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Learn moreThe new blockbuster from one of the world's greatest storytellers delves into the life of Emma Harte--the original Woman of Substance--and the ambitious, passionate, and volatile women of the next generations.
Evan, Tessa, Linnet, and India: four remarkable women. Three generations of Hartes. One indomitable family whose loyalty binds them together and whose enemies want to tear them apart.
Evan Hughes, Emma's American great-granddaughter, is trying to integrate into the powerful Harte family. She is caught between her estranged parents, her new family, and her new love. But a dangerous enemy hovers in the background.
Tessa Longden, Evan's cousin, is battling her husband for custody of their daughter, Adele. When Adele suddenly goes missing, Tessa is forced to seek help from her half-sister Linnet-a woman who has been her rival all their lives.
Linnet, the most brilliant businesswoman of the four great-granddaughters, is desperately trying to show that she is the natural heir to her mother, Paula. But her glittering future at the helm of the vast Harte empire means many sacrifices, perhaps even the loss of her sister's fragile trust.
And India Standish, the traditionalist in the family, falls in love with a famous British artist from a working-class background. Madly in love, India is determined to marry him, no matter what her family thinks.
It is Evan who finds new perspective about her own life from the revelations in letters that Emma wrote to Evan's grandmother decades ago. But they may come too late....
As conflict and danger swirl around the Harte women, someone is pulling the strings to make sure none of them finds happiness. Who among them will rise to the challenges as only a true Harte can do? This latest dramatic story in the ongoing saga of an extraordinary family dynasty is full of love, passion, jealousy, and ambition. It is Barbara Taylor Bradford at her inimitable best.
Barbara Taylor Bradford was born and raised in England. She left school at 15 for the typing pool at the Yorkshire Evening Post. At 16 she was a reporter, and at 18 she became the paper’s first woman's page editor and, at 20, moved to London and became a fashion editor and columnist on Fleet Street. Barbara published her first novel, A Woman of Substance, in 1979. It went from bestseller to super seller within its first year and stayed on the New York Times’ list for 43 weeks. Barbara has published more than 35 books, all worldwide bestsellers.
Ninety million copies of her books have been sold to date. They are published in over 40 languages and in more than 90 countries. In October 2007, Barbara was appointed an OBE by The Queen for her services to literature.
Barbara is the recipient of 25 other awards for her writing achievements and philanthropy. She is an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust, an independent UK charity that transforms lives through literacy, and is passionate about empowering girls to write and let their voices be heard through their stories and continues to support Literacy Partners US. Described as the “grand dame of blockbusters”, “Queen of the genre”, Barbara’s amazing success has made her one of the most successful writers in the world today.
Tony-award nominee Kate Burton has appeared on Broadway in The Constant Wife, The Cherry Orchard, Spring Awakening, Hedda Gabler, and The Grand Manner. She played the title role in Alice in Wonderland with her father, Richard Burton, on PBS. She was featured on Grey’s Anatomy as the title character’s mother, Ellis Grey and has also appeared in Law & Order, The Practice, The West Wing, and Judging Amy. Kate earned a bachelor's degree in Russian studies and European history from Brown University in 1979 and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Brown University in 2007. She has narrated numerous audiobooks, including works by Patricia Cornwell, Lisa Scottoline, Iris Johansen, and Barbara Taylor Bradford.
Reviews
“Bradford gives her readers more of what she does best--strong, savvy female protagonists who relentlessly pursue great destinies, characters much like the author herself…well-written and full of emotion…completely riveting…the plot, while always complex, has suspenseful moments to keep the pace sharp…good reading…Unexpected Blessings clearly shows why Bradford is still the premier writer of family sagas.” —Miami New Times
“The exploits and adventures of Bradford's indomitable heroines continue to make for lusty escapist fiction in this robust fifth novel in the series.” —Publishers Weekly
“The enduring theme of family loyalty ennobles the Harte family saga and raises it to a heartwarming crescendo that longtime fans will appreciate. New readers will relish it as well.” —Book Page
“Bradford enthralls readers.... Once again, readers will get swept up in the lives and loves of the Harte family.” —RT Book Reviews
“I grew up in England with the radio. television hadn't really come to us, So the radio was a great friend. hearing an audiobook is in a sense going back to my childhood and listening. Since I'm writing all the time and using glasses and staring at words on paper, it's nice to close my eyes and just get carried away.... The experience is enhanced by a good voice to listen to.” —Barbara Taylor Bradford on audiobooks
“Kate Burton's pleasing voice and impeccable diction precisely capture the mood, convincing accents, and personalities of the ultra-rich and famous. She handles sibling rivalries and romantic intrigues with finesse.” —AudioFile on Emma's Secret (Abridged)
“The grandiose saga of power, passion, friendship, and haute couture continues the story of Emma Harte, first introduced in A Woman of Substance (1994). Narrator kate Reading deftly uses a variety of British and American accents to represent numerous characters from a variety of economic social strata.” —Booklist on Emma's Secret (Unabridged)
“Readers who loved A Woman of Substance will enjoy Emma's Secret.” —Denver Post on Barbara Taylor Bradford and Emma's Secret
“Promises to tantalize, mesmerize, and titillate readers of all ages. It has all the Bradford touches: strong and swift plot, hints of secrets about to be revealed...spellbinding...destined to fly off bookseller's racks and be passed around many book clubs. It is a darn good read.” —Roanoke Times on Barbara Taylor Bradford and Emma's Secret
“It will be...appreciated by those with an irresistible desire to follow the further adventures of the Harte clan.” —Publishers Weekly on Barbara Taylor Bradford and Emma's Secret
“You're certain these are living, breathing people.” —USA Weekend on Barbara Taylor Bradford and Emma's Secret
“An extravagant, absorbing novel of love, courage, ambition, war, death, and passion.” —The New York Times on A Woman of Substance
“Barbara Taylor Bradford is the storyteller of substance.” —The Times (London) on Barbara Taylor Bradford and Emma's Secret