Merrywinds — Jackie Griffey

In Griffey's sweet but uneven historical romance series launch, two friends seek their fortunes and mates by shipping off to the New World. At 17, Gwenneth Hume and Patience O'Connor enjoy a happy life near Grenfels Corners in the British Isles. Patience is learning midwifery and preparing to leave a convent orphanage, while Gwenneth, an excellent cook, enjoys helping out at her father's inn. Despite their contentment, when a friend tells them about opportunities in the New World, they book passage on a ship that will provide eye-opening adventures and the opportunity for romance with the captain and crew. Griffey (Dead on Arrival) details their experiences in a simplistic fashion that fails to thoroughly portray the drama of their crossing, and a lack of friction and detail keeps this epic from finding its sea legs. (Jan.)