Celebrating the life of Barbara Taylor Bradford

Barbara Liebman

United States

I was so sad to learn that Barbara Taylor Bradford passed away. I loved all her books, especially all the Woman of Substance books. She will be missed.

Martie Nutting

England

She was an amazing writer. Her stories really brought the reader into a mesmerising world. It is sad that there won't be any new books in the future.

Suzanne O'Connor

Australia

Thank you for the many happy hours reading your your books. My grandma introduced me to A Woman Of Subsequent and I have enjoyed your books. Condolences To Your Family. šŸ¤šŸ•Š

Gurdie Corell

United States

After reading, "A Women of Substance," I wanted to become a Author like Mrs Bradford, she was the example of what it meant to be an excellent author and master of drama. Off the pages of her novels she lived a life of hard work and elegance, her style set her apart from other authors. She knew how she wanted the world to see her completely elegant at all times! Thank you Barbara!!

Lourdes DSouza

India

It's so sad to read about Mrs Bradford passing. She is one of my favourite authors and I have most of her books, collected over many years. We have lost a wonderful author. My most sincere condolences to her family.

Nikki Carberry

South Africa

A Woman of Substance was my first book that introduced me to her writing the young age of 16. Since then I always have eagerly read her books. Her books are amazing and I will greatly miss looking forward to her new release. May she rest in peace!

Sarah Joanne

England

I first encountered the works of Barbara Taylor Bradford as a teenager and loved A Woman of Substance. It was a thoroughly gripping read, to which I have returned to reread when in need of hearing her message about the ability to endure and to come through the other side stronger than before. Thank you for such wonderful works of fiction. May you rest in eternal peace.

Cathy Swanton

Canada

So Shocked such sad news adored Barbara. My late mom and I shared love of her books. I have them all. She will be with her Bob Pups and my late mom. May she rest in peace. I so adore the hours she gave me in her writing. Rest in Peace dearest Barbara.

PJ Stratton

United States

Barbara Taylor Bradford was my favorite author, and A Woman of Substance started my fandom of her excellent writing by the most beautiful lady. She inspired me to be a writer, editor, and storyteller and am thankful we were able to communicate on her Facebook page throughout the years. My heartfelt sympathies to her family, friends, and all her millions of fans who loved her dearly. Bless you!

Connie Cole Jones

United States

Barbara was a second mother to me for over three decades though she preferred to think of us as sisters. Whether sisterly love or motherly affection, it was love that mattered. I loved her, cherished celebrating so many of life’s occasions together and adored learning from her brilliant life. BTB, I will miss you forever!

Ingrid Maria Bourne

England

With very fond memories- Maria xxxxx

Glenn S. Todd

United States

Many years ago I happened to pick up the book A Woman of Substance written by Barbara Taylor Bradford. I read the inside book jacket and somehow the book seemed very interesting to me. I have since read all of her books in order as she wrote them. I was going to send her an email this week after reading her last novel. But then I received this email about her passing away. I will miss her writing

Nikki

England

I was very sorry to learn of Barbara's death. A few years before she passed away, my late mother introduced me to her Emma Harte series, and I fell in love. They inspired me to try my own hand at writing. After my mother's funeral, my dad took me and my sister away on holiday, and I chose to take Just Rewards to read on the plane. I had finished it before we had landed.

Stephanie Chorney

Canada

I remember my mom telling me about ā€œWomen of Substanceā€. In 2001 I was going through a lot, some positive (including pregnancy) and some negative (including Grandma dying) so I decided to read the book to distract myself. I read the first three books and fell in love. I have re-read those 3 books several times plus the rest of the series. Barbara Taylor Bradford will be missed.

Karen Hermansen

United States

I loved Barbara's books. Her writing was so good. She will be missed.

Paul-David Van Atta

United States

My dear Barbara, I will miss you so much but I will smile as I remember our long calls, the giggles we shared and our many adventures in Texas with Barbara Bush and others. Now you and Bob can pick up where you left off. You both impacted my life deeply with your unwavering love and a friendship that I will forever cherish.

Sharon B

United States

Rest in blessed peace. I met you at a book signing event and you had the most honest, warm and sincere smile I have ever seen. Thankful for the many books I have read.

Connie Miller

United States

I loved Barbara’s books especially the Emma Harte books-A Woman of Substance. These books are favorites of mine. So sorry to hear of your passing but now you will be reunited with your beloved husband.

Karen Wyles

England

Beautiful Barbara, your books touched my heart everytime, especially those about Emma Harte and her family. My heartfelt condolences to your family and loved ones at this sad time šŸ’”. You are all part of English history and we are very proud to been able to enjoy such a special journey of literary excellence that your books have given to us and the world. R.I.P with the angels sweet lady xx

ƅsa Hellberg

Sweden

Thank you! Rest in peace.

Chancellor Jones

United States

When Barbara walked into our home as I was growing up, I always felt the presence of a great star because she was always bigger than life in my eyes. Her taste level in all things, especially the culinary arts impressed me greatly. Perhaps that’s why I chose the profession. Thanks for the inspiration.

Gail Smith

England

Very sad to hear of Barbara’s passing, I’ve read every single book of hers and will certainly miss her fabulous books. Rest in peace

Patricia Gussin

United States

Barbara has remained an inspiration throughout my writing and publishing career. I will never forget the emotional impact of reading "A Woman of Substance." I absolutely love her novels.

Dorothy Rollins

United States

I have enjoyed reading her books. They were hard to put down especially the ones about Emma Harte. Rest in peace with your husband

Susan Malarky

Scotland

Loved every one of her books.

RubƩn MillƔn

Mexico

Querida BÔrbara, Recién me enteré de tu partida y mi corazón se partió; tres semanas en París, fue la primer novela que leí en la vida por voluntad propia, a los 14 años, soñé tener amigos fuertes aún pese a las crisis de la vida y conocer París. Hoy que he avanzado en los años me siento realizado tengo amigos sólidos, fuertes y también conocí París. Gracias por eso. Por siempre BÔrbara. 🌹

Tony Smith

England

RIB Barbara Taylor Bradford, one of the worlds greatest authors. You courage and ambition has inspired me. You where and still are a true woman of substance. Rest in peace, and join your husband. You may be gone, but never forgotten.

Lyn Blanchard

England

RIP will so miss reading and waiting for your books to come out

Ruth Tierney

England

R.I.P Barbara United again with your husband You will be missed I have all your books and have truly loved reading them. Thank you ā¤ļø

Nancy Mulayas

Zambia

My So Saddened By The Passing Of The Legend Writer Barbara Taylor Bradford RIPšŸ™šŸ¾Been Her fan for Many Years My favorite Book Is A Woman Of Substance ā¤ļø Which I Have Read Numerous Of Times Had Made An Impact On My Life To Make My Dreams Reality Thank You For The Great Books Amongst Your Biggest fans From Zambia šŸ‡æšŸ‡² Africa

Shelley Bland

England

May I send my sincere condolences to Barbara’s family and friends following her passing on Sunday. From one Yorkshire woman to another. I’ve lost count of the number of times I sought Emma Harte out when I needed a sharp reminder that as women we can achieve our dreams and be resilient in the times when we are tested. Thank you Barbara for Emma xxx

Ellen Dean

England

A truly inspirational woman. RIP Barbara.

Michael John Weight

England

Stunning stories, having watched them all many times over. Never tire of them. Never to be repeated by anyone. God bless her for many happy hours of real entertainment.

W. Randall Jones

United States

It was always easy to close every visit with and every phone call to Barbara with a sincere ā€œI love you!ā€ because truth is simple to express. I will miss her stories, I will miss her droll sense of humor, I will miss her occasional lectures, but most of all, I will miss her love.

Maureen Salvatore

United States

Barbara you and your books will be so missed. You had me with A Woman of Substance, and everyone after ~ Rest well Barbara Taylor Bradford

Jennifer Kasiah

United States

I am so sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. I loved reading all of her books she wrote. I could never choose a favorite. She led an extraordinary life.

Miss Michelle Ardin

England

RIP Barbara. You will be sadly missed but never forgotten. I will think of you every time I read one of your books. There are no favourites, I have enjoyed every single one. I love losing myself in the pages of one of the many novels. Sincere condolences to all the family. You all be in my thoughts at this very sad time.

Kathie Levine

England

Loved Barbara Taylor Bradford ever since I read a Woman of Substance when it was first published and have read every one of her books ever since.

Angela Sidney

Canada

Thank you for the tears, the joy and the endless smile. Your words and your books are treasures Thank you, thank you, thank you. Rest now in eternal peace.

May Feiteira

United States

Am deeply saddened to hear of Mrs Bradford’s passing, my favorite author, she took me to so many places in her books, and I read them over and over. My deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones.

Angela Wooff

England

A Woman of Substance was the first full book I ever read, made me cry and was just exceptionally a brilliant read, all the saga, then read the others and bought the video lol RIP Barbara, I'm now going to get it out and read it again xxxx

JF

England

Thank you for so many hours of enjoyment spent reading your books. I especially enjoyed meeting you at a book signing in London.

Zofia Paczuła

Poland

My sincere and heartful condolences for the family. I adored Emma's Hart story and Paula's one... They have inspired me, left in awe and sparked my imagination the way no other novel did. For that: Thank you Madame Bradford. I will never forget first time I read your novel, and many more times I read it again and again. They accompanied lots of my memories. ā¤ļø

Delbora Dixon-Green

United States

Her books were some of my first I read as an adult and continued to read throughout my lifetime. I shall definitely miss her genius as a storyteller. May she rest in peace!

Margaret Allan

England

Such sad news šŸ˜” Thank you for your amazing books I can truly say I’ve read every single one of them . You were a true Yorkshire Lass . RIP

Reza Ahmed

England

RIP Legend

Yvette Jeter

United States

Condolences from a fan. A Woman of Substance was the first novel I read. After that reading became a large part of my life. I will never forget that book. I am 75 years old.

Rebecca Brady

United States

I have thoroughly enjoyed Barbara’s books throughout the years. She will be missed but we will be able to continue to read her books and say ā€œThank youā€!

Charles Jones

United States

Barbara, or as I reverently called her, BTB, was a regal presence throughout my earliest memories. Her vivid stories, particularly those I strained to hear lurking just shy of earshot, evoked a grand world that – wonderfully – I in-time enjoyed by her side. She could have given no greater gift. Miss you always!

Sally

England

Such a lovely lady, an author the likes of which will never be seen again R I P

Louise Auty

England

As a fellow Leeds girl and former journalist, Barbara was an inspiration to me growing up in the 1980s. I started my journalism career just 10 miles away from the Yorkshire Post/Evening Post building. Her books were a companion in my younger days and she continued to inspire me throughout my 20 year career in local journalism.

Tracy McGurn

Scotland

I was shocked and saddened to hear of this brilliant author passing. I loved all the books but particularly the Woman of Substance series. Rereading them countless times, the series is my go to when I need comforting. Thank you so much for this Barbara and rest in peace.

Karen Leger

United States

You inspired me to get into journalism as my entry into being a novelist. I'll never forget how 'A Woman of Substance' changed my world and I wanted to be just like you. Thank you for the kind words you said to me.

Dian Ball

United States

Thank you for the many hours of delight in reading so many fabulous books. I loved all your stories. Rest in Peace

Elvie Ellen thomson

Australia

So sad to hear of the passing of this wonderful person .I loved reading her books. She will be sadly missed.

Alison Quinn

Australia

My favourite book of all time was A Woman of Substance I loved the character Emma Harte I named one of my daughters Emma

Jean Ellen Taylor.

Australia

Rest In Peace dear lady. Thankyou for your wonderful memories in your writings. I am one of many who spent much time reading your books and loved them . A life’s work well done and now reunited with your beloved husband .

Kim Dorn

Canada

Barbara Taylor Bradford was an amazing and gifted writer. I enjoyed all of her books over the years and will miss her enchanting new and old characters. As I have all of them still I will retrace the journey. Thank you and RIP Barbara Taylor Bradford. Peace be with your family and friends.

Lorraine Evans

England

So sad to hear of the loss of this wonderful lady - I have the complete colletion of every book she wrote and will treasure them

Jillian Rideout

Canada

RIP Barbara Taylor Bradford. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. ā¤ļø

Vicky Murdoch

Canada

The first book I read of Barbara Taylor Bradford was A Woman of Substance. I loved that book so much I re read it. Then I bought the rest of the series. Just wonderful and I enjoyed them so much. I still have all of that series which I will keep because I want to read them again. I watched the movies that were made in that series and love those also. Mrs Bradford will be genuinely missed.

Sharon Hoge

United States

Truly a woman of creativity and class

Gladys Nanyanga

Uganda

I am still reeling from her passing. Her first book, A Woman of Substance, shaped me into the person I am today. Thank you so much for it; it is and always will be my greatest read.

Carey Nyman

United States

I read A Woman of Substance when it first came out. After that, I bought or borrowed many more. Most of the time I couldn’t put her books down. RIP, Barbara .

Pauline Reedman

England

Rip Barbara will miss reading any new books but can start at the beginning as have all of them god bless

Amy Ayotte

United States

Thank you for bringing such beautiful characters to life....

Liana Tan Wei Ee

Singapore

You are my favourite author for all these years. I am sad to receive the news of your passed-on. You will always be remembered.

Eva Jane Mohr

United States

A beautiful friend inside and out. We will miss you with all our hearts and remember the fabulous times we had together. May you rest in peace and know that you will never, ever be forgotten. We loved you and Bob so much. Eva and Stanley Mohr.

Sally Foley

Canada

Sending my condolences--Barbara was indeed a wonderful lady who has entertained many many readers over the years--I have enjoyed every book she has written. She will be missed

Kim Scott

England

I am so very very sorry to hear this vey sad news. My best author by a country mile xx

Liz Dawson

England

Working with Barbara was joyous, the best of my professional life. Hard working, fun, never a hair out of place, lipstick bright and always ready for the worlds stage! An extraordinary woman who became my confidante and my friend. I'm lucky to have known her, to have learned from her and to have loved her.

Diane Lovett

Australia

Loved you since Emma & Blackie & Woman of Substance is still my Favourite book ever. Vale Barbara

Caroline Hamer (Nee Bennett)

England

I attended Mrs Bradford's school, Northcote and ..am still in contact with the daughter of Mrs Bradford's schoolfriend. I was shocked and saddened to learn of Mrs Bradfords death. Our old school was known for turning out strong women with a sense of duty and respect. Mrs Bradford embodied these traits and is a loss to the world. Truly "A woman of Substance"

Rachel Abugov

Canada

On my bookshelf is my third copy of A Woman of Substance. I wore out the first two copies from reading them so many times. The only other books that I have worn out are Jane Eyre and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. All classics in their own right. May her memory be a blessing.

Avisa Dani

Canada

I’m so sad to hear Barbaraā€˜s death. She was and she will always be my favourite author ever. I loved all her books. It has been a privilege for me to exchange personal message with her. I will never forget one of her gifts sending to me by mail one of her books. When the novel a letter from a stranger came out, she sent it to me as a gift in audio version.

Dorothy Loucks

United States

What a stunning, loss of such a beautiful, gifted woman and author. I'm heartbroken over the news, but am so thankful for the wonderful books that were truly inspired and written with such meticulous detail that it defies description. I will cherish the Woman of Substance saga, and the other dynasties that Mrs Taylor Bradford wrote with such elegance and grace.

Natalie Andrews

Canada

As I read Woman of Substance I was Emma Harte. That's what all her books did for me. They made me feel I was the main character. She has been my favourite author forever. RIP condolences to all her family and friends

Catriona Ryan

United States

The first book I read was Power of a Woman and it had a huge impact on me. I quickly starting reading all her books. The Emma Harte Saga is my favorite but I love all her books. Barbara Taylor Bradford is going to be greatly missed.

Moses Oginni-Momodu

Nigeria

Barbara made the world so colourful with her sound mind and magic pen. She reminded me of Toni Morrison and Agatha Christie. She'll continue to live in the minds of those who read her books.

Renae

Australia

A woman of substance. More than a book. I truly believe reading this made me into the woman I am today. Barbara you were a pioneer for women everywhere, your books were amazing. Thankyou for starting my love affair with reading. You will be missed. Condolences to your family and all who were lucky enough to know you

Erin Edwards

New Zealand

1998, bored, I went into town and found a second hand book which I skipped to the middle to see if it was worth reading. Two pages later I bought the book, went home and read it cover to cover. Hence to say nothing got done all day. That book was my introduction to Barbara, and my inspiration to writing! Woman of substance impacted my life in a way that I'll never forget. Rest in peace Barbara.

Jane Banda

Zambia

A Woman of Substance Trilogy will always be one of my best reads. I always look back to my teen years when I read these books with nostalgia. One of my optimistic views is "Hold the dream: To be the best". Thank you Barbara Taylor Bradford!

Heather Turnham

England

Barbara Taylor Bradford was a true lady. I was privileged to meet her at a book signing organised by The Lady magazine in London a few years ago. She was absolutely charming of course and very elegant. A Woman of Substance is one of my favourite books and it was so beautifully acted by Jenny Seagrove. We shall miss this amazing lady. Rest in peace dear Barbara.

Carolyn Laxton

United States

I'm so sorry to hear. One of my favorite authors! I will continue to read some of her past books for sure. God Bless her family and friends that surrounded her! Beautiful Lady!!

Tanja Lƶschmann

Netherlands

I was shocked when I read Barbara died, but warmed to read that she lived her dreams. Her book "A Woman of Substance" inspired me from child to now 48 years. Last year I wrote a childrenbook. The main character is called Emma, just like the Emma in Barbara's book. Barbara was in my mind and heart a lot the last few months due to this. She is my inspiration to also be on the NY times Bestseller.

Diane Hock

United States

May you rest in peace. I thoroughly enjoyed reading all your books. Prayers to the familyšŸ™šŸ™šŸ™šŸ™.

Paula Nunes

United States

A Woman of Substance was the first novel I read by the great Barbara Taylor Bradford, I own 3 copies, one is the original paperback I have read so many times I’ve lost count, one I purchased as a loaner (but never loaned out lol) and one is an original hardback copy. Because of that first book I have read every book she ever wrote. Her talent and her beautiful soul will be truly missed.

Cecilia Sheppard

United States

Barbara Taylor Bradford's books were a great source of entertainment and inspiration to me. "A Woman of Substance" fired my imagination and impacted my own writing. I did not have the pleasure of meeting her personally, but she meant a great deal to me. Rest well.

John Mitcham

England

Having met Barbara at two events, Haworth the home of the Brontƫ sisters & Harwood house, it was a pleasure to chat about her books & life locally .

Martin Boucher

Canada

No words can truly express how saddened I am to learn of Ms. Bradford's passing. She is such an icon... I've been collecting her novels for decades and I am still in awe every time I crack open one of her books. Such a talented lady. I had the chance of having a quote of mine praising her work on her website years ago. It always made me smile seeing it. RIP, talented lady. How missed you will be

Gillian Armitage

England

An absolutely remarkable lady. I have all of her which will now be treasured forever. Once you pick up one of her books you cannot put them down. I had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful lady in Leeds where she signed one of my books. Absolute legend. She will be greatly missed. A massive thank you for all your amazing books. Rest in peace Barbara Taylor Bradford OBE🄰

Kathy Williams

England

Such sad news, loved all her books and read them. many times over. A true lady may she rest in peace xx

Rosie Nixon

England

What a formidable and incredible woman Barbara was. She was an inspiration to us all and especially us female writers. I will never forget that amazing dinner we had at Corinthia London and how lucky I was to have a chat about my own writing with Barbara. A true legend. Until we meet again. Rosie ā¤ļø

Kevin Pendry

United States

I started reading Barbara Taylor Bradford close to 40 years ago. Of course I started with A Woman of Substance. I loved her and her books, and waited each year for the next book, secretly hoping it continued the Harte saga, which sometimes it did. She became a holiday tradition for me; I'd read AWOS every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'll continue it. I will miss her so very much.

Michael Bayer

Germany

It is with deep sadness that I read of the passing of this wonderful author. A Woman of Substance and the follow ups are unforgetable books - often reread and cherrished since almost 40 years. God bless.

Chris Broens-Geurts

Netherlands

Love all her books, but especially the Emma Harte saga.

Elizabeth Lynn L Kurszewski

United States

Thank you for sharing your life and your wonderful books with us Barbara rest in peace your Fan

Agnieszka Różycka

Poland

Barbara Taylor Bradford's novels have accompanied me for as long as I can remember. The news of her death saddened me greatly. In the summer of 2016, I had the pleasure of interviewing her for Polish readers. It was something really special for me. I was immensely pleased when she agreed to talk to me. Thank you, Barbara, for all the wonderful moments I spent reading your books.

Roisin Shivers

Ireland

We had the privilege of meeting Barbara & Bob on a birthday cruise. We were all invited by Mrs Anne Cowley. She and Anne were good friends. Barbara had time for everyone and took the time to do a private book signing and we all got to chat and take some photographs. Very accommodating and genuinely very nice, friendly and so interesting. May she rest in peace with her husband Bob.

Nichole Arizona

United States

I was 12 years old when I watched the mini-series at home as a latchkey kid home alone most days and evenings. It was the first time I had ever seen a strong, independent woman. While I did not climb the corporate ladder, I never forgot and have watched it at least two dozen times in the decades that have followed and own a copy. I share it with every young woman I know. Thank you for your gif

Barbara Taylor Bradford touched many lives. If you would like to share a special memory, tribute or reflection, please use the space below.

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Barbara wished for donations to be made to two charities she was proud to support throughout her career: