I first discovered author Sharon J. Mondragon a couple of years ago when her debut novel released. I kept running across all these people raving about The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady, so even though it wasn’t my usual genre, I ordered it. I’m so glad I did. I fell in love with her writing.
I didn’t think it was possible, but I like Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals even better than The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady. It is such a delightfully fun story. I started reading and couldn’t put it down until I was done.
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
Book Review
I love everything about Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals. From the catchy title to the folksy writing style, the quirky characters, and the romance. It’s over-the-top silly at times, yet there’s a hint of truth in all of it. Anyone who grew up in a small Southern town will recognize the cast of characters, the social rules, and the relationships between the characters.
Sharon J. Mondragon is a master storyteller. She knows how to capture the everyday lives of ordinary people and bring them to life in a way that is hilarious. Each character, no matter how small a role, has a distinct and fun personality. The dialogue is delightful. The story itself is full of twists and turns, and the ending, even though it caught me completely by surprise, was the perfect closure.
My only complaint about the book is that it is not good for anyone trying to lose weight. The characters spend a major amount of their time eating old-fashioned cookies and sweet treats. It’s Grandma Ruth’s solution to life’s problems, and it makes you want to hurry into the kitchen and get to baking up a storm. You could easily make a cookbook filled with nothing but the foods mentioned in the book.
Whatever your age, whatever your preferred genre, Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals is sure to delight.
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!
ENTER GIVEAWAY HEREBe 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.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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