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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 is the author of more than 25 bestselling novels, including Playing the Game, Breaking the Rules, and The Ravenscar Dynasty. She was born in Leeds, England, and from an early age, she was a voracious reader: at age 12, she had already read all of Dickens and the Brontë sisters. By the age of twenty, she was an editor and columnist on Fleet Street. She published her first novel, A Woman of Substance, in 1979, and it has become an enduring bestseller. Barbara Taylor Bradford’s books are published in over 90 countries in 40 languages, with sales figures in excess of 82 million. Ten of her novels have been adapted into television mini-series starring actors including Sir Anthony Hopkins, Liam Neeson, Deborah Kerr and Elizabeth Hurley. She has been inducted into the Writers Hall of Fame of America, and in June of 2007, Barbara was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to Literature. She lives in New York City with her husband, television producer Robert Bradford, to whom all her novels are dedicated, and their Bichon Frise dogs, who sit under her desk while she writes.
Terry Donnelly has read a number of audiobooks, including Barbara Taylor Bradford's Just Rewards, Patrick Taylor's An Irish Country Girl, and Anne Enright's AudioFile Earphones Award-winner The Gathering. Of her narration of An Irish Country Girl, AudioFile magazine said, "Terry Donnelly's reading gradually enchants listeners as much as it does Maureen's fictional audience. Donnelly’s Irish brogue creates a strong sense of place." Donnelly has been a member of the National Theatre of Great Britain, London and the Abbey Theatre, Dublin. Her stage work includes roles in Frank McCourt's The Irish...and How They Got That Way, Bailegangaire, and Brendan Behan's The Hostage.
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
“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
“It will be...appreciated by those with an irresistible desire to follow the further adventures of the Harte clan.” —Publishers Weekly
“You're certain these are living, breathing people.” —USA Weekend
“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)
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