“No matter what they say about my mom, all she ever does is teach the world good things that will help them in life. So what if she shows you the perfect way to do it? Would you want your professor at school to do anything less in any other subject? Her fans know what she’s all about.”—Alexis Stewart, Martha’s daughter

When Martha Stewart was on trial for insider trading, the media served up countless gratuitous stories lambasting her character. Lloyd Allen, Martha’s old friend and neighbor, is out to set the record straight.

Drawing on hundreds of hours of interviews with Martha’s family, close friends and colleagues, Allen brings to life the real woman behind the public image: beloved as a mentor and benefactor; childlike in her enthusiasm for the simple things in life; and stronger, more grounded, and more determined following her prison term to help people make the most out of life. From her early years as a model to the world’s most successful businesswoman, to her next phase of life with multiple television shows, Allen shows how Martha made it to the top and stayed there through talent, passion, and hard work.