Grandma Ruth Doesn't Go to Funerals by Sharon J. Mondragón (Kregel Books)

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go To Funerals by Sharon Mondragon hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Something is brewing in Raeburne's Ferry, Georgia—and it's not sweet tea.

ISBN: 9780825448683
Paperback $16.99
Kregel Publications

My thoughts: If you've not read a Sharon J. Mondragon book, you've missed a light-hearted, joyful read. In Grandma Ruth Doesn't Go to Funerals we journey into the heart of a vibrant Georgia community replete with gregarious, "news" sharing (think gossipers) ladies. Death has visited the community and granddaughter Sarah is the designated funeral-goer for bedridden Grandma (that's so she can bring back all the tidbits of who, what, when, how, and how much of all the goings on).

Throw into this delightful mishmash, a terse death bed statement and the investigation of a bygone scandal is set in motion.

I thoroughly enjoyed each of the characters and the author captures their personalities beautifully. I can just "feel" the tensions as folks encounter one another in this did-she did-he story. And she even gives the readers a glimpse into the world of Georgia during an ice storm. (Only a Southerner can truly appreciate the fear and tension of a deep-South ice storm!)

I say this is a delightful read and will surely bring joy and chuckles to one's heart.

About the book: In a small town where gossip flows, bedridden Mary Ruth McCready reigns supreme, doling out wisdom and meddling in everyone's business with a fervor that would make a matchmaker blush. When her best friend has her world rocked by a scandalous revelation from her dying husband, Mary Ruth kicks into high gear, commandeering the help of her favorite granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth, in tracking down the truth. Finding clues in funeral condolence cards and decades-old gossip dredged up at the Blue Moon Beauty Emporium, the two stir up trouble faster than you can say "pecan pie."

But just when things are starting to look up, a blast from the past waltzes in with an outrageous claim. But as Grandma Ruth always says when things get tough, "God is too big." With him, nothing is impossible—even bringing long-held secrets to light. Grandma Ruth and Sarah just might have to ruffle a whole mess of feathers to do it.

"Mondragón masterfully weaves a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of truth." —Kate Angelo, best-selling romantic suspense author

Author: Sharon J. Mondragón is a Southern girl at heart, having spent most of her adult life where tea is sweet and mac and cheese is a vegetable. Settled in Midlothian, Texas, she writes, facilitates the prayer shawl ministry at her church, and teaches at the local yarn shop. She's the author of the Purls and Prayers series, and her work has earned recognition from The Saturday Evening Post, ACFW, Foreword INDIES, and the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Find her at sharonjmondragon.com.

Excerpt.... It’s not that she gets squeamish or weak-kneed at the sight of a friend or relative laid out. She takes an avid interest in every detail of the deceased, from the tie they put on third cousin twice removed Billy Ray to how Harriet Tilson’s hair turned out. Nor is it that she lacks respect for those who have gone on to glory before her. Grandma Ruth is the kind of person to whom you do not criticize your mother. And it’s not that she prefers to stay at home and watch Jeopardy! Instead. Grandma Ruth is bedridden—has been for the past three years. Much as she would like to, Grandma Ruth isn’t going anywhere. 

I am Sarah Elizabeth, Grandma Ruth’s favorite granddaughter. Being her favorite is a dubious honor. It means I’m her favorite to go to the store and buy birthday cards, visit her shut-in friends, and, you guessed it, attend funerals in her place.

Looking back, I realize I’ve been training for funeral duty for quite a while. When I was ten, she taught me how to make macaroni and cheese from scratch to take by the home of the bereaved for the reception. By the time I was eleven, I had learned to write a tasteful and heartfelt condolence note. I attended my first funeral at twelve. (Grandma Ruth wanted to take me sooner, but Mama put her foot down and prevailed for once.) Now that I’m twenty-four, Grandma Ruth considers me not only fully qualified but socially obligated to take her place since she can’t get out anymore. I don’t think I’ve missed a single funeral in Raeburne’s Ferry, Georgia, since she took to her bed.

Connect with Sharon by visiting sharonjmondragon.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go To Funerals and a $25 Amazon gift card!

• Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. 
• Full tour schedule linked below. 
• Giveaway began at midnight February 12, 2025 & lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 19, 2025. 
• Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway & given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
• Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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