Celebrating the life of Barbara Taylor Bradford

Sharon Gregory-Wareing

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.

Sara Bryson

So very sad to read of her passing. Her books were the highlight if my reading! Whenever a new book would release I would ask any family member traveling to the UK to pick up the hard cover copy for me. She will be missed, but at least we have her stories to keep her in our hearts. Rest In Peace Barbara.

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!

Jillian Rideout

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

Rachel Abugov

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.

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.

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.

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

Carol Skyner

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🙏❤️

Connie Cole Jones

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!

Brandy Champion

I backpacked through Europe and only had room for one book and I choose Women of Substance. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Barbara.

Rosetta Dean

Wonderful author

Beverley Jones

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.

Jacqui Stephenson

RIP Barbara Taylor Bradford Lovely Barbara a fellow Yorkshire woman who inspired me to start reading books again when she wrote woman of substance. . I was instantly hooked on her books . Barbara wrote about places in Yorkshire that i knew. Rest well Barbara now you are reunited with your beloved Bob . Your books will live on . You will never be forgotten.

Diane Hock

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

MARIAELENA MORALES

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!!

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.

Olive Ndungutse

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

Maria Joso Gonçalves

My sincere and deep condolences to Barbara Taylor Bradford family. What a great loss. I have spend part of my life reading her fantastic books and I will miss her company. Love, MJG

Shell Cunliffe

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

Belenda Sion

I have most of her books in my collection!! Her first book I read was A woman of substance. And the rest is history....

I Penman

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

Kathy Williams

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

Miss Michelle Ardin

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.

Delbora Dixon-Green

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!

Beverley Ann Hopper

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

Ruth Tierney

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 ❤️

Jenny McArthur

Rest in peace our beautiful Barbara.🥰

Kevin Pendry

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.

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

Shilpa Susan Kuriachan

An author whose writing was unique and tugged the heart strings... The book titled Remember is my favourite. Master of his fate is also a really good book. It's a huge loss.. RIP

Renae

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

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.

Lourdes DSouza

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.

Sally Hiller

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

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.

Ellen Dean

A truly inspirational woman. RIP Barbara.

Åsa Hellberg

Thank you! Rest in peace.

Caroline Hamer (Nee Bennett)

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"

Paula Nunes

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.

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.

Moses Oginni-Momodu

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.

Zofia Paczuła

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. ❤️

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.

Nikolay Golovachev

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.

JF

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

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.

Gurdie Corell

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!!

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.

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

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.

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!!

Amy Ayotte

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

Pauline Reedman

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

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.

Roisin Shivers

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.

Carey Nyman

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 .

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.

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.

Glenn S. Todd

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

Diane Lovett

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

Lauren Pavin

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.

Lynne Drew

Barbara was unforgettable from the first moment I met her in London, when she greeted her new editor with a warm smile – glamorous, charismatic, successful but above all a Yorkshire girl. We worked together for over twenty years, talking plot ideas and characters non-stop, book after book, loving every moment. I will miss her terribly.

Gillian Armitage

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🥰

Ingrid Maria Bourne

With very fond memories- Maria xxxxx

Natacha Marcelin

Merci beaucoup d’avoir enrichi ma soif de lecture pendant toutes ces années. Vos livres m’ont entrainé dans tant de voyages inimaginables 🙏. Repose en paix.

Cathy Swanton

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.

Monique and Michael de Vries

A book of Barbara Taylor Bradford is never far away in our house. We read them many times over and over again. Our condolences to her family and loved ones.

Maria Boyle

Despite global success, Barbara remained grounded. At the end of her annual book tours, we’d celebrate with fish & chips. I’d joke: “Look at us, two women from Yorkshire, living it up at The Dorchester,” and we’d share a laugh over a glass of fizz. RIP Barbara – you were the best.

Patti Kelleher

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.

Weronika Umińska

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

Chris Broens-Geurts

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

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

Liz Dawson

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.

Debra Julius

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

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

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!

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

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.

Karen Hermansen

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

Elvie Ellen thomson

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

Pamela Margetson

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

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 .

Lolly Barnard

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.

Karen Wyles

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 💔. 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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Deirdre Yearwood

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.

Nikki Carberry

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!

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.

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.

Leonard Eric Parton

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

Jennifer Kasiah

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.

Janet Hawksworth

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

Mary Long

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