Showing The Golden Road by Marina Oliver

When Josie Shaw's stepfather George dies, and she and her mother Dora are left with nothing but debts. Dora wants Josie to make a good marriage. Josie, however, is strong and independent. She wants a career. Though Dora rejected George's son Leo, who was brought up by his aunt and uncle, Leo offers Josie a job as a secretary in his Birmingham jewellery factory.
Together with her cousin Lizzie, Josie becomes fascinated by the motoring rallies popular in the 1930s, and longs to compete in the Monte Carlo Rally. Then a chain of disasters strike, and she has no job, no home, and little hope of a bright future.
The contrasts of the Birmingham slums, the glamorous world of jewels, fast motor cars and the ultimate test of stamina in the Monte Carlo Rally make this an absorbing read.
*
Reviews of The Golden Road
'Thanks to an absorbing background peopled by believable and sympathetic characters this is a book increasingly difficult to put down. Reaching the end is like saying goodbye to old friends.' – Jean Ellis, Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
'Marina Oliver has written two superb period sagas set in Birmingham in the 20s and 30s The Golden Road and The Glowing Hours and the characters are so real that you really care about them.' – Peterborough Evening Telegraph.