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A Matter of Class #4

A Class Coveted

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‘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

ҵ’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.'

633 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2021

310 people are currently reading
323 people want to read

About the author

Susie Murphy

8books96followers
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. Susie has published six novels in her A Matter of Class series, a sweeping romance saga which begins in Ireland in 1828.

To find out more, visit , 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
1,170 (65%)
4 stars
477 (26%)
3 stars
117 (6%)
2 stars
16 (<1%)
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9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for The Lit Bitch.
1,272 reviews399 followers
December 12, 2021
4.5 stars

Over the years I have read so many historical fiction novels all with varying degrees of subject matter, time period, and sub genre. I am always on the lookout for the next hot historical fiction novel especially from up and coming new authors. I love having a ‘secret� book that no one knows about that I can share with everyone.

A few years ago I reviewed the first book in this series, A Class Apart, and I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect when I first picked it up but then I was quickly involved with Bridget and Cormac’s story and devoured the book. Author Susie Murphy is an independent author and honestly sometimes self-published or independent authors are hit and miss but in Murphy’s case she is an absolute HIT. I cannot wait to see her books picked up by some big publishing houses because her epic series here is something special!

If I recall correctly, this series was meant to be just one book and then perhaps a trilogy but here we are on book four with I believe four more in the works! My heart is so happy that we aren’t done with Bridget and Cormac’s story yet and I am thrilled to see more books will be coming out in the upcoming years. This series has become by ‘secret� book that I share with my friend and family. The book/book series that’s off the beaten path and a hidden gem in historical fiction!

This is a BOOK. Not just in story but in length! Most of the books in this series come in around 500 pages but this one comes in at just over 600 so it certainly hit the ‘epic� level for me. This series is truly ‘sweeping� not just because the books are long but because the author takes her time writing developed characters, plot, and setting the historical stage for readers. Any historical fiction writer can throw in some historical details to highlight the time period but Murphy wants readers to have an understanding not just of the historical time period but also the social/cultural struggles that the Irish faced during the time period in which the book is set. In this book we have Bridget and Cormac coming toe Boston and they face quite a bit of cultural discrimination and distrust. Her dedication to history and research is evident in this book and is the case with all the books in this series. As Murphy is from Ireland herself, her love of Irish history and the country shine.

As we are four books in to this series now, I do not recommend randomly picking this one up without reading the other books in the series. This book builds on the plot from other books as well as the lives of the characters. Murphy does do a nice job of nudging readers memories about different characters from previous books to make sure they are reminded where things are at in the plot. I know that often with large sweeping sagas, recalling characters and picking up the threads of the plot from previous books can become cumbersome and tedious but Murphy does a nice job keeping readers on track and up to speed.

I don’t want to give a lot away about the plot but I loved reading about each characters struggles as well as their triumphs. This is another excellent installment to a beautiful series. If you love historical fiction that is more epic in nature this is certainly going to be an exciting book series for you. I have fallen in love with Bridget and Cormac and have loved seeing their relationship, lives, and families evolve throughout the series. I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series (side note, it did end with a bit of a cliffhanger!). Do not miss this series, it’s a wonderful piece of historical fiction from a lover of all things Irish and history!

Profile Image for Lisa Shardlow.
Author1 book15 followers
April 26, 2022
This is the fourth book in the A Matter of Class series, set in the 1800s. Bridget is the heiress to a wealthy estate in Carlow, Ireland. Cormac is their family’s stable hand. They have been best friends since they were children. It would be a huge scandal if they were to fall in love, but that’s exactly what happens. In this instalment, Bridget, Cormac and their family go to America to try to find Cormac’s missing sister, Bronagh. Here they face prejudice from the Americans for being Irish Catholics, and Emily finds out the truth about her parents.

I don’t feel as though I can say too much about this without giving away spoilers to this one and the previous three, but�

I absolutely LOVE this series! I’ve been with it since the beginning, and I plan to stick with it until the end. As I’ve said before, I think I’m in love with Cormac myself. He’s been through a lot, as well as Bridget, but they always seem to triumph. I love them both. This book in the series was very exciting, but was left on a massive cliffhanger (as usual) so it leaves you having to wait for the next one to be released. Please don’t take too long, Susie! I love the way that they, and their family, are developing as the story progresses with each book. It’s definitely a very romantic adventure.

I really don’t think that there was anything that I didn’t like about this one. It had a bit of everything from romance to mischievous children, the longstanding feud between Catholics and Protestants, and the search for a missing person when all they had to work with was word of mouth and advertisements in the local newspaper. For this reason, I give this 5 out of 5 stars!

I would highly recommend you read the previous books in the series before this one, and also if you love historical romance, an exciting storyline, stories about familial love, and romantic love across the class divide.
673 reviews
April 7, 2024
In my quest to catch up on the Matter of Class series after I started at book 6 (yes I am one of those mad people who does not always start at the beginning) I have now reached book 4 in the series � A Class Coveted. After finding out the truth about what happened to his family and being reunited with his sister Orlaith, Cormac is desperate to find his other sister Bronagh. This quest sees the whole family travel to Boston where they believe she is now living. When they arrive they find that things are not so different for them at first and people of Irish descent are treated with as much distrust there as they were back home. The only plus side is that here no one questions the legitimacy of the “marriage� between Cormac and Bridget and for the first time the feel like they can be happy.
Cormac and Bridget are the kind of love story even a cynic like me can get behind as they face everything together head on. Despite his frustrations of not being able to find his sister Cormac makes every effort to ensure that his family are settled, and they soon make friends and work in the local community. There is still an element of animosity between protestants and Catholics but for the main they manage to exist side by side. This book seems to delve more into the relationships in the family both actual and extended as they forge their new lives together and also seems to cover a greater timespan than the previous books.
Cormac and Bridget are tested by people close to them, but their love and trust carries them through it all. I loved the fact that Emily is given more of a role in this story as she grows up and encounters new situations such as school and employment where she starts to question her life now, what it was and what it could be. Clearly her mother’s daughter you can see the rebellious streak in her that was very much evident in a young Bridget in the earlier books in the series. What implications her actions have on the family and their future are to be seen and just how Cormac and Bridget deal with it have made me want to reach for book 5 straight away.
I have always been a fan of historical fiction but Susie Murphy has made me a fan of historical sagas just as much with her attention to detail and believable characters and captivating story
Profile Image for Kelsey Gietl.
Author10 books95 followers
December 13, 2021
A Class Coveted is the fourth book in @susiemurphywrites A Matter of Class series and each book keeps getting better and better. I can’t say a lot about the plot for A Class Coveted as you need to read the previous books, but Susie Murphy wields her pen in her usual style, making the reader both cheer and weep for her characters. With this book, some of our favorites arrive in America in search of a long lost family member, but are met with roadblocks at every turn. As they become more discouraged on that front, they also discover that a life of promise is opening up elsewhere. It is not without hard work and heartache, but also brings a freedom and fulfillment they haven’t yet experienced. In the end, however, a decision is made that could bring an enemy back into their lives, threatening the happiness they’ve built.

I’ll be honest, while I enjoyed the first book in the series, it wasn’t a five-star read for me. I did, however, find myself attached to the characters, and I’m so glad I picked up Book 2. The rest of the series is definitely worth sticking around for! In each one, we get to know the characters a little better and meet new ones who are just as complex as the last. In A Class Coveted, one of the minor children becomes a starring player and it is delightful to see her transform from girl to woman while navigating two very different worlds. Also, there’s some significant potential for a frienemies-to-lovers romance which I hope we’ll see in Book 5! My only complaint is that this novel ends on a cliffhanger, making us wait for the next stage in the adventure!

A note to my clean readers: This book does contain moderate profanity, a semi-explicit brothel scene, and an open-door sex scene between a married couple.
9 reviews1 follower
Read
January 4, 2022
A Class Coveted, is Susie Murphy's fourth book in A Matter of Class series.
Throughout this novel, Susie Murphy wonderfully navigates a fresh, new adventure for Cormac, Bridget and their growing family.
With very researched detail of Irish emigrants in America, the author sets this episode in the ever expanding and dynamic city of Boston. It is an enthralling account of both the new found freedom and hardships they experience as Irish people striving to establish a life in a new country.
As the novel progresses, more interest and variety are introduced, as the characters of Orlaith, Tess and particularly, Emily, are explored.
I very earnestly followed Susie's beautiful narrative through the triumphs and joys, sadness and heartbreak of these irrepressible characters and the unexpected twists and turns that are presented to them, on their ever-changing journeys.
The very gripping and sudden conclusion of this novel has left me all the more excited and eager to find out what happens next in the ongoing saga, that is, A Matter of Class.
Profile Image for Lisa Boyle.
Author6 books99 followers
April 22, 2022
The fourth book in the Matter of Class series did not disappoint! It's much longer than the first three, but Murphy covers a lot of ground setting up Bridget and Cormac's life in America. The second half of this book really shines. As Bridget and Cormac's daughter Emily comes of age, we learn about how their past is determining her future. I really love Emily's character. She is such a believable teenage girl and even though all of her decisions aren't the wisest, it's impossible not to sympathize with her. As always with Murphy, the romance scenes are the best part, and I am absolutely giddy with excitement about Emily's romantic prospects (yes there are two and I already know who I'm rooting for). There is one particular scene near the end that was just *chefs kiss* the epitome of the beginning of a perfect "enemies to lovers" romance. This book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, so FYI to readers who need to know!
Profile Image for Dima Chakra.
29 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2024
One thing to say: don't delay in diving into this incredible historical series.
I finished the 4th book in this saga and I'm just as hooked on it as I was with the first, if not more!
The pace hasn't slowed down at all. The depth of the storyline either. On the contrary, new adventures surprise us when we think we're approaching a happy ending. The adventures are still there because there are 2 other books in this series already published and 2 more in preparation. How happy I am!
It’s a series, the books should be read in order to keep its magic!
41 reviews
April 9, 2022
life in Boston

Time passes and Bridget and Cormac raise their children in Boston. Cormac now has become more and more a full time carpenter.
Emily has grown to be 15 years old and anxious to begin her adult life. After a letter from Garrett, she wants to go to London and see if what he promises her (becoming his heir) is true. What will happen? Read Number 5 when it comes out!
3 reviews
Read
April 24, 2022
A Class Coveted is so exciting, I had to read it twice! It is another captivating read by Susie Murphy. She writes so beautifully and has made the McGovern family seem so familiar to me. I simply love the characters and each one is so different. This book was a warm comforting read and yet I was shocked by the ending. I need to read book 5 as soon as possible.
I would strongly recommend this series if you like to read about love, family and adventure.
20 reviews
November 22, 2021
I have loved every single book in this series This one takes place in America. Love the new characters introduced and the story of Emily and Rory. It's wonderful reading about Cormac and Bridget and their growing family. � Can't wait for th next book to see what happens with Emily and with Cormac's sister Bronagh. Thank you Susie for your wonderful story telling.
Profile Image for Maryanne.
26 reviews
November 26, 2021
I am fortunate enough to be one of Susie Murphy's advanced readers and I just finished reading A Class Coveted and I loved every bit of it!! The storyline just keeps getting better and better. At the end of this book you're left with a cliffhanger and now I'll be excitedly waiting for book #5 to see what happens!!

This whole series is just fantastic!!!
1 review
Read
November 28, 2021
From the first page I was engaged with the characters. The author brought gentle reminders to the reader when introducing a character from the first three novels. I felt I was living with the characters and could see their surroundings given the author's excellent writing in the way she described each detail. A Class Coveted is a page turner. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
1 review
December 16, 2021
Hanging

I am not panicked but a little disappointed to b left hanging @ such a point & now having to wait . exact reason I don't watch tv series unless I can binge the entire series. Sheesh, I hope it doesn't take as long as this last book. I had to reread the first three b4 I could start this one. How long u gonna leave us hangin? U write waaay too good. Lol kinda
Profile Image for Sharon Davis.
79 reviews
May 19, 2022
Which one(s) come next?

They say curiosity killed the cat and I'm dying from it, but satisfaction brought it back. Thus the need to see more of this story.
Emily's daughter is headed back to England to her stepfather. That's g great story to tell.
Anybody could read this. Of course their own love of reading and imagination would have to match my own. Grin.
10 reviews
December 10, 2022
Slowing down

I am struggling a little bit now. Liked the first 3 books. Got confused
ed when Tilly went away for 2years in a blink? but Orlaith was only married 6 months?
Maybe I need to reread ?
123 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2024
Took God's name in vain on the first page.

Won't be finishing this book or any others by this author or the publisher. Something is wrong with people who takes God's name in vain. As if it doesn't mean anything.
Profile Image for Mary Barrett.
767 reviews11 followers
February 6, 2025
Five stars

Wow, what a trip! This series is great. Each book is quite lengthy and action packed. It also crosses into different categories within the romance genre, such as mystery, suspense and humor. The author has written a exciting series that I highly recommend.
5 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2021
I enjoyed the continuation of this storyline. I love following the characters through their triumphs and turmoil. I am anxious to continue on with the next story.
40 reviews6 followers
January 6, 2022
A Matter of Class

A great series. A first time for reading anything by Susie Murphy. I just finish the 4th book and hope the 5th book will be out soon!
7 reviews
February 12, 2022
really enjoyed this series so much

I loved this series can’t wait for the next one!
Great characters, humor and adventure..a great tale that i hope to continue soon
2 reviews
March 17, 2022
Enjoying the series.

I am enjoying this series very much. Looking forward to the next one. I'm a big fan of historical fiction.
Profile Image for ROCKY.
597 reviews
April 24, 2022
OH NO CLIFFHANGER!!!

Omg I can't believe it, when will I know what happens??? Unbelievable series!!! Can't wait to read book 5!! Hurry up Ms. Murphy!!
5 reviews
May 9, 2022
Irish saga

Really enjoyed this series ,can't wait for book 5.Have not read any of this author's books before ,will look out for more.
Profile Image for Kim Smith.
66 reviews
May 13, 2022
It was a really good continuation to A matter class. I was really taken on a journey of how life was back then.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2 reviews
Read
July 21, 2022
This 4th book in the "A Matter of Class" series still kept me going and I am anxious to read the 5th book in the series.
15 reviews
September 23, 2022
loving it

I have truly enjoyed every moment of this series and look forward to continuing the saga. I have read every day since beginning!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Marcotte.
6 reviews
December 21, 2022
Breathtaking

This story as well as the rest of the series have kept me on the edge of my seat since I started it. I don't want it too end but I'm getting ready to start book 5 now
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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