A Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford is a 2014 RosettaBooks publication. (originally published in 1979)

A Classic saga that stands the test of time-

This is the story of Emma Harte, a poverty ridden young woman employed by a wealthy family, who eventually works her way to the top of a rich and powerful business empire. Her personal disappointments, hardships, loves and losses all play a role in solidifying Emma’s fortitude, as her instincts for human nature develops, helping her to become a wizened, formidable businesswoman.

The story begins in the twilight of Emma’s life as she sits on top of the world basking in the daily operations of her empire and all the accoutrements of her vast wealth. But, when she is informed that forces are working to overthrow her, taking her decision -making authority away- she sets a plan in action…

But, as she schemes to preempt a coup de grace, the reader is transported back in time to Emma’s humble beginnings, following her through the years as she builds her business, makes friends and enemies, makes fateful decisions, falls passionately in love, all while plotting her revenge against the powerful family that betrayed her.

In 1979, this book was of zero interest to me, but I think I vaguely remember hearing some buzz about it. I think it was one of those books everyone was reading and talking about, especially those a few years older than me. But, I was in my mid-teens when the book was published, and I just didn’t find many long family sagas of interest. It wasn’t until a few years later, after I graduated from high school that I began to read anything besides horror or mystery novels. Still, I don’t recall reading anything by this author. (although there were some passages in this book that seemed vaguely familiar) I did, however, read plenty of Judith Krantz, Barbara Delinsky, Danielle Steel, and Jackie Collins- to name a few. But, over the years, the historical sagas- the ones that continued over several subsequent installments became a huge favorite of mine- but still I didn’t put this book in that category, for some reason.

There was even a movie based on this book, which was also well- received, but I have no memory of watching that either. My taste and interest changed many times over the years, and on many occasions I felt a pang of regret for missing out on so many great books in my teenage and young adult years- this book being one of them. Many times, I have thought to read this book, but, with a
such a huge TBR pile and review deadlines, the length of the book deterred me. However, when I realized the book was in digital format- and in the Kindle Unlimited program I decided to finally take the plunge.

Now I am asking myself why on earth it took my so long to read this book! I loved it!! This story once again reminds me of how much I miss those epic sagas!! Emma’s life story was an amazing journey, and she is an inspiration and model of true grit and determination. There’s nothing better than a ‘rags to riches’ story, especially when it features a smart woman willing to do what it takes to become successful. Emma got a few lucky breaks, but mainly she was smart, thought ahead, and worked hard. Her drive may have stemmed from unhealthy emotions at times, but who could blame her? It just made her success that much sweeter!!

There are several more additions to this long running saga and I can not wait to read them!! I see now why this book was so popular and remained so for decades, and why so many people still say it is one of their favorite books of all time.

In the meantime, I hope the family saga makes a comeback in one form or another. They really are awesome!

5 stars

I didn't finish this book. I gave it about 150 pages,and it showed no signs of getting any better. If anything, the writing got more redundant and florid. Everything is over described, the characters are flat, and they seem to just randomly feel and think things that are completely unconnected from the plot, such as it is. Dorothy Parker once said about a book that it should not be put aside lightly, rather, thrown with great force. Amen.

Just loved this when I read it. Plenty of story and plenty of ‘substance ‘ to the book.

I read this when it was first published in 1979. I read it through very quickly; and frankly, I loved it. As I was a northerner myself, I loved the descriptions of the area which brought it all to life for me. It was pure escapism and the focus on a female making it in business was lovely to see at that time.
I found Emma was quite often a difficult heroine to always admire or love because she was stubborn, illogical and bore huge grudges. I also thought some of her decisions did not make sense.
I thought BTB's insight into the culture and social mores of the time were very well described.
I loved the rags to riches story and found myself wishing I too could have a gift for cooking, business, dressmaking, etc etc. Her talents were enormous but her flaws were equally huge!
I loved the adaptation with Jenny Seagrove who gave Emma sufficient warmth to make her likeable and read the book again as a result and though I still enjoyed the story, I was not so enraptured as first time round. It is overlong and would benefit from some judicious pruning.
However, I found the next one of the series beyond boring and repetitive. I gave up after it and although I have perused a couple more of her books, I have never found any interesting enough to buy. I haven't read this one for years so I must try it again sometime!

The Kindle lending library says this is one of the top 10 selling books of all-time and that it "holds up." Yeah, no. I could not get through it. I might have enjoyed it in 1979 when I was 15, but it was dull as dirt to me now. I recently re-read "The Thorn Birds" and was so sorry I did. I had such good memories of it, spoiled by reading it again. If you haven't changed since the 70s, by all means, read this book. Ugh. I hate giving up on books, but sometimes there's just no help for it.

3.5 stars

This is a bit of a saga but it is worth a read. It starts with Emma Harte as a wealthy old woman and goes back in time to when she was a girl growing up in poverty and working as a housekeeper. From there it documents her rise as she builds up her empire.

She was quite a formitable character and I admired her. I also liked how she pushed aside some of the men in her life who thought they were doing what was best for her.

It is a long book but worth a read.

A 'rags to riches' novel, A Woman of Substance is an epic and evocative read; the pages teeming with greed, ambition, envy, passion, power, and revenge! One couldn't ask for more. This rather lengthy but thoroughly absorbing story truly has it all.

Emma Harte is one of my favourite fictional characters, and as has been similarly said by others, she truly epitomises a woman of substance.

A great novel! It tells the story of Emma Harte, a Yorkshire lass starting in 1904, when she is 14. She lives with her father, mother, and brothers, Winston & Frank. She is the parlor maid at Fairley Hall. She works five days a week before going home to see her family.

She works hard at Fairley Hall. Under the tutelage of Olivia Wainscott, the sister of Mrs. Adam Fairley, she learns to speak properly, cook food using Olivia's recipes, and how to become a lady. Her personal disappointments, hardships, loves and losses all play a role in solidifying Emma’s fortitude,helping her to become a formidable businesswoman. Her goal in life is to destroy the Fairley family.

Her lifelong friends include Blackie O'Neill and Laura Spencer, as well as her brothers. She marries twice, but her lifelong love is Paul McGill. Much of the book tells about their love for one another, as well as their daughter, Daisy.

This is a wonderful book. I have reread it several times and will read it again in the future.

Compré esta novela de amor y lujo de segunda mano por aquello de la nostalgia (había visto la miniserie en los 80). Se centra más en cómo la protagonista escala social y económicamente a través de un gran flashback, ya que se inicia cuando ella ya tiene 78 años y se entera de lo víboras que son sus hijos. Una self-made woman que a veces me ha recordado a Escarlata O'Hara por su ambición y deseos de tener dinero. No está mal, muestra el sacrificio de lo personal debido a las ansias de poder y, sobre todo, de venganza sobre una familia que la trató mal, pero también la amistad a través del tiempo.

Read it many years ago and loved it. Was a Barbara Taylor Bradford devotee. Just wanted to add it to my books. I've read most of her books.

Got fully hooked on this story. Can't believe I didn't read it years ago.