Book Review and Giveaway: Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals by Sharon J. Mondragon

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

About the Book

Title: Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go To Funerals
Author: Sharon Mondragon
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Something is brewing in Raeburne’s Ferry, Georgia–and it’s not sweet tea.

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.

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

I’m a good Southern girl. Everybody goes to funerals. How could I not pick up a book with this title?

The grandma in question is Mary Ruth McCready. She’s bedridden now, but that hasn’t slowed her mind, or her capacity to keep a finger on the pulse of Raeburn’s Ferry, Georgia, one bit. Her granddaughter and our narrator, Sarah, is her proxy for funeral attendance, and she expects a full, detailed report when Sarah returns home.

Things take a turn when P. B. Harrington dies and leaves his wife and Mary Ruth’s close friend, Charlotte, with the enigmatic last words, “I loved you more than Millie.” Charlotte is understandably and visibly upset by this, and Sarah wants to help unravel the mystery. At first, Mary Ruth warns her granddaughter off, but she comes to see the need for a little judicious investigation. Not gossip, mind you, even if she doesn’t have a problem loosening people’s tongues with some freshly baked cookies or brownies!

And when Camilla “Millie” Holtzgrew swans back into town with a grown son and a tale that she thinks will get her a cut of Charlotte’s inheritance, well, tongues really start wagging! Sarah has her hands full running down investigative options, keeping Mary Ruth informed, and keeping her pushy ex at a well-deserved distance.

This book is so much fun! Sarah is a great narrator. It’s like talking to a good friend about what’s going on in her life. And Mary Ruth is just a hoot. I should be so sharp when I get to be her age. Not much gets past her, and if she’s prone to gossip – er, gather information – it’s always to benefit folks, never to cause pain.

The story has no murder, but it’s got a mystery to unravel. It isn’t a romance, but it’s got some romantic aspects. It’s got humor, family dynamics both good and difficult, and delightfully Southern characters in a wonderful small-town setting. It’s just a good, gentle, clean read that will keep you guessing and reading way past bedtime. I want more of Raeburn’s Ferry!

Sharon Mondragón is a new author to me, but I must now read all her books. There’s a better than average chance that she’ll be one of my favorites by year end. And bonus points that she lives in Midlothian, Texas – I used to call Midlothian home. It’s a small, small world!

Anyway, if you want a read that’ll make you laugh, shake your head, gasp in surprise, and maybe shed a little tear of joy, pick up Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals. You’ll love it!

Keep scrolling to enter to win your own signed copy of this charming book!

About the Author

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 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 19, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and 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.

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