Written by Sharon Mondragon
Release Date: 02.11.25
Published by Kregel Publications
Genre: Christian Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction
4 Stars!
Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals by Sharon Mondragon is like a warm, buttery biscuit served with a side of Southern sass. This book delivers charm and personality.
From the get-go, we’re introduced to Mary Ruth McCready, a bedridden matriarch with a heart as big as the Georgia sky. She doesn’t just rule the roost—she runs the town, sitting up in her bed like a queen holding court, doling out wisdom, and stirring the pot like nobody’s business. There’s just something about her that you can’t help but love, even when she’s getting herself—along with her ever-patient granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth—knee-deep in scandal, secrets, and just a little bit of trouble.
Mondragon’s writing style is as smooth as a glass of sweet tea, with a perfect balance of humor, heart, and a sprinkle of mystery. Every page is drenched in that Southern charm we all secretly crave—where gossip is as much a part of life as cornbread and collard greens. You’ll find yourself chuckling at the small-town drama, but also feeling like you’ve just sat down for a long chat with your own grandma. It’s that kind of relatable warmth that sticks with you.
I just adored the mix of characters. Grandma Ruth is, of course, the star of the show, but the whole cast—Sarah Elizabeth, Charlotte, P.B., and even the newcomers like Camilla “Millie” Holtgrew—come together in a way that makes you feel like you’ve known them all your life. The beauty of it all is that despite the turmoil, the heart of the story remains steady: Faith, family, and the kind of love that we all appreciate.
I'll be re-reading it for the giggles, the wisdom, and the pure Southern goodness of it all. If you’re looking for a book that’ll wrap you up like a warm quilt and leave you wishing you were part of Grandma Ruth’s world, this is your ticket to that perfect escape.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours, LLC. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
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