Celebrating the life of Barbara Taylor Bradford

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 “Thank you”!

Joanne Moore

England

So sad to hear of your passing. Your books have brought me so much joy over the years. You were certainly an author of substance. Rest in peace.

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.

Aimee Hardy

England

She was the first author i read as an adult and she made me fall in love with reading her books took you to another place. I owe my love of books to her. A beautiful writer who's books will live on through others.

Elizabeth Lynn L Kurszewski

United States

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

Lee-ann Mccarley

Australia

Loved all of her books, A woman of substance is my favourite, just about to read another one of her books. Rest in Peace Barbara 🩷🩷

Sharon Gregory-Wareing

United States

OMG Absolutely devastated with the news of Barbara passing away she's been a big part of my life since I was 15 when A Woman of Substance came on tv. I've got all her books and even a signed photo she sent me.

Mary Newell

United States

I am so sorry to hear about Barbara's passing. She was such a great writer. The book world is lonely place today.

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.

Sandi Sharp

Australia

Barbara was my favourite author. From the moment I read A Woman of Substance I was hooked and eagerly awaited the next novel. The characters in all her books had a way of drawing you in and feeling part of their lives. Very sad to hear of her passing. She will be greatly missed. RIP Barbara

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.

Edna Elaine Pearson

United States

Oh, Barbara Taylor Bradford, if you only knew how you encouraged me back in the late 70's when I was given a paperback copy (that I still have) of A Woman of Substance as a Christmas gift! I was a struggling, single mom with two kids that through counseling, our family was chosen to be recipients of Pontiac Central High School Band, Pontiac, Michigan, who provided Christmas for us.

Janice Smith

England

Oh my..how terribly terribly sad. I met Barbara In John Smith's bookstore on Glasgow many many years ago and she personally autographed her latest bestseller for me. I was and always have been a huge fan. Heaven's gain is our loss, however, I know she will be with Bob the love of her life! I am about to start rereading her Fabulous books!!!! R.I.P. The Queen of fiction, With deep heartfelt

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.

Diane Brewer

United States

RIP Ms. Bradford! Many years have passed since I read A Woman of Substance and it still remains my all time favorite book! You and your glorious books will most definitely be missed! ❤️🙏

Allison Pinto

United States

I am very sorry to hear about Mrs Bradford's passing. I was just thinking about her as I am currently reading "A Man of Honor". Fitting, since watching "A Woman of Substance" introduced me to her fiction books. I have and read them all except for the last one (waiting for the paperback version). I will miss her stories and characters. Thank you Mrs Bradford and RIP.

Rosetta Dean

United States

Wonderful author

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.

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

Kathy Ruggiero

United States

She was my favorite author and I've read every book she wrote. She will truly be missed by me and my sister. I gave my sister the book Woman of Substance many years ago and it began her journey of reading books which she never did before. We have lost a great writer. May she rest in peace...

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!

Pamela Margetson

England

You gave me a gift of your wonderful books. I’m going to miss you. RIP Barbara reunited with your beloved Bob.

Ann Brenda Oversby

England

I had the pleasure of meeting her at two of Barbara lunches. Yorkshire and London, she was such a delightful person and made you feel very comfortable talking to her. I feel as if I have lost a friend, that is the effect she has on people.RIP.

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.

Diane Lovett

Australia

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

Gina Whited

United States

I am very sorry for your loss. Barbara was a class act. Her books were a comfort to me when I was going through a divorce. I traveled to exotic places thanks to her. She was amazing!!

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.

Diane Hock

United States

May you rest in peace. I thoroughly enjoyed reading all your books. Prayers to the family🙏🙏🙏🙏.

Chris Broens-Geurts

Netherlands

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

T. Cole Jones

United States

Barbara and I shared a passion for the past. A brilliant raconteur, as well as historian, she could conjure the lost world of Elizabethan England or channel Winston Churchill’s defiance of Hitler like no one else. I was blessed to spend countless hours listening to her in rapt attention. I will forever miss you, Barbara.

Kirsten Pedersen Soble

United States

My Auntie Barbara, A part of my life since the day I was born. So many memories of dinners and luncheons, especially at Le Veau D'or with mom and dad, and late night parties at our home. May her memory be a blessing.

Vanna Taddeucci

Italy

I am so so sorry. Loved her books. My favourites were those of the series of A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE. Still have all of them which I re-read periodically. My condolances to the family.

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.

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.

Michele JW Pittman

United States

I am greatly saddened to hear of our loss of a tremendous force on Earth. I believe it is a loss to us all. The innocent depictions of intimacy between characters in her books, and the simplicity of story resolutions is a winning formula. I have read many of her works, beginning in junior high. Romance was my obsession, and her sweetly crafted stories sustained me!

Lolly Barnard

United States

I am a fan, especially of the Emma Harte series. Sadly enough I have been rereading the series this past week. I feel that not only did Mrs Bradford die, but so did Paula and Emily and Shane and all the other characters die yesterday. She will be sadly missed. What joy she brought to me and all of her fans around the world. May she rest in peace.

Trudi Orchard

England

Today I heard the saddest news regarding my favourite Author, Since most probably 1980 I was gifted A woman of Substance, I have not stopped reading her books 📚, even re-reading. I literally do have every book, including the e-books. I going to miss the no more of the Hartes, Falconors, Swanns etc, there was so much more to discover. Rest in peace Barbara, Robert is waiting. Thank you so muc

Deirdre Yearwood

England

Dearest Barbara. Thank you for your literacy prowess. I have enjoyed your books and films over the years. May you rest in peace with your beloved husband Robert.

Ellen Dean

England

A truly inspirational woman. RIP Barbara.

Susan Malarky

Scotland

Loved every one of her books.

Diane Longmore

England

RIP Barbara, you have been part of my life since I was a teenager I am now 50. Growing up in Leeds, your books brought Leeds alive. I worked at the Yorkshire Post in my early twenties. I've worked across Leeds and through your books I see Armley etc through your eyes. I have every book you have wrote I have dvd's of the books that made it to screen you will live on through these. Sending love

Sally Hiller

England

Remember seeing you for afternoon tea and book launch, at the Dorchester, Park Lane. One of your favourite places to stay in London. What a lady and great author! God bless rest in peace with your dear husband xx You'll be missed in Manhattan too. XXX

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

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.

Elaine Allen

United States

I am been a fan of Barbara’s longer than I can remember! I think my first book of hers that I read was A Woman of Substance! After that, she became my favorite author! I think I own most of her books i just found out of her passing and I feel as though I have lost a member on my family! I am so sad to hear this! I spend any enjoyable hours reading her books! R.I.P. 😭😭

I Penman

Scotland

I am so sorry to hear this sad news, condolences to Barbara's family. I thoroughly enjoyed 'A Woman of Substance' series and named my first born after Emma Harte. You will be missed. RIP BARBARA

Hazel Beckett

England

Thank you for the many hours of pleasure which reading your wonderful, uplifting books has given me over the years. I read A Woman of Substance when it was first published, and have bought all your books since then, not to mention watching all the mini-series which have been filmed from them. Rest in Peace dear Barbara.

Weronika Umińska

Poland

Thank You Barbara for showing us how to be a Woman of Substance.

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

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.

Carol Skyner

England

I am so sad to hear that Barbara has passed away. She is my Favourite Author. The first book I read was A Woman of Substance, I was immediately hooked and fell in love with all her books and stlye. She was an incredible writer. Her books will live on forever. Thank you Barbara for all the joy you have brought to so many people.. Rest in peace🙏❤️

Jillian Rideout

Canada

RIP Barbara Taylor Bradford. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. ❤️

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 .

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 ❤️

Patricia S

Canada

I remember the first time I picked up one of your books...I wasn't even a teenager yet. Every book you have released I have owned and loved. You are the only author I will sit down and read cover to cover and not stop until I am done. RIP Barbara.

Sally

England

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

Patricia D'Arcy Laughlin

United States

I am broken-hearted. She was such an inspiration to me as an author and as a woman. She was indeed "A Woman of Substance."

Janet Bainbridge

England

Sad news, read lot of her book, my old time favorite book Woman of a Substance.

Ileen Dunman

United States

I remember seeing Barbara in St. Louis at the book signing at the Harris casino many years ago she signed my book 'A Woman of Substance' and I will never forget it. She’s was more beautiful in person than her pictures. She was very gracious kind sweet and just a sweetheart, I will miss her books so much Rest in peace Barbara.

Lesley Kane

Scotland

Had the pleasure of meeting Barbara and her husband Robert at a book signing in Glasgow. She will be missed.

Tanja Löschmann

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.

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.

Rubén Millán

Mexico

Querida Bárbara, 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 Bárbara. 🌹

Stuart Proffitt

England

I was so sad to read the news. I last saw her in the NY apartment sometime before Bob's death. I had been the editor in chief of HC UK with responsibility for adult fiction and non-fiction, and we somehow got on to talking about Napoleon. I discovered he was as much an obsession of hers as of mine, which was pretty unexpected! Condolences to you all.

Oscar Dunning

England

40 books thats crazy rest in peace:( forever in our hearts

Stephanie Chorney

Canada

I remember my mom telling me about “Women of Substance”. 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.

National Literacy Trust

England

Barbara was a powerful ambassador for the National Literacy Trust not just because she was an advocate for our work, but because her books made reading irresistible. She intuitively understood that our mission was about social justice. We will miss her massively.

Ann Webster Jesus

United States

May you rest in eternal peace. I have loved all your books. You will be missed. But you have been reunited with your beloved Robert. Thoughts and prayers for your family.

Devin Ross

United States

We have lost one of the greats. Barbara's stories will always hold a special place in my heart. She will be greatly missed and will be in the hearts of everyone who loved her and read one or all of her novels. Losing this great of an author is a hard hit to the literary world. Rest in great paradise, BTB. You will be missed but your stories will live on forever and ever!

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.

Ariana

Mauritius

We are each the authors of our own lives, Emma. We live in what we have created. There is no way to shift the blame and no one else to accept the accolades. Barbara Taylor Bradford, A Woman of Substance (Emma Harte Saga #1) You and your books shaped my childhood. Thank you for the wonderful legacy, which will forever live on in everyone's hearts.

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.

Reza Ahmed

England

RIP Legend

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.

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.

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. 🤍🕊

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

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.

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.

Olive Ndungutse

Kenya

A truly remarkable Woman of Substance. Rest In Peace Dearest 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"

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.

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

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.

Heather Ritch

United States

My mother in law from London told me to read these books years ago and I loved them, ending up reading them all! She was a great author!

Elaine Howard

Australia

So saddened when I heard the news. Barbara was my favourite author. Reading her Yorkshire sagas of strong Yorkshire women took me back to my childhood and where I grew up, the strong women in my family I was separated from. Her books gave me the strenght and inspiration to be the career woman I was. She will be missed.

Diane S Helfgott

United States

Barbara was my favorite author, and I still have the original books from the Woman of Substance series. I met Barbara at two books signings, and at one she signed each of the books for me. She was a special lady and made me feel like a friend.

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.

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!

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

Jenny McArthur

Australia

Rest in peace our beautiful Barbara.🥰

Philomene Hippolyte

St. Lucia

Have been reading her books since the woman of substance came out, followed her on social media, her books inspire me no end and she will be sorely missed. The angels has decided its time for you to come home. Sincere condolences to the family, please stay strong during g this sad time, may she rest in eternal peace 🙏 ❤️

Connie Reynolds

Canada

So very sorry to learn you went to the other side. Have so enjoyed being part of your Facebook family of fans and enjoyed our occasional direct messages. Have re read the books several times and always had hoped there would be new mini series perhaps. See you on the other side. A forever fan.

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!

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.

Luisa Nucciarone

Canada

A Woman of Substance was and still is my first all-time favorite book. Barbara was the only author that I read every book she released. Thank you, Barbara Taylor Bradford, for all the characters and sceneries that still live in my mind. Godspeed, Beautiful Woman

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.

Kim Scott

England

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

Beverley Ann Hopper

England

The book world has lost a talented iconic writer RIP Barbara. Deeply missed

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!!

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:

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