Barbara Taylor Bradford OBE (10 May 1933 – 24 November 2024) was a British-American best-selling novelist. Her debut novel, A Woman of Substance, was published in 1979 and sold over 30 million copies worldwide.[1] She wrote 40 novels, often about young women of humble beginnings who rise through their hard work in business. Her books were translated into 40 languages and sold more than 90 million copies; ten of her books were also adapted as television miniseries and television movies. Her commercial success amassed a large fortune and she was awarded several honorary degrees and made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her literary contributions.

A Woman of Substance (1979) Hold the Dream (1985) To Be the Best (1988) Emma's Secret (2003) Unexpected Blessings (2005) Just Rewards (2005) Breaking the Rules (2009] A Man of Honour (2021)

Bradford received honorary degrees from the University of Leeds, the University of Bradford, Mount St. Mary's College, Sienna College, and Post University. She was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II as part of the 2007 Birthday Honours for her contributions to literature. Her original manuscripts are archived at the Brotherton Library at the University of Leeds beside those of the Brontë sisters. In 1990 she was the subject of This Is Your Life where she was surprised by Michael Aspel at Heathrow Airport.[18] In 2017, Taylor Bradford was recognised as one of ninety "Great Britons" to commemorate the Queen's 90th birthday.