Rating: 
Summary: Yawn
Review: A cliche ridden melodrama. The dialogue is predictable and wooden; the characters are stiff renditions of type casting. How many times does she use the phrase, "Bred in the bone?" Or how about saying a flatterer has kissed the Blarney stone? Oh puhleeze! The quality of prose is on the same level as any pulpy bodice ripper.
Rating: 
Summary: Emma's Return Leaves You Hanging
Review: After months of waiting, I just picked up Emma's Secret last night. It took me a whole day, but I managed to read the entire epic with minimal distraction. All I can say is WOW!Aside from getting a peek a Emma Harte's life during the war years, this book is really about the next generation. And Barbara Taylor delivers another classic page-turner in the spirit of A Woman of Substance. Few authors, if any can build a story like Mrs. Bradford. She is classy, descriptive and makes you feel as though you were right there in the room with the characters. Emma's Secret is no different. But what is different from this book, as compared with others from her recent past is the element of suspense and uncertainty. Unlike earlier books that stand alone, this one resolves a family secret, then leaves a major mystery for undoubtedly another sequel. Anyone who enjoyed A Woman of Substance (which has probably sold more copies than Shakespeare), will be entertained by Emma's Secret. It is Barbara Taylor Bradford at the very top of her game!
Rating: 
Summary: The secret is there is no story
Review: Any book that cannot stand on it's own should not be written. I found the characters totally confusing. They suddenly appear and it is presumed the reader knows who they are and their relationship to each other. I quit in the middle due to complete frustration.
Rating:
Summary: The secret is there is no story
Review: Any book that cannot stand on it's own should not be written. I found the characters totally confusing. They suddenly appeared and the reader is presumed to know who they are. I quit in the middle due to complete frustration.
Rating:
Summary: She's Done It Again...
Review: Barbara Taylor Bradford is simply unlike no other, when it comes to churning out modern classics. I bought my copy of Emma's Secret on the morning of its release (January 6th), after many months of anticipation. And despite the hype and the years between Emma Harte sequels, this book does not dissapoint. Don't be misled by the title. Emma's Secret is more about Emma's grandkids than about the family matriarch. But enjoyably, the next generation bears a great resemblance to Emma, Blackie and the cast from A Woman of Substance. Plus, you do get the whole flashback section from Emma's diaries - which is great. Barbara Taylor Bradford makes the English languge dance in the tradition of Oscar Wilde. She has such a knack for describing scenes and giving each character his or her own voice. Emma's Secret follows in that tradition. This is now Barbara's 19th novel and while nothing may ever equal the sheer impact of A Woman of Substance, Emma's Secret is at least the equal of such bestsellers as Hold The Dream, or To Be The Best. I simply couldn't put it down until I'd absorbed every word. And now I long for what happens next.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Emma Returns
Review: Emma Harte is back! But that is hardly the whole story here. Barbara Taylor Bradford has written a most satisfying continuation to the saga that began with A Woman of Substance. Combining the next generation of Harte's and O'Neils with earlier flashbacks of Emma and Blackie, this book is sure to captivate any BTB fan/reader. The best aspect of Emma Harte's return is the fact that she is not brought back to life in 'soap opera' fashion. Instead, Barbara cleverly revives her legendary heroine through the discovery of her wartime diaries. It is in this segment of the story that a shocking family secret is discovered. Who can nitpick with the small detail that the secret is actually not Emma's, but another member of her family. This is a stupendous effort to add another chapter to a brilliant saga for all generations. Fans who have not yet read A Woman of Substance, Hold The Dream and To Be The Best are encouraged to do so. Emma's Secret is the 4th book in this series.
Rating:
Summary: Legendary Emma
Review: Emma Harte is one of the great fictional characters ever created. The heroine of A Woman of Substance is a timeless, spirited woman who has inspired a generation to blend a career with a family life. When I learned that Barbara Taylor Bradford was going to bring back Emma Harte in a new novel, I must admit that I was troubled. How could Emma Harte return from the dead and live to endure another family saga? I shouldn't have worried! Emma's Secret is a worthy sequel of one of the greatest books ever written. Without ruining the plot, Emma doesn't actually come back from the dead. She does however figure prominently in the storyline. And her secret will come as a great surprise for those who thought they knew everything about the Harte family. Emma's Secret stands alone as an excellent novel, though it wouldn't hurt to have read the earlier three books in the legendary series. We can't wait to read the next installment, to be called Unexpected Blessings.
Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful Book
Review: Emma's Secret is a beautifully written book about the dynasty of the legendary Harte family. Although it is a sequel to a classic series, one does not need to have read the earlier books to appreciate this new novel. There is enough 'Emma' to satisfy those who have adored the books in this series, which began with 'A Woman of Substance.' However, this book does stand alone as a great story by itself. As an avid reader, this is the best new novel I have read in many months.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Follow Up
Review: Emma's Secret is one of the best books I've ever read. Barbara Taylor Bradford has out done herself with this addition to the "Woman of Substance" saga. Read it.
Rating:
Summary: 'Emma' Leaves You Hanging, Breathlessly
Review: Emma's Secret is really an outstanding book by one of my all-time favorite authors. Although the story is about Emma Harte and her legacy, don't expect A Woman of Substance. But do plan for a wonderful novel about a new generation of characters, plus a cliffhanger of sorts. Anyone who enjoys a good family saga, a novel of romance, or of women's empowerment will love Emma's Secret.
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