The Other Side of the River tells the story of Gennetta Turner, whose father owns a large jet-carving company. Competition between the companies is intense, and Mr Turner devises a way of consolidating his hold over the town by marrying his daughter off to the son of his arch-rival. However, Gennetta is wildly in love with her childhood sweetheart, a young sailor.

How Gennetta foils her father's plan, defies local custom and makes a success of her own career is related in Jessica Blair's inimitable style, full of pace, adventure and appealing local detail.