Just Rewards

BT Bradford is my favorite author so I enjoy every one of her books. This one was especially good.

As usual Barbara Taylor Bradford finds a way to entwine new character's into the story to keep it going...I found myself not wanting this book to end as I did the other's. Without giving away the story line, I'll say I was surprised at some of the changes in the live's of the main characters. AND I wouldn't be SURPRISED if we haven't heard the last of this family's trials and trivia's.

I have read all six books in the saga of Emma Harte. I loved Just Rewards, just felt sorry that it was the end. I'm hoping that maybe she will add another book to the saga. She is my favorite author.

What is the one thing that women know, and know well? You guessed it...shopping! So who better to run a retail empire than a family of women? Strong, determined, confident women, that is. The descendants of Emma Harte could be no less. Running an empire, however, is no easy job, and while these women love their work and take pride in growing and maintaining the empire begun by their illustrious matriarch, no empire can survive without its share of intrigue and drama. It is this kind of drama that makes the reader want more. From their first appearance in 1979 in A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE to this sixth (and final) installment in the riveting family saga, I love the Hartes! By now I feel like I know them personally and want to find out what's going on in their lives. That's what JUST REWARDS gives us a chance to do. Barbara Taylor Bradford drew me in immediately with the story of Emma Harte. Who doesn't love a rags-to-riches story? Who wouldn't love the story of a servant, impregnated by the son of the manor and then abandoned, who climbs one step after another until she's at the top of the heap? Add the beautiful Yorkshire countryside of England and the big city drama of London, and you have quite a novel. In JUST REWARDS, the main players are the fourth generation Hartes, the great-granddaughters of Emma Harte. Tessa, Linnet, Evan and India are the main players in this installment; they are marrying, giving birth and trying to find that balance as most women do today between family and career. As much happiness as there is in the lives of these four women, all is not smooth. An ugly specter from the past rears his head in the form of Jonathan Ainsley, Emma's grandson and uncle to the girls. While family and tradition may be the main theme for most members of the Harte family, revenge is the only thing with which Jonathan is concerned. As is the case in so many books, the question here is whether good will triumph over evil and what damage might be done in the meantime if and before the good guys win. Bradford gives us what so many authors don't these days: a sense of family, a sense of tradition, and a glimpse into the life of the rich and famous. Fans of Bradford will be delighted to reacquaint themselves with tried-and-true favorites from her previous novels. But even a reader new to the Hartes will enjoy this book as the author gives us enough history to acquaint us with the past but in a style that never bores. --- Reviewed by Amie Taylor

Platinum penned Barbara Taylor Bradford has written the last in her Harte family series, which began with A Woman of Substance in 1979. Terry Donnelly, who reads the Unabridged version, and Kate Burton, who reads the Abridged edition, should both be dubbed golden voices. Well remembered for her vocal performances of Emma's Secret and Unexpected Blessings, Burton needs no introduction. Daughter of Richard Burton she has numerous stage performances to her credit and delivers Bradford's stories with cool, crisp diction in an enjoyable to hear voice. Familiar to TV audiences through her appearances on Law and Order, The Irish and How They Got That Way, plus others, Terry Donnelly possesses a stage trained voice that is perfectly suited to Bradford's unconquerable women. With Just Rewards we find Emma Harte's descendants, most notably her great-granddaughter, Linnet O'Neill, who despite some family opposition wants to bring the family business up to date. Her hopes are entwined with her sister's attempts to begin life anew after divorce, one cousin is planning a posh wedding, and another introduces trouble. Bradford fans will find the conclusion to this romantic saga irresistible, especially as delivered by Burton and Donnelly. - Gail Cooke