In small town Georgia, Cora Cain struggles with running her family's business The Brunswick. Now a general store, it was once a smart hotel, but debts and a heavy workload pile the stress onto Cora. As well as trying to maintain the business, she is also caring for her war hero father. But far from helping, he has sunk into a dark place which becomes ever darker and he is more and more withdrawn from everything and everyone, including his daughter.
The sudden arrival in town of Thomas Watkins changes Cora's life. She employs him to help out at The Brunswick, giving her the breathing space and support she's not had for far too long, and it's not long before they're aware of a strong mutual attraction. The deepening of their friendship, and the onset of some worrying medical symptoms for Cora are complications enough, with even more challenges to be faced when Cora is asked to open The Brunswick's rooms to provide housing and care for Jewish children fleeing Germany.
Unexpectedly, Thomas leaves for Germany to help with the children, one of whom is Charlotte. But the ring he wears, left to him by his German mother, attracts dangerous attention.
This is a story inspired by actual events, and it makes for jarring reading at times, especially given the situation in today's America as I write this in February 2026. Reading about the hostility towards refugees and those with 'unwelcome' backgrounds is uncomfortably topical. Thomas, writing to Cora, says 'It's much scarier here than I imagined. I think what's most scary is how normal life is for some and how terrifying it is for others.' He also says 'Think about what one life means. You are just one life, Cora, but to me, you are the world.' Sometimes when overwhelmed by things in life, being reminded that 'one life' can make a difference is important. I also very much liked the use of the owl, and the phrase 'have hope in the face of adversity'.
There is lots to like in this story. It's very well researched, with an excellent cast of characters and lots of ebb and flow in the telling. And it felt complete in the ending, too. Something which a few of my recent reads haven't.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in 'less usual' wartime topics, fostering, or anyone wanting a gentle romance against a serious storyline. The romance is nicely developed and is my favourite in a novel for some time! This isn't a 'fluffy' romance novel but a story of depth and substance, with loss, heartache and struggle as well as joy, and it is very well worth the reading.
I read a pre-publication version supplied by the publisher. No review was required. All comments and opinions above are entirely my own.
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