A Class Apart

A Matter of Class #1

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 Home

Society 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 reviewer

What 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!'

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Fiction, Ireland, Regency

407 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 10, 2018

About the author

Susie 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.

Reviews

[Crystal's Bookish Life · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this had good bones for an epic romance, and it did give me Downton Abbey vibes. But it was also just non-stop tragedy.

Read for The Rake Appreciation Society book club! Live Show is November 19 at 7 pm mst!

[Gloria · Rating 1 out of 5]

Negative 5 stars

This book is the absolute worst. In addition to a looooong, boring story that contained tons of filler and lots of the author telling, telling, and telling, the ending was not a happily ever after or a happy for now.

No. The evil mother and horrid fiancé prevailed and the heroine was forced to marry him in the end, while the lower class hero of the story and his family were banished from their estate and are either impoverished, homeless, or dead.

I’m angry that I wasted the time it took to skim-read this dreadful thing disguised as a romance.

EDIT:
I didn’t read the book blurb until after I’d read the book and written my review. To be fair, the blurb mentions that the story continues in book 2. What it doesn’t mention is that this book ends with a worst case scenario that sounds final, and that the reader MUST read the second book to have any hope of a good outcome (but no guarantee since there’s a third and fourth book too).

[E.P. Stavs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gripping historical romance set in the Irish countryside. As the title implies, the heroine and her childhood friend turned live interest are from different social classes. Throw in a miserable, controlling mother and the odds of their relationship working out become even bleaker. Warning - it ends in a bit of a cliffhanger, so be prepared to read the sequel, as well.

[Angel A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written romantic story.

I highly recommend this book since it has it all: well-developed characters, riveting plot and so many details about Ireland that I was hooked from the very first chapter!
Angel

[Trish at Between My Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Full review coming soon. But first things first. Right now I urgently need to read book 2.

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rake Appreciation Society Book Club
Fall Session read

Check out Book Club on Nov 19th.

[Bibliotherapy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't put my finger on why this one didn't bowl me over. The writing was good. The story was decent and could be made into a historical television series. Yet despite all that, I found the book slow, easy to put down, and the MCs just ok, almost milquetoast. I really struggled and forced myself to finish this one. I also didn't care for the fact that the ending isn't really an ending. The writer designed it so that you'd be forced to read the rest of the series to see how the whole thing concludes. Thankfully, most of it is fairly predictable and you just have to read the summaries to know how things finally end with Bridget and Cormac.

I won't be reading anymore from this series or author. But I can understand why some people really enjoyed it.

[Cristina · Rating 1 out of 5]

I rarely ever give 1 star reviews anymore but this book was terrible.

Spoilers:

The h is engaged but still cheats on him to be with the H.

Then the h marries her fiancé because she’s weak. A year later, she has the H’s child but she’s married to OM.

So not my kind of romance, wish I’ve never read this!

There’s a second book, but I’d never read it. There’s no coming back from marrying another person.

[The Lit Bitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

When I first started book blogging (almost 10 years ago!), I used to read a ton of indie and self published books but now that I have been blogging for so long, I tend to read a lot more books from publishing groups or established authors.

One of the things that I liked most about reading these self published or indie books was so that I could give constructive criticism. I hate when I read a book review and it just says something like ‘your book sucks’. Why not offer some suggestions to help guide them or praise where praise is due?

Most of the self published or indie books that I read were a little on the bland side but ever once in a while I found one that was a diamond in the rough. As I said, now a days I don’t read a ton of self published or indie books, but I do get pitches for them on a regular basis. As I have said before, I read every single pitch that comes across my desk and if it catches my eye, indie or not, of if it’s something I think my readers will be interested in, then I pick it up.

This book caught my eye for one reason—the description. It sounded a little like Wuthering Heights to me. Childhood friends/sweethearts grow up and grow apart but yet have a strong bond that appears unbreakable. Wild girl. Quiet mysterious boy. I couldn’t pass on this one.

So let’s talk about the good first. I loved Bridget’s character. She was wild and clearly felt confined by her class. Though not set in England, I can so clearly see Bridget running wild on the moors on her horse trying desperately to escape her mother’s expectations. She was perfect in this role and I thought she was a smart, put together character.

Cormac was equally as well developed. He was polite and yet had this tragic brooding about him based on what happened to his family. I loved that there was this sad part to him. It didn’t diminish or weaken his character in the slightest.

The chemistry and romance between the two was well written and believable. I enjoyed reading their story quite a bit.

The writing was fast paced and the breaks in the chapters were appropriate and kept things moving on quite fast. My issue was with some of the descriptions. I felt that there were a few too many words and/or descriptions littered throughout the book. It felt a little over the top at times and bogged down some of the story. I found that it was particularly evident in the first few chapters. By about mid way through the book though, either I got used to the writing style or the author eliminated some of the overly descriptive words.

I love a description in books, but there is a fine line between the right amount and being overly zealous. I for one am guilty of the later when it comes to every day writing—-put me in front of a book and it’s a word free for all—-but sometimes less is more. So that would be my bit of feedback for the author. She’s done a great job at creating excellent characters and an interesting plot, so let that shine through by eliminating some of the clutter.

Also, whoever did the cover, designed a good one! I love the simplicity of it and the white dress makes it stand out!

See my full review here

[Josephine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

TW: suicide

Oh. I feel ROBBED of my happy ending. I was looking for a good historical romance time and I completely did not register that this was a series. My soul feels crushed. This hurts muchly. I almost threw my kindle at the end of this because I was so taken aback. I thought it was quite captivating but I left the rating at 3.5 because I only grew attachment to the characters at about 40%. Undecided as to whether I will read the next two books.

[Carissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf 30 %

[booksofallkinds · Rating 4 out of 5]

A CLASS APART by Susie Murphy is a richly detailed, historical tale of love against all odds and I enjoyed it from start to finish.

In 1828 Bridget Muldowney is happy to return to Carlow and is no longer the little rascal that she used to be, but rather a refined and intelligent young lady with a wealthy English fiancè. Her childhood friend, Cormac, now works on the estate and while you would imagine that their altered lives would mean they no longer have anything in common, this does not prove to be the case. As they get reacquainted, their friendship blossoms as they learn so much about what has happened in the intervening years, and as they spend more time together, their feelings only grow stronger. But there are those who will do anything to keep them apart ...

A CLASS APART by Susie Murphy is like a tapestry upon the wall - wonderful to look upon and as you focus closely on each part it unveils even more to the eye. 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. The harsh reality of life for many is touched upon but ultimately this is a story about love and its power and strength. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to the next in this series.

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author

[Amber (Amber Reads Romance) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This was a tough one to review because it is part of a series and ends in a very devastating cliffhanger. I knew going in it would not have an HEA, but it was pretty brutal. It took a long time for me to get into the story and I may not have finished it if I was not reading it for a book club. The last half picked up the pace and I was finally getting invested in the characters. I loved Cormac and my heart broke for him because he goes through so much trauma in this book. I have a feeling it will get even worse in the next book. Bridget’s choices really frustrated me and she came off very naive.

I was completely shocked by Cormac’s sister's story and I have feelings about who I think the father of her child is. I was not expecting such dark subject matter in this historical romance.

I was frustrated by the end of this, but I may continue with the second book to see if it gets any better.

TW: Suicide, emotionally abusive parent, depression, trauma

[Samantha Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. I loved the romance between Bridget and Cormac but there were other things that stopped me from giving this book a higher rating. Bridget's mother was too cruel a character, especially when there was no reason, she's just a horrible person. Also I feel Cormac had too much heartache in his life already and then other events happen. It had great potential and I did enjoy aspects of it, as mentioned above.

[Terri White · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Downtown Abbey.. you will LOVE this book.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable and looking forward to the next one

A story I found myself drawn to over and over again. Anyone who enjoys a period drama will enjoy this book.

[Maria P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Absolutely loved it! Can’t wait to read the sequels and find out what happens next…

UPDATE: Read last and now listened to. I love this story and the subsequent books in the series. I have read to book 4 but wanted to start again and listen to before reading the next ones. Very enjoyable and would make a great Downton Abbey type TV series!

[Mandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read A Class Inherited which is book 6 in the A Matter of Class series and really enjoyed it, I just knew I had to go back to the start to see what happened to the characters that led them to that particular set of circumstances, and I am so glad I did.
The book opens with Bridget returning to Oakleigh Manor in Carlow Ireland, the estate she will inherit and the place that holds her fondest memories growing up. She is also reunited with her childhood friend Cormac McGovern but there are two problems with this reunion, the first is that Bridget is now engaged to be married, the bigger stumbling block is that Cormac is from the lower classes and an employee of the Oakleigh estate so the friendship that was indulged in childhood is now seen as completely unacceptable. Can they overcome this and remain friends or will circumstance drive them apart forever?
From the start you can sense just how much of a sheltered life Bridget has led up to this point and even though her mother is determined that she must learn more about the running of the estate, there is a sense that she will never truly be in control in the way she believes. Where she is keen to renew her friendship with Cormac, he is a little more realistic about the situation and at first tries to keep a certain distance, especially when he finds out about her engagement and imminent arrival of her fiancé. As she realises that nothing can be as it was I admired her determination to try to get both her mother and her fiancé to see her point of view even though I knew it would not end the way she wanted it to. Cormac is a character you just can’t help liking, hoping that at some point his life will work out the way he wants it to. The one thing that is clear is that he has a real sense of duty towards his family, and he is torn when this clashes with his own hopes for a life with Bridget. His despair at the death of his sister and the concern for Bridget’s health are both heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure.
After initially coming across as a reasonable man her fiancé soon showed his true colours to Bridget, making sure she was in no doubt that she will never be in control of her own life, a fact backed up by her mother who seemed determined to make life as unbearable as possible and get revenge on the family who had dared to try to change everything. Whilst there was an inevitable ending to this first book in the series you also got the sense that this was not the end, and the status quo would change one day. For fans of historical sagas if you have not already discovered this series then you may just be missing out.

[Emma Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Class Apart, the first of Susie Murphy's, A Matter of Class series, is a tremendously exciting read from start to finish! This romantic saga narrates the story of forbidden love, loss, tragedy and unyielding passion, keeping me enthralled throughout.
Set in the nineteenth century, this story depicts an Ireland still under the iron grip of British imperialism and the discrimination the Irish people endured. However, it also highlights the contrasting loyalties that prevailed within both classes during this time of political unrest. The author very expertly illustrates the stark divide that existed between the elite upper class and the poverty-stricken lower class of Irish society. Within this oppressive structure, the stifling and sometimes suffocating effect of social order in the early eighteen hundreds is unravelled through the characters who inhabit Oakleigh Manor and beyond.
With a very impressive command of the English language and knowledge of nineteenth century history and etiquette, Susie writes this story beautifully, with eloquent and descriptive imagery throughout the narrative.
As a devout fan of historical fiction, I enjoyed this as much as one of the classics. I am genuinely in awe of her talent and cannot wait to discover what A Class Entwined and A Class Forsaken reveal in the ongoing adventure.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know that 2024 Challenge has finished, but when I got this book from my local library recently and started to read it, the story captured my interest from the first page till the last. It saddened my heart that a woman of that era 1800s meant nothing except a receptacle for man's bidding even amongst the higher classes! Now this is Ireland when a lot of wealthy Englishmen established estates in Ireland .. some were well run and their Irish staff well cared for; whereas others were not. Nineteen year old Bridget returns to her family estate and reunites with her childhood friend Cormac but her fierce mother and new husband-to-be have different ideas. I know this might be some spoilers, but ... the attraction between the young ones is dynamic but their future is thwarted by a marriage of increasing future wealth through the decimation of Bridget's love's heart family! I cannot wait to read Book Two!

[Kajsa Elisabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just can't with this heroine. She's too naive, too stupid and gets into way too much damsell distress.

Bridget's chocked the man from London plans to live in London. Tries to convince him otherwise by showing that nature is pretty. She's surprised to have attracted a suitor, when she's an heiress to a prosperate estate. She's annoyed that her mother wants to teach her how to run an estate. Girl?! Really, you can't afford to be this stupid. It continues with damsell stuff, but it's spoilish.

I loved the setting, the forbidden romance and if I had known it is a story spanning several books I would have loved that too. I thought the writing style and pace was perfectly fine. The rest of the characters are good, the male lead Cormac is solid and the best side of Bridget. Very nice narration in audio. The whole story really just fell on the heroine, and just too hard for me to continue. Real bummer.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are so wonderfully written! I fell in love with Bridget and cormac our two main characters right from the get go! The class division between the two is so beautifully depicted in these books, I really felt the anguish of bridgets decision making, unlike any other romantic book I tend to have read the path you are led down isn’t necessarily the one that was expected, Susie has a way of writing that transports you into the world of the characters so cleverly that you truly feel yourself there with them. I have read both a class apart and a class entwined and eagerly await the newest book a class foresaken. I highly recommend these books if you are looking for something that so easily draws you in to another place and time! Thank you! :)

[Lisa Boyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Kind of a spoiler ahead!!**

Listen. I am not a romance reader. I have heard from romance readers that HEA are a requirement. Perhaps that only means that A Class Apart falls more firmly into the general historical fiction category, centered around a love story. The writing was fantastic, the characters very lovable (or very hateable, depending on which ones we're talking about!), the setting, exquisite. The slow burn is enough to keep you rapidly turning pages. Everything about this book felt so realistic and I found myself completely immersed, ignoring my real life demands. It ripped my heart apart in the best possible way and the only cure for that will be the next book in the series! I immediately ordered it upon finishing. Really, do yourself a favor readers and grab this one!

[Jane Featherstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in an Irish historical saga and it’s important to understand the history behind it, particularly the religious element. If you want a typical historical romance type scenario, this is definitely the wrong ok to read! But for an authentic depiction of the differences in class behaviour and status, it’s a compelling read. Bridget and Cormac both face tragedy and obstacles from a young age and form an unusual friendship, which endures despite a long separation. They face many difficulties, particularly an ambitious manipulative mother and the unbendable rules of society.

[Cindy Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings on this one!

I start this by saying I was rather bored in what appeared to be another predictable plot. It seemed to kind of drone on with pretty much the same old story of the rich girl loves poor boy. The class division is insurmountable, as usual.

Although I believe the story overlong, it did have uniqueness by the end. And I assume this is Book One of a series. I will keep this in mind.

Readers of historical fiction romance may like it.

[Aine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 1820s Carlow as Bridget Muldowney returns to the home she grew up in, Oakleigh, after 7 years. She returns to find all she had left behind: the land she loved, memories of her father, her best friend Cormac. But she also brings with her a new refinement and a fiance with whom she will plan her new life. This is the start of an epic tale of love and family, passion and history - I'm happy to have read part 1 not long before part 2 is published...

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have currently gotten through the first three books in this series. To be honest, I've been in a bit of a reading slump lately. I love historical fiction, but I've found the genre has been much too focused on the War era's as of late. This series is a much welcome change of pace. They are beautifully written, and I have been thoroughly intrigued by the whole story. I can't wait to dive into the remaining three. This is a Netflix series waiting to happen!!

[Annette Summerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

It doesn't end! I only read free books so I am used to books never ending for me. I read reviews and information about the following books and leave it at that and go on to another book. If the next book was free I would definitely read it because I really enjoyed this first one. Cormac, Bridget and Emily. What a mean, terrible mother. Anyways, a good story. I'll go and search and see what I can find out about whatever book or books follow.

[Gaye Bagust · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series was one of the best series I've ever read. It was absolutely riveting. Im a prolific reader and love historical fiction and you will love and adore the characters in Susies stories. Well done to the author and I think people really love series of books.....specially when the story follows on to the next book. Thank you Susie. I hope you write another series just like this one.....lovers of historical fiction will be eagerly awaiting.....

[Frances Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

A very good treatment of a familiar trope - a cross class romance. What a revolting mother . Once or twice I had to put the kindle down as I couldn't decide if the story was too stressful for me (!) But thankfully I pressed on i trust there will eventually be a HEA