This books celebrates mature women - women whom author Sharon Creeden likens to fully opened blossoms.  A professional storyteller, Creeden draws on folktales, her stock-in-trade, to illuminate female heroism and life issues women face, including childbirth, aging, and death. Each folktale is paired with a vignette about a notable American woman. Using this approach, Creeden provides a rich context for viewing women's lives—and brings us some inspired pairings. The stories included here come from a wide array of traditions, such as Mexico, Ethiopia, China, Japan, the South Pacific, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Greek mythology, biblical scripture, the American South, and the Cherokee nation. This collection features strong female protagonists who teach readers the importance of courage, caring and confidence!