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A Class Inherited

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‘I just love these characters…they truly feel like people I know.’ Lisa Boyle, author of the Paddy Series

An extraordinary bequest alters their fate…

In the winter of 1846, Cormac and Bridget receive two letters that will change their lives forever. Lord Bewley has died and left Bewley Hall to Cormac, while potato blight has struck the Oakleigh Estate, driving the tenants to appeal to Bridget for help. With their world turned upside down, they decide to leave America and cross the Atlantic to meet the challenges of their pressing responsibilities.

As for their daughter Emily, she faces a choice of her own: will she go with her family or stay in America for her art...and for Rory?

Heading towards new horizons, they must all strive to re-establish themselves while hampered by distrust and prejudice on multiple fronts. When separation once again plunges a member of the family into grave danger, will they be able to distinguish friend from foe?

A Class Inherited is the sixth book in Susie Murphy's historical fiction series A Matter of Class. The story will continue in the seventh book, A Class Liberated.

Praise for A Class Inherited:

‘This lovely saga has more than earned its name...the book is a delight to read.’ Historical Novel Society (May 2024 issue Historical Novels Review)

‘Susie Murphy's writing and storytelling skill has once again kept me spellbound, as I stayed up way past my bedtime, telling myself just one more chapter.’ Lisa Reads Books, book reviewer

‘I am really experiencing such an array of emotions…This series is so worth your time.’ Book Reviews for U, book reviewer

‘Susie Murphy has a style that puts you at the heart of the book from the start giving you characters that you want to see succeed.’ Mandie Griffiths, book reviewer at Jen Med’s Book Reviews

‘I was drawn into the story right away…Don’t miss this series!’ The Lit Bitch, book reviewer

What readers are saying:

★★★★★ 'My favorite book of the series so far!'

★★★★★ 'Very strong women characters. I was totally engrossed.'

★★★★★ 'This beautifully written series just keeps getting better.'

★★★★★ 'Susie Murphy comes through again!'

★★★★★ 'She has brought the characters to life and made the story real.'

★★★★★ 'Every time I think I know what's coming next, it's a surprise.'

★★★★★ 'I could not put this book down!'

★★★★★ 'One of the best series of books I’ve ever read.'

★★★★★ 'Wow, what a story, absolutely brilliant.'

★★★★★ 'Fantastic read yet again and can't wait for the next one!'

510 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2023

263 people are currently reading
171 people want to read

About the author

Susie Murphy

8 books108 followers
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.

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5 stars
1,057 (72%)
4 stars
315 (21%)
3 stars
74 (5%)
2 stars
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for The Lit Bitch.
1,272 reviews403 followers
November 27, 2023
4.5 stars

The last few months have been REALLY challenging for me. I started a new job with a lot more responsibility and I have barely had time to sit down and collect my thoughts let alone read. I have been reading a lot of quick historical romances, especially throughout the summer and early fall. But let’s be real—the late Sumer and early fall are a nightmare for school administrators and teachers. So while I have been trying to find time to read here and there, I haven’t found a lot of time to share reviews on all the books I read but I have been staring reviews on the books I have enjoyed and felt deserved some special attention.

I am hoping now that we are getting into the late fall and into early winter, I will have a lot more time to share reviews on all my reads again! This blog has been such a great outlet for me especially during the different seasons of life. Not to mention I have discovered a TON of great new authors and books through my reviews! That’s how I found this lovely series by Susie Murphy! I have been reading this series since it was first released in 2018 plus over the years I have gotten to know Susie and she is a wonderful person as well as writer!

Every November I know that Susie will have a new installment to the A Matter of Class series and it’s one of the book series I look forward to and try to make adjustments to my schedules I can read her books! This summer and fall I have been scaling back on my reviews so I could focus on my new position at work, but I kept November mostly open so I could have time to read the next installment of her saga—-because yes at this point it’s gone from series to sage for me!

When I read the first book in this series—or saga—I thought we might hit 3, maybe 4 books and then wrap up. But here we are on book 6 and they aren’t short quick reads either! Most usually run between 500-600 pages so you are definitely getting a STORY! This one was a little shorter at about 350 pages but that doesn’t mean that it is skimping on the story by any means. I love that this series and characters have continued on in new and different ways throughout the books, and looking back I would have been sad to see things end in 3-4 books. I am so glad the author continued on and continues to tell this saga. This is definitely a series that you need to read in order though. Don’t just grab this book and hope to understand and enjoy the book, you will miss out on a lot of the story threads and character relationships.

I love coming back to see how Cormac and Bridget’s lives have evolved and changed since the first book. In the first book we meet these two young lovers and now they are a seasoned couple with a family of their own and I couldn’t help reading this book and reflecting back on how much has changed since the first book. And not only with the characters themselves but with the author’s writing! I have watched Susie evolve from new early to now a seasoned writer and her writing gets better and better with every book! She has a get prose and a lovely storytelling style. In this book especially, I was drawn into the story right away and the first 10 or so chapters really sucked me in!

This was sort of the book I had been waiting for, while I have loved seeing how Cormac and Bridget get on in America and see their lives take shape with their kids etc, this book brings them back across the pond to England and Ireland once they receive some unexpected news. When I read that in the summary I was like YES this is what I have been waiting for! I really enjoyed my time in this book even though it was shorter than some of the others in the series! I know there is another book forthcoming (YEAH!) but in some ways I felt like the series seemed to be wrapping up. Historical fiction is really my jam and I love reading more historical fiction SAGAS that are like Outlander that really take their time telling to story and letting the readers experience a lot with characters that they are invested in. That’s what this book and series do—-you fall in love with the characters and get invested in their lives and rather than wrap it up in 3 books, the author let’s you really explore the story and character arch. This book read fairly quick for me, especially with the beginning hooking me early on! If love sweeping historical fiction this book is for you! Don’t miss this series!
702 reviews
November 5, 2023
A Class Inherited is book 6 in The Matter of Class series by Susie Murphy but the first one that I have read. I did wonder with it being such an established series if I would struggle to understand what was happeing and although there were some references to events from the past it did not spoil my enjoment of this book or mean that I could not follow the events taking place.
Set in 1846 it follows Cormac McGovern and his partner Bridget as the receive communication that Cormac has been left Bewley Hall and that Oakleigh Estate owned by Bridget is suffering badly from the potato blight that has struck Ireland. Torn by what they need to do they find they have to uproot themselves from the life they have made in America and return to England to face their new responsibilites. What they are unsure of is if their daughter Emily will want to return with them or continue on with her passion for art and stay with the man she is in love with.
If you have ever followed my book ramblings then you will know that I have a love of historical fiction but I have never really read anything from this period in time so I jumped at the chance for a change of pace and to get an insight into a time where class really did matter and the thought of crossing between the divide in station was frowned upon from both sides.
From the start I fell in love with the characters of Cormac and Bridget. They are people who know what is right and will move heaven and earth to see that it is done even when there are those that do everything in their power to stop them and put them back in their place. Their daughter Emily has also developed this same sense of fairness and is even willing to marry in order to help her parents become accepted to in their new social circle. Her handling of some of society shows that she is probably better than the people who look down on her and class is not always a sign of good breeding. When things take a more sinister turn when Bridget returns to Ireland, support appears from unlikely sources and they realise just who they can count on.
There is quite a lot going on in this book giving it quite a fast pace feel but at no time did I feel confused, it just made me want to know more about their lives. I knew the basics of the potato famine in Ireland but A Class Inherited added a more human element to it showing the true cost to those that suffered, from loss of liveliehood, to starvation and death from fevers.
Susie Murphy has a style that puts you at the heart of the book from the start giving you characters that you want to see succeed. Even though you could be like me and start anywhere in the series, now that I have read this book I would recommend you start at book 1. Me… I am now off to discover the rest of the story and start from the beginning whilst I wait for book 7
Profile Image for Patty Quinn.
1 review
November 21, 2023
This story set in the 1800's has taken me from Ireland to England and currently starting out in America. It's the story of class conflict and forbidden love. Bridget, entitled and Cormac, a commoner are the main characters, but as their lives go on, so does their family and the story. In this latest installment of the series, Bridget and Cormac both receive letters from overseas, the content of which will change their lives in a very big way. Also impacted is their daughter Emily and it does hold true that true love wins out over a marriage based on rank and privilege. This beautifully written series just keeps getting better. Susie Murphy writes in such a way as to fully engage you with the characters. You get a strong sense of their dedication to family and country. You know exactly what life was like for an entitled English girl and a commoner Irishman. I enjoyed seeing the progression in the writing and the story. It's very poetic. The only drawback is now I have to wait for the next installment. As a fan of historical fiction, I loved this book.
21 reviews
November 19, 2023
I have read all of the A Matter of Class series and have thoroughly enjoyed every book. A Class inherited is no exception. It continues the story of Bridget, Cormac and their family as they leave America to go to England and then to Ireland.

I was so engrossed in the story and could not put it down waiting to read each chapter and page. There are new characters in this story and I love how each character is interwoven in the story across all three countries. It was nice to see Garrett and his son come more into the fold in Bridget and Cormac's story. Loved Jack and Gus as they get up to mischief and seeing Emily and Rory's love story as they grapple with life and their growing feelings towards each other.

I don't want to give too much away so please support Susie in her wonderful series and enjoy it as much as I have. I wholly recommend this novel of romance, beauty and history with a touch of mystery.
Profile Image for Rod Griffin.
44 reviews
August 6, 2024
This was one of the best historical fiction series I’ve ever read! Susie Murphy is one of the best writers and storytellers I’ve read! Every book in this series grabbed my attention from the first page and I couldn’t put it down until I finished reading all six books in the series. Now I’m anxiously awaiting the seventh one to see what happens next. The characters are so well developed that they seem like real people and I got so caught up in their lives that they become like friends. The history that was combined with their stories was so enlightening. Many of my ancestors came to America from Ireland and England and It was such an eye opening experience to understand the relationship between the two countries and the relationship between the classes. I would recommend this series to anyone that enjoys a great story with twists and turns that you never expect and characters that you will love. I will be reading everything this wonderful author writes!!
Profile Image for Dima Chakra.
30 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2024
Book 6 finished 😭😭.
Happy to know it’s only a goodbye before book 7 is out.

Such a well-crafted series. Every action will have its repercussions at one point or another in the story, even several years later, many books later. The author leaves nothing hanging, forgets no detail. Everything is absolutely wonderfully well orchestrated.

And when we think we are arriving at some kind of happy ending, or a happy beginning, our author comes to show us the opposite. We remain breathless throughout our reading. We are always on our guard but we still appreciate this majestic story, enormously. Susan Murphy masters the art and genius of making us inhabit this world of the McGoverns of the 19th century. She masterfully manages to make us doubt that a happy ending without any problems is possible. A story that is at least captivating.

Book 6 seems to have its HEA. But my question, how long will it last?….

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
6 reviews3 followers
November 23, 2023
If you're a historical romance reader and haven't picked up this series yet, what are you doing? It hits all the right spots with the drama, the history, the characters and the epic love story! It became one of my all time favourite series from the first book and this is yet another amazing addition by the author! It's wonderful to see how the years and the tribulations are transforming these characters and Susie doesn't leave any questions unanswered. Pay attention to the details cuz nothing is written there unintended, and so satisfying to see the bread crumbs and bits from previous books always coming together the way you least expect it. Fantastic read yet again and can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Abbi Melissa.
112 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2023
It's so good to get back to this series with this newest instalment. I loved it, just like the rest. They are just so seamless to read, the characters are fantastic, and the stories, although obviously dramatic (how many adventures can one family go through?) Are so well thought out and keep you invested the whole time. It's been a while since I read a book in a day.
The only tiny thing that irritated me was how Emily kept leaving her paintbrush standing in water. Every artist knows, Emily, you have to take it out, or you'll get a bent brush! 🫠
Profile Image for Mary Barrett.
798 reviews11 followers
February 8, 2025
Five stars

What a spellbinding series! This family is such a tough, loving and close knit group that it's almost like being part of the plot. There's bad guys that you love to dislike as in Garrett, and fallen women you get frustrated with. The tension between the Irish and English in that period of time was well represented. Overall I would rate this book as a 10+ if I could. Also, the narrator did a first rate job, which added to the feeling of being there. I highly recommend this series, but definitely start with the first book!
22 reviews
October 31, 2023
Wow another amazing book to follows the other 5 which you do need to have read, this one starts 2 years after book 5 and is a page turner from page one there is so much in the story you just don't want it to end thank goodness there is a follow on book ,,there are so many stories going on in this book as normal and old stories are coming together now which is good to see when you have read the previous ones ,now got to wait for the next one which is going to be hard
Profile Image for Maryanne.
28 reviews
November 13, 2023
I just finished reading this and I honestly can't say enough about it, except that I think this has been the best storyline so far!!!

The first night I read 12 chapters because I couldn't put it down. If I wasn't oohing over it, then I was sitting on the edge of my seat biting my fingernails waiting to see what happens next!! Brava Susie Murphy, you've done it again! 😊

The whole series is fabulous and I can't wait to read the next book!!!
5 reviews
November 23, 2023
A Class Inherited

Really enjoyed this book as much as the other 5 in the saga it was wonderful to learn more about Cormac and Emily .
This is such a good book would highly recommend the ( A matter of class series ) every book is fantastic .
This would make a fantastic film or series on TV I hope it gets there someday.
1 review
November 29, 2023
This series is fantastic

This series has kept me hooked. It is the best series I have read in a long time. I have found all of the books in this series to be page turners with exciting story lines and wonderfully developed characters that I can really care about. I am looking forward to the release of the next book in the series.
19 reviews1 follower
Read
December 31, 2023
I was very disappointed. The other books in the series were well written. It felt like this one was rushed and not given the excellent writing that I enjoyed in the other books. The plot didn’t have much substance and there were many more somewhat veiled sexual references and then some downright ‘leave nothing to the imagination’ scenes. You can do better, Susie.
78 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2024
Riveting !

This series is simply the best read. I became totally immersed in the history of the peerage and the beauty of the Emerald Isle.
The manipulation of so many emotions and the plight of those considered lower classes was written without the scourge of blame. I heartily recommend this series.
7 reviews
December 12, 2023
Excellent read

I like the way this story continues to show the compassion and love of both the upper and lower class. The way they can come together. I would like the story to continue.
Profile Image for Kelsey Gietl.
Author 10 books98 followers
March 30, 2024
Another fantastic addition to this 5-star series! Each book keeps getting better!

As always, a note for clean readers: This series does contain some explicit material. That said, it is written wonderfully and is currently the only series I make an exception for.
31 reviews
Read
May 26, 2024
LOVE THIS WRITER!! The story pulls you in to want to know how everyone is connected and describes the historical aspect of life in Ireland, England and America as it takes us through the aristocracy, workers and others (unsavory characters). Great series.
5,345 reviews67 followers
September 1, 2024
A class Inherited

This is the sixth book in this series and it is a good one Corwin inherits a home in England and during the potato famine he helps the Irish and Emily and Rory marry
9 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2024
Amazing

Best series I have ever read. The characters come to life and you feel you are right there with them. I can’t wait for Susie’s next set of series books. Excellent writer!
5 reviews
December 6, 2024
Loved this series

All of these books held my interest from beginning to end. The main characters were always prominent and interwoven seamlessly and with a good purpose for every other character. It was not confusing to read and was very entertaining. I did not want it to end!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Bell.
Author 4 books99 followers
March 23, 2025
I continue to admire how Murphy weaves these characters' lives together. Bridget and Cormac are such a compelling, endearing couple. I particularly enjoyed how Cormac recognized a secret message from Bridget at a critical juncture. I most look forward to seeing Gus grow up in future volumes!
Profile Image for ROCKY.
595 reviews
November 24, 2023
Awesome!!

Love love this historical romance saga series & reading about this this family!! I'm so glad Ms. Murphy is coming out with book 7 &
I can't wait to read it!!
1 review
December 6, 2023
Wonderful

I read all 6 books. Amazing story telling. Very strong Women characters. I was totally engrossed in all the characters.




Profile Image for Kim Smith.
75 reviews
January 1, 2024
Loved this sixth book of the series. Didn't want it to end. Can't wait for the seventh.
Profile Image for Michelle.
83 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2024
Continued enjoyment

It's been a while since reading the last book, but it all came back. Enjoyed the continued saga of Cormac, Bridget and their family.
Profile Image for Lucy  Dunphy.
435 reviews9 followers
February 13, 2024
Another brilliant installment to this wonderful series. I can't wait for the next one.
4 reviews
February 21, 2024
Must Read Series!!

Thoroughly enjoyed book 6 of the series A Class Inherited. Amazing depiction of the struggles during this time period. Looking forward to the next book!
20 reviews
February 24, 2024
Having enjoyed the travels from Ireland to England ,America and back again, I say thank you to a wonderful storyteller who brings the characters to life.
Looking forward to a Class Divided.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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