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Audiobooks > Fiction >  Contemporary Women > Unexpected Blessings: A Novel of the Harte Family

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Extended Audio Sample Unexpected Blessings: A Novel of the Harte Family Audiobook, by Barbara Taylor Bradford Click for printable size audiobook cover
3.23 out of 53.23 out of 53.23 out of 53.23 out of 53.23 out of 5 3.23 (43 ratings) (rate this audio book) Author: Barbara Taylor Bradford Narrator: Kate Burton Publisher: Macmillan Audio Format: Abridged Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download Audio Length: Related: The Harte Family Saga Release Date: January 2005 ISBN: 9781593976491
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The new blockbuster from one of the world's greatest storytellers delves into the life of Emma Harte--the original Woman of Substance--and the ambitious, passionate, and volatile women of the next generations.

Evan, Tessa, Linnet, and India: four remarkable women. Three generations of Hartes. One indomitable family whose loyalty binds them together and whose enemies want to tear them apart.

Evan Hughes, Emma's American great-granddaughter, is trying to integrate into the powerful Harte family. She is caught between her estranged parents, her new family, and her new love. But a dangerous enemy hovers in the background.

Tessa Longden, Evan's cousin, is battling her husband for custody of their daughter, Adele. When Adele suddenly goes missing, Tessa is forced to seek help from her half-sister Linnet-a woman who has been her rival all their lives.

Linnet, the most brilliant businesswoman of the four great-granddaughters, is desperately trying to show that she is the natural heir to her mother, Paula. But her glittering future at the helm of the vast Harte empire means many sacrifices, perhaps even the loss of her sister's fragile trust.

And India Standish, the traditionalist in the family, falls in love with a famous British artist from a working-class background. Madly in love, India is determined to marry him, no matter what her family thinks.

It is Evan who finds new perspective about her own life from the revelations in letters that Emma wrote to Evan's grandmother decades ago. But they may come too late....

As conflict and danger swirl around the Harte women, someone is pulling the strings to make sure none of them finds happiness. Who among them will rise to the challenges as only a true Harte can do? This latest dramatic story in the ongoing saga of an extraordinary family dynasty is full of love, passion, jealousy, and ambition. It is Barbara Taylor Bradford at her inimitable best.

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Quotes & Awards

  • “Bradford gives her readers more of what she does best--strong, savvy female protagonists who relentlessly pursue great destinies, characters much like the author herself…well-written and full of emotion…completely riveting…the plot, while always complex, has suspenseful moments to keep the pace sharp…good reading…Unexpected Blessings clearly shows why Bradford is still the premier writer of family sagas. Miami New Times

  • The exploits and adventures of Bradford's indomitable heroines continue to make for lusty escapist fiction in this robust fifth novel in the series. Publishers Weekly
  • The enduring theme of family loyalty ennobles the Harte family saga and raises it to a heartwarming crescendo that longtime fans will appreciate. New readers will relish it as well. Book Page
  • Bradford enthralls readers.... Once again, readers will get swept up in the lives and loves of the Harte family. RT Book Reviews
  • I grew up in England with the radio. television hadn't really come to us, So the radio was a great friend. hearing an audiobook is in a sense going back to my childhood and listening. Since I'm writing all the time and using glasses and staring at words on paper, it's nice to close my eyes and just get carried away.... The experience is enhanced by a good voice to listen to. Barbara Taylor Bradford on audiobooks
  • Kate Burton's pleasing voice and impeccable diction precisely capture the mood, convincing accents, and personalities of the ultra-rich and famous. She handles sibling rivalries and romantic intrigues with finesse. AudioFile on Emma's Secret (Abridged)
  • The grandiose saga of power, passion, friendship, and haute couture continues the story of Emma Harte, first introduced in A Woman of Substance (1994). Narrator kate Reading deftly uses a variety of British and American accents to represent numerous characters from a variety of economic social strata. Booklist on Emma's Secret (Unabridged)
  • Readers who loved A Woman of Substance will enjoy Emma's Secret. Denver Post on Barbara Taylor Bradford and Emma's Secret
  • Promises to tantalize, mesmerize, and titillate readers of all ages. It has all the Bradford touches: strong and swift plot, hints of secrets about to be revealed...spellbinding...destined to fly off bookseller's racks and be passed around many book clubs. It is a darn good read. Roanoke Times on Barbara Taylor Bradford and Emma's Secret
  • It will be...appreciated by those with an irresistible desire to follow the further adventures of the Harte clan. Publishers Weekly on Barbara Taylor Bradford and Emma's Secret
  • You're certain these are living, breathing people. USA Weekend on Barbara Taylor Bradford and Emma's Secret
  • An extravagant, absorbing novel of love, courage, ambition, war, death, and passion. The New York Times on A Woman of Substance
  • Barbara Taylor Bradford is the storyteller of substance. The Times (London) on Barbara Taylor Bradford and Emma's Secret

Listener Opinions

  • 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Rebecca | 2/18/2014

    " Granddaughter Finds Love. "

  • 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Laurie | 2/16/2014

    " An interesting love story, because I listened to it on books on tape, the accents were great! The story is a bit too romance novelish for me, predictable plot. But good flu "

  • 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Manuela | 2/12/2014

    " Vedi commento a "Il segreto di Emma". Inutile. "

  • 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Carol | 2/10/2014

    " She writes exceptional books. This is one continuing with the Emma Harte family. I thought it was great. Could not stop reading it. Highly recomment anything she wrties. "

  • 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Phoebe223 | 2/3/2014

    " I need to take more time to look for books that actually interest me. "

  • 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Angela Lynn Holland | 1/13/2014

    " I liked this book alot. This has been a very good series to read. I love how close all the families are and liked the addition of a new member. "

  • 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Pbwritr | 12/5/2013

    " I don't know how she is a bestselling author. Poorly drawn characters. Overly dramatized--most of the writing was "telling," not showing. Very annoying. Too much telling the reader how we should feel about the characters, especially her "villains." "

  • 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Ashley | 12/2/2013

    " I did not finish reading this book. The character development was decent, but the plot was not exciting at all to me. I think there are many better books to read than this one! "

  • 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Mirah W | 12/1/2013

    " Good read...in the Emma Harte series. Some of the later books aren't as good as the original few in the series. "

  • 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Christie | 11/28/2013

    " Four extraordinary women with their battles to fight. At the face of trouble they try to cope with it and over come it. "

  • 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Anne | 11/1/2013

    " A nice continuation to the Woman of Substance series of books. I really wish these last few books had a movie to go with them! Currently waiting for the movie to come in the mail from A Woman of Substance. "

  • 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Jeanie | 11/1/2013

    " Wow! I found a whole new series to read. Even though I started on number 5. "

  • 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Sheryl | 8/29/2013

    " Not much of a story at all. Can't really believe I listened to the whole thing. "

  • 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Jen | 5/15/2013

    " Really enjoyed this book, it is part of a series and I plan to read the rest of the books now. About a woman who grew up in US that travels to England to reconnect with her grandmother's past. "

  • 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Connie | 4/27/2013

    " 5th in Emmar Harte series. This was mostly about Evan, Linnett, India and Tessa. It appears everyone is getting married. Jonathon wasn't in this one as much, but Tessa has met a Frenchman and plans to marry him even though a bit older then her. I think she might move to France. "

  • 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Jencey/ | 10/29/2012

    " I love the new generation of Emma Harte's family. "

  • 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 JanieceK | 7/26/2012

    " I think the Emma Harte saga has run its course. "

  • 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 J Susanne | 5/11/2012

    " Another one that I did not want to end... "

  • 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Kristen | 5/5/2012

    " This is a great new book in the Emma Harte series, when there's four others and a new one next summer, to follow and conclude the saga, once and for all. Great romance, drama, and lots of bits and action for a good read. You'll enjoy this next book in the series. "

  • 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Tania Easton | 3/10/2012

    " I'm still loving the Hartes "

  • 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Tanya Richter | 2/23/2012

    " The extended Harte family goes through love, loss, and triumph in this edition of the Emma Harte series. A much lighter read than its forebears, but still delightful. "

  • 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Denice Hogan | 12/29/2011

    " Haven't read many of her books but this was good. Interesting following the family lines in England/Ireland. "

  • 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Cassidy | 8/22/2011

    " I love these easy reads. Not much to it, but really easy to get away and get involved. "

  • 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Myrna | 7/29/2011

    " I loved this book ... fun continuation of the Emma Harte Saga. My only complaint was a couple of "R-rated" scenes in the book. I always wish the writer would leave a little more to the imagination rather than be so descriptive. "

  • 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Otilia | 6/9/2011

    " So far...not bad. "

  • 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Kitty | 5/6/2011

    " A third generation of strong women continue as a force to be reckoned with. Unexpected twists in the storyline kept me engrossed. Not high drama, but continued interest generated. More turtle than hare, but a good read. "

  • 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Christine Sarkauskas | 4/13/2011

    " I loved this book, and I am hooked on Barbara Taylor Bradford emma heart story. I am in the mist of reading the first 4 books in the series! "

  • 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Isobel | 3/26/2011

    " Embarassed to admit that I read this on holiday. I was drawn to it for obvious reasons by the title!! "

  • 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Manuela | 3/8/2011

    " Vedi commento a "Il segreto di Emma". Inutile.

    "

  • 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Christine | 1/30/2011

    " I loved this book, and I am hooked on Barbara Taylor Bradford emma heart story. I am in the mist of reading the first 4 books in the series! "

  • 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Sheryl | 10/2/2010

    " Not much of a story at all. Can't really believe I listened to the whole thing. "

  • 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Phoebe223 | 5/3/2010

    " I need to take more time to look for books that actually interest me. "

  • 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Pbwritr | 2/9/2010

    " I don't know how she is a bestselling author. Poorly drawn characters. Overly dramatized--most of the writing was "telling," not showing. Very annoying. Too much telling the reader how we should feel about the characters, especially her "villains." "

  • 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Christie | 9/9/2009

    " Four extraordinary women with their battles to fight. At the face of trouble they try to cope with it and over come it. "

  • 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Janiece | 7/12/2009

    " I think the Emma Harte saga has run its course. "

  • 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Angela Lynn | 5/24/2009

    " I liked this book alot. This has been a very good series to read. I love how close all the families are and liked the addition of a new member. "

  • 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Kristen | 12/24/2008

    " This is a great new book in the Emma Harte series, when there's four others and a new one next summer, to follow and conclude the saga, once and for all. Great romance, drama, and lots of bits and action for a good read. You'll enjoy this next book in the series. "

  • 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Ashley | 12/22/2008

    " I did not finish reading this book. The character development was decent, but the plot was not exciting at all to me. I think there are many better books to read than this one! "

  • 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Jencey | 11/15/2008

    " I love the new generation of Emma Harte's family. "

  • 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Kitty | 10/3/2008

    " A third generation of strong women continue as a force to be reckoned with. Unexpected twists in the storyline kept me engrossed. Not high drama, but continued interest generated. More turtle than hare, but a good read. "

  • 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 SusanS | 7/16/2008

    " It's been a long time since I enjoyed any part of the Emma Harte series. This is a very easy book to read. If you haven't read any of the others, I would suggest that you start at the beginning. "

  • 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Cassidy | 3/2/2008

    " I love these easy reads. Not much to it, but really easy to get away and get involved. "

  • 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Laurie | 10/21/2007

    " An interesting love story, because I listened to it on books on tape, the accents were great! The story is a bit too romance novelish for me, predictable plot. But good flu "

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About the Author
Author Barbara Taylor Bradford

Barbara Taylor Bradford, bestselling author, was born and raised in England where she started her writing career as a journalist. She has written numerous international bestsellers, and a dozen of her novels have made the New York Times bestsellers list, including Hold the Dream, which made the New York Times list of #1 bestsellers. Several of her books have been made into television miniseries.

About the Narrator

Kate Burton, winner of four Earphones Awards for narration, is best known for her work on Broadway in Hedda Gabler, The Elephant Man, The Constant Wife, and Spring Awakening, as well as on television in Grey’s Anatomy and Empire Falls. Her films include Big Trouble in Little China, The Ice Storm, Unfaithful, and Remember Me. She played the title role in Alice in Wonderland with her father, Richard Burton, on PBS.

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