nowadays. Still, there isn’t enough about the plight of single parenthood, especially as a father. I found Keith’s perspective profoundly refreshing and eye-opening. There needs to be more stories like this!
For readers searching for a character-driven emotional novel, Nicholas Westerfer’s Sleeping Daddy will not disappoint. Keith’s journey through parenthood is reflective and inspiring. He shows us that the past doesn’t have to define you. You have the power to break the cycle of generational trauma and abuse (and it’s safe for you to remove the mask that you’ve been hiding behind). Don’t miss out on this one!
Then, a work trip takes him back to Detroit, where he escaped the darkness all those years ago. Will he make things right with his mother? Will he come face to face with the monster that is his father? As the past unravels, Keith must face the demons he’d tucked away. Between Ella’s absence and trying not to make the same mistakes his father did, Keith pulls away the mask he’s been wearing his whole life. Can he trust himself, or is he toxic, just like his father?
Sleeping Daddy by Nicholas Westerfer is a stunningly raw novel about identity. Keith’s always been able to put on a facade—push down the ugliness of his wounds, but becoming a father has him suddenly grappling with feelings of unease. He feels like an imposter, and when Ella leaves, it’s like a faucet of hurt has been turned on that cannot be turned off again.
Westerfer has created an emotional story that explores themes of family, love, and self-discovery. Deftly alternating between past and present, Keith’s tumultuous childhood and immersion into adulthood and parenting are woven together to give readers a thorough character analysis of the lovely, albeit troubled, new father. We feel his heartbreak like it is our own, see him hit rock bottom and get back up, and cheer as he loves fiercely. By the novel’s end, I felt I’d known this character my entire life.
Literature about the challenges of motherhood is commonplace nowadays. Still, there isn’t enough about the plight of single parenthood, especially as a father. I found Keith’s perspective profoundly refreshing and eye-opening. There needs to be more stories like this!
For readers searching for a character-driven emotional novel, Nicholas Westerfer’s Sleeping Daddy will not disappoint. Keith’s journey through parenthood is reflective and inspiring. He shows us that the past doesn’t have to define you. You have the power to break the cycle of generational trauma and abuse (and it’s safe for you to remove the mask that you’ve been hiding behind). Don’t miss out on this one!
December 16, 2024
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time! Deeply emotional, beautifully written, and so powerful, Sleeping Daddy lives in my mind these days. I cannot recommend it enough.
Keith faced so many obstacles growing up, and now has a happy life—lovely wife expecting twin daughters, stable job—more than he ever thought possible. But he’s left to face heartbreak and life as a single dad. As he tries to move forward, his past haunts him: his abusive father (who he fears he might be like), his estranged mother, so many things. He wants to search for answers, but fears what he’ll find…
Amid Keith’s pain and torment are hope, unending love, and even some joy. You get ALL the feelings and emotions in this book: grief, sadness, warmth, joy, love, anger, kindness, fear, contentment, happiness. The characters are so real, Keith in particular. He has human flaws, but he cares so deeply about his children and his family, and feels things so deeply. And he’s not truly alone—the other characters support, love, and help him on his journey.
Sleeping Daddy is a touching and beautiful love story—the love of a father, love of family, and even some romantic love too—along with a story of self-discovery, coming to terms with the past, and moving forward in spite of fear.
Perhaps the best feature of this book? The absolutely gorgeous writing. I re-read paragraphs and passages multiple times to absorb the beauty on the page (and I only do this if I’m truly blown away). I want to read this book again just to experience Nicholas Westerfer’s writing. This book truly captured my attention and heart, and didn’t let go.
Keith faced so many obstacles growing up, and now has a happy life—lovely wife expecting twin daughters, stable job—more than he ever thought possible. But he’s left to face heartbreak and life as a single dad. As he tries to move forward, his past haunts him: his abusive father (who he fears he might be like), his estranged mother, so many things. He wants to search for answers, but fears what he’ll find…
Amid Keith’s pain and torment are hope, unending love, and even some joy. You get ALL the feelings and emotions in this book: grief, sadness, warmth, joy, love, anger, kindness, fear, contentment, happiness. The characters are so real, Keith in particular. He has human flaws, but he cares so deeply about his children and his family, and feels things so deeply. And he’s not truly alone—the other characters support, love, and help him on his journey.
Sleeping Daddy is a touching and beautiful love story—the love of a father, love of family, and even some romantic love too—along with a story of self-discovery, coming to terms with the past, and moving forward in spite of fear.
Perhaps the best feature of this book? The absolutely gorgeous writing. I re-read paragraphs and passages multiple times to absorb the beauty on the page (and I only do this if I’m truly blown away). I want to read this book again just to experience Nicholas Westerfer’s writing. This book truly captured my attention and heart, and didn’t let go.
December 23, 2024
Sleeping Daddy is filled with gut-wrenching emotion, written so well, so realistically, I couldn’t stop reading. Normally, I shun stories like this one because I don’t want to feel. “Real life,” I tell myself, “is too real.” (I prefer living in denial.) But I turned the pages because I couldn’t not plow forward, even though my heart rate and emotions were climbing and plunging as though I was riding a runaway rollercoaster. I expected to crash and burn, but the author didn’t allow that because he wants me, the reader, to understand that people persevere to survive and that love and hope will help us triumph. While reading the last pages, I reached for tissues and swiped at the tears in my eyes…I won’t forget this story or the power of this author’s words, and neither will you. I guarantee it. And you, like I, will think often about this story while waiting for Nicholas Westerfer to pen his next novel.
November 20, 2024
Sleeping Daddy is an emotional masterpiece that tore at my heartstrings from start to finish. Keith’s story is so raw and vulnerable that I couldn’t help but feel deeply connected to every moment of his journey. The writing is powerful, drawing you into a narrative that’s equal parts heartbreaking and captivating. I found myself completely immersed, unable to put it down, and filled with empathy for the characters. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates stories that leave a lasting impact. Highly recommend!
December 17, 2024
This book is emotional and will have you tearing up and heartbroken! The vulnerability that you see throughout the story is emotional and really touches you on a personal level. You feel like you know the characters and fall into the story. This is a hard book to put down!
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 26, 2025
Keith Higgins has twins on the way with his wife Ella, but she has a secret that she is keeping. After a tragic and traumatic delivery, Ella runs off leaving Keith as a single parent. Unfortunately, Keith has had a traumatic past and that past is haunting him. Keith is determined to make sure that he is a different type of father than the one that he had, and he wants to make amends with his mother, if he can find her.
Honestly, my description of the book does NOT do it justice. It may be better for you to read the official one by the author. I honestly didn’t know what I was getting myself into reading this book, but what I got was nothing short of amazing. And the fact that this is a debut novel makes it that much more amazing.
This novel reads as a love letter from a father to his daughter(s). After Ella left, Keith did everything he could to always be there for Hope, to make sure she had what she needed. More than that though, I loved reading about how in awe of Hope he was, how much he loved being with Hope when she was a baby or a toddler, that he missed her when he was away from her. I also got a REALLY good laugh at the bathroom scene – you’ll have to read this to find out!!!!
There are some deep themes in this book, but I don’t want to give too much away. There is a secret that is revealed and a tragedy. Both are handled very well. The reactions were very real and honest. There is Keith breaking the circle of violence that he had experienced when he was a child, and there is a rather intense scene towards the end of the book that had me on the edge of my seat.
This book had me tears more than once. It’s absolutely beautiful. This author is one to watch. I can’t wait to read more!
Honestly, my description of the book does NOT do it justice. It may be better for you to read the official one by the author. I honestly didn’t know what I was getting myself into reading this book, but what I got was nothing short of amazing. And the fact that this is a debut novel makes it that much more amazing.
This novel reads as a love letter from a father to his daughter(s). After Ella left, Keith did everything he could to always be there for Hope, to make sure she had what she needed. More than that though, I loved reading about how in awe of Hope he was, how much he loved being with Hope when she was a baby or a toddler, that he missed her when he was away from her. I also got a REALLY good laugh at the bathroom scene – you’ll have to read this to find out!!!!
There are some deep themes in this book, but I don’t want to give too much away. There is a secret that is revealed and a tragedy. Both are handled very well. The reactions were very real and honest. There is Keith breaking the circle of violence that he had experienced when he was a child, and there is a rather intense scene towards the end of the book that had me on the edge of my seat.
This book had me tears more than once. It’s absolutely beautiful. This author is one to watch. I can’t wait to read more!
December 20, 2024
I started reading this book on the plane on my way home from visiting my family. Just a few chapters in and I was already crying. I finished the book this morning and was sobbing uncontrollably.
This book was so beautifully written and is full of so many emotions. I couldn’t help but feel so sad and angry for Keith when learning about the trauma he experienced in his life. From a very young age, he was mentally and physically abused by his dad who was a raging alcoholic and he carried that with him through adulthood. Fast forward to his 20’s and he is married to Ella, thinking they have the perfect marriage and they are about to have twin girls. Ella has some secrets of her own that she never felt comfortable telling anyone. I won’t give too much away since this is a big part of the story, but I felt sad for her that she had to hide her true identity just to make others around her happy. I think the loss of one of their babies really gave her a reality check and she came to terms with who she is.
Jenny also has some terrible things that happened to her. I love how her and Keith learned to trust each other with the secrets of their past. They seemed to mend each other’s broken hearts and really grew as a couple.
Keith’s relationship with his daughter, Hope, was so cute and he truly would go through all lengths to protect her. The love he had for his daughter was immeasurable and it truly shows when you get to the end of the book.
If you are looking for a good cry, I highly recommend this one. I can’t wait to read future books from this author.
This book was so beautifully written and is full of so many emotions. I couldn’t help but feel so sad and angry for Keith when learning about the trauma he experienced in his life. From a very young age, he was mentally and physically abused by his dad who was a raging alcoholic and he carried that with him through adulthood. Fast forward to his 20’s and he is married to Ella, thinking they have the perfect marriage and they are about to have twin girls. Ella has some secrets of her own that she never felt comfortable telling anyone. I won’t give too much away since this is a big part of the story, but I felt sad for her that she had to hide her true identity just to make others around her happy. I think the loss of one of their babies really gave her a reality check and she came to terms with who she is.
Jenny also has some terrible things that happened to her. I love how her and Keith learned to trust each other with the secrets of their past. They seemed to mend each other’s broken hearts and really grew as a couple.
Keith’s relationship with his daughter, Hope, was so cute and he truly would go through all lengths to protect her. The love he had for his daughter was immeasurable and it truly shows when you get to the end of the book.
If you are looking for a good cry, I highly recommend this one. I can’t wait to read future books from this author.
December 15, 2024
"You’ve changed me. Finding someone who can love you, even with all of the imperfections and craziness that weaves your existence, changes you. You’ve restored the fundamental fabric of my thoughts, reestablished faith amid the clouds of doubt. As time pushes forward with its forceful hand, take our story and hold it in your heart.
- Daddy"
Wow! I couldn´t put this book down. It made me think, cry, laugh and ponder over life, I was touched and inspired. The story is so beautifully written, it felt like reading one long poem. I loved the writing style so much, it was poetical and poignant. The story and the main character were so captivating. I could feel with the main character and I loved how the author really went deep into the main character´s thoughts, his childhood, fears and hopes. It was a heartbreaking story, yet the main character showed strength and determination, which moved me deeply. The love and challenges in a relationship between a daughter and a father, was described so beautifully and emotionally raw. There aren´t many books portraying and discussing the single fatherhood in this way. The father's love, loss, and the quest to break the cycle of violence across generations was moving in so many ways.
I highly recommend this book. I will be going back to the beautiful quotes over and over again!
Thank you to Torch Lit Ink for sending me a copy of this book!
- Daddy"
Wow! I couldn´t put this book down. It made me think, cry, laugh and ponder over life, I was touched and inspired. The story is so beautifully written, it felt like reading one long poem. I loved the writing style so much, it was poetical and poignant. The story and the main character were so captivating. I could feel with the main character and I loved how the author really went deep into the main character´s thoughts, his childhood, fears and hopes. It was a heartbreaking story, yet the main character showed strength and determination, which moved me deeply. The love and challenges in a relationship between a daughter and a father, was described so beautifully and emotionally raw. There aren´t many books portraying and discussing the single fatherhood in this way. The father's love, loss, and the quest to break the cycle of violence across generations was moving in so many ways.
I highly recommend this book. I will be going back to the beautiful quotes over and over again!
Thank you to Torch Lit Ink for sending me a copy of this book!
December 18, 2024
This book made me feel so many different emotions as I read it. Angry, sad, happy, and a bunch in between. At one point, it was 2AM, and I was bawling while reading parts of this story. The author has an incredible way of conveying hard character stories that make you feel so much emotion for that character and their plight. There are many moments in this book that do different things to progress the story, and the flow of the book is a big part of that. The author mainly focused on the story in the present but had key flashback moments that helped explain why the MMC was acting a certain way. The authors ability to explain how trauma affects individuals differently is incredibly insightful. There are a fair amount of heavy topics in this book, and I would suggest reading the blurb and triggers before jumping into the story. I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a story that takes a more realistic approach to hard topics and traumatic experiences. This book has definitely left an imprint on my soul, and for me, that makes it not only an incredible story but a very well written book.
December 18, 2024
So this book had me feeling a few different thoughts.
There were several places where I could relate with the MMC. I had a rough childhood before I was adopted so some of the traumatic issues he went through gripped at my heart. The struggles he face with the demons inside his head was very relatable. But he stuck around to be a father no matter what.
There were some places where I felt the boom just kinda drug on. I found myself tuning out some. I feel like the story was a powerful one, minus a few little areas that I personally could have done without.
I enjoyed seeing and feeling the love of a dad for his daughter. His protectiveness and never willing to give up on her. I also felt huge compassion when he was so thoughtful and understanding of Ella when she came back. And of course with his mother. That reunion made me cry. The story was very impactful and deep, it will touch your heart in many ways.
3.5⭐️
There were several places where I could relate with the MMC. I had a rough childhood before I was adopted so some of the traumatic issues he went through gripped at my heart. The struggles he face with the demons inside his head was very relatable. But he stuck around to be a father no matter what.
There were some places where I felt the boom just kinda drug on. I found myself tuning out some. I feel like the story was a powerful one, minus a few little areas that I personally could have done without.
I enjoyed seeing and feeling the love of a dad for his daughter. His protectiveness and never willing to give up on her. I also felt huge compassion when he was so thoughtful and understanding of Ella when she came back. And of course with his mother. That reunion made me cry. The story was very impactful and deep, it will touch your heart in many ways.
3.5⭐️
December 24, 2024
Okay, Sleeping Daddy was NOT what I expected. I went in thinking it’d be a quirky, lighthearted dad story, and instead got slapped with a tidal wave of emotions. Keith Higgins goes from excited dad-to-be to single dad heartbreak faster than I could say, “What just happened?” Between Ella’s mysterious disappearance and Keith’s deep dive into his own messy past, this book had me laughing, crying, and yelling at the pages like it could hear me.
Ella’s secret is a gut punch, and Keith’s quest for answers is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Despite the heavy themes, there’s so much love and hope woven into this story. Keith’s bond with his twins and his fight to break free from his family’s painful cycle kept me hooked. It’s Sleeping Beauty meets emotional chaos—with a whole lot of heart. Highly recommend, but don’t forget the tissues!
Ella’s secret is a gut punch, and Keith’s quest for answers is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Despite the heavy themes, there’s so much love and hope woven into this story. Keith’s bond with his twins and his fight to break free from his family’s painful cycle kept me hooked. It’s Sleeping Beauty meets emotional chaos—with a whole lot of heart. Highly recommend, but don’t forget the tissues!
December 20, 2024
This was a dive into the rarely explored world of domestic violence through the eyes of a male victim. We watch the struggle of breaking that cycle while the MMC, Keith, is coming to terms with his wife’s own secrets that shatter the idea of what he thought his life would look like. What makes this story compelling is the internal battle—not just with the abuse he suffers but with his own rage, threatening to mirror the violence he’s experienced.
The story pulls you in to his struggle to control the darkness lurking inside him.
The ending is intense and raw. Without spoiling it, the final confrontation left me breathless. It was both devastating and cathartic. It’s the kind of ending that lingers with you.
The story pulls you in to his struggle to control the darkness lurking inside him.
The ending is intense and raw. Without spoiling it, the final confrontation left me breathless. It was both devastating and cathartic. It’s the kind of ending that lingers with you.
December 7, 2024
I read this in a few short hours and let me tell you, my heart was broken for Keith! He faces a lot in this book and I can't tell you any of it because you need to read this yourself (there are A LOT of heavy topics inside so look for trigger warnings or ask someone who's read it)
Every character in this book is going through something..... Things that break them and secrets that are hard to share. The bright spot here for me remains with Hope. I mean.... Her name says it all. I was an emotional, blubbering mess at the end.
This is a phenomenal debut and I am 100% looking forward to more from this author.
Every character in this book is going through something..... Things that break them and secrets that are hard to share. The bright spot here for me remains with Hope. I mean.... Her name says it all. I was an emotional, blubbering mess at the end.
This is a phenomenal debut and I am 100% looking forward to more from this author.
December 21, 2024
Holy whirl wind of emotions! If you are a parent, just know there are some TW in this book between loss and abuse.
Reading the story about Kieth in his POV had me completely connected to his character. Everything I read that he was feeling I felt. Between anger, hurt, happiness, and sadness. I also cried quite a bit, being a mom I can’t imagine going through what Kieth has and is going through while reading. I felt like I listening to someone tell me their life story rather than reading a book.
Reading the story about Kieth in his POV had me completely connected to his character. Everything I read that he was feeling I felt. Between anger, hurt, happiness, and sadness. I also cried quite a bit, being a mom I can’t imagine going through what Kieth has and is going through while reading. I felt like I listening to someone tell me their life story rather than reading a book.
December 21, 2024
Wow, this book was a beautiful and emotional to read! ❤️
With that being said I could not put it down and it kept me engaged throughout. I felt the pain, anger, hurt, happiness and love as the characters did in the book. It is truly powerful how well readers can relate to the main characters.
This book does have alot of heavy topics so please be sure to read the trigger warnings.
I can not wait to see what else this author writes.
With that being said I could not put it down and it kept me engaged throughout. I felt the pain, anger, hurt, happiness and love as the characters did in the book. It is truly powerful how well readers can relate to the main characters.
This book does have alot of heavy topics so please be sure to read the trigger warnings.
I can not wait to see what else this author writes.
December 21, 2024
This book highlights a father’s love. It’s a family, fatherhood, and healing from trauma. The MMC Keith struggles with becoming a single father after a traumatic birth. This story captures the love every child deserves no matter the challenge thrown your way. Westerfer is such a good author and very much looking forward to read more in fine future!
December 22, 2024
A true roller coaster of emotions reading this 🥺🥹❤️😭🫶
A phenomenal book. Writing was excellent. So many issues brought to light. Almost every reader can relate in some way. It’s heart breaking, devastating, healing & emotional in so many ways. I would recommend checking trigger warnings, but i feel this is such a beautiful and important read.
I wish i could give this 6 stars ⭐️
A phenomenal book. Writing was excellent. So many issues brought to light. Almost every reader can relate in some way. It’s heart breaking, devastating, healing & emotional in so many ways. I would recommend checking trigger warnings, but i feel this is such a beautiful and important read.
I wish i could give this 6 stars ⭐️
December 13, 2024
This book is both heartwarming and heart breaking. It pulls at every single one of your emotions. I was crying within the first few chapters and crying at the last few. I was angry, scared, and excited. I felt like I was right there with Keith through his grieving, struggling, and healing. This book makes you think about some deep things. It is an amazing debut. It does cover some heavy topics, so check for trigger warnings.
December 21, 2024
Such a great read!! There were so many emotions, ups and downs. I found myself relating to Keith on so many levels. Props to Nicholas for this amazing novel, excited to read more from this author!
December 23, 2024
Sleeping Daddy is an emotional rollercoaster that redefines modern fairy tales. Keith's journey through grief, fatherhood, and buried secrets had me hooked from the first page. This story beautifully balances heartbreak and hope, leaving you rooting for redemption until the very end. A must-read for anyone who loves stories about love, loss, and second chances!
November 29, 2024
Wow, this was very well written..this book hits you in all your feels and gets you emotional. This can be a very emotional read for some people. I like how it shows representation of abuse (all types of abuse.) Single parenting, death, loss of a loved one, addiction, eating disorders and finally coming out and truly being the person you were meant to be. You never truly know what battles people are facing and dealing with. Always be kind to one another, for we all can be fighting a battle no one knows about! The story does take a scary turn toward the end. A father’s love for their child is just what someone needs, to keep fighting through this crazy thing we call life! A child’s love is the kind of love you truly need, it changes you. It truly shows you how to be a better person! Life is beautiful, even when it’s ugly!
“Just remember, if you lose Faith.. find Hope!”
“Just remember, if you lose Faith.. find Hope!”
January 16, 2025
Wow!!!! I really loved every minute of this book! What an amazing story of the tremendous love you have for your children. Pulled at some many heartstrings while having some thriller action in there as well. Had a little bit of everything I love in a book. 5/5, way to go Nick🥰
December 10, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It got me really into my feelings and I felt loss, heartbreak and all the rest of it. I felt really bad for Keith, who had to try and ignore the past and his demons whilst trying to protect his daughter, the one he never knew he needed. This book makes you emotional from the start and only gets more emotional as you carry on, so brace yourself.
December 24, 2024
I was a single mom of two when I was 22. It was the hardest task I have ever been faced with. This book touched my heart! This was such a well written realistic story and the characters were so perfect!! This will make you cry and it will make you smile.
November 29, 2024
A father's journey to fight the demons of his past while learning to fall in love with the daughter he never knew he needed.
Keith Higgins is about to become a father, but he is plagued by the demons of his past. His father, Frank, is an abusive alcoholic and Keith can't help but worry that he has been permanently tainted by the way he was raised. Can he truly be a father to his daughter when he was never loved by one himself? And on top of that, Ella's labor goes traumatically wrong, and she soon takes off to California, leaving Keith alone, struggling to be a father his daughter needs him to be. With the help of an eccentric coworker by the name of Jenny, Ella's mother Christina, and his doctor Ethan, who has insight on Ella's secrets, Keith is forced to fight his demons if he wants his daughter to have the life he's dreamed of her having.
"Sleeping Daddy" is such a complex book that had me tearing up near the end. It's a story of a man grappling with the demons of his childhood. It's a tale of finding one's true identity after wearing a mask for decades. It's finding love in unlikely places and learning what it is like to love someone more than you could ever love yourself. It's the fight of trying to stitch a family back together after they are ripped apart at the seams. But most importantly, it shows the unconditional love that a parent can have for their child. I don't want to go too deeply into any specifics of this book, because the impactful nature of this novel truly comes from following the ups and downs of Keith's life as he navigates some treacherous waters.
This book is pitched as a Sleeping Beauty retelling, but it mostly just has loose elements inspired by the tale. The Sleeping Daddy bit that Keith has with his daughter is so heartwarming though, so I'm not disappointed by the fact that this book sold itself as a Sleeping Beauty tale, just know that it is a very loose inspiration.
This book goes into many long monologues of Keith thinking to himself about the complexities of life and the nature of things that happen to humanity. I personally ate up all of these psychological musings, but I could see how these could be distracting to some readers or make the story drag for those who like faster paced stories.
As a teenager myself, I am not looking to have children any time in the near future, but I love how Westerfer captured the father-daughter relationship in this book. The way that Keith thinks about his little girl is so powerful and I feel that reading "Sleeping Daddy" helped me better understand the unconditional love that parents feel for their children from moment one.
The very end of "Sleeping Daddy" was so well done. The suspenseful scene close to the end had my heart racing and my body filling with dread. Luckily, the story let me down nicely with some really cute moments between Keith, his daughter, and Ella that involved the movie "Frozen" which I thought was sweet. Funny enough, "Frozen" was part of Keith's philosophical final think fest of the novel. As a girl who grew up with Anna and Elsa as some of my childhood companions, I found this session to be quite amusing. And the epilogue? Man, it had me tearing up. This book really encompasses the entirety of Keith's life, so I really felt like I knew this man by the end. That made the nature of the epilogue to be very moving and quite sad.
Before I leave this rant fest, I have to give a brief warning about how heavy this book is. This book covers topics such as alcoholism, physical abuse, sexual assault, the loss of a child, homophobia, complex identity crises, death of a parent, gun violence, and other traumatic experiences. Make sure to check this book for all its trigger warnings and make sure you are in a safe place to read this book. I learned so much about many of these traumatic events, but it is always important to put your mental health first.
Overall, I was pleased by how much I learned and the extreme feelings that "Sleeping Daddy" elicited from me. This book is definitely a hard read with all the traumatic events and identity hurdles that it tackles. The fact that so many people live through things like the events that happen in this book on a daily basis pains me greatly, but I'm glad that survivors of these events are strong enough to share their struggles with others like me which turns me into a more empathetic and caring person. If you are wanting to make yourself a better person by tackling a tough read with hopeful and inspiring takeaways, I would definitely recommend looking into "Sleeping Daddy."
Keith Higgins is about to become a father, but he is plagued by the demons of his past. His father, Frank, is an abusive alcoholic and Keith can't help but worry that he has been permanently tainted by the way he was raised. Can he truly be a father to his daughter when he was never loved by one himself? And on top of that, Ella's labor goes traumatically wrong, and she soon takes off to California, leaving Keith alone, struggling to be a father his daughter needs him to be. With the help of an eccentric coworker by the name of Jenny, Ella's mother Christina, and his doctor Ethan, who has insight on Ella's secrets, Keith is forced to fight his demons if he wants his daughter to have the life he's dreamed of her having.
"Sleeping Daddy" is such a complex book that had me tearing up near the end. It's a story of a man grappling with the demons of his childhood. It's a tale of finding one's true identity after wearing a mask for decades. It's finding love in unlikely places and learning what it is like to love someone more than you could ever love yourself. It's the fight of trying to stitch a family back together after they are ripped apart at the seams. But most importantly, it shows the unconditional love that a parent can have for their child. I don't want to go too deeply into any specifics of this book, because the impactful nature of this novel truly comes from following the ups and downs of Keith's life as he navigates some treacherous waters.
This book is pitched as a Sleeping Beauty retelling, but it mostly just has loose elements inspired by the tale. The Sleeping Daddy bit that Keith has with his daughter is so heartwarming though, so I'm not disappointed by the fact that this book sold itself as a Sleeping Beauty tale, just know that it is a very loose inspiration.
This book goes into many long monologues of Keith thinking to himself about the complexities of life and the nature of things that happen to humanity. I personally ate up all of these psychological musings, but I could see how these could be distracting to some readers or make the story drag for those who like faster paced stories.
As a teenager myself, I am not looking to have children any time in the near future, but I love how Westerfer captured the father-daughter relationship in this book. The way that Keith thinks about his little girl is so powerful and I feel that reading "Sleeping Daddy" helped me better understand the unconditional love that parents feel for their children from moment one.
The very end of "Sleeping Daddy" was so well done. The suspenseful scene close to the end had my heart racing and my body filling with dread. Luckily, the story let me down nicely with some really cute moments between Keith, his daughter, and Ella that involved the movie "Frozen" which I thought was sweet. Funny enough, "Frozen" was part of Keith's philosophical final think fest of the novel. As a girl who grew up with Anna and Elsa as some of my childhood companions, I found this session to be quite amusing. And the epilogue? Man, it had me tearing up. This book really encompasses the entirety of Keith's life, so I really felt like I knew this man by the end. That made the nature of the epilogue to be very moving and quite sad.
Before I leave this rant fest, I have to give a brief warning about how heavy this book is. This book covers topics such as alcoholism, physical abuse, sexual assault, the loss of a child, homophobia, complex identity crises, death of a parent, gun violence, and other traumatic experiences. Make sure to check this book for all its trigger warnings and make sure you are in a safe place to read this book. I learned so much about many of these traumatic events, but it is always important to put your mental health first.
Overall, I was pleased by how much I learned and the extreme feelings that "Sleeping Daddy" elicited from me. This book is definitely a hard read with all the traumatic events and identity hurdles that it tackles. The fact that so many people live through things like the events that happen in this book on a daily basis pains me greatly, but I'm glad that survivors of these events are strong enough to share their struggles with others like me which turns me into a more empathetic and caring person. If you are wanting to make yourself a better person by tackling a tough read with hopeful and inspiring takeaways, I would definitely recommend looking into "Sleeping Daddy."
December 21, 2024
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank the author and Torch Lit Ink for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Love. I love this little monster more than life itself. More than the sea of words in the dictionary could ever define. The reason for my life...is her. As peculiar as it sounds, I feel like Sleeping Beauty. Like, true love's kiss just woke me up. I'm Sleeping Daddy." (p. 117)
Spice Level:
🌶
Tropes:
literary fiction, psychological fiction, suspense, family, single dad, romance
An emotional story about a father’s love and healing the child within
Keith left home when it became clear that his mother would never leave his abusive father. Haunted by his past, he finally feels like life has turned for the better thanks to his wife Ella and the twin babies she carries. After a traumatic and devastating labor and delivery, Ella vanishes, leaving Keith a single parent. In order to heal, Keith must confront his tortured past and track down his mother, even if it means the demons of his childhood will be brought into the light.
This highly emotional story is a raw, intimate exploration of Keith’s thoughts and feelings. The reader experiences traumatic scenes in real time through the lens of anxiety, PTSD, and grief. Nicholas Westerfer’s debut novel, Sleeping Daddy is an intense rollercoaster of suspense and emotional turmoil, but at its heart, it is a story of a father’s enduring love. With a nod to Sleeping Beauty, a child’s love awakens her father from an eternal haze of depression, allowing him to embark on a journey to heal his heart and mind.
Please note: With many triggering subjects described in detail, the content warnings should be consulted before reading.
Trigger warnings:
domestic violence, child abuse, rape, infant loss, traumatic labor and delivery, abandonment, alcoholism, PTSD, anxiety, murder, death
First, I would like to thank the author and Torch Lit Ink for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Love. I love this little monster more than life itself. More than the sea of words in the dictionary could ever define. The reason for my life...is her. As peculiar as it sounds, I feel like Sleeping Beauty. Like, true love's kiss just woke me up. I'm Sleeping Daddy." (p. 117)
Spice Level:
🌶
Tropes:
literary fiction, psychological fiction, suspense, family, single dad, romance
An emotional story about a father’s love and healing the child within
Keith left home when it became clear that his mother would never leave his abusive father. Haunted by his past, he finally feels like life has turned for the better thanks to his wife Ella and the twin babies she carries. After a traumatic and devastating labor and delivery, Ella vanishes, leaving Keith a single parent. In order to heal, Keith must confront his tortured past and track down his mother, even if it means the demons of his childhood will be brought into the light.
This highly emotional story is a raw, intimate exploration of Keith’s thoughts and feelings. The reader experiences traumatic scenes in real time through the lens of anxiety, PTSD, and grief. Nicholas Westerfer’s debut novel, Sleeping Daddy is an intense rollercoaster of suspense and emotional turmoil, but at its heart, it is a story of a father’s enduring love. With a nod to Sleeping Beauty, a child’s love awakens her father from an eternal haze of depression, allowing him to embark on a journey to heal his heart and mind.
Please note: With many triggering subjects described in detail, the content warnings should be consulted before reading.
Trigger warnings:
domestic violence, child abuse, rape, infant loss, traumatic labor and delivery, abandonment, alcoholism, PTSD, anxiety, murder, death
December 18, 2024
I am going to be completely honest. When I first read the blurb of this book, I thought it was going to be a thriller. As I got more into the book, I realized that it was not a thriller, but I am happy that I got to read it because it was such a beautiful story.
There are some heavy topics in this book, so please check the trigger list before jumping right into it. It got me feeling emotional with talks about loss and heartbreak, and I could not put it down. This book made me open my eyes and really think about the closest people in my life. No matter how long you have known someone, you never really know what they are going through deep down because not everyone is able to be vulnerable that easily.
Keith's story is very traumatic, especially when you read about his past and how hard he is trying to avoid a repeat of it. Every character in this book had something from their past that they were trying to overcome on their own, but realize that sometimes they just need Hope.
The writing was amazing, and it made me feel sad, angry, and happy for the characters. I highly recommend this book if you don't mind being an emotional mess for a bit, but don't worry, it does end on a good note.
There are some heavy topics in this book, so please check the trigger list before jumping right into it. It got me feeling emotional with talks about loss and heartbreak, and I could not put it down. This book made me open my eyes and really think about the closest people in my life. No matter how long you have known someone, you never really know what they are going through deep down because not everyone is able to be vulnerable that easily.
Keith's story is very traumatic, especially when you read about his past and how hard he is trying to avoid a repeat of it. Every character in this book had something from their past that they were trying to overcome on their own, but realize that sometimes they just need Hope.
The writing was amazing, and it made me feel sad, angry, and happy for the characters. I highly recommend this book if you don't mind being an emotional mess for a bit, but don't worry, it does end on a good note.
October 29, 2025
Sleeping Daddy surprised me. Judging by its cover, I was expecting an elegiac ode to parenthood, but the book is actually most gripping in recounting Keith’s tortured childhood and the reckoning he receives as an adult. Those scenes are jarring, and you simply can’t take your eyes off the text.
The author clearly brings his own experience in processing the events depicted in his novel. Take, for instance, “As a father, love is a terror. The unpleasant truth being: parenthood exposes you. Opens you, makes you vulnerable to the darkness in this world. Love becomes selfish. Selfish because you protect your kids to protect yourself. . . Love is terrifying, but the closed off loneliness of isolated safety… it’s worse.”
His poetic side also shines throughout the book in beautiful passages such as:
“The colors of sunset blend together stunningly in a way that seems to fill the sky with an explosion of passion and heat. Shades of blue lick through the strokes of pink and yellow. The sun crests dangerously on the water’s edge. The sky is cloudless and sill, like the gates of heaven are open, and we’re staring into its beauty.”
A deeply personal, absorbing read.
The author clearly brings his own experience in processing the events depicted in his novel. Take, for instance, “As a father, love is a terror. The unpleasant truth being: parenthood exposes you. Opens you, makes you vulnerable to the darkness in this world. Love becomes selfish. Selfish because you protect your kids to protect yourself. . . Love is terrifying, but the closed off loneliness of isolated safety… it’s worse.”
His poetic side also shines throughout the book in beautiful passages such as:
“The colors of sunset blend together stunningly in a way that seems to fill the sky with an explosion of passion and heat. Shades of blue lick through the strokes of pink and yellow. The sun crests dangerously on the water’s edge. The sky is cloudless and sill, like the gates of heaven are open, and we’re staring into its beauty.”
A deeply personal, absorbing read.
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