Audrey Howard — Painted Highway

Hodder & Stoughton 2003 Paperback, 441pp. They are as different as two sisters can be. Vibrant and headstrong, Ally Pearce loves working on the Edith, her family's narrowboat, proving she's the equal of any man on the Leeds to Liverpool canal. Betsy, delicate, calculating and sensuously beautiful, wants only to become a 'lady' - and will use the most unladylike means to become one. When Dr Tom Hartley enters the sister's lives after a tragic accident both are attracted to him - but for very different reasons. Tom seems blind to Betsy's ruthlessness. Ally is devastated when her sister announces that they are to be married. Then Betsy disappears to pursue a better prospect and Tom and Ally realise it's their chance to put the past behind them and make a fresh start. But will it be with each other?, (ISBN: 9780340830390). Very Good.