SOLVED. Series about 7-8 books [s]

[Kim]

Hi, I'm hoping to find the name of a book Series of about 7-8 books. Probably written in 1970-80s. It was written in a different century. A young poor woman's mother is very sick, she works hard and becomes a servant in a home. She endures tough times but eventually meets a clothier and when she becomes of age starts building her empire. The series starts off with her as a young girl, but goes forward in time and carries on with her children and grand children. I'd really love to know the author and book series name. If this rings a bell. Please let me know.

[Elizabeth]

I haven't read it but I have a feeling a friend told me about this one or one similar to it....next time I see her I'll ask if this isn't solved before then, I don't see her a lot.

[``Laurie]

Barbara Taylor Bradford comes to mind.
The first book in the series was:
A Woman of Substance.

[Kim]

That is it. Thank you so much Laurie and than you Elizabeth for the response. I'm off to find the series :)

[Elizabeth]

Not the one she told me about anyway. Oh well. Glad you found it.