Sharing Stories of Strength, Resilience & Hope
Beyond her work in Parliament, Yvonne Jones is an accomplished author who has used the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and create meaningful connections. Drawing on her decades of life experiences, Yvonne’s writing offers an intimate window into the challenges and triumphs of political life, personal resilience, and the enduring spirit of Labrador communities.
Just Around the Corner
An Intimate Memoir of Courage and Survival
Published by Breakwater Books in June 2025, Just Around the Corner is the intimate memoir of Yvonne Rumbolt-Jones, chronicling her journey as the longest-serving female politician in Newfoundland and Labrador. This powerful book tells the story of an Indigenous woman from a northern community who broke free of geographic and political isolation to embrace opportunity and create lasting change.
About the Book
“Just Around the Corner” uncovers Yvonne’s strength as a survivor and her determination and courage through both her private and political life. With raw honesty and vulnerability, she reveals her experiences dealing with child sexual abuse and family alcoholism in her early years, and her challenges as an adult confronting personal grief and loss, including the death of a child and a brother. The memoir also addresses the sexism and public scrutiny inherent in political life, the complexities of party politics, a divorce, and being diagnosed with cancer not once, but twice.
Through it all, Yvonne’s deep love for Labrador and its people, and her hope and joy in working for their future, shines through.
Themes and Impact
The book explores powerful themes that resonate far beyond Labrador:
- Survival and Resilience: How trauma doesn’t define us, but can shape our capacity for empathy and service
- Breaking Barriers: Overcoming geographic isolation, gender barriers, and political obstacles
- Indigenous Identity: The strength drawn from NunatuKavummiut heritage and cultural connection
- Mental and Physical Health: Navigating cancer diagnoses while maintaining public service
- Political Reality: The human cost of public life and the importance of authentic leadership
- Hope and Healing: Finding purpose and joy even through profound challenges
The Writing Process
When diagnosed with cancer for the last time, Yvonne took on writing her book as her “good day hobby,” working on it when she felt well enough, knowing the next day she might not be able to work. She drew from notebooks she had kept throughout her life recording her work, events, and where she was on certain days, as well as Hansards, media interviews, and scrapbooks.
The editing process was deeply personal. The published book is approximately 150 pages shorter than her original manuscript, with enough material left out for another edition. She carefully balanced what to include and what to leave out, always asking herself how to make the story flow so readers would see her as a complete person—not just a politician, but a woman with a family and other responsibilities.
Reader Reception
After publication, Yvonne described feeling “naked standing in the middle of the road” knowing such intimate details of her life were now public. However, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. She has received outreach from many people who share similar histories, creating connections and conversations around difficult topics that too often remain hidden.
The memoir has become an important resource for survivors of abuse, people facing cancer diagnoses, those navigating political careers, and anyone seeking inspiration from someone who has faced seemingly insurmountable challenges and emerged stronger.
The Foundation of Storytelling
Before entering politics, Yvonne established herself as a journalist, working for the Robinson-Blackmore chain of weekly newspapers and later the Evening Telegram, Newfoundland’s only daily newspaper. Her training at West Viking College and subsequent professional work gave her the skills to craft compelling narratives, conduct thorough research, and communicate complex issues clearly.
This foundation has informed all her writing, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and a commitment to giving voice to those who might otherwise go unheard. Whether writing news articles about rural Newfoundland and Labrador or crafting her memoir, Yvonne brings the same dedication to truth-telling and authentic representation.
Writing Philosophy
Giving Voice to the Voiceless
Yvonne’s approach to writing is rooted in several core beliefs:
Authenticity Above All
Yvonne made the conscious decision to tell her story despite spending 30 years being known primarily as a politician, believing her experiences could help other people. This commitment to authentic storytelling means being willing to share difficult truths and vulnerable moments.
Representation Matters
Growing up in isolated communities and facing numerous barriers, Yvonne understands the power of seeing yourself reflected in stories. Her writing ensures that the experiences of Indigenous people, Northern communities, survivors, and women in politics are documented and honored.
Breaking Silence
Many of the issues Yvonne writes about—child sexual abuse, family alcoholism, cancer, and political sexism—are topics that have historically been shrouded in silence and shame. By speaking openly, she creates space for others to share their stories and seek help.
Connection and Community
Writing is not just about self-expression; it’s about building bridges between people and creating understanding. Yvonne’s work aims to help readers feel less alone in their struggles and more empowered to overcome challenges.
The Impact of Her Words
Beyond the Page
“Just Around the Corner” has made a significant impact in multiple communities:
For Survivors: The book provides validation and hope for those who have experienced abuse, addiction in their families, or cancer diagnoses. It demonstrates that trauma doesn’t have to define one’s future.
For Women in Politics: Young women considering political careers now have an honest account of both the challenges and rewards of public service, including the sexism that persists and strategies for resilience.
For Indigenous Communities: The memoir centers an Indigenous woman’s perspective and celebrates NunatuKavummiut identity, contributing to the broader project of Indigenous storytelling and representation.
For Rural and Northern Canadians: Yvonne’s story brings visibility to the unique experiences of those living in remote communities and validates the importance of these regions in Canada’s national narrative.
For Anyone Facing Adversity: At its core, the book is about human resilience—the capacity we all have to survive, grow, and find meaning even in the darkest circumstances.
Future Writing Projects
While “Just Around the Corner” represents Yvonne’s most significant literary achievement to date, her commitment to storytelling continues. With 30 years of political experience, deep community connections, and an unwavering commitment to advocacy, there are undoubtedly more stories to tell—stories of Labrador’s past and future, of political change, of community resilience, and of hope.
Where to Find the Book
"Just Around the Corner" is available through:
- Breakwater Books (Publisher)
- Online retailers (Amazon, Indigo)
- Major Canadian bookstores
- Independent bookstores throughout Newfoundland and Labrador
For book events, speaking engagements, or media inquiries related to “Just Around the Corner”, please contact Yvonne’s office.
The Power of Story
Yvonne Jones understands that stories change lives—not just the lives of those who tell them, but the lives of those who read them, recognize themselves in them, and find courage to continue their own journeys. Through her writing, she invites readers to walk alongside her through joy and pain, triumph and loss, always moving forward with hope and determination.
As the title suggests, no matter how difficult the present moment, possibility and opportunity are always
“Just around the corner”
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