Susie Murphy – förlag

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!'

'A book that you can't stop reading because you want to see how it ends, and yet you never want it to end...Susie Murphy is becoming one of my favorite authors.' Ashley O'Melia, author and freelance writer

They never thought they'd see each other again...

Trapped in a loveless marriage far from home, Bridget does what she can to fill her lonely days. She throws herself into charitable work, but her cherished daughter, Emily, is her only true source of happiness.

Meanwhile, Cormac's own life unravels and he finds himself doing unspeakable things just to survive.

Neither of them dream they will ever meet again, but fate brings them back together in the most unexpected of ways.

Can Bridget rediscover her love for the man Cormac has become? And how will Cormac react when he learns Bridget's secret?

A Class Entwined is the second book in Susie Murphy's historical fiction series A Matter of Class. The story continues in the third book, A Class Forsaken.

Praise for A Class Entwined:

'An Irish historical saga full of romance and betrayal across the class divide...My heart broke repeatedly for the characters as they navigated their harsh new existence, all the way to its riveting conclusion...Highly recommend!' Kelsey Gietl, author of Across Oceans

'Even better than the first...It kept me rapt throughout.' Elizabeth Bell, author of the Lazare Family Saga

'This book was a surprise and joy to read...The sympathy that the author created for her readers was exceptional.' The Lit Bitch, book reviewer

'One of my favorite books of this year...one that I will return to re-read again and again.' Coffee, Books and China Cups, book reviewer

'Wonderfully memorable characters, a page turning plot and a brilliant atmosphere...Susie Murphy is a fantastic storyteller who has really done her research.' Lisa Reads Books, book reviewer

'From the fast pace of the plot, to the incredible way the author sets a scene, to the inevitable investing into the lives of the characters, you will be hard-pressed to find a better read or a more gifted author.' Pursuing Stacie, book reviewer

What readers are saying:

★★★★★ 'Don't contemplate whether or not to read it, just read it!'

★★★★★ 'I couldn't put this book down.'

★★★★★ 'I finished the last chapter with my heart racing.'

★★★★★ 'Best read of your life.'

★★★★★ 'The chemistry between Bridget and Cormac is fantastic.'

★★★★★ 'Do yourself a favour and buy these books now.'

★★★★★ 'Each page kept me enthralled.'

★★★★★ 'A thoroughly absorbing read.'

★★★★★ 'I absolutely LOVED both books in this series so far.'

★★★★★ 'I really can't wait for the next instalment!'

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!'

'Susie Murphy...is an absolute HIT...This is another excellent installment to a beautiful series.' The Lit Bitch, book reviewer

Their choices have shackled her dreams...

It's 1836, and Bridget and Cormac have arrived, full of hope, to the city of Boston with their growing family. However, as they adjust to domestic life together for the first time, they face anti-Irish sentiment from the local Americans, as well as a threat to their happiness from a much closer source.

Cormac undertakes the challenging search for his missing sister, Bronagh. He is determined to do all he can to put the broken pieces of his family back together, but the appalling truth he uncovers will shake him to his core.

Meanwhile, as Emily grows up in this new country, she realises how her parents' past actions will affect her entire future and she begins to covet that which is no longer within her reach. When she receives an unexpected proposition, will she be able to resist its temptation, despite the untrustworthy nature of the person behind it?

A Class Coveted is the fourth book in Susie Murphy's historical fiction series A Matter of Class. The story continues in the fifth book, A Class Reunited.

Praise for A Class Coveted:

'A Class Coveted is author Susie Murphy's BEST book yet...An outstanding read that I just didn't want to end.' Book Reviews for U, book reviewer

'Simply superb storytelling...a story of love and family to savor. Strongly recommended.' Historical Novel Society (May 2022 issue Historical Novels Review)

'Once again, Susie Murphy has created a page-turning and beautifully paced novel...Her observations on class and culture blend seamlessly with the narrative.' Lisa Reads Books, book reviewer

'It's Outlander without the time travel, except that I'm absolutely traveling back in time while I read it.' Ashley O'Melia, author and freelance writer

'It felt like meeting up with old friends, and I couldn't read it fast enough.' Coffee, Books and China Cups, book reviewer

'Each book keeps getting better and better...Susie Murphy wields her pen in her usual style, making the reader both cheer and weep for her characters.' Kelsey Gietl, author of the War Across Waters duology

What readers are saying:

★★★★★ 'The story keeps getting better and better!'

★★★★★ 'Of all the books in the series, this was my favorite.'

★★★★★ 'I absolutely could not put this book down.'

★★★★★ 'Well worth the wait!'

★★★★★ 'A must read for those who love historical family sagas.'

★★★★★ 'Heartfelt and tender and heartbreaking and uplifting.'

★★★★★ 'Wow! Another great read in this wonderful series.'

★★★★★ 'Well paced and gripping, with an exciting finish.'

★★★★★ 'I love following the characters through their triumphs and turmoil.'

★★★★★ 'I can't wait for the next book.'

'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.'

'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 continues 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!'