Celebrating the life of Barbara Taylor Bradford

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!

Sally

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

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.

Tricia Dowling

I have had the honour and privilege to have met Barbara on many occasions. Always the most gracious of hosts and a really lovely and very witty lady. Such a remarkable life

Debra Julius

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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

Mary Long

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

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.

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. 🌹

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

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.

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.

Sandra Barry

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

Patricia S

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.

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

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.

Cava Hatty

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. ❤️❤️❤️

Rosetta Dean

Wonderful author

Elaine Allen

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

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.

Trudi Orchard

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

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

Gordon Georgiou

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.

National Literacy Trust

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.

Leonard Eric Parton

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

JF

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

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.

Philomene Hippolyte

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 🙏 ❤️

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.

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.

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.

Weronika Umińska

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

Aine Cryts

May you rest in sweet peace. Thanks for bringing your writing and many smiles to this world 🙂

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.

Jenny McArthur

Rest in peace our beautiful Barbara.🥰

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.

AL french artist

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.

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.

Barb Fogg

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 💐

Michael Bayer

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.

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.

Chris Broens-Geurts

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

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.

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!

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

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.

Gilbert Barrett

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

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.

Janet Hawksworth

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

Joanne Moore

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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!!

Liana Tan Wei Ee

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.

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"

Pauline Reedman

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

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

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 ❤️

Ruth Krems

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.

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.

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

Anonymous

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.

Gail Smith

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

Ellen Dean

A truly inspirational woman. RIP Barbara.

Kim Scott

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.

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

Heather Ritch

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!

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

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."

Sally Foley

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

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!!

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.

May Feiteira

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.

Shell Cunliffe

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

Michael John Weight

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.

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.

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

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.

Sarah Joanne

I first encountered the works of Barbara Taylor Bradford as a teenager and loved A Woman of Substance. It was a thoroughly gripping read, to which I have returned to reread when in need of hearing her message about the ability to endure and to come through the other side stronger than before. Thank you for such wonderful works of fiction. May you rest in eternal peace.

Vanna Taddeucci

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.

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.

Louise Auty

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.

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.

Jillian Rideout

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

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!!

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.

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. ❤️

Tony Smith

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.

Beverley Ann Hopper

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