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
Book Excerpt
Grandpa rearranged clothes to fit the elvish box into the suitcase puzzle. “If you’re going to ask, then don’t.”
Will nodded. “Why?”
“Don’t want to talk about it.”
“Did you make the box? It’s really cool.”
“Nope.”
“Who did?”
Grandpa cleared his throat. “An old friend.”
“Who?”
Grandpa cleared his throat again, more forcefully. “Why do you ask so many questions?” Silence filled the air until it felt ready to explode. “George. George Gates.” He zipped up the suitcase.
“He must’ve liked Lord of the Rings a lot.”
Grandpa nodded. “He loved to read… and write. Writing was his stress reliever.”
“Too bad all the writing on the box didn’t mean anything.”
Grandpa’s eyes flashed. “Not George. Of course it means something. Everything was purposeful with George. I wouldn’t have had any idea—”
“You’re welcome,” Will interrupted. “I mean, on Jess’s behalf, you’re welcome. She’s the Lord of the Rings nerd.”
A small smile tugged at the right side of Grandpa’s lips. “She would’ve liked to know George.”
“Where are you taking the box?”
“Will, I said not to ask.”
“But Grandpa, why in the world would you be going anywhere after we just got here?”
Grandpa grunted and pulled the suitcase off the worktable. “Shut the door and lock it when you leave. Don’t touch my tools.”
About the Author
Connect with Kelsey by visiting kelseyleewrites.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
Author Interview
Q: What inspired you to write Grandpa’s Comrade?
The inspiration for this book struck when I was at an antique mall and found this neat work desk in the back room. The whole room felt like the start of an adventure, and I knew that adventure would involve a grandpa and his two grandkids. I was also inspired to write a multigenerational novel by the series The Boxcar Children. I loved those mysteries growing up, but I could think of very few teen fiction books with the grandparent-grandchild dynamic, and I wanted to write a story that honored the grandparents in my life.
Q: How long did it take to write this book?
Grandpa’s Comrade was written over the span of three years with a few long breaks in between. It started as a college writing project, and then about a third of the way in I had some major writer’s block and set the book aside for almost a year. I wrestled with trying to make the book fit what I thought a publisher would want, but eventually, after a lot of prayer and waiting, I felt ready to keep writing the story God wanted me to write, rather than trying to write for a publishing contract.
I learned a lot about the conflict between North and South Korea during the writing of this novel. I spent a lot of time studying the Demilitarized Zone and a town on the South Korean side called Taesung. Only about two-hundred people live there, and there are far more soldiers in the area than residents. South Korea incentivizes people living there as a symbol of the hope that North and South Korea will one day be reunited. On the North Korean side, there is a town called Kijong also meant to symbolize peace, but as far as anyone knows, Kijong is a fake town, where even some of the windows are painted onto the buildings. I was also surprised to learn that, while Americans are not allowed to visit North Korea, people from other countries are allowed to visit select portions of North Korea, but they must be accompanied by a tour guide the entire visit.
“Aurthur,” Grandma’s gentle voice broke in, “what if there’s something even better on the other side of the breaking? The box wasn’t meant to stay a box; it’s meant to bring George home, and that’s what we want.” (p. 134)
I’ve been creating stories for as long as I can remember. When I was seven, I bought a design-your-own-book set from the store. I wrote and illustrated a story about two ballerinas learning to share. When I was ten, I started writing a series of stories about a family on the Oregon Trail. Somewhere along the way I decided I wanted to be an author when I grew up.
I got into Crossfit about a year ago and absolutely love it! It brings out my competitive nature to log my workout results each week and see how I am improving over time. I think it’s important as someone with a sedentary job to be intentional about getting in movement and doing it in a way you love.
I always have several books I’m reading at once! Currently I am reading The Case of the Missing Calf by Paul Hutchens, Ivy Introspective by Kellyn Roth, and The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges.
It’s hard to choose a favorite! I love a good fantasy, a clean romance, a thrilling adventure novel, or a historical fiction. If I had to choose a favorite, though, it would be mystery. I enjoy trying to solve the case along with the main character!
I love making jewelry. It’s very calming to create patterns and string the beads together. It makes for fun, handmade gifts, and the repetitive nature of making jewelry is a perfect time to brainstorm new story ideas!
Q: What is your favorite season and why?
I love winter! My favorite days of the year are the days when snow blankets the ground. There’s something magical about the stillness and sparkle of a winter day. Since where I live snow is rare, it’s always a treat to have a snow day!
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.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Sounds like a good book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the terrific interview.
ReplyDeletei enjoyed reading this interview! :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this.
ReplyDelete