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Emma Harte Saga #0
A Man of Honor
The prequel to Barbara Taylor Bradford's New York Times bestselling and dazzling saga A Woman of Substance .
Opening five years before the start of A Woman of Substance , A Man of Honor begins with 13-year-old Blackie O’Neill facing an uncertain future in rural County Kerry. Orphaned and alone, he has just buried his sister, Bronagh, and must leave his home to set sail for England, in search of a better life with his mother’s brother in Leeds. There, he learns his trade as a navvy, amid the grand buildings and engineering triumphs of one of England’s most prosperous cities, and starts to dream of greater things... And then, high on the Yorkshire moors, in the mists of a winter morning he meets a kitchen maid called Emma Harte.
In A Man of Honor , the true Blackie O'Neill is revealed. For the first time, readers discover his story: his tumultuous life, the obstacles facing him, the desire he has to throw off the impotence of poverty and move up in the world. Like his friend Emma, he is ambitious, driven, disciplined, and determined to make it to the top. And like Emma Harte, he is an unforgettable character for the millions who loved the book.
Opening five years before the start of A Woman of Substance , A Man of Honor begins with 13-year-old Blackie O’Neill facing an uncertain future in rural County Kerry. Orphaned and alone, he has just buried his sister, Bronagh, and must leave his home to set sail for England, in search of a better life with his mother’s brother in Leeds. There, he learns his trade as a navvy, amid the grand buildings and engineering triumphs of one of England’s most prosperous cities, and starts to dream of greater things... And then, high on the Yorkshire moors, in the mists of a winter morning he meets a kitchen maid called Emma Harte.
In A Man of Honor , the true Blackie O'Neill is revealed. For the first time, readers discover his story: his tumultuous life, the obstacles facing him, the desire he has to throw off the impotence of poverty and move up in the world. Like his friend Emma, he is ambitious, driven, disciplined, and determined to make it to the top. And like Emma Harte, he is an unforgettable character for the millions who loved the book.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published November 16, 2021
321 people are currently reading
4746 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Taylor Bradford
279 books1,926 followersBarbara Taylor Bradford 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. She wrote 40 novels, all bestsellers in the United Kingdom and the United States.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
October 25, 2021
A Man of Honour.
This is the prequel to Woman of Substance and tells the story of Blackie O’Neill from the age of thirteen in Ireland to his decision to move to Leeds to work successfully with his Uncle Patrick and his eventual meeting with Emma Harte on the Yorkshire Moors .... except it isn’t entirely that!
Let’s start with the positives. The character of Blackie stands out, he’s optimistic, likeable, ambitious, kind and a hard working man. The first part is good especially the section in Ireland where there are several likeable characters. There’s a good sense of place especially Leeds, a city I know well, with some good descriptions that make you feel as if you are there. The meeting with Emma is good (at 77%) although we’re on the moors for all of about five minutes!!
However, much as I enjoyed Woman of Substance, that was then, this is now as either my reading preferences have changed or is the book? Probably a combination of the two. It’s marketed as the story of Blackie which to a certain extent it is but we have other storylines that are superfluous and seem to go nowhere such that as of Sir Robert Lassiter. There’s very little drama or plot, it’s largely a descriptive stroll through Yorkshire and London with some food thrown in for good measure and dialogue that’s always great either. Sometimes things perk up and get a bit more interesting then it zooms off somewhere else and you’re left hanging. There are A LOT of characters at times it feels like a cast of 5000 which also leads to repetition.
Overall, I think this would have been great as a novella just featuring Blackie and his eventual meeting with Emma. I’m disappointed as I’d high hopes for this one, it’s not a bad book by any means just not the entertainment I hoped for.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, Harper Fiction for the arc in return for an honest review.
This is the prequel to Woman of Substance and tells the story of Blackie O’Neill from the age of thirteen in Ireland to his decision to move to Leeds to work successfully with his Uncle Patrick and his eventual meeting with Emma Harte on the Yorkshire Moors .... except it isn’t entirely that!
Let’s start with the positives. The character of Blackie stands out, he’s optimistic, likeable, ambitious, kind and a hard working man. The first part is good especially the section in Ireland where there are several likeable characters. There’s a good sense of place especially Leeds, a city I know well, with some good descriptions that make you feel as if you are there. The meeting with Emma is good (at 77%) although we’re on the moors for all of about five minutes!!
However, much as I enjoyed Woman of Substance, that was then, this is now as either my reading preferences have changed or is the book? Probably a combination of the two. It’s marketed as the story of Blackie which to a certain extent it is but we have other storylines that are superfluous and seem to go nowhere such that as of Sir Robert Lassiter. There’s very little drama or plot, it’s largely a descriptive stroll through Yorkshire and London with some food thrown in for good measure and dialogue that’s always great either. Sometimes things perk up and get a bit more interesting then it zooms off somewhere else and you’re left hanging. There are A LOT of characters at times it feels like a cast of 5000 which also leads to repetition.
Overall, I think this would have been great as a novella just featuring Blackie and his eventual meeting with Emma. I’m disappointed as I’d high hopes for this one, it’s not a bad book by any means just not the entertainment I hoped for.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, Harper Fiction for the arc in return for an honest review.
December 12, 2021
I had read A Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford many years ago and although I could not recall all the details about it I remembered really enjoying it. It was no wonder then that I was excited when I saw the audiobook, A Man of Honor. It was described as the prequel to A Woman of Substance. It was well narrated by Aidan Kelly. The characters were rich, full of depth and satisfying. It took place five years prior to the beginning of where A Woman of Substance began. It gave good insight into Blackie O’Neill’s character. His ambition, determination, thoughtfulness and sincerity shone throughout.
Blackie O’Neill was just thirteen years old when his whole world came crashing down on him. He had already lost his mother and father and several siblings when his only remaining sister fell ill and also died. Blackie had become an orphan living in the most dire of times. His home was in rural County Kerry in Ireland. He lived in true poverty and always wondered where his next meal would come from. Blackie was tall and very good looking. He was called Blackie because of his black hair and eyes. It was a nickname that everyone who knew him called him. Luckily for Blackie, his mother’s brother, Patrick, offered to move Blackie to Leeds, England where he lived with his wife and become his guardian. Uncle Patrick offered to bring Blackie into his building business and teach him everything about it so he could eventually partner up with him and they could run the business together. Blackie had had a very hard life up until this pointe but he was determined to learn the business and make his uncle proud of him. His biggest ambition in life was to become a builder of houses and make lots of money. Blackie was on his way to accomplishing all that and more when he was commissioned to a home on the Yorkshire Moors to make some improvements for the gentleman that lived there. That winter morning, Blackie found himself trying to navigate the moors when he feared he was helplessly lost. Luckily, Blackie spotted a figure ahead of him and hoped the figure would help him find his way. The figure that Blackie spotted was a kitchen maid who worked at the home he was trying to get to. That was how Blackie made the acquaintance of Emma Harte. Their lives would be interconnected from that point on. Both would stop at nothing until they had become “a woman of substance and a man of substance”. Their reasons for doing so were very different but neither one of them would stop until they had accomplished that goal for themself.
I enjoyed listening to A Man of Honor by Barbara Taylor Bradford. Now I feel like I must read or listen to A Woman of Substance again. I wonder and kind of hope that Ms. Bradford writes more about some of the lesser characters she included in this book. I am hoping for more books to follow A Man of Honor. It was an inspiring book and I recommend it very highly.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this audiobook through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Blackie O’Neill was just thirteen years old when his whole world came crashing down on him. He had already lost his mother and father and several siblings when his only remaining sister fell ill and also died. Blackie had become an orphan living in the most dire of times. His home was in rural County Kerry in Ireland. He lived in true poverty and always wondered where his next meal would come from. Blackie was tall and very good looking. He was called Blackie because of his black hair and eyes. It was a nickname that everyone who knew him called him. Luckily for Blackie, his mother’s brother, Patrick, offered to move Blackie to Leeds, England where he lived with his wife and become his guardian. Uncle Patrick offered to bring Blackie into his building business and teach him everything about it so he could eventually partner up with him and they could run the business together. Blackie had had a very hard life up until this pointe but he was determined to learn the business and make his uncle proud of him. His biggest ambition in life was to become a builder of houses and make lots of money. Blackie was on his way to accomplishing all that and more when he was commissioned to a home on the Yorkshire Moors to make some improvements for the gentleman that lived there. That winter morning, Blackie found himself trying to navigate the moors when he feared he was helplessly lost. Luckily, Blackie spotted a figure ahead of him and hoped the figure would help him find his way. The figure that Blackie spotted was a kitchen maid who worked at the home he was trying to get to. That was how Blackie made the acquaintance of Emma Harte. Their lives would be interconnected from that point on. Both would stop at nothing until they had become “a woman of substance and a man of substance”. Their reasons for doing so were very different but neither one of them would stop until they had accomplished that goal for themself.
I enjoyed listening to A Man of Honor by Barbara Taylor Bradford. Now I feel like I must read or listen to A Woman of Substance again. I wonder and kind of hope that Ms. Bradford writes more about some of the lesser characters she included in this book. I am hoping for more books to follow A Man of Honor. It was an inspiring book and I recommend it very highly.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this audiobook through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 22, 2021
DNF @ 65%
Back in the 80's one of the best books I had ever read was "A Woman of Substance" by Barbara Taylor Bradford. I remember working at my first real job in the Wall Street area of NYC and having some fellow readers in my office asking to borrow it, who also loved it. I did read some of the successive novels in the series, but they never held up to that special something the first novel had. When I saw this prequel I jumped at the chance to read it, thinking I would love it and finally re-read "A Woman of Substance" afterwards for the first time in decades. However, I was sadly disappointed.
This book centers upon the youthful Irish character of Blackie O'Neill who loomed large in this Emma Harte series, but branches out further into the lives of some parallel characters. I enjoyed reading about Blackie's successful apprenticeship learning to be a builder and architect, but the repeated strange introductions of a few female characters into the story eventually ruined this for me. At the 65% point I encountered a moronic rationale for why a prominent character's wife decided to close the bedroom door in their marriage, and it simultaneously closed the door on my desire to move on any further with this book.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing an advance reader's copy via NetGalley.
Back in the 80's one of the best books I had ever read was "A Woman of Substance" by Barbara Taylor Bradford. I remember working at my first real job in the Wall Street area of NYC and having some fellow readers in my office asking to borrow it, who also loved it. I did read some of the successive novels in the series, but they never held up to that special something the first novel had. When I saw this prequel I jumped at the chance to read it, thinking I would love it and finally re-read "A Woman of Substance" afterwards for the first time in decades. However, I was sadly disappointed.
This book centers upon the youthful Irish character of Blackie O'Neill who loomed large in this Emma Harte series, but branches out further into the lives of some parallel characters. I enjoyed reading about Blackie's successful apprenticeship learning to be a builder and architect, but the repeated strange introductions of a few female characters into the story eventually ruined this for me. At the 65% point I encountered a moronic rationale for why a prominent character's wife decided to close the bedroom door in their marriage, and it simultaneously closed the door on my desire to move on any further with this book.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing an advance reader's copy via NetGalley.
September 19, 2021
A gentle, thoughtful tale of the life of Blackie O'Neill who grew up in Ireland. He had a young life of poverty and loss, losing his mother, father, and sister, and at the young age of 13 travelled to England to apprentice with his Uncle Patrick, a builder. The story chronicles Blackie's growth from child to adult. I found the character enchanting. He had a positive attitude, an affinity for building, a strong moral character, and a generous spirit.
I haven't read a Woman of Substance (published in 1979) yet, but I look forward to it. The character Emma Harte is introduced in this prequel, and she is already a strong, enterprising young woman with many ideas for making money. She and Blackie became friends in this book.
I enjoyed this story set in England and Ireland. Love Blackie's Irish brogue. The plot was not one that was full of action, but the story was more character driven.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on November 16, 2021.
I haven't read a Woman of Substance (published in 1979) yet, but I look forward to it. The character Emma Harte is introduced in this prequel, and she is already a strong, enterprising young woman with many ideas for making money. She and Blackie became friends in this book.
I enjoyed this story set in England and Ireland. Love Blackie's Irish brogue. The plot was not one that was full of action, but the story was more character driven.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on November 16, 2021.
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September 20, 2021I believe I read A Woman of Substance back in the late seventies. I got this from NetGalley hoping for a revisit to a story I remember enjoying. I do think that the author's fans will fall into this blast from the past, but unfortunately I found it really hard going.
Part of the problem was the narrative voice stopping the story repeatedly to tell the reader, in flat, journalistic prose, the history of a character--including after the gist of it had already been shown through scene, creating a sense of repetition, and slowing the pacing to snail speed.
Then there were the scenes in which characters told each other things they already knew, in order to impart yet more information to the reader--and that too often in a kind of Irish dialect that bordered on caricature. I make no claim to being well versed in Irish speech patterns, especially those of a century ago, but in no novel written by an Irish person, about Irish people, have I ever seen quite so much "Faith, and [. . .]."
Then there was the fact that Blackie never sounded like any thirteen year old boy I've ever heard. I think the author wanted the reader to see that he had a good heart from the time he was small, but he was so fulsome that he came off priggish, reminding me of Eddie Haskell in the old Leave it to Beaver show.
I began skimming in search of story, finding the pacing to be more disjointed, with a lot more narrative voice instructing the reader carefully exactly what to think about the characters--with a heavy emphasis on slut-shaming in places, and so forth. Meanwhile Blackie's diction as he approached manhood, remained that same strange, robotic simulacrum of "I'm a good boy, I am," of his thirteen year old self, which made me skim the faster.
I hope that the book finds its audience and pleases them. I'm sorry I wasn't one of them. Maybe I ought to find another copy of that first book and reread it instead.
Copy provided by NetGalley
Part of the problem was the narrative voice stopping the story repeatedly to tell the reader, in flat, journalistic prose, the history of a character--including after the gist of it had already been shown through scene, creating a sense of repetition, and slowing the pacing to snail speed.
Then there were the scenes in which characters told each other things they already knew, in order to impart yet more information to the reader--and that too often in a kind of Irish dialect that bordered on caricature. I make no claim to being well versed in Irish speech patterns, especially those of a century ago, but in no novel written by an Irish person, about Irish people, have I ever seen quite so much "Faith, and [. . .]."
Then there was the fact that Blackie never sounded like any thirteen year old boy I've ever heard. I think the author wanted the reader to see that he had a good heart from the time he was small, but he was so fulsome that he came off priggish, reminding me of Eddie Haskell in the old Leave it to Beaver show.
I began skimming in search of story, finding the pacing to be more disjointed, with a lot more narrative voice instructing the reader carefully exactly what to think about the characters--with a heavy emphasis on slut-shaming in places, and so forth. Meanwhile Blackie's diction as he approached manhood, remained that same strange, robotic simulacrum of "I'm a good boy, I am," of his thirteen year old self, which made me skim the faster.
I hope that the book finds its audience and pleases them. I'm sorry I wasn't one of them. Maybe I ought to find another copy of that first book and reread it instead.
Copy provided by NetGalley
September 4, 2021
I'm still thinking about this one. This was a great book. Not the lightest read. Worth reading for sure.
December 20, 2021
This is a prequel to A Woman of Substance written in 2005.
It was lengthy and the before of all the main characters of the first book.
It took me a minute to get into but I did enjoy it. I definitely want to know more about this whole story. The narrator, Peter Campion was good.
Thanks Macmillan Audio via NetGalley.
It was lengthy and the before of all the main characters of the first book.
It took me a minute to get into but I did enjoy it. I definitely want to know more about this whole story. The narrator, Peter Campion was good.
Thanks Macmillan Audio via NetGalley.
January 5, 2022
3 stars Thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. Published November 16, 2021.
I cannot remember if I read Woman of Substance or not. Most of the characters in A Man of Honor came from that first book, and none of them seemed familiar to me, so I would say that I have not read the first mentioned book. Whether or not it would have been beneficial I am not sure.
This book zeroed in on Blackie O'Neill and his life both in Ireland and in England. He went to England to apprentice with his Uncle Patrick after losing his parents. From an early age to well into adulthood, this book followed Blackie's life.
This was a good solid read, however there was nothing astonishing in the novel. Plenty of characters, well honed plot, and well developed story. On the negative side I felt that some things were repeated much too often. In my opinion if you don't get it the first time you read it, then it probably isn't worth remembering - and repeating things over and over just become irritating. Putting that fact aside, this novel is acceptable reading.
I cannot remember if I read Woman of Substance or not. Most of the characters in A Man of Honor came from that first book, and none of them seemed familiar to me, so I would say that I have not read the first mentioned book. Whether or not it would have been beneficial I am not sure.
This book zeroed in on Blackie O'Neill and his life both in Ireland and in England. He went to England to apprentice with his Uncle Patrick after losing his parents. From an early age to well into adulthood, this book followed Blackie's life.
This was a good solid read, however there was nothing astonishing in the novel. Plenty of characters, well honed plot, and well developed story. On the negative side I felt that some things were repeated much too often. In my opinion if you don't get it the first time you read it, then it probably isn't worth remembering - and repeating things over and over just become irritating. Putting that fact aside, this novel is acceptable reading.
September 10, 2021
My love affair with the Emma Harte saga began in 1979, when the first in the series, A Woman of Substance, was published. At the time, I was 18 and recuperating from major abdominal surgery, which caused me to delay my start at college, where I would major in English so I could learn how to write. Instead I joined the Book of the Month Club and The Literary Guild and had the best in contemporary fiction shipped straight to my door. This was a marvelous service I couldn't get enough of and I read voraciously. I particularly enjoyed family sagas, the bigger (figuratively and literally) the better.
Although it has been many years since I've read anything by Barbara Taylor Bradford I had to jump on this one when it hit my Net Galley dashboard. Who doesn't love a good prequel, the "story behind the story?" And what a fine story it is. Now I need to reread the original, A Woman of Substance and see if it still enchants me as it did at 18.
A Man of Honor is the backstory of Emma's lifelong friend Blackie O'Neill. Born in poverty and determined to not only crawl out of it but to become a filthy rich man, Blackie is a dear, dear boy full of wide-eyed ambition. grit and determination. Like Emma, he is "a man of substance." l almost expected the two of them to get together, which I knew wouldn't happen but it did not seem unlikely.
It was interesting to read about English society at the turn of the last century but sometimes I felt like the story wasn't true to to the day's norms and mores. The language often seemed a bit modern for the times. For instance, there was mention of couples' "hooking up," more than once, which I doubt was the term used in 1903. The women seemed a little loose, looser than the men, shockingly, and I found myself wondering about that as well.
The book seemed a bit rushed and broken into parts that confused me. For example, the sections involving Lord Lassiter and his troubles seemed to sprout from nowhere and I didn't understand how they fit into the whole scheme of things. Still don't, although I enjoyed reading about them.
I really wanted to love this book for old time's sake but it fell short of my expectations. At the same time I was compelled to finish it, wondering what happens next, so in the end it was a fairly good read.
Recommended for lovers of family sagas, prequels, and early 19th century English heroes.
Although it has been many years since I've read anything by Barbara Taylor Bradford I had to jump on this one when it hit my Net Galley dashboard. Who doesn't love a good prequel, the "story behind the story?" And what a fine story it is. Now I need to reread the original, A Woman of Substance and see if it still enchants me as it did at 18.
A Man of Honor is the backstory of Emma's lifelong friend Blackie O'Neill. Born in poverty and determined to not only crawl out of it but to become a filthy rich man, Blackie is a dear, dear boy full of wide-eyed ambition. grit and determination. Like Emma, he is "a man of substance." l almost expected the two of them to get together, which I knew wouldn't happen but it did not seem unlikely.
It was interesting to read about English society at the turn of the last century but sometimes I felt like the story wasn't true to to the day's norms and mores. The language often seemed a bit modern for the times. For instance, there was mention of couples' "hooking up," more than once, which I doubt was the term used in 1903. The women seemed a little loose, looser than the men, shockingly, and I found myself wondering about that as well.
The book seemed a bit rushed and broken into parts that confused me. For example, the sections involving Lord Lassiter and his troubles seemed to sprout from nowhere and I didn't understand how they fit into the whole scheme of things. Still don't, although I enjoyed reading about them.
I really wanted to love this book for old time's sake but it fell short of my expectations. At the same time I was compelled to finish it, wondering what happens next, so in the end it was a fairly good read.
Recommended for lovers of family sagas, prequels, and early 19th century English heroes.
December 31, 2021
Orphaned and alone, Blackie leaves Ireland to make a new start with his aunt and uncle in England.
I absolutely LOVED the entire A Woman of Substance series about Emma Harte, but unfortunately, this prequel was disappointing. I loved the parts about Blackie but unfortunately, there were too many other issues that barred me from loving it. For instance, about halfway through, a whole new cast of characters were introduced out of nowhere. Additionally, there were unresolved storylines, too many characters, and unnecessary repetition. Overall, it lacked the pizazz, intrigue, and uniqueness of the rest of the series and left me wishing I'd skipped it.
Location: North Kerry, Ireland and Leeds, England
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely LOVED the entire A Woman of Substance series about Emma Harte, but unfortunately, this prequel was disappointing. I loved the parts about Blackie but unfortunately, there were too many other issues that barred me from loving it. For instance, about halfway through, a whole new cast of characters were introduced out of nowhere. Additionally, there were unresolved storylines, too many characters, and unnecessary repetition. Overall, it lacked the pizazz, intrigue, and uniqueness of the rest of the series and left me wishing I'd skipped it.
Location: North Kerry, Ireland and Leeds, England
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
December 29, 2022
I normally only write reviews of books I enjoy, but had to write one for this because I disliked this book SO much. I can't believe I bothered to read the whole thing.
For anyone who has enjoyed "A Woman of Substance" in the Emma Harte series this prequel to that story is such a terrible disappointment.
It's super disconnected, characters who appear and have pages of dialogue, but truly have no storyline or connection to the overall book or resolution by the end...a random affair with a widow who pages later dies of cancer? a
A kidnapping of a friend's girlfriend? A sick aunt who recovers, but then relapses? Random girl they rescue who hides a secret past, but in no way connects to the overall story?
Each chapter seemed more disconnected from the previous and was poorly written like it was for a young adult vampire series. This book was page after page of frustration and disappointment, especially for being connected to a book I'd previously enjoyed, loved, and recommended. That will remain, but I will warn anyone to avoid the prequel. Awful.
For anyone who has enjoyed "A Woman of Substance" in the Emma Harte series this prequel to that story is such a terrible disappointment.
It's super disconnected, characters who appear and have pages of dialogue, but truly have no storyline or connection to the overall book or resolution by the end...a random affair with a widow who pages later dies of cancer? a
A kidnapping of a friend's girlfriend? A sick aunt who recovers, but then relapses? Random girl they rescue who hides a secret past, but in no way connects to the overall story?
Each chapter seemed more disconnected from the previous and was poorly written like it was for a young adult vampire series. This book was page after page of frustration and disappointment, especially for being connected to a book I'd previously enjoyed, loved, and recommended. That will remain, but I will warn anyone to avoid the prequel. Awful.
September 6, 2021
I was so excited to get this as a giveaway!! I am a BIG fan of the Woman of Substance series, so it was great to read the prequel about Blackie and Emma. I could not put it down and ended up reading it over the course of two days. Now I just have to figure out who to pass my copy off to...
December 28, 2021
I'm rounding this down from 3.5 stars. The story is #0.5 in the Emma Harte saga and focuses on Blackie O'Neill. I think I probably read A Woman of Substance shortly after it first came out in 1979. This book introduces a lot of characters and not being sure of their importance I tried to keep track of all of them but none were fully developed except for maybe Blackie who was kind of too good to be true. There were a couple story lines introduced like the missing Gwen that was never resolved or Moira Aherne that was an aristocrat but rescued from a slum by Blackie and his uncle. While the story was very readable and showcased the poverty in Ireland at the end of the Victorian era and the divide between the classes I felt like I was missing something and lots of questions went unanswered. It was obvious this was an add-on to the series because there were statements like this person will become very important to Emma in the future. Perhaps it is a ploy to start again with book #1.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of this book to read.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of this book to read.
November 2, 2021
I read A Woman of Substance years ago when it first came out. I remember loving it and going on to read more books by Barbara Taylor Bradford. Based on that fact, I did enjoy A Man of Honor. I liked learning more of Blackie’s backstory; however I found the dialogue between the characters odd at times. It didn’t seem to be natural, but more stilted and odd. I do think it deserves my four star rating based on nostalgia!
February 6, 2022
It truly disheartens me to read all the reviews that state that this is their first Barbara Taylor Bradford book and that they'll pass on "A Woman of Substance." That's like passing on other Audrey Hepburn movies because of "Breakfast at Tiffany's." This book, as far as I'm concerned, is a small backstory to Blackie O'Neill. A naive stand alone where we see Blackie's informal education of life and architecture develop. With a TON of extra, superfluous characters. I'm with Blackie on this one: I too prefer Georgian and Palladian architecture to Elizabethan. Seems like "RL" appreciates those dark, foreboding, heavy, and oppressive interiors. 🙄 Not one of Bradford's best.
July 13, 2023
Историята на Блеки далеч не е впечатляваща като тази на Ема, но разказът увлича и книгата се чете бързо!
March 13, 2022
I hadn't read the other books in this series, but because it was a prequel I decided to give it try. I love historical fiction set in this era and was interested in the Irish background of the main character Blackie O'Neil. However I was often confused by the multiple and constant POV changes and nothing seemed to fit together. I'm assuming that had I read the other books things might have made more sense for me. Overall it was well written and I might try more books by this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2021
A Man of Honor is the prequel to Barbara Taylor Bradford's Woman of Substance and it doesn't disappoint. I started reading this series when I was a teen and that was forty years ago. It was wonderful to read of Blackie O' Neill's young life, his determination and ambition. Much like Emma Harte, his dear friend, there is no stopping either of them from the wealth, power, and respect that they both so fervently desire. I thoroughly loved reading about Blackie's young life, his apprenticeship, strong moral character, and work ethic. One of the reasons I've always enjoyed reading Barbara Taylor Bradford books is her unquestionable ability to develop fiercely strong and independent characters that in every way inspire the reader to want more. A Man of Honor tells us the story of Blackie O'Neill in the most beautiful of ways. One of the greatest aspects of his story is that no matter the awful and horrible obstacles he had to overcome, through it all he kept a positive attitude. Another fabulous book by Barbara Taylor Bradford that I would highly recommend.
Special thanks to St. Martin's Press & NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for review.
Special thanks to St. Martin's Press & NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for review.
December 17, 2021
"A Man of Honor" by Barbara Bradford Taylor is the prequel to "A Woman of Substance" in the "Emma Harte Saga". This is my first time listening to a Barbara Bradford Taylor audiobook and it was fantastic!
I immediately fell in love with Blackie O'Neill. He is a brave 13-year-old boy dealing with a past tragedy that has left him in a dire financial living situation. Blackie's personality absolutely shines as he sets about a plan to change his life. He dreams of becoming a successful home builder. Aong the way he meets Emma Harte (a kitchen maid) with similar circumstances and goals. Emma and Blackie develop a heart touching life long friendship that absolutely reaches out and grabs readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing my free audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.
A Man of Honor audiobook will be published December 28,2021
I immediately fell in love with Blackie O'Neill. He is a brave 13-year-old boy dealing with a past tragedy that has left him in a dire financial living situation. Blackie's personality absolutely shines as he sets about a plan to change his life. He dreams of becoming a successful home builder. Aong the way he meets Emma Harte (a kitchen maid) with similar circumstances and goals. Emma and Blackie develop a heart touching life long friendship that absolutely reaches out and grabs readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing my free audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.
A Man of Honor audiobook will be published December 28,2021
November 13, 2021
I read A Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford years ago, so when I saw this prequel featuring a character from that book, I was didn’t want to miss it!
While I had forgotten much of the story that centered around Blackie O’Neill, this did not interfere with my enjoyment of the prequeel. In fact, readers can enjoy this one even if they have not read any of Bradford’s previous stories.
Emma Harte enters the tale fairly late in the book, but soon takes on the role of one of the major characters. Her earliest struggles are revealed, and readers learn how Emma and Blackie met and became friends.
There were quite a few characters in the book—some of which really played no part to the story to speak of. I also felt like a few storylines were left dangling, such as the one with the Lassiter marriage and thee one about a missing girl.
I expect Bradford will be featuring more stories about Black O’Neill, so maybe some of my issues with the book will be resolved at a later date.
I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more from this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to give my honest review.
While I had forgotten much of the story that centered around Blackie O’Neill, this did not interfere with my enjoyment of the prequeel. In fact, readers can enjoy this one even if they have not read any of Bradford’s previous stories.
Emma Harte enters the tale fairly late in the book, but soon takes on the role of one of the major characters. Her earliest struggles are revealed, and readers learn how Emma and Blackie met and became friends.
There were quite a few characters in the book—some of which really played no part to the story to speak of. I also felt like a few storylines were left dangling, such as the one with the Lassiter marriage and thee one about a missing girl.
I expect Bradford will be featuring more stories about Black O’Neill, so maybe some of my issues with the book will be resolved at a later date.
I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more from this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to give my honest review.
November 12, 2021
Orphaned and alone, 13-year-old Blackie O’Neill must leave County Kerry to find work and put food in his mouth. His only chance of survival lies with his mother’s brother, far away in Leeds. Working in his Uncle’s business, he nurtures a dream of throwing off the impotence of poverty, of building houses and perhaps even of becoming a gentleman. And then, high on the Yorkshire moors, in the mists of a winter morning, he meets a kitchen maid called Emma Harte. And as the Victorian world gives way to the freedom of the Edwardian age, so a young man and a servant girl seize a chance, against the odds, to build a better life.
Another engrossing, riveting read from the author. I first met Blackie over forty years ago when I read ‘A Woman of Substance' & I feel for him then so I was thrilled that his early life has now been written. I was drawn in from the first page & whilst it didn’t live up to Emma’s epic tale it was a still a very good read. The characters were very well portrayed & had lots of depth. The pace was more pedestrian than fast. However I was taken of a plethora of emotions & thoroughly enjoyed the book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Another engrossing, riveting read from the author. I first met Blackie over forty years ago when I read ‘A Woman of Substance' & I feel for him then so I was thrilled that his early life has now been written. I was drawn in from the first page & whilst it didn’t live up to Emma’s epic tale it was a still a very good read. The characters were very well portrayed & had lots of depth. The pace was more pedestrian than fast. However I was taken of a plethora of emotions & thoroughly enjoyed the book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
October 26, 2021
A Man of Honor tells us the story of Balckie O’Neill at 13. His future in Ireland seems bleak. His family is dead except for his two cousins, and he is now sailing to England to see his Uncle Patrick who has a job lined up in his building company for his nephew.
So, off he goes to Leeds. A much different place from where he has come from. Obsessed with building and money, Blackie learns his trade well and is soon very successful at it. Blackie is a smart man who knows what he wants and what he will do to make it happen. He has good friends in this story and it is here that he meets Emma Harte. Like Blackie she has dreams of making it big as well.
Telling Blackie’s story gave us insight into his future character and what has shaped his decisions. He is just a really good man.
I read A Woman of Substance long ago and it stuck with me. There was some confusing language uses in this one. And I failed to see how Robert’s story was pertinent.
No matter what, it is always a good day to read BTB!
NetGalley/ November 16th, 2021 by St. Martin’s Press
So, off he goes to Leeds. A much different place from where he has come from. Obsessed with building and money, Blackie learns his trade well and is soon very successful at it. Blackie is a smart man who knows what he wants and what he will do to make it happen. He has good friends in this story and it is here that he meets Emma Harte. Like Blackie she has dreams of making it big as well.
Telling Blackie’s story gave us insight into his future character and what has shaped his decisions. He is just a really good man.
I read A Woman of Substance long ago and it stuck with me. There was some confusing language uses in this one. And I failed to see how Robert’s story was pertinent.
No matter what, it is always a good day to read BTB!
NetGalley/ November 16th, 2021 by St. Martin’s Press
May 6, 2024
In a sea of glowing reviews, I'm the outlier. I think possibly not having read the rest of the series kept me out of this one a bit. But I found this story slooooow. I never felt like it went anywhere and there were off-shoot stories that also felt like they fizzled out. The story felt like someone telling me all about their amazing vacation - but because I've never been and I didn't actually go, I'm only enthused by their hype and not actually enthused myself. I might go back and check out the series and see if that helps me understand this one more -but there are so many books, so possibly not.
If you've read the series, you will probably love this one. It just didn't work for me.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
If you've read the series, you will probably love this one. It just didn't work for me.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
October 19, 2021
I can only give this book two stars. I was very disappointed. There was not much plot, no climax at all in the story. The writing was maybe 8 th grade level?
I did not find this author to be a good writer. Some of the storylines were never developed .The dialogue was unnatural. The characters (for the reader's benefit I take it) explain things to each other that were completely unnecessary. Blackie's personality was not believable to me.
Unfortunately for this author i was comparing her to Diane Gaboldon, who writes so wonderfully. Her characters are extremely developed, her plots are complex and detailed, and the language/accents well researched.
I did not find this author to be a good writer. Some of the storylines were never developed .The dialogue was unnatural. The characters (for the reader's benefit I take it) explain things to each other that were completely unnecessary. Blackie's personality was not believable to me.
Unfortunately for this author i was comparing her to Diane Gaboldon, who writes so wonderfully. Her characters are extremely developed, her plots are complex and detailed, and the language/accents well researched.
October 25, 2023
Such a disappointment. I'd recently re-read A Woman of Substance, so details are fresh in my mind.
A Man of Honor is billed as a prequel. The first half is just that: Blackie's story, from humble beginnings in Ireland to becoming a talented architect and builder in Leeds. There is a lot of repetition in the story telling and characters are introduced then dropped.
Halfway through, the plotline changes and it becomes the story of aristocrat Robert Lassiter with Blackie as a minor character. Really unrelated themes.
And then the last 100 pages introduce Emma Harte and The Woman of Substance. Most of those 100 pages are lifted directly from the original story, an I found myself skimming.
A Man of Honor is billed as a prequel. The first half is just that: Blackie's story, from humble beginnings in Ireland to becoming a talented architect and builder in Leeds. There is a lot of repetition in the story telling and characters are introduced then dropped.
Halfway through, the plotline changes and it becomes the story of aristocrat Robert Lassiter with Blackie as a minor character. Really unrelated themes.
And then the last 100 pages introduce Emma Harte and The Woman of Substance. Most of those 100 pages are lifted directly from the original story, an I found myself skimming.
July 23, 2022
DNF Slow, flat narrative.
November 5, 2022
I am 125 pages into this and it's just not happening for me. The plot is dull. Nothing going to on here folks. Nothing to see. Sorry. I would pass.
December 20, 2022
As a Fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford, it pains me to say, this is one of THE most boring, uninteresting, disappointing books I have ever read. A total waste of my time.
December 24, 2022
OMG. TOO boring. Seems like it's written by a 4th grader. UGH.
December 30, 2022
I read A Woman of Substance many years ago, but Emma Harte’s saga has always rested nostalgically in my mind.
A Man of Honor is the prequel presenting the backstory of Blackie O’Neill. It covers the death of his family and his move to Leeds to apprentice with his uncle. We see his first meeting on the moor with young Emma, as well as, learning much about his education, drive, and fortitude.
Unfortunately, this story seems a bit long-winded. In my mind, I would have liked to see it written as a novella offering an early glimpse of the young couple. There seemed to be so many superfluous characters introduced that I had a hard time sorting everyone.
The words are rich and descriptive, putting the reader in the midst of the story.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this story. I believe maybe my tastes have changed over the years,not perhaps I needed to re-read A Woman of Substance first to refresh myself on all the early characters and reacquaint myself with the author’s style.
If you enjoy richly told family sagas, including the Emma Harte series, this book will suit you fine.
I received a digital copy of the book from NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.
A Man of Honor is the prequel presenting the backstory of Blackie O’Neill. It covers the death of his family and his move to Leeds to apprentice with his uncle. We see his first meeting on the moor with young Emma, as well as, learning much about his education, drive, and fortitude.
Unfortunately, this story seems a bit long-winded. In my mind, I would have liked to see it written as a novella offering an early glimpse of the young couple. There seemed to be so many superfluous characters introduced that I had a hard time sorting everyone.
The words are rich and descriptive, putting the reader in the midst of the story.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this story. I believe maybe my tastes have changed over the years,not perhaps I needed to re-read A Woman of Substance first to refresh myself on all the early characters and reacquaint myself with the author’s style.
If you enjoy richly told family sagas, including the Emma Harte series, this book will suit you fine.
I received a digital copy of the book from NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.
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