Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Brunswick by Callie Murray, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
Though I’m not doing many reviews nowadays, I can’t resist a good Southern historical romance. I loved the concept of a World War II love story set in Georgia, especially one written by a debut novelist. The Brunswick lived up to my expectations.
About The Brunswick
Title: The Brunswick
Author: Callie Murray
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: May 19, 2026
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
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.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing Group | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub
About Callie Murray
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.
Connect with Callie by visiting calliemurray.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Book Review
I was initially caught off-guard by the prologue opening with Charlotte’s point of view. Charlotte is a ten-year-old girl in Vienna. I knew the story was a romance, so that threw me off. But once I figured out how the story was set up, I appreciated having her perspective.
Author Callie Murray did an excellent job of creating the world of Northcross, Georgia and the Brunswick hotel. So much so, that this past week at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference when I met a woman from Brunswick, Georgia, I was asking her if there was an old hotel turned general store there. (The woman had no idea what I was talking about.)
I loved all the characters, relating to each of them, even though they’re nothing like me. They were all so believable and felt like people I might meet in person.
The twists and turns kept me glued to the book, often catching me by surprise, but looking back, they were totally believable.
I loved everything about this book except one thing. This is a Christian book, published by a Christian publisher, and yet Christian faith plays no role in the story. The characters never go to church. They never really address their faith.
And what bothered me the most were places where the characters’ faith in God would have fit so organically, and it was ignored. I kept waiting for them to come to that point of turning to God, and it never came.
I get not wanting to be preachy, but this was like they went out of the way to be secular. All faith was generic rather than specific to Christianity. Nevertheless, it was still an excellent book.
If you’re looking for a great historical read that immerses you in the world of 1939 Georgia, The Brunswick is your book. You’ll not only enjoy the storytelling, but you’ll learn a lot as well.
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.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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