Love, Lies, and Cherry Pie: A Novel By Jackie Lau

Jackie Lau’s latest rom-com delves into the humorous and heartwarming tale of Emily Hung, a writer and barista, who finds herself at odds with her mother's relentless matchmaking attempts centered around the seemingly perfect Mark Chan. Tired of hearing about Mark's achievements and virtues, Emily is determined to prove that he's not as exceptional as her mother believes.

When circumstances force Emily and Mark together at her sister’s wedding, Emily realizes that her mother's fixation on Mark as a potential match for her is stronger than ever. Faced with the pressure to find a partner as the last single daughter in her family, Emily concocts a plan: convince Mark to participate in a fake relationship to thwart her mother's meddling.

Despite Mark's initial reluctance, he agrees to Emily's proposition. However, their fake relationship quickly becomes complicated as they find themselves spending more time together to maintain the facade. With each staged date, Emily discovers unexpected layers to Mark's personality, challenging her initial assumptions about him.

As they navigate through awkward encounters at bubble tea shops and cake-decorating classes, Emily begins to see Mark in a new light. Beneath his reserved exterior, she finds someone genuine and kind, sparking a gradual shift in her feelings towards him.

Lau's storytelling skillfully combines humor, romance, and relatable family dynamics, making "The Stand-Up Groomsman" a delightful and engaging read. Through Emily and Mark's journey, readers are reminded of the unpredictability of love and the importance of embracing authenticity in relationships. 📚❤️