A Woman of Substance

By: Barbara Taylor Bradford

Narrated by: Bea Holland

Now a major new Channel 4 series starring Brenda Blethyn (Vera) and Jessica Reynolds (Outlander) from OBE‑honoured, award‑winning author Barbara Taylor Bradford

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?

‘Rivals meets Poldark, with a dash of Downton and Dynasty’ Guardian

'Still a story for our times' The Times

‘ [This] blockbuster 1979 period saga of female empowerment has been remade for a new generation' Daily Mail

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

‘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

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

Enthralling from start to finish

Admittedly I'm the few people I know who hadn't read the book , and I've loved every minute of listening to it. Bea Holland , the narrator was brilliant and kept all the characters alive. I can't wait to listen to more.

Breathtaking!!♡

loved every minute ❤️
a must read for sure 👌 👏
exceptional in every way 👏

Narration was Amazing

I had read this book many years ago, but Bea Holland’s narration just brought it to life
Wonderful

Pure escapism!

Interesting characters! Good story! Somewhat exaggerated prose, a written soap opera. I enjoyed getting lost in the saga💖🙏

Enthralling

It held my attention from beginning
to to the end a truly remarkable book.I can't wait to read the sequel.