The Brunswick

by Callie Murray

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's asked to turn The Brunswick into a sanctuary for Jewish refugee 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, Charlotte 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 they must hold on to and what they must let go.

Inspired by true events.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian, Christian Fiction, Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 19, 2026

About the author

Callie Murray is an author and entrepreneur who has been featured on The Today Show and in The New York Times. Her debut Southern fiction novel THE BRUNSWICK delves into lesser-known historical details preceding World War II. Callie and her husband live in Norcross, Georgia with their seven children, four of whom came through the honor of foster care/adoption.

Reviews

[Melanie Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world with endless WWII books, The Brunswick tells a story I’ve never heard or even thought of. No cliches or over-done storylines- just compelling and complicated characters in a layered and thought-provoking story. It was captivating as I read it, and it lingered when I finished.

I had the honor to be an early reader of The Brunswick and my first thought when I finished was “I really hope Callie keeps writing. I want more of this.” I can’t wait for the rest of their world to dive into this beautiful story!

[Peyton Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exquisitely layered WWII story in an unexpected Southern setting, The Brunswick is the rare kind of novel that boasts both a heart and a soul. Delivering prose that sings and characters worth investing in, author Callie Murray boldly walks readers to an uncomfortable edge, to the unthinkable moment when love must choose between life and death.

Reading an early draft of The Brunswick was a distinct honor, and I am so excited for this book with its richly layered plot and complex characters to settle in the hearts of readers. A must-read for 2026 and beyond, this story is as timeless as it is transformative, promising to linger in your memory long after the epilogue.

[Sarah Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy historical fiction, an easy-to-love protagonist, & a developing love story— this is up your alley!

My favorite part about this WWII book is Callie’s unique focus on a quiet group of that era— the children. What were they doing? How did they feel about parents withdrawn physically or emotionally to the war?

This is a cozy read. One that I would desire to read again for the sheer emotions evoked from the love story and overcoming shared in this book.

Very excited for this debut!!!

[Emily Settle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, compelling story of love, sacrifice, hope, and courage. I love how it brings the history of downtown Norcross, GA to life — living nearby, I could picture every scene in my mind. The character development is rich and heartfelt, making this an easy, uplifting, and deeply meaningful read.

Set against the backdrop of WWII, the story offers the kind of hopeful historical fiction I love most — illuminating the quiet bravery of ordinary people and the extraordinary lengths they go to in order to protect and save the children caught in the middle of it all.

One of my favorite reads! Can’t wait for the debut and for more from this author.

[Natalie Geiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading an early copy, and wow, what a story! I am not typically a historical fiction reader, but this book sucked me in from the beginning and I absolutely loved the journey. I have a newfound love and respect for this genre from this book!

Set in WWII-era Norcross, The Brunswick has it all: heart, humor, history, and characters you’ll fall in love with. Callie’s writing is the perfect balance of lighthearted and profound, with characters you root for and a great story. If you enjoy stories about family, redemption, and strong women, this one’s for you!

[Emily Waits (emilylovesreading_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

(I received a complimentary copy of this title from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.)

When I read the synopsis for this story, I was so excited! WWII fiction is something that I always really enjoy, and I was excited to read a WWII fiction set in the south. This story takes place in both Austria and Georgia, USA. The story follows a young girl, Charlotte, whose family has been targeted for their Jewish heritage, and Cora, an American hotelier and baker running The Brunswick Hotel.

This is one of those stories where you really just fall in love with the whole cast of characters. Truly, I loved every one of them!

This story shines a light on the powerful historical rescues of Jewish children during the war through Kindertransports. Few Kindertransports made their way to the U.S., but this story includes the fictionalized retelling of the largest Kindertransport to ever make its way to our shores. The historical notes that the author included in the back of this story are an absolute must-read!

I enjoyed the romance in this story, as well as the bit of suspense, and I loved seeing so much redemption at the story’s conclusion.

A content note: *possible spoiler*
This storyline does include a character’s mother who has died from ALS and another character who is concerned throughout the book that she may be developing it. I want to share that bit, just in case anyone would want to know that there are some fairly detailed descriptions of ALS suffering in this book, as a character recalls certain events. We lost my mother-in-law to ALS several years ago, so these parts of the story were very difficult for me to read. I definitely related to the loss and the anxiety over others whom I love developing ALS. Truthfully, this part of the story felt unnecessary to me, being on such a sensitive subject for many people, only to not even be resolved in the actual plot–not until a brief note in the epilogue. However, I am grateful for any ALS awareness raised. As an additional content note, there is a character who is prevented from committing s*icide in this story. If anyone has any other content questions, feel free to send me a DM!

Overall, I enjoyed this story, and would definitely recommend it to others depending on their reading tastes.

Also, have you seen this GORGEOUS cover?!

[Lisa M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Brunswick has three points of view: Cora--a young woman in America who is trying to keep her family's livelihood--an old former inn now turned bakery and store--alive while her father continues to spiral in PTSD, Thomas--a young man and friend of the family who arrives home and steps into help Cora. He's got a big secret that could change everything, and Charlotte--a young Jewish girl in Germany, desperately wanting her father (taken by the SS) to come home so they won't be hungry anymore.

The story takes place during the early stages of WW2 and gives you a bit of the home life in America before we actually went to war with Germany. Additionally we learn about the move to get a large quantity of Jewish children out of Germany before the war starts and to America.

It was a slow start, but got better as the book continued. It wasn't quite what I was expecting but still an okay book. Good message of faith.

*3.5 stars--4 for Goodreads.

*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC of the novel. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Anne Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins in Austria in 1938, where 10 year old Charlotte's happy life is destroyed when Nazi officers requisition her family's home and take her father away at gunpoint.

In small town Georgia, Cora Cain struggles with running her family's business The Brunswick. Now a general store, it was once a smart hotel, but debts and a heavy workload pile the stress onto Cora. As well as trying to maintain the business, she is also caring for her war hero father. But far from helping, he has sunk into a dark place which becomes ever darker and he is more and more withdrawn from everything and everyone, including his daughter.

The sudden arrival in town of Thomas Watkins changes Cora's life. She employs him to help out at The Brunswick, giving her the breathing space and support she's not had for far too long, and it's not long before they're aware of a strong mutual attraction.

The deepening of their friendship, and the onset of some worrying medical symptoms for Cora are complications enough, with even more challenges to be faced when Cora is asked to open The Brunswick's rooms to provide housing and care for Jewish children fleeing Germany. Unexpectedly, Thomas leaves for Germany to help with the children, one of whom is Charlotte. But the ring he wears, left to him by his German mother, attracts dangerous attention.

This is a story inspired by actual events, and it makes for jarring reading at times, especially given the situation in today's America as I write this in February 2026. Reading about the hostility towards refugees and those with 'unwelcome' backgrounds is uncomfortably topical.
Thomas, writing to Cora, says 'It's much scarier here than I imagined. I think what's most scary is how normal life is for some and how terrifying it is for others.'

Thomas also writes 'Think about what one life means. You are just one life, Cora, but to me, you are the world.' Sometimes when overwhelmed by things in life, being reminded that 'one life' can make a difference is important. I also very much liked the use of the owl, and the phrase 'have hope in the face of adversity'.

There is lots to like in this story. It's very well researched, with an excellent cast of characters and lots of ebb and flow in the telling. And it felt complete in the ending, too. Something which a few of my recent reads haven't.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in 'less usual' wartime topics, fostering, or anyone wanting a gentle romance against a serious storyline. The romance is nicely developed and is my favourite in a novel for some time! This isn't a 'fluffy' romance novel but a story of depth and substance, with loss, heartache and struggle as well as joy, and it is very well worth the reading.

NOTE: I read a pre-publication version supplied by the publisher. No review was required. All comments and opinions above are entirely my own.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Brunswick is Callie Murray’s debut novel, a historical fiction story inspired by real events. It’s set in 1939 Georgia, USA and beautifully captures the anxiety of war, the race to find safety for children, and the desperate search for hope and love in chaos.

Cora Cain’s struggle to be there and be enough for those who needed her resonated with me. Cora’s aging father needs her, the store needs her, and Cora isn’t used to giving up or giving anyone less than her all.

Thomas Watkins' 'adventure' overseas gave the story the perfect amount of tension and kept me flipping pages.

I loved the symbolism of the Air Line Belle; the freedom and escape that Cora dreamed of, John’s advice to ‘stop paddling’, and Cora’s mother’s advice that if she could “save one life, [she’d] save the world entire.” The idea that an inherited gift wasn’t all it seemed to be gave me pause and I have thought many times since finishing this book about my need to be a “soft place to land” for those who need to vent or decompress.

I’ll remember this book for what it shared about love:
💜It’s a mystery
💜It’s sometimes about what you might get, but mostly about what you give up
💜It looks like holding close
💜It looks like bravery

If you enjoy historical fiction, are interested in stories featuring the kindertransports of 1930s, or enjoy the inspiration of finding hope and safety in humanity, this is one you’ll want on your reading list.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[katescleanreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.”
Callie Murray has gifted us a story with undertones of faith alongside bravery, love, courage, and “hope in the face of uncertainty.” Through it all, the Brunswick Hotel, although “just a container,” is the central character that is immovable even as it adapts and conforms to hold a family and a town together amidst a brewing war.
Thoroughly researched, with a fascinating narrative and vivid characters, this story picked me up and swept me back to 1939. At the end of the prologue, I whispered a “wow,” and remained emotionally invested straight through to the epilogue, rendered blurry through my tears. Cara and Thomas, Billie and Anders, George and Evelyn, along with so many others, are heroes I will never forget.
What an amazing debut novel! I learned about some interesting pieces of WWII history, especially the Kindertransport to the United States, the people who made it happen, and the families who handed over their children in hope of a better future. I definitely want to look for the documentary of the true events that the author mentioned and read more about the children who were rescued. If you enjoy learning about lesser-known historical events, in a well-written yet easy-to-read format, with unforgettable people and places, do not miss The Brunswick!
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the publisher through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Revell and @calliemurray for the #gifted eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Set in 1939 Georgia, The Brunswick-Cora’s family’s once grand hotel, becomes a sanctuary for Jewish refugee children fleeing the spreading persecution in Austria.

Have I already said this year is the year of debuts? Well, I’ll say it again! Callie Murray delivered an impressive debut set in early WWII Georgia. Not the setting you usually expect when you pick up a WWII historical fiction, huh? I think this is what makes it such a unique read and one many who are interested in WWII historical fiction should pick up. And truthfully, after reading the author’s note at the end (which was incredible by the way) I was surprised to see how much of this story was inspired by actual events!

Callie has woven a layered story through an approachable writing style. She has given us characters that are easy to root for and enough stakes that keep the reader turning the page. At the heart of this story is community, hope, courage, sacrifice in the face of the possibility of great social and monetary cost, and love in the midst of high stakes and sometimes separation. There’s familial struggles, sweet friendships, first loves, and surprising relationships formed out of linking arms to make whatever difference possible. Also? This book has one of the most satisfying epilogues I have read in a long time - I was clutching my heart and was in tears by the end of it.

Read this book if you like pre/early WWII historical fiction but are looking for a unique setting, complicated family dynamics, quiet love stories, have a heart for fostering or adoption, and supporting debut authors. I can’t wait to see what Callie writes next!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Murray's debut novel, The Brunswick is an original richly layered story set against the atmospheric backdrop of the American South during WWII. I found this to be a refreshing WWII era novel, told on a different front than many novels of its genre. The author's vivid prose will draw readers into a world full of small-town relationships. One of family and a community of friends. What makes this book stand out is its mood, its simple pleasures of baseball and picnics by a bridge. But there is also an undercurrent of hardship and grief, of small-mindedness and fear.

The story is occasionally told through a couple other POV, but they all point to Cora. She is the heart and soul of the story. A young woman who in spite of her own overwhelming burdens, opens her heart and home to those in need. With vibrant characters, a multi-layered plot and emotional depth that will tug at your heartstrings, readers will find this story irresistible. I am looking forward to reading more stories penned by this author.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful debut this one was! When it comes to historical fiction, there has always been something about the WWII era that has really drawn me in and so I've found myself reading a LOT of books set during this time. As such, it's always interesting to come across a story that focusses on a different aspect of that time that I haven't read about before... stories like this one. These characters easily drew me into their world and had me rooting for them. It is a story that is filled with faith and a sense of found family, but also one that doesn't shy away from the hard realities of wartime (to include brief mentions of suicide). The author's heart for adoption and foster care was evident through this story as well, and all just balanced together very beautifully. With a debut like this, I very much look forward to seeing what she does next. If you enjoy WWII fiction and learning more about lesser-known aspects of history, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Callie Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie Murray, The Brunswick’s author here. I hope you, the reader, find this note—and in turn, this book. I get to thank you at the end of the novel, but it’s fun to say hi now, maybe before you’ve even picked this up. (I also get to give The Brunswick its first Goodreads rating, heeeyyy.)

I’ve spent the last few years writing The Brunswick with the goal of writing my favorite kind of novel: It has that lesser-known historical context to make you feel smart, but it’s also relevant enough that it’s a fast read. There’s a sweeping love story with tension and banter, but you won’t feel embarrassed sharing it with your daughter or mother-in-law. It tackles hard subjects with depth and honesty, but there’s also plenty of hope and redemption.

I hope you like that kind of novel, as well. (And I hope I did it justice!) 💛

I’d love to keep in touch: calliemurray.com / @calliemurray

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fictional story, but based on several true events! The author did a great job of incorporating facts into this read, be sure to read her notes.
The story begins in 1939 in Georgia, and we meet the characters that made this read a page turner for me. Dealing with the struggles left from the crash of 1929 the Brunswick was Cora's fathers dream, and then life's tragedies hit. I loved how the author weaves the Kindertransport into this story, and throw in a bit of romance.
We end up in Austria with a big turn in this story, and I was page turning a lot later than I had planned, I needed answers!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Laura Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got the opportunity to read an early copy. From start to finish I was hooked. Callie’s ability to write a story in the most incredibly fun and light hearted way, while also stirring your heart to think about your life purpose is phenomenal. This is a novel that you are quite literally rooting for everyone.

If you like a book with incredible character development, love, history, family roots, loss and redemption, and female hero’s — this is for you!

I could go on and on, but you should also read for yourself and find out :)

[Sherri Puzey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read an early draft of THE BRUNSWICK. I loved the sense of place, the relationships between the characters, and the emotional depth of the story that never sacrificed on propulsion in the plot. This is historical fiction that feels different: it’s a story and perspective I’ve not read before and the themes are timeless and ripe for discussion. This one has stayed with me, and I can't wait for it to be out in the world!

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, but I thought most WWII storylines had been played out. I didn’t know if there was space for another. This novel offers fresh perspective of how individuals in the American South, far from the front lines, joined hands with strangers across the ocean to help. The author brings to life this quaint Georgia town and explores what it means to be coming of age in times that ultimately ask, “do you have the courage to do what is right?” I highly recommend this one.

[Carla Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book packs a punch! Several story lines and perspectives are all happening together in this one. Their struggles all intertwine during 1939 when WWII was just beginning to brew.

I loved the shout out to foster care and adoption! Always near and dear to my heart. And there is a dash of romance.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this as an ARC! Can’t wait to read more from Callie!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was mesmerizing. Based on fact, I believe it’s a good interpretation of what could’ve happened. The atrocities that occurred during the time of Hitler are unimaginable. This story is told in two different locations. I highly recommend this book. I was given a complementary copy of this book and the opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

​FULL REVIEW WILL BE ON JUNE 5.

From Austria to Georgia during the start of WWII.

We meet characters you will love and characters connected b​y The Kindertransport.

THE BRUNSWICK is filled with wonderful characters, history, some tension, tears, love, and the horrors of World War II. 5/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Monica Lage · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a big fan of historical fiction, I am always looking for a well-researched and well-written book that teaches me about life during a critical point in time. Callie Murray accomplishes all of these things with The Brunswick. I hope to see more from this author.

[Allison Gammel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful World War II book that’s anything but the usual storyline. The characters were so relatable and the town itself was part of the story. What a strong debut! I see big things coming from this author.

[Brittany Roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful historical fiction novel set during WWII in Georgia. I couldn’t put this one down! If you are an Amanda Dykes fan, you will love this one.

[Paige Knudsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an absolute honor to have the opportunity to be an early reader. Callie Murray has outdone herself with her debut novel. What a beauty!! Bravo!!!!

[Savannah Hillis · Rating 5 out of 5]

historical fiction girls this is for you! impressive debut novel that’s beautifully written with a unique plot and charming characters. loved all the georgia history too 🍑🍑🍑