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Riding the Waves: My Story
THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
'Everything is much easier in life when difficult situations are faced with humour and a smile. But, don't get me wrong, that took years to realise. What a journey...'
Whether performing in an arena, presenting a number one TV show or recording a top-ten album, Jane McDonald will never forget her Northern roots.
Her down-to-earth Yorkshire charm is as much a part of her as her talent for singing, and here she is telling her remarkable story with characteristic wit and warmth, in her own words. A miner's daughter from Wakefield, Jane was a shy child who struggled with anxiety, but she found the courage to overcome her fears and follow her passion for performing.
Jane famously hit the big time overnight on TV show The Cruise twenty years ago, but here she talks for the first time about how she survived the dark legacy of that early success, and climbed right back up for a second bite of the cherry.
It hasn't all been plain sailing, but in Jane's world tough times make the good times better, and her spirit, heart and humour sparkle from every page.
'Everything is much easier in life when difficult situations are faced with humour and a smile. But, don't get me wrong, that took years to realise. What a journey...'
Whether performing in an arena, presenting a number one TV show or recording a top-ten album, Jane McDonald will never forget her Northern roots.
Her down-to-earth Yorkshire charm is as much a part of her as her talent for singing, and here she is telling her remarkable story with characteristic wit and warmth, in her own words. A miner's daughter from Wakefield, Jane was a shy child who struggled with anxiety, but she found the courage to overcome her fears and follow her passion for performing.
Jane famously hit the big time overnight on TV show The Cruise twenty years ago, but here she talks for the first time about how she survived the dark legacy of that early success, and climbed right back up for a second bite of the cherry.
It hasn't all been plain sailing, but in Jane's world tough times make the good times better, and her spirit, heart and humour sparkle from every page.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2019
145 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
October 14, 2024
A good book. I learned a lot about Jane.
November 11, 2020
I listened to this on audio book. I love listening to autobiographies where the writer is also the narrator. This is a frank and honest account of Jane’s journey to stardom. I like how she is down to earth with no airs and graces and this book has been written in exactly the same way.
November 19, 2019
Really enjoyed this book, such a down to earth lady, I also share her passion for cruising!!
February 15, 2023
I really liked this book..very interesting and a lot of stuff I didn't know about her. Very down to earth and honest.
March 14, 2025
I enjoy watching Jane McDonald cruising, her down to earth personality, I thought her books would be the same, and yes it was, her honesty, her strength, her ability to learn, how open about the mistakes made is eye opening, her finances are surprising, you as a reader learn so much about the life behind the cameras.
'Everything is much easier in life when difficult situations are faced with humour and a smile. But, don't get me wrong, that took years to realise. What a journey...' So true !!
Whether performing in an arena, presenting a number one TV show or recording a top-ten album, Jane McDonald will never forget her Northern roots.
Her down-to-earth Yorkshire charm is as much a part of her as her talent for singing, and here she is telling her remarkable story with characteristic wit and warmth, in her own words. A miner's daughter from Wakefield, Jane was a shy child who struggled with anxiety, but she found the courage to overcome her fears and follow her passion for performing.
Jane famously hit the big time overnight on TV show The Cruise twenty years ago, but here she talks for the first time about how she survived the dark legacy of that early success, and climbed right back up for a second bite of the cherry.
It hasn't all been plain sailing, but in Jane's world tough times make the good times better, and her spirit, heart and humour sparkle from every page.
Learnt a lot about Jane watching this, the lady on the screen, but also the lady herself.
Four stars
'Everything is much easier in life when difficult situations are faced with humour and a smile. But, don't get me wrong, that took years to realise. What a journey...' So true !!
Whether performing in an arena, presenting a number one TV show or recording a top-ten album, Jane McDonald will never forget her Northern roots.
Her down-to-earth Yorkshire charm is as much a part of her as her talent for singing, and here she is telling her remarkable story with characteristic wit and warmth, in her own words. A miner's daughter from Wakefield, Jane was a shy child who struggled with anxiety, but she found the courage to overcome her fears and follow her passion for performing.
Jane famously hit the big time overnight on TV show The Cruise twenty years ago, but here she talks for the first time about how she survived the dark legacy of that early success, and climbed right back up for a second bite of the cherry.
It hasn't all been plain sailing, but in Jane's world tough times make the good times better, and her spirit, heart and humour sparkle from every page.
Learnt a lot about Jane watching this, the lady on the screen, but also the lady herself.
Four stars
February 18, 2021
In no way is this a BAD read or book.
I love Jane and it was very interesting to hear some entertaining anecdotes about her life.
That being said, I wasn’t particularly grabbed by the style of the book as it made the read rather slow and boring - especially towards the beginning.
The middle and end were much more entertaining, especially regarding her second marriage and low point of her career.
Sooooo, this is not a *MUST READ* in any way, but if you are a fan of Jane or the entertainment business, this book is interesting enough...
I love Jane and it was very interesting to hear some entertaining anecdotes about her life.
That being said, I wasn’t particularly grabbed by the style of the book as it made the read rather slow and boring - especially towards the beginning.
The middle and end were much more entertaining, especially regarding her second marriage and low point of her career.
Sooooo, this is not a *MUST READ* in any way, but if you are a fan of Jane or the entertainment business, this book is interesting enough...
November 21, 2024
Jane’s book was wonderful, seeing how her went up and down like the waves of the sea! To see what her childhood was like and what she did to become the person she is today! Also loved looking at the pictures that are included in the book and she what her family was like and the fabulous outfits she wore for her shows! Can’t wait to see what is next of Jane and would love to see her show in the future, 10/10 I would rate this book!
September 16, 2020
I listened to this which was read by Jane. I loved it. Honest, funny, sad.
January 13, 2026
I wouldn't have classed myself as a fan of Jane McDonald, but she comes across as a lovely, decent person, with an amazing work ethic. I liked her and enjoyed her story.
July 10, 2022
Feel good read from the amazing Jane Macdonald. I can’t recommend this one enough!
June 20, 2020
I have recently been reading and listening to 'Riding The Waves' By Jane McDonald.
Genre: Autobiography
Why I Chose This Book: My wonderful late mother was a huge fan of Jane. My mother and I used to listen to Jane McDonald CD's together. I still listen to Jane's music and watch her TV shows.
About This Book: This is an autobiography of Jane McDonald's life so far. Jane explores her childhood, family, relationships, marriages and friendships etc. She explains how she started from humble beginnings and how she became famous. She also discusses the many ups and down she has experienced on the way.
My Review: I truly felt like I was sitting next to Jane and she was telling me about her life. I felt hooked and engaged by her powerful story. Jane is a genuine and inspiring woman. As Jane explains, she begins life as a very shy girl yet blossoms to a confident women who stops at nothing to get her dream. Yet, she is real at the same time and expresses her struggles through life challenges.
I had a few tears when Jane explains that a certain loved one dies. As I could feel the closeness between Jane and this perticular family member. I can only imagine the heart break Jane must have experienced and still is experiencing.
The ending brought the book to a perfect conclusion.
At times this autobiography felt slow. Also, I feel Jane was overly nice regarding a few 'unkind people'. However, I imagine she could not be fully honest about these few people due to legal reasons.
Audio - Jane's narration is comforting, clear and real.
Triggers - Death of Parents and Divorce.
In conclusion I genuinely enjoyed this autobiography and found it inspiring. I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Jane or who would enjoy a read about an inspiring woman.
Disclaimer: My Book Reviews are based on my own opinions and experiences only.
Genre: Autobiography
Why I Chose This Book: My wonderful late mother was a huge fan of Jane. My mother and I used to listen to Jane McDonald CD's together. I still listen to Jane's music and watch her TV shows.
About This Book: This is an autobiography of Jane McDonald's life so far. Jane explores her childhood, family, relationships, marriages and friendships etc. She explains how she started from humble beginnings and how she became famous. She also discusses the many ups and down she has experienced on the way.
My Review: I truly felt like I was sitting next to Jane and she was telling me about her life. I felt hooked and engaged by her powerful story. Jane is a genuine and inspiring woman. As Jane explains, she begins life as a very shy girl yet blossoms to a confident women who stops at nothing to get her dream. Yet, she is real at the same time and expresses her struggles through life challenges.
I had a few tears when Jane explains that a certain loved one dies. As I could feel the closeness between Jane and this perticular family member. I can only imagine the heart break Jane must have experienced and still is experiencing.
The ending brought the book to a perfect conclusion.
At times this autobiography felt slow. Also, I feel Jane was overly nice regarding a few 'unkind people'. However, I imagine she could not be fully honest about these few people due to legal reasons.
Audio - Jane's narration is comforting, clear and real.
Triggers - Death of Parents and Divorce.
In conclusion I genuinely enjoyed this autobiography and found it inspiring. I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Jane or who would enjoy a read about an inspiring woman.
Disclaimer: My Book Reviews are based on my own opinions and experiences only.
November 17, 2024
Inspiring and Insightful Autobiography
British TV singer and entertainer Jane McDonald is one of my favorites. During the Pandemic, her TV series, Cruising with Jane McDonald, provided a hopeful link to the outside world when all travel had stopped. Her show provided me with bright respite during isolated times.
When I saw she had an autobiography, I knew this book was for me. I had been saving it to read for the right moment. That time came now as I was cruising across the Atlantic, in my first ocean cruise since 2019. I couldn’t imagine better place to read it, in tribute to the brilliant Jane.
Riding the Waves: My Story is an inspiring and insightful read. Jane recounts her life story, from humble beginnings the development of a career that has taken her to ever-increasing heights. Despite facing relentless bullying in school, horrible stage fright, and personal setbacks, she has managed to persevere and move higher at each stage of her career. Her life lesson, “Make space for great things to happen,” has served her very well in her life and career. Hard work has given her an amazing career, despite difficult times along the way. Yet, throughout, she has maintained her humble and forward thinking manner, which is what comes through so well in her music and television programs. What a wonderful book she has gifted us with!
British TV singer and entertainer Jane McDonald is one of my favorites. During the Pandemic, her TV series, Cruising with Jane McDonald, provided a hopeful link to the outside world when all travel had stopped. Her show provided me with bright respite during isolated times.
When I saw she had an autobiography, I knew this book was for me. I had been saving it to read for the right moment. That time came now as I was cruising across the Atlantic, in my first ocean cruise since 2019. I couldn’t imagine better place to read it, in tribute to the brilliant Jane.
Riding the Waves: My Story is an inspiring and insightful read. Jane recounts her life story, from humble beginnings the development of a career that has taken her to ever-increasing heights. Despite facing relentless bullying in school, horrible stage fright, and personal setbacks, she has managed to persevere and move higher at each stage of her career. Her life lesson, “Make space for great things to happen,” has served her very well in her life and career. Hard work has given her an amazing career, despite difficult times along the way. Yet, throughout, she has maintained her humble and forward thinking manner, which is what comes through so well in her music and television programs. What a wonderful book she has gifted us with!
July 25, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book. Such an easy read of an autobiography but captivating all the same. Jane talks about her Yorkshire childhood and upbringing and talks too about her working class roots and good old fashioned values that lie beneath her success. As a person, she seems to have a strong work ethic and also talks honestly about her triumphs and troughs as experienced throughout her life.
Three reasons that I like Jane myself - firstly, she is a Yorkshire girl. Secondly, she has travelled the world mainly on the seas (as have I) and thirdly she seems down to earth - happy to talk about her joys but honest in talking about the bad periods too.
I love Jane's travel programmes and she mentions a lot about her travels here as well as her start into her singing career and how this developed further for her.
This was a nice autobiography to tune into my own Yorkshire roots, a slice of honesty and to learn more about a person who has worked hard at whatever she has done.
Just a pleasant and easy read - something nice to tune into in challenging times.
Three reasons that I like Jane myself - firstly, she is a Yorkshire girl. Secondly, she has travelled the world mainly on the seas (as have I) and thirdly she seems down to earth - happy to talk about her joys but honest in talking about the bad periods too.
I love Jane's travel programmes and she mentions a lot about her travels here as well as her start into her singing career and how this developed further for her.
This was a nice autobiography to tune into my own Yorkshire roots, a slice of honesty and to learn more about a person who has worked hard at whatever she has done.
Just a pleasant and easy read - something nice to tune into in challenging times.
January 6, 2020
I struggled with this book quite a lot in the beginning. Until we got to her cruising days, it was all a bit boring, especially because it was at that point where the way she was writing about herself really bothered me.
Once we got to the cruising days, I certainly started enjoying things more, especially everything about Jane’s second marriage (it was really interesting to read about).
This book gave me a nice little peek into the life of Jane and I enjoyed my experience (or at least the latter half). I even had a little cry which surprised me.
Once we got to the cruising days, I certainly started enjoying things more, especially everything about Jane’s second marriage (it was really interesting to read about).
This book gave me a nice little peek into the life of Jane and I enjoyed my experience (or at least the latter half). I even had a little cry which surprised me.
July 18, 2020
Through C5 repeats I’ve only just caught up with JMcD and her Cruising experiences. This autobiography was more or less a complete life story to date with all her ups and downs. It was a very honest and engaging read from this Wakefield girl. Her devotion to her Mum and Dad was special both of whom gave her full support throughout. I’m so glad that after two divorces she has found true happiness with Ben who re entered her life. She is an absolute legend and hope to see her on next years rearranged UK tour.
May 9, 2020
Very interesting
Really enjoyed learning how Jane started her career, the mistakes she made and how she learnt from them. Felt she was being totally honest. The loving relationship with her family band especially her parents, they certainly encouraged and support they gave her. Not usually interested in biographies so tried the sample and then got the rest as I found it fascinating. A real Yorkshire lass who hasn't forgotten her roots.
Really enjoyed learning how Jane started her career, the mistakes she made and how she learnt from them. Felt she was being totally honest. The loving relationship with her family band especially her parents, they certainly encouraged and support they gave her. Not usually interested in biographies so tried the sample and then got the rest as I found it fascinating. A real Yorkshire lass who hasn't forgotten her roots.
October 26, 2022
One of the best showbiz autobiographies I've ever read, Jane has walked the walk and she can talk the talk! Packed with fascinating insights into the world of live entertainment, as well as beautifully detailed and vivid portraits of her upbringing in Yorkshire, her time on the road with bands, her relationships and her rise to TV fame. A light read that really packs a punch - chef's kiss 😘
May 24, 2020
Heartwarming, honest & true
So full of wisdom, of behind the scenes reality, of the world of fame & the ladder to get there. So honest of the pain of the lessons learnt yet still true to her roots & never losing touch with the ground.
So full of wisdom, of behind the scenes reality, of the world of fame & the ladder to get there. So honest of the pain of the lessons learnt yet still true to her roots & never losing touch with the ground.
June 12, 2020
Quite an interesting read, bit of spiritualism thrown into the Yorkshire lass with razzamatazz. If you’re a Jane fan you will find this worthwhile. Quite enlightening about showbiz, power and control.
September 6, 2020
I love Jane and her shows and personality! This book was a wonderful insight into her life, her ups and her downs. I laughed, cried and sobbed. Amazing read Jane! Keep going you're amazing and I can't get how wonderful your mother and father were, what amazing parents to have. Much love x
October 28, 2020
My thoughts
I loved all the book she is a joy to read and she didn't forget her family exspeally her mum.She had her up,s and downs but she got through it all.I love her shows because she talks to the audience,and as she tells her story you can hear her voice telling you
I loved all the book she is a joy to read and she didn't forget her family exspeally her mum.She had her up,s and downs but she got through it all.I love her shows because she talks to the audience,and as she tells her story you can hear her voice telling you
January 16, 2021
Enjoyed this book, very candid and emotional at times. As a fan of her travel shows rather than her singing (and the cruise documentary being a bit before my time) I thought there could of been more anecdotes from her cruise programmes. Very good book though, would highly recommend.
February 4, 2021
Heartwarming
A candid & honest biography. No airs & graces account of a loving working class lass. This book will make you laugh, cry & appreciate life just that little bit better.
A candid & honest biography. No airs & graces account of a loving working class lass. This book will make you laugh, cry & appreciate life just that little bit better.
April 24, 2022
Jane’s story of rags to riches is sweet and well written. She is such a natural entertainer and her voice is distinct, both in singing and with narrating this book. I can tell how hard she worked to get where she is today and how many sacrifices she made.
July 27, 2022
i really enjoyed this book her lovely personality shines through , from drama to joy but its all the more painful in knowing that she recently lost her husband ed who she talks about with such fondness abelting good read .
May 22, 2024
Riding the waves Jane McDonald
Really enjoyed the story of the Wakefield lass who made it. A story of trying hard, believing in yourself and gradley folk. If you love Jane, you will love her more, if not, just give it a go.
Really enjoyed the story of the Wakefield lass who made it. A story of trying hard, believing in yourself and gradley folk. If you love Jane, you will love her more, if not, just give it a go.
January 16, 2025
I listened to this book and loved every minute of it.
Jane was reading the book to the listener and she made it very easy to listen to.
I also learned a lot more about Jane and I’m looking forward to part 2
Jane was reading the book to the listener and she made it very easy to listen to.
I also learned a lot more about Jane and I’m looking forward to part 2
January 19, 2020
So emotional , funny and sad in parts
I couldn't put it down read it in 24 hour
I couldn't put it down read it in 24 hour
January 22, 2020
New life motto, “be more Jane”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews