In this episode of A Baker’s Perspective Podcast, author Callie Murray shares her journey to writing her debut novel The Brunswick, inspired by true events from 1939. She discusses her research process, themes of foster care, adoption, and the importance of community support, along with insights on balancing romance and history in storytelling.
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About Callie
Callie Murray is an entrepreneur and debut author whose work has been covered in The TODAY Show and The New York Times. Her historical fiction novel THE BRUNSWICK, blurbed “a beautiful bit of art” by Allen Levi and “a brilliantly executed debut” by Lisa Wingate, tackles lesser known events preceding WWII. She lives in Norcross, Ga with her husband and seven children—four who joined recently through the honor of adoption—where they are probably hosting a potluck right now.
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More information on Foster/Adoption
The Brunswick
The Brunswick Author Callie Murray
Published by Baker Books
on May 19, 2026
Genres: Fiction / Christian / Romance / Historical, Fiction / Historical / 20th Century / World War II & Holocaust, Fiction / Romance / Historical / 20th Century
Pages: 352
AmazonWhen 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.
Thank you to our sponsor!
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Genres: Fiction / Mystery & Detective / General
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