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Undeclared
Landon Grey wakes up one morning, a twenty-two college dropout with a two year old kid and the theme from Sesame Street playing in his head. Even without a plan for his future, he?s sure this isn?t it.
Only problem? This is it.
His wife just died in a car accident, her high school sweetheart dead in the passenger seat beside her. And his pudgy, Elmo loving, juice guzzling daughter is tugging at his pajamas as he hides under the covers, willing his life to be something else. Anything else.
He looks to his wife for help, only to remember they've left her at the funeral home.
While his mother threatens to suffocate him with a mixture of concern and enthusiastic hugs and his disappointed in-laws make demands on his time for the next sixteen years, an unexpected encounter with a support group full of women old enough to be his grandmothers propels a reluctant Landon on a different path. With the help of the girl who claims to be a support group junkie, Landon finds the courage to stand up and make the decisions he's avoided his whole life.
Undeclared forces a feckless hero to leap over a new set of hurdles on his way to becoming the father and man he's meant to be.
Only problem? This is it.
His wife just died in a car accident, her high school sweetheart dead in the passenger seat beside her. And his pudgy, Elmo loving, juice guzzling daughter is tugging at his pajamas as he hides under the covers, willing his life to be something else. Anything else.
He looks to his wife for help, only to remember they've left her at the funeral home.
While his mother threatens to suffocate him with a mixture of concern and enthusiastic hugs and his disappointed in-laws make demands on his time for the next sixteen years, an unexpected encounter with a support group full of women old enough to be his grandmothers propels a reluctant Landon on a different path. With the help of the girl who claims to be a support group junkie, Landon finds the courage to stand up and make the decisions he's avoided his whole life.
Undeclared forces a feckless hero to leap over a new set of hurdles on his way to becoming the father and man he's meant to be.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2012
1 person is currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 23, 2025
22 year old Landon is a devoted dad to adorable 2 year old Sadie, and works as a package handler at UPS. He’s a college dropout after being an undeclared major, sort of drifting through life day in and day out. But then his wife Beth is killed in a car accident. And he isn’t sure why she wasn’t alone in the car.
A family drama driven novel with romantic aspects, this book is great for fans of Katherine Center and Caitlin Weaver; very relatable dialogue, time spent in the part of falling in love that confuses us all. Toddler Sadie is extraordinarily realistic and endearing, one of the best written children I’ve read.
And we know how Landon is feeling juuuuust a moment before he figures it out too. What makes this a five star read for me are the characters- the in-laws who require a weekly visit on Sundays causing Landon to miss the Eagles, his buddy Digger who is loyal and supportive, and his slightly overbearing mother. Perhaps my favorite minor character is Pearl, a woman in Landon’s grief group who lost her lover of many years.
Painfully constructed and funny, I simply loved this book. These characters will stay with me for a long time. This is one of those novels I would not have known about if it wasn’t for #bookstagram which is the world’s biggest book club. And what is a book club but a support group of misfits who have all finally found each other?
What I googled while reading this book
-Is Disney World open on Christmas?
- Laura Ashley fashion
-Mr Noodle
-Were the eagles good in 2012
QOTD: If you have kids, what character did they LOVE when they were two? My son loved Thomas the tank engine and my daughter loved Daniel Tiger!
#bookreaders #booksbooksbooks #undeclared #booktok #romancebookstagram #bookstagram
A family drama driven novel with romantic aspects, this book is great for fans of Katherine Center and Caitlin Weaver; very relatable dialogue, time spent in the part of falling in love that confuses us all. Toddler Sadie is extraordinarily realistic and endearing, one of the best written children I’ve read.
And we know how Landon is feeling juuuuust a moment before he figures it out too. What makes this a five star read for me are the characters- the in-laws who require a weekly visit on Sundays causing Landon to miss the Eagles, his buddy Digger who is loyal and supportive, and his slightly overbearing mother. Perhaps my favorite minor character is Pearl, a woman in Landon’s grief group who lost her lover of many years.
Painfully constructed and funny, I simply loved this book. These characters will stay with me for a long time. This is one of those novels I would not have known about if it wasn’t for #bookstagram which is the world’s biggest book club. And what is a book club but a support group of misfits who have all finally found each other?
What I googled while reading this book
-Is Disney World open on Christmas?
- Laura Ashley fashion
-Mr Noodle
-Were the eagles good in 2012
QOTD: If you have kids, what character did they LOVE when they were two? My son loved Thomas the tank engine and my daughter loved Daniel Tiger!
#bookreaders #booksbooksbooks #undeclared #booktok #romancebookstagram #bookstagram
March 15, 2025
This book is an absolute masterpiece. It manages to be heartfelt, funny, depressing, AND witty in all sorts of deeply human ways. I laughed out loud, and I read paragraphs with tears rolling down my face. This book takes you through the whole gamut of emotions and spits you out at the end with a fuller heart.
The characters - PERFECTION. Landon is a grieving father who loves his child so much, and you can feel that love throughout the novel. I only wanted him to be happy and find success however that looked. The romance unfolded slowly and was sickeningly sweet in the best way. The way that Iris cared for Landon and Sadie melted my heart and they were there for each other when it mattered as physical and emotional supports. The love felt deep and meaningful even before it was identified as such.
The side characters, especially Landon’s mother who made me cackle, were so well developed and added a tremendous amount to the story and the way you are able to just immerse yourself in it. Even the less likable characters had such great development that their actions made sense and you could empathize with them.
Among the grief, love, and family storylines, there was also a plot point that had me hooked regarding Landon’s wife’s death and I couldn’t get enough. There were some intense moments that had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what the real story was.
This novel is a GEM and I will be shouting it from the rooftops for a long time!!
The characters - PERFECTION. Landon is a grieving father who loves his child so much, and you can feel that love throughout the novel. I only wanted him to be happy and find success however that looked. The romance unfolded slowly and was sickeningly sweet in the best way. The way that Iris cared for Landon and Sadie melted my heart and they were there for each other when it mattered as physical and emotional supports. The love felt deep and meaningful even before it was identified as such.
The side characters, especially Landon’s mother who made me cackle, were so well developed and added a tremendous amount to the story and the way you are able to just immerse yourself in it. Even the less likable characters had such great development that their actions made sense and you could empathize with them.
Among the grief, love, and family storylines, there was also a plot point that had me hooked regarding Landon’s wife’s death and I couldn’t get enough. There were some intense moments that had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what the real story was.
This novel is a GEM and I will be shouting it from the rooftops for a long time!!
March 31, 2025
Landon’s wife Beth has died in a car accident, leaving him a single dad to the hilarious and adorable 2-year-old Sadie. Landon joins a grief support group and meets a gaggle of loving, supportive women, including the mysterious Iris. He and Iris become friends and Iris gradually becomes a frequent presence in Landon and Sadie’s lives. Meanwhile, Landon starts learning more and more about his wife’s life before she died, leading him to believe she may have been cheating on him. This is a story about reckoning with truth, leaning on family - both biological and found, and recovering from deep unexpected loss.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was stunning. This story started as one about recovering from grief but introduced many twists and turns that kept me so invested. Poor Landon is just a low key humble dude and WHAM his life gets flipped in so many ways, beyond just the loss of his wife.
Landon was such a layered and nuance character despite being a bit of an every man, not quite having his shit together, and was perhaps the most average and basic guy until... His character arc was fantastic. Him only being 22 was a brilliant choice by the author. A 22 year old man is the last person to have their shit together and, ope, guess what now your entire identity is young widow and single dad? What a joy it was to see him try so hard for his daughter and fight so fiercely to figure himself out.
Beyond Landon, the cast of characters is what really makes this book special. Iris elbows her way into Landon and Sadie’s life and at first it’s kinda weird but then it’s completely endearing. I love quirky characters who are wholly self-assured and consistent. Her relationship with Sadie was so precious. And she was such a rock for Landon. I loved watching him finally piece it all together. “I love that you waited for me to see the most important thing. And I see it now. I do.” 🥹
All the parents were infuriating and well, *parents* in their own right. His mom made my skin crawl. Her dad made me want to key his car. My big feelings about them tell me how well written they were. Howie, Beth’s brother, was a sneaky favorite. He is broody and rebellious but also has a soft heart.
The women in the support group were a bright spot in this book, especially Pearl, with whom Landon shared an unspoken connection. I found it absolutely heartwarming that he was the only man in the group and they wrapped him up so tightly in their love, like a gaggle of adoring aunties.
And my oh my, sweet sweet Sadie stole the spotlight in every scene. What are little boss baby. She and Landon were so lucky to have each other.
I didn’t know what exactly to expect from this book but it evolved into so much more than a tale of a grieving husband. There are so many unexpected twists and turns along the way, and the whole time you’re just rooting for Landon to be happy and get it right for himself and Sadie. It’s an absolute stunner, folks. Highly recommend!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was stunning. This story started as one about recovering from grief but introduced many twists and turns that kept me so invested. Poor Landon is just a low key humble dude and WHAM his life gets flipped in so many ways, beyond just the loss of his wife.
Landon was such a layered and nuance character despite being a bit of an every man, not quite having his shit together, and was perhaps the most average and basic guy until... His character arc was fantastic. Him only being 22 was a brilliant choice by the author. A 22 year old man is the last person to have their shit together and, ope, guess what now your entire identity is young widow and single dad? What a joy it was to see him try so hard for his daughter and fight so fiercely to figure himself out.
Beyond Landon, the cast of characters is what really makes this book special. Iris elbows her way into Landon and Sadie’s life and at first it’s kinda weird but then it’s completely endearing. I love quirky characters who are wholly self-assured and consistent. Her relationship with Sadie was so precious. And she was such a rock for Landon. I loved watching him finally piece it all together. “I love that you waited for me to see the most important thing. And I see it now. I do.” 🥹
All the parents were infuriating and well, *parents* in their own right. His mom made my skin crawl. Her dad made me want to key his car. My big feelings about them tell me how well written they were. Howie, Beth’s brother, was a sneaky favorite. He is broody and rebellious but also has a soft heart.
The women in the support group were a bright spot in this book, especially Pearl, with whom Landon shared an unspoken connection. I found it absolutely heartwarming that he was the only man in the group and they wrapped him up so tightly in their love, like a gaggle of adoring aunties.
And my oh my, sweet sweet Sadie stole the spotlight in every scene. What are little boss baby. She and Landon were so lucky to have each other.
I didn’t know what exactly to expect from this book but it evolved into so much more than a tale of a grieving husband. There are so many unexpected twists and turns along the way, and the whole time you’re just rooting for Landon to be happy and get it right for himself and Sadie. It’s an absolute stunner, folks. Highly recommend!!
April 2, 2025
This book is so beautifully written! I feel like it portrays grief (and all the different, confusing emotions with it) perfectly!
It’s intriguing and it kept me entertained all the way through; the flashbacks/ memories were perfectly timed and fit well into the story; and the mystery of what Landon’s wife was doing before the accident added to the storyline flawlessly! The character development- especially Landon’s- was also amazing!
It’s sad- I definitely cried multiple times while reading it, but it’s also hilarious- I definitely laughed many times (I probably looked like a weirdo laughing at this book but whatever lol).
Overall, “Undeclared” is a funny, sad, suspenseful, intriguing book all at the same time, and I 100% recommend reading it!!
It’s intriguing and it kept me entertained all the way through; the flashbacks/ memories were perfectly timed and fit well into the story; and the mystery of what Landon’s wife was doing before the accident added to the storyline flawlessly! The character development- especially Landon’s- was also amazing!
It’s sad- I definitely cried multiple times while reading it, but it’s also hilarious- I definitely laughed many times (I probably looked like a weirdo laughing at this book but whatever lol).
Overall, “Undeclared” is a funny, sad, suspenseful, intriguing book all at the same time, and I 100% recommend reading it!!
April 15, 2025
Listen. You know a book is good when nothing distracts you from reading it. Did I have errands to run and a yard to clean up after winter? Yes, I did. I thought I’d drink my morning coffee and start this lovely book then do all the things. Did that happen? It. Did. Not. You know why? Because this fvcking book is captivating. Sherry Mann ensorcelled me!
Here’s the gist: Landon is a newly widowed dad. He’s twenty-two and responsible for the care and lifekeeping of his two-year-old daughter, Sadie. All while mourning his wife, Beth, who died in a car crash with her high school boyfriend. And his mother means well, but can’t stop intruding. He ends up at a support group for grieving spouses (mostly) and all of them are older women except for Iris.
Iris, with her long scarf and mismatched patterned clothing. Iris who gets his story over a hodge podge diner dinner. Iris who comes to his house and makes Sadie fall in love with her.
What @sherry_reads_books has created here is a complex, multi-faceted story about grief when one can so clearly see the flaws of the deceased. Grief is complicated and the people trying to help us through it are well-intentioned and necessary, but ultimately it’s up to us to come out the other side.
Landon has been undeclared for most of his life, but now it’s time to declare himself ready for all life has to offer.
I highly recommend you add this to your list and get to it sooner rather than later. You will feel lighter when you read that last sentence. I know I did. And with a smile on my face. 💛
Highly recommended! Especially if you loved Promise Me Sunshine. ☀️
#contemporaryfiction #contemporaryromance #literaryfiction #booksbooksbooks #bookreview #bookrecs #bookstagram #fivestarbooks #undeclared #sherrymann #kindle
Here’s the gist: Landon is a newly widowed dad. He’s twenty-two and responsible for the care and lifekeeping of his two-year-old daughter, Sadie. All while mourning his wife, Beth, who died in a car crash with her high school boyfriend. And his mother means well, but can’t stop intruding. He ends up at a support group for grieving spouses (mostly) and all of them are older women except for Iris.
Iris, with her long scarf and mismatched patterned clothing. Iris who gets his story over a hodge podge diner dinner. Iris who comes to his house and makes Sadie fall in love with her.
What @sherry_reads_books has created here is a complex, multi-faceted story about grief when one can so clearly see the flaws of the deceased. Grief is complicated and the people trying to help us through it are well-intentioned and necessary, but ultimately it’s up to us to come out the other side.
Landon has been undeclared for most of his life, but now it’s time to declare himself ready for all life has to offer.
I highly recommend you add this to your list and get to it sooner rather than later. You will feel lighter when you read that last sentence. I know I did. And with a smile on my face. 💛
Highly recommended! Especially if you loved Promise Me Sunshine. ☀️
#contemporaryfiction #contemporaryromance #literaryfiction #booksbooksbooks #bookreview #bookrecs #bookstagram #fivestarbooks #undeclared #sherrymann #kindle
August 6, 2025
I fell hard & fast for Landon & Sadie. 🥹♥️
Landon is 22, raising his daughter alone after his wife dies in a car accident. In many ways he is much too young to be a dad, let alone a widow, but he is so capable in all the ways that counts.
His wife was keeping secrets from him.
His mom means well but comes on strong.
His in-laws are almost strangers to him.
He finds solace and a friend in grief supports group.
This is a book about loss. About family. And friendship. About love & parenting. It has the cutest toddler. Your heart will break and be put back together again. It is so hopeful.
It felt short but so well fleshed out. Landon, Sadie & Iris now have a special place in my heart. 🫶🏼
Landon is 22, raising his daughter alone after his wife dies in a car accident. In many ways he is much too young to be a dad, let alone a widow, but he is so capable in all the ways that counts.
His wife was keeping secrets from him.
His mom means well but comes on strong.
His in-laws are almost strangers to him.
He finds solace and a friend in grief supports group.
This is a book about loss. About family. And friendship. About love & parenting. It has the cutest toddler. Your heart will break and be put back together again. It is so hopeful.
It felt short but so well fleshed out. Landon, Sadie & Iris now have a special place in my heart. 🫶🏼
May 9, 2025
My heart let out a giant sigh for the duration of this book. It’s is a lovely, honest, realistic portrayal of healing in the face of profound grief and of finding yourself when the path is unclear.
At the age of 22, Landon finds himself suddenly widowed with a 2-year-old daughter. He is fully unprepared for life as a single dad; complicated by questions surrounding his wife’s death, in-laws he barely knows, and parents who desperately want to smooth the way but don’t know how. His unlikely rescuers are a group of older women he finds in a support group and a teenage girl who inserts herself into his life.
Just a word about his mom, Audrey. She is every mom; wanting to find a way to ease her child’s pain even when said child is an adult. Moms gotta mom and momming adults is often harder than momming children. You can’t kiss away the pain. You can’t make it all better with a sticker or ice cream. And that hurts the mom heart. I understood Audrey. Those hugs, that overbearing presence, the meddling, and even the petty jealousy. She wanted to stop the pain for the part of her heart that exists outside her body. She is a mom.
This is about the people who show up and keep showing up even when it’s hard. The character development in this book is outstanding. Landon is scared and overwhelmed, but determined to be a good dad. Iris, his new friend, is steadfast and undeterred by his uncertainty. His in-laws are grieving and not sure how to build on a relationship that doesn’t exist. His parents are desperate to heal a wound they cannot fix. And Sadie, well, Sadie is precocious and adorable and about as real a 2-year-old as you can imagine.
Ms. Mann doesn’t gloss over the hard parts of rebuilding a life. She shows us the ugly, the messy, and the scary. But, she also shows us the power of family—real and found—in forging a path forward.
At the age of 22, Landon finds himself suddenly widowed with a 2-year-old daughter. He is fully unprepared for life as a single dad; complicated by questions surrounding his wife’s death, in-laws he barely knows, and parents who desperately want to smooth the way but don’t know how. His unlikely rescuers are a group of older women he finds in a support group and a teenage girl who inserts herself into his life.
Just a word about his mom, Audrey. She is every mom; wanting to find a way to ease her child’s pain even when said child is an adult. Moms gotta mom and momming adults is often harder than momming children. You can’t kiss away the pain. You can’t make it all better with a sticker or ice cream. And that hurts the mom heart. I understood Audrey. Those hugs, that overbearing presence, the meddling, and even the petty jealousy. She wanted to stop the pain for the part of her heart that exists outside her body. She is a mom.
This is about the people who show up and keep showing up even when it’s hard. The character development in this book is outstanding. Landon is scared and overwhelmed, but determined to be a good dad. Iris, his new friend, is steadfast and undeterred by his uncertainty. His in-laws are grieving and not sure how to build on a relationship that doesn’t exist. His parents are desperate to heal a wound they cannot fix. And Sadie, well, Sadie is precocious and adorable and about as real a 2-year-old as you can imagine.
Ms. Mann doesn’t gloss over the hard parts of rebuilding a life. She shows us the ugly, the messy, and the scary. But, she also shows us the power of family—real and found—in forging a path forward.
April 20, 2025
When I discovered my pal Sherry had some secret books, I couldn’t wait to read them. She’s SO funny, and her book reviews are beautifully written- and both of these things show up in Undeclared. The book explores the layers of grief and how those of us left behind deal with the aftermath of losing someone suddenly. In Landon’s case, he’s now a 22 year old single dad who, while he claims that he has no idea what he’s doing, was such a wonderful example of showing up for your child. This book is layered, and funny, and sad and you need to read it!
April 12, 2025
Oh, I LOVED this book. Maybe one of the most endearing stories I’ve read in a while. Certainly one of the most endearing child characters I’ve read in a longtime.
Landon's wife has died in a car accident.
With her high school sweetheart in the passenger seat.
Not only is Landon facing raising their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter Sadie alone now, but while navigating his grief, he has to confront and reckon with the secrets that his wife kept.
To help him mourn his wife, Landon's mom suggests a support group. And he finds just that. In a room filled with women who have experienced a wide range of their own losses, Landon finds a safe place to process all that is happening.
This was so much more than I expected. To be fair, I did (AGAIN) go in blind, but once again that pays off. As heavy as this storyline sounds, and though my last quote edit would have you believe otherwise, this story is more than grief and deceit.
It is sincere and hopeful. The heavy, hard moments find a perfect balance with Landon's wit and sarcasm. He's young—only 22—and has nothing figured out, but his love for Sadie has him showing up and trying every day.
It's an unlikely friendship with Iris, a girl from his support group, who ultimately sees Landon exactly where he is, shows up when he doesn't even know he needs it, and loves him and Sadie when they need it most that helps Landon see his life in a way he hasn't in a long time.
I truly loved this story and would widely recommend it. While yes, the storyline deals with emotional themes, by focusing on Landon figuring his life out, we don’t stay under the heavy weight throughout the entire book so my emotions weren’t drained. I spent more time feeling hopeful than sad!
Landon's wife has died in a car accident.
With her high school sweetheart in the passenger seat.
Not only is Landon facing raising their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter Sadie alone now, but while navigating his grief, he has to confront and reckon with the secrets that his wife kept.
To help him mourn his wife, Landon's mom suggests a support group. And he finds just that. In a room filled with women who have experienced a wide range of their own losses, Landon finds a safe place to process all that is happening.
This was so much more than I expected. To be fair, I did (AGAIN) go in blind, but once again that pays off. As heavy as this storyline sounds, and though my last quote edit would have you believe otherwise, this story is more than grief and deceit.
It is sincere and hopeful. The heavy, hard moments find a perfect balance with Landon's wit and sarcasm. He's young—only 22—and has nothing figured out, but his love for Sadie has him showing up and trying every day.
It's an unlikely friendship with Iris, a girl from his support group, who ultimately sees Landon exactly where he is, shows up when he doesn't even know he needs it, and loves him and Sadie when they need it most that helps Landon see his life in a way he hasn't in a long time.
I truly loved this story and would widely recommend it. While yes, the storyline deals with emotional themes, by focusing on Landon figuring his life out, we don’t stay under the heavy weight throughout the entire book so my emotions weren’t drained. I spent more time feeling hopeful than sad!
August 28, 2025
Well, I have a new favorite indie author. She also happens to be one of my favorite Bookstagram friends, @sherry_reads_books. While I recognize the potential for bias because of my existing affinity for and fondness of the author, I truly believe this beautiful book is a gift to readers and I hope you'll give it a shot!
On its face, this is a book about a young widower, Landon, left with a young daughter after his wife dies in a car crash. But look a bit deeper and it's really about what happens when it's more complicated than that. When maybe the wife and mother who died too young is flawed and complex - aren't we all? And in the end, this is a love story. Between a young man and his 2-year-old daughter. Among those two and the rest of the family they are putting back together plus a new person they pick up along the way.
As you can tell, I really loved this book. I have never read a better written toddler than 2-year-old Sadie. She really pulled on my heartstrings as the mom of two daughters who I've seen through their toddler years, but I think you'll fall in love with her no matter who you are. It's in the little moments when they absentmindedly touch your leg for security, to ground themselves. When their face brightens upon seeing yours. When they mispronounce words in ways that you hope will never end, but you know that it must. And when they say "I love you" in that pure, precious little toddler voice.
So, please read this book. I know I will be reading Sherry's other published work, Family Foto, and her forthcoming one (!!), The Most Important Part. Brava Sherry, and thank you for sharing this gift with us all!
Thank you also to my illustrious buddy reading crew: Kate, Stephanie, and Jenn - it was such a joy to read with you all!
Oh, and one last thing: HIGH FIBE!
On its face, this is a book about a young widower, Landon, left with a young daughter after his wife dies in a car crash. But look a bit deeper and it's really about what happens when it's more complicated than that. When maybe the wife and mother who died too young is flawed and complex - aren't we all? And in the end, this is a love story. Between a young man and his 2-year-old daughter. Among those two and the rest of the family they are putting back together plus a new person they pick up along the way.
As you can tell, I really loved this book. I have never read a better written toddler than 2-year-old Sadie. She really pulled on my heartstrings as the mom of two daughters who I've seen through their toddler years, but I think you'll fall in love with her no matter who you are. It's in the little moments when they absentmindedly touch your leg for security, to ground themselves. When their face brightens upon seeing yours. When they mispronounce words in ways that you hope will never end, but you know that it must. And when they say "I love you" in that pure, precious little toddler voice.
So, please read this book. I know I will be reading Sherry's other published work, Family Foto, and her forthcoming one (!!), The Most Important Part. Brava Sherry, and thank you for sharing this gift with us all!
Thank you also to my illustrious buddy reading crew: Kate, Stephanie, and Jenn - it was such a joy to read with you all!
Oh, and one last thing: HIGH FIBE!
April 1, 2025
My heart 🥹🥹🥰
July 13, 2025
🌟Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💧Drip-o-Meter: 💦
💗Something I Loved: Everything Sadie. That little two-and-a-half year old charmer stole the show, and my heart, from the moment she first demanded “joo” (juice) in her wonky diaper, and although I’m not the biggest kid person (in real life and in books), she had me wrapped around her finger just like she did every person in this book. Without a doubt she became one of my favorite child characters that I’ve ever read, her voice so strong that I could clearly hear her in my head (quite the feat since her “voice” is typically just repeating single monosyllabic words). I truly couldn’t get enough of her and her interactions with the adult characters, especially Landon and Iris, and loved the way she made Landon vulnerable and was the driving force behind his growth, as well as the genuinely beautiful relationship she formed with Iris… This is found family done right.
🫤Something I Would Have Changed: Nothing. 5 stars. No notes.
🥰Favorite Moment: When Iris finally shares her story in group… and after when Landon finds her and says “something amazing.”
🌶️Spiciest Scene: If you’re looking for spice, you won’t find it here. But it also didn’t need it, the feelings between Landon and Iris so clearly evident (to everyone but Landon), their friendship and connection shining through without the need for any graphic sex scenes.
📚Standalone vs. Series: Standalone
📖Would I Recommend: Duh. Ok but really, I was nervous to read this. What if I hated it? Or worse… had to DNF it and then lie to Sherry for the rest of eternity? 😱The literal horror. Luckily for all of us, that was a foolish concern… It wasn’t just well written (although it was), it was captivating, the characters lovable and realistically human, and it hooked me from the very first chapter. It has everything you want from a great book: family drama, grief, romance, healing, etc… and while it also had the potential to devastate—and yes, I certainly cried—Sherry chose not to dwell in the sadness, instead embracing hope and leading her characters through these life altering events and revelations to a place of forgiveness and growth. It was spectacular, a book I’ll think of often and probably go back to re-read at some point. Believe it or not, I have more to say, but I’ll refrain so you can skedaddle and go grab a copy for yourself. Trust me, you won’t be sorry.
💬Tropes: Single Dad, Young Widower, Death and Grief, Found Family, Strangers to Friends to Lovers
💧Drip-o-Meter: 💦
💗Something I Loved: Everything Sadie. That little two-and-a-half year old charmer stole the show, and my heart, from the moment she first demanded “joo” (juice) in her wonky diaper, and although I’m not the biggest kid person (in real life and in books), she had me wrapped around her finger just like she did every person in this book. Without a doubt she became one of my favorite child characters that I’ve ever read, her voice so strong that I could clearly hear her in my head (quite the feat since her “voice” is typically just repeating single monosyllabic words). I truly couldn’t get enough of her and her interactions with the adult characters, especially Landon and Iris, and loved the way she made Landon vulnerable and was the driving force behind his growth, as well as the genuinely beautiful relationship she formed with Iris… This is found family done right.
🫤Something I Would Have Changed: Nothing. 5 stars. No notes.
🥰Favorite Moment: When Iris finally shares her story in group… and after when Landon finds her and says “something amazing.”
🌶️Spiciest Scene: If you’re looking for spice, you won’t find it here. But it also didn’t need it, the feelings between Landon and Iris so clearly evident (to everyone but Landon), their friendship and connection shining through without the need for any graphic sex scenes.
📚Standalone vs. Series: Standalone
📖Would I Recommend: Duh. Ok but really, I was nervous to read this. What if I hated it? Or worse… had to DNF it and then lie to Sherry for the rest of eternity? 😱The literal horror. Luckily for all of us, that was a foolish concern… It wasn’t just well written (although it was), it was captivating, the characters lovable and realistically human, and it hooked me from the very first chapter. It has everything you want from a great book: family drama, grief, romance, healing, etc… and while it also had the potential to devastate—and yes, I certainly cried—Sherry chose not to dwell in the sadness, instead embracing hope and leading her characters through these life altering events and revelations to a place of forgiveness and growth. It was spectacular, a book I’ll think of often and probably go back to re-read at some point. Believe it or not, I have more to say, but I’ll refrain so you can skedaddle and go grab a copy for yourself. Trust me, you won’t be sorry.
💬Tropes: Single Dad, Young Widower, Death and Grief, Found Family, Strangers to Friends to Lovers
August 19, 2025
Quick intro:
Landon is a newly widowed twenty-two-year old single dad to two-year-old Sadie. We walk with him as he wades through his grief and the secrets his wife kept.
Quick thoughts:
Well, Sherry does it again!! It is important to note that Sherry is a close friend of mine in this little corner of the internet, HOWEVER you know that I am an honest reviewer so when I saw this is five stars, I mean it. I loved this book.
It is messy. Raw. Lovely. Honest. And just so dang endearing. Landon’s grief journey felt realistic and believable. And it was filled to the BRIM with complicated relationships.
I thought Sherry did such a great job portraying Landon’s unique grief journey. There’s this one moment when he’s going through his dead wife’s closet and he asks his friend, “Am I supposed to keep this stuff for Sadie?” because he just doesn’t know! He fumbled through it all. And I loved the ride.
Another thing I particularly enjoyed was Sadie - our sweet sweet baby girl. She had my whole heart. And she had total main character energy. She was not a throw-away side character. Sherry wrote a believable and completely lovable toddler.
Also, I love how the dialogue was written. Sherry really shines in her dialogue! It felt authentic and realistic. I thought she was at her best in scenes with fuller casts - the ping ponging of dialogue and interaction really carried the story along. She writes like a seasoned author and I can’t wait to read what she writes next. I just know it will be a stunner. High fibe, Sherry. High fibe.
ONE NOTE - I am very worried about the state of sweet Sadie’s teeth, because OMG so much JOO (juice).
Landon is a newly widowed twenty-two-year old single dad to two-year-old Sadie. We walk with him as he wades through his grief and the secrets his wife kept.
Quick thoughts:
Well, Sherry does it again!! It is important to note that Sherry is a close friend of mine in this little corner of the internet, HOWEVER you know that I am an honest reviewer so when I saw this is five stars, I mean it. I loved this book.
It is messy. Raw. Lovely. Honest. And just so dang endearing. Landon’s grief journey felt realistic and believable. And it was filled to the BRIM with complicated relationships.
I thought Sherry did such a great job portraying Landon’s unique grief journey. There’s this one moment when he’s going through his dead wife’s closet and he asks his friend, “Am I supposed to keep this stuff for Sadie?” because he just doesn’t know! He fumbled through it all. And I loved the ride.
Another thing I particularly enjoyed was Sadie - our sweet sweet baby girl. She had my whole heart. And she had total main character energy. She was not a throw-away side character. Sherry wrote a believable and completely lovable toddler.
Also, I love how the dialogue was written. Sherry really shines in her dialogue! It felt authentic and realistic. I thought she was at her best in scenes with fuller casts - the ping ponging of dialogue and interaction really carried the story along. She writes like a seasoned author and I can’t wait to read what she writes next. I just know it will be a stunner. High fibe, Sherry. High fibe.
ONE NOTE - I am very worried about the state of sweet Sadie’s teeth, because OMG so much JOO (juice).
May 8, 2025
I loved Undeclared so much! I laughed, cried, and felt hopeful. This story definitely had me in my feels. Sherry wrote the best characters- Landon, Iris, Landon's mom, and the cutest little girl, Sadie. Landon is such a likable character and a great dad.
Landon loses his wife in a car accident. He is left to deal with his emotions and take care of his daughter, Sadie. Landon attends a support group and meets Iris. Landon processes his grief and family dynamics throughout the book.
The story covers grief, love, family dynamics, a bit of mystery, and joy. I would highly recommend Undeclared!
Landon loses his wife in a car accident. He is left to deal with his emotions and take care of his daughter, Sadie. Landon attends a support group and meets Iris. Landon processes his grief and family dynamics throughout the book.
The story covers grief, love, family dynamics, a bit of mystery, and joy. I would highly recommend Undeclared!
December 30, 2025
Heartbreak. Humour. Pain. Grief. Personal growth.
Undeclared is a deeply touching story about love, loss, and finding the strength to move forward. The emotions feel raw and honest, especially as Landon learns how to be a father while carrying grief he never asked for. The quieter moments, full of tenderness and small hope, are what really make this book shine. This read left my heart a little heavier and a little warmer at the same time!
Undeclared is a deeply touching story about love, loss, and finding the strength to move forward. The emotions feel raw and honest, especially as Landon learns how to be a father while carrying grief he never asked for. The quieter moments, full of tenderness and small hope, are what really make this book shine. This read left my heart a little heavier and a little warmer at the same time!
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