This exciting anthology contains stories from twenty-five women from different parts of the world. Their ages differ, as do their backgrounds and locations, but one thing they all have in common is a spirit of independence and a determination to not only succeed, but prevail. Whether their struggles are to maintain balance between motherhood and career, escape from an abusive relationship, or to step out in faith and pursue a dream, all of these women have forged their own path. As women, one of our most powerful "gifts" is the ability to encourage one another. This book is an effort to encourage women across the world. These twenty-five women share stories that will make you laugh, inspire you, and maybe even make you cry. Their hope is that these stories will inspire YOUR independent spirit and allow you to live the life you were meant to live. In addition, each woman has included a “sneak peek” into one of her own novels.All proceeds from this book will go a charitable organizaton that fights breast cancer - a disease all too close to home for many of us. Our prayers and best wishes are with those who are struggling with this terrible and devastating disease. Buy a book for yourself and “gift” one to the important women in your life. Together, we can make a difference. Thank you for your support.Foreword by Karen McQuestionAfterword by Beth Elisa HarrisCompiled by Cheryl ShiremanFormatting by Heather Marie AdkinsStories included:Foreword by Karen McQuestionKnight in Shining Armor by Shea MacLeodLatchkey Kid by Heather Marie AdkinsWrite or Die by Danielle BlanchardThe Phoenix and The Darkness by Lizzy FordNever Too Late by Linda WelchStepping Into the Light by Donna FasanoOne Fictionista’s Literary Bliss by Katherine OwenI Burned My Bra For This? by Cheryl ShiremanMrs. So Got It Wrong Agent by Prue BatttenHoles by Suzanne TyrpakTurning Medieval by Sarah WoodburyA Kinky Adventure in Anglophilia by Anne R. AllenWriting From a Flour Sack by Dani AmoreJust Me and James Dean by Cheryl BradshawHow a Big Yellow Truck Changed My Life by Christine DeMaio-RiceFrom 200 Rejections to Amazon Top 200! by Sibel HodgeHave You Ever Lost a Hat? by Barbara SilkstoneFrench Fancies! by Mel ComleyLife’s Little Gifts by Melissa FosterNever Give Up On Your Dream by Christine KerseySelf-taught Late Bloomer by Carol Davis LuceMoving to The Middle East by Julia CranePaper, Pen, and Chocolate by Talia JagerThe Magic Within and The Little Book That Could by Michelle MutoWrite Out of Grief by Melissa SmithAfterword by Beth Elisa Harris