Barbara and Cynthia explore Cynthia Gem series and compare the plight of women in the late 1800's and early 1900's in the USA. How women who had no support were forced to find alternative ways in which to survive and thrive in an environment that judged and excluded them. Cynthia Jordan began her career in music as a songwriter when in 1983, her song, Jose Cuervo, became Billboard Magazine’s number one country song of the year. She began working with Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and developed a program that is used for Continuing Education Credits for nursing programs, geriatrics, hospice, pediatrics, drug and alcohol rehab and special needs children.  Cynthia was first published when her story Tita was included in Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul. Since then has written 6 books. Butterfly Moments and If This Was Heaven… are both non-fiction. The Lady in Blue, the story of a nun who lived in the 17th century, has been translated into 3 languages. Just recently, she has completed the third book of her Gem Series which are historical fictions full of fascinating history and address women’s challenges from 1860 to 1929. Her novels, Pearl, Diamond, and Ruby have created new speaking topics for women. These stories have evolved into her newest keynote she calls, The New Woman. Cynthia is an entertainer at heart and guarantees her audiences will never be bored! Her 2 musicals, Pearl and The Lady in Blue, are both scheduled to debut in 2017. If you happen to hear her speak or read one of her books, make sure you have a box of Kleenex nearby and prepare to laugh out loud. http://www.cynthiaproductions.com