Welcome to the Afterlife: A No-Nonsense Tour for Those in Mourning or the Merely Curious with Denise, Heaven's Receptionist

by Taryn Delanie Smith

From TikTok star Taryn Delanie Smith, a heartwarming explanation of what to expect in the afterlife—from what there is to do in heaven to what is our relationship to those we've predeceased and those who passed before us—as explained by the beloved, popular and wise-talking character Smith has created, Denise, Heaven's Receptionist. The afterlife seems like this big, scary, and complicated idea. Are our loved ones able to see us? Do we get to pick our ghost outfit? What happens to our pets? Well, Denise is here to welcome us with open arms and give us a tour of how the Upstairs works. With her signature humor and care, she guides us through this heavenly realm and reveals a place where love is the closest thing to magic. From horseback riding to bingo to flying lessons, on Denise’s tour we see how everyone finds their own way to enjoy the afterlife. But she also addresses complicated questions, such as what happens when someone has unfinished business and how does the Upstairs take care of babies in the afterlife. She even introduces us to characters like Mr. Davis, who is on his way to visit his family, and Laura, a new arrival comforted by Denise's explanations. Step by step and room by room, Denise makes the afterlife not seem so scary at all and reminds us the importance of what we choose to do with our time on Earth. There’s even a visit from Tammy, everyone’s favorite ghoul. Welcome to the Afterlife is not only a touching and funny look at what comes after life, but it also offers a comfort to readers who are dealing with grief by sharing how their loved ones are still with them in spirit.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

96 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2026

About the author

Taryn Delanie Smith is a writer, performer, and creator who started her career as a receptionist in New York City, a job she worked while earning her master's degree in communication and intercultural studies that later inspired her creation of Denise, Heaven's Receptionist. Smith's character has since amassed over tens of millions of views across social media, becoming an unlikely home where those experiencing grief can find humor and human connection. A Seattle native, she lives in Hudson Valley, New York, with her husband and their Great Dane, Bruce. Welcome to the Afterlife is her debut book.

Reviews

[Leah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

sillinessss! sweetness! tears!

[Lindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugly crying by page 5. Well done. I loved this.

[Dionne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taryn (Denise!)!

I smiled all through this book! It was also wonderful to see Tammy! This book is short, but if you've seen the videos throughout social media then this is just a pick me up until the next video. 🙂

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a big fan of Taryn’s on TikTok, I had to buy her book. I do suggest watching several of her videos before reading so you can get the voices right. Haha. But this is darling and sweet and honestly will keep this on my shelves for when my girls have questions about the afterlife 💛 such a helpful interpretation!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Denise’s boss for making this short because I wouldn’t have survived anything longer. Equal parts beautiful, silly and heartbreaking- exactly as I thought it would be.

[Marissa Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh so Denise makes me cry in book form just like in IG Reel form, as well as Tammy makes me laugh in every form.

Thank you Taryn for this gift to all of us grieving.

[Désirée Litchford-Rooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little fluff book. I love Taryn 😭😭😭

[Dunia Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words. I have followed Taryn online for years. It’s been so awesome watching her comedy evolve and how she brings these colorful characters to life. Now I can have a little piece of those amazing characters at home. I lost my mother in law who was like a second mother to me a few years back and I don’t think I ever really processed her loss. I do believe in an afterlife but I guess I always found myself wondering if she’s up there with a Mai Tai hand, poolside dancing and having a grand old time being the life of the heavenly party life she was down here for us.

Taryn thank you for this book. I think at my age I believe I’m processing grief and having this gem really brought out the tears I have been holding in for so long.

I loved this book so much! It was profound, it was hilarious. Tammy was such a ghoulish light and joy to read on here. The illustrations were perfect!! And honestly, this felt like a kid’s book made for us adults.

If you have lost someone, or know someone who is experiencing cling grief, this book is a dose of light and laughter during dark times. I highly recommend this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written with a sweet humor about dealing with mourning and the loss of a loved one, Taryn Delanie Smith brings her Instagram character, Denise, ro act as a tour guide to heaven. The sensitive subjects of dieing and loss are written in such a way to bring comfort . This little book is perfect for young and old alike.

[Kaitlyn Daly · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love Denise and Tammy and this did make me cry. it has gorgeous illustrations and i loved seeing the characters in a different medium but it was wayyy too short - i needed more!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Grief is just love in a different outfit.”

Short, sweet and heartfelt.

[Sara · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Welcome to the Afterlife: A No-Nonsense Tour for Those in Mourning or the Merely Curious with Denise, Heaven’s Receptionist offers a warm, humorous approach to one of life’s most difficult and mysterious subjects. Through Denise’s welcoming personality, Taryn Delanie Smith imagines an afterlife filled with familiar pleasures, unexpected adventures, and opportunities for connection. The book also acknowledges tender questions surrounding grief, unfinished business, and the place of loved ones and pets after death. Its blend of playful details and compassionate storytelling makes the subject approachable without ignoring the emotions that often accompany loss. This imaginative work may appeal to readers seeking comfort, a gentle perspective on mourning, or simply a lighthearted exploration of what might lie beyond life.

[Marisela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately, my copy arrived wet due to some rare California rain, but even putting that aside, the book just wasn't what I expected. I didn't realize I was ordering a children's book—or at least a very quick read—and I ended up finishing it in about five minutes. I was also under the impression that I’d be receiving an autographed copy, which wasn't the case.

That being said, I am still a huge fan of Taryn's social media content. She is incredibly funny, and I absolutely love her characters and her unique voice, which is why I thought buying her book would be the natural next step. While this particular book wasn't a fit for me, I'll be donating it to the local library so the next reader can get something great out of it.

[NothingButTheGood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taryn Delanie Smith with illustrations by Maria Krasinski have perfectly captured this social media icon and placed her on the page.

I have been waiting patiently for this book and while it wasn’t remotely what I was expecting, I absolutely adored it.

This is for those who grieve powerfully. Who sense heaven with all of their imagination. Those who believe our loved ones are with us, that they are watching over us.

Take this journey, it is a short one (wicked short). May it bring you peace.

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

LOVE Taryn & Denise the heaven receptionist character was immensely helpful for me navigating my grief after losing my grandmother but this book was a lil weird for me.. I can’t explain why but I didn’t love the illustrations, I think they felt like they didn’t fit the tone of the book.. Tammy the character was genuinely terrifying, lol. for an uplifting lighthearted book, I felt like her character could’ve been toned down.. It felt like a book I’ll only read through once, I wish it was something I felt like I’d read again for comfort.

[Jessica Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You are never alone.”

I ugly cried my way through this book. It was heartfelt, comforting and just felt like a big hug. I was so happy Tammy showed up as well!

For someone in anticipatory grief (me) it really is a comfort read. It’s short and sweet but does help with the grief. Seeing Laura (the mom) in heaven made me weep because that will be my mom soon. And I hope when she gets there, Denise welcomes her and she has a happy reunion at the beach❤️

[Bernadette Coughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness this book. This beautiful beautiful book. I cried the whole way through and immediately put it on my Christmas list.
As someone who has been on many grief journeys in my life and has many people, including a sweet baby waiting Upstairs for me, this book helped heal a part in my heart.
Thank you Taryn (and Denise) for this book. Thank you for your videos. They have helped myself and so many others more than you will ever know ❤️

[Nancy N · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

A quick, lighthearted, illustrated read. If you’ve seen Denise then you need to read Denise. You will absolutely hear her. It’s a great little book to keep nearby, especially on those days you’re missing someone who’s Upstairs, as it definitely makes things more reassuring. Keep your tissues nearby, the tears will definitely come to visit you!

[Jessica Kaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This started by making me laugh and ended with me sobbing. This short book was such a gift. I’ve followed Denise and Tammy for years and this was a warm hug and will be a comfort listen when I need reassurance. Taryn is such a gift to this world. I hope she knows the good she has put out has helped so many.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure how this Tik-Tokker’s book ended up on my list, but i quickly read it and now I have a grasp of who Taryn Delanie Smith (the author) is and what she’s about. She sends a nice, calming message about those who are waiting for us in the afterlife and how they’re still with us on Earth. Including pets.

[Jacq Kozak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me four days because I had to put it down every ten minutes to stop myself from crying (especially so I wouldn’t cry in front of her at the signing). Must read grown up cartoon for anyone who feels loss heavy.

[Marina Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Taryn on IG ( and Denise and Tammy) a few months ago so I ordered a signed copy of this from Strand asap. It’s as funny and meaningful as I’d hoped for. A reminder that our loved ones aren’t far. ❤️

[Blakely · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very cute illustrated book providing a tour of what heaven might look like by heaven’s receptionist. A short, 5 minute read, and good for children too. Recommend as a gift for anyone grieving or preparing to grieve.

[Brittany Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this message and this book. I bought this to support my favorite content creator on the internet. She helped me so deeply to deal with grief in small doses. Didn’t expect myself to cry essentially reading a children’s book, but here we are…

[Amanda Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, joyful, and encouraging view of what could be in the afterlife. There were some tears and a love of peace while reading. So fun to see Denise come to life in print and the illustrations were stunning!

[Andrea Rollert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet, just like life.

[Holly | whatshollyreading]

A delightful extension of her usual skits online! Love her!

[Missy Nations · Rating 5 out of 5]

My eyes are leaking.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love. Her account was an instant follow when I came across it and this book is the cherry on top.

[Lara Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening to this audiobook was like a warm hug.