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audiobooks_sweettea's review against another edition
4.0
I remember many moons ago (I won't tell you just how MANY moons ago...) seeing my mama reading books at night. When asked what she was reading, she would say "a Barbara Taylor Bradford" novel. From that moment on, I knew I would love BTB because my beloved mama loved her. And, I was right. When I pick up a Bradford novel, I am instantly taken to the heart of what she's writing, wrapped up in the most amazing of plot lines and taken on a whirl wind ride.
This family saga is one that I fell in love with wholly. From the first page, to the last, from the plot line to the amazing cast of characters in this novel. Being taken on a journey along side Emma was breathtaking. I felt all her feelings as if they were my own. Reading about her time as young Emma, all the way up to her time as a mother, I felt every powerful bit of this novel.
If you want a quick read, you won't get it with this one. But, if you want one that will keep calling to you, keep you coming back for more, turning page after page, then this is absolutely the one you need. Reading this novel, really made me feel as if my mama was sitting next to me, telling me what she loved about Bradford's novels. I definitely recommend this magnificently seasoned author's novel to all who want a masterfully written romance novel. I'm so glad to have read this one again!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*This review was originally posted on Cover To Cover Cafe
This family saga is one that I fell in love with wholly. From the first page, to the last, from the plot line to the amazing cast of characters in this novel. Being taken on a journey along side Emma was breathtaking. I felt all her feelings as if they were my own. Reading about her time as young Emma, all the way up to her time as a mother, I felt every powerful bit of this novel.
If you want a quick read, you won't get it with this one. But, if you want one that will keep calling to you, keep you coming back for more, turning page after page, then this is absolutely the one you need. Reading this novel, really made me feel as if my mama was sitting next to me, telling me what she loved about Bradford's novels. I definitely recommend this magnificently seasoned author's novel to all who want a masterfully written romance novel. I'm so glad to have read this one again!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*This review was originally posted on Cover To Cover Cafe
emmaarthur's review against another edition
5.0
After being told I was named after this character all my life I finally decided to read it and I was not disappointed. While at times it was hard to get through yet another death or betrayal, I found myself so fixated in this character who endured it all. this will be a book which will stay with me for a long time
booksuperpower's review
5.0
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
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
mjbeens's review
1.0
There's a good story in here somewhere, a story built on feminism and ambition, and some drama in there too for good measure, it's just buried under hundreds and thousands of unnecessary words. This book is some 800 pages long.. never a bad thing of course but it really could have done with some cutting down. The writing style is very romance novel style, reading it felt like an American soap opera.
I got to page 415 (out of 830) at which point I declared NO MORE! I tried, I really did, but I am just going to cheat and read Wikipedia for the remaining storyline so that I am informed enough for book club!
I got to page 415 (out of 830) at which point I declared NO MORE! I tried, I really did, but I am just going to cheat and read Wikipedia for the remaining storyline so that I am informed enough for book club!
katelyn220's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
mohogan2063's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this book when I read it in the early 1980s. Take right turns, only.
chels82's review
3.0
OK, I enjoyed this book, won't dispute that. However, Emma annoyed me. I felt like all she cared about was money and revenge. And I get it. She came from nothing, obviously wanted to make something of herself and secure a future for her kids. Sure. But to me she was cold hearted, and ultimately didn't even really care about the kids. I found this book a bit of hard slog, and maybe struggled as my values are clearly different to Emma Harte's. A strong woman, but not my kind. I didn't like her, which made it difficult to like the story too much. Most likely won't read any more of the series.
kerveros's review
3.0
I honestly can't recall if I read the book or saw the adaptation of the book first, but either way I find both a real pleasure.
I've certainly seen the adaption a few more times than I have read the book and it is thanks to that that I only ever see Liam Neeson as Blackie and Jenny Seagrove/Deborah Kerr as Emma when I read this. I honestly think the adaptation is one of the best ones I have seen and if you are a fan of the book I strongly recomend you check out the mini-series. For something made in 1985 it is still really good today.
As for the book itself, although I find parts of it early on to be a bit of a dullness, overall it is a really fascinating story. It doesn't really break new ground, we have the poor person reaching for the stars and making it, the gentry knocking up the staff, star-crossed lovers, war time drama and romance, conniving children - you can get any combination of these in a multitude of books but what the author does here is weave them together in such a way that you forget you are reading a well known path - it feels new, refreshing and by jove if you don't end up rooting for Emma to succeed throughout it.
I will echo a few other reviewers of the book and say it is rather description heavy, so if you dislike books like that then this may not be for you. That said, if you can survive the multitude of descriptions of different rooms, towns, clothes and so on, you have a book that makes it incredibly easy for you to picture mentally. And yet it honestly does feel like the author is describing these things and not telling you - a knack not many people have.
The characters feel real and well-realised as well - though not many of their flaws are shown you know that they have them. And the situations they are in feel realistic as well - how many people even in this day and age feel like they should be in a relationship because of safety needs like Emma and her first husband? Or live in loveless (or one sided love) marriages? In the work side, how many people graft and pay attention and are able to profit from their hard work? How many others take their inheritance and squander it away? Nothing in this really rings as untrue to me and I think that is what helps make it such a great story - you can almost believe it happened.
I think this is the third time I have read A Woman of Substance, and despite knowing what the outcome is I still really enjoyed reading it. I even, for the first time, picked up on the fact that Paul's father worked with the Fairleys, and was even waited on by Emma during her time as a servant. It's an interesting addition, totally unnecessary for the plot really, but I think it really shows just how far Emma goes - from waiting on a man's father, to being his son's equal in business.
I believe I have read the next book (or two) in the series, but didn't enjoy them so much - honestly I think this book is perfectly fine as a stand-alone, you don't need to know what happens after the will reading ( mainly because I know Blackie dies... and that's just sad as he is awesome ) or to know the full details of Emma's life that isn't covered here. There are downsides to knowing too much, so I would honestly say that if you really enjoyed this book don't feel you have to read the others - for me they lessen the story that is told here.
I've certainly seen the adaption a few more times than I have read the book and it is thanks to that that I only ever see Liam Neeson as Blackie and Jenny Seagrove/Deborah Kerr as Emma when I read this. I honestly think the adaptation is one of the best ones I have seen and if you are a fan of the book I strongly recomend you check out the mini-series. For something made in 1985 it is still really good today.
As for the book itself, although I find parts of it early on to be a bit of a dullness, overall it is a really fascinating story. It doesn't really break new ground, we have the poor person reaching for the stars and making it, the gentry knocking up the staff, star-crossed lovers, war time drama and romance, conniving children - you can get any combination of these in a multitude of books but what the author does here is weave them together in such a way that you forget you are reading a well known path - it feels new, refreshing and by jove if you don't end up rooting for Emma to succeed throughout it.
I will echo a few other reviewers of the book and say it is rather description heavy, so if you dislike books like that then this may not be for you. That said, if you can survive the multitude of descriptions of different rooms, towns, clothes and so on, you have a book that makes it incredibly easy for you to picture mentally. And yet it honestly does feel like the author is describing these things and not telling you - a knack not many people have.
The characters feel real and well-realised as well - though not many of their flaws are shown you know that they have them. And the situations they are in feel realistic as well - how many people even in this day and age feel like they should be in a relationship because of safety needs like Emma and her first husband? Or live in loveless (or one sided love) marriages? In the work side, how many people graft and pay attention and are able to profit from their hard work? How many others take their inheritance and squander it away? Nothing in this really rings as untrue to me and I think that is what helps make it such a great story - you can almost believe it happened.
I think this is the third time I have read A Woman of Substance, and despite knowing what the outcome is I still really enjoyed reading it. I even, for the first time, picked up on the fact that Paul's father worked with the Fairleys, and was even waited on by Emma during her time as a servant. It's an interesting addition, totally unnecessary for the plot really, but I think it really shows just how far Emma goes - from waiting on a man's father, to being his son's equal in business.
I believe I have read the next book (or two) in the series, but didn't enjoy them so much - honestly I think this book is perfectly fine as a stand-alone, you don't need to know what happens after the will reading (