Book Review of 'Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go To Funerals' by Sharon Mondragon

Hello Bookworms!

I am so excited you're here with me today as the novel I am featuring was such a rare treat that I couldn't wait to tell you about it! I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked it up as the title and cover leave quite a few questions but it was a refreshing change of pace, which was much needed.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Contemporary Fiction and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

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

My Review

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up this novel, but I was instantly hooked. I ended up reading this novel in one sitting and loved every moment.

What first caught my attention was the first-person prose from Grandma Ruth’s favorite granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth. It’s clear that she’s got a good heart and loves her family, and she has this familiarity about her that is magnetizing, almost like you’re her best friend right there with her along for this crazy ride.

One thing I wasn’t expecting was the mystery that begins at the funeral of P.B. Harrington, a beloved resident of Raeburne’s Ferry, Georgia. A deathbed confession to his wife leaves more questions than answers, and it’s up to Sarah Elizabeth to help solve the mystery behind “Millie”.

Let me tell you, the world building is absolutely fantastic! I’m a sucker for a charming small town, and the residents in Raeburne’s Ferry fit the southern bill perfectly. The overall flow made it feel like I was only reading for mere minutes instead of hours as I got lost in the narrative. I could gush about how much I loved this novel all day long, but you need to experience it for yourself. I promise you will not be disappointed.

My Rating: ★★★★★

About the 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.

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

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.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!