A sweet book; a not-unexpected ending, but WOW, she really made you wait for it. I felt so sorry for the heroine/protagonist, and her beau... and all those poor children! I will never, ever, be able to understand anti-semitism; it just does not make any sense to me, any more than any OTHER kind of racism does. I am continually shocked at how much there is in the US, where we are ALL immigrants (except for indigenous Americans, of course). You'd think the pot would have sufficiently melted by now...

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 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.

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.

Remember
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.

In the last 1930s Cora is trying to make a living by turning her family's former hotel into a general story. In the meantime, Charlotte is facing a dim future as a Jewish child under Nazi rule. Their lives cross as they struggle to overcome their circumstances and find hope. Very inspiring story, and I like the author's note at the end.

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.

“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.

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!

The coolest debut novel ever! One I couldn't put down and will wreak havoc on your emotions.
I loved every minute of this book.
I loved these characters the moment I opened this book. I just had that immediate connection.
I really enjoyed in getting to know Cora Cain. I think in my opinion, she's a woman before her time.
A true tale of courage, love,friendship and a little romance had me quickly turning the pages until it was finished.
It's the choices we make that can define us and make us who we are during hard times or easy times
Callie Murray has done a wonderful job of bringing these characters to life and shows us that our struggles aren't that much different from the characters in this book.
It is a heartfelt story right down to your toes. Meaning a satisfying read
5 star for an amazing journey back in time to when the war in Europe came to America. I was glued to my seat all the way through.
What a beautiful cover! I love the house!
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley for my honest opinion.

A WWII story with genuine heart, soul, and prose that sings.

Set in an unexpected Southern backdrop, The Brunswick is the rare kind of historical fiction that earns both emotional and literary praise. Callie Murray writes with real ambition — richly layered plotting, complex characters worth investing in, and a willingness to walk readers toward the unthinkable: the moment when love must choose between life and death.

Timeless, transformative, and destined to linger. A must-read for 2026.

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.

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!

Thank you, Revell and Callie, for the eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.