One of the top-ten bestselling novels ever written. “An extravagant, absorbing novel of love, courage, ambition, war, death and passion.” —The New York Times Barbara Taylor Bradford’s The Emma Harte Saga begins with this record-shattering New York Times bestseller that traces Emma Harte’s legacy through multiple generations of indomitable women. From the servants’ quarters of a manor house on … the servants’ quarters of a manor house on the brooding Yorkshire moors to the helm of a profitable international business, Emma Harte’s life is a sweeping saga of unbreakable spirit and resolve. Rising from abject poverty to glittering wealth at the upper echelons of society, there is only one man the indomitable Emma cannot have—and only one she yearns for. The novel was also the subject of a popular 1984 miniseries starring Jenny Seagrove and Deborah Kerr.
“A long, satisfying novel of money, power, passion and revenge set against the sweep of 20th century history.” —Los Angeles Times
“A wonderfully entertaining novel.” —The Denver Post
“A mighty saga. Little has been so riveting since Gone with the Wind.” —Manchester Evening News
“Tailor-made for fans of McCullough’s Thornbirds.” —Publishers Weekly
“The storyteller of substance.” —The Times (London)
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Readers often ask me about my favorite books. If you love historical fiction, today I wanted to share the first novel from one of my favorite authors, Barbara Taylor Bradford (who happens to share a birthday–May 10th–with me). This is the novel that inspired me to write a novel years ago. It’s a fairly long book, but I never wanted it to end. Emma Harte was everything the younger me aspired to be— smart, creative, gutsy, and determined in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. She never backed down from a challenge, and she always found a way to achieve her dreams. Often she had little choice between bad and worse, but still, she persevered. She was flawed at times, but aren’t we all? Now, looking at Emma Hart through a novelist’s eye, I understand that her flaws were what made her so relatable and memorable. If you read A Woman of Substance, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. As for me, I’m deeply entrenched in writing a new historical (that’s an oxymoron!) novel right now… –Hugs and happy reading, Jan
I have reread this book multiple times. It is a rich history of a woman who started with nothing. My goal has always been to be called a “woman of substance”!
This book helped shape me. I grew up wanting to emulate Emma Harte and become a woman of substance!
I read this many years ago and it’s still one of my favorite books.
Great read. Well developed characters. Shows what a woman can accomplish despite being born on poverty.
This was a book that I did not want to end. It was so well written and enjoyable from beginning to end. Fortunately she continued the book by writing sequels. I have read everyone of them. Barbara Taylor Bradford was quite an author.
I read this book and quite a few of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s other works when they were newly published. A Woman of Substance is the story of a strong-willed, smart, talented woman who makes her own way in the world. It’s as relevant today as it was when Bradford wrote it.
The writing is good, the story well told, and the characters well developed if somewhat predictable.
Great story following the early years of fictional Emma Harte. As a young girl, she works as a maid. Becomes a successful woman and owns a department store in London.
Loved this book & the strong female subject!
I remember many moons ago (I won’t tell you just how MANY moons ago…) seeing my mama reading books at night. When asked what she was reading, she would say “a Barbara Taylor Bradford” novel. From that moment on, I knew I would love BTB because my beloved mama loved her. And, I was right. When I pick up a Bradford novel, I am instantly taken to the heart of what she’s writing, wrapped up in the most amazing of plot lines and taken on a whirl wind ride.
This family saga is one that I fell in love with wholly. From the first page, to the last, from the plot line to the amazing cast of characters in this novel. Being taken on a journey along side Emma was breathtaking. I felt all her feelings as if they were my own. Reading about her time as young Emma, all the way up to her time as a mother, I felt every powerful bit of this novel.
If you want a quick read, you won’t get it with this one. But, if you want one that will keep calling to you, keep you coming back for more, turning page after page, then this is absolutely the one you need. Reading this novel, really made me feel as if my mama was sitting next to me, telling me what she loved about Bradford’s novels. I definitely recommend this magnificently seasoned author’s novel to all who want a masterfully written romance novel. I’m so glad to have read this one again!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
This is my very first Bradford book and I fell completely in love with her engrossing writing that I immediately got addicted to. Emma Harte is the quintessential timeless heroine I loved reading about in the 20th century back drop of a rags to riches story of power, greed, ambition and most of all one of the hardest to attain amidst everything is love. A sweeping saga that I loved and was highly entertained by.
I highly recommend this book for a timeless sweeping saga.
Never has a book inspired so much emotional feeling and admiration for basic human determination. I know this sounds a bit exaggerated, but it’s true. A Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford is one of those rare books that hold the reader spellbound in amazement. While fictional, the premise of the book is quite possible. A young girl named Emma Harte rises from the ashes of poverty and becomes one of the richest and most powerful businesswomen in the world. The people who took advantage of her, or abused her as a child, are paid back with all the cold vengeance Emma came to possess as she grew more powerful.
Bradford’s writing is exceptional and follows the twists and turns of her character with fascinating detail. For women readers especially, the book makes one feel that anything is possible. You can be as low as you can possibly be at some point in your life, but eventually you can find a way out and realize your dreams.
A Woman of Substance is rich in detail, dialog and dramatic scenes. You feel as if you are really there with Emma, through every low and high point in her life. Her will and determination to succeed will spurn you on from one chapter to the next, filling you with amazement as you go. Emma Harte’s dreams come to fruition, making her the epitome of A Woman of Substance.
A Woman of Substance is a perfect example of personal courage, determination, ambition and success. You won’t want this book to end, even when it does. The only consolation is the anticipation of reading the sequels: Hold The Dream, To Be The Best, Emma’s Secret, Unexpected Blessings, Just Rewards and Breaking the Rules.
I re-read A Woman of Substance every few years, and enjoy it immensely each time. It is truly a testament to the extraordinary writing skills of Barbara Taylor Bradford.
I very much enjoyed reading this book for the 40th anniversary of the book. This was my first time reading the book and the word incredible does not seem to suffice. The plot was well thought out and very detailed. This is a LONG book and I really enjoyed that no detail was left out. The writing style is somewhat circular, starting with the main character at the age of 78 years old then alternating back to her teenage self. The details and atrocities of war were described which such vivid imagery. The historical details in this book are beyond compare. The characters are complex, well fleshed out, realistic and complicated. This book was just incredible!
A lot must be said about a book that is 40 years old that still to this day has the power to overcome you with Ms. Bradford’s extraordinary writing and character dimensions immersing you into a whole other world. As I used to sneak read my mother’s copy as a child, I am just as awestruck by the stories unraveled in such a time where things were much different than they are now. I will be reading and re-reading this 40Th Anniversary Edition and passing it onto my own children.
Barbara Taylor Bradford, Author of “A Woman of Substance” has written a captivating, intriguing, intense, thought-provoking and memorable novel. The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Fiction, and Romance. The timeline for this story is mostly in the twentieth century, through two wars, and many relationships. The story takes place in Yorkshire, to America, Australia, and other countries. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. Emma Harte is determined, courageous, intelligent and vengeful.
Around 1905, Emma Harte has reason to hate the wealthy Fairley family. Emma is a 16-year-old maid, who has to leave Fairley Hall, pregnant and single. She is determined to be powerful, and do what it takes in a predominantly all-male business to have the wealth and means to get ahead. Emma works hours sewing and doing many things biding her time.
Barbara Taylor Bradford has is an amazing storyteller and I love the way she vividly describes her characters, their actions, their landscape through her writing. I found that “A Woman of Substance ” was so intoxicating and entertaining, that I had difficulty putting this down.
Emma works against all odds to become a “Woman of Substance”, and I enjoyed every moment that she accomplished her goals. I would highly recommend this amazing novel for those readers that enjoy a full-bodied, and thought-provoking novel.
I could not put this book down yet didn’t want it to end. I loved the details in describing the characters, their surroundings and their emotions. I felt I was right there with them.
I loved this book. I have read it several times over many years. Always timely
Wonderful series but the first book is the best.
I read this book more 30 years ago, and haven’t forgotten the strength of Emma Harte. You got to read it.
I really liked this book.
the characters were well drawn and believable.