This biography is adapted from the journals of Jane Furneaux Crosbie. She began journaling every day in 1949—continuing to present day—and even included a snapshot of her early life growing up as the daughter of a veterinarian. Now in her late eighties, she provides a behind-the-scenes look at her marriage to former politician John C. Crosbie. This book focuses on the diary entries she penned during the turbulent Joey Smallwood years of 1967 to 1970, as well as those she wrote when the cod was in crisis and John announced the cod moratorium in Newfoundland and Labrador (1990–1993). While John made headlines—from Tequila Sheila comments in the House of Commons to his run at the federal leadership—life inside the Crosbie home was just as colourful and exciting. From children to charity work, to Jane's political involvement, this book provides a candid, never-before-seen glimpse at a family seen as Newfoundland royalty. From Jane's unwavering support of her husband to her anger at those who challenged him, this book also portrays a lifelong love story, of a woman who stands by her man while still being a force to be reckoned with in her own right. John has often said that Jane was the reason for his political success, and here the reader will become privy to the personal thoughts and aspirations of the woman responsible for the man the public knew as one of this province's true fighting Newfoundlanders. There are also moments of sadness and loneliness, of loss and disappointment, which Jane shares openly. And humour: raw, in-the-moment observations on political stalwarts like Edward Roberts and entrepreneurs like Craig Dobbin. Jane holds nothing back. This book is a must-read for anyone who has followed the Crosbie family over the years—from Ches Crosbie, Sr., who wanted economic union with the United States, to John Crosbie's provincial and federal political years, to Ches Crosbie, Jr., who today is leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Jane Ellen Audrey Furneaux was born in St. John’s by a midwife and doctor in 1931. The Jane Ellen part of her name is a tribute to her grandmother, who died of breast cancer six months after Jane was born.Jane is the daughter of Jack and Margaret Furneaux. Her father was the only veterinarian in Newfoundland for many years. He treated mainly horses until after the Second World War, when his practice focused mainly on small animals. Growing up, Jane was often referred to as “The Horse Doctor’s Daughter” when she followed him on his calls and people asked about “the little one.”Jane Furneaux married John C. Crosbie in 1952, when both were twenty-one years old. In addition to a lifetime spent heavily involved in municipal, provincial, and federal politics, Jane served as honorary patron of the Bannerman Park Foundation during the years her husband served as lieutenant-governor of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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