A Class Forsaken

A Matter of Class #3

by Susie Murphy

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 Saga

His 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 reviewer

What 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!'

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical, Romance

329 pages, Paperback

First published August 24, 2020

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

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think i have to tap out here. Seems like a good place for an HEA. I can't watch them suffer anymore. Though the audio books are very good and compelling.

3.5 stars
1 on the spice scale

[The Lit Bitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the last few years I have gotten to know Susie Murphy and her characters in the “Matter of Class” series and not only is she a wonderful person and author, but her saga has only gotten better.

More about that in a minute but first I wanted to take a couple of minutes and gush over the beauty of this cover. It is absolutely stunning. Each cover design has been eye catching, memorable, and interesting but this one is my favorite cover design. I think it’s elegant and captures the essence of the saga.

Now that I have raved about the cover a bit, let’s talk about how great this book was and how excited I am that there are going to be more books in the saga!

When I read the first book in this series, I was completely drawn in by the characters and the story unexpectedly and when the second book came out, I couldn’t wait to return to their story and see where things went next. But I seem to recall when I read the first book that at that time it was only meant to be one book or maybe three, but I believe there are going to be many more books to come in this saga and I couldn’t be more excited to hear that. Not only are Murphy’s characters well developed, interesting, and genuine, but their love story is epic and isn’t just something that can be confined to just one book. According to Murphy’s website, it sounds like there are going to be seven books in this saga and I think that’s fantastic news because I am not ready to be done with these characters and their stories yet.

I have never been to Ireland, but reading Murphy’s books makes me feel like I am right there. I love how she describes the setting, it almost takes on a life of its own in each of her books. After reading one of her books I always find myself casually searching for Ireland vacations—one day friends, one day!

When I started reading this one, I was immediately drawn back into Cormac and Bridget’s world and lives. It was as if no time had passed at all between books and I was instantly transported in time. I loved the premise of this one and seeing past issues resurfacing in their lives. As the books have progressed so have our characters. They are no longer who they were in the first book, but now they are more mature and Murphy does an excellent job showing that progression in this book and I think drawing on past events and choices really highlights the shift in Cormac and Bridget nicely.

Cormac and Bridget have undeniable chemistry and that hasn’t changed as the books have progressed. As a reader, I feel invested and committed to finding out more about these characters and their lives. I have seen them grown and change throughout the books and can’t wait to see how they change in future books as well. I love sweeping sagas for this reason and these books have been wonderful reads and capture the essence of sweeping saga. This book was probably my favorite in the series so far. I just loved how past and present come together in this one plus the cover is my favorite. I truly enjoyed reading this one and I can’t wait to see where our characters go and experience next.

See my full review here

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

4.5 stars

WARNING! As this is book 3, there may be spoilers ahead for A Class Apart and A Class Entwined.

First Line of A Class Forsaken by Susie Murphy

“Arrah, here’s the rain again.”

My thoughts on A Class Forsaken

We have already travelled with Bridget and Cormac through many ups and downs and now they are returning to Ireland again to search for Cormac’s family.

Life at Bridget’s estate Oakleigh is no longer idyllic. The Ireland they are returning to is one brimming over with tension and danger as the tenant farmers are unable to pay hefty land tithes. They are living in extreme poverty, furious with the injustices of the landlord system, and hungry for change. And very willing to take matters into their own hands.

I loved how rich in detail the scenes were. You could feel the poverty and desperation from the pages and you were right there in the middle of all emotional waves. I just flew through the pages living every word while I read.

The historical research that Susie Murphy has put in shines very true and you can tell that she put her heart and soul in these characters, and the world they live in.

Bridget and Cormac definitely have their challenges in this book, but their love still feels new and fresh, and despite many obstacles they are rock solid. With adventure and drama and romance, this is a series I’ll continue to recommend left, right and centre.

Who should read A Class Forsaken by Susie Murphy?

I’d recommend this to fans of historical fiction who like dynamic characters and poignant storylines. Fans of authors such as Hazel Gaynor, Catherine Cookson and Maeve Binchy should also appreciate this one.

[Jennifer Hines Hansel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third in this series and it was just as good as the previous two. Enjoying this series quite a bit. It’s suspenseful, informative, entertaining, sad, eye opening and well written.

[Mandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Class Forsaken sees Cormac and Bridget back in Ireland trying to find Cormac’s family. When they return to Oakleigh they find that nothing is how they left it thanks to the way in which Bridget’s mother has been managing the estate and everything they are trying to achieve is cast in doubt.
I have definitely grown to love the characters of Cormac and Bridget. They have overcome so much already and no matter what life throws in their way you are certain that they will face it together. It is hard for Bridget to see what has become of her home and see how the people who used to work on the estate are now so full of hate and distrust. It is a testament to her sense of what it right that she is willing to put herself in the firing line in order to try to put things right whilst also trying to mend the fractured relationship with her mother. It is only thanks to some trusted friends that they are able to turn things around and hopefully secure the future of Oakleigh but even that comes at a heavy cost.
Cormac has his own demons to face when his past catches up with him and he finds himself in danger but for him if it means he will finally be reunited with his family then it is worth the pain he encounters. His search does give him answers but not all of them are welcome and he has to make decisions that are painful but for those involved ultimately they could just be the right ones. Not everything is bad news however and he is given new leads and a possibility of a new life for all of them.
I love how the characters and the locations are vivid and give you a real sense of life for people in both England and Ireland. Susie Murphy shows a different view of both the upper and lower classes in society and how they are treated/treat others. With such a colourful and diverse backdrop, you can’t help but be charmed by the underlying story whilst also getting caught up in the drama of the lives of all the main characters. With only 2 more books in the series to catch up on I am looking forward to finding out what awaits them in the next chapter of their story.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, can we just stop for a second and talk about that book cover? (I don’t want to be that guy, but a beautiful cover will catch my attention every single time.) Each book in the series so far has had lovely covers. But this one in particular is breathtaking!

Okay, on to the meat and potatoes. This book is utterly brilliant. Susie Murphy is an exceptional writer, with a keen ability for creating memorable characters and sweeping settings. She transports her readers with ease to the hillsides of Ireland, with all of it’s beauty and sounds and accents, where she introduces us once again to Bridget and Cormac. Who, by the way, refuse to stay on the page. They will go with you everywhere.

While A Class Forsaken could possibly be read as a stand-alone, I would highly recommend that you start at the beginning of the series. Book One in the “A Matter of Class” series is A Class Apart, and Book Two is A Class Entwined. That will help give you the backstory of Bridget and Cormac, and will aid in establishing their personalities, their histories, their beautiful flaws and quirks, as well as give you a greater appreciation for where they are when A Class Forsaken opens. (Also, rumor has it that this series will have seven books, when all is said and done. So you’re definitely going to want to catch up and read the first two!)

I really, thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was so comforting to see familiar faces again, to enjoy the fun and humor and banter of the characters. However, the Ireland that Bridget and Cormac have returned to, is not the Ireland that they left. Hefty tithes are being forced onto the tenant farmers, poverty and hardship are rampant, and tensions are ringing to the surface. What was once idyllic is now dangerous, and neither Bridget nor Cormac intend to let it stay that way. Not when they can take a stand and do something.

Grab yourself some popcorn, some comfort cookies (you know, for the stressful parts) and your favorite mug of hot whatever-you-like-best, and settle in for your new favorite book series.

[Sarah Rennick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having followed Susie Murphy’s, wonderful epic love story from the start I was delighted to receive an advanced copy of the latest novel in exchange for an honest review. I started reading A Class Forsaken on Staycation in West Cork awaiting the arrival of Storm Ellen but I didn’t need the dramatic backdrop to be back in Cormac and Bridget’s story within minutes.

As evidenced in Susie’s first 2 novels in this series her ability to describe locations, with which I am so familiar, is both accurate and evocative and effortlessly draws the reader into the narrative. I enjoyed being re-introduced to the familiar (both desirable and undesirable) as well as meeting new characters, whose motivations were convincingly explored and expressed, but my primary delight was in the development and maturing of the characters of Bridget and Cormac.

I should at this point strongly suggest that readers new to Susie’s series should read her first 2 novels A Class Apart and A Class Entwined. You will then see how Susie draws on Bridget and Cormac’s individual lived experience to not only flesh out their characters but to also show how their passion and commitment, the drama, conflicts and justifications of their actions develops their relationship over the course of the story. It is not only what outside forces do to impact on their lives, it is how they choose to deal with those forces and remain true to themselves and each other - the makings of any great love story. The challenges they face could either destroy or strengthen their love and I think Susie has done a fantastic job in expressing this to the reader.

The past has long shadows and although Bridget and Cormac have weathered the latest storm I look forward to following the next stage in their journey.Highly recommended.

[Emma Davis]

A Class Forsaken, is the third installment of Susie Murphy's, A Matter of Class Series. This chapter follows the ongoing saga of Bridget and Cormac and their plight to make a life together against all the odds.
The author displays a keen knowledge of a patriarchal law system and the ongoing Irish fight for freedom. She expertly weaves a narrative through the lives of Cormac, Bridget and the tenants, complete with detailed and accurate accounts of revolutionary sentiments amongst the Irish people, driven by poverty and starvation, and Bridget's struggle to help them.
A more gritty and gruesome aspect of life is very colourfully depicted, as the loose ends of Cormac's irksome past are highlighted and the consequences of their past actions are played out against the conventions of the time.
This brave and sometimes perilous adventure illustrates the courage, resilience and determination of the characters. A thrilling account of love, loyalty, betrayal and deception in the harsh social climate of nineteenth century Ireland.

[Michele Quirke · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE STARS!!

Susie Murphy has done it again! The third book in the A Matter of Class series was a remarkable continuation of Cormac and Bridget's story that I simply could not put down. From page one I was hooked, eager to see how the plot would thicken...and boy did it! It felt like every chapter had another challenge, another battle for the beloved couple to face together.

Once again, I was blown away by Susie's beautiful writing style. Her writer's voice is something to be marveled at. Truly wonderful!

If you love historical fiction with romance, intrigue, action, and excellent writing, then this is 100% the book for you!!

I HIGHLY recommend reading every book in this series. I, for one, can not wait for the fourth book!! Thanks so much Susie for brightening my life with this amazing story!!

[Autumn Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very excited to receive this book as an ARC. when I first discovered the first 2 books in the series, I was very impatient to read this one. I would recommend reading the first 2 books before this one. Both because i think it will help you with knowing the backstory and because you don’t want to miss out on 2 great books. I loved following the lives of Bridget and Cormac. They are very lovable characters as are so many of the supporting characters in the book. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the entire series, and it highlights a lot of the social divides of the time. I found it interesting to see that many Irish were already emigrating before the potato famine. I also was reminded that people could disappear and reappear in those times before electronic communication, and how much effort and luck was involved in finding people. I do like a happy ending, and the ending was happy.

[lorraine peachey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bridget and cormat

A very compelling and informative novel about life and love in early days in Ireland and England.
A love story that denies class itself, but battles it too. Love that lasts in poverty and riches. That lasts even in years apart. It denies the odds and not love just between the main characters, but family and friends too.
For anyone who loves history and romance, this is a great read.

[Lisa Shardlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, I want to ask this question - were people of a higher class really so cruel? Either way, I’m really enjoying this series. As the story goes on, I’m falling more and more in love with Cormac myself! I really can’t wait to find out what’s in store next for Bridget and Cormac. I do enjoy a good historical romance!

[Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The "Class"Series

Excellent series, so well written. It's hard to conceive of such a harsh time in life in Ireland. The wealthy Class ruled with an iron fist, no compassion for the unfortunate poor. Is it any wonder why do many immigrants fled to America!
I would highly recommend this series to all.

[Rod Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irish Historical Fiction at its best

The first three books in this series have been absolutely brilliant work by Susie Murphy. The stories and the characters are so well developed and incredibly intertwined with the history. Suspense and drama are in every chapter. I can’t put the book down until I finish it and then I immediately start reading the next one in the series. She is a master storyteller!! I’m on to books four, five and six now because the suspense is pulling me on to see what happens next.

[Audrey Starkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

much more than a romance -exciting indeed

The reader learns just how stifling the realities the lives of the “upper crust” people can be while experiencing the injustices of the poor. These novels are much more than a romance novel - they are in a class of their own with action and adventure in a historical setting. Writing and story are suburb

[Gwen Hight · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Class Forsaken

Bridget gave the running of her Irish estate to the man that ran the stable and the estate manager and accompanied Cormac on searching for his family He found his youngest sister but the nephew refused to accompany them And they are on a boat to America Hopefully there will be a different life A good third book

[Karen Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Book

I have read the first three books in this series and was deeply involved with these characters and their lives. Very rich in description, I could imagine myself there with them. I look forward to the next novels in this story of Cormac and Bridget.

[Connie L. Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for historical fiction readers!

This is the third in the series. I have loved them all. You will love every character and the author's writing is so easy and interesting to read.

[Martha J. Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 does not let you down!

I’m loving this story! It’s different from any other series I’ve read in that, by this time the story is getting better and better. Ready for the 4th one now.

[Raberta Beckwith · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE THIS SERIES !

I thought it was wonderful that Cormack went back to get Henrietta ,even though I was hoping they would take her with them…and now there’s going to be another baby…!

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A family lost, debts coming to demand payment, and a child 's heritage challenged.

How do you overcome the past, and try to make the future restored? Challenges that are life-changing for many involved.

[Diana DelRusso-Varner · Rating 5 out of 5]

another well written page turner!

This author has been so invested in these characters that I must read more! She paints a vivid picture of these characters lives. I feel like I’m walking the streets with them! Such an adventure!

[Jill Derrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read

Such a beautiful story of forgiveness and new beginnings for this amazing family. Love the characters and how acquaintances become true friends later on. Hard to put these books down. Ready to get to the next one.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book with all the twists and turns. It was more like a mystery in some ways, and it was really interesting halfway through. I did think that most of the events were unrealistic, however.

[Dima Chakra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still enjoying every book of this majestic epic series. Onto book 4 now. What a gem of a story and Susie Murphy is one of the best storyteller I’ve ever read. I’ve discovered this amazing author 2 weeks ago and she’s already ranking among my top 5!

[Elizabeth Williams-Burris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series.

This was my 3rd book of the series. Usually when reading a series of books I get bored quickly because there is so much repeating of information from one book to the next. But I am looking forward to reading the next in this series. One of my favorites.

[Mary Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars

This is not some fluffy historical romance novel! This series has meat to it and it's constant action. The characters are so realistic and animated. I really appreciate Susie Murphy's talent and recommend this series. It is so much more than historical novels.

[Deborah Gibbons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book gets better and better

I absolutely love how characters from the previous books pop back up years later and realizing how Cormac's life had so closely intertwined with his families broke my heart. Susie Murphy is such a talent, can't wait for book 4!

[Jane Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I stated on the books could notleto

GoBriliantWayting for the next one The characters seem so real and I can picture them all and the places they visited come alive