Barbara Taylor Bradford posing with her OBE in 2007
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Bestselling novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford, who has died at the age of 91, was known for her engrossing familial sagas. Her debut novel, A Woman of Substance, published in 1979, stayed on the New York Times list for 43 weeks and, to date, has sold 30 million copies.
Bradford inspired millions of readers with her portrayals of gutsy, strong-willed women who succeed in life despite facing all manner of endless obstacles.
Commenting on her passing, her publisher and editor Lynne Drew said: “Dominating the bestseller lists, she broke new ground with her sweeping epic novels spanning generations, novels which were resolutely not romances, and she epitomised the woman of substance she created, particularly with her ruthless work ethic.”
The Express pays tribute to Barbara Taylor Bradford’s passing with a countdown of the author’s top-nine books. Read on to see which one is number one…. and it isn’t A Woman of Substance!
9. Emma’s Secret (2003)
A welcome return for Taylor Bradford’s original heroine Emma Harte, the female protagonist of A Woman of Substance, as seen through her wartime diaries read by granddaughter Paula O’ Neill. A wonderful comforting hug of a book, with the chance to spend time with all your favourite characters while discovering new secrets.
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8. Damaged (2018)
One of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s shorter books, Damaged is the perfect introduction for readers who are short on time but want a dive-deep into domestic drama. It tells the story of Allison Jones who struggles to escape her overprotective family, until Mike walks into her life.
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7. To Be the Best (1988)
Paula O’Neill is still trying to keep Emma’s vision alive in the third part of the Harte dynasty series with Bradford upping the ante, and the stakes, in the drama as she moves the action beyond Yorkshire to America and Hong Kong. Another thrilling page-turner from Taylor Bradford.
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6. Voice of the Heart (1983)
Flawed heroines and life’s hard lessons sit at the heart of this bold novel. Readers follow Katherine Tempest from aspiring actress to Hollywood leading lady with a determination and ruthlessness to succeed at all costs. A deliciously long book by Taylor Bradford, and uneven in parts, but nonetheless with two strong female leads you’ll take to heart.
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