Remarkable Changes: Turning Life's Challenges into Opportunities

by Jane Seymour

In this inspiring memoir, internationally beloved actress Jane Seymour shows how she has learned to embrace and learn from the many changes in her life.

Now fifty, Jane Seymour—the eternally beautiful star of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman and countless other television shows and films—is a living testament to the rewards of embracing midlife and its challenges eagerly and gracefully.

In Remarkable Changes, she leads the reader through the challenges of those years—from the physical changes that come with the territory to the emotional transformations that accompany this passage of life.

From understanding the stages of change, to making every moment significant, she helps us find the true value in our life transitions, from marriage and divorce to career changes to milestones in the lives of our parents and children. Whether we initiate change in our life or it is thrust upon us by circumstances beyond our control, Jane shows that we should stop coping with change and start actively incorporating it into our lives, using the hard-won wisdom we've all gained through the years.

Holding up as an example her own life and the lives of those closest to her, Seymour empowers us to accept life shifts and teaches us how to take even the toughest situations and turn them into strengthening tools. She talks about her own experiences with divorce and remarriage, children and stepchildren, and her new twin boys, and she describes her indomitable mother's difficult years in a World War II prison camp in Indonesia. Her best friend faced her own challenges when learning to understand her son's mental illness, and another friend started a grief recovery organization when his wife and son were murdered.

We all need to face the beginnings and endings that make up our constantly changing lives. And this warm, inspiring book shows that we can all learn how to make each change remarkable.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 21, 2009

About the author

born probably 1508

Jane Seymour, queen of England from 1536 as the third wife of Henry VIII, gave birth to Edward VI, his heir, and afterward died.

Edward VI, her son, reigned from 1547 as king of England.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Se...

Reviews

[Brandi D'Angelo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Seymour in Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. Some parts of this book were very interesting to me, especially when she talked specifically about movies or plays she was in, and her role as Dr. Quinn. However, after about 5 chapters, the self help and talk of "signposts" became repetitive to me. Yet, this could be very beneficial to someone feeling down or depressed. Even though this wasn't my favorite book, I still love Jane Seymour and think she is a lovely lady.

[Veronica-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very positive affirmation style memoir from Jane Seymour. Although I did think at times it was a little bit difficult to follow who was actually talking as Jane switched frequently between authors. But ultimately, it only took a few moments to adjust so not a huge problem. Valuable life lessons taken from Jane's personal experiences combined with many others she included in her book made for really interesting reading. Recommended.

[Cheryl Watts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I expected. More of an inspirational guide based on life situations.

[Ethan Fleck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know much about Jane Seymour before reading this book, other than she had those weird-looking open hearts jewelry, and oh, she was Dr. Quinn, whoever that was. After reading this book, I've come to see her as a really strong person who ended up in America with very little money left in her pocket (literally spending her last dollar on a new hairdo for a part, I think) before getting the chance to make it big. A great success story from a full life. I gave it four stars because many times it jumped to another story written from her friend's perspective, and all of a sudden someone else would be narrating, which was a bit distracting. Other than that, very inspirational and fulfilling read.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is based on the idea that life's most difficult moments are frequently the moments of change in our lives. They are the pivotal moments that end up defining who we are. She has collected the stories of friends (Christopher Reeve)as well as sharing her personal stories (private) that really illustrate her point without being corny or lame.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always liked Jane Seymour. She sure a strong will to keep going even when things in her life go wrong. Her husbands have not worked out too well but she had great children and a thriving career.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoughts

I enjoyed the book but I didn't like the changing of narrators all the time. It put me off balance until I could figure whose life we were talking about. Other than that I found Jane Seymour's life very interesting .

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall this was a good book. i skimmed over a chapter and couple of pages close to the end of the book.

[Okanagan Regional · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autobiography of actress Jane Seymour. A very inspiring book! Famous people have similar experiences, good and bad...just like everyday people.

[Hope Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first and only book that I have read in one days time.

[Eva · Rating 1 out of 5]

Eh, I was curious.

[~mad · Rating 3 out of 5]

We know all this stuff but, in my current situation, it doesn't hurt to be reminded. A quick read on my iPad and There you are!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated Jane's creative spirit and positive outlook on life's challenges/opportunities. This was an uplifting read.