A Woman of Substance

Rating:
Summary: A Brilliant Read
Review: A Woman of Substance is the story of Emma Harte, an English woman who starts life out in poverty-like conditions and rises above it to become one of the richest women in the world. The story starts out in New York in 1968 where the reader is introduced to Emma and her granddaughter Paula. It then progresses to England in the current day (1968) where Emma settles down to do some family business. The book then goes back to Emma's childhood in England in the early 1900's. Emma is a maid at Fairley Hall, a job she hates but must perform to help the family finances. Something then happens that causes Emma to have to leave home and fend for herself. Being a strong person she doesn't dwell in self-pity. Instead she uses her mind and her natural talent at business to start the store that will later turn into a major empire.

A Woman of Substance is a well-written book. I must agree with other reviewers that the first part is a bit confusing and doesn't really do much except to set up the scene to take the reader back into Emma's childhood to see her rise to fortune. I honestly didn't think I would like this book during Part 1 but kept reading. Ultimately I was glad I didn't give up on this book as it is extremely entertaining and well worth the time to read. There are a lot of characters in the book to keep straight. Once figured out though the characters all have an important part in the book.

I can't say enough about this wonderful book. It is just brilliant. It has everything from poverty to fortune, love to hatred, revenge, friendship, laughter, tears. Every emotion possible is revealed during the 900 plus pages of this book.

A Woman of Substance is a must read book. Definitely a book to put on the keeper shelf to revisit in the future.

Rating:
Summary: I'm a non-reader and couldn't put this book down.
Review: I watch more TV than I read, but Barbara Taylor Bradford has changed my thinking. I specifically am searching for her books now, because "A Woman of Substance" really grabbed me.

I laughed and I cried and I was really shocked. When I got near the end of the book, I did not want the story to end.

I could really feel the friendships with Emma and Blackie. They were always there for eachother through everything. They're relationship moved me.

And the book was very inspiring for me as a woman. She didn't wimp out and kept fighting for what she wanted and what she earned.

Rating:
Summary: A Book of Substance!
Review: This book will have you avoiding housework, the kids' carpools, and making dinner. It's one of my favorites! (In fact, it's time to re-read!) The characters are fully developed, the story is rich.... what more could you want?