Celebrating the life of Barbara Taylor Bradford

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

Vanessa Rosar

Germany

Sincere condolences to Barbara's family. I was so sad to hear the news. Barbara's books have accompanied me during my life and I loved them all, in particular, the Emma Harte ones which I re-read from time to time. I am currently waiting for her last book to be delivered and am very sad to know that it is really the last one. May Barbara rest in peace and carry on writing in book heaven. xx

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

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.

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

Diane Hock

United States

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

Ellen Dean

England

A truly inspirational woman. 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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

AL french artist

France

Rest in peace dear Madam. You were great. Huge talent. An example of woman to folllow. You are inspiration forever. Warm greetings from France to the family and friends, all the ones who love you in this sad death event.

Olive Ndungutse

Kenya

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

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 🩷🩷

Margaret Allan

England

Such sad news 😔 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Beverley Ann Hopper

England

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

Debra Julius

United States

My condolences to her family, friends and loving global fans.

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 ❤️

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.

Lorraine Greenfield

England

So sad to hear of the passing of Barbara, I met her at Harewood house it was so lovely to talk to her , I loved her books and being from Leeds myself and a proud Yorkshire lass I know of the areas she wrote about, I wrote to her later to thank her for such a lovely day, she sent to my surprise a lovely letter and a signed photo which hangs proudly in my living room. RIP Barbara reunited with Bob

Karen Hermansen

United States

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 🤍🕊

John Mitcham

England

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

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.

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 ❤️

Lauren Pavin

United States

How do you meet a woman like Barbara Taylor Bradford? You don’t. She meets you, with a cunning wit and an open heart. You listen. She talks. Barbara spoke so women would listen, so men would bow. She will be missed and she will be forever loved.

Gilbert Barrett

United States

I’m so sorry to hear this. I so enjoyed reading her books. Many hours of entertaining stories & great characters. RIP.

Nikolay Golovachev

Russian Federation

I deeply regret the death of my beloved author of A Woman of Substance - my first book of hers. Then I continued to follow arrival of her new novels like an Act of Will, and others. I made recommendations to my friends to read BTB novels.

Beverly Joan Shanks

Australia

Of course we thought you would live forever, but you will in your books that we love so much. Love and best wishes to your family

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.

Lee Fraser

New Zealand

RIP Barbara. The first book I read was A Woman of Substance many years ago. Have loved your books ever since. You were one of my favorite authors. 🕯

Weronika Umińska

Poland

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

Samantha Davey

England

My grandmother introduced me to as she called it "Barbara's World" when I was a teenager and I continued the collection of books when she passed away many years ago now. I now have every book both paper and kindle version Barbara wrote. She has been and will always be my favourite author. Thank you Barbara for allowing my mind to go on the most amazing adventures with you.

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.

Patti Kelleher

United States

I was a huge fan of Barbara's as soon as I read A Woman of Substance years ago. She is my favourite author of all time. Sending prayers of comfort to her family. May she rest peacefully in eternity.

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.

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.

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!

Rebecca Martin

United States

I suffer from dyslexia and hated to read until I came upon A Woman of Substance. It changed my life. I’ve read and own all of your books and had the honor of meeting you at a book signing in Atlanta. There is now a void in my heart, thank you for sharing your gift with us.

Lesley Kane

Scotland

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

Lisa Warland

England

I have loved reading your stories. Thank you x

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.

Oscar Dunning

England

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

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! ❤️🙏

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

Barb Fogg

Australia

I have all Barbara s books I love them have been reading them for 42 years. So sad to hear of the passing of Such a loved author sending big hugs to all her family 💐

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.

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!

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.

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

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

Cava Hatty

United States

I am so sad to hear this. She was my favorite author. I have read all her books but A man of Honour. Which I am reading right now. I can’t believe this will be my last book of hers. Thank you Barbara for sharing all your wonderful stories. Especially Emma. Rest in peace beautiful lady!!! 💔💔✝️🙏 I so wanted to meet you. ❤️❤️❤️

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.

Kim Scott

England

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

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🥰

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."

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.

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.

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

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 .

Janet Bainbridge

England

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

Jackie Kripas

United States

I remember discovering Barbara Taylor Bradford with the reading of A Woman of Substance and became an immediate fan. Her characters were real, tough and tender, and I happily cheered them on through triumphs and tragedies. She will live on through her stories and new generations who will discover and love her just as I did. Rest easy with your beloved husband and know that your legacy remains.

Kim Scott

England

BTB was the most wonderful gifted author that ever lived. Truly going to miss her books that you couldn't wait for the release date. Absolute legend.

Christine Filomena

England

I am so sorry to hear this news, I cannot believe it, I couldn’t wait for your books to be released and when I was reading them I did not want them to end.

Irene Webb

England

Dear Barbara, So sad to hear of your passing. You brought so much joy and inspiration into my life. Much, much love, From Irene & family xxx

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🙏❤️

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!

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.

Daniella Bernett

United States

A Woman of Substance is one of my favorite books. I read it when I was 13. Since I was nine years old, I wanted to be a writer. When I was a journalism student, I was honored when Barbara Taylor Bradford granted me an interview for my university’s Journalism Society newspaper. She was so gracious. I will never forget her kindness. She was an inspiration in my writing career.

Leonard Eric Parton

England

Sorry to hear this sad news. Leeds born Barbara kindly sent me signed bookplates to insert into copies of her books.

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.

Shell Cunliffe

England

A Woman of Substance is my all time favourite book and series. RIP Barbara now reunited with Robert.

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

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.

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.

Alana Wood

Australia

A woman of substance was a book my grandmother gave me and I loved it from a young age and have continued to read and reared the story as it continued over the years. Her talent for wring was amazing and I have never loved to read an authors book as much as I read hers. A true talent will never be forgotten. Thank you for creating such wonderful stories of Emma Harte and her family. RIP

MARIAELENA MORALES

Mexico

REST IN PEACE, BARBARA🙏🏻🙏🏻. You will be miss, I always enjoyed reading your stories, They took me all around the world. Such a sad news!!

Beverley Jones

Wales

Very sad to hear this news. Barbara was my favourite author by far and love all her books especially The Woman of Substance which I could read over and over again..My condolences to her family.

Deborah Wright

United States

I loved her books, especially The Woman of Substance series of books, many of the stories, gave me strength in my own life. I was hoping, when I opened the email, It would be about a new book release, not her death. A great honor would be if they could make movies out of her wonderful books.

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

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.

Anthony Tassi

United States

Rest in Power. We loved your care and concern for those less fortunate and your wicked sense of humor. We'll keep you in our hearts and minds forever. What a lovely life well lived.

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: