I never intended to read this series beyond the first book but I saw this one at a used book store for $0.80 and figured what the heck. I considered not finishing the book but endured. It got mildly interesting by page 300. Tessa’s story and the brief tie in to the 9/11 terrorist attacks were the most interesting yet still not good. The other story lines were a total bore. Why do the Hartes sleep with and marry their second cousins?!! A Woman of Substance was one of the most memorable stories I have ever read. Like another reviewer commented, however, there is only one Emma Harte and her layered complexity cannot be recreated in her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Whereas I will always remember A Woman of Substance, I hope to forget Unexpected Blessings ASAP!