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A Woman of Substance Book 1

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A Woman of Substance Book 1

By: Barbara Taylor Bradford
Narrated by: Bea Holland
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About this listen

 Now a major new Channel 4 series starring Brenda Blethyn (Vera) and Jessica Reynolds (Outlander)

One girl. One secret. One unstoppable ascent.

In 1905 a young kitchen maid leaves Fairley Hall. Emma Harte is sixteen, single and pregnant.

By 1968 she is one of the richest women in the world, ruler of a business empire stretching from Yorkshire to the glittering cities of America and the rugged vastness of Australia.

But what is the price she has paid?

‘Few novelists are as consummate as Barbara Taylor Bradford at keeping the reader turning the page. She is one of the best at spinning yarns’ Guardian

‘An extravagant, absorbing novel of love, courage, ambition, war, death and passion’ New York Times

20th Century Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Romance Women's Fiction Feel-Good

Critic reviews

‘An extravagant, absorbing novel of love, courage, ambition, war, death and passion.’
New York Times

‘A mighty saga. Little has been so riveting since Gone With the Wind’ Evening News

‘A long, satisfying novel of money, power, passion and revenge, set against the sweep of 20th-century history.’
Los Angeles Times

‘Few novelists are as consummate as Barbara Taylor Bradford at keeping the reader turning the page. She is one of the world’s best at spinning yarns’ Guardian

All stars
Most relevant
The story was captivating from the beginning to the end. I could not put it down for long, I was anticipating the next chapter but was unable to predict it, just love it.

This book is an excellent read

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l loved this book when I first read it 30+ years ago. Still an excellent story and beautifully narrated.

A modern day Classic

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I read this book many years ago and followed it with the series of books. I found the book a brilliant read and also listening to the book just as good.

A woman of substance

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Absolutely loved this; I first read it when I was around 18yrs of age - and again many years' later I have just finished the Audible version; a fully encompassing and breathtaking novel by an extremely talented author ❤️❤️❤️

Phenomenal

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Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this novel. Barbara Taylor Bradford brought the characters to life and I enjoyed it so much I didn’t want it to end

Fantastic novel

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