Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Brunswick by Callie Murray, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
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.About the Author
Review
The Brunswick has blown me away. This is Callie Murray’s debut novel, and she has hit it out of the park. I look forward to reading her future works. The story takes place during WWII. And though there are endless WWII novels, it never ceases to amaze me how each story is different. The war affected each country and group so differently. So, getting to dive into a piece of history is always a treat. This story is fictional but is based on some true elements.
Cora’s father, Ralph Cain, built the Brunswick Hotel for his wife. When the Great Depression hit, the hotel business was hit hard. His wife returned to her home country, never to return. Swirling into a depression, Ralph Cain stays in bed and does not leave his room for anything. Cora has transformed the hotel into a general store and tearoom to try to keep things running. But with only Cora to run the business, it’s a little hard.
Thomas has returned from medical school. When they found out his German heritage, things became extremely hard. At home, he has stepped up to help Cora so that she can make deliveries and keep the store open.
Cora is asked to turn the Brunswick into a place for Jewish children to stay while they wait for their parents to get papers to travel to America. Cora agrees, though she doesn’t think her father will like the idea.
Thomas volunteers to go with the couple to Austria to bring the children to America. While they are boarding the children on the train, Thomas gets taken off the train and detained by Nazi’s. They take him to their facility, where they question him. He can not make sense of what the Nazi’s want to know, but it has something to do with his mother’s ring that he was wearing.
We get to see things from Charlotte’s perspective, one of the Jewish girls who comes over to America with the group. Seeing how things were for her in Austria and then in America. Not knowing what would happen. Not knowing if she would ever see her parents again.
This story had so many layers to it. I loved learning this piece of history and getting to see it from the point of view of Cora, Thomas, and Charlotte.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 3, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 10, 2026. Winner 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.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
