Step into the charming world of the Ladies of Covington, where three spirited widows in their sixties redefine life’s golden years with heart, humor, and unbreakable bonds! Joan Medlicott’s beloved series, set in the picturesque mountains of Covington, North Carolina, blends women’s fiction with cozy, character-driven storytelling. It’s a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the joy of second chances that’ll warm your soul.
Grace Singleton, Hannah Parrish, and Amelia Declose start as strangers in a dreary Pennsylvania boardinghouse, but fate—and a rundown farmhouse—brings them together. Through trials like floods, fires, and family dramas, these ladies discover that life after sixty is anything but ordinary. With a light, engaging tone, Medlicott crafts a world where personal growth and community shine.
How Ladies of Covington Began
Joan Medlicott, born in the U.S. Virgin Islands and later a resident of Barnardsville, North Carolina, penned her debut novel, The Ladies of Covington Send Their Love, at age sixty. Inspired by her own reflections on aging and the power of female friendship, she created a series that resonates with readers seeking stories of hope and reinvention. Published in 2000, the series grew from Medlicott’s desire to portray older women as vibrant, capable, and full of potential, challenging stereotypes about aging.
Medlicott’s love for North Carolina’s mountains infuses the series with vivid, almost tourist-map-like descriptions of Covington’s hills and valleys. Her Tea on the Porch workshops in Barnardsville further shaped her storytelling, emphasizing community and connection—core themes of the series. The result is a heartfelt saga that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
The Heart of Ladies of Covington
The series spans eleven books, each weaving new adventures for Grace, Hannah, and Amelia. The Ladies of Covington Send Their Love (2000) kicks things off as the trio moves to a dilapidated farmhouse, facing challenges like a questionable inheritance claim while forging their bond. The Gardens of Covington (2001) sees Hannah battling developers to save their cherished hills, with new neighbors and a quirky wedding adding charm. From the Heart of Covington (2002) delves into deeper emotional territory, with Amelia’s photography career taking her to New York and Grace mentoring a troubled child. The Spirit of Covington (2003) tackles loss after a devastating fire, testing the ladies’ resilience as they rebuild their home and lives.
Themes of friendship, independence, and personal growth anchor the series, wrapped in a cozy, slow-paced style that invites readers to savor Covington’s small-town warmth. Medlicott explores aging with honesty, showing how these women confront fears, embrace new passions, and find love—romantic and platonic—in unexpected places. The North Carolina setting, with its lush landscapes and tight-knit community, becomes a character itself, grounding the stories in a sense of place.
While sometimes called Christian fiction, the series’ light religious subtext feels authentic, not preachy, focusing on universal values like compassion and hope. Fans compare it to Jan Karon’s Mitford series for its character-driven charm, though Medlicott’s prose leans simpler, occasionally criticized for flat dialogue but praised for its emotional depth and relatability.
Why Ladies of Covington Resonates
The Ladies of Covington series has touched readers, particularly women over fifty, by offering a refreshing take on aging. Its portrayal of older women as dynamic and adventurous challenges societal norms, inspiring fans to rethink retirement and embrace new beginnings. With over 13,000 Goodreads ratings and consistent praise for its “heartwarming” and “gentle” storytelling, the series has carved a niche in women’s fiction.
Medlicott’s focus on community and resilience speaks to readers craving stories of connection in a fast-paced world. The series’ enduring appeal lies in its reminder that life’s later chapters can be as vibrant as any other, making it a cozy escape for anyone seeking hope and camaraderie.
- First Book: The Ladies of Covington Send Their Love (2000)
- Total Books: 11
- Setting: Covington, North Carolina
- Author’s Hometown: Barnardsville, North Carolina
Grab The Ladies of Covington Send Their Love and dive into a cozy world of friendship and fresh starts! Whether you’re savoring a rainy afternoon or a sunny porch swing, these ladies will steal your heart.