The 21 women profiled in this book were shaped by overcoming obstacles—similar to the way pearls are made. The pearl is formed when an intruding substance, such as a grain of sand, slips into an oyster’s shell. The oyster’s reaction is to cover the irritant with many layers of a smooth substance (called nacre) to protect itself. The result is a beautiful, lustrous gem that the ancients called the tear of a god, or a dewdrop filled with moonlight that fell into the ocean. These gems are rare and don’t stay hidden for long. They come in all shapes and sizes, from waters around the world, and they sport a variety of colors: white, black, grey, blue, green, copper, and yes—aubergine. Author Fred Dawson has revealed this treasure trove of trial-tested female testimony to inspire those of us who have dreams to achieve or legacies to fulfill.