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A Class Liberated
‘The characters are so carefully and believably crafted and the pace of the storytelling in her writing never slows, making this latest novel in the series another fantastic page turner.’ Lisa Reads Books, book reviewer
Freedom may be within their grasp…
As the devastation of the potato blight continues, Cormac and Bridget grapple with their dual roles at Bewley Hall in England and Oakleigh Manor in Ireland. In their quest to alleviate the suffering of the Irish people, their charitable endeavours face both success and violence.
Meanwhile, tensions mount within their own family when Cormac’s nephew, Patrick, struggles with a shocking revelation. In the midst of his anguish, he lashes out, setting off a chain of events that will have far-reaching consequences.
As the family navigate personal and collective challenges, can Cormac and Bridget guide them through the turmoil? And will they finally secure the freedom they’ve longed for?
A Class Liberated is the seventh book in Susie Murphy’s historical fiction series A Matter of Class. The story will continue in the eighth book, A Class Divided.
Praise for A Class Liberated:
‘Murphy’s writing is easy to get drawn into, the characters step off the page from another time.’ Historical Novel Society (November 2025 issue Historical Novels Review)
‘A Class Liberated continues the saga of this family and their struggles. Susie has created characters with depth that have fast become people I love to catch up with.’ Mandie Griffiths, book reviewer at Jen Med’s Book Reviews
‘I’m always surprised by where the story goes. Susie addresses some serious and deep issues of the time period…It is expertly done, realistic and raw.’ Lisa Boyle, author of the Paddy Series
‘Drama, triumph, an important glimpse into women’s history, and all the feels!’ Elizabeth Bell, author of the Lazare Family Saga
What readers are saying:
★★★★★ ‘Another brilliant book from Susie Murphy! A class in itself!’
★★★★★ ‘This story was magical!’
★★★★★ ‘Passionate, poignant, and unputdownable.’
★★★★★ ‘A powerful, emotional return to a series that continues to captivate!’
★★★★★ ‘This is a series to really sink your teeth into.’
★★★★★ ‘I feel like I am experiencing the action right along with the McGovern family.’
★★★★★ ‘Packed full of drama right up to the final page.’
★★★★★ ‘A saga to become completely engrossed in.’
★★★★★ ‘The end came too fast. Can’t wait for the next book.’
★★★★★ ‘This book is as intriguing as all of the other books in the series!’
Freedom may be within their grasp…
As the devastation of the potato blight continues, Cormac and Bridget grapple with their dual roles at Bewley Hall in England and Oakleigh Manor in Ireland. In their quest to alleviate the suffering of the Irish people, their charitable endeavours face both success and violence.
Meanwhile, tensions mount within their own family when Cormac’s nephew, Patrick, struggles with a shocking revelation. In the midst of his anguish, he lashes out, setting off a chain of events that will have far-reaching consequences.
As the family navigate personal and collective challenges, can Cormac and Bridget guide them through the turmoil? And will they finally secure the freedom they’ve longed for?
A Class Liberated is the seventh book in Susie Murphy’s historical fiction series A Matter of Class. The story will continue in the eighth book, A Class Divided.
Praise for A Class Liberated:
‘Murphy’s writing is easy to get drawn into, the characters step off the page from another time.’ Historical Novel Society (November 2025 issue Historical Novels Review)
‘A Class Liberated continues the saga of this family and their struggles. Susie has created characters with depth that have fast become people I love to catch up with.’ Mandie Griffiths, book reviewer at Jen Med’s Book Reviews
‘I’m always surprised by where the story goes. Susie addresses some serious and deep issues of the time period…It is expertly done, realistic and raw.’ Lisa Boyle, author of the Paddy Series
‘Drama, triumph, an important glimpse into women’s history, and all the feels!’ Elizabeth Bell, author of the Lazare Family Saga
What readers are saying:
★★★★★ ‘Another brilliant book from Susie Murphy! A class in itself!’
★★★★★ ‘This story was magical!’
★★★★★ ‘Passionate, poignant, and unputdownable.’
★★★★★ ‘A powerful, emotional return to a series that continues to captivate!’
★★★★★ ‘This is a series to really sink your teeth into.’
★★★★★ ‘I feel like I am experiencing the action right along with the McGovern family.’
★★★★★ ‘Packed full of drama right up to the final page.’
★★★★★ ‘A saga to become completely engrossed in.’
★★★★★ ‘The end came too fast. Can’t wait for the next book.’
★★★★★ ‘This book is as intriguing as all of the other books in the series!’
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2025
202 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Susie Murphy
9 books110 followersSusie Murphy is an Irish historical fiction author. She loves historical fiction so much that she often wishes she had been born two hundred years ago. Still, she remains grateful for many aspects of the modern age, including women's suffrage, electric showers and pizza. Her ongoing A Matter of Class series is a sweeping romance saga that begins in Ireland in 1828 and explores the complexities of love, class and family over the decades that follow.
To find out more, visit www.susiemurphywrites.com, where you can join the Susie Murphy Readers’ Club and receive a collection of six free short stories which tie in with A Matter of Class.
To find out more, visit www.susiemurphywrites.com, where you can join the Susie Murphy Readers’ Club and receive a collection of six free short stories which tie in with A Matter of Class.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 25, 2025
Last year thanks to author Susie Murphy, I was introduced to a world where class mattered and if you failed to realise this or did not follow the rules then the consequences could be immense, and the repercussions of decisions made could be felt by so many people. I have been looking forward to getting reacquainted with Cormac and Bridget and their complicated lives.
Cormac and Bridget have been trying to manage Bewley Hall and Oakleigh Manor and help their tenants through their suffering. Bridget is finally recovered from the events that took place and is looking to the future. Her daughter Emily is now happily married to Rory and once again resumed her art studies even though this does mean that she is often away from her family. Cormac’s nephew Patrick is having his own struggles after he finds out his own past, setting him on a collision course with his father that will lead to the relationship between him and Bridget coming to a head and the state of their marriage being resolved once and for all.
It was nice to see a different side to Patrick, he was finally starting to take responsibility for his actions, standing up to his father and making him accountable for what he does. Rory also has a bigger part to play when he takes responsibility for his half siblings, providing them with a safe place to stay when it becomes evident their mother is in an abusive relationship. He is also trying to be supportive of Emily as she struggles with her desire to paint and her desire to become a mother.
What is always evident throughout these books is just how strong Bridget is and how the relationship between her and Cormac is able to withstand just about everything that is thrown at them due to Cormac seeing Bridget as an equal, something that goes against everything of that time, where women were treated as second class citizens, and once married almost the property of their husband. The fight for the right to happiness does not come without its own issues, ones that don’t just affect Cormac and Bridget as Emily is quick to find out.
A Class Liberated continues the saga of this family and their struggles. Susie has created characters with depth that have fast become people I love to catch up with whilst highlighting the injustice of the class system and the way people were treated based on the circumstances or gender you were born into. With all the children growing up fast and lives changing in so many ways I can’t wait to catch up with the McGoverns to see what is in store for them next and if they will all ultimately get the lives they hope for.
Cormac and Bridget have been trying to manage Bewley Hall and Oakleigh Manor and help their tenants through their suffering. Bridget is finally recovered from the events that took place and is looking to the future. Her daughter Emily is now happily married to Rory and once again resumed her art studies even though this does mean that she is often away from her family. Cormac’s nephew Patrick is having his own struggles after he finds out his own past, setting him on a collision course with his father that will lead to the relationship between him and Bridget coming to a head and the state of their marriage being resolved once and for all.
It was nice to see a different side to Patrick, he was finally starting to take responsibility for his actions, standing up to his father and making him accountable for what he does. Rory also has a bigger part to play when he takes responsibility for his half siblings, providing them with a safe place to stay when it becomes evident their mother is in an abusive relationship. He is also trying to be supportive of Emily as she struggles with her desire to paint and her desire to become a mother.
What is always evident throughout these books is just how strong Bridget is and how the relationship between her and Cormac is able to withstand just about everything that is thrown at them due to Cormac seeing Bridget as an equal, something that goes against everything of that time, where women were treated as second class citizens, and once married almost the property of their husband. The fight for the right to happiness does not come without its own issues, ones that don’t just affect Cormac and Bridget as Emily is quick to find out.
A Class Liberated continues the saga of this family and their struggles. Susie has created characters with depth that have fast become people I love to catch up with whilst highlighting the injustice of the class system and the way people were treated based on the circumstances or gender you were born into. With all the children growing up fast and lives changing in so many ways I can’t wait to catch up with the McGoverns to see what is in store for them next and if they will all ultimately get the lives they hope for.
May 21, 2025
What a joy to return to Susie Murphy’s writing. She’s become one of my favourite authors since I discovered this incredible series last summer. I read the first six books in no time, and I’ve been eagerly waiting for A Class Liberated.
Right away, I was drawn back in by her vivid descriptions and attention to detail. The timeline was easy to follow, thanks to subtle reminders that make the story flow naturally. It felt like I’d never left Bridget and Cormac’s world.
As usual, Susie blends historical and cultural context into the story with ease. The humour is there too, especially in the scenes with Gus, which had me laughing out loud.
The return to Oakleigh was one of the most emotional parts for me - especially the reunion scenes.
‘Freedom may be within their grasp…’ that theme of freedom runs through the whole book. Every character seems to be searching for their own kind of freedom - the kind they need to move forward, to feel whole.
The last few chapters had me completely on edge. I was emotional, nervous… and in tears. Susie’s writing brought everything to life so vividly that I felt like I was right there in Ireland, in Carlow, with the McGoverns and everyone around them. Like I was part of their world.
In short, it’s a powerful, emotional return to a series that continues to captivate. Susie Murphy’s vivid writing, rich characters, and subtle clues make A Class Liberated impossible to put down. I laughed, I cried, and I felt right there with the McGoverns. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Right away, I was drawn back in by her vivid descriptions and attention to detail. The timeline was easy to follow, thanks to subtle reminders that make the story flow naturally. It felt like I’d never left Bridget and Cormac’s world.
As usual, Susie blends historical and cultural context into the story with ease. The humour is there too, especially in the scenes with Gus, which had me laughing out loud.
The return to Oakleigh was one of the most emotional parts for me - especially the reunion scenes.
‘Freedom may be within their grasp…’ that theme of freedom runs through the whole book. Every character seems to be searching for their own kind of freedom - the kind they need to move forward, to feel whole.
The last few chapters had me completely on edge. I was emotional, nervous… and in tears. Susie’s writing brought everything to life so vividly that I felt like I was right there in Ireland, in Carlow, with the McGoverns and everyone around them. Like I was part of their world.
In short, it’s a powerful, emotional return to a series that continues to captivate. Susie Murphy’s vivid writing, rich characters, and subtle clues make A Class Liberated impossible to put down. I laughed, I cried, and I felt right there with the McGoverns. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 29, 2025
Susie Murphy’s A Class Liberated is an enthralling continuation of the historical romance saga that began with A Class Apart. A Class Liberated exceeds expectations and continues this beautiful story with courage, compassion, and breathtaking emotional stakes. A Class Liberated, the entire series actually, is set in the turbulent landscape of 19th-century Ireland with main characters Bridget and Cormac. Murphy has an extraordinary gift for weaving historical accuracy with a richly emotional narrative. What makes this novel addictive, along with its predecessors, is its fearless emotional depth. Bridget and Cormac's journey together is equal parts aching and exhilarating. Passionate, poignant, and unputdownable, A Class Liberated cements Susie Murphy as a master of romantic historical fiction. You don't just read this book—you feel it. And once you turn the final page, you’re already hungry for the next. I cannot wait for the next book. It is my wish that Susie will continue the story of Bridget and Cormac forever :). Work your way through this series, you will not be disappointed!!!!!
June 10, 2025
A class in itself. I love every book in this series. Susie, your writing is so descriptive and detailed that you can picture each scene as you read it. The characters are so interwoven together and even the smaller characters which appear are so well interwoven in the story. It is wonderful to see how Gus and Jack are developing and growing. Emily and Rory, I hope they will get the desire of their hearts. Love that we finally see a very special moment with Bridget and Cormac which has taken years to happen. I have read all the books and loved every single one of them. I couldn’t put this one down either. The history of the Irish and the famine back then became so real in this book. You really get the sense of the English ways back then in this book with the aristocrats and the class structure and how life could be so unjust and unfair with one false move or choice. I can’t wait for the next book in the series and look forward to reading more about Emily and Rory and their family as well.
A book worth reading and if you haven’t ready any of them then start with the first and keep going. A brilliant set of books. They are worth being on your library shelf.!
A book worth reading and if you haven’t ready any of them then start with the first and keep going. A brilliant set of books. They are worth being on your library shelf.!
July 4, 2025
We are once again gleaming as we finished A Class Liberated. Susie Murphy is an amazing writer who knows her craft so well. We are now anticipating the next book and really can’t wait. Thank you Susie for sharing your fantastic story with us and keeping us on the edge of our seats throughout the whole book. It did twist and turn as you indicated. We are thankful that this episode ended at such an exciting point after all the trials and tribulations they have both endured. Take a bow Susie Murphy.
Russell and Dawn
Russell and Dawn
November 26, 2025
This is book seven of this wonderful series and I just finished it and I can't wait for book 8
I love this series the characters and the world they inhabit
I recommend this series whole heartedly and congratulate Ms. Murphy on yet another lovely work of which she should be so proud.
To anyone who is new to this series I say I am envious because you have hours of reading joy ahead of you Enjoy and get going 📚📚📖❤🤣🙂
I love this series the characters and the world they inhabit
I recommend this series whole heartedly and congratulate Ms. Murphy on yet another lovely work of which she should be so proud.
To anyone who is new to this series I say I am envious because you have hours of reading joy ahead of you Enjoy and get going 📚📚📖❤🤣🙂
May 18, 2025
Another wonderful addition to the series! I loved continuing the journey with Bridget and Cormac and also Emily, Rory, Jack and Gus, and Patrick too! I like the historical elements that are brought into the story that really help me understand more about the time these story took place. I like the setup for other character stories and plots and can’t wait until the next book in the series!
May 30, 2025
Another great book as with the others this carries on from book 7 the dramas continue for the whole family there is so much happening that keeps you turning the page it is full of the previous people from other books so it's packed full of drama right up to the last page wow how does Suzy keep doing these great books looking forward to the next one
May 30, 2025
I took my time reading this because as usual I didn't want the story to end! With each book the storyline keeps getting better and better. Susie's wonderful writing and imagination is taking us on a journey that I hope doesn't end anytime soon!!!!!
September 20, 2025
an interesting sojourn into life in that period
Written with alacrity and understanding of relationships and lifes problems in that period.
Easily read and ready to continue the story of these two characters and their family.
Written with alacrity and understanding of relationships and lifes problems in that period.
Easily read and ready to continue the story of these two characters and their family.
June 3, 2025
Wow
Thank You Susie Murphy you did it again . The end came to fast. Can't wait for the next book
Thank You Susie Murphy you did it again . The end came to fast. Can't wait for the next book
July 2, 2025
beautiful. love story
Well written from both man and a woman’s point of view ! If this is the end it was a great culmination!
Well written from both man and a woman’s point of view ! If this is the end it was a great culmination!
August 15, 2025
A truly magnificant story , I have read the 7 book collection and I loved them all!
September 10, 2025
Finally, Bridget & Cormac are married. It was a very long road to get there. Can't wait to read the next book. It's a story that keeps giving. Love these books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2025
Loved every page of this book and didn’t want it to end. Can’t wait for the next book to be released.
November 22, 2025
A matter of class book seven was as enjoyable as book one. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the release of book 8.
November 24, 2025
Last book in the series and I didn’t find it as great as the others. Still a good book, just a little slower paced and boring. Enjoyed this whole series though and recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews