Book Description:
When Cora provides a safe haven for Jewish refugee children, she discovers that opening her doors means risking everything, including her heart.
In 1939 Georgia, far removed from the war brewing overseas, Cora Cain’s world feels small–and shrinking. There, she runs The Brunswick, her family’s once-grand hotel, which is now struggling as the town’s general store. When Thomas Watkins arrives seeking work and solace after his mother’s death, a connection sparks between them. Through Thomas, Cora glimpses a life beyond obligation and her war hero father’s unpredictable moods.
But everything changes when Cora is asked to turn The Brunswick into a sanctuary for Jewish children fleeing persecution in Germany. As Cora and Thomas prepare for the children’s arrival, they struggle to confront their pasts–and the prejudice of their neighbors–as their fragile hope is put to the test.
Meanwhile, in Vienna, ten-year-old Charlotte is offered refuge in America. But even with the horrors she sees around her, she wonders how her parents could possibly send her away. As war’s shadow begins to reach small-town Georgia, each person must face what love demands and decide what to hold on to and what to let go.
“A beautiful bit of art.”–Allen Levi, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Theo of Golden
“Brilliantly executed.”–Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shelterwood
Inspired by true events, Callie Murray weaves a Southern World War II historical novel set in Georgia with themes of wartime romance, parenthood, foster care, adoption, reconciliation, faith, and found family. Fans of Allen Levi, Amy Lynn Green, and Sarah Sundin will savor this stirring novel.
Narelle’s Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading The Brunswick, a sweet World War 2 romance set in Georgia, USA and Vienna, Austria. The Brunswick, with the railway to Atlanta across the road, was a thriving hotel prior to the Depression. Cora has converted The Brunswick into a general store to repay family debts. Her mother abandoned their family years ago and her father is a war hero who’s struggling with mental health issues.
Thomas is a medical student from Chicago. When a family secret is revealed, he’s forced to follow his father and brothers to Georgia. Thomas needs a job and Cora needs help at the general store. A charming friends-to-more romance develops as they work together at The Brunswick.
The political situation in Europe impacts their lives in unexpected ways. A Jewish couple enlist their help to bring refugee children to USA. The subplot involving ten-year-old Charlotte from Vienna is heartbreaking and bittersweet. The consequences for Jewish residents impacted by government policies in Austria and Germany are not sugar coated.
The small town in Georgia is like a character and the side characters all play important roles in the story. The wartime setting includes danger, political intrigue, and an international mystery. Many of the characters struggle with grief and loss. The story explores trust issues and the importance of love and hope.
I recommend The Brunswick to historical romance readers who like small town friends-to-more wartime romances with family drama, foster care, adoption, found family, danger, grief and loss, an international mystery and relevant faith elements in the story.
Many thanks to Revell and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
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