This is the story of three women on separate journeys of self-discovery. Motivated by loneliness and loss, each faces an uncertain future. But can they leave their past behind? Zena, married to the wealthy but domineering Rob, cowering in a meaningless existence out of which she can find no escape. Jessica, setting off on her narrow-boat along the rivers and canals of England to run away from a disastrous start to her teaching career and an ill-judged affair with a married man that has left her feeling she can never love again. Gloria, a young girl working in a munitions factory in the 1940s, who writes a series of love letters that portray the guilty pleasures of a secret relationship and the pain of separation during World War 2. The backdrop to these women's stories is the beautiful landscape and wildlife of the English rivers and canals from the Midlands to Oxford, London and Nottingham. Those readers who have never lived on a narrow-boat will be given an insight into life afloat, while canal enthusiasts will be taken back to some of their favourite places.