Published in Mormon Times, April 26, 2011
(click HERE for the link)

“WOMEN OF CHARACTER: Profiles of 100 Prominent LDS Women,” edited by Susan Easton Black and Mary Jane Woodger, Covenant Communications, $24.99, 370 pages (nf)

The new book “Women of Character: Profiles of 100 Prominent LDS Women,” published by Covenant Communications, offers readers a personal look into the lives of 100 LDS women who have accomplished something extraordinary. 
“Women of Character” profiles pioneer women such as Emma Hale Smith and Eliza R. Snow as well as contemporary women such as Jane Clayson Johnson and Gladys Knight. Each woman has her own unique life story, fascinating in its own right. Each woman experiences different challenges, defeats and victories. And as a result of her talent and contribution to society, each woman achieves her own degree of prominence.
Woven through these very unique stories, however, are important common threads.
One common thread is that each of these women shows unusual determination to succeed. Readers will appreciate and relate to the many stories of finally making progress after much hard work, seeing success only after multiple failures and finding happiness after experiencing heartbreak.
Another common thread is that the women in this book demonstrate strength of character no matter the circumstance. Notoriety often leads to situations where integrity could be compromised. The women in this book are truly women of character and choose not to make such compromises. Their lives demonstrate that true happiness and excellence can be found in remaining true to one’s beliefs and in reaching outward rather than inward.
“Women of Character” is an inspiring book that can help LDS women find perspective and understand that their own lives are significant and meaningful. Readers will feel encouraged to develop their individual talents and serve more, ultimately making an important difference in their families and the world around them.