Celebrating the life of Barbara Taylor Bradford

Angela Wooff

England

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

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.

Stephanie Chorney

Canada

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

Gordon Georgiou

Greece

Just like to say my mother read her books every night. She used to read her books and get us up for work me and my 2 brothers, and when we came home work she would tell us all about what she read the night before.

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 🩷🩷

Janet Hawksworth

England

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

Avisa Dani

Canada

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

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.

Delbora Dixon-Green

United States

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

Karen Wyles

England

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

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!

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.

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.

Vickie Potter

United States

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

Diane Lovett

Australia

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

Caroline Hamer (Nee Bennett)

England

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

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.

Ruth Krems

United States

Rest in peace Mrs Bradford. You will be missed by many. I have been a fan of your books since A Woman of Substance came out and I have all your books. My dream was to one day meet you and that dream came true after many years. Although you will be missed I am happy you are reunited with your dear husband.

Chris Broens-Geurts

Netherlands

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

Jenny McArthur

Australia

Rest in peace our beautiful 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.

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

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.

Paula Nunes

United States

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

Nancy Mulayas

Zambia

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

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

Olive Ndungutse

Kenya

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

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

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

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

Weronika Umińska

Poland

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

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.

Anonymous

Australia

Barbara’s novels have been a source of inspiration, comfort, and joy for me. Her unforgettable characters, especially Emma Harte, taught me the power of dreaming big. May she Rest in Peace.

Sandra Barry

Australia

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

Maria Joso GonƧalves

Portugal

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

Linda Morrison

United States

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.

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.

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.

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 .

Margaret Allan

England

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

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 šŸ’

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.

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.

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.

Gearoid O Cróinín

Thailand

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.

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.

Zofia Paczuła

Poland

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

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 šŸ“š, 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

Susan Malarky

Scotland

Loved every one of her books.

Brandy Champion

Canada

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.

Louise Poynton

England

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.

Lisa Warland

England

I have loved reading your stories. Thank you x

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.

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.

Lyn Blanchard

England

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

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.

Mrs Anne Langley

England

So sorry to hear this news, I’ve loved Barbara’s books and really enjoyed the series ā€˜ Woman of Substance ā€˜, I couldn’t put it down. Rest in peace Barbara.

Eva Jane Mohr

United States

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

Martha McDyef

United States

I LOVED BARBARA TAYLOR'S BRADFORD BOOKS ESPECIALLY A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE. SHE WAS A WOMAN WHO BROUGHT ME THE LOVE OF READING HER BOOKS.

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🄰

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

Rebecca Brady

United States

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

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.

Pauline Reedman

England

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

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.

Dorothy Loucks

United States

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

ƅsa Hellberg

Sweden

Thank you! Rest in peace.

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

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.

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.

Lourdes DSouza

India

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

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.

Jennifer Kasiah

United States

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

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 šŸ™ ā¤ļø

John Mitcham

England

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

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.

Shelley Bland

England

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

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.

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

Natacha Marcelin

Haiti

Merci beaucoup d’avoir enrichi ma soif de lecture pendant toutes ces annĆ©es. Vos livres m’ont entrainĆ© dans tant de voyages inimaginables šŸ™. Repose en paix.

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!

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.

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

Rosetta Dean

United States

Wonderful author

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.

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...

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: