Book Review of 'Grandpa's Comrade' by Kelsey Gjesdal

Happy Tuesday Bookworms!

I hope all of my fellow readers had a relaxing weekend. I have a few things going on behind the scenes that is keeping me busy. I can't speak on anything just yet but it's time consuming to say the least. Not to mention the insane weather fluctuations we're having in my neck of the woods that has been keeping my allergies work overtime and putting me down. Anyone else feeling the weather whiplash?

Thank you so much for stopping by for my thoughts on this Adventure Novel and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Grandpa's Comrade by Kelsey Gjesdal, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Grandpa's Comrade
Author: Kelsey Gjesdal
Publisher: Kelsey Lee Writes LLC
Release Date: November 11, 2025
Genre: Christian YA Fiction, Multigenerational Fiction, Military Fiction, Adventure Novel

A boy who wants to be a hero. A girl who just wants to be lost in her books. And a Grandpa with a past that won't leave him alone.

Teens Jess and Will are stuck with their grandparents for three weeks while their parents go on a second honeymoon. Neither are too excited to be bored in a house full of off-limits secrets. But when Will's curiosity gets the best of him, the siblings uncover a mysterious box with a hidden message that could change everything. As former Navy SEAL Grandpa plans a rescue mission for a long-lost comrade, the teens must decide if they're ready for a real adventure. Jess and Will must navigate the unknown territory of South Korea... and Grandpa's PTSD. With each new clue comes haunting memories, and time is running out. Can Jess and Will find Grandpa's Comrade before it's too late?

Join Jess and Will as they learn about true bravery, family love, and the price of heroism.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Author's Website | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

My Review

I started this novel expecting to read a few chapters but ended up reading it in one sitting. There was something that drew me in and kept me engaged from start to finish. These kids want to do everything to help their grandfather, even to a fault, but what first starts off as a clear lack of respect for authority ends up helping to heal old wounds and bring about closure after years of silence.

For a YA suspense, this wasn’t too shabby! I don’t read a ton of YA and honestly can’t remember the last time I read a suspense in this genre. This novel does a great job of shining a spotlight on PTSD, something that many who have served our country face on a daily basis. One of my best friends struggles, and it’s a heartbreaking condition and subject that needs a lot more grace and understanding. I am glad to see this getting some recognition in a genre that is geared towards young adults.

Grandpa’s Comrade is a wonderfully harrowing story. While it does take throwing reasoning and reality out the window, it was still a pleasant read with a good message that is enjoyable for all ages.

My Rating: ★★★★

About the Author

Kelsey Gjesdal is an award-winning author and host of the Wholeheartedly with Kelsey Lee podcast. She is the author of the Truth Squad Trilogy, A Woman of Excellence Ruth Bible study, and, most recently, Grandpa’s Comrade. Through fiction and nonfiction writing and podcasting, Kelsey seeks to encourage Gen-Z to live wholeheartedly for Christ. When she’s not writing and podcasting, you’ll find her serving in her local church’s children’s ministry, playing music, or reading a book with a cup of coffee in hand. She resides in the beautiful state of Oregon.

Connect with Kelsey by visiting kelseyleewrites.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a print copy of Grandpa's Comrade plus a $15 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 20, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 27, 2026. Winners 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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