Several months ago, I posted about wanting to read more indie authors, and Sherry mentioned she had written and self-published a couple of books.
If you follow Sherry, you know her reviews are insightful. More importantly, she has a true knack for making each word on the page feel imperative to the story. Her writing here only exemplifies that.
Undeclared follows a widower, Landon, as he navigates solo parenthood, his extremely concerned mother, and his previous in-laws, all while also trying to be a 22-year-old.
In a grief group with a collection of older women, Landon meets Iris. Iris immediately connects with his daughter, Sadie, in a way he cannot. Iris, who might also be tugging at his broken heart strings.
This novel seems sad on the surface, yet it is filled with hope and healing. You cannot help but want to make things easier for Landon, although, like his friends and family, you are not quite sure how to do that.
The secondary characters were exquisitely crafted. From his sly brother-in-law to the women in his group, each had a purpose and added complexity to the plot.
Perhaps my favorite character was Landon’s mom. She poured so much love into her son that it became overbearing, as at times he could not see her intentions. I couldn’t help but admire the push and pull in their relationship.
Mann truly captured what it feels like to be human and lost, the various forms of love, and the self-sacrifice of toddler parenting with ease and flowing prose. She once told me she is good at self-editing, and I cannot express how tenderly she puts these words on the page.
I admired her ability to write book reviews, but I am genuinely in awe of the story she created here.
If you seek stories with heavy themes, sparks of joy, and masterful character growth, I cannot help but demand that you read this book!
