The Brunswick: A World War II Novel of the American South
Callie Murray
May 2026 · Baker Books
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3 reviews
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About this ebook
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.
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.
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 o...
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Ratings and reviews
3 reviews
Elly Cox
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June 3, 2026
What an interesting and enjoyable piece of historical fiction! Ms. Murray really has a way of bringing the small town of pre-WWII Norcross, Georgia to life! I loved the atmosphere of the town and introspection of the characters. Their struggles felt real and the author did not shy away from the realities (good or bad) and uncertainties of life. I genuinely did not know how some of the situations would pan out! My only drawback was the use of a bad word twice, which I did not expect in a CF book.
MelissasBookshelf
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June 17, 2026
Wow! What a stunning debut! I love it when a book can teach me something new about history in such a heartfelt, entertaining way & The Brunswick does just that. I was completely immersed in this lovely WWII historical fiction based on real events. Full of sweet romance, sacrifice, suspense, a touch of humor, found family, & faith, this story tugged on my heartstrings & was unputdownable. The twists & turns kept me eagerly turning the pages with several surprises along the way. Highly recommend!
A Google user
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June 9, 2026
The Brunswick is a lovely, thoughtful work of Christian Historical Fiction. The hotel of the title has met hard times in the late 1930s; to stay afloat, Cora has turned it into a general store. Now, it's about to become so much more. The historical content in this novel is absolutely fabulous. It covers World War II from two perspectives: the US homefront and the early rounds of concentration camp arrests in Austria. There's also a particularly fascinating bit about a hotel in Austria that serv
About the author
Callie Murray is an entrepreneur who has been featured on The Today Show and in The New York Times. Her debut Southern fiction book delves into the 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. Learn more at CallieMurray.com.
Callie Murray is an entrepreneur who has been featured on The Today Show and in The New York Times. Her debut Southern fiction book delves into the lesser-known historical details preceding World War II. Callie and her husband live in Norcross, Georgia, with their seven children, four of whom cam...
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