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A Class Reunited
‘There's something that happens at the end of every Susie Murphy book that I read; I absolutely cannot wait for the next one.’ Kelsey Gietl, author of the War Across Waters duology
They’ll do anything to protect their children…
Having taken matters into her own hands, a triumphant Emily is travelling towards a brighter future. The only thorn in her side is her mulish companion, Rory, who insists upon aggravating her at every opportunity. She believes she has become mistress of her own destiny but a monumental betrayal dashes her hopes and leaves her in a highly precarious position.
Back in Boston, the family she left behind are reeling from the impact of her rash actions. Faced with a difficult decision, they find themselves pulled in different directions. In the midst of fear and uncertainty, further peril befalls them, putting their sons at terrible risk too.
How far will Cormac and Bridget go to save their children? And will their once-happy family ever be whole again?
A Class Reunited is the fifth book in Susie Murphy's historical fiction series A Matter of Class. The story continues in the sixth book, A Class Inherited.
Praise for A Class Reunited:
‘This fast-paced tale is full of adventure, suspense, and a hint of romance…An excellent choice for those times when you need a good binge read.’ Historical Novel Society (May 2023 issue Historical Novels Review)
‘Compulsively readable…full of heartfelt drama and character growth.’ Elizabeth Bell, author of the Lazare Family Saga
‘Susie Murphy...has done an incredible job writing a nuanced and sweeping historical saga...Another wonderful read.’ The Lit Bitch, book reviewer
‘Outstanding…If you have not yet read this wonderful series then you have a treat in store.’ Lisa Reads Books, book reviewer
‘A budding romance, intense family drama, and loathe-worthy villains. I was glued to this book!’ Lisa Boyle, author of the Paddy Series
‘Another fantastic foray into the past, with danger, adventure, love, and terror around every corner… Susie Murphy is a truly gifted writer.’ Ashley O’Melia, author and freelance writer
What readers are saying:
★★★★★ ‘The best yet…I was on the edge of my seat.’
★★★★★ ‘Another super read from a favorite author.’
★★★★★ ‘Did not want to put this down!’
★★★★★ ‘This series just captivates you.’
★★★★★ ‘The storyline keeps getting better!’
★★★★★ ‘You almost feel like you’re in the book.’
★★★★★ ‘Just WOW…such an emotional rollercoaster.’
★★★★★ ‘Murphy hits a home run again!’
★★★★★ ‘The characters in this series are so well drawn.’
★★★★★ ‘Susie Murphy is a one-of-a-kind author.’
They’ll do anything to protect their children…
Having taken matters into her own hands, a triumphant Emily is travelling towards a brighter future. The only thorn in her side is her mulish companion, Rory, who insists upon aggravating her at every opportunity. She believes she has become mistress of her own destiny but a monumental betrayal dashes her hopes and leaves her in a highly precarious position.
Back in Boston, the family she left behind are reeling from the impact of her rash actions. Faced with a difficult decision, they find themselves pulled in different directions. In the midst of fear and uncertainty, further peril befalls them, putting their sons at terrible risk too.
How far will Cormac and Bridget go to save their children? And will their once-happy family ever be whole again?
A Class Reunited is the fifth book in Susie Murphy's historical fiction series A Matter of Class. The story continues in the sixth book, A Class Inherited.
Praise for A Class Reunited:
‘This fast-paced tale is full of adventure, suspense, and a hint of romance…An excellent choice for those times when you need a good binge read.’ Historical Novel Society (May 2023 issue Historical Novels Review)
‘Compulsively readable…full of heartfelt drama and character growth.’ Elizabeth Bell, author of the Lazare Family Saga
‘Susie Murphy...has done an incredible job writing a nuanced and sweeping historical saga...Another wonderful read.’ The Lit Bitch, book reviewer
‘Outstanding…If you have not yet read this wonderful series then you have a treat in store.’ Lisa Reads Books, book reviewer
‘A budding romance, intense family drama, and loathe-worthy villains. I was glued to this book!’ Lisa Boyle, author of the Paddy Series
‘Another fantastic foray into the past, with danger, adventure, love, and terror around every corner… Susie Murphy is a truly gifted writer.’ Ashley O’Melia, author and freelance writer
What readers are saying:
★★★★★ ‘The best yet…I was on the edge of my seat.’
★★★★★ ‘Another super read from a favorite author.’
★★★★★ ‘Did not want to put this down!’
★★★★★ ‘This series just captivates you.’
★★★★★ ‘The storyline keeps getting better!’
★★★★★ ‘You almost feel like you’re in the book.’
★★★★★ ‘Just WOW…such an emotional rollercoaster.’
★★★★★ ‘Murphy hits a home run again!’
★★★★★ ‘The characters in this series are so well drawn.’
★★★★★ ‘Susie Murphy is a one-of-a-kind author.’
- GenresHistorical Fiction
635 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2022
359 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Susie Murphy
9 books116 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 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 6, 2022
When I first started out book blogging (what feels like ages ago by the way!), I read a lot more self published novels or novels that were published by smaller publishing house. As I have grown as a blogger, I now mostly work with larger publishing houses but I have a few self published novelists and smaller publishing houses that I continue to work with and Susie Murphy is one such author! Over the years I have read her A Matter of Class series and honestly it grew so much more than I was expecting when I read the first novel, but more on that soon!
The commitment to writing, editing, and publishing your own novel seems incredibly daunting. Same with smaller publishing houses that also do it all—editing, promotion etc. It’s got to be exhausting so in my mind you must be incredibly dedicated to the novel you are promoting. It must be something that we absolutely believe in to work so long and hard on. That is evident in Murphy’s case! She has done an incredible job writing a nuanced and sweeping historical saga which could not have been easy! And she isn’t stopping at five books!
I am always on the lookout for off the beaten path historical fiction and if you are like me, on the hunt for something you can sink your teeth into then this might be a good option for you! After reading the Outlander series, I really wanted to find something that felt more sweeping and saga like in terms of historical fiction, and this book delivered that for me (minus the time travel!).
When I first stated this series, I had no idea it was going to turn into this wonderful historical saga. At first I thought maybe three books max but in many ways I felt like the story could have been wrapped up when the first book ended—-but it has gone on! Clearly Murphy is dedicated to this story and its characters. I would have been happy just exploring the initial romance between Cormac and Bridget and that being the end of it with book one, but as this series has evolved and developed, I too have become invested in reading the full story of Cormac and Bridget! So many books stop after the initial meet cute romance with the characters ending up together with the characters presumably running off into the subset to start their HEA. But we forget that the road to HEA rarely runs true which is why I have loved this saga as it really dives into the lives of the two main characters.
As the series has evolved and gone on, so has the writing! Murphy writes with a practiced hand and a prose that is engaging and descriptive without being ‘flowery’ or over the top. In the first book it was polished and concise but as the series has gone on her writing is stronger and has a shine to it now that has been an exciting evolution to watch! It is also evident in all the books that Murphy loves adding historical detail and research to her novels! This book and series have stretched from Ireland to Boston and back again! Murphy has put an incredible amount of research into the details of the books and this one was no exception! There is a lot going on in Boston at this time as well as in Ireland and each have history and issues that are really connected historically and Murphy does a great job incorporating that into her books!
As always, I loved getting back to Cormac and Bridget’s stories! So much has happened since that first book and I am so thrilled to see that Murphy is writing more books in this series! I don’t want spoil anything for those who might want to read the books but man are they getting good! This is defiantly a series you want to start from the beginning—do not skip around in this one! While the books are lengthy (some coming in at over 700 pages!!) this one game in around 400 pages which wasn’t bad, but regardless of length they are absolutely worth reading from the beginning! In this book we get more into the lives of Cormac ad Bridget’s children and I am so excited to see where things go from here! Another wonderful read and certainly a big recommendation from me for anyone who loves historical fiction!
The commitment to writing, editing, and publishing your own novel seems incredibly daunting. Same with smaller publishing houses that also do it all—editing, promotion etc. It’s got to be exhausting so in my mind you must be incredibly dedicated to the novel you are promoting. It must be something that we absolutely believe in to work so long and hard on. That is evident in Murphy’s case! She has done an incredible job writing a nuanced and sweeping historical saga which could not have been easy! And she isn’t stopping at five books!
I am always on the lookout for off the beaten path historical fiction and if you are like me, on the hunt for something you can sink your teeth into then this might be a good option for you! After reading the Outlander series, I really wanted to find something that felt more sweeping and saga like in terms of historical fiction, and this book delivered that for me (minus the time travel!).
When I first stated this series, I had no idea it was going to turn into this wonderful historical saga. At first I thought maybe three books max but in many ways I felt like the story could have been wrapped up when the first book ended—-but it has gone on! Clearly Murphy is dedicated to this story and its characters. I would have been happy just exploring the initial romance between Cormac and Bridget and that being the end of it with book one, but as this series has evolved and developed, I too have become invested in reading the full story of Cormac and Bridget! So many books stop after the initial meet cute romance with the characters ending up together with the characters presumably running off into the subset to start their HEA. But we forget that the road to HEA rarely runs true which is why I have loved this saga as it really dives into the lives of the two main characters.
As the series has evolved and gone on, so has the writing! Murphy writes with a practiced hand and a prose that is engaging and descriptive without being ‘flowery’ or over the top. In the first book it was polished and concise but as the series has gone on her writing is stronger and has a shine to it now that has been an exciting evolution to watch! It is also evident in all the books that Murphy loves adding historical detail and research to her novels! This book and series have stretched from Ireland to Boston and back again! Murphy has put an incredible amount of research into the details of the books and this one was no exception! There is a lot going on in Boston at this time as well as in Ireland and each have history and issues that are really connected historically and Murphy does a great job incorporating that into her books!
As always, I loved getting back to Cormac and Bridget’s stories! So much has happened since that first book and I am so thrilled to see that Murphy is writing more books in this series! I don’t want spoil anything for those who might want to read the books but man are they getting good! This is defiantly a series you want to start from the beginning—do not skip around in this one! While the books are lengthy (some coming in at over 700 pages!!) this one game in around 400 pages which wasn’t bad, but regardless of length they are absolutely worth reading from the beginning! In this book we get more into the lives of Cormac ad Bridget’s children and I am so excited to see where things go from here! Another wonderful read and certainly a big recommendation from me for anyone who loves historical fiction!
November 26, 2022
Well....I was eager to read the next in this series and the author did not disappoint. As a previous reviewer commented, here you will find layers of description and a depth of narrative that transports you to the time and place of the authors choosing. You could be there. The characters in this series are so well drawn...they are all flawed and carry the scars of life. You don't have to like them all, but you can have empathy. I even felt a flicker of compassion and, dare I say it, admiration for the main villain!
The action gallops between continents, from slums to drawing rooms, in ships and carriages, with the characters carrying emotional baggage and rediscovering more along the way as the author weaves threads together. This all makes for a very satisfying read.
As all great sagas must, we are left with a feeling that not all has been unpacked.... I, for one, cannot wait to read the next in the series and .....(MINOR SPOILER ALERT).......what's not to like about a 2nd generation heroine who vomits into her valise!
The action gallops between continents, from slums to drawing rooms, in ships and carriages, with the characters carrying emotional baggage and rediscovering more along the way as the author weaves threads together. This all makes for a very satisfying read.
As all great sagas must, we are left with a feeling that not all has been unpacked.... I, for one, cannot wait to read the next in the series and .....(MINOR SPOILER ALERT).......what's not to like about a 2nd generation heroine who vomits into her valise!
November 28, 2022
There's something that happens at the end of every Susie Murphy book that I read; I absolutely cannot wait for the next one. The trials and triumphs of her characters stay with you long after the story is done. I will admit that the first book has its slow moments, but every series needs its exposition. After that, I quickly fell in love with the McGovern family and what a wild ride it has been. Susie takes you from the elite of Ireland and London to their crime-ridden alleys, across the Atlantic to Boston, to New York, and back again to Europe. She shows the lengths that a family will go to stay together and how complicated a family can be. Despite the last two books being over 400 pages each, I flew through them in only a few days. It's impossible to say much about Book 5 without ruining the first 4, but let's just say that I think it had the best ending of them all.
Note to my clean readers: This series is gritty and deals with some dark topics. It includes profanity, violence, and a few open-door sex scenes. I felt that the majority of these items were used tastefully and within the context of the story, not simply for shock value.
Note to my clean readers: This series is gritty and deals with some dark topics. It includes profanity, violence, and a few open-door sex scenes. I felt that the majority of these items were used tastefully and within the context of the story, not simply for shock value.
December 22, 2022
As compellingly as the first
Many times a continuing story dulls as the author reiterates the facts and rests on the success of past books. This is not the same with Susie's books. This book was as compelling as the previous ones. The characters were always growing and the situations were certainly historically based and plausible. She catches you up with gentle reminders of past connections and characters without belaboring the details. I wish every book I read was written with this skill of storytelling. It was just thoroughly a pleasure to immerse my head and heart into this story. I'm just sorry that it ended as I must patiently await the next chapter.
Many times a continuing story dulls as the author reiterates the facts and rests on the success of past books. This is not the same with Susie's books. This book was as compelling as the previous ones. The characters were always growing and the situations were certainly historically based and plausible. She catches you up with gentle reminders of past connections and characters without belaboring the details. I wish every book I read was written with this skill of storytelling. It was just thoroughly a pleasure to immerse my head and heart into this story. I'm just sorry that it ended as I must patiently await the next chapter.
November 23, 2022
Just finished "A Class Reunited". You will not be able to put this book down. I absolutely loved it! I laughed, I cried, I got mad, it brings out all of the feelings. The pace of this book is different than the others, there is so much unfolding and you just have to keep reading to see what happens next. The author writes in such a way that you almost feel like you're in the book. You become attached to the characters and start rooting for them. I can't wait to read the next one! It cannot come soon enough.
November 27, 2022
I am fortunate to be one of Susie Murphy's advanced readers and I have to say that I've been hooked on this series since I read the description of book one! With each book the storyline gets better and better. Like the others it draws you in and keeps you interested from beginning to end. The main characters are like old friends now and while I was reading I felt like I was right there going through everything with them.
Believe me Susie Murphy and this book do not disappoint!!!! Looking forward to the next book and continuing the adventure!
Believe me Susie Murphy and this book do not disappoint!!!! Looking forward to the next book and continuing the adventure!
Read
December 6, 2022Susie Murphy is a one of a kind author, she is a beautiful, personable, and talented lady. A Class Reunited does not disappoint, parts of it were difficult to read, but of course those parts are important to the story. I am soooo hooked on these matter of class books that I can hardly wait for the next book in the series. The characters are part of my life, and I am invested in theirs. I highly recommend all Susie Murphy books, grab them as soon as you can. Curl up and enjoy!
August 9, 2023
I thought A Class Reunited was going to be the first book in the series that I rated less than 5 stars. It started off very slow but once it got going...I couldn't put it down. There was so much happening all at once and it made it very difficult to put the book down. There's a few surprises throughout the book and I cannot wait to see where the story goes next. I hope that Susie doesn't keep us waiting too long for the next installment.
January 13, 2023
Well worth the Wait
Susie Murphy makes her characters so real that you feel you know them. This book is so well written that it makes you laugh and it makes you cry. The drama is so intense, especially when Bridget is in New York and Cormac in England - wow! It have butterflies in my tummy and palpitations in my heart. Thank you Suzie, can't wait for the next book 💚💚
Susie Murphy makes her characters so real that you feel you know them. This book is so well written that it makes you laugh and it makes you cry. The drama is so intense, especially when Bridget is in New York and Cormac in England - wow! It have butterflies in my tummy and palpitations in my heart. Thank you Suzie, can't wait for the next book 💚💚
June 29, 2024
good Historical read
I like this series. It was fun to see the characters develop. At times, the descriptions, and the re-explanations got to be a bit much.
The explanations of the areas that they visited and lived, were interesting and it would take you to that time in history where making a living, getting along and living day to daywas a chore
I like this series. It was fun to see the characters develop. At times, the descriptions, and the re-explanations got to be a bit much.
The explanations of the areas that they visited and lived, were interesting and it would take you to that time in history where making a living, getting along and living day to daywas a chore
August 20, 2024
And the magic continues! Book 5 was as impressive as the previous books of A Matter of Class.
I’ll be reading the next and last book of this series slower than I did with the other 5. I will miss all these dear characters so so much. But I know that I’ll meet them in a very near future with book 7. What a delight! Can’t recommend this imposing series enough!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
I’ll be reading the next and last book of this series slower than I did with the other 5. I will miss all these dear characters so so much. But I know that I’ll meet them in a very near future with book 7. What a delight! Can’t recommend this imposing series enough!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
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June 6, 2025The Matter of Class series is captivating!
I love well researched historical fiction & am delighted to have discovered Susie Murphy’s work.
The characterisation, the settings, the pace of the narratives are all well managed. As a result it is a joy to read these six books. I look forward to reading more by this talented author who writes with great sensitivity.
I love well researched historical fiction & am delighted to have discovered Susie Murphy’s work.
The characterisation, the settings, the pace of the narratives are all well managed. As a result it is a joy to read these six books. I look forward to reading more by this talented author who writes with great sensitivity.
December 7, 2022
Can't put it down!
This series just captivates you and makes you feel like you're a part of this family! It shows the hardships and the joy that real families go through.
I truly can't wait for the next book in the series!
This series just captivates you and makes you feel like you're a part of this family! It shows the hardships and the joy that real families go through.
I truly can't wait for the next book in the series!
December 12, 2022
I can’t recommend this author or these books enough!
I can not put these books down and wish I’d have discovered them
Later so I didn’t have to wait for the next.
The characters come alive and they transport you right back to their era.
Highly recommends
I can not put these books down and wish I’d have discovered them
Later so I didn’t have to wait for the next.
The characters come alive and they transport you right back to their era.
Highly recommends
January 3, 2023
My first read of 2023 finished. I absolutely loved every minute, a few late nights as I couldn’t put it down. My only disappointment is that I now need to wait to see what happens next to Emily and Rory.
February 17, 2023
Good read for long cold days of winter.
I enjoyed this book but not as well as the others. Too many brothel stories and situations I did not care to read. Do like how it ended and how the characters lives changed for the better
I enjoyed this book but not as well as the others. Too many brothel stories and situations I did not care to read. Do like how it ended and how the characters lives changed for the better
February 27, 2023
Another home run by Susie!
Since there’s so much time between books it takes me a few chapters to reacquaint my l self with the story line but the story itself is fast paced and leaves you not wanting to put it down!
Since there’s so much time between books it takes me a few chapters to reacquaint my l self with the story line but the story itself is fast paced and leaves you not wanting to put it down!
April 1, 2023
After 3 stars on the last installment, this one was back to almost my idea of a perfect book. I love the characters so much now and have read all 5 books one after another and haven't gotten bored once. Sad it's the end so far until the next book. I'll grieve until then 😅
April 27, 2024
This was my least favorite installment in the series so far. The whole New York storyline was a bit out there, and I found it difficult to get into it. The rest of the story has been more plausible, but I found both storylines a bit too contrived, and my interest started to wane.
July 31, 2024
Another excellent book in the series! It’s fast paced, full of surprises and the characters are so believable that they seem like good friends! I have already begun reading the next book in this fabulous series. I will read every book that Susie Murphy writes. She is a masterful storyteller!!
July 26, 2025
After the cliffhanger of book four, I couldn't wait to read book five and it did not disappoint! So much drama for one family 😂 i couldn't put it down, it was fast paced and I was enthralled the whole time!!
January 1, 2026
another excellent read
Love following this family through its trials and tribulations. Susie Murphy makes it very difficult to put the book down. Feel like I am there with the characters living their world
Love following this family through its trials and tribulations. Susie Murphy makes it very difficult to put the book down. Feel like I am there with the characters living their world
November 20, 2022
As usual, I couldn’t wait to find out what happens next in the story, while also not wanting the story to end. Another great installment in the saga! I look forward to the next book!
December 22, 2022
Amazing
Can't wait for the next book in the series to be released! Real page turner that I couldn't put down
Can't wait for the next book in the series to be released! Real page turner that I couldn't put down
January 1, 2023
Disappointed
I struggled to get through this book. It was not up to the standards of the series. I didn’t enjoy reading this at all.
I struggled to get through this book. It was not up to the standards of the series. I didn’t enjoy reading this at all.
January 20, 2023
Very much enjoyed the Matter of Class series. Well written depiction of the era. Characters are well developed with relatable stories. Eagerly awaiting the next books.
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March 13, 2023wonderful read
I just finished the final fifth book. What an amazing story. You are on the edge of your seat. You will enjoy it with all the twists and turns.
I just finished the final fifth book. What an amazing story. You are on the edge of your seat. You will enjoy it with all the twists and turns.
April 19, 2023
I have read all 5 in the series back to back. The books cover the historical and social elements of the time, the characters are riveting and I just couldn't put them down.
September 3, 2023
Excellent series. Can't wait for the next book!
September 8, 2023
The first book had me hooked .
I couldn't wait to read them all .I found I never got bored and was sad to finish them all
I couldn't wait to read them all .I found I never got bored and was sad to finish them all
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews