24 January 2026

grandpa's comrade | excerpt + giveaway

justread publicity tours

about the book


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.

publisher: kelsey lee writes llc
release date: november 11, 2025

excerpt

“Will!” Jess nudged him and pointed to the conference table. There, on the North Korean side, was a crudely carved letter E. Will quickly sat down at the table and reached underneath. Tacked under the edge was a blank piece of paper. Will shoved it into his pocket, just as the tour guide asked him not to sit in the chairs.

“Sorry, sir,” Will apologized, quickly standing. The guide stared at him for a moment, then moved the group along.

The group headed back to the bus, but the tour guide stopped Jess and Will. “You’re not supposed to be in my group,” he said, raising an eyebrow.

“We didn’t mean to butt in, it’s just that the guard outside looked really upset that we weren’t with your group, so we joined you guys,” Will explained.

The guide shook his head. “What concerns me more is that there are two unaccompanied American youths tagging along here. Now, I want a straight answer from you two once we get on the bus—who are you, what are you doing here, and what did you take from the table in T3?”

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.

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.


ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE
tour schedule

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