MERRYWINDS
A DOWRY GIRLS ADVENTURE
by Jackie Griffey
Five Star
ISBN: 9781594149207

Good friends Gwenneth Hume and Patience O’Connor are fast approaching marrying age but there are no acceptable suitors in their small English community. Gwenneth’s father owns an inn, where Gwenneth helps out, and Patience, an orphan, lives in a convent, where she trained as a midwife but must leave within the year. When they hear of an offer for young women to sail to America for free passage in exchange for marrying within a specified time limit, they sign up with a French shipping company and set sail on the Merrywinds to the New World. During the voyage, the young women’s skills are put to good use: Gwenneth takes over when the cook falls ill and Patience helps treat the sick and injured. Before they reach their destination, each young woman has met the man she wishes to marry but will the seas keep them apart?

Jackie Griffey has penned an enchanting historical romance. Dialogue and characterization are realistic as to the time period and the plot heartwarming and entertaining. Griffey adds a bit of adventure and suspense to the story, which readers will enjoy as they join Gwenneth and Patience on their journey to a new world and new life.