Barbara Taylor Bradford, the famed author of A Woman of Substance, has died at 91. Her 1979 debut sold over 30 million copies, inspired seven sequels, and became a hit TV series. With 40 novels published, she became one of the world’s most beloved storytellers.

Tributes highlighted her impact. Lynne Drew, her longtime editor, called her “an inspiration for millions of readers and countless writers,” while HarperCollins CEO Charlie Redmayne remembered her as “a natural storyteller” and “a great, great friend.”

Born in Leeds, England, Bradford showed talent early, publishing her first story at 10. By 15, she worked at the Yorkshire Evening Post, secretly slipping in her own stories before becoming the paper’s only female reporter.

In her 40s, she turned to fiction, portraying women as strong and resilient. She explained she never meant to create “woman warriors,” but characters of courage and determination.

Her novels, including Hold the Dream and Master of His Fate, continue to inspire generations.