A Matter of Class Series by Susie Murphy

SHORTLISTED FOR THE IRISH CAP AWARDS 2023'A beautifully written historical novel with characters who linger long after the last page is turned.' Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Came HomeSociety said they shouldn't fall in love...It’s 1828, and Ireland is in turmoil as Irish tenants protest against their upper-class English landlords.Nineteen-year-old Bridget Muldowney is thrilled to return to the estate in Carlow she’ll inherit when she comes of age... moreSHORTLISTED FOR THE IRISH CAP AWARDS 2023'A beautifully written historical novel with characters who linger long after the last page is turned.' Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Came HomeSociety said they shouldn't fall in love...It’s 1828, and Ireland is in turmoil as Irish tenants protest against their upper-class English landlords.Nineteen-year-old Bridget Muldowney is thrilled to return to the estate in Carlow she’ll inherit when she comes of age. But since she left for Dublin seven years earlier, the tomboy has become a refined young lady, engaged to be married to a dashing English gentleman.Cormac McGovern, now a stable hand on the estate, has missed his childhood friend. He and Bridget had once been thick as thieves, running wild around the countryside together.When Bridget and Cormac meet again their friendship begins to rekindle, but it’s different now that they are adults. Bridget’s overbearing mother, determined to enforce the employer-servant boundaries, conspires with Bridget’s fiancé to keep the pair apart.With the odds stacked against them, can Bridget and Cormac’s childhood attachment blossom into something more?A Class Apart is the first book in Susie Murphy's historical fiction series A Matter of Class. The story continues in the second book, A Class Entwined.Praise for A Class Apart:'Susie Murphy writes with intelligence and assurance and has a real talent for capturing an authentic sense of time and place. I look forward to reading more from this bright new voice in historical fiction.' Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Came Home'I am completely blown away by this series...Simply outstanding.' Book Reviews for U, book reviewer'Excellent characters and an interesting plot...The chemistry and romance between the two was well written and believable.' The Lit Bitch, book reviewer'Romance, drama, suspense, and beautiful scenery reign supreme in A Class Apart...The story encompasses the real truths that the people in Ireland had to face in their time, weaving a heartrending tale that's impossible not to read.' Ashley O'Melia, author and freelance writer'A richly detailed, historical tale of love against all odds...As you read this story you will fall deeper and deeper into the history of Ireland at the time, into the characters themselves, and into the emotions that are so vividly described that you cannot help but be caught up in it all too.' Books Of All Kinds, book reviewer'For those of you who like Historical Fiction, you are in for a real treat...I devoured this book.' Coffee, Books and China Cups, book reviewerWhat readers are saying:★★★★★ 'The Irish Downton Abbey! Fabulous.'★★★★★ 'If it was possible to give 100 stars to this book, I would!'★★★★★ 'An absolute page turner.'★★★★★ 'I loved the book from start to finish.'★★★★★ 'A brilliant love story.'★★★★★ 'A hugely satisfying read.'★★★★★ 'Get ready to fall in love!'★★★★★ 'This is going to be a fantastic series of novels.'★★★★★ 'Superbly written.'★★★★★ 'I am already itching to read the next book in the series!' less

EDITORS' CHOICE, HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY'This series keeps getting better…Once I started reading this book, it was so hard to stop…Such evocative writing.' Elizabeth Bell, author of the Lazare Family SagaHis past could destroy their future…Having escaped capture in London, Bridget and Cormac flee to Ireland with their daughter, Emily. Their homecoming is bittersweet as they embark upon the daunting task of searching for Cormac’s family who have been missing for over seven years... moreEDITORS' CHOICE, HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY'This series keeps getting better…Once I started reading this book, it was so hard to stop…Such evocative writing.' Elizabeth Bell, author of the Lazare Family SagaHis past could destroy their future…Having escaped capture in London, Bridget and Cormac flee to Ireland with their daughter, Emily. Their homecoming is bittersweet as they embark upon the daunting task of searching for Cormac’s family who have been missing for over seven years.Their journey takes them back to the familiar surroundings of the Oakleigh Estate in Carlow but their childhood home has become a different place to the one they remember. As they confront the consequences of Bridget’s embittered mother’s actions, they must also come to terms with an agonising choice between family and duty.And when Cormac’s murky past catches up with him, endangering the ones he loves, will the threat be great enough to crush the hopeful future he and Bridget have envisioned together?A Class Forsaken is the third book in Susie Murphy’s historical fiction series A Matter of Class. The story continues in the fourth book, A Class Coveted.Praise for A Class Forsaken:'Fast-paced and full of obstacles and adventure. Highly recommended for fans of historical romance and Irish history.' Editors' Choice, Historical Novel Society (February 2021 issue Historical Novels Review)'Not only are Murphy’s characters well developed, interesting, and genuine, but their love story is epic…These books have been wonderful reads and capture the essence of sweeping saga.' The Lit Bitch, book reviewer'Susie writes this third instalment to the series with such love for her characters. Her work is so beautifully written, her attention to detail superb…You will love it if you enjoy historical fiction.' Book Reviews for U, book reviewer'I loved how rich in detail the scenes were...I just flew through the pages…With adventure and drama and romance, this is a series I’ll continue to recommend left, right and centre.' Between My Lines, book reviewer'Susie Murphy's writing is powerful, romantic and absolutely page turning. Once again I was pulled into the story by the powerful storytelling and the carefully crafted and fully rounded characters.' Lisa Reads Books, book reviewer'Murphy must own a time machine, or else she couldn’t possibly do such a good job of sucking a modern-day reader completely back into 1800s Ireland. The story of Bridget and Cormac comes vividly to life in this sweeping tale of romance.' Ashley O'Melia, author and freelance writer'The relationships in this book are very real, and at times very moving…I was engrossed from the first page, and invested in the story.' Coffee, Books and China Cups, book reviewer'Susie Murphy is an exceptional writer, with a keen ability for creating memorable characters and sweeping settings...Settle in for your new favorite book series.' Pursuing Stacie, book reviewerWhat readers are saying:★★★★★ 'This is a fantastic saga! I am completely hooked!'★★★★★ 'Wonderful continuation of an epic love story.'★★★★★ 'I enjoyed every minute of it.'★★★★★ 'Characters that truly stay with you.'★★★★★ 'Fabulous book, as gripping as the first two!'★★★★★ 'If you love romance and historical regency then this series is for you.'★★★★★ 'I just couldn’t put it down.'★★★★★ 'The continued storyline is a page turner.'★★★★★ 'Highly recommended for any lover of Irish history and romance novels.'★★★★★ 'I can’t wait for the next book in the series!' less