Celebrating the life of Barbara Taylor Bradford

Louise Poynton

As a young journalist in 1979 I was looking for an inspiration outside of the newsroom. I found her in A Woman of Substance, not just the character of Emma Harte but for the most part, Barbara. Our lives - and this country - is better for her being it in. Barbara's writing style and the characters she introduced us to, makes her the finest writer of our generation.

Charles Jones

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!

Connie Miller

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.

Irene Webb

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

Sharon B

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.

Alison Quinn

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

Karen Hermansen

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

Jean Ellen Taylor.

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 .

Angela Wooff

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

Susan Malarky

Loved every one of her books.

Reza Ahmed

RIP Legend

Michele JW Pittman

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!

Maureen Salvatore

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

Aimee Hardy

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.

Tanja Löschmann

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.

Chancellor Jones

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.

Stuart Proffitt

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.

Dorothy Loucks

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.

Stephanie Chorney

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.

Margaret Allan

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

Vickie Potter

Condolences to Barbara's family and friends. She is my favorite author and I own most of her novels and stories. Her contributions to world literature are tremendous and will never be forgotten. Thank you, Barbara Taylor Bradford, for all you have done for so many! Enjoy your reunion with your beloved Robert.

Angela Sidney

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.

Ann Webster Jesus

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.

Debra Watson

Thank you for all your amazing books that I have been able to read. Thoughts are with your family and friends. RIP lovely lady ❤️

Ariana

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.

W. Randall Jones

It was always easy to close every visit with and every phone call to Barbara with a sincere “I love you!” 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.

Jillian Rideout

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

Mary Newell

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

Patricia D'Arcy Laughlin

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."

Devin Ross

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!

Mary Maxwell

Could not wait for the next book. You felt like you were sitting in the room as she described it. I read A Woman of Substance many times. I will miss your story telling. Rest in peace.

Leonard Eric Parton

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

Karen Leger

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.

Martie Nutting

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.

Lee Fraser

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. 🕯

Diane Longmore

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

Rebecca Martin

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.

Mavis Lynch

RIP Barbara, be happy with Bob...she lived across the way from me and I knew her and her family well. God bless you xxx💞🙏

Mary Long

She opened my world to reading! She has always been one of my favorites. Thank you Barbara!

Ingrid Maria Bourne

With very fond memories- Maria xxxxx

Olive Ndungutse

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

Sharon Hoge

Truly a woman of creativity and class

Beverly Joan Shanks

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

Kim Scott

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

Agnieszka Różycka

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.

Alana Wood

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

Jackie Kripas

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.

Lisa Warland

I have loved reading your stories. Thank you x

Pamela Margetson

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

JF

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

Jane Banda

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!

Dorothy Rollins

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

Ellen Dean

A truly inspirational woman. RIP Barbara.

Deborah Wright

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.

Monique Hofman-Ruigrok

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Barbara Taylor Bradford. I have read all her amazing books, she was one of my favorite authors. May she Rest In Peace.

Nancy Mulayas

My So Saddened By The Passing Of The Legend Writer Barbara Taylor Bradford RIP🙏🏾Been Her fan for Many Years My favorite Book Is A Woman Of Substance ❤️ 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 🇿🇲 Africa

Vicky Murdoch

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.

Patricia Gussin

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.

Avisa Dani

I’m so sad to hear Barbara‘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.

Rubén Millán

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. 🌹

Oscar Dunning

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

Suzanne O'Connor

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. 🤍🕊

Sandi Sharp

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

Elaine Howard

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.

Yvette Jeter

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.

Paul-David Van Atta

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.

Heather Turnham

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.

Shell Cunliffe

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

Allison Pinto

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.

Carolyn Laxton

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!!

Eva Jane Mohr

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.

Sarah Beresford

So sad to hear of Barbara's passing. She was my favourite author from about the age of 13 and have collected all of her books over the years. She will be missed so much. Sending my sincerest condolences to her family and friends.

Rosie Nixon

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 ❤️

Anthony Tassi

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.

Catriona Ryan

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.

Linda Morrison

Oh my gosh, so sorry to hear this!! I loved all her stories, am currently re-reading the "A Woman of Substance" series. Such a great author.

Connie Reynolds

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.

Vanessa Rosar

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

Diane S Helfgott

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.

Ileen Dunman

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.

Gladys Nanyanga

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.

Nichole Arizona

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

T. Cole Jones

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.

Natalie Andrews

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

Sandra Barry

A great writer and one that will be missed. Now reunited with her husband.

Tracy McGurn

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.

Gearoid O Cróinín

Quite simply the best - gracious, gifted, generous and good-humored, Mrs Bradford together with Mr Bradford were a pleasure to work for and a joy to know.

Diane Hock

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

Edna Elaine Pearson

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.

Gina Whited

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!!

Christine Filomena

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.

Jenny McArthur

Rest in peace our beautiful Barbara.🥰

Nikki

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.

Christine Watson

RIP it have read all your books and you are now safe with Bob and I am glad you achieved all your dreams you deserve to for all those you inspired a true inspiration.

Martin Boucher

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

Francine Lebreton

Rest in peace beautiful Lady, you were my favorite writer. I have love all your books

Lorraine Evans

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

Janet Hawksworth

Such sad news of a fabulous author. Loved watching her books come to life in screen. RIP Barbara xx

Lorraine Greenfield

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

Judi Keane

Thank you Barbara for enriching my life, with your books. The original Woman of Substance. I have & read them all and thank you for my signed photo. Reunited with your Bob. RIP 🙏 x