Celebrating the life of Barbara Taylor Bradford

Margaret Allan

England

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

Sarah Joanne

England

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.

Lyn Blanchard

England

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

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

Amy Ayotte

United States

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

Avisa Dani

Canada

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.

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.

Nikki

England

I was very sorry to learn of Barbara's death. A few years before she passed away, my late mother introduced me to her Emma Harte series, and I fell in love. They inspired me to try my own hand at writing. After my mother's funeral, my dad took me and my sister away on holiday, and I chose to take Just Rewards to read on the plane. I had finished it before we had landed.

Rebecca Martin

United States

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

Mary Long

United States

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

Maria Boyle

England

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.

Diane Lovett

Australia

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

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

Debra Julius

United States

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

Beverley Ann Hopper

England

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

Joanne Moore

England

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.

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

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.

Shell Cunliffe

England

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

Susan Malarky

Scotland

Loved every one of her books.

Daniella Bernett

United States

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

Christine Watson

England

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.

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. ❤️

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 📚, 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

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

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.

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.

Judi Keane

Ireland

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

PJ Stratton

United States

Barbara Taylor Bradford was my favorite author, and A Woman of Substance started my fandom of her excellent writing by the most beautiful lady. She inspired me to be a writer, editor, and storyteller and am thankful we were able to communicate on her Facebook page throughout the years. My heartfelt sympathies to her family, friends, and all her millions of fans who loved her dearly. Bless you!

Francine Lebreton

Canada

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

Deborah Wright

United States

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

I Penman

Scotland

I am so sorry to hear this sad news, condolences to Barbara's family. I thoroughly enjoyed 'A Woman of Substance' series and named my first born after Emma Harte. You will be missed. RIP BARBARA

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

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.

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!

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 💐

Stuart Proffitt

England

I was so sad to read the news. I last saw her in the NY apartment sometime before Bob's death. I had been the editor in chief of HC UK with responsibility for adult fiction and non-fiction, and we somehow got on to talking about Napoleon. I discovered he was as much an obsession of hers as of mine, which was pretty unexpected! Condolences to you all.

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.

Sandra Barry

Australia

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

Christine Filomena

England

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

Gail Smith

England

Very sad to hear of Barbara’s passing, I’ve read every single book of hers and will certainly miss her fabulous books. Rest in peace

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

Debra Watson

England

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

MARIAELENA MORALES

Mexico

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

Pauline Reedman

England

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

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.

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.

Sharon Hoge

United States

Truly a woman of creativity and class

Emma Campbell

England

I only started reading the Emma Harte series of books this year, after wanting to read them for years! The reason- I am actually named after Emma Harte! My Mam was reading ‘A Woman of Substance’ when pregnant with me in the 80s! I absolutely loved the book too! I’m half way through the third in the series and they’re fantastic. What a legacy she leaves! Rest in peace Barbara. 💕

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.

Patricia D'Arcy Laughlin

United States

I am broken-hearted. She was such an inspiration to me as an author and as a woman. She was indeed "A Woman of Substance."

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.

Hazel Beckett

England

Thank you for the many hours of pleasure which reading your wonderful, uplifting books has given me over the years. I read A Woman of Substance when it was first published, and have bought all your books since then, not to mention watching all the mini-series which have been filmed from them. Rest in Peace dear Barbara.

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.

Sally Foley

Canada

Sending my condolences--Barbara was indeed a wonderful lady who has entertained many many readers over the years--I have enjoyed every book she has written. She will be missed

John Mitcham

England

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

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.

Reza Ahmed

England

RIP Legend

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.

Maria Joso Gonçalves

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

Jean Ellen Taylor.

Australia

Rest In Peace dear lady. Thankyou for your wonderful memories in your writings. I am one of many who spent much time reading your books and loved them . A life’s work well done and now reunited with your beloved husband .

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.

Catriona Ryan

United States

The first book I read was Power of a Woman and it had a huge impact on me. I quickly starting reading all her books. The Emma Harte Saga is my favorite but I love all her books. Barbara Taylor Bradford is going to be greatly missed.

Nancy Mulayas

Zambia

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

Charles Jones

United States

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!

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.

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.

Glenn S. Todd

United States

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

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.

Rosetta Dean

United States

Wonderful author

Janet Hawksworth

England

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

Alison Quinn

Australia

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

Connie Reynolds

Canada

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.

Leonard Eric Parton

England

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

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

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.

Janice Smith

England

Oh my..how terribly terribly sad. I met Barbara In John Smith's bookstore on Glasgow many many years ago and she personally autographed her latest bestseller for me. I was and always have been a huge fan. Heaven's gain is our loss, however, I know she will be with Bob the love of her life! I am about to start rereading her Fabulous books!!!! R.I.P. The Queen of fiction, With deep heartfelt

Tony Smith

England

RIB Barbara Taylor Bradford, one of the worlds greatest authors. You courage and ambition has inspired me. You where and still are a true woman of substance. Rest in peace, and join your husband. You may be gone, but never forgotten.

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...

Carol Skyner

England

I am so sad to hear that Barbara has passed away. She is my Favourite Author. The first book I read was A Woman of Substance, I was immediately hooked and fell in love with all her books and stlye. She was an incredible writer. Her books will live on forever. Thank you Barbara for all the joy you have brought to so many people.. Rest in peace🙏❤️

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!

Kim Scott

England

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

Tracy McGurn

Scotland

I was shocked and saddened to hear of this brilliant author passing. I loved all the books but particularly the Woman of Substance series. Rereading them countless times, the series is my go to when I need comforting. Thank you so much for this Barbara and rest in peace.

Elaine Allen

United States

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. 😭😭

Nikki Carberry

South Africa

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!

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.

Gina Whited

United States

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!!

Lorraine Greenfield

England

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

Monique Hofman-Ruigrok

United States

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.

Diane Hock

United States

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

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.

Karen Hermansen

United States

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

Connie Miller

United States

I loved Barbara’s books especially the Emma Harte books-A Woman of Substance. These books are favorites of mine. So sorry to hear of your passing but now you will be reunited with your beloved husband.

Chris Broens-Geurts

Netherlands

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

Kathie Levine

England

Loved Barbara Taylor Bradford ever since I read a Woman of Substance when it was first published and have read every one of her books ever since.

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.

Barbara Liebman

United States

I was so sad to learn that Barbara Taylor Bradford passed away. I loved all her books, especially all the Woman of Substance books. She will be missed.

Monique and Michael de Vries

Netherlands

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.

Oscar Dunning

England

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

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.

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: