Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Substitute summary
Denise Grover Swank
Brief summary
The Substitute by Denise Grover Swank is a captivating romance novel that follows Megan Vandemeer as she navigates a fake engagement with her seatmate, Josh McMillan, on a plane. Their arrangement takes an unexpected turn as real feelings develop.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Substitute
Summary of key ideas
The Unplanned Engagement
In The Substitute by Denise Grover Swank, Megan Vandemeer's life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Josh McMillan on a flight back home. Megan is dreading her return to her hometown after a broken engagement, while Josh is struggling to save his business. Their chance encounter leads to a misunderstanding, with Megan's parents assuming Josh is her fiancé. To Megan's surprise, Josh plays along, realizing this could be the solution to both their problems.
As they continue to pretend to be engaged, Megan and Josh grow closer. Josh helps Megan stand up to her overbearing mother, while Megan inspires Josh to confront his past. Their fake engagement starts to feel real, and they both begin to question their initial motivations. Megan is drawn to Josh's kindness, while Josh admires Megan's strength and resilience.
The Realization of Love
As they navigate through the chaos of their fake engagement, Megan and Josh begin to acknowledge their feelings for each other. They share intimate moments and confide in each other, forming a deep emotional bond. However, they both struggle with the fear of commitment due to their past experiences. Megan is afraid of repeating her failed engagement, while Josh fears abandonment due to his troubled childhood.
In the midst of their growing feelings, Megan's ex-fiancé reappears, creating further turmoil. Despite the complications, Josh stands by Megan, proving his loyalty and love. Megan also learns to confront her fears and stand up for her happiness. The challenges they face together only strengthen their bond, reaffirming their love for each other.
The Road to Happily Ever After
In the final stretch of The Substitute, Megan and Josh's relationship is put to the ultimate test. They face opposition from Megan's controlling mother, who disapproves of Josh. However, Megan finally stands up to her mother, asserting her independence and her right to choose her own happiness. Josh, in turn, confronts his past and his fears, realizing that he can't let his traumatic childhood dictate his future.
With their obstacles overcome, Megan and Josh's fake engagement transforms into a real one. They both acknowledge their love and commitment to each other. The story ends with their actual engagement, signifying a new beginning for their relationship. The Substitute concludes with Megan and Josh's journey towards happily ever after, proving that sometimes, love can emerge from the most unexpected situations.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Substitute about?
The Substitute by Denise Grover Swank is a heartwarming and humorous romance novel that follows the story of Megan Vandemeer, a woman who finds herself in a complicated situation when she enlists the help of a stranger, Josh McMillan, to pose as her fiancé. As they navigate through their fake engagement, unexpected feelings start to emerge, leading to a journey of self-discovery and true love.
The Substitute Review
The Substitute (2015) by Denise Grover Swank is a thrilling novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its intriguing plot and engaging characters. Here's why this book is definitely worth your time:
- Featuring suspenseful twists and unexpected turns, it will keep you guessing until the very end.
- The complex relationships between the characters add depth and dimension to the story, making it more than just a typical mystery novel.
- With its fast-paced narrative and intriguing secrets, the book never fails to captivate, ensuring you won't be able to put it down.
Who should read The Substitute?
Readers who enjoy contemporary romance novels with a touch of humor
People looking for a light and entertaining summer read
Those who appreciate stories about unexpected love and second chances
Categories with The Substitute
Book summaries like The Substitute
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Substitute FAQs
What is the main message of The Substitute?
In The Substitute, finding oneself amidst unexpected challenges leads to personal growth.
How long does it take to read The Substitute?
Reading time for The Substitute varies, but the Blinkist summary can be finished quickly.
Is The Substitute a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Substitute is worth reading for its blend of humor, romance, and self-discovery.
Who is the author of The Substitute?
Denise Grover Swank is the author of The Substitute.
What to read after The Substitute?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Substitute, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel S. F. Heller
- Click by Rom and Ori Brafman
- Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
- Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
- The Truth About Trust by David DeSteno
- Why We Love by Helen Fisher
- Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler
- Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá
- A General Theory of Love by Thomas Lewis, Fari Amini and Richard Lannon
- The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman and Nan Silver