I never wanted these books to end, The characters became family. This series of 3 had me going through all the "feels" I laughed, I felt the rage she felt, the joy, the pain, I cried numerous times. I would highly recommend this series, the original Trilogy at least.

I never in a MILLION years thought I would pick up, and seriously read a Barbara Taylor Bradford book - but when I was young I fell in love with the WOMAN of SUBSTANCE mini-series. After watching snipets of the mini-series on late night LMN, I decided to indulge the romantic 13 year-old in me and purchase the DVD. After watching the television show - I bought the book. And the book was thick with description, fun intrigue and packed with (and I hate to admit this) words I had never, ever been exposed to - so not only do I get pure escape, but I also get to learn some SAT vocab words!

Three long books, the story of a woman overachiever and her family dynasty after her,set mostly in London. I learned a lot, about human behavior and relationship dynamics. I "saw" myself and others in the characters psychological make-up, and in similar situations.(great book for young women, I definately want my daughter to read this(when she's in high school) Great/smart/experience type life lessons.

I've read the series twice, and the first in the series: "A Woman of Substance" at least half a dozen times while on vacations - always leaving my copy wherever I was when I finished.

I have only read A Woman of Substance but I really enjoyed it. I read it a long, long time ago.

3 of my all time absolute favourite books from 1 of my all time favourite authors I try to re-read at least once a year :-)