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'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.
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.
My review:
I really enjoyed this peek into a new-to-me setting during World War II, the South. I liked Cora and felt bad for her as she tried to keep her family above water by opening a general store since their hotel was failing. She had so much responsibility and seemed to have a good attitude even while her dad wallowed in a seeming depression and didn't help at all and even when her own health seemed to start failing. I admired Cora for deciding to help the Jewish children even though she didn't know how her father would react because of his bad experiences in the Great War. I liked Thomas as well as he was kind, was very helpful and had great ideas for her business but who ended up having a secret. I enjoyed her friend, Billie, a lot and the close community they had in their small town as many came together to help the children. We also see what Vienna was like from a Jewish child's perspective as first Charlotte's father was arrested and then things became even more dangerous for her family and they had to make an impossible choice. There's also culture shock as the children have to say goodbye to their families and everything they've known and come to America. Most of the children don't even speak English but a woman comes who can translate. It was interesting to see how everyone dealt with the challenges and there's suspense as you wonder whose parents will survive and also what Cora's dad will do when he finds out about the children. There's also a very suspenseful situation involving Thomas that I don't want to give away. There's some action and romance. I also liked that the author's note said she's donating all of the royalties to organizations that support vulnerable children. If you like historical fiction, you should check out this fascinating debut!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for reviewing this book. All opinions are my own.
