Bradford, Barbara Taylor: - BARBARA TAYLOR BRADFORD was born and brought up in England and started her writing career as a journalist. She has written over forty international bestsellers including A Woman of Substance. In 2007, Queen Elizabeth awarded her the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for her literary achievements. Barbara is the recipient of 25 other awards for her writing achievements and philanthropy. She is an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust, an independent UK charity that transforms lives through literacy and continues to support Literacy Partners US. Described as the "grand dame of blockbusters" and "Queen of the genre", she currently resides in New York.