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A Woman of Substance
- Emma Harte, Book 1
- Narrated by: Bea Holland
- Series: Emma Harte, Book 1
- Length: 35 hrs and 24 mins
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction
Non-member price: $42.14
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Publisher's Summary
The gripping multimillion-copy best seller charting the rags to riches story of Emma Harte.
In 1905 a young kitchen maid leaves Fairley Hall. Emma Harte is 16, 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?
A Woman of Substance is as impossible to pause as it is to forget. This multimillion-copy best seller is truly a novel of our times.
Critic Reviews
"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)
"As romantic and thrilling as the rest." ( Independent on Sunday)
"Another great yarn from the ultimate storyteller." ( The Sun)
"An extravagant, absorbing novel of love, courage, ambition, war, death and passion." ( New York Times)
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What listeners say about A Woman of Substance
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Samantha
- 08-09-2020
Sensational book
An addictive storyline that is beautifully narrated with excellent accents for each character. can't wait to listen to the sequel!
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- Anonymous User
- 24-04-2020
One of the best books
I absolutely loved this book, I found myself caught up in it , I laughed, smiled , and very tearful at times , I just loved this story and how well the narrator told it
Looking forward to listening to more Barbara Taylor Bradford books ... thank you 😊 tho I’m kinda sad now this one is finished
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- LM Holzman
- 21-11-2018
Enthralling
It held my attention from beginning
to to the end a truly remarkable book.I can't wait to read the sequel.
1 person found this helpful
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- Gail J Elverd
- 24-01-2021
Pure escapism!
Interesting characters! Good story! Somewhat exaggerated prose, a written soap opera. I enjoyed getting lost in the saga💖🙏
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- Michele Coleman
- 13-06-2020
Narration was Amazing
I had read this book many years ago, but Bea Holland’s narration just brought it to life
Wonderful
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- Kindle Customer
- 17-07-2017
Brilliant story really well read
I've always loved this story. I was very impressed with the narration which really brought the charts to life.
4 people found this helpful
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- bunce2659
- 07-02-2019
Excellent read
Due to poor eyesight i have trouble reading the printed books. I last read this book in the 1980's
It was a great delight to find this on audio. I enjoyed this immensely, from Emma as a young lass to the head of her empire. I especially like the way she put one over her treacherous children, at least she the love of her grandchildren.
It was well written me i can't wait to listen to her next book.
3 people found this helpful
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- Deiana
- 27-08-2017
Unput downable
Loved it!!!! Did not want it to end. Grit, determination and hard work shows what can be gained in life
2 people found this helpful
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- Liz D
- 16-05-2020
Revisited
I read this book years and years ago and loved it have now listened to it and enjoyed it just as much
1 person found this helpful
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- carolh
- 13-11-2020
A great yarn
I read this book many years ago but had forgotten some of the story so enjoyed it anew. The narration was a little disappointing but did not detract from the overall experience. Would def recommend
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- Kindle Customer
- 08-11-2020
A real classic, an epic tale of resilience.
I have being hearing about this book for years but its size had always put me off - but having now listened I'm sorry I didn't make more of an effort. Superbly written tale of youth to old age. Narrator was a bit annoying at times with the accents but it didn't really deter from the story, and it really was well narrated.
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- Coco Milone
- 04-10-2020
My new favourite book
I searched high and low for this books name in my mind - I read the first few chapters 15 years ago but then at the book yet it stuck with me so much. It is the most inspiring book, and even though it’s 60 hours long, I DEVOURED it!!!!! Bea Holland is a fantastic narrator and Barbara Taylor Bradford is such an incredible author - I cannot wait to listen to the next instalment.
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- Mrs Ducky
- 24-09-2020
Fantastic
I loved this book, start to finish. Gritty storyline, great characters. sad when it finished
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- Ms. JR Statter
- 16-08-2020
Great yarn, shame about t'narrator
A great story to lose yourself in...a bit predictable and cliched but nothing wrong with that in an entertaining yarn. The problem is with the narrator. Large chunks of the plot are centered around Yorkshire and multiple characters speak with a broad accent and use dialect. Unfortunately the narrator doesn't. It got to the point where I wanted to throw my speaker through the window as it became positively painful listening to her mangle the dialogue. A shame as it spoiled what would have, otherwise, been a thoroughly enjoyable bit of escapism.
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- Pol
- 06-08-2020
A wonderful story covering a lifetime experience of rags to immense wealth
This story covers every changing aspect of an incredible woman showing true Yorkshire grit over 70 years
Romance, enduring friendship,passionate affairs and loveless marriage out of necessity.
Children’s love and hatred, this wonderful story has it all and keeps You spellbound.
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