The Calder Boats (by Gabrielle Ross)

(Amazon UK link)

'The Calder Boats' is a novel set in the early 20th century, written by Gabrielle Ross. I don't know who she is (or was) as I can't find her online. I found the book second-hand and thought it looked interesting. 

The story is about Tamarisk, a confident and determined young woman. She takes charge of her family completely when her father dies suddenly, leaving them penniless.

They live on a canal boat, and Tamarisk enters the male world of business to keep the boats running. This is despite the threat of the new railways taking over the transport of goods. 

The writing is good, and fast-paced. There are believable characters on the whole, too. But I didn't particularly enjoy it, and doubt if I'll read it again. 

Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, April 1999