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.
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.