Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals by 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

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My Review and Reflections

Imagine this: a grandmother unable to do all the things she loves. Her loving granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth, is willing to do anything in her stead—including attending the local funerals. When Grandma Ruth’s best friend’s husband passes, Sarah Elizabeth dutifully shows up at the funeral. But things were not normal. At all. The deceased husband’s last words on his deathbed have the widow in a tizzy. And it’s Grandma Ruth’s responsibility to find out what that meant to help her grieving friend. Which makes it Sarah Elizabeth’s responsibility too. 

As the grandmother (or Mimi, as they call me) to eleven, books with grandmas, about grandmas, or centered on grandmotherly things always have my attention. And Grandma Ruth not going to funerals? I so get that. Although my reason for not attending is entirely different. I’m not sure what I was expecting when I picked up this book, but it brought literal smiles to my face the further into it I got. 

It was so endearing that despite Grandma Ruth being bedridden and Widow Harrington being anguished over not only her husband’s death but his last words, they still found time to try and meddle in Sarah Elizabeth’s love life. Or lack thereof. But no worries to those of you who want your cozy mystery without a lot of romance—you’ll get just that. Because that’s not the only thing Grandma Ruth is prying into. To hear Grandma Ruth tell it, she doesn’t butt into anything. Hmmm… I think we have different definitions of that. 

This was a fun read that will bring a smile to your face, chock-full of lovable characters and a charming town. And just in case an enjoyable read isn’t enough for you, you can get Grandma Ruth’s tried-and-true recipe for her Signature Funeral Macaroni and Cheese. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher.
All opinions are my own.

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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.

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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 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

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